Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 7 | Tuesday, March 17, 2020

DIAZ’S OLYMPIC BID STALLED

BY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS SPORTS P11

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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PH130 IMPROVING

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Private and public vehicles from Davao del Norte and other provinces in the north form a long queue at Task Force Davao checkpoint in Lasang, Davao City an hour before the implementation of Davao City's lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19 on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

Davao's first Covid-19 patient showing signs of improvements

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he 21-year-old female patient from Davao de Oro who tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday is showing signs of improvement, according to hospital management.

PH130 is currently admitted at the Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease (ERID) ward of the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City after she tested positive with the new coronavirus disease-the �irst reported case in Davao Region.

DRMC chief Dr. Bryan

Dalid told media in a virtual press conference on Monday, the condition of the patient has improved and does not manifest symptoms of fever and cough anymore since the time since her admission at DRMC last March 10.

Dalid said they already took the second nasopharyngeal and oropharyn-

geal swabs to the patient to check whether traces of the virus still exists.

He said among the criteria to discharge the patient is to get two negative results on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and they are still waiting for the result of the second test.

"Amo ni ginahimo because this is one of the parameters to discharge the patient. Kung wala na siya simtomas puwede na nato siya ma-discharge.

In short the patient karon is improving and has improved already since the

time she was admitted," Dalid said.

Dr. Ceo Fe Tabada, regional epidemiology surveillance unit (RESU), said contact-tracing has commenced already. According to Tabada, they started with the patient's family as well as to the persons who were with her since she arrived last February 29 from the United Kingdom (UK) via Doha-Qatar-Manila �light until she was admitted to DRMC on Mar. 10.

"Ten days ang tracing ug nagsugod mi sa iyang banay ug mga tao ug lugar

nga iyang giadtuan," Tabada said.

She said based on protocol those passengers seated up to four seats away from the patient are among those included in the contact-tracing.

Tabada added that they already requested through the Bureau of Quarantine 11 (BOQ 11) list of passengers who were on the same �light of the patient on Feb. 29, PR 2815 Manila to Davao via Philippine Airlines (PAL).

"Actually, duna nami na-istorya kauban sa patient sa plane nga walay

simtomas. Gamay pa lang ang among na trace," she said.

The passengers of �light PR 2815 from Manila to Davao who were in close contact with the patient have been called out to contact Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) as soon as possible through numbers 09081710468 and 09568735621.

"Magpakita sila ug mu-cooperate ug dili maulaw, dili mahadlok ug dili magpanic. Ang tuyo kay i-eksamen para makita kung naa sila'y simtomas

PH130, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio answers queries during a news conference at City Hall in this undated photo. The mayor has said she is willing to forgo her annual development plan like infrastructure projects for the next two years just to support the people of Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

VM Baste on voluntary quarantine: Mayor Sara D

Daily masses in Davao will be livestreamed

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday revealed that her brother, Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, is under voluntary quarantine and listed as person under monitoring (PUM) after suffering from sore throat, cough and �lu-like symptoms.

In a live interview on government-owned Davao Disaster Radio 87.5, Mayor Sara said that the vice mayor shared that he traveled in Manila four weeks ago

and it is already past the incubation period when he felt unwell.

However, she said that having tonsillitis is a recurrent condition of her broth-

er. She also said that he advised the vice mayor not to undergo Covid-19 test as Davao City doesn’t have enough testing kits.

“Hopefully maulian ug maayo na ang atoang vice mayor. Gisultihan nako siya na dili na mag-apil sa testing kay kulang ang atong testing kits and we hope na wala ka’y Covid,” she said.

Mayor Sara was recently cleared by the Davao City Health Of�ice (CHO) after undergoing self-quarantine and discontinued her voluntary isolation last Friday.

The mayor submitted to voluntary isolation after her travel from Manila on March 11.

“Mao pud na nga dili kaayo ko nagaduol ug mga tao kay gikan ko ug Manila,” she explained.

Mayor Sara reiterated staying home and the importance of social distancing to limit the spread of the virus.

She also reminded the public to always wear mask when riding a jeepney and wash hands frequently with soap and water.

ble to transmission if classes will not be suspended,” he said in Executive Order 16 issued Sunday night.

Mindanao’s �irst COVID-19 case, PH40 or Patient 40, a 54-year old male from Lanao del Sur, died on March 13. He sought refuge in Metro Manila during the 2017 Marawi siege and returned recently. He was initially con�ined at the Adventist Medical Center in Iligan City and then transferred to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City where he expired.

The second con�irmed

COVID-19 patient, identi�ied as PH130, is a 21-yearold Filipina who travelled from the United Kingdom to Manila with a layover in Doha, Qatar. She travelled from Manila to Davao City last February 29. She was admitted in isolation at the state-run Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City.

Tamayo said that classes will remain suspended until Duterte lifts the state of public health emergency he declared early last week following the con�irmed local transmission of COVID-19 in Metro Manila.

Duterte raised last Thursday the COVID-19 alert level to Code Red Sub-level 2 and placed the entire Metro Manila under “community quarantine.”

The President ordered a halt on domestic travel to and from Manila, the suspension of classes and a ban on large gatherings.

Tamayo urged the school administrators and principals to comply with the order suspending the classes for the protection of the students.

This week was supposed to be for the �inal

avao Archbishop Romulo Valles, celebrated mass online early Sunday, broadcast live via church-run DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM-Davao Facebook page as a precautionary measure against the novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

In a statement, Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said all daily masses would be livestreamed. The archbishop encouraged followers to continue praying at home.

Mayor Sara Duterte appealed to religious leaders to hold online ceremonies for their followers, as

the government prohibits mass gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Sunday, the mayor discouraged churches here from holding masses to prevent the spread of COVID-19 attracting COVID-19 infected members who can infect other mass goers.

“They should do online masses. Sa igsoon nato Muslim wala kaayo problema kay naa sila trumpano so everyone can hear (We don’t have much problem with our Muslim brothers and sisters because they have speakers so they can

DAILY MASSES, P9

Digos City implements SoCot suspends classes due to COVID-19 threat community quarantine

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lasses in the entire South Cotabato province have been suspended beginning Monday to thwart the spread of the highly contagious and deadly novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19, Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. said.

In cancelling classes in all levels in both public and private schools, Tamayo cited President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent declaration of a state of public health emergency and the two positive COVID-19 cases in Mindanao.

“Students are vulnera-

SOCOT, P9

D

igos City Mayor Josef F. Cagas has placed the city under a community quarantine following the surge of positive cases of the Coronovirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.

Barely a day after a positive case was con�irmed in Davao de Oro and a partial lockdown has been imposed in both Tagum City and Davao City, Digos City followed suit today by declaring a community quarantine through Executive Order No. 19-2020.

The guidelines speci-

�ies among others, that all public and private vehicles from Tagum City, Iligan City and other local government units that have con�irmed COVID-19 cases are prohibited from entering Digos City except those with of�icial, valid and urgent purpose such as medical purposes.

The vehicles from these areas, which will pass through Digos City while en route to their destinations will be escorted by the concerned authorities.

DIGOS CITY, P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Tagum placed under very high vulnerability status

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Department of Health 11 (DOH-11) director Dr. Annabelle Yumang interacts with members of the media in a news conference at City Hall in this undated photo. Yumang and other health officials have conducted a virtual press conference at DOH 11 regional office along J.P. Laurel Ave. in

Davao City on Monday to give updates on an individual who was tested positive of Covid-19 and currently being treated at the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City. Lean Daval Jr

Rate of coronavirus spread to determine govt’s next step

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alacañang said the rate of the spread of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection will determine whether the government will consider implementing a “complete lockdown” in Metro Manila.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark as the number of con�irmed cases of Covid-19 as of Sunday night soared to 140 with 12 deaths during the �irst day of the implementation of the month-long “community quarantine” which will end on April 14.

“Iyon talaga ang magiging konsiderasyon (Those are what is being considered -- how fast people are being infected, how fast people are being exposed from infected people),”

he said in an interview on Sunday.

He said if a complete lockdown is necessary to control the spread of the disease, it would be considered.

“Kung kinakailangan tayong mag complete lockdown na, magla-lockdown na tayo, sapagka’t exponentially, kapag nagkahawaan tayo ay talagang mauubos tayo (If there is a need to have a complete lockdown, we’ll have a lockdown. Because exponentially, if we infect each

Davao de Oro governor declares state of calamity

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avao de Oro is now under state of calamity.

On Monday, Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy approved Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution 467-2020 declaring the province under state of calamity as recommended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice due to the public health emergency caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) disease and its local effects within the province's area of responsibility.

The �irst con�irmed case of Covid-19 in Davao Region comes from Davao de Oro. The Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) con�irmed on Sunday the �irst case of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the Davao Region -- a 21-year old female

who arrived in the Philippines from the United Kingdom with layover via Doha, Qatar to Manila then to Davao on February 29.

The patient �irst sought consultation in a local health facility due to cough and was immediately isolated on March 9.

She was transferred and admitted for isolation and testing to a referral hospital last March 10 and is currently in stable condition, according to a DOH statement.

DOH-11 however, assured the public that containment measures are done to prevent local transmission of the virus.

The DOH said its contact tracing team is in close coordination with the local government unit concerned.

“Persons who will be

DAVAO DE ORO, P9

other we’ll be wiped out),” he said.

Regardless of the term used, he said what is important is to prevent contagion in the entire country.

“Whether you call it lockdown or whatever, ang importante hindi tayo magkahawaan. Iyan ang pinakaimportante rin, hindi na mahalaga kung anong itatawag mo diyan (what’s important is we don’t infect each other. That’s what’s important, not what term it’s called),” he said.

However, he clari�ied that it will depend on daily assessments and recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases which will be convening again on Monday.

“Pinag-uusapan at

ini-evaluate araw-araw iyong mga kaganapan. Kung ano ang makakabuti sa ating lahat iyon ang gagawin natin (We are discussing and evaluating the developments. We’re going to do what’s best for all of us),” he said.

The decision whether or not to implement a complete lockdown, he said, could also be reached if the task force feels that the current community quarantine might be insuf�icient to control the spread of the highly-infectious disease.

“Kasama iyon sa pag-uusapan bukas (Monday) kung ito ba ay suf�icient na iyong ginagawa natin o kailangan pa nating mas istrikto iyong ating gagawin dahil (Among

RATE, P9

agum City Mayor Allan Rellon placed the city under "Very High Vulnerability" status following the report of the �irst con�irmed Covid-19 case on Monday.

In Monday's press conference today, Mayor Rellon stressed the status as the city government moved to declare a total lockdown to contain Covid-19 infection.

Both Tagum City and Davao City ordered a partial lockdown on all entry and exit points that began at 7 p.m. on Sunday (March 15) after a female patient tested positive for the coronavirus at the Davao Regional Medical Center. The 21-year old patient arrived in the Philippines from the United Kingdom with layover via Doha, Qatar to Manila then to Davao on February 29.

In a joint statement, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon said the partial lockdown order is due to the "immediate need to be aggressive and proactive on the impending spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Davao Region".

Minutes after the joint order of both local chief executives, the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) con�irmed the �irst case of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Region 11.

“We need to lockdown the Lasang checkpoint because there are circumstances between Tagum and Davao that we need to take an action,” Duterte said in a radio interview.

Tagum City is at the crossroad of highways to and fro Davao City, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Butuan City and other areas of the CARAGA Region, Bukidnon. The Davao del Norte capital is reachable thru seven cemented entry/exit roads and entry/exit three unpaved roads.

Tagum City is home to families of thousands of OFW working abroad as butchers, bee-harvesters

and balikbayans. Recently, it sent a student delegation to National Schools Press Conference held in Luzon.

It was not con�irmed if the students were placed under quarantine or if they traveled via Manila which was recently placed under community quarantine.

In Davao City, Mayor Sara speci�ied the following guidelines which will be followed: • All public and private vehicles from Tagum City are prohibited from entering Davao City • All vehicles coming from Tagum City that will pass through Davao City while en route to their �inal destination will be escorted in groups to the border checkpoint where they will exit. This will only be allowed within 24 hours from the effectivity of the EO (a valid ID is required for veri�ication) • After 24 hours from the effectivity of the EO, no vehicles (public or private) from Tagum City will be allowed to pass thru Davao City anymore • Inspection of ID’s of workers working in Davao City but go home outside Davao City will be conducted. Residents of Tagum City who are working in Davao City will not be allowed to enter Davao City • Supply chain/delivery vehicles are allowed entry to Davao City provided the driver and helper will be subjected to temperature checks. They are not allowed to leave their vehicles while loading/unloading is being done inside the city • Emergency vehicles are authorized to pass thru/enter Davao City • Roadblocks will be established after 24 hours upon effectivity of the EO • Passengers and drivers of exempted vehicles will be subjected to temperature checks before entering Davao City.

• Patients needing services in Davao hospital must show proof of medi-

TAGUM, P9

San Pedro Square, the center of every Araw ng Davao celebration, is calm and quiet on Monday as the city government of Davao implemented a community quarantine as precautionary measure to contain Covid-19. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

Mall owners ordered to waive rent of stores affected by quarantine

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he Philippine government has limited mall operations to establishments offering basic goods, ordering operators of shuttered shops to waive rent during the month-long community quarantine.

Under Memorandum Circular 20-04 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), mall operations are now limited to those offering basic necessities.

This includes groceries and supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, health clinics, bookstores, hardware stores, and food stalls which provide take out and delivery only.

Business process outsourcing (BPO) of�ices inside malls are likewise allowed to operate.

The latest memoran-

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go urges major business leaders and corporations to help ordinary workers and small-time merchants amid the ongoing travel restrictions throughout the Philippines due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Lean Daval Jr

Sen.Go to biz leaders: Help workers, small-time traders

S

en. Christopher "Bong" Go on Sunday said major business leaders and corporations should help ordinary workers and small-time merchants amid the ongoing travel restrictions throughout the Philippines due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

"Maraming pwedeng maitulong ang pribadong sektor para mapagaan ang hirap ng ating mga kababayan," Go said in a statement.

The senator recommended the following to the private sector: • Release of 13 Month Pay • Moratorium on

rental fees for leasers, tenants One month reprieve on bills payment for basic utility providers Aid to small and medium scale enterprises, from big businesses Impose work from home arrange-

ment/�lexible work schedule • Limit business travel for workers The senator said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez will meet with business leaders over possible aid to small traders and workers amid the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda said he will propose a measure, the Filipino Families First Act, under which a comprehensive coronavirus response package will proritize "keeping small and medium enterprises a�loat and give relief to Filipino families."

According to the lawmaker, the budget plan for the package is nearly P170 billion, from which P85.8 billion can be recovered.

"Nasa P84.4 billion po ang net cost nung spending," Salceda said.

The Philippines, as of Sunday, has con�irmed at least 140 cases of COVID-19, 11 of which died.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier placed the country's capital region under "community quarantine" -- banning land, air and sea travel to and from the capital region -after declaring a state of public health emergency.

payments services as these enable “the public to carry out needed �inancial transactions safely amid this public health crisis.”

It also urged “all banking personnel, especially frontliners, to carry out necessary protocols against Covid-19.”

This, after Metro Manila was placed under community quarantine starting the midnight of March 15 until April 14, 2020, as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared as a pandemic.

Several local government units (LGUs) around the country have also announced similar measures.

Meanwhile, the BSP statement reiterated BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno’s earlier statement that

the Covid-19 outbreak “is a public health crisis, not a �inancial crisis.”

It said that it is in close coordination with the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) and Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) for the sector’s cash requirements.

It also said that “payment settlements continue to be performed through PhilPass (Philippine Payment and Settlement System).”

“The BSP and the banking industry stand ready to ensure the safe and smooth functioning of the banking system,” it added.

Relatively, the Philippine e-Money Association (PeMA), in a statement Saturday, expressed their support to the central bank’s call for the public to utilize digital transaction facilities vis-à-vis the

government’s call for social distancing.

PeMA chairman and PayMaya Philippines chief executive of�icer (CEO) and founder Orlando Vea said e-money industry players are “fully committed to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 through digital �inancial services”, noting the rise of digital transactions among Filipinos for remittance, person-to-person and bank transfers, bills payments, settlement of government taxes and social service contributions, online commerce, QR (quick response) payments, and purchase of digital goods.

The public may utilize e-payments through the various facilities and mobile apps of PayMaya, GCash, GrabPay Philippines, Nationlink Network, and Omnipay, among others.

• • •

BSP assures public adequate banking services during community quarantine

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) assured the public that it is in close coordination with banking industry groups to ensure availability of withdrawal and payments services despite the community quarantine in several areas around the country.

In a statement Saturday night, the central bank said that “as part of global risk management standards, banks have in place and activated business continuity plans that aim to ensure deposit-taking, ATM withdrawals, check clearing, and other banking activities.”

“Depositors are advised to remain calm as the banking system has the ability to service all withdrawals within a reasonable period,” it said.

The statement also encourages the public to use electronic banking (e-banking) and digital

BSP ASSURES, P9

dum is in line with the community quarantine on Metro Manila ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte last week, preventing the entry and exit of non-essential travels to and from the National Capital Region from March 15 to April 14.

Mall operators such as Ayala Malls, SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, and Powerplant have since announced their temporary closure during the period.

"Lessors and owners of business spaces shall share the responsibility by waiving the corresponding rental fees and charges of stores that were closed during the one-month period of General Community Quarantine, as a result of this Memorandum Circular," it read.

Nike to close all stores in US, several other countries

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S sportswear giant Nike Inc said on Sunday it is closing all of its stores in the United States and several other countries to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Nike stores in Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand will be closed from March 16 to 27, the company said in a statement.

However, Nike-owned stores in South Korea, Japan, most of China and in many other countries are currently open and will continue their normal operations.

"We are taking additional steps in other Nike-managed facilities, including the option to work

from home," it added.

Earlier this month Nike had temporarily closed its European headquarters in Netherlands after an employee was infected with the coronavirus.

Apparel retailer Urban Out�itters Inc, which owns brands including Anthropologie and Free People, said on Saturday it was closing all its consumer stores worldwide until at least March 28.

However, retailers including Macy's Inc, Saks Fifth Avenue and Gap Inc's Banana Republic sent notices to shoppers last week saying they were open for business in a move to stem losses due to a steep drop in store traf�ic.

Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft board

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icrosoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates, who made the company one of the world's most valuable technology �irms, stepped down from the board on Friday to focus on philanthropic works related to global health, education and climate change.

The billionaire and his wife Melinda run one of the world's largest charities, the Gates Foundation, which has billions in assets and funds global health programs to combat disease and poverty.

Gates quit his full-time executive role at Microsoft

in 2008 and remained as chairman of the board till 2014. Since then he has been a board member.

"It's been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years," Chief Executive Of�icer Satya Nadella said.

With the departure of Gates from Microsoft Board, it will now consist of 12 members, the company said.

Gates also stepped down from the board of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, where he has served since 2004.

BSP readies interest rate cut to fight COVID-19 contagion on economy

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday he would cut the benchmark borrowing rate by 25 basis points or higher later later this week to �ight the economic fallout of the coronavirus disease epidemic.

Cutting the overnight borrowing rate by as much as 50 basis points on Thursday "will depend on the discussions," Diokno said. The Monetary Board will also consider lower oil

prices in the world market and the Federal Reserve's 50-basis point cut overnight will be "huge factor" in the Philippines' decision, he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila under a 1-month long community quarantine until April 14. Work from home is encouraged and travel to and from the region is restricted except for food, essential supplies and some workers. Malls

BSP READIES, P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

ITR filing still on April 15; gov't eyes amendments on returns

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mendments may be made by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for income tax return (ITR) �iling following the declaration of community quarantine for Metro Manila, but the deadline remains on April 15.

In a Viber message to journalists Sunday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said they cannot adjust the ITR �iling deadline because it “is in the law.”

He explained that the government “can allow amendment of returns without payment of interest, subject to certain conditions like no variance of more than 25 percent.”

“This will be in line with the SEC’s (Security and Exchange Commission) extension of deadline of �iling of audited FS (�inancial statement) of 60 days,” he added.

Malacañang has placed

Metro Manila under community quarantine from March 15 to April 14, 2020 after the inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases raised to the highest Code Red Sub-Level 2 the status of the situation in the country because of the rise of community transmission In a press brie�ing in Malacanang last week, BIR Collection Service Head Revenue Executive Assistant Rosario Padilla encouraged taxpayers to tap the agency’s online platform, accessible through its website www.bir.gov. ph, to �ile their 2019 income tax instead of going to the various BIR of�ices to limit their exposure to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

As of Saturday, DOH has reported 111 con�irmed cases and 8 deaths around the country.

ITR, P9

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Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria calls on banks to allow deferred payment of business loans for at least two months for businesses affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Lean Daval Jr

PH banks 'business as usual' as nation battles COVID-19

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hilippine banks said Monday operations were "business as usual" with Metro Manila under community quarantine and as the nation �ights the coronavirus pandemic.

The Philippines largest lender, BDO Unibank,

along with RCBC and Unionbank gave the as-

surances in separate disclosures to the stock exchange Monday, the �irst working day under the 1-month long community quarantine that will end on April 14.

Sy-led BDO said it activated its business continuity plan to provide

"uninterrupted service" in 1,400 branches, 4,400 ATMs and digital channels.

The bank has back-up sites for functions such as client services, trading and treasury, and operations and information technology, BDO told the stock exchange.

Key personnel were identi�ied to ensure operations in the event of a "severe business disruption," BDO said.

The pandemic's impact on BDO's business has been "limited" so far and loan and deposit growth remain "normal," it said.

RCBC said it was undergoing a "stress test exercise to assess current crisis impact to its whole portfolio."

Unionbank told the exchange that its shift to digital channels would help it ride out the impact of the virus.

inside one of the oldest buildings in Jerez’s historical center, which is home to 16th century cellars, a medieval castle, a cloister behind a 15th century convent, majestic Frenchstyle gardens, Andalusian patios, tasting rooms, gift shops, and a restaurant built on the foundation of an antique church. It was inaugurated in 1823 with Spanish King Fernando VII as its �irst visitor.

Since then, it was frequently visited by other royal families and monarchs, heads of state, celebrities, and other wellknown personalities.

Among them were Spanish King Alfonso XIII, Italian King Umberto I, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming, American actor Charlton Heston, US presidential daughter Caroline Kennedy, Spanish dramatist Jacinto Benavente, world-renowed opera singer Placido Domingo, Grand Prix motorcycle racer Angel Nieto, French-Spanish designer Paloma Picasso, and Philippine President Corazon Aquino.

“We’ve been welcoming guests from all over the world all these years. Since we’ve opened our doors almost 200 years ago, we’ve never closed our doors to visitors so this is historic for us in order to ensure everyone’s safety. This will just be temporary,’ explains Eugenia Herrera, head of Bodegas Fundador Visitors’ Centre.

Founded in 1730, Bodegas Fundador is the oldest and largest brandy and sherry maker in Spain. It owns vineyards, distillery, ageing warehouses, modern blending and bottling facilities, laboratories, and distribution center. It produces brands such as Fundador, Harveys, Terry Centenario, and Tres Cepas.

“We are keeping our regular production and distribution of our products even amid this situation. In fact, during the �irst two months of this year, we have increased our production by around 50-percent because of increase in demand. Our products are mostly consumed at home,

Bodegas Fundador temporarily closed

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ollowing Spain’s declaration of national emergency and a nationwide lockdown over the weekend, Bodegas Fundador has stopped accepting guests and tourists at its Visitors’ Centre in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain for the �irst time since its opened to the public in 200 years, in an effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Spain has the second largest number of COVID-19 cases in Europe, with over 6,000 people infected by the virus.

Jerez de la Fontera, which is part of Cadiz province and known as Spain’s ‘brandy capital’, only has 10 con�irmed cases – still among the lowest in the entire country.

“Although this is one of the least infected areas in Spain, the company is taking these steps to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in our area,” says Rafael Rendon Gomez, general manager, Bodegas Fundador.

The Bodegas Fundador Visitors’ Centre is located

BODEGAS, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

EDITORIAL End the school season now Drastic times call for drastic measures.

At this point of the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Education may have to push the button to suspend or perhaps, end the school season.

On Wednesday, the Deped Davao regional of�ice admitted it is of the opinion that any decision by the local government unit in the region to suspend classes will be supported by the agency. The 2019-2020 school season for all public schools end in two weeks.

According to Deped, it is the government agency and the LGUs that has the authority to declare suspension of classes. The exercise of this function is independent of each body’s decision. The onlt condition is that if the LGU decides to exercise the authority to suspend classes, the local chief executive has inform the school superintendents prior to announcing cancellations.

This will enable Deped to prepare for the eventuality and make their own adjustments.

On the part of Deped, the modicum requirement to declare suspension is that it must adhere to the coronavirus-related guidelines of the agency.

Based on the guidelines issued by DepEd for the suspension of classes due to Covid-19, school heads can declare suspension if his/her school has

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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

even one con�irmed case; and the school division superintendent (SDS) can declare suspension of classes in the affected schools and adjacent areas or depending on the local situation, in the entire province if two or more schools in one city or municipality have con�irmed a positive case of COVID 19. The schools division superintendents can declare the suspension of classes in the affected cities/municipalities or depending on the local situation in the entire province if there is a community-level transmission in a city or municipality or several cities or municipalities. Deped regional directors can also declare suspension of classes in the affected provinces or depending on the local situation, in the entire region if there is a communitylevel transmission in two or more provinces.

Given that there are but two weeks in the school season, wisdom behooves Deped to abide by the urgency of the health and safety of everyone in the school community. Ending the school season two weeks in advance may not be much of a loss to students. If need be, some homeworks which will cover the remaining hours of instruction may be an alternative.

The one thing the government cannot allow at this point are costly miscalculations.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARER’S PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER AS COMPENSABLE WORK-RELATED ILLNESS A seafarer’s psychological disorder or schizophrenia is considered as a compensable work-related illness triggered by the work environment on board the vessel.

In compensation and disability claims, probability and not the ultimate degree of certainty is the test of proof. The precise medical causation of the illness is not signi�icant, as long as the illness supervened in the course of employment and is reasonably shown to have been either precipitated or aggravated by work condition.

Using this principle, the Supreme Court awarded total permanent disability bene�its to seafarer Eduardo Obrero in Leonis Navigation Co., Inc. and World Marine Panama S.A. v.

Obrero,( G.R. No. 192754, September 07, 2016).

The Court stressed that mariner’s previous unremarkable stints as a seafarer reasonably support the conclusion that his work environment increased his risk of developing or triggering schizophrenia.

The seafarer’s demotion to messman—which is inherently

work-related and was conveniently ignored by the employer in its pleadings—appears to be the event that precipitated his mental disorder.

He was able to accomplish his tasks without any issue as an ordinary seaman (OS) and later as an able seaman (AB) from his previous contracts.

It was only after he was deployed as with a demoted position as a messman onboard M/V Brilliant Arc that he began experiencing sleep interruptions and started having persecutory delusions, ultimately leading to the erratic behaviour detailed in the Master Report.

Applying the standard of substantial evidence, the Court found as reasonable and highly probable the explanation by the seafarer’s personal doctor—that his prolonged stint at sea eventually taxed his coping abilities which rendered him incapable of handling the stress of being demoted.

Substantial evidence is that amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion

The Supreme Court disregarded the company doctor’s categorical declaration that schizophreniform disorder is not work-related since his expertise is general and cancer surgery.

The Court noted that the seafarer’s personal doctor, a psychiatrist, is in a better position to make a more accurate medical assessment with respect to his illness, which is psychiatric in nature and, therefore, her �indings deserve greater weight.

Schizophrenia is the most common form of psychotic disorder which involves a complex set of disturbances of thinking, perception, affect and social behaviour and whose causes are still largely unknown.

It is generally acknowledged that schizophrenia has a multifactorial etiology, with multiple susceptibility genes interacting with environmental insults to yield a range of phenotypes in the schizophrenia spectrum.

Stressful life events are identi�ied as one of the risk factors in most etiological models of schizophrenia, with many

studies reporting an excess of stressful life events in the few weeks prior to the onset of psychotic and affective disorders.

For disability to be compensable the POEA contract, two elements must concur: (1) the injury or illness must be work-related; and (2) the work-related injury or illness must have existed during the term of the seafarer’s employment contract.

The POEA contract de�ines a work-related illness as “any sickness resulting to disability or death as a result of an occupational disease listed under Section 32-A with the conditions set therein satis�ied.”

For illnesses not mentioned under Section 32, the POEA contract creates a disputable presumption in favor of the seafarer that these illnesses are work-related.

In order to establish compensability of a non-occupational disease, reasonable proof of work-connection is suf�icient— direct causal relation is not required. Thus, probability, not the ultimate degree of certainty, is the test of proof in compensation proceeding.

The Supreme Court have already held that schizophrenia may be compensable which negates any blanket exception against it as a compensable illness.

In Cabuyoc v. Inter-Orient (508 SCRA 87), permanent disability compensation for schizophrenia was awarded after �inding that the seafarer’s illness and disability were the direct results of the demands of his shipboard employment contract and the harsh and inhumane treatment of the of�icers onboard the vessel.

In NFD International. v.

NLRC (700 SCRA 53), schizophrenia was declared to be work-related after the employer failed to negate the causal con�luence between the epilepsy suffered by the seafarer after a mauling incident while onboard the vessel and his subsequent af�liction of schizophrenia.

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH After President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed Metro Manila in a “community quarantine” starting March 15 until April 14 due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the social media was teemed with comments (some were positive but mostly negative).

In Davao City, there was also confusion when the city government released its Guidelines No. 8 on Covid-19. Although it was not a lockdown, all residents are prohibited from going out of the city. As for those short-term visitors, they are advised to leave the city immediately.

The chaos and misperception are just the beginning. As for this writing, there are already 64 cases and �ive deaths.

Let’s prepare for the impact. As my friend, Dr. Jack Estuart, said: “Things will turn for the worse in the coming days.”

In her Facebook account, Davao City Councilor Mary Joselle Dilig Villafuerte – who’s a physician – urged health professionals to help: “The next several days will be the litmus test of how true we are to our calling; whether the oath we had taken that very day we chose to serve the general public still holds true and clear. Con�irmed cases are continuously on the rise and people around us are scared, not really sure what to do and who

to believe. It is up to us now to either fan their �lame or quench it by remaining calm and composed. No false promises, no fake claims. Just dedication to the task at hand.”

Covid-19 was �irst reported in Wuhan, China in December last year. On February 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced its of�icial name and that the virus that causes it is called SARS-Cov-2, as it is similar to the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

From China, Covid-19 spread to other countries, including the Philippines. Today, it is present in all parts of the globe.

This was the reason why WHO declared a pandemic situation.

“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a conference in Geneva.

“It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjusti�ied acceptance that the �ight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.”

The SARS-Cov-2 spreads from person-to-person. “Someone who is actively sick with Covid-19 can spread the illness to others,” says the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“That is why we recommend that these patients be isolated in the

hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.”

A briefer from the Ministry of Health in Singapore shares the following signs and symptoms of a person having Covid-19. From the �irst to third days, the symptoms are similar to cold, mild throat pains, and no fever and not tired. The person still consumes food and drink as normal.

On the fourth day, the person experiences the following: throat a little bit painful; body feels like drunk; voice becoming hoarse; body temperature around 36.5°; beginning of disturbance in eating habits; mild headaches and mild diarrhea.

On the �ifth day, there is mild body heat; body temperature is between 36.5°-36.7°. Other signs: throat pain and hoarse voice; weak body; and feeling joint pains.

On the sixth day, mild fever with temperature around 37° starts. The person experiences the following: dry cough, exhausted and nauseous, occasional dif�iculty in breathing, �ingers feeling pain, and diarrhea and vomiting. The throat is painful while eating, swallowing food or talking.

On the seventh day, these symptoms appear: higher fe-

ver from 37.4°-37.8°; coughing incessantly with phlegm; body pains and headache; worsening diarrhea; and vomiting.

On the eighth day, the fever increases to around 38° or above 38°. The person is having breathing dif�iculties; heavy feeling in the chest when breathing. Also, he experiences incessant coughs, headaches, joint becoming lame, and buttocks pain.

On the ninth day, symptoms remain unchanged but becoming worse. The fever is worsening so is cough. The person is having dif�iculties in breathing and struggling hard to breathe.

At this stage, blood tests and chest x-ray must be conducted immediately.

“We are facing a public health emergency on two fronts: the Covid-19 and the limitations of our health facilities to respond to a huge segment of our population getting infected with the coronavirus,” said Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in a statement.

“We do not have any con�irmed cases as of the moment, but it will not be long before the reality will reach our doorsteps,” she added. “And many of us get sick, our city will be paralyzed and will be at a standstill.”

Davao City is still not in a lockdown. But what happens

when the city will be under lockdown? It means all people will stay at home and avoid at all costs going out. Yes, no school or work but it doesn’t mean a holiday or going out with friends and family and meeting other people.

An overseas Filipino worker, who’s now in Italy and the country is in lockdown, wrote in his social media account: “We have been there. We didn’t listen. We continued to go out and meet people even though we were told not to. We underestimated the situation. And look where we are right now. More than 10,000 Covid-19 cases and we are forced to stay at home.

“Do not do the same mistake like we did,” he urged. “Stay at home while you are not being forced. Do your job as a citizen.

Your role in obedience will lead a big impact to the society. It doesn’t matter if your plans are or were cancelled. Your life and health are more important than that.”

Let’s listen to the health experts and authorities. As President Duterte himself said, “(Covid-19) is a serious one. Do not belittle it. Do not minimize it, but do not kill yourself with worry… If you do not cooperate, the problem would start and would start with you and will end with you.” – ###

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

ENVIRONMENT

ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE

SMASHES RP’S BIODIVERSITY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

here are always two sides of a coin. While the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is creating some fears around the globe, it has had one positive impact in one aspect: it has restrained the illegal wildlife trade (IWT).

As the recent Philippine Daily Inquirer editorial puts it: “Covid-19 is prompting governments, particularly in Asia, to enact measures that will discourage or ban outright the illegal trade of wild and exotic animals believed to have been the source of the virus that originated in Wuhan, central China.”

Although there are some speculations as the source of Covid-19 virus, the Department of health (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), for instance, was associated with civet cats while Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus was identi�ied with dromedary camels.

Initial �indings, although inconclusive yet, have linked the virus to pangolin, a highly endangered scaly anteater with size up to 100 centimeters. “The plight of pangolins uncovers potential threats to human health and well-being with experts linking it to the origins of the Covid-19,” said Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, executive di-

rector of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.

In a public statement issued on its website, the South China Agricultural University said that they had found the genome sequence of the virus in pangolins, after testing more than 1,000 samples, “to be 99% identical” to that from the people infected with Covid-19.

Dr. Lim, a veterinarian, describes pangolins as “elusive, solitary and nocturnal mammals” which are “fully covered in scales to defend themselves from predators’ attacks.” “These creatures,” she says, “have earned the title “little guardians of the forests” as they help maintain the ecosystems’ unique and delicate balance.”

The Switzerland-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that over one million pangolins have been poached since 2006.

All eight species that inhabit Asia, including the Philippine pangolins, are on the verge of extinctions.

“All are threatened with extinction due to poaching and international trade, which have been �lourishing due to the unabated demand for its meat and scales,” Dr. Lim deplores. “Countries in Southeast Asia have been known as source, transit, and destination markets for

wildlife like pangolins.”

Less population of pangolins may mean more diseases to come. “Since pangolins’ diet consists of ants, termites, and other insects, which could be vectors of diseases, the declining populations of these scaly anteaters can lead to more illnesses,” warned Dr. Lim. Deputy speaker Loren Legarda echoed the same concern. “This ongoing public health crisis (created by Covid-19) is only one of the many that will beset us if we continue to ignore the warnings of scientists,” she said.

“If we continue on the path to a warming planet as we seem to be doing, we could use this crisis in three ways: as a test of our current coping mechanisms, as a drill for future crises, and as a wake-up call to the connection of this public health crisis to the destruction of biodiversity and ecosystems on which we all depend,” pointed out the lone district of Antique representative.

In the Philippines, the value of IWT is estimated at $10 billion to $23 billion per year, according to a report from the Asian Development Bank, “Addressing the illegal wildlife trade in the Philippines.”

The huge amount “include revenue that should have been paid by illegal wildlife collectors and traders, the market value of resources involved, the ecological role of the wild-collected resources and the damage to their habitats incurred during poaching,” Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato told Philippine Star.

As such, IWT is not just an environmental crime.

“This is more than just poaching, illegal collection and hunting of rare, exotic, endemic and endangered species and wildlife,” Sato stressed. “We strong believe that IWT is a transnational crime alongside illegal drugs, arms and human traf�icking.”

Poaching occurs throughout the country, but the following sites are considered major poaching areas in the ADB report: Agusan del Norte, Aurora, Bukidnon, Bohol, Leyte, Mapun Island (located in southwestern Sulu Sea), Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pampanga, Quezon, Samar, and Turtle Islands (lie in Sulu Sea).

In the ADB report, Mati, Davao Oriental has been listed as one of the transhipment points of wildlife in the country. Other areas mentioned in the report were

Cavite (particularly Tanza, Rosario, and Bacoor), Batangas (Balayan and Calatagan), Lucena Port (in Quezon), San Jose (Occidental Mindoro), Matnog (Sorsogon), Allen Port (in Samar), and Madellin (Cebu), Liloan Port (Southern Leyte), Lipata Port (Surigao del Norte), Bacolod, and Dingalan (Aurora).

Davao City has been included in the list of major con�iscation sites of wild fauna in Mindanao. Other cities in the same list were Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Surigao, and Zamboanga.

The following were also major con�iscation sites of wild fauna: Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu City, Metro Manila, Palawan, and Zambales.

Only two areas were considered major con�iscation sites of wild �lora: Gen-

eral Nakar in Quezon and Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte.

According to the ADB report, Balut Island in Davao Occidental is the main entry point of wildlife from Indonesia. However, the primary transhipment points and con�iscation sites of wild animals from Indonesia were General Santos City, Glan (Saranggani), Lipata (Surigao del Norte), and Metro Manila.

“The Philippines is one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species,” said the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of the country pro�ile of the Philippines.

“The Philippines ranks

ILLEGAL, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

DAHICAN TRAVEL GUIDE 2020:

TOP THINGS TO DO

(PART TWO)

IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME and love taking the less-touristy path, then here are my continued suggestions on what to do once you get to Dahican.

5

Walk the whole length of Dahican Beach Seven kilometres by foot and on the sand is no mere physical feat. Not only is it great exercise, but it’s one of the best ways to see what’s ‘on the other side’. Plus, you’re bound to find something Instagrammable along the way.

6

Eat like a local Boodle fights are always the rave whenever there’s a cause for celebration for local seaside communities. The local surfers are great boodle fight creators and can surely whip up a mouthwatering meal.

Try your hand at grilling and assembling one and I’m sure it’ll be one of your best beachside memories.

7

Ride around the coastal road Why not take your activity levels a notch higher? Rent a bike at Dahican Surf Resort and bike the whole length of the Dahican highway and even Lawigan.

You’ll see a lot more of each side—the one with waves and the ones without—plus a few more resorts that line up each side of the bay.

8

Go dolphin watching Amihan sa Dahican’s Iyay and Peter Ocdenaria have been taking several tourists on the ‘Dolphin Path’ around Pujada Bay. You’ll leave early in the morning and arrive back to Dahican a few hours before

lunch. Watching dolphins in the wild is one of my favourite excursions to do and trust me, it’s so beautiful you’ll cry.

I did.

9

Get a tattoo Sometimes souvenir items aren’t enough to remind you of the

adventure you had in a particular place. Souvenir tattoos are quite the rage and one of the best ways to remember your experience. Paul Petz is a local tattoo and henna artist and has a pop-up shop at DSR, right beside Chill Station. Check out his previous designs or create your own.

There are many things to do in Dahican that doesn’t have to involve paying a lot of money or relying on certain man-made attractions. While we’re waiting for this viral crisis to become more manageable, I hope you keep in mind the numerous things you can do at your local beach.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

GLOBE AT HOME ACTIVATES STRINGENT HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES FOR INSTALLERS AND FRONTLINE WORKERS

GIVEN THE INCREASING SPREAD of COVID-19 in Metro Manila, Globe at Home ensures the overall safety and well-being of its customers through the implementation of stringent health check protocols for all its installers and repairmen. This is also to safeguard customers who need quality connectivity at home amid government and private sector policies that enforce work from home and class suspensions to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Health and safety measures undertaken by all Globe at Home installers and repairmen begin before deployment. They must pass a series of health checks such as a body temperature of less than 37.8°C, no signs of cough or cold, and no difficulty in breathing or pain in the throat and chest area. Installers must also disclose if they have gotten in touch with anyone who has displayed any of the aforementioned symptoms, or has come from a country affected with COVID-19. Before leaving for deployment, they must also pass handwash, alcohol and water stations to stay clean and hydrated.

Once they arrive at the customer’s residence, installers must also observe strict distance and interaction protocols such as introducing themselves 2 meters away from the customer before immediately putting on their mask. The mask shall not be removed under any circumstances until installation or repair has been com-

pleted. Alcohol use is also enforced before proceeding to any work at the customer’s home.

After completing the service, installers/ repairmen must again wash their hands with water and soap or alcohol. To mitigate risks of transmission, they are also instructed not to touch their faces, particularly their eyes, noses and mouths.

“Globe At Home understands that this is a time when people need to exercise personal responsibility over their health and avoid outside contact as much as possible.

This is why we make it a priority to serve our customers more by not only ensuring the quality of their home Internet, but also their overall health and safety through safeguarding the welfare of our own service workforce,” said Martha Sazon, SVP and Head of Broadband Business at Globe.

Existing customers can access the official sites of the Department of Health (DOH) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) free of data charges to stay updated on the latest developments on COViD-19. Globe at Home is also offering P1,000 off on all postpaid plans with free installation until March 31, 2020 exclusively available via shop.globe.com.ph/broadband. Simply use the code STAYATHOME on your application.

Learn more about the latest from Globe at Home via the official website: https:// www.globe.com.ph/broadband.html.

GRAB USERS GET AD-FREE ACCESS TO IWANT SHOWS, MOVIES WITH GRABREWARDS POINTS GRAB USERS can now use their GrabRewards points to enjoy ad-free viewing of shows and movies on iWant and access its premium content, including newly released movies and restored versions of classic films.

With GrabRewards points, users can choose to unlock their iWant premium access for either one day (105 points) or seven days (405 points) and watch the streaming service’s original shows, ABS-CBN’s news and entertainment programs, films, documentaries, and live games without the ads.

The promo is valid on the iWant app and website until August 31.

To claim the reward, look for the preferred promo in Grab’s Rewards catalogue and click on Redeem. Then, head over to the iWant app, click on My Account > Redeem, enter the Grab code under Voucher, and click on Process Payment.

On iWant, users can expect exclusive monthly releases to suit their every mood.

This March, the service is welcoming the summer season by launching its new sexy romantic comedy series “Fluid,” headlined by Roxanne Barcelo and premieres on March 13. Thrill seekers can also look forward to the 90s-set “The Tapes” with

Sam Milby and Yassi Pressman on March 18, while pageant enthusiasts can root for their new favorite beauty queen character in “Beauty Queens,” led by Gloria Diaz, that drops on March 25. iWant also opens its documentary section this month with “Trip To Quiapo,” based on Ricky Lee’s best-selling scriptwriting manual. Volleyball fever also continues on iWant, where University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s and Women’s Volleyball games are streamed live or on-demand.

Meanwhile, add fun and feels to every Viber conversation with the iWant Originals stickers, featuring memorable lines from “Glorious,” “MOMOL Nights,” “Call Me Tita,” “Past, Present, Perfect,” “Taiwan That You Love,” “Abandoned,” and “Septic Tank 3,” by downloading the pack for free from the Viber Sticker Market.

Watch exciting shows and games on the iWant app or on iwant.ph, now made easier through GrabRewards. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @ iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial on Instagram, subscribe to www.youtube.com/ iWantPH, or join iWant’s Viber Community.

WHY “ANG PROBIN HERO COCO MARTIN WITH BDO NETWORK COCO MARTIN is not shy about his humble beginnings. He hopes to inspire others to strive harder, and make wiser financial decisions to protect and grow their money for a more secured future.

He was recently chosen as the brand ambassador of BDO Network Bank, the rural bank subsidiary of BDO Unibank, Inc. Martin, who is Rodel Nacianceno in real life, said he didn’t grow up with a lot of financial resources but learned about the value of money at a very young age. He thanks his Lola Matilde who raised him.

“Nine years old pa lang ako sumasama na ako sa lola ko sa Pandacan at Paco, Manila. Nagtitinda-tinda na kami ng kung anu-ano, pasalubong ng mga nanalo sa sabungan sa La Loma, tulad ng chocolates, daster, alahas. Maliit pa lang ako, minulat na ako ng lola ko na hindi ka dapat nakaasa sa trabaho mo lang, kailangan mayroon kang mga maliliit na pinagkakakitaan,” Coco shared. (At age 9, I was already accompanying my grandmother in Pandacan and Paco, Manila, where we will sell a bunch of stuff, from chocolates, to dresses, to jewelries. My grandmother taught me that I should not only rely on just one source of income. I should have several.)

Taking this lesson to heart, the 38-year-old actor sidelined as a tricycle driver even as he was already in showbiz. This was among his first investments, along with a passenger

jeepney, which he said put food on their table and paid for their utility bills on months that he doesn’t have a project.

“Naniniwala po kasi ako na sa lahat ng bagay dapat nagtatanim ka, dahan-dahan. Tulad po ng nagsisimula pa lang ako sa showbiz, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi pwedeng ako lang yung trabaho ng trabaho kasi mapapagod din ako. Kumbaga sa makina, pwedeng mag overheat, kailangan mayroon kang katulong.

Yung kita ko sa pagpapasada ng tricycle at jeep, yun yung sumasalo sa pambayad namin sa kuryente at tubig, kumbaga hindi ko na yun iniisip at yung kita ko sa showbiz naiipon ko,” Coco shared. (I believe that slowly but surely, you need to build on your future. From the very start, I already knew that I cannot rely solely my showbiz career alone. Our bodies are like machines, they will overheat when overworked. I need to have another source of income and the money I get from the tricycle and jeepney I bought paid for our electricity and water bills. I was able to save more of the income I get from showbiz because of that.)

Now with more than enough to secure his and his family’s future (Coco gave each of his siblings their own house and seed money to start their own businesses!), Coco is ensuring that the money he earns as an actor and an entrepreneur is safe and protected.

“Kailangan natin ng may poprotekta sa mga investment natin at sa naipon nating pera. Dapat alam

mong panatag nag-research ko yung tinay pawis ko. Hin pinaghirapan na lang lahat sya sa bangko ko, mapo-pro sasandalan ko mga kababaya han ng pag-in rapan. Impor bangkong kap tiwala sa BDO one of the cou actors. (We ne protect our sa Honestly, the happen is to l hard for, so I c trust and dep protect my m BDO Network to teach our c same – save a by choosing t Coco said i savings at hom get rich quick stand to lose m savings), Filip money in a ba “Ang mga P pagka-mahiya na nai-intimid nila na masya building, kap lalong-lalo na o mangingisd lang. Naiisip n huan o madu iintimidate si

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

BIANCA UMALI DEBUTS SINGLE UNDER GMA MUSIC

BIANCA UMALI is a force to be reckoned with.

NSYANO” N PARTNERS RK BANK

g ka. Sa totoo lang, ako, ako kasi syempre buhay ya ko dito, dugo at ndi ko hahayaang yung n ko, isang araw mawala kaya nilagay ko talaga o na mapagkakatiwalaan otektahan ako, at mao. Gusto ko rin ituro sa an natin ang kahalagangat sa perang pinaghirtante na matibay ang partner natin. Kaya ako O Network Bank,” said untry’s most popular eed a bank that will avings, our investments. last thing I want to lose everything I worked chose a bank that I can pend on, a bank that will money. That’s why I chose rk Bank. I also want countrymen to do the and protect their money the right bank.) instead of keeping their me or putting it in a k schemes (where they more, if not their entire pinos should put their ank.

Pilipino kasi may ain. Siguro may time idate sila kapag nakikita adong maganda ang pag aircon, kapag sarado, a yung mga magsasaka da na naka tsinelas nila na baka mabaumihan sa kanila. Naila pumasok kasi yung

mga empleyado naka-uniporme. O baka minsan iniisip ng ibang tao na: “Naku, baka Ingles dyan, baka hindi ko maintindihan, tsaka maraming kailangan i-fill up.” (Filipinos are generally shy. Many of our farmers and fisherfolks do not want to open bank accounts because the get intimidated by the place, by the tellers who speak in English, or the many forms that need to be filled-up.)

“Gusto ko rin silang iiwas sa mga taong mananamantala sa kakulangan nila sa kaalaman. Naiinis ako kapag nababalitaan ko ung mga nabubudol-budol na mga teachers, lalo na ung mga retired teachers na madalas nakukuha ang kanilang pension. Nakakaawa kse pinaghirapan nila ng buong buhay nila yun.

Kaya nga ang payo ko ay dun sila sa sigurado, matibay at talagang tutulungan sila,” he added. (I don’t want to see people who are being taken advantaged because of their lack of information. I don’t like hearing stories about teachers who fall victims to scammers, losing their entire pension to these people. That’s why I always advice people to go to someone who is trustworthy, established, and who really cares for them.) These attributes, he said, are what he saw in BDO Network Bank.

Coco added he is very much like his character in Ang Probinsyano, as he also wants to protect people against thieves and scammers.

Knowing how hard it is to earn money and secure one’s future, Filipinos, he said should be more vigilant when it comes to protecting their money.

An award-winning actress, an amazing dancer, a fashion inspiration, and an ardent advocate of education and women empowerment, the Kapuso prime star has another talent everyone has to witness. She is now officially a recording artist.

Bianca debuted her first single titled “Kahit Kailan” on her birthday last March 2.

As she ventures into recording, she is grateful for the opportunity to explore her love for music, which she reveals she shares with her father. She is also looking forward to perform songs that would speak the feelings and experiences of many.

“I am very thankful that GMA Music believes in me and in my talent. This is my first single and the experience has been really fun,” she said.

Kahit Kailan, composed by former Introvoys drummer Paco Arespacochaga, immediately made it on Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines and OPM Workday Marathon playlists after its release.

“Nu’ng ni-record ko, nung napakinggan ko na, hindi ko masyadong inakalang sad song siya.

Pero nung shinoot namin ‘yung music video, na-realize ko na ang

lungkut-lungkot pala nung kanta.

It’s about someone who is longing for a person they love but they can’t have for some reasons or maybe because they aren’t just meant to be,” Bianca shared.

2020 proves to be a year of breakthroughs for the Kapuso star.

Currently, Bianca is gearing up for her lead role in HBO Asia’s longest-running series ‘Halfworlds.’

The thriller is directed by ac-

claimed filmaker Mikhail Red. For GMA Network’s 70th anniversary, she is one of the leading ladies in the upcoming primetime series ‘Legal Wives’, alongside Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo and sought-after actresses Alice Dixson and Megan Young.

Kahit Kailan is now available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and other digital platforms worldwide.

4 FOODIE AND TRAVEL SHOWS TO CATCH ON METRO CHANNEL METRO CHANNEL unleashes its sizzling slate of programs this March that will surely entice food lovers and adventure seekers to embrace the onset of summer.

Here are four of the shows to indulge on this month on the lifestyle channel.

Chef Sandy Daza’s “FoodPrints” Expert chef and restaurateur Sandy Daza explores more of Canada’s Prince Edward Island in “FoodPrints.” Join him as he checks out PEI’s famous seafood delicacies and drops interesting culinary facts in the place known for being one of the best potato producers in the world. Catch “FoodPrints” season 7 and a sneak peek into its upcoming season on March 28 (Sunday) at 8pm and 9pm respectively.

“The Crawl Italy” with Chef Margarita Forés and Matteo Guidicelli Chef extraordinaire Margarita Forés joins forces with Filipino-Italian actor and Da Gianna Cucina Italiana owner Matteo Guidicelli in a gastronomic exploration of Italy’s rich culture and cuisines in “The Crawl Italy.” Watch out for its reruns, 3am and 10pm

on Mondays, 7am on Tuesdays, 11am and 7pm on Wednesdays, 1am on Fridays, 7am, and 10pm on Saturdays, and 10am on Sundays.

“Giada on the Beach” Perfect for the forthcoming summer, ItalianAmerican chef Giada De Laurentiis lists down all the must-tries for the perfect al fresco assemblies with families and friends. Good food, amazing get-togethers, and satisfied company is guaranteed with “Giada on the Beach,” premiering on March 28 (Saturday) at 12nn.

“Coolest Places to Stay” One of Metro Channel’s latest offerings for March, “Coolest Places to Stay” brings into focus some of the planet’s finest sites to visit. Viewers will certainly be bitten by the travel bug once they see the beautiful places showcased on this show that debuts on the lifestyle channel

this March 14 (Saturday) at 4:30pm.

Other shows worthy to watch out for this month are foodie travel show “Extraordinary Places to Eat,” baking masterclass with Martha Stewart on “Martha Bakes’” season 6, and Italian cuisine-focused series “Jamie Cooks

Italy.”

Ultimate couple travel goals program “Dreamcatchers” season 2, glamping exploration “Glamping Adventures,” heavenlybeaches-finder “Beached,” and reality television series “Million Dollar Listing Miami” are also some of the freshest offers to check out on Metro Channel, the home of chic living from the country’s authority in style, Metro.

For more details, like Metro Channel on Facebook at www.facebook. com/metrochannelph and follow it on Instagram and Twitter (@metrochannelph).

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UP AND ARTS AND ABOUT CULTURE TRAVEL TECH

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE VOL.13 223 ISSUE •216 WEDNESDAY, • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 22, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 •7TUESDAY, FRIDAY,JANUARY JANUARY 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES NEW GP-VPT2BT CREATIVE WAYS TO SURVIVE USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP COMMUNITY QUARANTINE 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 camWITH DABAWENtap theand artisans in this endeavof breaking boundaries, eras accessories YOS URGED TOplasSTAY or to give theirfor clients fresh is now single-use developed modern AT HOME to stem the andbeverage new designs. tic bottle free creators, Sony today flood of COVID-19 in“We really need tothe tap new the across its fleet. has announced fections, what naturally artisans directly before man GP-VPT2BT wireless The brand announced last comes mind is how gud ga-agi pa ko saIdeal middle shooting grip. for year thatinto it partnered with to pass the time while man since wala’y access sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc., which enon community quarcommunity,” he Line said. of content creation abled the Cruise to replace antine.

Here are some wants tovlogs show off ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic water ideas you do to the beauty ofcan Dagmay asfleet, he travel photography /pass bottles across its 17-ship the timewith in the coming has clients who are looking for videography tomost simple beginning its recent months. clothes and accessories made everyday use,Encore. the new ship, Norwegian byThe theoffers Mandayas.

He saidof they grip optimum achievement is one the Declutter, noticed thatclean some Pasalubong stability and comfort latest sustainable steps forward andNorwegian refocus centers including Davao City’s combined with cablefor Cruise Line.

In Remember free connectivity and a 2018, the Company eliminated when you dust always reliable moissingle-use plasticand straws across complained of notdesign. ture its fleetresistant and private destinahaving enough Compatible with aofvariety tions, and as a result this time to de-clutter of Sony’s latest digitalitcamermost recent initiative, will your as, thespace?

GP-VPT2BT connects replace over With six million singlemore time spent bottles easily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water every at home, you can the creators to simply aim and is year.

In addition, brand now take time shoot without interfering working tothe eliminate single-use and declutter every corner cables or exposed inputs.

The plastic shampoo and condiof your flat which make new grip includes athis useful tioner bottles later can year.tilt Marie efforts Kondo proud. feature that allows for flexible These are driven by For those had vertical anglewho adjustment as the Company’s Sail & booked Sustain flights wereProgram, inadvertently well asthat the ability to switch Environmental which cancelled, youtocan also take the from normal self-shooting is its commitment to minimize free time toease. rebook or getitsflight mode with Additionalwaste to landfills, reduce

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credits online. Cebu Pacific is allowing the rebooking or conversion to flight credits of tickets of cancelled flights affected by the recent travel bans, all done online. It may be a bummer that your travel plans

ing a new skill from reading a book or e-book, or watching something on youtube.

Ever wanted to learn cooking beyond boiling water? Then now is the time to go beyond instant noodles. The resources online are endless, who knows, you might become a prolific programmer or

ones with interactive things to do like playing board games, chatting up the latest happenings on “Crash Landing On You” on Netflix, or just sharing a family meal together.

For extended families, weekends can be spent together on video call, so that no one is left behind theactivist latest gossip. actor and Jaden Smith and family, JUST takes an inMuseum tour novative approach to sourcing bummed many andI was packaging thewhen world’s most upcoming art exhibits valued resource - water.had Theto cancel in the wake of thefocuses COrevolutionary company VID-19 pandemic, luckily on an impact model,but taking there are a numberboth of museinto consideration how the ums the and world that I wateraround is sourced packaged. can fromspring the comfort JUSTenjoy is 100% water inofa my bedroom. plant-based carton. The carton They may notrenewable be better mateis made of 82% than thing, but isscanrials –the thereal paper carton made ning eachinmuseum’s from through trees grown responmillions of high definition sibly-managed forests and the images of paintings, relics cap and shoulder are made andabooks makes timeplastic. pass from sugarcane-based quicker.

Here are a Itsoismuch refillable and recyclable. few which might want to JUST has ayou global presence check out: American with bottling facilitiesMetroin Glenn politan Museum (https://www.

Falls, NY; Ballymena, Northern metmuseum.org/art/collecIreland; and Ballarat, Australia, tion), Digital Heritage Museum thus allowing the company to of thedemand Palace Museum (https:// meet around the world digicol.dpm.org.cn/), UKa without shipping waterArt from (https://www.artuk.org/), and single production source. JUST Architecture Open takes care to use theLibrary most effi(http://linksbooks.artron.net/ cient shipping options available. eng) For more information about We mustCruise all remember that Norwegian Line ships aand community quarantine not their itineraries, or to is book the end of socialising a cruise, please contactora havtravel ing fun. All itcall needs is a little professional, 888-NCLbit of creativity and or thoughtful CRUISE (625-2784) visit thinking to tide everyone over. www.ncl.com.

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Aldevinco do not carry Dagmay cloth.

“Wala man gud kaayo Mandaya na pieces and mostly T’boli products ang sa Alare devinco. Sa Manila T’boli lang gone mostly makita nako na ginathis himo accent ug Yakan, beads time of the sa Bagobo, balud from Lanao year, but at and Inaul. Walay something least you can from the Mandaya commuberate, ready to travel thrilled nity,” hetosaid.

CO2 emissions increase make such an impact again once cotton Dagmay design sustainable sourcing and the invest by The eliminating single-use beverCOVID-19 pandemic iswheel over. and clothing not yetchanged available ly,in itemerging has an adjustment 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 Learn afor new skill for group are in the immertovery allow seamless operapanding the bottom portion, proud moment us,” working tostill preserve our oceans While some urbanites may enabling sion the stage ofstable, the project. tion with cameras of different easy handssaid Harry Sommer, president and destinations we visit. be required to work from “Wethis willisevaluate their sizes and The gripof free shooting. and chiefweights. executive officer While just the pa beginning home, the time made up“As by capacity and kung willing sila also includes a flip button, inThe GP-VPT2BT Wireless Norwegian Cruise Line. of what we and others can do, can also beline, spent learnmakipag-collaborate,” he said. dicator light and lock switch, Shooting Grip will committed be availasuch leading cruise we are we are incredibly

chef after the lifting of the community quarantine? to our Sail & Sustain program and believe wholeheartedly in Bond your the importance ofwith preserving our naturalfamily resources. We will Having family continue to strive towards makstay at homeconscious means ing environmentally you to now haveour plenty decisions benefit earth.” ofEnvisioned time to catch on life.by andup founded Reconnectrapper, with your loved American songwriter,

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

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since exposed sila sa patient," said Dr. Anabelle Yumang, DOH 11 regional director.

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hear the prayers),” she said.

According to the Southern Philippines Medical Center, there are a total of 12 persons under investigation for COVID-19 in

Davao Region. Of the total, eight are con�ined at the SPMC and four at Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

examination days of elementary and high school students in both private and public institutions for school year 2019-2020.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, South Cotabato health chief, said the province remains negative of COVID-19 as of Monday morning.

He urged those with recent travel history from

overseas and Metro Manila to go on a 14-day home quarantine to help �ight the spread of COVID-19.

While at home quarantine, the PUMs were advised to keep a distance of one meter or three feet away from household members and avoid the sharing of utensils and other personal belongings.

Residents are advised to stay in their homes, and shall only go out when they will go to work, buy food and medicines, go to hospitals and do things that are urgent and very essential in nature.

All public and mass gatherings are disbanded, and everyone is mandated to strictly observe social distancing at all times.

There will also be monitoring and thermal scanning of all persons coming in and out of the city.

Also under the EO,

a Central Operation for COVID-19 will be created, which will establish a barangay isolation unit (BIU) for persons under monitoring (PUMs) and patients under investigation (PUIs) separately.

It further provides that the makeshift BIUs will be determined by the DepEd Division through the help of the Punong Barangay.

A curfew will be imposed through the issuance of an ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. (PIA/Carina L. Cayon)

topics to be discussed is whether or not what we’re doing now is suf�icient or if we need to be stricter because) -- again, we will repeat, this is a matter of national survival, it’s a matter of life and death. We really have to do something about ourselves otherwise, damay-damay tayong lahat dito (we’ll all be infected),” he said.

Despite these possible options, Panelo, citing Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, said people have been “cooperative” during the �irst day of community quarantine with notably fewer people in the streets.

The community quarantine, which will be in effect from March 15 to April 14, limits people’s movement to “accessing basic necessities and work” and place uniformed personnel and quarantine personnel at border points.

People outside Metro Manila are barred from entering the region, unless they are workers, depart-

ing passengers, and individuals aboard vehicles carrying cargoes.

Metro Manila residents are also required to observe strict social distancing and avoid mass gatherings.

It also suspends land, air, and sea travel to and from Metro Manila and classes at all levels.

Amid criticism over the month-long community quarantine, Año denied that there is an absolute lockdown in Metro Manila, saying that the movement of the people is merely “restricted” and that there could only be an absolute lockdown if “enhanced” community quarantine is implemented.

Interior Assistant Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said community quarantine was intended to “save lives” following the World Health Organization’s warning that the number of Covid-19 cases in the Philippines might reach 75,000. (PNA)

The BSP bids to increase e-payments to account for 20 percent of

total transactions and 30 percent of total payments value this year. (PNA)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Covid-19 a pandemic due to the continued rise of con�irmed cases and deaths around the globe.

To date, reports said there are about 157,197

cases, 75,940 recoveries, and 5,839 deaths.

WHO said Europe is now the epicenter of the pandemic since it has registered the most cases and deaths compared to other Covid-19 affected countries combined. (PNA)

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PSG creates TF Covid-19 to ensure PRRD's safety

T

he Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Monday said it has created the “PSG Task Force Covid-19” to safeguard President Rodrigo Duterte and the �irst family following the rise in the number of persons infected with the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) to 140.

In a statement on its of�icial website, PSG said the task force will implement preventive measures against infection among Duterte and the �irst family, PSG personnel and dependents, Malacañang employees, and other concerned parties.

Among the measures being implemented by the PSG are the strict enforcement of “no touch” policy on Duterte, including maintaining at least 10-meter distance from the audience.

For private functions or meetings, the PSG said only those who were test-

ed and found negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to be near Duterte, while those not tested shall maintain at least six-feet or two-meter distance from him.

Medical teams and established quarantine sites will be in place within Malacañang Complex to attend to persons suspected of having contracted the disease.

The PSG will regularly conduct information drive for all PSG personnel and their dependents It will also regularly conduct sanitation and disinfection of PSG compound

and Malacañang Complex to include its neighboring buildings and facilities.

Stringent security protocols will also be implemented for proper disposition and monitoring of all PSG personnel and their dependents and to those entering Malacañang Complex.

Personnel posted as guards are required to wear surgical face mask and conduct temperature check to all the people going inside the Malacañang Complex.

Meanwhile, all those going in and out Malacañang Complex are required to accomplish a declaration form.

It will also optimize media platforms (TV, radio, internet, messaging, print and ads) to convey to the public of PSG’s security measures to protect the President and his family from Covid-19.

The implementation of PSG’s action plans will

be in accordance with the guidelines of the “community quarantine” and Code Red (Sub-level 2) alert system.

The PSG will also collaborate with the Department of Health and other concerned government agencies for real time updates as basis for new guidelines and action plan.

Earlier, PSG commander, Col. Jesus Durante III tested negative for Covid-19 along with Duterte, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and a number of Cabinet members.

As of Sunday, the DOH said the number of con�irmed Covid-19 cases has surged to 140 with 12 deaths.

Duterte is set to meet with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country. He will make a public address after the meeting. (PNA)

Bird flu enters PH: agri department

T

he agriculture department said Monday it had detected a strain of bird �lu in Nueva Ecija province, north of the capital, with a "very, very slim" chance of being transmitted to humans.

Some 1,500 quail at a farm in Barangay Ulanin-Pitak, Jaen town were infected with the H5N6 "highly pathogenic" avian in�luenza, said Agriculture Secretary

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William Dar. Dar said he had banned the sale of quail meat and eggs within the farm's 1-kilometer radius.

Individuals who were exposed to the infected quail will be quarantined until the release of their health test results, said Dr. Arlene Vytiaco, the agriculture department's spokesperson for avian �lu.

cal service they are receiving • Other essential movements not covered in the listed exemptions may be allowed with clearance from the Task Force Covid-19 Command Center Earlier, Mayor Sara threatened to impose a lockdown should her fellow local chief executives cannot provide quarantine for their own patient under investigation (PUI).

“I am asking the mayors of other local government units to make your own PUI quarantine in your area. Otherwise, I will close

Davao City and you will have no access to hospitals and other essential services,” she added.

Duterte urged the LGUs to prepare a PUI quarantine area that is not a hospital in order to cater to other patients unaffected

by Covid-19.

“In Davao City, we used an entire school as a PUI center and our health centers as a triage to save our hospitals. Let us do our thing to make sure that the sacri�ice in Metro Manila saves lives in the entire country,” she added. (PNA/ JMDAbangan/Che Palicte)

were shut except for supermarkets and drugstores.

"The 25 basis points, this is almost a certainty.

It could go even higher because of the seriousness of the situation and the sharp drop in the price of oil," he said.

"We shall have to take into account the serious spread of COVID-19, the consensus is that things will get worse before it

gets better," he said.

The BSP has so far rolled back 100 of the 175-basis point increase from 2018. "Even if we do 50, that's another 25. You have to consider that globally, central banks have been cutting."

The peso has been "fairly stable" and at the low end of the economic team's assumptions, he said.

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Some 200,000 fowls were culled in Pampanga province due to the virus in 2017.

No human was infected with avian in�luenza then, said Vytiaco.

"Iyong percentage na maka-infect siya sa tao is very, very slim," she told reporters.

A total of 24 laboratory-con�irmed cases of human infection with the H5N6 virus, including 7 deaths, have been

reported from China since 2014, the WHO said in March 6 report.

"Whenever avian in�luenza viruses are circulating in poultry, there is a risk for sporadic infection and small clusters of human cases due to exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments. Therefore, sporadic human cases are not unexpected," said the WHO.

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identi�ied to have close interaction with the con�irmed case will be interviewed and assessed for proper management,” the statement read.

Dr. Annable Yumang, DOH-11 regional director, appealed to those who would be identi�ied as close contacts to the con�irmed case to cooperate and provide necessary information for proper management and facilitation.

“Being personally responsible in order to control Covid-19 is an essential action in this challenging situation,” Yumang said.

She said the DOH is in close coordination with the LGU and the hospital where the patient was admitted.

Yumang said the Incident Command System and Rapid Response Team had been activated for appropriate management, including increased infection control, case management, and containment to prevent the spread of the virus.

“We urge the public to stay calm and remain vigilant at all times. Let us continue to practice proper handwashing, social distancing and cough etiquette,” she said.

To date, a total of 50 patients under investigation was reported in the region where 29 patients were already discharged, while 21 PUIs are currently admitted in two government hospitals in the region. (PNA)

new event and dining mecca Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center, has brought in the best in �itness equipment and training to the city. For the �itness newbies, the gym looks complicated with all the imposing equipment. The facility boasts of the Tech-

nogym brand, known in Fitnesstopia as the “Rolls Royce” of gym equipment.

Arcadia is couched across Esdevco’s signature real estate project Matina Enclaves along Col. Emilio Escandor Street in Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland.

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Public told not be afraid of cops manning checkpoints

T

he Philippine National Police (PNP) appealed to the public not to be afraid of policemen manning checkpoints in Metro Manila, which was placed under community quarantine beginning Sunday to contain the spread of the coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19).

“Our policemen are also taking risks by being on the frontline. So, we ask the public to respect us, and do not be afraid of us while we are performing our job. This is for the welfare of the general public,” said Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for operations, in a radio interview.

“What the government, through the PNP, is doing in this critical and trying time is to protect and impose our right to life. When life is at stake, all other rights are subordinate to it,” he added.

Based on the agreement with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-10, the police, augmented by the military, will be conducting checkpoints for the strict screening of the people, particularly those entering and exiting Metro Manila.

National Capital Region Police Of�ice (NCRPO) director, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas on Sunday said they are still on the “warning mode” in the

implementation of community quarantine in the entire National Capital Region.

“Kasi we are still on the warning mode, hindi tayo magi-implement ng higpit kaagad kasi nga we expect na lilinawin nga ng mga tao…When the time comes higpitan natin, maglalabas kami ng panibagong checklist or guidelines (We will not implement it drastically because we expect clari�ication from the people.

When the time comes, we will be strict with new guidelines for the conduct of checkpoint),” Sinas said in a press conference at Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

“We do the maximum tolerance kung gusto mo pumasok hahayaan. Mamaya yan dahan-dahan na yan iiimplement na (If you want to enter, we will allow. We will slowly implement it),” he added.

Sinas said among the challenges they are facing is the lack of thermal scanners to check the

temperatures of people as well as preventive equipment to ensure the safety of their personnel against the transmission of the virus.

The NCRPO has identi�ied at least 56 exit and entry points in the entire Metro Manila.

Among those were in the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, particularly in the North Luzon Expressway, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Marikina and Pasig.

Sinas said they are still assessing the situation on the ground to identify more areas where checkpoints are needed and what adjustments should be made for the safety of both the policemen and the public.

Eleazar said the NCRPO may have decided to become lenient so as not to add up to the panic by some people following reports that Metro Manila will be placed on community quarantine, which include reports that only workers in Metro Manila will be allowed entry.

He said there is a need to strictly follow the guidelines especially that thousands of people have started to �lock Metro Manila to report to their respective jobs.

“The guideline, which our Chief PNP ordered to be crafted right after President Duterte’s an-

nouncement, was already cascaded to concerned commanders yesterday (Saturday). This guideline was well-thought of, based on the IATF recommendations and police experience, so it must be followed strictly in the soonest possible time,” said Eleazar.

He said the guideline must be followed from now on since non-compliance would defeat the purpose of the government’s action plan to contain the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Benigno Durana, head of the Directorate for Police and Community Relations (DPCR) and acting PNP spokesman, said at least 200 checkpoints have already been established in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

“There are 67 entry and exit points in Metro Manila and hopefully as the day progress, we would be able to cover all of them so that our community quarantine would be successful,” Durana said in a separate radio interview.

The PNP earlier declared a full alert status in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), MIMAROPA (Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan” and Bicol Region. (PNA)

Almost 40% of COVID-19 patients have no exposure to known infected cases —DOH

H

ealth Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said almost 40% of the patients tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have no exposure to known infected cases.

Vergeire said they are trying to identify the index cases who spread the infection in the country.

“Nakakakita tayo ng almost about 40% of our patients right now positive of COVID-19 na walang history ng pinuntahan at history po ng exposure sa isang taong may COVID-19,” she said.

On March 7, the Department of Health con�irmed that there is a case of local transmission in the country, prompting it to declare

community transmission.

The Philippines then raised Code Red Sub-Level 2 to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Tougher measures were implemented including suspension of classes in all levels and work in the executive branch, as well as setting travel restrictions, as part of a "community quarantine" in Metro Manila.

On the second day of the community quarantine, the Philippine National Police said the security measures at the borders of quarantine areas will be stricter.

A 13-year-old Filipino girl is among the cases of COVID-19. Data from the DOH showed that Patient 135 had no history of travel or exposure to known COVID-19 cases.

FDA clarifies availability of Covid-19 test kits in PH

T

he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Sunday said there are no registered coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) diagnostic test kits available to the public because no company has complied with the minimum set of requirements.

In a statement, the FDA said it only requires a License to Operate (LTO) as a distributor and a Certi�icate of Product Registration (CPR) from a reliable and mature national regulatory agency such as FDA counterparts in the United States, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Europe among others or a Certif-

icate of Prequali�ication or Emergency Use Listing from the World Health Organization (WHO) for or imported test kits.

The FDA added that there will be no delay in the approval of the test kits and the certi�ication will be released immediately as soon as proper documents are submitted.

It also stressed that such is done to safeguard public interest and ensure that the available test kits for use are safe and will give useful results.

This, after many companies have been marketing test kits since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak

and the source and reliability of these devices are yet to be veri�ied.

“We cannot vouch for its safety and ef�icacy by merely accepting the stated claims of a testing kit without the proper regulatory certi�ication from the country of origin and a reliable NRA. These kits may give false positive and false negative results which may affect the response to this pandemic. They may also be counterfeit products that will not test for the novel corona virus at all,” FDA Director General Eric Domingo said.

The only Covid-19 diagnostic test kits used now

are PCR based lab kits at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) donated by WHO. The University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health and Department of Science and Technology developed test kit for �ield testing on Monday.

“During these dif�icult times, we strongly request everybody to cooperate and to be vigilant. This is not the time to take advantage of the scarcity of resources by allowing unregulated items into the system. Let us continue to look after each other’s safety.” Domingo said.

(PNA)

BODEGAS... FROM5

with only a very small percentage of consumption in bars and restaurants. As we continue our regular operations, we are taking

all the necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our workers,” adds Rendon.

�ifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world’s �lora,” the CBD added. “Species endemism is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49% of terrestrial wildlife, while the country ranks fourth in bird endemism.”

When it comes to biodiversity and conservation, most people think of eastern Africa, the Amazonian rainforest or Madagascar. But “on a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably harbors more diversity of life than any other country on the planet,” the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) said in its website.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is also considered as “one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.” “This is because the Philippines continues to experience an alarming rate of destruction of these important resources brought about by overexploitation, deforestation, land degradation, climate change, and pollution, among others,” the BMB deplored.

Of the 207 identi�ied species of terrestrial mammals, 42 species are considered threatened. At least 29 threatened species have been reported of the 419 reptiles found in the country.

About 14 species of the 120 amphibians identi�ied are also reported to be threatened.

Some 984 species of wild �lora are threatened: 179 are critically endangered, 254 endangered, and 406 vulnerable. There are about 145 other threatened species.

A species is considered extinct when it is no longer found in the past 50 years.

Endangered species are those that have been reduced in number to a critical level or whose habitats have been damaged or altered or reduced.

Threatened is a general term used to describe the animal or plant species which could be in the status of “endangered” and “insuf�iciently known.” In the Philippines, among those listed as endangered as the Philippine eagle, Philippine tarsier, tamaraw and waling-waling.

With 700 threatened species, the Philippines also make it as “one of the top global conservation areas,” according to CBD. It added that the threats to biodiversity in the country “differ from one ecosystem to another.”

There are several threats to the country’s biodiversity and IWT is one of them.

From 2013 to 2018, the value of con�iscated wildlife reached P184.9 million, based on data from the BMB, a line agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “(The amounts) often do not include the values of ecosystem services that these animals provide, especially if they become extinct,” Dr. Lim deplored.

The ADB report listed the following as most traded species from the Philippines: Philippine forest turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Southeast

Asian box turtle, Asian leaf turtle, Palawan pangolin, Blue-naped parrot, Palawan hill mynah, Tokay Gecko, Philippine slow loris, Philippine cockatoo, Giant golden-crowned �lying fox, and Mindanao water monitor.

Other most traded �lora and fauna are Visayan Tarictic hornbill, Philippine serpent eagle, Brahminy kite, Luzon lowland scops owl, Philippine hanging parrot, Visayan spotted dear, Calamian deer, Philippine deer, Pitcher plants, Leopard cat, Rufous hornbill, Philippine tarsier, Philippine sail�in dragon, Philippine pit viper, Luzon red-tailed rat snake, Luzon bronzeback snake, Philippine �lying dragon, and orchids.

The government has recognized the threats of IWT to the country’s biodiversity and economy that it has passed legislation and created inter-agency groups to combat IWT. It has also built capacity across the law enforcement chain.

Since 1992, the Philippines has been a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The 10-year national Wildlife Law Enforcement Action Plan (WildLEAP) 2018-2028 is aligned with the Philippine Strategy and Action Plan. “It serves as the national road map to address wildlife crimes and a guide to prioritizing enforcement activities, allocating funds and resources, and evaluating impacts of enforcement,” said the ADB report.

With the collaboration of key law enforcement agencies, national, regional, provincial and local government bodies, and civil society organizations, “WildLEAP will focus on stronger policies, networking and coordination, building capacity, communication, education and public awareness, improving governance and curbing corruption,” ADB said.

One million of the planet’s eight million species are threatened with extinction by humans, according to a report released by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services last year. The global rate of species extinction “is already tens to thousands of times higher than it has been, on average, over the last 10 million years.”

Sandra Diaz, co-author of the report and professor of ecology at the University of Cordoba, told CNN: “(There is) very little of the planet left that has not been signi�icantly altered by us.

We need to act as stewards for life on Earth.”

Meanwhile, Legarda urged Filipinos to help curb IWT. “We have ignored the laws of nature to our peril,” she said in statement. “It is time to heed her warnings: do not eat what is not intended for human consumption, do not trade what should not be traded. We must relearn to coexist with animals and their habitats.” – ### (Author’s Note: Photo of pangolin is courtesy of Gregg Yan while Philippine tarsier is courtesy of Paolo Lim)

ILLEGAL... FROM8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

11

PSC continues to serve despite COVID-19 scare

D

Hidilyn Diaz only needs one more qualifying event to progress to the Olympics.

Diaz’s Olympic bid stalled

by Covid-19 restrictions

T

he journey of the Philippines’ Olympic hope in women’s weightlifting Hidilyn Diaz to the Tokyo Olympics has hit a roadblock.

Cali, Colombia -- which was set to host a qualifying event this week -- issued travel restrictions “to any foreigner who has been to Europe or Asia within the past 14 days,” as per the New York Times. That means Diaz will fall among those with travel restrictions to the host nation.

The move was a precautionary measure against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Diaz, a silver medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, needed to participate in the event in Cali, Colombia to ensure her quali�ication to the Tokyo Olympics. It would have been her sixth

qualifying tournamentI if she placed in the top 10, it would have assured her spot in the Games.

As it stands, Diaz remains in Malaysia where she is training with her team, according to a report

by The Philippine Star.

According to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) website, the events in Colombia have been postponed.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella told

Rappler that he will request a review of the qualifying process to the IWF, given how the COVID-19 situation has impacted sports events all over the world.

“I’m optimistic that the IWF Board will reconsider our plea and resolve this problem at hand in fairness to all associations worldwide,” said Puentevella, as quoted by Rappler.

Diaz is currently ranked �ifth in the world, behind four Chinese lifters.

Mendy, a Senegalese, and Marañon, a Spanish, have been in the country for at least �ive years and never played for their respective native countries' national teams, satisfying the FIFA rules on players who are seeking naturalization.

What makes Mendy's case more special is the fact that he is married to Filipina Maebel Lacaste-

santos.

Zubiri, in an explanatory note for the Mendy naturalization bill, added that he "desires to play an integral part in developing football in the country and helping mold the youth to become competitive and at the same time teach them to uphold the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play."

In the case of

Marañon, Zubiri said that he "dreams of building a family in this country, and raising his children surrounded by the kindness, humility, and hospitality that Filipinos are known for."

Once granted Filipino citizenships, the strikers, both aged 33, could become eligible to play for the Azkals in international competitions. (PNA)

April 12, a part of which is prohibiting the holding of mass gatherings, such as watching sports games.

With the high school year ending, the league decided to of�icially end the juniors division, effectively canceling all the matches that are yet to be played.

This also means Adamson University and the University of Santo Tomas will share the inaugural girls basketball championship since their best-of-

three series is scheduled to go the full length with both teams splitting the �irst two games.

On the other hand, the seniors division is of�icially over as well with the announcement.

However, both Fernandez and Saguisag hinted that they may move to still push through with the remainder of the calendar.

"If the government declares that it is safe to resume classes on April 15, 2020 and does not

prohibit mass gatherings, the UAAP will work toward alternative formats of competition to begin no earlier than May 1, 2020," the statement said.

The development is the latest in the growing number of sporting events being called off due to Covid-19.

The health department on Saturday night reported that cases of coronavirus in the country has reached 111 with eight fatalities. (PNA)

espite the full closure of its facilities, the Philippine Sports Commission shall continue to serve and be available to the national athletes. Chairman William I. Ramirez personally instructed the agency’s of�icials to ensure the unhampered delivery of basic services to the national athletes.

“These are extraordinary times which call for extraordinary commitment and service from all of us,” explained Ramirez as he ordered continuous assistance to the remaining athletes and coaches billeted at the agency’s Philsports Complex in Pasig City.

In previous announcements, the agency locked down its two major facilities located in Manila City (Rizal Memorial Sports Complex) and Pasig City (Philsports Complex). All athletes billeted in the said facilities were asked to go home. The remaining athletes who were unable to do so, have been accommodated at the Philsports dormitory.

They will be provided with food, recreation facilities, and medical monitoring.

Dormitory Manager, Roselle Destura explained that some of the athletes needed to stay as they were unable to get

tickets since its all sold out for their destination.

There are 28 athletes, 4 Filipino coaches and 2 Korean coaches -- from fencing, boxing, athletics, and 6 para-sports --- being assisted at Philsports.

Acting Executive Director Merlita Ibay supervised the sanitation activities in both venues, as well as making sure that athletes who need assistance to go home like booking and buying their trip tickets are properly helped.

The two Deputy Executive Directors, Atty.

Guillermo Iroy and Simeon Rivera, meanwhile, shall ensure that staff are available for any medical emergencies, delivery of basic services in the facilities and its remaining occupants, as well as the processing of salaries and allowances of national coaches and athletes.

“We all increase our susceptibility when we go out of our homes, but we also know that there are very basic services that we need to deliver.

I appreciate the sacri�ice of our of�icers and staff to brave the risk to work on these things. Ito talagang para sa inang bayan,” said Ramirez who has been very hands-on in ensuring that all preventive measures are taken for the safety of athletes, coaches and employees.

Naturalization of 2 foreign booters pushed in Senate

S

enator Juan Miguel Zubiri sought for the naturalization of two proli�ic foreign football players who are currently starring for reigning Philippines Football League champion Ceres Negros.

Zubiri recently �iled Senate Bills 1390 and 1391 to grant Filipino citizenships to Robert Lopez Mendy and Bienve Marañon.

T

UAAP cancels Season 82

he University Athletic Association of the Philippines announced on Saturday that it is canceling the ongoing season due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-2019).

The announcement, written by Season 82 president Emmanuel Fernandez and executive director Rebo Saguisag, came on the heels of a community quarantine imposed in Metro Manila beginning Sunday (March 15) until

Bienve Maranon (top) and Robert Lopez Mendy (bottom).

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

BREAKING GOALS Arcadia Fitness Gym March Ablaze workout tilt underway, group classes suspended

Arcadia Fitness Gym has temporarily suspended its group classes.

However, an individual goal-setting contest dubbed as March Ablaze is underway from March 1-30

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

A

s the threat of the coronavirus grips Davao City, most residents are staying indoors. The inactivity could lead to some �itness issues especially for those who regularly work out in the gym.

Not to worry though, Arcadia Fitness Gym has assured members and guests it is keeping up the hygiene of the entire facility and made the necessary adjustment of cancelling group classes as a precaution to the threats of infection and protection to all gym users and staff.

The gym management has employed thermal scanning for all gym users, limit of sauna users to a maximum of three persons at the same time and cautioning members not to use the facility if they are unwell.

To encourage individual goal-setters, Arcadia Fitness Gym launched March Ablaze, a month-long individual competition for all valid members.

Members may pick one (1) from four (4) workouts,

namely: Push Up, Kettle bell swing, Squat and Burpee.

They then sign up and take on the challenge with as many repetitions as possible of the workout they picked.

Participants with the longest repetitions made will be chosen as winner.

There will be one winner in every workout category.

Arcadia Fintess Gym also recently laucnhed its �irst ever weight-loss competition dubbed as Summer Slimdown 2020.

The competition aims to provide inspiration in leading the way to �it, active and healthy life. The event will last for 12 weeks with 3 winners to be picked after the competition period. The competition is open to all Arcadia Fitness Gym members.

Interested members may inquire through the Arcadia Fitness Gym reception or call (0917) 146 4304 or (0923) 104 2585 for details of the competition and mechanics.

Arcadia Fitness Gym, located at the lobby of Davao’s

BREAKING GOALS, P9