Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 182 | Thursday, November 21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NOT ALL BUFFETS ARE CREATED EQUAL

Serving a seamless society

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

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An attendant of a vape shop along Arellano Street in Davao City shows a vape machine on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

VAPE DAYS OVER President’s order draws mixed reactions from netizens, vapers want regulation not total ban

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO with a report from MAYA M. PADILLO resident Rodrigo Duterte's or- born stand to keep vaping cannot stop us," posted in isolated places like cars one netizen on social meder for a total ban on vaping has and homes to changing dia on Wednesday.

Zakaria Aming, an sparked mixed reactions among political loyalties. Some also accused tobacco attendant at Vapecology netizens in Davao City. manufacturers for lob- Hub and a self-confessed

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Although most of those who are into vaping whom Edge Davao approached refused to make their comments public, there was a con-

tained uproar on social media the morning after the President's pronouncement.

The reactions stemmed from a stub-

bying strongly to ban the use of vapes or technically known as electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).

"Sad reality but they

vaper for over 4 years, said most of their customers got worried upon hearing the news.

"Unsaon na lang tong wala pa totally nag-quit of

smoking? Na hadlok sila Kung totally i-ban, mubalik na pud sila ug yosi?," Aming told EDGE Davao.

In terms of business operations, Aming admitted they are apprehensive.

"Medyo nabalaka mi.

Dili hinuon ko sure na maundang amo negosyo kay so far wala pa man ac-

tions from the city against vaping," Aming said.

But what Aming was more worried about is the possibility of being arrested. "Ang lain lang man kay katong arrest na term kay dili man mi kriminal. Kung mag vape mi sa smoking area, dakpon mi, unfair man pud. "

VAPE, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

CHO to leave no room for complacency on gov’t’s campaign against polio

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President Rodrigo Duterte holds a press conference at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

he City Health Of�ice (CHO) will leave no room for complacency in the government’s campaign against polio even as the Davao River has tested negative of the poliovirus.

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) declared the Davao River poliovirus-free after a second water sampling conducted last month yielded no traces of the poliovirus. The water sampling was conducted two months after the �irst test in August.

“Although our Davao River is now negative of poliovirus, vaccination is still a must since the virus might have already proliferated,” CHO Technical Division Chief, Dr. Julinda Acosta said.

Acosta urged parents to submit their children for the second round of the Oral Polio Vaccination from November 25 to December 2.

Acosta was hopeful the

Gov’t services reach isolated villages in Davao Occidental

Pasko Fiesta security plan T ready for implementation

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he security plan for the monthlong Pasko Fiesta 2019 is ready for full implementation with more security forces up for deployment for the opening event.

Angel Sumagaysay, the head of the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), said, “We are more than ready for the Pasko Fiesta. There will be augmentations coming from the Police Regional Of�ice 11 for additional warm bodies.”

Sumagsaysay said coordination meetings were held in the run-up to the

Pasko Fiesta opening on Friday (22 November) at 5:30 p.m., City Hall grounds.

Friday’s opening is expected to draw hundreds of spectators being one of the major highlights of this year’s Christmas celebration.

Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) Director Police Colonel Kirby John Kraft said police personnel have

DOLE releases EEP payout to displaced Vitarich workers

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lose to 400 displaced employees of the Vitarich Dressing Plant in Tugbok, Davao this City received their wages after rendering minimal jobs in the barangay which include cleaning up of streets and canals and beautifying community parks.

The bene�iciaries became jobless due to the temporary closure of Vitarich. The displaced were immediately given assistance under the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers) or EEP (Emergency Employment Program). Under the program, the bene�iciaries received a daily minimum wage of P396. A total of P2.1 million was extended to the recipients last November 15, 2019.

The payout was attended by DOLE XI Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante. In his message, Agravante said, “DOLE will continue to extend our Emergency Employment Program or TUPAD to affected and displaced constituents in Davao Region.

For you receiving your wages today, please spend your money wisely. Unahin dapat ang needs nang bawat pamilya niyo.”

The intervention was facilitated last November 15, 2019 by DOLE-Davao City Field Of�ice under the headship of Chief Erlinda G. Mamitag in partnership with the Davao City Mayor’s Of�ice and the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor headed by Commissioner Norman B. Baloro. (By Eduardo P. Monreal, LCO-Designate, TSSD, DOLE RO XI)

been detailed to the San Pedro Police Station and the Sta. Ana Police Station to help secure the San Pedro Square, a Maximum Security Zone-declared zone.

Kraft said the temporary detailing of personnel to San Pedro Police and Sta. Ana Police Stations is one of the measures done to maintain peace and order throughout the celebration.

“More forces were detailed at Sta. Ana and San Pedro Police Station where most of the activities will take place. This is to ensure the peaceful conduct of the activities,” he said.

Kraft said the police

have also secured the Roxas Night Market due to the in�lux of people, especially with the upcoming holidays.

“There will be more police in the street and more security personnel in the venues of Pasko Fiesta,” he said.

The city government has lined up several activities such as the Pasko Fiesta Carnival, Pasko Pahalipay sa Barangay, Pahalipay ni Santa, 3D Wall Mapping, Hulagway sa Pasko, Panaygon sa Davao, Pasko sa mga Lumad, Torotot Festival, Sayaw sa Pasko and others.

CIO

CHO would replicate the success of the �irst round held in August, which covered 99.48 percent or 185,901 children in the city aged 0-59 months.

She said the elimination of the poliovirus from the Davao River was the result of the cooperation of the public, especially on the call for zero defecation in river banks and beaches.

“When we found out that there is a poliovirus in the country and Davao River tested positive of the virus, we called a meeting with all resort owners, barangay captains, and residents living in the river banks to inform them about the virus and that we should have a zero defecation in the city to avoid the virus from spreading,” Acosta recalled.

The CHO has also been advising residents to always practice good and proper hygiene - wash their hands, ensure that they have own bathrooms, and take the vaccine. CIO

housands of residents from a "Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area" (GIDA) in the Davao Occidental town of Jose Abad Santos (JAS), bene�ited from the convergence of government services on Monday.

Member-agencies of the Davao Occidental Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con�lict (PTF-ELCAC) organized the service caravan in Barangays Quiapo, San Isidro, Kalbay, and Molmol in JAS town.

Governor Claude Bautista said the service caravan aims to support the government's drive to address communist armed con�lict in far-�lung areas where the communist New People's Army (NPA) maintains a presence.

Bautista said the activity was the second ser-

vice caravan for Barangay Molmol, the farthest barangay of JAS where government services had been scarce because of distance and road inaccessibility.

“That’s why we are here to let you know that the provincial government will continue to provide services. We are here to let you feel that the government will always be here for you,” the governor assured residents, as he called on people’s cooperation and support to attain lasting peace and progress in the province.

On the other hand, JAS Mayor Jason John Joyce assured his constituents that government services will reach the farthest and the poorest area.

“We want your wives and children to be safe.

They don’t have to join the war. The government

GOV’T, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

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Low water pressure to no water in all areas served by Calinan WSS

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio smiles as she interacts with members of the media in a news conference in this undated photo. The mayor in her speech read by Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte during

the launching of Peace Economy campaign at the Ateneo de Davao University on Wednesday has urged Dabawenyos to sign up and be a partner in the creation of the Peace Economy. Lean Daval Jr

avao City Water District advises the public of two schedules of low water pressure to no water on November 24, 2019 from 12:01 AM to 2:30 AM and from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM in all areas served by Calinan Water Supply System (WSS).

Affected areas are Davao-Bukidnon Road (from corner Sampaguita Street to Kabisig Village) including San Roque Village, Robillo Compound, Francisco Subd., Lanzona Village, Bagobo Village, Mandagit Village, Teachers Village, and Fortune Village; De Lara Street including Durian Village, Estrella Village, Megaville Subd., Pioneer Subd., HILSHA I, and Annies Home and Country Village; Datu Abing Street, Anthurium Street including Sitio Balite, Peñano Street, Feria Street including Buhawi Village; R. Magsaysay Street (from corner Datu Abing Street to corner

Malagos-Baguio Road); portion of Malagos-Baguio Road (from corner R. Magsaysay Street to corner of road going to 73rd Infantry Battalion Camp); Rubber Village, Lagazo Village, Park Avenue, Abayon Subd., Naraval Road, Sitio Bagsak, Villafuerte Street including Palarca Compound and Domingga Village, Dacudao Calinan, and Upper Dacudao Calinan.

DCWD’s Calinan Production Well No. 2 will be affected by the Davao Light and Power Company’s (DLPC) power interruption on the said dates needed to facilitate the upgrading of DLPC’s Calinan Substation.

With the power interruptions, the production well will not be able to operate and produce water, and in turn, will not be able to supply water to the affected areas.

Although the power cuts are shorter in dura-

avao City Water District advises the general public that the New Service Connection (NSC) orientation has been reduced to seven minutes.

This new improvement effective November 14, 2019 saves customers around one hour of transaction time.

Instead of being done by groups and in schedules, the orientation will be provided directly by a Customer Service Assistant (CSA) upon inquiry of the customer.

In this new method, the CSA instructs the applicant on how to properly �ill-out the NSC application form; explains the applicable documentary and technical requirements which includes the proof of possession, competent evidence of identity, and standard plumbing provision; gives a copy of the frequently asked questions; advises the customer to follow the steps in NSC Application; and informs the customer of the NSC fee and standard time for on-site investigation, installation of water

meter, and veri�ication.

DCWD assures that the CSAs will have standard orientation as all of them have undergone certi�ication trainings as orientation facilitators.

The reduction in orientation time is one of the improvements of DCWD’s ISO 9001:2015 certi�ication of its NSC process. This certi�ication is among DCWD’s efforts to achieve high customer service satisfaction.

This improvement also supports the Ease of Doing Business and Ef�icient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 mandating all government agencies to streamline and simplify processes of services.

For other queries relating to this process and any matters pertaining to DCWD services, the general public is advised to contact DCWD's call center through the 24-hour hotlines 235-3293, 0927798-8966, 0908-441-0653, and 0925-511-3293 and DCWD Facebook Page chat support (www.davao-water.gov.ph). (Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod)

Peace Economy to address D poverty, inequality: Mayor

By MAYA M. PADILLO he launching of Peace Economy Wednesday at Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) promises what is envisioned to be an enduring peace as it aims to address inequality and poverty anchored in the slogan “sharing wealth.”

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Peace economy is a system of producing, distributing and consuming goods and services that leads to an improved quality of life for producers in local communities, consumers in rural and urban areas also distributors who connect producers to the market.

An initiative of the Peace 911 Program in Paquibato District, Peace Economy is characterized by sustainable local production and democratic ownership, limited num-

ber of intermediaries between producers and consumers, responsible consumption, environmental sustainability and human security.

According to the message of Mayor Sara Duterte read by Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, peace economy is an exciting innovation that the city government of Davao is supporting.

Duterte said it is developing a model of economic development that is based on changing the relation-

4th PWS turnover in Libudon

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n Wednesday, November 20, a fourth potable water system (PWS) of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) was turned over to the City of Mati LGU. The PWS turnover in Barangay Libudon was attended by Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, City Councilor Eric Rabat, Engr. Rosendo Linsag, Engr. Ryan Cordova of Philippine Rural Development Project, City Planning and Development Of�ice staff, City Agriculturist Eleanor E. Sambas, Barangay Captain Renerio Angsinco, Barangay Of�icials, City of Mati employees, Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Association (BAWASA) of�icials, and Barangay Libudon PWS bene�iciaries.

“After how many years,

I am back here with a purpose which is to turnover the potable water system.

I am very thankful to the barangay of�icials especially to our barangay captain for the support, thru their efforts we are able to �inish the construction. In just a span of four months we already turned over four patubig projects to the four barangays. I would like also to thank Ma’am Elenita for donating her land, thank so much ma’am with this you will be more blessed. The source of the water here Sitio Pabo is very stable with that we can still share to the other barangays who also need water.

I am encouraging everyone to take care of the water source, the LGU is here to support on the operation

4TH, P10

ships of producers with buyers and consumers as well as the environment and their government so that wealth is created and shared.

“For that is what we are aspiring to create in our city, a city of peace for all,” she said.

Duterte described that kind of city can endure “only if our relationships be it political, economic or social are based on respect for each other as human beings with dignity, rights and freedom. “ She also cited eight pillars of positive peace in a city of peace namely a well-functioning government, low levels of corruption, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbors, sound business environment, equitable distribution of resources, high lev-

els of human capital, and free �low of information, with gender equality as a cross-cutting feature.

“It is rooted in equality and fairness in partnerships and builds a bridge between producers, the business sector, civil society and government.

It increases connectors among people and communities. It builds peace,” said Irene Santiago, peace adviser to the local government of Davao.

Barangay Captain Jessie Areja of Malabog said the implementation of Peace Economy has helped farmers in Malabog, which is a vegetable producing barangay, increase their income by partnering with Helen’s Farm of the NCCC Group of Companies.

“Nagstart ang Peace

PEACE, P9

FROM NORCOT TO BANGSAMORO. Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led by Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim officially receives from North Cotabato’s Acting Governor Emmylou Talino-Mendoza the symbolic key of responsibility during the

LOW WATER, P9

DCWD reduces transaction time for new service connection orientation

turnover on Wednesday of the 63 predominantly Moro barangays in North Cotabato that voted yes to inclusion in the Bangsamoro region in February this year. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

BSP readies new reforms for 2020

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A rice vendor displays commercial rice at a stall at Agdao Public Market in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City on Wednesday. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has warned against the proposed sus-

pension of rice importation by some sectors to address the issues faced by local farmers resulting from the tariffication law will trigger inflation.

Lean Daval Jr

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to implement two new regulations targeted to further protect banks’ operational risks by 2020.

In her speech during the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) membership meeting in Makati City Tuesday, BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said they are scheduled to implement by June next year the supervisory assessment framework or SAFr in lieu of the CAMELS rating.

CAMELS is an international rating system that checks on banks’ capital adequacy, management capability, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity.

Fonacier said SAFr will have a four-point rating on banks’ overall health, with 4 as the highest and 1 as the lowest, unlike CAMELS’ 5 ratings.

“It features an assessment that is business model-centric that will shape the BSP’s supervi-

sory intervention and in�luence, the frequency of examination,” she said.

Fonacier said they have conducted a parallel run with a major bank for SAFr implementation, but the results of the comparison with CAMELS are still being �inalized.

She explained SAFr is forward-looking assessment while CAMELS’ is historical thus, there are some developments after the assessment period that are not incorporated vis-à-vis the bank’s ratings.

In an interview by journalists after the event, Fonacier said banks should be able to properly assess the risks and prepare for these because this is part of risk management.

“This is reputation risk management, meaning they should be very conscious of what are the potential threats to the reputation of the bank,” she said.

BSP, P9

Suspension of rice importation can push up inflation: Pernia T he country’s chief economist on Tuesday cautioned against the proposed suspension of rice importation by some sectors to address the issues faced by local farmers resulting from the tarif�ication law, saying this move can trigger in�lation.

“We will be back to where we were last year and the poor will suffer,”

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia told reporters on the side-

lines of Monitoring and Evaluation Forum.

Pernia, also Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said in�lation for the 30 percent poorest has already declined to 0.9 percent.

The country’s in�lation rate surged to a nine-year high to 6.7 percent in September 2018 due to higher

food prices caused by supply disruptions following the onslaught of a typhoon.

It declined to a threeyear low to 0.8 percent in October 2019 due to lower food prices. The rice tarif�ication law continued to help increase rice supply thus allowing more Filipinos to access cheaper rice, a NEDA of�icial earlier said.

“The much bigger majority are bene�itting,” Per-

nia added.

However, the implementation of the rice tarif�ication program, which allows the expansion of the private sector’s role in the import market, has been blamed for the steep drop in farm-gate prices of palay.

But Pernia said there are already measures that will alleviate the “dif�iculty” of rice farmers.

He was referring to PHP3 billion in cash assistance being given to 600,000 rice farmers tilling one hectare and below affected by low palay prices.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said additional PHP3-billion cash aid will be allotted for rice farmers tilling 1.01 hectares to two hectares next year. (PNA)

epartment of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar on Tuesday assured more interventions would be given to farmers affected by the implementation of the Rice Tarif�ication Law (RTL).

To ensure the proper and ef�icient implementation of the RTL, Dar said the DA is committed to fast-track the various components and interventions under the PHP10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

“We have started the RCEF seed distribution, conduct trainings, bidding for machinery, alongside the validation of farmers’ cooperatives, and processing and granting of loans,” Dar said in his �irst 100 days report since he assumed of�ice.

Dar said implementing the RTL is both a “challenge and an opportunity to transform our traditional rice lands into modern farming communities through the annual PHP10-billion resources that RCEF provides.”

He said this year’s RCEF has been allocated to make rice farmers more

competitive and to prop up prices of palay, which has dropped to 1.4 percent in the third week of September to PHP15.96 per kilogram, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

The DA chief said President Rodrigo Duterte also approved the granting of PHP3 billion as unconditional cash assistance to bene�it 600,000 rice farmers tilling one hectare and below.

Dar said additional PHP3-billion cash assistance will be allotted next year for rice farmers tilling 1.01 hectares to two hectares.

Another PHP2.5 billion was also allocated for the expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance (SURE) Aid Program wherein PHP15,000 zero-interest loan payable in eight years will be available to affected farmers tilling one hectare or less.

The National Food Authority (NFA) was also given PHP7-billion budget to buy palay directly from the farmers, of which some 10.25 million bags were procured.

In partnership with

provincial government units, governors of the top 33 rice-producing provinces have committed an initial PHP5 billion to procure palay from their farmers, and dry and mill the grains into rice, and sell them directly to their constituents and institutional buyers.

Dar said the amount is on top of the PHP3.5 billion credit line the local governments of Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and Camarines Sur have secured from the Land Bank of the Philippines to bankroll palay procurement and related rice industry chain initiatives.

On the issue of rampant rice smuggling, Dar said they are conducting investigations together with concerned government agencies, which include the possible collusion between DA personnel and traders.

“May kutsabahan, meron kaming iniimbestigahan, even our men and women sa department, nagkukutsabahan so nakakalusot (There is collusion.

We are investigating our own men and women in the department, they are in collusion [with traders]

so [smuggled items] slip past authorities),” he said.

Dar said the DA is working with authorities to resolve the “huge” illegal entry of imported rice.

“Maraming dumating na imported na bigas na walang import clearance or used recycled clearance kaya kinumpiska ang mga ito ng Bureau of Customs (A huge volume of imported rice arrived in the country but without import clearance or have used recycled clearance so these were con�iscated by the Bureau of Customs),” he said.

Dar said the smuggled rice is not included in the 2.9 MMT of imported rice recorded entered the country from January to October 30 this year.

Despite the challenges, Dar committed to pursuing imperatives with greater vigor and “laser-like’’ focus to enable Filipino farmers and �ishers to be more prosperous and transform them into agri-preneurs.

“Truth be told, the �irst 100 days have not been easy. {But) we have made a strong beginning, we have only just begun,” he said.

(PNA)

Economist notes PH's More interventions for farmers affected by RTL improving BOP position D

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n economist of ING Bank on Tuesday cited the improvement of the Philippines balance of payment (BOP) position so far this year, tracing this to investors’ positive sentiments.

Citing data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the country registered a USD163-million BOP surplus last October, a jump from month-ago’s USD38-million surplus and a reversal from the USD458-million de�icit in the same period last year.

To date, the country’s BOP surplus amounts to USD5.73 billion, a turnaround from year-ago’s USD5.59-billion de�icit.

Mapa attributed the surplus to net portfolio investment in�lows last October, which the central bank reported to have reached USD105 million.

He cited the BOP surpluses in nine of the 10 months so far this year, with the de�icit posted last June at USD404 mil-

lion.

Mapa added the �inancial in�lows helped “offset sustained bleeding stemming from a trade de�icit.”

But he said although the trade gap narrowed from 2018, the current account balance is expected to remain in the red for the balance of 2019.

“A sharp reversal in risk sentiment and in�lation outlook have helped bolster the Philippines as a destination for investment �lows, which is all the more impressive given the fact that direct investments (FDI) have been contracting,” he said.

Mapa said �inancial market turmoil has been kept at a minimum given improved communication from central bank of�icials despite successive rounds of easing now that in�lation is under control.

The economist, meanwhile, forecast de�icits in the country’s BOP position in 2020, similar to the 2018 situation since the Federal Reserve is “expected to be neutral

ECONOMIST, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

DOH unfazed by vape ban’s impact on UHC funding

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he Department of Health (DOH) is unfazed by the implication of a ban on importation and public use of vape on funding for the universal health care (UHC) program, an of�icial said Wednesday.

The Department of Finance (DOF) projected that taxes on electronic cigarettes will reach P1 billion to P2 billion a year, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said at a news forum.

The amount is signi�icantly lower than the P70 billion to P80 billion in taxes collected from alcohol and cigarettes, which are expected to increase by P40 to P50 billion by 2020, he said.

The tax revenue from alcohol, tobacco cigarettes, and electronic cigarettes will support the implementation of the UHC law.

“Mas marami pa tayong ginagastos para gamutin ‘yung mga nagkakasakit sa vape kaysa doon sa kikitain natin sa tax on vapes,” Domingo said at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

“So hindi tayo takot kung i-ban talaga ni Presidente ‘yan, hindi magkakaroon ng malaking effect ‘yan sa funding ng universal health care. Even the projections of DOF are very small,” he said.

Domingo welcomes President Rodrigo Duterte’s verbal order on Tues-

day night for law enforcement to arrest people vaping in public. Duterte also announced that he will ban the use and importation of electronic cigarettes.

The department is now waiting for the executive order with the speci�ics of the President’s pronouncements.

The World Health Organization has said that electronic cigarettes are “undoubtedly harmful” and should be subject to regulation, but a Philippine court has issued an injunction prohibiting the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration from regulating the products while a case is pending.

Domingo said health authorities want to regulate the contents of e-cigarettes and vapes to ensure they would not contain poisonous substances; to prevent their sale to minors, prohibit their use in public; and restrict �lavors and advertising that may attract children.

A 16-year-old girl from Central Visayas was reported to have been the country’s �irst vaping-related lung injury, though Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said at the time that tests were being conducted for other possible causes.

Domingo said the minor spent a few days in an intensive care unit and has since recovered. Her case is under evaluation, he told reporters.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar (center), together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) undersecretary for Research and Development and National ASEAN COSTI chairperson-Philippines Dr. Rowena Christina Guevara and Samsung Electronics vice president and Samsung R&D Institute chief technology

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limate change could directly cost the world economy $7.9 trillion by mid-century as increased drought, �looding and crop failures hamper growth and threaten infrastructure, new analysis showed Wednesday.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Climate Change Resilience Index measured the preparedness of the world’s 82 largest economies and found that based on current trends the fallout of warming temperatures would shave off three percent of global GDP by 2050.

Its analysis, which assesses each country’s direct exposure to loss as climate change brings more frequent extreme weather events, found Africa was most at-risk, with 4.7 percent of its GDP in the balance.

In general, developing nations faired poorer in terms of resiliency than richer ones.

“Being rich matters,” John Ferguson, EIU country analysis director, told AFP. “Richer nations are really able to be more resilient towards the impacts of climate change, so this really threatens growth trajectories of the developing world as they try to catch up with the developed world.”

“When we are already dealing with global inequality, for the impacts of climate change the developing world’s challenges are much

greater,” he added.

Of the countries evaluated, Angola stood to lose the most—as much as 6.1 percent of gross domestic product.

The study put this down to a mixture of a lack of quality infrastructure, as well as its geographical exposure to severe drought, soil erosion and rising sea levels.

Land degradation in Angola would prove a “signi�icant” economic hindrance, the report said, given that agriculture is its largest employer.

Nigeria (5.9 percent negative GDP), Egypt (5.5 percent), Bangladesh (5.4 percent) and Venezuela (5.1 percent) were the next most climate vulnerable nations identi�ied in the analysis.

Act now, and later The analysis said rising temperatures meant the global economy was projected to hit $250 trillion by 2050, as opposed to $258 trillion with no climate impact.

While the United States—still the world's largest economy at market rates—is forecast to be one of the least impacted, the EIU noted that President Donald Trump’s policies represented a “temporary setback” in the climate �ight.

Russia was predicted to lose �ive percent of GDP by 2050 and will “suffer more than most other countries in the world from the negative effects of climate change,”

CLIMATE, P10

officer Dr. Aloknath De, says during a news conference for the 2nd ASEAN-India Innotech Summit at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Wednesday that summits like this are great platforms to enhance the economic and technological cooperation between member countries of ASEAN and India. Lean Daval Jr

India sees agri linkages in Davao Region, Mindanao

By MAYA M. PADILLO griculture is one major areas India is looking at via linkages in Davao Region and Mindanao.

A Climate impacts ‘to cost world $7.9T’ by 2050

ECONOMY 5

Ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar of the Embassy of India to the Philippines told media in a press conference during the opening of ASEAN -India 2nd InnoTech Summit held at SMX Convention Center, Wednesday, that Davao Region and Mindanao present enormous opportunities.

Only last month, there were four agreements that were signed between entities in India and entities here both government and non-government for local products including onions and garlics.

“Your indigenous garlics just like in India are very pungent. Some agreements were signed on setting a pilot farms in Mindanao regions that will really improved productivity of onions and garlic and it will result to hundreds of millions of dollars,” Mazumdar said.

He also said an agreement was also signed with Landbank of the Philippines for the use of a satellite technology applications for risk reduction for �inancing in agriculture or agriculture risk insurance to use satellite technology.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippines in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-India (DST-India), Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the National Innovation Foundation -India (NIF) is hosting the ASEAN-India Grassroots Innovation Forum and 2nd ASEAN-India InnoTech Summit slated on November 20 to 22.

The 2nd ASEAN-India InnoTech Summit aims to build capacity between the regions and explore various areas of collaboration in the �ield of science, tech-

nology and innovation and will serve as a networking ground for people to explore more opportunities and be able to connect with players and stakeholders.

The Grassroots Innovation Forum is envisioned to uphold the strong and meaningful ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations with the theme “Shared Values, Common Destiny”. There will be panel discussions, social and student innovation competitions and exhibitions wherein the objective is to share experience and best practices in order to promote grassroots innovation in communities.

“The innovation and culture we have so many things in common between India and the Philippines. I would like to capitalize on getting all the innovations, all the business common grounds that we can capitalize on both countries’ strength and that case India has been already successful and the Philippines is also fast growing. A good example is India is doing so

good, why can Philippines too?” Said Johnny Chotrani, country chair (Philippines) ASEAN-India Business Council.

Chotrani said there are areas that Philippines is doing good and India can also be part of it.

According to him this kind of platform can help both countries to have more collaborations, more communications that will lead to something.

“In fact before it was dif�icult to �ind intermarriage, now we have so much intermarriage Indians and �ilipinos and �ilipinos and Indians which was not possible before.

This only shows that we are now not looking at two separate countries but looking together in all aspects,” he said.

The three-day event boasts participation of delegates from ASEAN neighboring nations including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

nization, the MX-5 two-seat roadster, more popularly known as the Miata, is the most reliable car in the US for 2020 with a reliability score of 95 points out of 100.

“It is no surprise that Mazda continues to improve not only in terms of design and performance, but more so in overall quality and reliability,” shares Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines.

“The fourth generation MX-5s we see on our roads today come from the same manufacturing plant in Hiroshima as the rest of the MX-5s around the world.

As such, they bene�it from the same attention to detail that Japan-made Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past few decades.”

Tan adds, “Speaking on behalf of Mazda’s engineering, design and production discipline, the level of com-

mitment to quality in order to achieve this high level of reliability is extraordinary for a company of this size.

Mazda’s unrelenting commitment to quality from the start of a model’s life cycle, while at the same time pioneering innovation and building-in improvement processes into its products, ensures reliability throughout its lineup. Being ranked just behind a known luxury

Consumer reports ranks Mazda as the second most reliable car brand in the US for 2020

M

azda jumps up two points in the 2020 Consumer Reports Brand Reliability Survey to rank second overall among 30 automotive brands studied. The study shows Mazda garnering a total of 77 points in its 0-100 points scale. This is just 4 points shy from the top-ranked brand on the 2020 list. According to the US-based nonpro�it, independent consumer advocacy orga-

CONSUMER, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

EDITORIAL Cookware mentality What on Drilon’s mind pushed him to disrespect this work of art for an ordinary kitchenware? For his plain penchant for derision, Drilon may be afforded amnesty. But for his ignorance, a life sentence of deep slumber in stupidity.

For Drilon’s consumption, a Game’s cauldron is not just an ordinary piece of metal. It’s a monument of camaraderie, competition and hospitality. A testament of a nation’s commitment to excellence. It holds the �lame of peace and friendship. It will stand there for ages, for the next generation of Filipinos to remember that they can be great too.

It is there to remind everyone to be active. To move, not slumber. To participate not denigrate. To be dynamic and energetic. Not a bumbling sleepyhead and swivel chair potato.

A netizen wrote a very �ine piece of explanation: “The budget used to construct a National Artist’s work like the Cauldron will always be an investment into the community’s cultural capital, one whose returns will not only be monetary (tourism, rent) but also educational and cultural. Used properly, the government can actually earn that P50 million back again, and even earn more.”

Drilon should listen to his barber when he says: “If I cut your hair in 5 minutes, it’s because I spent 50 years learning how to do it in 5 minutes. You are paying for the 50 years not the 5 minutes.”

The late Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa was a Filipino architect considered one of the most in�luential Filipino architects of the 20th century, for having pioneered the art of Philippine neovernacular architecture. The 88-year old virtuoso passed away last February but not after leaving one �inal masterpiece-the Games’ Cauldron of the 30th Southeast Asian Games which the country is hosting a few days from now.

As a National Artist, Mañosa is our national treasure. His contribution to uplift the standards of Philippine architecture is immeasurable. Priceless, even. To honor the man with monetary compensation for his work of art is an understatement. Every work of Mañosa deserves respect. To even measure it in sums of money in comparison with other structures is contempt. The SEA Games Cauldron being his last works is already a cultural property whose value is not measured by the cost of building it.

It is appalling that Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned what he called an extravagant “kaldero” for its cost amounting to approximately P50 million. In Drilon’s brain, whilst in awake state, could have been used to build 50 classrooms.

He said during a budget deliberation on Monday: “A 50-million kaldero. Do you realize that at P1 million per classroom this can construct 50 classrooms?

In other words, we did away with 50 classrooms in exchange for one kaldero.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

CHEERING UP FIGHT AMIDST THE ODDS The UAAP games galvanized an extraordinary sense of solidarity for the denizens of the University of the Philippines , often described as the microcosm of a highly diverse nation.

An academic community all too easily fractured by politics and personal interest, the cheer “UP FIGHT!” reverberated during the UAAP Season 82 as the UP Fighting Maroons Men’s basketball team fought UP style – “may giting at tapang.”

The Fighting Maroons have been branded as “Cramming Maroons” by fans due to their nail-biting, cardiac victories the entire season, three out of the nine wins have been one-point advantages.

Cramming is life for the UP community — even basketball games are no exception in that habit.

UP’s bid for the championship trophy unfortunately ended when it lost to UST during the Final Four stepladder game last November 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena with the score of 68-65.

However, the Maroons had their best record yet with a

nine-four (9-4) win-loss this season, with the support of groups such as Nowhere To Go But UP. One should not take for granted the improving winloss scoreboard under Coach Bo Perasol: 5-9 in Season 79, 6-8 in Season 80, , and 8- 6 in season 81 wherein the UP Fighting Maroons entered the Finals but sadly lost to defending champion Ateneo.

Out of the 1,115 points earned by the team this season, 236 points were from Kobe Paras, 235 points from Bright Akuete, 151 points from Javi Gomez de Liano, 134 points from Ricci Rivero and 132 points Jun Manzo.

In front of thousands of UP fanatics, the Six J’s — seniors Jun Manzo, Janjan Jaboneta, Jerson Prado, Jose Piero Longa, Jaydee Tungcab, and Jaybie Mantilla — sang UP Naming Mahal for the last time last November 13.

“They should continue to have that winning mindset.

Even though we weren’t able to get a �inals spot, I hope they continue pushing for the Final Four. I’m thanking UP that they accepted my transfer.

We did everything we could. I don’t regret anything”, Manzo said in an interview. With 132 points , 56 rebounds, and 64 assists, his number of assists is the highest among the team members.

Bright Akhuetie, the team’s 6-foot-8 center, viewed this season with a positive note: “Winners don’t stop when they lose, they learn and get better.”

At the start of the season, Kobe was confronted with very high expectations, whether he liked it or not, being the son of Philippine basketball legend Benjie Paras. Kobe did not let down the UP community with his performance this season with 236 points , 72 rebounds, and 25 assists.

“I’ve learned to love myself and be more appreciative of what I have instead of wanting more things,” Kobe said in an interview after UP’s loss over UST. “I think that’s a lesson for a lot of people in this world that you have to be grateful for what you have.

You can’t be �ishing for stuff you don’t have. You’ll never be complete.”

A campus anecdote was

that the varsity team was once known as the UP Parrots but was replaced with a new moniker that revived the old (circa 1920s) name Maroons along with the adjective “�ighting” to describe the sportsmanship attitude that the UP varsity teams must possess during the games.

In 1986 when EDSA Revolution happened, UP won over UE Red Warriors under the guidance of legendary coach Joe Lipa.

A year later, I entered UP Diliman as a freshman in 1987 but I still felt the championship euphoria as I often see Benjie Paras around the campus.

As chief photographer of Philippine Collegian from 1989 to 1991, I remember my coverages of the games with very few, if none, UP denizens inside the venue.

Almost thirty years later, securing tickets became a challenging feat in every game due to the increasing number of enthusiastic fans eager to shout “UP Fight” as the maroons battle it out to earn the spot for the �inal games.

Each game became

mini-reunions of Titos and Titas with endless photo-ops and reminiscing of college days memories over coffee, merienda or dinner.

With UP’s loss to UST, several criticisms lingered on how coach Bo handled the team.

One of the post I have seen says: “ Hope people stop bashing the coach who stood by and helped UPMBT get to where it is right now. He’s no longer yours but ours and we can only look with gratitude for what he’s done for the team. As far as I know, there are things more important than winning - loyalty, gratitude and brotherhood are among them.”.

UP lost but we will continue to shout UP Fight! *** Kule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the of�icial student publication of UP Diliman. 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).

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

THE CHINESE AMONG FILIPINO SENATORS It’s a little-known fact that a dozen or so of the Philippine senators are of Chinese descent or having a foreign bloodline.

Identifying all of them by name, though, may require the enlistment of a dedicated researcher who really can dig deep into their genealogical line.

The �irst Chinese-blooded senator was Cebuano native Sergio Osmeña y Suico, a son out of wedlock whose Chinese father was surnamed Sanson.

He served as senator (1922-35) and went on to become the second president of the Commonwealth after President Manuel L. Quezon died of tuberculosis in Saranac Lake, New York.

Vicente Yap Sotto, grandfather of Senate President Vicente Sotto III and principal author of Republic Act No. 53, the Press Freedom Law, as amended by Republic Act (RA) 11458, was also born in Cebu City; he served as senator from 1947 to 1950. Prior to this, he was elected municipal councilor, mayor and congressman of Cebu until 1925.

On the other hand, Jose Marino Gandiongco Espina, Rene to friends, was another Cebuano senator (1970-73)

who also served as provincial governor of Cebu. He is credited for crafting RA 6425, the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, the �irst anti-drug law of the country.

Another Cebuano senator was Ernesto F. Herrera, a trade union leader who was the son of the �irst Chinese consul in Cebu; he was born in Samboan, Cebu. He served as senator from 1987 to 1998. He was the principal author of RA 715, the amended Labor Code.

Roseller Tarroza Lim, known as the ‘Great Filibuster,’ was the lone senator from Zamboanga region. After his retirement from politics, he served as justice of the Court of Appeals until his death. In his honor, a town in Zambonga del Sur and a boulevard in Zamboanga City were named after him. February 6 of each year is celebrated in the city as ‘Dia de Roseller T. Lim.’ Meanwhile, Carlos Tan, a native of Ormoc, Leyte, was �irst elected municipal councilor before becoming a congressman. He served as senator during the Commonwealth period.

Muslim senator Santanina

Rasul, who served in the Senate for two terms (1987-95), was Chinese blooded. Her political career started as twoterm barrio councilor before she was elected member of the provincial Board of Sulu.

She co-authored RA 7192, the Women in Development and Nation-Building Act of 1995, in the Senate.

The other senators of Chinese descent are Benigno S. Cojuangco Aquino III (200710), the country’s 15th president; former Quezon City congressman Anna Dominique Marquez-Lim Coseteng (19922001), former Manila mayor Alfredo Siojo Lim (2004 to 2007), who �iled a bill reviving the Reserve Of�icers Training Course (ROTC) in college; Ferdinand Marcos (1959-65), whose biological father was judge Ferdinand Chua; and Sherwin Ting Gatchalian (2016-22), author of RA 10931, the law promoting universal access to quality tertiary education.

The newest Chinese-blooded senator is Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go of Davao City who, prior to his election in 2019, was more known as the presidential aid de camp. He

is credited for having popularized the Malasakit Centers, a pet project of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Aside from Osmeña, Marcos, and Aquino two other Philippine senators with Chinese blood were presidents José Paciano Laurel y García (192531) and Elpidio R. Quirino (1925-31).

Outside the Chinese, the other Filipino senators with foreign lineage are Jose Wright Diokno (1965-72); Magnolia Welborn Antonino (1968-72), Pilar Juliana Schramm Cayetano (2004-16; 2016-22), Robert Vincent Salazar Jaworski (1998-2001), Alan Peter Schramm Cayetano (20072016), Freddie Nelie Webb (1992-98), Robert Zabala Barbers (1998-2004) and John Henry Renner Osmeña (197186; 1987-95; 1998-2001).

Diokno was principal author of RA 6173, or the Oil Industry Commission Act of 1971, while Antonino worked for the passage of RA 6124, the law providing for the �ixing of the maximum selling prices of essential articles or commodities and creating the price control.

Pia Cayetano, meanwhile, pushed for the passage of RA 10354, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012; RA 10028, or The Expanded Breastfeeding Promoting Act (RA 10028); and RA 9994, or The Expanded Senior Citizens Act, while his brother, Alan Peter, was the principal author of RA 9500, the University of the Philippines Charter Act of 2008.

Webb co-authored RA 7875, the National Health Insurance Act, while Barbers (nee Barbieri), grandson of an Italian American émigré, is credited for the passage of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which created the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

For his part. Osmeña, among others, authored RA 849, or The Municipal Telephone Act; RA 7156, or The Mini-Hydroelectric Program; RA 7925, or The Public Telecommunications Act of 1995 (RA 7925), RA 7354, he law creating the Philippine Postal Corp.; RA 7648, or The Electric Power Crisis Act and RA 7718, or The Build-to-Operate Act.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

FEATURE

CLIMATE CHANGE CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK

THE END IS NEAR

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Author’s Note: On November 18-25, the Philippines will join the international community in observance of the 12th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week) The world, with surging population, is not only getting smaller; it is also getting hotter!

Since 1880, respected scientists say the worldwide average temperature has increased about 0.9⁰F. This, however, is within the normal �luctuations range, meaning it could be a short-term change that will return to normal in the near future.

Sadly, instead of returning to normal, the temperature is getting warmer each year. In fact, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations-sponsored body made up of more than 1,500 leading scientists from all over the globe, projected an increase of the planet’s average surface temperature to be between 2.5⁰F and 10.4⁰F between 1990 and 2100.

The rise of the world’s temperature is the result of the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. GHGs include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chloro�luorocarbons (CFCs).

Scientists call this phenomenon as “greenhouse effect.” In an article published in Reader’s Digest, Robert James Bidinotto explained in these words: “When sunlight warms the earth, certain gases in the lower atmosphere, acting like a glass in a greenhouse, trap some of the heat as it radiates back into space.

These greenhouse gases warm our planet, making life possible.

“If they were more abundant, greenhouse gases might trap too much heat,” Bidinotto continued. “But if greenhouse gases were less plentiful or entirely absent, temperatures on Earth would average below freezing.”

Because concentrations of GHGs have been steadily increasing in recent years, the world’s average temperature completely changed.

“Climate change means much more than higher global temperature,” explained Heherson Alvarez when he was still the chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment. “Global warming could result in a wide range of catastrophic consequences: rising sea levels threatening archipelagic states, low-lying coastal areas and fertile deltas; increased frequency of typhoons, droughts and other extreme climate events; disturbances of ecosystems; greater aridity; and greater pressure on freshwater resources.”

Six years ago, the government-initiated Climate Change Commission (CCC) listed the Philippines as among the top ten countries most vulnerable to the impacts of this global phenomenon. “Climate change is more disastrous to the agricultural industry of the Philippines and its neighboring Asian countries than in other parts of the world,” argues Dr. David Street, of the US Argonne National Laboratory.

A World Bank report, Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines, has issued the same prediction. “Climate-related impacts are expected to reduce agricultural productivity in the Philippines,” the report said.

Rice, for instance, will be greatly affected by climate change. “Increasing carbon dioxide leads to increased photosynthesis and, potentially, more rice biomass. But concurrent increases in global temperature could also potentially limit rice harvests by increasing spikelet sterility,”

the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said in a statement.

A warmer climate causes the sea level to rise. The Philippines, whose coastline stretches 18,000 kilometers, is very vulnerable to sea level rise. In fact, the country ranks fourth in the Global Climate Risk Index as 15 provinces are susceptible to this climate change consequence.

As the atmosphere changes, typhoons will intensify and stronger. “When the oceans warm, the air above the oceans also warms,” wrote John Converset in a World Mission feature. “More water evaporates, creating greater humidity. Greater warmth and humidity over the oceans make storms more powerful. The winds are stronger and the amount of water that falls as precipitation can be astounding.”

This is bad news for people living near the coastal areas. “About 14% of the country’s total population and 42% of its total coastal population will be affected by intensifying storm surges resulting from more intense typhoons,” the World Bank report pointed out.

Climate change is most likely to spread diseases, causing “signi�icant loss of lives,” the IPCC said. In some areas, global warming is certainly to “cause several thousand extra heat-related deaths annually” as hotter and longer heat waves raise death rates from heart and lung diseases.

Higher temperature also affects migration and spawning patterns of various species. As temperatures warm, many plants, �ish, insects and bacteria may move into new areas, eradicating indigenous species.

“It is hard to know how severe these effects will be, but when combined with other stresses, including land

clearing and local pollution, climate change could have catastrophic consequences for more ecosystems,” the Washington, D.C.-based Worldwatch Institute claims.

Water resources are especially vulnerable to climate change. “In a warmer world, we will need more water – to drink and irrigate crops,” reminds the Panos Institute based in London. Already, the Philippines is experiencing water crisis in some regions.

“We are in trouble. We are in deep trouble with climate change,” said United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres during the opening of the 24th annual UN climate conference held in Poland some years back.

“It is hard to overstate the urgency of our situation,” Guterres pointed out. “Even as we witness devastating climate impacts causing havoc across the world, we are still not doing enough, nor moving fast enough, to prevent irreversible and catastrophic climate disruption.”

In a bid to slow global warming, scientists have suggested the curtailment the use of fossil fuels to reduce carbon dioxide emission.

Global warming can also be slowed down, they claim, by curbing the rate of deforestation and increasing carbon sinks through the help of oceans which extract carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into carbonates.

A fact sheet circulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that deforestation is “responsible for 25% of all carbon emissions entering the atmosphere” by burning and cutting of millions of hectares of trees each year.

According to Rainforest Relief, half of the total loss of rainforests has occurred in this century. At least 25% of the loss occurred in the last two decades. “The destruc-

tion of tropical forest alone is throwing hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year,” the DENR fact sheet pointed out.

Beginning in the 1930s, it took 60 years to log to destruction 80% of the country’s original forests, the Rainforest Relief reported. On the other hand, the DENR said the country losses 47,000 hectares of forest cover each year over the last 100 years.

That’s a troubling news.

But the good news is, a study bared that planting billions of trees is the “best climate change solution available today.” According to the study, planting more than 500 billion trees could remove 25% of existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“Our study shows clearly that forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today and it provides hard evidence to justify investment,” Zurich Professor Tom Crowther, senior study author, was quoted as saying

by BBC News. “If we act now, this could cut carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by up to 25%, to levels last seen almost a century ago.”

An article which came out in Nature also believe reforestation is one of the best ways to battle global warming. “When it comes to �ighting global warming, trees have emerged as one of the most popular weapons,” wrote Gabriel Popkin.

“With nations making little progress controlling their carbon emissions, many governments and advocates have advanced plans to plant vast numbers of trees to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in an attempt to slow climate change.”

Popkin reported that China is aiming to plant trees over an area up to four times the size of the United King-

dom. In the United States, California is allowing forest owners to sell credits to carbon dioxide-emitting companies, and other states are considering similar programs.

“The European Union is moving towards allowing countries to include forest planting in their plans to �ight climate change; some nations in the bloc have also pledged billions of dollars to tropical forest programs,” Popkin wrote.

In the Philippines, one tree that can help sequester carbon dioxide is coconut. In his paper presentation entitled, “Productive and Sustainable Coconut Farming Ecosystems as Potential Carbon Sinks in Climate Change Minimization: A Review and Advisory Notes,” Severino S. Magat explained the important role of the coconut lands against the negative impacts of climate change.

In coconut, as in most tree crops, carbon is stored or sequestered both by the biomass and the soil of the ecosystem, indicating that the biomass and the soil are the main carbon sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

These “carbon sinks” could be regulated and managed to a great extent by following proper cropping practices, according to Magat.

A two-year study conducted by Philippine Coconut Authority showed the annual rate of carbon sequestration in local tall variety coconut crop is 4.78 tons carbon per hectare. That is equivalent to 17.54 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, Magat claimed.

Aside from coconut, there’s bamboo. “A number of bamboo species are potential tools for carbon sequestration and combatting climate change,” Hans Friederich of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) reports.

THE END IS NEAR, P10

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

NOT ALL BUFFETS ARE CREATED EQUAL You can’t get enough of the Fish Fillet in Black Beans Sauce, it’s the face of goodness.

By NEIL BRAVO

WHY do we love buffets?

We can count the ways.

First, there’s nothing more satisfying on a Sunday than not having to cook at home and think of the weekend special. So the most convenient way is to run out and head to a restaurant for that family lunch or dinner.

But when not everyone in the family agree on the same food to eat, there is no better way than a buffet.

And because Sundays remind us that the weekend is almost over and another work week is about to start, having a great weekend meal can be the ultimate highlight.

Having decided to go for that buffet lunch or dinner, the next question that pops is “where?”

The Holiday menu.

Now, the next thing about buffet is having your body to debate whether to surrender to the gastronomic feast or to keep the calories under check. One conscience tells you to indulge and the other reminds you to watch your diet. That’s the paradox of the buffet.

To get the most of your buffet experience, Republique hits up some tips.

GETTING STARTED. Don’t starve yourself before going to the buffet. Get an overview of what’s in the buffet table. Take small portions.

GETTING INTO IT. Choose foods that you do not cook at home for yourself. Try to eat slowly and don’t overeat. Use a little selectivity. Clean your plate. Pick the desserts to die for.

Best of all, your buffet adventure should not have the mindset of getting back the value for what you paid for. Buffet food is just one thing, the rest is in the moments you share with.

For the Holiday season, Republique offers the Holiday Splash buffet. This offering gives buffet diners two pool passes at Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center for a minimum spend of P1,500.

Republique offers buffet from Tuesdays to Sundays, Lunch: 11am-2pm | Dinner: 5pm-10pm; and Sunday Buffet: 10:30am2pm | 5pm-10pm. Make your reservations online bit. ly/2Qp2cQa or contact (0917) 146 4304 or (0923) 104 2585.

The Dragon Ball gets us into the Christmas spirit in a shape that promises us luck and a taste that sets the festivity.

The rule of the thumb is, not all There are many kinds of buf- about it is it’s always great tastbuffets are created equal. fets, ranging from the luxury ing. hotel Sunday brunch to the bargain “hometown” diners.

The best thing about all of them is that you can actually see what you will eat before your plate hits the table.

In Davao City, you got the socalled predictable buffets--that much ballyhooed buffet restaurant offering birthday freebies or otherwise called as birth-fet-and there’s the non-predictable buffet fares which come up with exciting menus each time out.

That’s exactly what Republique Asian Fusion Cuisine’s buffet experience is all about.

Fiery mid-week special -- the Spicy Pork Ribs - tender, aromatic and deliciously flavored A family is worth a thousand friends. The only thing predictable and guaranteed to take you back in time.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

FOOD

URBANISSIMO A4

EVENT

Benjarong Davao Resident Thai Chef Suthin Songmuang.

rated everything so our guests can have a pleasurable and memorable dining experience,” explains Christopher Wichlan, General Manager of dusitD2 Davao; Dusit Thani Residence Davao; and The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, managed

by Dusit.

While Benjarong Manila’s vibe is more modern with sleek lines and a showy kitchen, Benjarong Davao is cozy, with many private nooks providing a comfortable atmosphere for diners to enjoy the flavours of Benjarong Davao’s authentic Thai dishes.

Leading the kitchen of Benjarong Davao are Resident Thai Chef Suthin Songmuang and Filipino Chef de Cuisine Jessa Marie Lacerna. With their direction and expertise, Benjarong Davao delivers delectable dishes that are made flavorful from fresh herbs and aromatic spices. “We are staying true to Benjarong’s roots and keeping all dishes as authentic as possible.

The taste would be as close to how Thai people know it [to be],” says Chef Lacerna.

Born in Udon Thani, a city in the northeast of Thailand, Chef Suthin creates dishes that are inspired by his mother’s home cooking. “My culinary style is based on the Isan region where I grew up. It is characterised by vibrant flavours, fresh herbs, and strong spices. Each dish is comfort food on a plate,” adds Chef Songmuang.

Thumbing over the menu, I was greeted with many traditional Thai dishes which include Som Tam (authentic Thai papaya salad), Tom Yam Gai (tiger prawn soup with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime and chili), Khao Pad Khai (fried rice with egg, carrot, tomato and spring onions), Pla Sam Ros (deep-fried seabass with three-flavor sauce),

Aerialist Shaira Jagonob dazzles the audience.

Thai Signature Cocktail.

Gung Sa Moon Prai (wok-fried tiger prawns with lemongrass, lime leaves, capsicum, chili and garlic), and the iconic Khao Niew Ma Muang (mango sticky rice with coconut ice cream).

My picks were Benjarong’s Beef and Chicken Satay which were juicy and tender, Tom Kha Gai (chicken, coconut, galangal, lime, mushroom soup), and the Yum Nua Yang (grilled beef, celery, onion, tomato, mint salad) which was spicy and smoky but balanced with a sweet and savoury finish.

Although the look of Benjarong Davao may be cozy and traditional, it hums to a modern beat as the clock hits 9:00PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays with a DJ providing guests with a warm and lively vibe; perfect for enjoying time with family and friends.

Benjarong Davao’s bar is definitely the perfect backdrop for after dinner drinks with an extensive list of local and international beers, fine wines, and bespoke cocktails prepared by its resident mixologist. I can definitely drink to that!

Benjarong Davao is set to open on the 22nd of November and operates daily from 5:00 PM until 11:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar and restaurant extend its hours until 1:00 AM. For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 (82) 272-7500 or e-mail davao@dusit.com.

SM City Davao launched its Holiday festivities with a grand centerpiece and Christmas tree lighting last November 8 at the Annex Event Center.

As the mall’s tradition, thirty kids from the city’s childminding centers were invited to witness the spectacle as well as enjoy an afternoon of games and rides in the mall.

Whimsical elves, fairies, gnomes and magical mushrooms surround the 30-foot tree all decked with vibrant balls, colorful cones and at least 1,000 sparkling lights.

The program was made even more magical with the parade of Christmas characters and bewitching performances of local talents Muzik’s Kool’s pride The Voice Kids qualifiers as

SM Supermalls vice president for operations in Mindanao Oliver John R. Tiu spreads cheers by giving out gifts to kids during the launch.

GNOMES AND AT SM CITY D ENCHANTING

well as Kris Kyle Quinco’s The Greatest Showman-inspired number. Aerialists from Flow Fitness Academy dazzled the crowd with their act, building up the excitement to the tree lighting.

In attendance in the event were Ms Elizabeth Zimmerman and her grandchildren, Department of Tourism Regional Director Tanya RabatTan, City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson along with SM City Davao’s partners in the community.

“This year, we bring you #SparklingSMallidays as we officially unwrap a host of funfilled activities, dazzling displays, exciting deals, and thrilling surprises to light up the lives of everyone this holiday season,” SM Supermalls vice president for operations Oliver

John Tiu shares. He likewise mentioned that the mall is running relief operations and a donation drive for the benefit of the earthquake victims. The SM Bears of Joy campaign has also been activated to give SM shoppers an opportunity to make a child smile this Christmas.

Sparkling SMallidays continue at SM Davao with Christmas Parades, Holiday Symphonies and the Enchanting Characters Meet & Greet beginning November 10 until December 21.

SM City Davao also gives its shoppers more time for shopping with its extended mall hours until 10 PM on weekends of November and weekdays of

Ms E

Dec nig unt C

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ENTERTAINMENT

DION IGNACIO CELEBRATES 16 YEARS AS A KAPUSO; RENEWS CONTRACT WITH GMA NETWORK

The toy soldiers on parade was a sight to behold.

ND FAIRIES DAVAO’S G CHRISTMAS

Elizabeth Zimmerman with grandkids at the Enchanting Christmas tree lighting.

The Voice Kids qualifiers from Davao sing Christmas carols. cember, and until 12 midmoments at SM City Davao. ght on December weekends Like them on Facebook and foltil the 23rd. low SM Davao on Instagram for Create sparkling Christmas event and promo updates.

Kapuso actor Dion Ignacio once again affirms his loyalty to GMA Network during the renewal of his contract last November 12.

One of the alumni of first season of the original reality-based artista search ‘StarStruck,’ Dion has come a long way in his showbiz career and throughout his 16 years of being a Kapuso, he has been blessed with numerous projects and feels grateful for his relationship with the Network.

“Sobrang saya ko, maituturing ko na blessing ito in life, panibagong work na naman. Thankful ako sa GMA dahil hindi ako pinapabayaan, lagi akong may shows. Nag-start ako noong 2004, sobrang loyal ko sa network at dito na talaga ako lumaki,” he said.

He continued, “As an artist, tuwing may work sila na pinagkakatiwala sa akin, lagpas 100% ang binibigay ko.

Thankful ako sa trust nila sa akin.”

After starring in the drama series Hiram Na Anak earlier this year, Dion is now part of the top-rating GMA

Afternoon Prime series Magkaagaw.

“Dito, ‘yung character ko, crush ko si Klea (Pineda) pero pigil ako dahil alam kong may asawa na siya.

Abangan nila kung ano pa ‘yung mga susunod namin na mga eksena nina Klea at Jeric (Gonzales) at abangan din nila ‘yung maiinit na eksena sa Mag-

kaagaw. Paganda nang paganda ‘yung istorya ng show,” he shared.

GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable warmly acknowledges Dion’s hard work and dedication as an actor.

She said, “One of the earlier original StarStruck survivors and he is still doing very well. He’s now in Magkaagaw na mataas ang ratings, nakakatuwa na nagsi-stick siya sa GMA, homegrown ‘yan.”

Present in the contract-signing were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer, and GMA Artist Center Senior Talent Manager Daryl Zamora.

MIKE ENRIQUEZ HONORED AT ICON MEDIA AWARDS GMA News pillar and multi-awarded news anchor and radio host Mike Enriquez was recognized as a “Media Icon” at the first-ever Media Icon Awards organized by the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines’ (MSAP) held last November 5.

Enriquez, who is also the president of Radio GMA Network, co-anchors GMA’s flagship news program, 24 Oras, and hosts the investigative public affairs program Imbestigador and GMA News TV’s Dobol B Sa News TV. On radio, he banners Super Radyo DZBB’s Saksi sa Dobol B and Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide.

The award further highlights the invaluable contribution of Enriquez to Philippine media. MSAP Chairman Hermie de Leon underscored Enriquez’ significant role in pioneering news reporting on television that paved the way for more Filipinos to appreciate news.

Recipients of the Media Icon award were chosen based on their contribution to the development of media, their unquestionable credibility and integrity, and the respect they earned from various sectors. Joining Enriquez in the pioneer list of awardees were Television and Production Exponents (T.A.P.E.) President and CEO Antonio ‘Tony’ Tuviera, Paciencia Pineda, Carmencita Esteban, Abelardo Yabut, Sr., Norberto Timbol, Esther Capistrano, Manuel Antonio Quiogue, Freddie Garcia, and Nominanda Lansang.

The only Filipino so far to win the Best Newscaster Award in the Asian Television Awards, Enriquez has been constantly recognized for his work by various awardgiving bodies.

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THAI FLAVOURS AT BENJARONG DAVAO A4 INdulge!

DURIANBURG’S already diverse dining landscape is about to get a little bit more interesting with the Dusit Thani Davao about to open the doors of Benjarong, the multi-awarded and globally-recognized Thai bar and restaurant that originated from Bangkok.

I was able to taste some of the offerings last year at Benjarong Manila while staying at the Dusit Thani Manila, so imagine my excitement when I was among the few invited to preview what Benjarong Davao has to offer.

A4 INdulge!

Benjarong Davao merges modern designs with traditional Thai touches.

Named after the royal porthe well-loved Benjarong to celain of Thailand, Benjarong Davao because it will be the literally means “five colors” first and only authentic Thai bar which represent the five differand restaurant in the city. We ent tastes—sweet, salty, sour, want our guests to be transbitter and spicy. These tastes ported to the dynamic country are revealed in the simple yet of Thailand as soon as they set complex flavours of the dishes foot inside. From the décor to and drinks available in the bar ambiance and menu, we cuand restaurant.

“We are very excited to bring URBANISSIMO A2

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

Pla Sam Ros, deep-fried seabass with three-flavor sauce.

Khao Niew Ma Muang, mango sticky rice with coconut ice cream.

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VAPE... FROM1

Aming wished the government will instead regulate vaping and not totally banning it. "Ang amoa lang unta i-regulate ang vape, same sa smoking. Kanang bawal mag-vape sa public space."

As to health concerns, Aming disclosed the experience with vaping is better than smoking tobacco.

"Naga-vape ko since 2015.

In my personal opinion base sa ako health, katong naga yosi pako every morning bug-at ako lawas ug kung mag-ubo ko naay plema. I was urged by my friend to use vape, I tried it believing that it is less harmful compared to yosi.

In six months, I shifted to e-cigarette. Last year Nagpa check up ko so far clean ako lawas."

About 60 percent of the vape market in Davao City belong to the professionals segment according to Aming based on customer pro�ile.

"Naa ko suki diri 70 percent to 80 percent professionals. Ang uban estudyante pero not minors. Ang number one rule in our store is don't sell to minors, Kung makita namo medyo bagets ginapangayuan namo ug ID," Aming said.

President Duterte on Tuesday night ordered the total ban on the use of vaping devices or e-cigarettes in public, as well as the importation of such devices.

An executive order has yet to be signed by the President but an order to arrest violators and con�iscating vaping paraphernalia has been handed down to law enforcers.

“I will ban it, the use and the importation. I hope everybody is listening. Paki-relay na lang. You

know why? Because it is toxic. And the government has the power to issue measures to protect public health and public interest,” the President said in a press conference held at the Palace’s Heroes Hall late Tuesday night.

Following the pronouncement of President Duterte, the Philippine National Police has ordered the nationwide crackdown on the use of vapes.

On Wednesday, a lawmaker at the House of Representatives formally �iled a bill regulating the use and sale of vaping devices or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte �iled House Bill 5561, or the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Regulation Act, which proposes to include vaping in the same category as tobacco products and apply the same strict regulations.

The bill seeks to ban smoking and vaping in public places. It also prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco products and vaping devices to minors.

"There is mounting evidence of the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes on public health and safety ranging from lung injury from the liquid nicotine and chemicals to bone fractures and burns from exploding vaping devices.

Congress must step forward to protect the people," Alonte said.

"High excise taxes are not enough to effectively counter this new health menace. The same strict regulations applied to smoking must be applied to vaping," she added.

Alonte said the vaping fumes are as dangerous as

the smoke from cigarettes, considering that vaporized nicotine is still nicotine.

"Other vaporized chemicals, whether organic or not, remain harmful especially if inhaled directly into our lungs directly or from vaping of someone with you in the same enclosed room or just some feet away," Alonte said.

"This bill is necessary to protect both the young and adults who have become addicted to the chemicals vaporized with the use of electronic device systems," Alonte said.

She said the bill covers electronic devices that vaporize nicotine and any other chemicals.

Duterte issued the directive, following the �irst reported case of an illness related to vaping in the country.

The Department of Health (DOH) on November 15 con�irmed that a 16-year-old girl from Central Visayas who has been using e-cigarettes for six months is allegedly suffering from an electronic cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI).

The girl, who allegedly complained of “sudden-onset severe shortness of breath,” met the case criteria of EVALI upon evaluation, based on the guidelines of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaping devices, which vaporize a solution that users inhale, do not use tobacco leaves, unlike regular cigarettes.

E-cigarette became popular among Filipinos who assume that it was a healthier alternative for puffers who want to quit smoking. (with a report from PNA)

is always ready to provide assistance,” Joyce said, referring to the recruitment of the NPA in areas where government presence remains minimal.

Bautista and Joyce led the turnover of food packs and PHP1,000 assistance

to each senior citizen in the village, populated mostly by Manobo and Blaan families.

The governor also witnessed the distribution of Certi�icates of Landownership Award (CLOAs) to four farmers by the pro-

vincial of�icials of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

The provincial LGU targets to hold the third ELCAC convergence of services to Barangay Marabatuan, also in JAS, before yearend. (PNA)

tion, DCWD needs additional time for re-switching on of the affected facility, pressure build up, and line delivery, thus the longer duration of water service interruptions.

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

earlier if DLPC’s work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

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

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

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

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

Fonacier further said SAFr is a holistic assessment of a bank’s overall health since it also checks on the various kinds of risks that banks face.

Under this system, which has yet to be approved by the Monetary Board (MB), an assessment will be made every

two years, unlike CAMELS that is done annually.

The BSP is set to implement in the second quarter next year the riskbased pricing framework that will weigh “risks associated with lending and �inancing are adequately compensated.”

“Borrowers with low-

er risk pro�ile should be charged with lower interest rates and vice versa,” she said.

Fonacier said they have released a draft circular on the system, which industry players and some small banks said maybe “tedious” to implement.

(PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

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

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

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

PEACE... FROM3

Economy karon gi-pilot namo ang Malabog two months ago in partnership with Helens Farm.

Gitabangan mi sa Helen’s nga mudako ang margin sa farmers. Dako ang epekto sa Peace Economy kay katong mga middlemen nga mubarat sa presyo sa mga farmers karon nausab kay taas-taas man ang presyo sa Helen’s Farm. Example ang kamatis sauna sa Malabog is P10 per kilo but now through Helen’s Farm is P25 per kilo,” Areja said in an interview.

Duterte has urged Davaoenos to sign up and be a partner in the creation of Peace Economy by helping marketing the products from the people of Paquibato and other con�lict-affected areas by providing equipment and facilities to ensure consistent quality and quantity of products and services from Paquibato.

“By providing technical assistance to the producers and by educating consumers on responsible consumption and wealth sharing,” Duterte said.

According to Duterte the Peace Economy’s logo depicts the approach Davao City is taking in building peace. The �irst

inner arc represents the Paquibato community, the middle arc is for the supporters of peace building, the community of the people from the private sector, academe, and civil.

“And the outer arc is Davao City and its partner regional and national agencies. When we talk of peace economy, we are talking of a new relationship of sharing wealth among the various members of the society,” she said.

Paquibato District covers 27 percent of the area of the city where the ancestral domain of the Ata tribe is also located.

“Many adults talk about not knowing anything else but ‘gubot’ or violent con�lict since the ‘60s under the Marcos martial law with atrocities committed by both the military and the New People’s Army,” Santiago said.

Santiago said concerned about the lives and opportunities lost, in 2017 Duterte formed the Davao City Advisory Committee on Peace and Development (DC PEACEDEV) to engage in negotiations with the local NPA. “Shortly thereafter, the

mayor had to shift strategy after the NPA was declared a terrorist organization by President Rodrigo Duterte. It was not illegal to negotiate with them. Mayor Sara and the committee agreed to engage instead in local peace building. Peace 911 was the result,” she said.

The city is sending “caravan of services” twice a month to each of the 14 barangays and extended services on health, agriculture, legal services, social services, education, cooperatives, civil registry, land transportation, and others.

According to Santiago, within nine months Paquibato was declared clear of the insurgency.

“Now for the hard part.

The second phase is now aimed at building peace or ensuring that our patient regains and maintains good health meaning going to the roots of violent con�lict and making sure there would be no relapse.

Today, our mayor made the hard political and economic choice by launching peace economy in the part of our city that has known nothing but strife and violence the past 50 years,” Santiago said.

next year and with the (Philippine) government gearing up for a double headed �iscal stimulus.”

“These developments

could lead to a renewed widening of the trade de�icit (as imports bloat) to exert pressure on the BoP while �inancial �lows

may enjoy the same velocity in 2020 with BSP expected to cut policy rates to support the growth objective,” he added. (PNA)

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and maintenance,” said Mayor Michelle in her message.

The project has total cost of P3,044,981.64. The project’s cost of 10% was shouldered by the City of Mati LGU and with another 10% coming from the National Government of the Philippines and 80% of the total amount was meanwhile provided by the World Bank amounting to P2,435,985.31 thru the Philippine Rural Development Project.

Libudon barangay captain Renerio Angsinco meanwhile expressed gratitude to the city of�icials for the PWS project.

“I am very thankful

to Mayor Michelle and to City Agriculture for being here. Thank you so much for the support, especially for the patubig project you shared to barangay Libudon. Water is very important to the people here in barangay Libudon. I am encouraging everyone to continue to support our Mayor, because we already see the changes of our City through her works and projects,” said Angsinco.

The Libudon PWS project will bene�it 450 residents, it is consist of one unit spring box, one unit reservoir and 15 tap stands.

Paulina Sanchez, 64 year old bene�iciary of the

patubig said in vernacular “I am very happy because through this project we can easily get the water without any hassle. Thank you very much to our Mayor for the project and to the barangay of�icials also.

Here in our barangay we really need stable source of water. Rest assured that we will take good care of the project because for us water is life.”

Eight more projects from spring development to infrastructures are set to be completed this year or next. The total amount of the 12 projects of City of Mati LGU through PRDP is P102,551,591.75. (CIO MATI)

“Bamboo plants store carbon at a fast rate, and bamboo products can effectively ‘displace’ more emissions-intensive materials such as cement, steel and plastic,” Friederich points out.

Recent INBAR research suggests (well-managed) bamboo can store 200 to 400 tons of carbon per hectare per year. “With such high carbon storage rates, there is clearly potential for countries to integrate bamboo into their climate mitigation plans,” he says.

As Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change puts it: “Bamboo and rattan can make an important difference in the �ight against climate change. Nature-based solutions like bamboo do not just contribute to sustainable development, they also help

build the kind of world we want.”

Meanwhile, the Philippines urges all government units to do their fair share in combating the climate crisis.

“The Philippines has been actively pursuing climate action, but largely on our own efforts and resources,” said CCC Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman. “With the unrelenting impacts of climate change in our communities, we must do all we can to survive and thrive as a people and nation.”

Just recently, the CCC rollouts the Communities for Resilience or CORE (Communities for Resilience) Modular Training Program for local government units (LGUs).

“It’s a good time to resume training LGUs following the assumption of newly elected local of�icials many of whom demonstrate a strong resolve to pursue climate action and

environmental protection,” De Guzman said.

For its part, the environment department has set aside P10 billion for communities vulnerable to climate change, according to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.

“The government will provide the ability to generate, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge, methodologies, and decision-making tools to ensure climate resilience,” MindaNews quoted him as saying.

The DENR is also integrating disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation into the Philippines Environmental Impact Statement System “to ensure that hazards and risks are taken into account in siting development projects,” said Elenida Basug, OIC-Director of the DENR Climate Change Service.

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brand likewise speaks highly of our current direction towards achieving Mazda Premium. It shows Mazda and its products are consistent and focused to answering the challenges that lie ahead of the premium path the brand has taken.”

Consumer Reports’ brand-level rankings are based on the average predicted reliability score for vehicles in a brand’s model lineup. The organization works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace. It aims to inform purchase decisions,

improve the products and services that businesses deliver, and drive regulatory and fair competitive practices.

Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the Philippines. Its current product line-up now includes the Mazda2 sub-compact sedan and hatchback, the Mazda3 compact sedan and sportback, the Mazda6 full-size executive sedan and sports wagon, the CX-3 freestyle crossover, the CX-5 �ive-seater and the CX-9 seven-seater pre-

mium crossovers, the MX-5 2-seater sports roadster and the BT-50 pickup truck.

There are 20 Mazda 3S dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila – Mazda Greenhills, Mazda Pasig, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda North EDSA, Mazda Makati, Mazda Alabang, Mazda Cavite, Mazda Sta. Rosa, Mazda Pulilan, Mazda Pampanga, Mazda Dagupan, Mazda Cabanatuan, Mazda Tarlac, Mazda Negros, Mazda Cebu, Mazda Iloilo, Mazda Cagayan De Oro, Mazda Davao, Mazda Butuan and now Mazda General Santos.

it said. This held true even when potential bene�its in increased agriculture were taken into account.

Melting permafrost— threatening infrastructure such as hydrocarbon pipelines—was forecast to be among the biggest drags on Russia’s economy in the coming decades.

Nations agreed in Par-

is in 2015 to work to limit temperature rises to “well below” two degrees Celsius, and 1.5-C if possible.

To do so, the global economy must rapidly decrease its greenhouse gas emissions—a source of controversy in developing nations which say their economic growth shouldn’t suffer after decades of fossil fuel use by

wealthier countries.

“The global economy is going to suffer so it’s not really a case of act now or act later. We need to do both,” said Ferguson.

“Developing countries can’t do this on their own.

There needs to be a coordinated global effort to deal with the impacts we are talking about.”

China where they faced the Top 8 teams in Asia. Both (tournaments) are playing important roles for not only the 2020 Olympics but also the SEA Games,” said Letts, who believes the Volcanoes are equipped to give its SEAG rivals, including defending champion Malaysia, a run for their money.

After all, the Volcanoes

are coming off a gold-medal �inish in the Trophy Series last August, catapulting the Philippines to the Top 8 in Asia, where they haven’t played since 2014.

“After a second-place �inish in the Trophy Series in 2018, the progression to a Gold Medal in 2019 was the next move in the right direction. Now we have the opportunity to show the

top teams in Asia how far we have come in �ive years” added Letts.

“We would like to encourage all our supporters to come to Clark Parade Grounds on December 7 and 8 to watch and cheer for Team Philippines as we compete against the best of Southeast Asia. Many thanks for everyone’s support,” said Letts.

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Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony finished with 10 points in 24 minutes in a loss to the Pelicans Tuesday. Reuters

Melo returns but Blazers lose

J

rue Holiday had 22 points and 10 assists as the host New Orleans Pelicans spoiled Carmelo Anthony’s debut by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 115-104 on Tuesday night.

Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans’ leading scorer, returned from a fourgame absence due to a sore knee to add 21 points, JJ Redick had 18, Nicolo Melli scored 14

and E’Twaun Moore 11 as New Orleans won for just the �ifth time this season but the third time in four games.

Anthony, a 35-yearold 10-time All-Star who hadn’t played in more than a year, started in his �irst game since signing with the Blazers over the weekend, and had 10 points (on 4-of-14 shooting) and four rebounds in 24 minutes.

MG is SEA Games mobility partner

M

orris Garages (MG) on Tuesday formally sealed an agreement with the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) to become the primary transportation means for the upcoming SEA Games.

Representatives from MG and Phisgoc signed the memorandum of agreement on Tuesday at Enderun College in Taguig City that effectively makes MG the meet’s of�icial mobility partner.

About the scope of the deal, Alberto Arcilla, the president of Morris Garages Philippines, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA): “We’ll be distributing the cars that we will loan to them to the various venues. They will distribute them to the participants--to the team members and even to some organizers.”

A total of 80 special-edition MG vehicles will be deployed to all the playing venues of the SEA

Games spread across various locations in Luzon.

“We will be delivering all the cars to their depot, and they will be distributing them,” Arcilla said.

MG has been aggressive in marketing its brand in sports.

The automotive company also struck a sponsorship deal with FilOil Flying V Sports for its FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup and with One Championship for the mixed martial arts promotions’ four-�ight cards in the Philippines this year.

Lars Heidnreich, managing director of Mediapro Asia which made the MG-SEA Games partnership possible, said the SEA Games of�icial mobility partnership is the biggest the MG ever had so far.

“We are thrilled to have another partner on board through us. With MG, we hope this sponsorship turns the Philippines into a stronghold for the brand,” he said. (PNA)

CJ McCollum scored 22, Hassan Whiteside had 14 points and 14 rebounds, Anfernee Simons scored 13, Nassir Little had 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Kent Bazemore added 11 points for the Blazers.

Portland, which fell to 1-2 to start a six-game, 10-day road trip, played without leading scorer Damian Lillard, who had back spasms.

The Blazers led by one point at halftime, but Pelicans rookie Jaxson Hayes started the third-quarter scoring with a pair of free throws.

That produced the �irst of three lead changes and the score was tied once during the �irst 4:09 of the quarter.

Melli scored 12 points as the Pelicans opened an 83-70 advantage with 3:28 left in the third.

SEAG MOBILITY PARTNER. Officials of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) and Morris Garages (MG) seal a deal that makes MG the official mobility partner of the Southeast Asian Games during a ceremony held at Enderun College in Taguig City on Tuesday (Nov. 19, 2019). (From left) MG Philippines president and CEO

The Blazers made three 3-pointers before Nickeil Alexander-Walker beat the buzzer and banked in a 3-pointer to give New Orleans an 8879 lead after three quarters.

Holiday scored �ive points and Ingram added four as the Pelicans increased their lead to 9783 with eight minutes remaining. They maintained a double-digit lead the

rest of the way.

Anthony took the Blazers’ �irst two shots, missing a jumper and then making a 3-pointer. He had �ive points, and Little came off the bench to score seven as Portland took a 28-27 lead at the end of the �irst quarter.

McCollum had 10 points and Ingram and Holiday had 11 each as the Blazers took a 54-53 halftime lead.

Alberto B. Arcilla; Mediapro Asia Sherman Tan, head of Business Development; and, Phisgoc director of Support and Operations Joseph “Jojit” Alcazar signed the memorandum of agreement. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

PH rugby team out to win podium finishes in SEAG

T

he Philippine Volcanoes and the National Women’s Rugby Team will be shooting for medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Rugby 7s slated on Dec. 7 and 8 at the Clark, Angeles City Parade Grounds.

“Our goal for Rugby 7s is achieve a podium �inish in both the Men's and Women's,” said Jake Letts,

General Manager of the Philippine Rugby Football Union Inc. The teams have plunged into the �inal phase of their preparations for the biennial meet, where the Volcanoes placed fourth in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Last week, the Volcanoes joined the Tokyo 2020 Regional Qualifying

Tournament for the Olympic Games in Korea, where they �inished strong against the hosts, pulling off a 31-5 that showed its readiness to compete in the coming SEA Games.

The Volcanoes saw the Korean tournament as a perfect ground to test its mettle against SEA Games rivals Thailand and Singapore, giving the Philip-

pines a grading ground moving forward with the top teams in Asia.

“Both the men’s and women’s teams will continue their high performance training camps, along with gaining international exposure in regional Olympic Qualifying Events. The Women's Team just returned from

PH RUGBY, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 182 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

P1-B FOR ATHLETES

Butch answers karateka’s rant over cauldron, athletes’ support

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and ADAM B. MORRELL

P

PSC Chairman William Ramirez answers questions from reporters on Wednesday in Davao City. Armando Fenequito Jr.

hilippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez has responded to rants of 2005 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games karatedo gold medalist Gretchen Malalad posted in Twitter saying that the government is more keen on spending a multi-million peso cauldron than allocating funds for athletes.

Ramirez, who was in town on Wednesday, said the government has already spent more than P1 billion for the international exposure and training of athletes.

“I respect Gretchen Malalad, she is a friend. The Philippine Sports Commission is targeting SEA Games up to Olympics and we already spent more than P1 billion for the athletes,” he said.

The country’s sports czar revealed that aside from the international trainings and exposures, the government also spent P200 billion for equipment and repairs and rehabilitation of all existing sports facilities.

He added that the meal allowance of every athlete has also increased to P25,000

from P5,000 from the past administration.

“Record will show that the Philippine Sports Commission spent more for the athletes,” he said.

“I think her question is about cauldron and not about the athletes,” Ramirez stressed.

However, Ramirez opted not to comment on the issue on the P50 million worth of SEA Game Cauldron since the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) has the jurisdiction over the said structure.

But chairman dis-

closed that the commission released the particular amount upon the request of PHISGOC as the duty of the commission is to fund the committee. However, if there was an excessive spending on the construction of the controversial cauldron, it is the responsibility of PHISGOC to liquidate it to the Commission on Audit (COA) a month after.

Ramirez, meanwhile, said the Senate hearing served as a vindication for PSC as they were able to clear their side on the cauldron issue.