Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 196 | Saturday, November 28, 2020

A STEWARD TO THE ENVIRONMENT DUSIT DAVAO HOLDS BEACH CLEAN-UP DRIVE INDULGE P8 VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

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A physically challenged person maneuvers his wheelchair as rushes to go home a few minutes before peak hours when the flow of traffic along MacArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City becomes very heavy. Edge Davao

EXTENDED GCQ

Expect GCQ status beyond December: Mayor Sara STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

EXTENDED GCQ

Expect GCQ status beyond December: Mayor Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO xpect a general community quarantine (GCQ) status this December and maybe even beyond.

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says she has no idea what the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) will recommend after November 30 but Dabawenyos should

expect that the city will still be under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) this December and maybe beyond December. Edge Davao

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio made this pronouncement in a live broadcast on Friday when asked about the recommendation expected from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF-EID) for Emerging Infectious Diseases after November 30, 2020.

“Wala pa ko kabalo sa ilang recommendation.

Pero as I said previously, mas maayo mag-expect na sila ug GCQ karong December and maybe beyond December,” she said.

Davao City was reverted to GCQ starting Nov. 20, 2020 until Nov. 30, 2020 due to the surge of COVID-19 cases. As of November 26, 2020 based on the latest Covid-19 report of the Department of Health (DOH), Davao City ranked fourth in the list of top areas with the highest newly-announced cases with 62. Caloocan City

topped that list with 77, followed by Cavite 73, Laguna 73, and Quezon 60.

The city government of Davao has been limiting people’s movement by re-implementing Food and Medicine (FM) pass and the Safe Davao QR (DQR).

“Because kung daghan ang tao mugawas, mao na ang nakapataas sa cases and makapataas sa risk of transmission,” the mayor said.

She said it was discussed with the Davao TF Covid-19 to intensify information dissemination about Covid-19 to the coastal where there is low compliance of the health protocols.

“Naistoryahan sa Davao TF Covid-19, maghatag ta ug mask sa atong team leaders para ipanghatag sa mga barangay especially sa mga barangay na low ang compliance like sa looban and sa atong mga

that in this revelation, the child was ordered by [the NPA] to bring a pot up the mountain where the armed terrorist NPA members were waiting. Upon arriving, the food inside the child’s pot, which was supposed to be for the child’s family were all eaten by the terrorists. After the terrorists ate all the food, the child was told not to go back home.

“Kay kuno pag muna-og siya, torturon kuno siya sa military kay nakabalo na ang military nga kuyog sila sa NPA. So ang bata nagkaroon ug lahi nga paglantaw sa kasundalohan ug siya nahadlok pud. So gitagaan siyag pusil para protektahan kuno niya iyang sarili sa military (They lied to the child that if he came down [the mountain], the military will torture him because the military already knew he was with the NPA. So the child was brainwashed into fearing the military. The NPA gave the child a gun so he could protect himself from the military),” Lamosao recounted.

With this, Binondo said that these children have the right to survival, development and special respect aside from the right to protection.

“The right to survival and development, so kung ma rescue na sila, tagaan gyud dayun nato ug necessary needs nila ma medical mana, food or clothing. The right of special respect nga tao gihapon sila based on

we will give them their immediate necessary needs like medical, food, or clothing. They have the right of special respect, that they are humans based on our human rights convention and are treated as victims),” Binondo said.

Concern but not alarming However, Jeffrey Calamongay, Focal Person on Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of Provincial Social Welfare Office (PSDWO) Davao del Norte, said that although the current state of NPA abducting children is a concern, it is no longer alarming.

“Ma consider nato siya nga concern, dili kaayo alarming tungod kay sa pag implement sa EO 70, atong mga kasundalohan, mga national government agencies, provincial offices, as well as PNP naa na jud sa community naga tabang na gyud. Naga implement ug mga projects related sa pag protekta sa mga bata as well as sa community. So naa lay mga concern because they are vulnerable, dali ra jud sila ma recruit (We consider it a concern, but not that alarming because with the implementation of EO 70, our military, the National Government agencies, the provincial offices, as well as the PNP are now in the communities helping.

They are implementing the projects related to protecting children as well as the

coastal barangays, gikan Bucana padulong Agdao.

Kana ang atong target sa atong info dissemination sa atong health protocols sa Covid-19,” she said.

She also announced that William Gatchalian, Senator Win Gatchalian’s father, committed to donate mask and face shield, which will contribute to the city’s campaign against Covid-19.

“Very recently, ni-commit si sir William Gatchalian to give us mask and face shield. Very useful kay puwede ni iapil sa kampanya nato kay nagahatag tag face mask sa mga dalan. This commitment will contribute sa atong kampanya kay makahatag na pud ta ug face shiedls a mga tao sa kadalanan,” she said.

It can be recalled that the city government of Davao mass produced 10,000 locally-designed face masks to be used by commuters as protection from Covid-19) in March this year. The masks were distributed for free.

Senate earmarks P83B for Children in armed conflict are victims, entitled to protection hildren involved in now in the government’s human rights nato nga con- community. So we have the conflict are hands),” Lamosao said. vention and treated as vic- concern because they are Covid-19 vaccine purchase armed seen by the law as vicLamosao remembered tims (So if they are rescued, vulnerable, they are easy to

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he Senate on Thursday allocated P83 billion for the purchase, storage, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines next year, much higher than the Department of Budget and Management's proposed P2.5 billion fund for immunization against the highly contagious disease.

The House of Representatives initially increased the amount to P8 billion, while the Senate included as unprogrammed appropriations P54 billion for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines and another P21 billion for its "storage, transportation and distribution."

"We are setting aside

a huge amount in unprogrammed appropriations for their purchase," Senate Committee on Finance chair Sonny Angara said in plenary.

But funds for items labeled as "unprogrammed allocations" may only be released should the government exceed its target revenues for the year, according to the Commission on Audit.

In September, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the Philippines has already exceeded this year's estimated P2.2-trillion tax revenue as early as August.

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City, DOT-11 roll out 18-day campaign to end VAWC

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he Davao City government in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office XI rolled out online activities in celebration of the Gender and Development 18-day Campaign to end Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, who led the virtual launch of the 18-day campaign to end VAWC, said that the pandemic has brought health and socio-economic difficulties across the country especially within the homes and communities, exposing more women to vio-

lence.

“Let us vow to speak up, to take action, and to report any form of violence against women in our communities,” she said as she called on Dabawenyos to take part in the campaign to end VAWC. She also said that the city government has zero-tolerance for violence against women and children, highlighting the city’s establishment of the Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) and barangay VAWC desks.

Lorna Mandin, the

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tims and to be treated as such upon rescue or surrender.

During Kapihan sa DavNor yesterday, November 25, 2020, Renee Boy Binondo, Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children XI (RSCWC-XI) Regional Coordinator, said that children involved in armed conflict have rights as they are victims.

“Children involved in armed conflict are those in the field who were recruited as a combatant, lookout, cook, medic,” Binondo said.

“Klaro sa provisions nato nga we don’t degrade children nga in ana. Under the law, biktima sila. Dili gani sila masulod atong bala-od nga juvenile justice law, dili sila ma considered nga children in conflict with the law, because they are victims (It’s clear in our provisions that we don’t degrade those children.

Under the law, they are victims. They aren’t even considered as Juvenile Justice Law; they are not considered as children in conflict with the law because they are victims),” he added.

Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief, Major Jerry Lamosao, explained that these children didn’t just join, they were forced.

Lamosao cited an example when the NPA forced a child into rebellion.

“Adunay revelation sa isa ka bata nga naa na sa poder sa pangamhanan sa gobyerno (There is one revelation of a child who is

recruit),” he said.

Calamongay said that the PSWDO, in line with Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict or RA 11188, is strengthening its prevention programs so that no children will get involved in or affected by armed conflict.

“Aside ana mu follow na ang mga programs and services like health, education, and livelihood then ato pung e provide ang mga education assistance para mupadayon sila sa ilang pag eskwela. Then ang pinaka importante atong ipa hingusgan ang peace education advocacy sa kabukiran (Aside from that, there follows the programs and services like health, education, and livelihood.

Then we will also provide the education assistances so that they can continue their studies. And most importantly, we will strengthen the peace education advocacy in the mountains),” he added.

Facilities for children in armed conflict According to Binondo and Calamongay, two facilities are currently being built (one regional and one provincial) for minors who are rescued.

These facilities are where the children will be given intervention, counseling, as well as financial package upon discharge and E-CLIP assistance if identified as involved in

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

Go tells policymakers: Listen to calls for OFW body creation

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enator Christopher “Bong” Go has appealed to fellow lawmakers and executive officials to listen to the appeals for the creation of a single department that will handle concerns of overseas Filipinos, many of whom are adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Huwag nating kalimutan na mahigit 10 milyon ang overseas Filipinos natin. Ibig sabihin, mahigit 10 percent ‘yan ng buong populasyon. Dapat mayroon silang departamento na nakatutok sa kanila at hindi na nila kailangan pang manawagan sa radio station o sa Facebook,” Go said during an interview after leading the distribution of assistance to typhoon victims in Bagumbayan, Quezon City on Wednesday.

(Let’s not forget that we have over 10 million overseas Filipinos. This means it is more than 10 percent of the whole population.

They should have a department that would focus on their needs and they would no longer ask for help via a radio station or on Facebook.)

As of November 5, the Department of Foreign Affairs reports a total of 237,363 OFWs have been repatriated since the start of the pandemic while over 107,000 are expected to return before the year concludes.

Go said the Senate is set to discuss on December 7 the proposed measure which seeks to establish a Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOOF).

Senate Bill No. 1835, filed by Go on September 16, 2020, is the second iteration of SBN 202 he filed last year. It considers inputs from the concerned executive agencies and has been endorsed by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office to the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Re-

sources Development. SBN 1835 is a priority measure of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy na ito at sasang-ayon na ang mga iba’t ibang ahensya ng executive branch dahil matagal na itong inaasam at hinihiling ng mga kababayan natin,” Go said.

(Hopefully, this would continue and the various agencies of the executive branch would agree because our countrymen are longing for this.)

The proposed department, if created, shall bring together in one agency all the responsibilities pertaining to Filipinos overseas that are presently scattered among numerous departments and agencies. By doing so, the government can streamline and improve the delivery of critical services, particularly to distressed OFWs and other overseas Filipinos.

The DOOF will be primarily responsible for protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of overseas Filipinos. It shall formulate, plan, coordinate, promote, administer, and implement policies, as well as undertake systematic national programs for managing and monitoring the foreign employment of Filipino workers and their reintegration once they come home.

The following offices will be integrated into the DOOF: the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs of the DFA, the Commission on Overseas Filipinos, all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices under the Department of Labor and Employment, the International Labor Affairs Bureau under DOLE, and International Social Services Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The proposed DOOF shall also exercise administrative supervision over the

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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go issues an appeal to fellow lawmakers and executive officials to listen to the appeals for the creation of a single department that will handle concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers

(OFWs), many of whom are adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Edge Davao

Sara reminds: avoid house hopping during noche buena

By MAYA M. PADILLO f you are planning to spend the traditional noche buena with your families and relatives in other households, better call it off.

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This was the stern warning of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to Dabawenyos as she reminded everyone to avoid ‘house hopping’ this Christmas Eve to prevent gathering and recommended the use of technology to virtually see their loved ones face-to-face without the risk of exposing the virus to each other.

“There is an online option sa noche buena with other household na

paryente nato. We can call them. Sa karon, unfortunately we cannot do parties na makatapok ang magpamilya,” she said.

The mayor also advised Dabawenyos to make sure that the purpose of the visitors in their homes are essential.

This is in line with the statement of the World Health Organization (WHO) that states merrymaking this Christmas might increase the

Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of next year.

“Make sure kanang mga bisita nato sa balay essential ilang tuyo sa atong balay. Nagpagawas ang WHO nga ang merrymaking karong Pasko might increase sa cases sa first quarter next year. I-avoid nato ang house hopping and iwasan nalang nato mangimbita ug lain. Might as well musunod ta sa reminders sa WHO,” the mayor said.

She also reminded the public to stay away from the neighbors who are partying.

“Una nila buhaton is magpalayo sila kung asa

Balikbayans, families allowed to enter PH starting Dec. 7

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The Davao City government will continue to provide food assistance to families or individuals affected by the movement restrictions and other anti-Covid measures while the city remains under community quarantine. CIO

ang natapok o nagparty.

If muduol ka sa ila do not take off your mask,” she said.

The mayor also warned the public regarding Covid fatigue, which causes the people to get sloppy about the precautions such as washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distance.

“Since March hantud karon dunay ginaingon na Covid fatigue, kanang wala silay kaila natakdan o namaty sa Covid, mag relax na sila ug they risk it na muapil ug event ug mag-apil ug tapok-tapok and didto nila makuha ang sakit,” she said.

alikbayans or former Filipino citizens including their spouses and children who are travelling with them, may enter the Philippines starting December 7, Malacañang announced Friday.

Also permitted is the entry of Filipino citizens’ foreign spouses and children who are also with them regardless of age.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 85, signed on November 26, states that starting Dec. 7, they are allowed to enter the country provided they pre-booked a quarantine facility and undergo Covid-19 testing at a laboratory operating at the airport.

"They, too, must be subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry," it said.

The Bureau of Immigration is directed to for-

mulate guidelines to ensure the policy's smooth implementation.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), meanwhile, was tasked to issue separate guidelines to provide sufficient accommodation for these foreign nationals taking into account the release of test results.

For the DOT, the IATF's move was a welcome development for the travel industry, which was among the industries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic following suspensions in international flights.

“This not only bodes well for our ailing industry but is good tidings for our kababayans who have been clamoring to be reunited with their loved ones from abroad, especially this yuletide season,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The tourism chief said balikbayans or former Filipino citizens are con-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

CebPac, GenSan to begin ‘Test Before Boarding’

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A tricycle fully loaded with handcrafted native products traverses in Mintal, Davao City on the way to deliver a nearby public market. Edge Davao

Majority of intellectual property violators operate online: IPOPHL

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he Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on Thursday reported that the majority of intellectual property violators from January to September this year were operating online.

IPOPHL said its office received a total of 139 intellectual property infringement reports for the first nine months of 2020, exceeding the total 129 reports received between 2015 and 2019.

Of the intellectual property violations this year, 79 were operating online – 53

from Facebook, seven from Shopee, six from Lazada, three from YouTube, and one each from Carousell, Instagram, and Vineyard.

Seven other reported violators were caught operating in other online platforms.

The IPOPHL also reported 43 complaints

BSP policies secure banks amid pandemic: bank exec

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olicies implemented by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BPS) to further strengthen the industry allowed banks to remain resilient amidst the pandemic, a Security Bank Corporation (Security Bank) official said on Thursday.

During the virtual Security Bank economic forum, Security Bank Executive Vice President and Treasurer Raul Martin A. Pedro said BSP regulations targeted to bolster banks’ capital position and backed financial institutions from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“When this pandemic came in all the Philippine banks are pretty much well prepared for events like this,” he said.

Pedro said the addi-

tional liquidity boost that BSP has provided allowed banks to absorb the impact of the crisis on their borrowers, specifically the small and medium businesses (SMEs).

He said that while Security Bank is now implementing stricter loan policies on highly affected industries to reduce exposure, “our mentality to it has not changed.”

“SME and consumer sector have been growing for us significantly over the past couple of years. And once the economy normalizes, we are quite certain that it is an area that we would want to be heavily involved with again,” he said.

Pedro said that since banks remain strong during this virus-induced crisis, the sector is among

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about counterfeit goods and 41 reports about piracy, while 51 were other intellectual property infringement reports not involving counterfeit and piracy.

As the number of complaints on intellectual property infringement this year exceeded the reports for the past five years, IPOPHL director general Rowell Barba said they call for new rules to expand online monitoring authority.

Barba said the agency’s Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Office (IEO) is proposing updates

to the 2013 Rules and Regulations on Enforcement.

“The primary objective of the revision is to add more disruptive enforcement functions to the IEO, such as clearly including online counterfeiting and piracy in its coverage, coordinating with the National Telecommunications Commission to take down intellectual property rights offending posts and monitor marketplaces proactively based on findings of the IPOPHL, and elevate issues found to intellectual property rights owners,” he noted. (PNA)

he Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), introduces Test Before Boarding (TBB), so passengers can undergo antigen testing conveniently at the airport just before their flight. This reduces the risk of infection between testing and boarding, finding infected passengers in a more timely manner. Only passengers with negative antigen test results will be allowed to board the CEB aircraft.

Together with the local government of General Santos, and in coordination with the Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory (PADL), CEB is set to pilot TBB on December 03, 2020 for a two-week trial period.

All CEB passengers flying from Manila to General Santos beginning December 03 to 14, 2020 will be required to undergo TBB, free-of-charge during the pilot run. This is in compliance with the Executive Order of General Santos; passengers no longer need to take any other test prior to their flight.

Paving the way in boosting travel confidence “We welcome this development through Cebu Pacific, because it opens up more people to the idea of traveling again. We believe this will be a breakthrough initiative, as it will allow our residents to feel more secure and not be wary of arriving passengers from Manila,” said Mayor Ronnel Rivera of General Santos City.

CEB VP for Marketing and Customer Experience Candice Iyog said, “Safety has always been our topmost priority and in this current environment, health is part of safety. We look forward to the results of this pilot so we can pave way for a more confident restart of non-essential travel and a standardization of requirements across all Philippine destinations.

We would also like to laud General Santos City for piloting TBB with us.”

Manila-General Santos

pre-flight checklist and experience Passengers must fill out an electronic passenger information form (E-PIF) through https:// www.padlab.ph/DLS/ ePIF and pre-register via http://tapat.gensantos. gov.h/tapatsystem/registration/#detailsat least 24 hours before their flight.

They must also secure a travel authority to be allowed entry into the city, and check-in online before going to the airport, as part of Contactless Flight procedures.

At the airport, guests must proceed to the testing facility located at Level 3 of the NAIA Terminal 3, five (5) hours before departure to give ample time for testing procedures. Once called for their turn, swab samples will be collected, with results to be released within 30 minutes.

After completing the test, DOH-accredited PADL will provide passengers with a certificate showing the results of their Antigen test. They can then proceed straight to gate or bag drop counters until an hour before the scheduled time of departure at 1:05PM. Only guests with negative results will be allowed to board the flight, while those with positive results will be referred to another testing facility for confirmatory RT-PCR testing.

TBB is just one initiative in CEB’s multi-layered approach to safety.

CEB continues to deploy world’s best safety practices to ensure guests can travel with peace of mind.

This includes extensive daily disinfection of aircraft, HEPA air filters onboard that can filter out 99.99% of viruses, frequent cleaning of passenger surfaces at the airport and inflight, and enhanced self-service online portals so guests can easily manage flights.

Strict Contactless Flight procedures are also in place, such as boarding pass scanning, required on-

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Residents of Airport Village in Malaybalay City prepare meat for their annual fiesta on Thursday, 26 Nov. 2020, the eve of the celebration. Many are expecting visitors to come despite the pandemic. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

AEON TOWERS UNIT TURNOVER. Aeon Luxe Properties Vice President for Operations Engineer Daniel Manalo hands over the ceremonial key to the newest homeowner of a premium condo unit with breathtaking Samal Island view at Aeon Towers on November 272020 held at the Club Aeon. This ceremony is witness by Aeon Towers Project

ECONOMY 5

Development Manager Jester Hospital, Aeon Luxe Vice President for Sales & Marketing Almira Mariano and Aeon Luxe Properties Sales Admin Manager Luis Dollesin.

Board okays digital Private sector to procure up to 3M Monetary banks as another bank type vaccine doses: presidential adviser T he private sector is procuring up

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to 3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to augment the government’s vaccine drive, one of the country’s presidential advisers said Wednesday.

In a statement, Go Negosyo founder and presidential adviser on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said around 1.5 million people will benefit from this initiative.

“We’re targeting 2.5 million to 3 million doses which will help 1.5 million people in the upper end of the range since the vaccine requires two doses.

We want to ensure that the Philippines will not be left behind when the vaccines come out in 2021,” Concepcion said.

The vaccines, which will be procured in a P600 million to P700 million deal, will be donated to the Department of Health, Con-

cepcion added.

Half the donations will be set aside for government frontliners while the other half will be dedicated for both regular and contractual private sector employees.

Among the companies who donated are: International Container Terminal Services, Inc., BDO Unibank, First Philippine Holdings Corp, Go Negosyo, LT Group, Inc., San Miguel Corp, Metro Pacific Investments Corp, Universal Leaf Philippines Inc, LBC Express Holdings Inc, Udenna Corp, GT Capital Holdings Inc., Wilcon Depot Inc., Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Golden ABC Inc,

SEC warns vs text scam using PRRD's name

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned against a “text scam” using the name of President Rodrigo Duterte to victimize individuals by sending them a message that they have won P750,000 through an “electronic raffle.”

In an advisory released Thursday, SEC said the “President: Rodrigo Duterte Charity Foundation” is not registered as a corporation while the Policy and Specialized Supervision Sector of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) confirmed that the electronic raffle is fake.

The agency said the alleged foundation asks money from recipients before they may claim the prize money.

It reminded the public to immediately report text scams to the National Telecommunications Commission, National Bureau of Investigation, BSP, Department of Trade and Industry

and SEC. The agency likewise issued an advisory against four companies soliciting investments from the public. These are Sharelink Ads and Cryptotrading, Cashdrop, Coinmax.PH and Lokalplate.

It said Sharelink Ads and Cryptotrading, headed by a certain Cedric V. Suarez, is allegedly engaged in digital marketing and cryptocurrency trading where a member pays P1,500 per account.

Through Sharelink Ads Bonus a member-investor supposedly earns a total of P1,500 or P150 daily by just sharing the company’s link to his/her Facebook account for 10 days or 100% return in 10 days.

He/she also allegedly earns P150 for every direct recruit; P200 for every pairing under his/ her structure; P200 per level on his/her structure regardless whether the downline is a direct recruit

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Mercury Drug Corp, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing Inc., Bounty Fresh Food Inc., RFM, Concepcion Industries, Jollibee Foods Corp, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Phils. Inc., Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, Nova Group, Alliance Global, Inc., JG Summit Holdings, Inc., Philippine Franchise Assc., Double Dragon/MerryMart, Filinvest Development Corp, Lotis Shoppe, Century Properties Group, Bench, CDO, Mercedes Benz, Rustans, Megaworld, and Seaoil Philippines.

Concepcion earlier said companies were committed to donate 1.5 million doses of the vaccine by the second quarter of 2021.

Early data analysis from fate-stage clinical trials of AstraZeneca’s vaccine showed that the vaccine was either 62 percent or 90

percent effective - based on the given doses, the pharmaceutical company announced.

This comes after Pfizer and Moderna released clinical trial results showing their vaccines were around 95 percent effective.

The Philippine government is currently negotiating with 4 COVID-19 vaccine makers, which includes AstraZeneca. In a statement, Concepcion said he is “working closely” with vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, who is facilitating the government’s discussions with the pharmaceutical companies.

“Sec. Galvez called on the private sector to take care of its own flock provided that we follow the priority sectors of frontliners and the poorest of the poor,” Concepcion said.

Go Negosyo is also set to donate 70,000 vaccine doses for around 35,000 people in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

he Philippine monetary authorities’ bid to increase digital payments’ share to at least half of total retail transactions by 2023 got another boost after the policy-making Monetary Board (MB) recognized digital bank as another bank classification.

In a press release Thursday, the central bank said the MB has approved the recognition of digital bank as separate from existing classification, citing that its products and services ”are processed endto-end through a digital platform and/or electronic channels with no physical branches."

“We see these banks as additional partners in further promoting market efficiencies and expanding access of Filipinos to a broad range of financial services, bringing us closer to the realization of our target that at least 50 percent of total retail payment transactions have shifted to digital, and 70 percent of adult Filipinos have transaction accounts by the year 2023.

This is seen to remove sticky points and leapfrog our financial inclusiveness agenda” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

The BSP said digital banks will be subjected to the same prudential requirements as the other banks.

Although its products and services will be delivered through a digital platform, these banks are still required to have a physical office “to house the offices of management and other support operations and serve as the main hub for customer concerns handling and point of contact for stakeholders, including the BSP and other regulators.”

“Digital banks are also allowed to tap cash agents and other qualified service providers subject to existing regulations to complement the innovative delivery of financial services,” the central bank said.

Diokno, in his speech during the opening of the

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A man prepares the chicken to be roasted at an eatery in Quezon, Bukidnon on Tuesday. The government has temporarily banned the importation of poultry products from Mitoyo City in Kagawa, Japan, due to the outbreak of the H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the area. Edge Davao

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

In announcing the imminent extension of the general community quarantine (GCQ) status this December and possibly, beyond.

Wala pa ko kabalo sa ilang recommendation.

Pero as I said previously, mas maayo mag-expect na sila ug GCQ karong December and maybe beyond December.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

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

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VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

WHEN STUDENTS REBEL AND NO LONGER STUDY This should not surprise you anymore.

Student activism is not a thing of the past.

It is a thing of the present.

That is, as far as our contemporary situation is concerned – politically, economically, socially.

Students – not majority of them – of the University of the Philippines in Diliman have expressed indignation against the Duterte administration because they do not only agree with his governance policies.

They also hate his person and have wished him ill will.

These students are obviously being tolerated by UP authorities for reasons of academic freedom.

Because of this, the school campus has become the launching pad and assembly place of anti-government protests, regardless of who the incumbent president is.

Currently, there are some who want to stop going to school physically and are demanding that all be given sweeping passing grades.

This “rebellious” attitude (as opposed to students who

are pursuing academic responsibilities first before taking part in anti-government rallies and protests) is already like “an oak tree” planted and have grown matured and huge roots within the large perimeters of the UP campus long ago by their predecessors.

Most of the students enrolled at UP are full government scholars or are subsidized, this much I know.

(I have siblings and kin who graduated from the State U and have had strong connection with the underground movement in the past. They have since migrated to the “Land of Milk and Honey” as did some of their predecessors because they discovered in time that nothing beneficial awaited them.)

As much as the government is mandated to financially support the existence and operation of state universities, schools and colleges, it is also as much the individual responsibility of the government scholar to fulfill his obligation: and that is to conscientiously attend classes, pass the required norms (grades), be a law-abid-

ing student, etc.

By normal standards, government scholars should return the favor granted to them.

Shouldn’t they repay with their services taxpayers’ who contributed to their educational well-being?

What is a student, generally speaking?

A student is one who goes to school and attends classes promptly, picks up a degree at the end of his chosen course. He is not forbidden to participate in extra-curricular activities but he is well advised not to jeopardize his academic pursuit.

A student learns positive ideas and cultivates positive values like good manners and right conduct. A student is taught to be polite and not rude, courteous and respectful to his elders and teachers and to his peers.

When a student cuts classes because he has to attend to some “patriotic” organization, he/she is unwittingly giving up his academic focus.

It is not morally wrong to join clubs and school organizations.

What is wrong is when the

student goes wrong by joining the wrong organization.

Objectively, a student is in school to study.

This is the student’s primary goal.

Not to join clubs, organizations or social and fraternal groups.

Parents happily want to see their children stand on their own two feet by first attaining a college education.

I envy students who are government scholars. They deserve it because of their intellectual skills and IQ. I wish I had their intellectual ability and high IQ. I am speaking from experience. I was a student activist myself during the Marcos years.

I can tell you an armed struggle or violent revolution to change the present system is not the right solution. A constitutional change is what we need.

Evidently, Filipinos are themselves to blame for the government that we have today. They keep on electing the wrong people because they do not possess adequate political knowledge, wisdom and matu-

rity.

That is why education is very necessary. Students who appropriately attain college degrees are definitely more mature and wise to choose the leaders who deserve their votes and support.

What kind of generation are we breeding if going to school is no longer a necessary tool to build up the youths and strengthen our democracy?

Democracy is still the best form of government for the Filipinos.

Some monkeys and wisecracks are re-inventing our social life and bending our minds to jibe with their own sinister designs.

My advice for you, young men and women is to keep on pursuing academic knowledge and skills which you can effectively impart to your children and their children’s children.

The Chinese sage Confucius said: “Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARER’S ARTHRITIS AS A COMPENSABLE WORK-RELATED ILLNESS Arthritis is considered as compensable work-related illness for seafarers who performed tasks onboard the vessel that involved unduly heavy physical labor and joint strain .

The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The typical symptoms of arthritis include painful and swollen joints, especially in the hands, feet, and knees; fever, fatigue, red and puffy hands, hard bumps (called rheumatoid nodules) just under the skin near the joints, loss of appetite and functional disability.

In most cases, employers refuse to pay disability benefits on the premise that the illness was a pre-existing condition as it may have occurred overtime and could not have developed during his stay on board the vessel.

In Teekay Shipping Phils. vs Jarin ( G.R. No. 195598 June 25, 2014) , the Supreme Court granted total permanent disability benefits to the seafarer who was able to prove that his rheumatoid arthritis was contracted out of his daily duties as Chief Cook.

Rheumatoid arthritis as an autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. It affects the lining of joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

The Court took note that the risk of contracting rheumatoid arthritis was increased by the seafarer’s exposure to the working conditions in the vessel.

He was often required to work for long periods of time, constantly exposed to extreme temperatures while performing his functions and was made to carry heavy loads which caused so much stress to his joints and muscles.

In Oscar D. Gamboa vs.

Maunlad Trans. Inc. ( G.R. No. 232905, August 20, 2016), the Court considered osteoarthritis , or the degenerative changes of the spine, as a work-related illness due to the seafarer’s tasks as Bosun of the cargo vessel that transported logs which clearly involved unduly heavy physical labor and joint strain.

Osteoarthritis is associat-

ed with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and occurs when the cartilage (that cushions the ends of bones in the joints) gradually deteriorates.

In the recent case of Wilfredo Salas vs. Transmed Manila Corp (GR 247221 June 17, 2020), the Supreme Court granted the claim for total and permanent disability benefits to a seafarer who was diagnosed to have suffered gouty arthritis.

The Court took note of the medical opinion of the seafarer’s personal doctor that the knee pain could be brought about by repeated stresses and strains to his knees while performing his tasks as a Second Officer.

The doctor explained that joint stresses from prolonged and, at times, faulty work posture cannot be avoided and may have taken a toll on the seafarer’s knees.

Considering that the seafarer’s bilateral knee pain significantly decreased his activity tolerance and can no longer be returned to his pre-injury capacity, he was found to be unfit to work as a seafarer.

The Court likewise noted

that the illness resulted and was acquired while aboard the vessel as his dietary intake while on board the vessel could have contributed to the aggravation of said illness Such factors in aforesaid cases proved the causal connection between the seafarers’ work and the increased risk of developing arthritis.

The Court emphasized that what the law requires is not direct proof but reasonable proof of the causal connection between the work and ailment.

Under the POEA standard employment contract, a work-related illness is “any sickness resulting to disability or death as a result of an occupational disease listed under Section 32-A with the conditions set therein satisfied.”

The enumeration in Section 32-A, however, does not preclude other illnesses/diseases not so listed from being compensable.

The POEA contract cannot be presumed to contain all the possible injuries that render a seafarer unfit for further sea duties.

Section 20(B)(4)\ of the

POEA contract states that “(t) hose illnesses not listed in Section 32 of the contract are disputably presumed as work-related.”

Concomitant with such presumption is the burden placed upon the claimant to present substantial evidence that his working conditions caused or at least increased the risk of contracting the disease.

Substantial evidence consists of such relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a conclusion that there is a causal connection between the nature of his employment and his illness, or that the risk of contracting the illness was increased by his working conditions.

Only a reasonable proof of work-connection, not direct causal relation is required to establish compensability of a disease.

Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com or call 09175025808 or 09088665786

8

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

UP AND ABOUT

A STEWARD TO THE ENVIRONMENT Dusit Davao Holds Beach Clean-up Drive

FOR ME, there is nothing more beautiful in the morning than to see a glorious sunrise over Davao Gulf. With its many islands and pristine beaches, Davao Gulf is a natural beauty and asset to the Davao Region which, actually, defines the region and creates its diverse landscape.

It is with this same goal of protecting the natural beauty of Davao Gulf that all three Dusit Davao properties, Dusit Thani Residences Davao, DusitD2 Hotel Davao, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort held a beach clean-up drive at the Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort last November 16.

The event started with an uplifting message from the Hotel Manager, Mr. Christoph Kuch “We answer to the call of our environment, and help it as its stewards. It is also our honour and obligation as an organisation to take care of the environment that we gladly share to our guests. Today is an opportunity to give back to nature as one Dusit Davao team.”

Beach clean-up drive rolled out with a refreshing morning Zumba session. Dusit Davao employees were then grouped into teams and participated in an obstacle race across the island resort. Teams were faced with challenging obstacles while collecting wastes and cleaning up the island’s beaches.

The half-day activity ended with all teams taking part in

Employees collecting waste.

helping the natural environment of the resort. Everyone enjoyed the amazing race while having the opportunity to keep the environment clean. Safety and health protocols were also strictly observed.

Dusit Davao’s Beach Cleanup Drive was graced by the presence of Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Uy and its Tourism Officer Ms. Christine Dompor.

Davao de Oro Gov Jayvee Uy.

Dusit Davao Hotel Manager Mr. Christoph Kuch, Davao de Oro Tourism Officer Christine Dompor, Arch. Michael Dakudao, HR Director Margelene, Cluster Director of Sales Marketing Leilani Merilo.

Amazing Race Station 4 with Davao de Oro Tourism Officer Christine Dompor.

Early morning outdoor Zumba.

Amazing Race Station 2

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

SENATE... FROM2

"We are above it by 8 percent," Dominguez told senators during the Department of Finance's (DOF) budget hearing in the Senate.

In 2021, the Department of Finance expects to collect P2.71 trillion in taxes as the Philippines continues to ease economic restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

The national government is expected to sign a deal with British pharma-

ceutical firm AstraZeneca for the purchase of 2 million COVID-19 vaccines, immunication czar Carlito Galvez said.

AstraZeneca's vaccine is seen to be the least expensive among frontrunners as it is priced at 2.5 euros (P143) per dose.

The private sector is also expected to procure up to 3 million vaccine doses from the same pharmaceutical firm, presidential adviser on entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said.

head of the IGDD, said there will be a series of webinars supporting the campaign.

“We will have a series of online activities such as webinars on sexual abuse, meetings with barangays on VAW desk functionality, and a forum on gender-related laws with schools and hotels.”

With the theme “VAW Free Community Starts with Me,” the 18-Day Cam-

paign to End Violence against Women (VAW) is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 to raise awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern.

In 2011, Mayor Sara issued Proclamation No. 27 declaring November 25 and every year thereafter as a day for the elimination of violence against women in the city. CIO

armed conflict.

The provincial facility located in Doña Andrea, Asuncion, is 90 percent

complete while the regional facility is located in Tagum City. (Jan Vincent Leuterio, PIA-XI)

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration which shall be attached to the proposed department.

Go’s bill directs the establishment of Migrant Workers and other Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers in every country of destination for distressed overseas Filipinos who need shelter, medical attention, and other forms of assistance.

It will also set up Overseas Filipino Malasakit Centers throughout the Philippines. These one-stop shops will issue clearances and permits, validate over-

seas job offers, and offer reintegration services, seminars, and workshops to migrant Filipinos and their families.

“Ngayon na nahihirapan sila dahil sa krisis sa buong mundo at napilitan ang iba na umuwi, dapat lang bigyan ng sapat na atensyon ang kanilang mga pangangailangan para matulungan ang ating mga bagong bayani na makabangon muli,” Go recently said.

(Now that they have a hard time because of the global health crisis and they are forced to return home, they should be given much attention to their needs to help them recover.) (PR)

sidered as a viable source market to the country's tourism sector, particularly the second and third generation dependents who have yet to discover their parents’ roots.

"The Filipino diaspora

to date, has reached about 10 million. That is why we deem important the Filipino communities abroad as staunch partners in driving visitors to the Philippines,” she said in a statement.

(PNA)

line check-in and self-bag tag capabilities. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/CEBFlightReminders CEB offers most flight options in the Philippines, with flights to destinations such as Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo and Palawan. It also operates flights to six internation-

al destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Dubai. Through its Juan Love campaign, the airline committed to 1 million domestic seats on sale until December 2020, to encourage travelers to support the local tourism industry. These fares are available through cebupacificair.com.

the drivers that will boost economic recovery.

“Given the strong capital position of banks, we are very much in a strong position to support the recovery as it comes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pedro fore-

casts the peso to slightly weaken to the 49-level towards the year-end from the current 48-level against the US dollar in line with the expected recovery of the global economy.

(PNA)

CITY... FROM2

CHILDREN... FROM2 GO... FROM3

BALIKBAYANS... FROM3 CEBPAC... FROM4

BSP... FROM4

MONETARY... FROM5

two-day virtual Financial Education Stakeholders Expo, on Thursday reiterated that the pandemic bolstered the achievement of the central bank’s goal to increase digital payments transactions in the country.

He said many Filipinos are still adamant to tap digital payments due to several factors like lack of information or fear of usage errors and loss of money in the digital world.

He raised the need for the BSP and the financial service providers to expand cybersecurity awareness and digital literary programs.

“With a mix of enabling

policies and regulations, as well as risk management systems and proactive collaboration across the industry, financial consumers can be assured of the integrity of the digital finance ecosystem,” he said.

While regulators and service providers ensure the safety of the system, Diokno said consumers also play a vital role in protecting their personal account information and their money.

“While digitization of financial services is exposed to cyber threats and online scams, the first line of defense is our vigilance as users,” he said. (PNA)

Impact of Hayward's veteran presence on Hornets' young brigade They might have overpaid but there's no arguing against the fact that the Hornets' decision to sign Hayward was a good move.

He has played in three of the past four NBA playoffs and while playing a key position of a wing, he brings a ton of experience to the team's young roster.

Charlotte has all of their three first-round picks from 2017-19 still on their roster in Malik Monk, Miles Bridges, and PJ Washington. There's also the young guard brother duo of Cody and Caleb Martin. While Monk and the Martin brothers will have to work to find some playing time in a now crowded backcourt, the wing duo of Bridges and Washington will certainly have plenty to learn from Hayward.

Head coach James Borrego is yet to make an impression in Charlotte, winning just 49 games in the two seasons being hired.

With Hayward, he receives a veteran that can help bridge the gap to the team's young supporting cast.

Beginning of a new era?

Since the franchise rejoined the league in 2004, they won 40 or more games just three times - that's the only three times they have made the postseason. However, in Ball, Charlotte has acquired a young, long, 6'7" point guard who certainly raises the team's floor and can help them get back to the playoffs.

Giving Ball the 'green light' to play freely, under minutes that are generally

expected of a top-3 pick, will let him grow and mature into the franchise's next superstar - one they can build around to possibly contend for a title in the coming years.

After the 2020 free agency, the Hornets aren't necessarily constructed to maximize Ball and his talents. However, they could be active during the league's mid-season trade deadline to better equip themselves with the right 'skill-set' of players around their rookie, especially if he starts grabbing the headlines with his play.

In Hayward, the team has a 30-year-old seasoned wing, who was an All-Star as recently as 2017. He is a much-needed playoff-tested veteran presence in a locker room where a majority of the players are 25 or under and haven't played in the postseason.

Around this duo, the Hornets have a chance to build a team that can make winning and subsequently, making the playoffs a habit. Whether that's by holding onto and developing a few of their young players in Graham, Bridges and Washington or by trading for better players in the near future.

There's definitely talent there and the Hornets have made plenty of 'right' moves in the 2020 offseason but can they continue trending in the right direction? That's the question they have to answer in order to validate their optimism and grow into a franchise that can remain competitive season-after-season.

his game in the 3x3 ranks, eventually developing a hook shot that could make him a solid inside presence.

New licenses Meanwhile, Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra said later in the day that Munzon, Pasaol, Rike, and Santillan may need to get new professional athlete licenses should they push through with their draft plans.

“It’s gonna be a new license,” Mitra said during the Usapang Sports online press conference by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports.

He earlier reiterated that the pro licenses for 3x3 are different than

those of 5-on-5.

However, with the latest developments in club basketball play, Mitra said that GAB will set up a discussion with the GAB-sanctioned leagues to clarify matters like the licensing and the potential implications in the PBA’s Rookie of the Year race.

“We will have a dialogue with them. Ayaw namin ng away at gulo (We do not want conflicts to happen),” he said. “Gusto lang namin maging conduit ng (We just want to be the conduit of) cooperation between the leagues.”

In the case of Munzon, he will be renewing his 5-on-5 license. (PNA)

WILL... FROM11

READY... FROM12

9

P3.4-B road network connecting GenSan, 2 SoCot towns to open later next year

T

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is targeting to fully open later next year the P3.4-billion road network that connects this city and the municipalities of Surallah and Tboli in South Cotabato province.

Basir Ibrahim, DPWH-Region 12 director, said Thursday they expect to complete before the end of 2021 the remaining unfinished portions of the 66.69-kilometer bypass road at the boundary of this city and Tboli town.

He said a total of 25.410 km of the road project was upgraded and concreted during its initial phase from 2016 to 2018.

The concreting of another 12.653 km, funded for 2019 to 2020, is ongoing and already 95.20 percent completed, he said.

Ibrahim said the remaining 6.69 km of the road network is already funded and set for implementation in 2021.

“With the relaxed community quarantine, we’re moving to keep up with the adjusted project timelines,” he said in a report.

The multi-year road project involves the opening and concreting of 66.69 km two-lane road, two bridges, line canal and provision of road safety facilities, a DPWH-12 briefer said.

A 2,700-square meter slope protection project is also proposed for implementation in 2022 “to ensure safer travel for mo-

torists as well as provide stability and protection against scour and erosion, particularly on steep slide slopes.”

Dubbed Surallah-Tboli-General Santos City road, it was designed as an alternate route that directly links the municipalities of Surallah, Tboli and the neighboring localities to the trading hubs here.

These include the area emerging market centers, upgraded Makar port, city international airport and the fishport complex.

When completed, Ibrahim said the travel time from Surallah town to this city will be reduced by half or from two hours to just an hour.

He said the bypass road will help decongest traffic in the current main route that passes Koronadal City and the municipalities of Banga, Tupi and Polomolok.

The official said DPWH Secretary Mark Villar earlier directed the inclusion of the project as among the top priorities for the area due to its projected benefits.

He said it is expected to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth in support to the increasing investment hubs and agriculture tourism industry in the area.

In the project’s implementation, he said a total of 594 jobs were opened for skilled and non- skilled workers from parts of Region 12 or Soccsksargen.

(MindaNews)

or not; and P50 per day for a total of 60 days or a total of P3,000 or 200% return in 60 days through crypto trading.

SEC added the Cashdrop scams the public to invest online or through the internet; Coinmax. ph offers a scheme where where a member is told to invest promising high returns of 90% to 150%; and Lokalplate offers investments to the public under the guise of franchising

where a franchisee invests P12,888 to earn P40,000 to P80,000 per month and earns through commissions, among others.

The agency maintained that the Securities Regulation Code requires that these securities be duly registered and that the concerned corporation and/or its agents have appropriate registration and/or license to sell such securities. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

inactive for most of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They’ll give us the energy that we need. Yes, we might lack experience, yes we might lack some size.

But the energy that they will give us will be a positive, or an advantage that we can use in our games,” said Uichico.

“Being young, energetic, lots of intensity, and you know, hopefully this aspect that the young players will give us in this coming games will give us a win,” he added.

Gilas plays Thailand on November 27 and again on November 30. In both days, tip off is at 9 p.m., Manila time.

RJ Jazul chipped in only eight points.

As a team, Phoenix made only 28 of 77 field goal attempts, including 8-of-41 from beyond the arc, and also committed 18 turnovers.

In contrast, four other TNT players finished with at least 11 points, including Roger Pogoy, whose fivepoint cluster gave the Tropa a 75-58 spread that acted as cushion in yet another

Phoenix fightback that fell way short than in a 101102 loss in Game 4. (PBA) The Scores: TNT 91 - Parks 26, Enciso 12, Washington 11, Pogoy 11, Castro 11, Erram 9, Carey 4, Montalbo 3, Rosario 4, Reyes 0.

PHOENIX 81 - Abueva 23, Wright 13, Perkins 11, Chua 9, Jazul 8, Heruela 7, Rios 6, Mallari 4, Garcia 0.

Quarters: 25-20; 40-34; 62-53; 91-81.

SEC... FROM5

YOUNG... FROM11

TNT... FROM11

10 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

Bajaj Maxima: Giving you the power to earn more

W

ith the emergence of new unconventional businesses, results have shown a positive shift in the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines. A survey

by PwC Philippines saw an increasing demand and positive impact in the retail, essential goods, delivery service and logistics sector. With all these changes, Bajaj Philippines saw an opportunity for them to earn more through an effective diskarte in the form of the Bajaj Maxima models.

These new Bajaj Maxima three-wheelers: Bajaj Maxima Z and Bajaj Maxima Cargo will give you the power to generate more income through its bigger and better features. To start with, both models have a 236.2 CC DTS-i engine that gives your vehicle extra power to do more trips and carry bigger loads, also Fuel Injected (FI) for superior power production with better fuel saving. With a bigger engine comes a bigger body, that provides a roomier and spacious compartment in delivery, a heavy

duty CV Shaft that can carry heavy loads thru difficult terrain and a dual front fork suspension to continuously absorb shock and harsh motion.

Here are the difference between the two models: The new Bajaj Maxima Z – “Ang multi-purpose partner sa Negosyo” is a three-wheeler that provides bigger performance and a multi-purpose way to cater both your transporting and delivery requirements. It is convertible into cargo with up to 800 liter of cabin space.

Bajaj Maxima Cargo enables your business through efficiently delivering loads and limitlessly actualizing your unique business ideas.

It is best for hauling and delivering goods giving you a better earning capacity.

These models will be the next business enablers

for the new generation of individuals who wanted to take a leap of diskarte in life. A tool that offers limitless possibilities for every

It takes Diskarte to Endure

T Bajaj RE: Ang No. 1 Three-wheeler

W

ithin a span of five (5) years in the Philippines, Bajaj RE has been fondly called many names by Pinoys like Bao-bao in Mindanao areas, Bukyu in Tagaytay, and many more. And through those years of selling nearly 50,000 units, it made certain that Bajaj RE is the number 1 three-wheeler here in the country.

Since 2015, Bajaj RE has always been providing Filipino families with relevant and innovative mode of transportation and we will continue to do so. It truly gained the trust of the Filipino by continuously making improvements to provide the best product quality and service to them.

In fact, Bajaj RE has partnered with seventeen (17)

of the biggest dealership networks with over 900 Authorized stores nationwide with aftersales network of 700+ accredited parts and service shops that sells Bajaj RE Genuine Spare parts and trained mechanics. It is also the first three-wheeler in the country that is proud of its Rear Engine with no overheating, reverse gear, factory-built all-weather vehicle, and engineered chassis framework for safer travels and assured durability. This will be your pinaka-magandang diskarte with its powerful 198.88 CC DTS-i engine that provides more pulling capacity while maintaining a lower running cost with its Fuel Injection (FI) system for better fuel saving at a very reasonable price.

Speaking of diskarte, many Pinoy RE owners were spotted to have expressed their creativity and uniqueness in customizing their Bajaj RE, like that of the Pinoy jeepneys and colorful Tuktuk’s or RE’s abroad. Apart from the different paint and decors, lot of them even spend to hire local fabricators to modify their RE’s by installing windows, doors, and hard top carriers creating a whole new level of personalized, stylish, yet functional three-wheelers. We, at Bajaj Philippines, saw this trend and inspired us to bring you the Bajaj RE Special Edition – an addition to Bajaj RE’s product line. It is made for the customers’ most wanted modifications exhilarating with unique

and cool style. With the Bajaj RE Special Edition, your RE’s are made available as factory modified, furnished with an enhanced solid roof made of resin material giving a better roof support and quality, additional front and rear hard resin doors to provide added security and comfort for both the driver and passenger - a classy design upgrade suited for personal and stylish usage.

Standing out not only in quantity but also in quality and style: that’s Bajaj RE, Ang No. 1 Three-wheeler.

The best tool that will enable the diskarte of the new generation of Filipinos who wanted to do more and be more in life. To learn more about Bajaj RE, find us at fb.com/BajajPhilippines or www.bajaj.com.ph.

Filipinos’ business needs and ideas. Check out the Bajaj Maxima models thru fb.com/BajajPhilippines or www.bajaj.com.ph.

he pandemic’s impact is beyond expectation. Every country is affected including the Philippines which leads to nearly 3.5 million job losses and numerous businesses closing down as one of the tolls in our fight against Covid-19.

Nonetheless, Filipinos are able to manage this difficult situation because of resiliency and ingenuity, commonly known as “DISKARTE”.

There are many kinds of diskarte, but the most prominent this time is the diskarte for survival. This explains the discovery of different skills applied in business to cope with the changes in order to make a living, pay monthly bills, and get meals served for their families daily. And providing Pinoys the Tamang Diskarte is Bajaj Philippines’ way to help them get through this tough time. Just like the Filipino persona Juan dela Cruz, Bajaj Philippines created its modern Filipino personas we can relate to. Like the simple tricycle driver “Kuya Ricky” who lost half of his daily income when a halt in transportation happened, “Manoy Oli” an ex OFW who after working for a long time wanted to settle in the country just to be

with his family when the lockdown started, and the single mom “Tita Prima” who got laid off due to retrenchment, these Filipino representations took the chance to take a leap of diskarte towards changing their lives.

So, what’s their dirkarte? To achieve the best diskarte, a perfect tool will be needed.

This is how Kuya Ricky discovered his Magandang Diskarte of Pabili or Pasabuy sideline through Bajaj RE – “Ang No. 1 Three-wheeler” , a Bagong Diskarte with Bajaj Maxima Z – “Ang multipurpose partner sa Negosyo” for the transport and delivery of Manoy Oli’s new grocery store and an Effective Diskarte for Tita Prima’s online plant selling with Bajaj Maxima Cargo.

These three personas are the Madiskarteng EntrepREneurs, the new generation of smart and practical individuals who aspire to start doing more and being more in life. Achieving success through diskarte is manageable, Filipinos just need a tool to enable each through Bajaj Philippines.

For more stories and updates about the Madiskarteng EntrepREneurs, visit us on fb.com/BajajPhilippines or www.bajaj.com.ph.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

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The Gilas Pilipinas squad that will compete in the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers. Handout photo

Young Gilas takes it to second window G ilas Pilipinas returns to international basketball with a youth-laden lineup in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers starts on Friday.

The Philippines play Thailand twice in a bubble set-up in Manama, Bahrain, with the national team looking to build on an impressive 100-70 victory over Indonesia all the way back in February.

But this will be a very different squad from the team that competed back then. There are no PBA players on the roster, and only four holdovers from the February team. Every member of the squad is ei-

ther a fresh graduate or a collegiate player.

“Everybody is safe, everybody is raring to go,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said of the squad, which arrived in Manama last Monday and fulfilled their quarantine requirements.

“Mga bata eh, so I guess the energy, the passion of the youth… (Coach) Tab (Baldwin) was saying that it’s very inspiring to see

these young men carry our flag in such a very unusual period of tournaments,” he added.

Tapped to lead the squad are the five players drafted by PBA teams last December and loaned to the national team program -- Isaac Go, Matt Nieto, Mike Nieto, Rey Suerte, and Allyn Bulanadi.

Dwight Ramos and Juan Gomez de Liano, who both played in the February window, will also be looked upon for leadership.

Kobe Paras, meanwhile, has been identified by FIBA as a “player to watch” as he makes his debut in the continental qualifiers.

They play a Thailand

TNT repulses Phoenix to reach finals

T

he TNT Tropang Giga hacked out a tough 91-81 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters Friday to close out their semifinals duel and advance to the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Smart 5G-powered AUF Gym in Angeles City.

Ray-Ray Parks once again shone the brightest with 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, with 15 of his points coming in the fourth quarter that was mainly responsible for keeping Phoenix at bay and powering TNT's charge to a second straight win in the series.

After wrapping up the best-of-five duel at three games to two, the Tropang Giga now face the winner

of the other semis pairing pitting Barangay Ginebra against Meralco in the bestof-seven championship starting Sunday.

"It's good to be back in the finals. I must commend the players... all of them.

They really stepped up," said TNT coach Bong Ravena, adding the wringer of a series his team just went through should help it end a seven-year championship drought in the tournament formerly known as the All-Filipino.

"Hats off to Phoenix," stated Ravena. "They really made us, you know, better every game that we played.

Kung gusto mong gumaling kailangan magaling din 'yung kalaban mo. It

(series) helped us a lot. Salute to them."

It seems the pressure did get to Phoenix, a firsttime semifinalist trying to crash the Big Dance since taking over the old Barako Bull franchise midway in the 2016 season.

Calvin Abueva finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks, but the usual help from the Fuel Masters' other main men did not come.

Matthew Wright scored 13 points but only a 5-of16 field shooting, Jason Perkins had his own double-double of 11 points and as many rebounds but did have four turnovers, while

FTNT, P9

team that is composed of professional players but is missing Tyler Lamb, the high-scoring wing who dropped 33 points on an all-pro Gilas Pilipinas side during the gold medal game in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Moreover, Thailand has a 0-1 record in Group A after losing to South Korea in the first window.

Jong Uichico, who will call the shots for the national team this window, is counting on their youthful energy to make a difference. The squad will play after only a brief preparation period, and with most of the players having been

FYOUNG, P9

Will LaMelo Ball be the Hornets' next superstar?

I

t's been a while since the Hornets drafted this high and selected a player of the caliber and talent of LaMelo Ball, who is regarded as the best playmaker from the 2020 Draft class.

With their existing guard line-up of Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham, clearly, Charlotte's strength is their backcourt and Ball's multiskill talent allows them to use that in multiple ways.

Given his elite passing ability, Ball would be expected to have primary ball-handling duties with Graham and Rozier, both very capable catch-andshoot 3-point shooters , next to him.

In the 12 games he played in his lone season with the Illawarra Hawks in Australia's NBL, he shot 25.0% from beyond the

arc, so placing 'shooting' guards around him, generates more open shots that will only help his confidence and rhythm.

Just like his shot, Ball's defence could improve to reach the NBA-level but the deficit in physical strength, something his brother Lonzo also dealt with in his rookie season, can be made-up with effort and his high basketball IQ. Rookie of the Year type years are usually heavily dependent on the minutes and the role that the rookies get on their respective teams. With the ball in his hands, Ball has the opportunity to dictate the narrative of his season, and ultimately, whether he can make a legitimate run for the award.

FWILL, P9

Despite another big game, Calvin Abueva's effort went to naught as Phoenix Fuelmasters were stopped by TNT Tropang Giga. PBA Images

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

READY TO GO

VOL.13 ISSUE 196 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

Pasaol, Chooks 3x3 teammates to enter PBA Draft

T

he four biggest names in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 including Dabawenyo high-scoring cager Alvin Pasaol are set to go to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Pasaol along with Joshua Munzon, Troy Rike, and Santi Santillan are confirmed to be declaring for the top tier 5-on-5 cagefest’s draft.

The four are among the six best 3x3 players in the Philippines based on FIBA 3x3 points accumulated with Munzon and Pasaol being the Top 2.

The four players were part of the national pool for the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

They would go on to represent Zamboanga City in the Chooks 3x3 President’s Cup and Manila in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas eventually named

Munzon and Pasaol to the final lineup alongside PBA stars CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa.

“Thank you Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan for making our country proud over the last two years,” Chooksto-Go Pilipinas 3x3 said in a statement on Thursday.

Munzon, Pasaol, Rike, and Santillan reportedly declared for the PBA Draft to avoid negative implications should they forego for a second straight year.

“We at Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 won’t hinder you from achieving your dreams,” Chooks 3x3 said.

The six-foot-four Munzon had prior experience playing professional 5-on-5 basketball, suiting

Dabawenyo cager Alvin Pasaol is expected to join the PBA Draft. up for Saigon and Kuala Lumpur in the Asean Basketball League last decade before staying put in the Philippines for good.

Meanwhile, Rike’s college basketball resume, in

which he played for Wake Forest, the alma mater of National Basketball Association legend Tim Duncan and current superstar Chris Paul, could entice the teams to take a look at the

six-foot-eight forward.

On the other hand, Pasaol, a burly six-footfour winger, is an interesting prospect as he once dropped 47 points for the University of the East, the

most by a single player in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines since the ‘70s.

Santillan, a six-footfive forward, improved

FREADY, P8