Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 228 | Tuesday, January 12, 2021

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FINE TUNING

VOL.13 I SSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

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Contact tracing feature of DQR still being refined STORY ON PAGE 2

A father carries his young son on his shoulders as he crosses a street during a gloomy and rainy day in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

PRC begins further study on saliva COVID-19 test

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Dabawenyos protect themselves with umbrellas as they brave the rain on Monday morning. Light to moderate rains is being experienced in Davao City and nearby provinces due to the presence of Intertropical Convergence Zone. Edge Davao

FINE TUNING

Contact tracing feature of DQR still being refined

By MAYA M. PADILLO he service providers of the Davao Safe QR (DQR) are still refining its contact tracing module to ensure there will be no glitches when the app is fully rolled out.

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The service providers of the Davao Safe QR (DQR) are still refining its contact tracing module to ensure there will be no glitches when the app is fully rolled out.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte- Carpio said the city government is making steps to ensure a glitch-free implementation.

“We want to ensure that when introduced ang features sa DQR wala na gyud mga problema and glitches. Mandatory na ang implementa-

tion sa DQR and unfortunately we cannot do that because walay contact tracing module or katong mga portions sa program makita nato and masultihan nato ang na-expose sa isa ka positive case kung unsa iyang mga kinahanglan buhaton ug katong isa pud ka feature na automatic musulti ang mga programs sa imoha kung unsa imong kinahanglan buhaton once makit an niya nga duna kay exposure sa isa ka positive case,” said Mayor Sara.

The DQR contract-tracing platform was implemented by the city government of Davao to easily trace people in contact with any person who test positive in a certain area.

The city has released the use and implementation of DQR through Executive Order (EO) 60 last November 3, 2020 aiming to help enforce the prohibition of non-essential travel within the city.

With DQR, the city is eyeing to make contact-tracing activities faster and more efficient and help mitigate the effects of Covid-19.

Institutionalizing the DQR will also implement contactless data gathering and electronic storage of data while enforcing the prohibition on

Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"Meron hong 2 klase ng bakuna (There are 2 kinds of vaccine) that can be available by February already. Aantayin po natin si vaccine czar (Let's wait for the vaccine czar to announce), I hope you understand he’s the one authorized to provide this kind of information,"

she said.

"As early as February we might be receiving the deliveries of (these) vaccine(s)."

The Philippines on Saturday signed an agreement to buy 30 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine Covovax from the Serum Institute of India.

Government and private firms earlier signed

non-essential travels within the city.

E.O. 60 will likewise strictly implement the “no QR code, no travel, no entry“ policy. The one-time permanent and unique DQR, defined as an electronic contact tracing and travel pass platform, will be implemented as a pass for entry into and travel inside Davao City, provided that such travel is only for goods and accessing essential services or for work and business; as a pass at law enforcement checkpoints and barangay patrols implementing the prohibition on non-essential travel; and as a contact tracing log for entry and exit in all offices and establishments.

Two COVID-19 vaccines may arrive in PH next month: DOH

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wo COVID-19 vaccines may arrive in the Philippines as early as February, the Department of Health said Monday without discussing further details.

The brands of the coronavirus inoculations will be announced by vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said DOH spokesperson and

a tripartite deal with AstraZeneca for 2.6 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine and is working on a second agreement, according to Joey Concepcion, presidential adviser on entrepreneurship.

The Philippines as of Sunday reported 487,690 cases of COVID-19, with 20,087 active infections.

he Philippine Red Cross on Monday will begin distributing saliva COVID-19 test kits to healthworkers for another run of its pilot study as recommended by the health department, an official said.

Some 1,000 healthworkers will be tested for the coronavirus using the saliva test and the gold standard RT-PCR test, according to Dr. Paulyn Ubial, head of PRC biomolecular laboratories.

“Ine-expect po namin na babalik po lahat ng results within 2-3 days. Pagbalik nun, ira-run namin, may results na po tayo hopefully by Friday or Monday next week,” she said.

(We expect to receive results within 2-3 days. After that, we’ll run it and get results hopefully by Friday or Monday next week.)

The non-government organization tested 238 participants for its initial study but it was not enough for the Department of Health, Ubial said.

“Sa lahat ng studies na tiningnan namin--gumawa ang Australia, Thailand, and Japan--less than 200 nga ‘yung sample size nila, the result was accepted by their expert panel,” she said.

(In all of the studies we read--Australia, Thailand, and Japan--they had less than 200 sample size but the result was accepted by their expert panel.)

“Aprubado naman ng UP Ethics Review Board

ang sample size. Di po namin maintindihan bakit pagdating sa DOH health technology assessment council eh kailangan dagdagan pa.”

(The sample size was approved by the UP Ethics Review Board. We don’t understand why the DOH health technology assessment council needs us to ad The cheaper COVID-19 test may be available for public use once the study is complete and the saliva test kits are registered with the Food and Drug Administration, according to DOH spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire. “’Yun na lang po hinihintay natin na makatapos ang Philippine Red Cross ng mag rekomendasyon na isama sa pagaaral nila, and also ‘yung pagregister ng FDA sa testing kits na ginagamit nila, that it can also be used for saliva specimen,” she said.

(We’re only waiting for the Philippine Red Cross to complete recommendations on their study and the FDA registration of the testing kits they use, that it can also be used for saliva specimen.)

“Ang rekomendasyon ng ating lab experts panel ng DOH na ipagpatuloy pa ang pagaaral dahil meron pang kulang na aspeto na hindi nakita.”

(The lab experts panel of DOH recommended further study due to some aspects that were not seen in the initial one.)

PH signs deal to secure 30M doses of Covovax

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he Philippine government, represented by vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Serum Institute of India (SII), and Faberco Life Sciences, Inc. signed a term sheet on Saturday to secure 30 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine Covovax that will be available starting third quarter of this year.

“This is a significant milestone in relations between India and the Philippines. It shows that we don’t have to look far beyond Philippine shores to find friends who are willing to help each other out,” said Kishore Hemlani, founder of Faberco Life Sciences Inc., SII’s Philippine partner, after the signing with Galvez.

SII, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, partnered with Novavax, a USbased biotechnology company for the development and commercialization of the Covovax vaccine.

The vaccine has the recombinant coronavirus spike protein nanoparticle and a Novavax-patented Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance the immune response and stimulate high

levels of neutralizing antibodies.

Covovax is in thirdstage trials and expected to be approved for use by international regulators.

“The vaccine will be used to vaccinate 15 million vulnerable and poor Filipinos. The vaccine is stable at 2°C to 8°C, the standard temperature that is within the existing cold chain system in the Philippines, thus allowing its distribution to the remotest barangays,” said Faberco Life Sciences medical director Luningning Villa.

The candidate vaccine is thoroughly evaluated in different geographies, various age groups, groups that are most affected by Covid-19, including people living with HIV, and racial and ethnic minorities.

The clinical trials involve a sizeable population of around 50,000 subjects to ensure extreme robust clinical data prior to approval by relevant regulatory bodies including the World Health Organization.

The vaccine underwent the initial phase of the clinical trials in Australia, South

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NEWS 3

Family reiterates call for justice as Dacera is laid to rest in GenSan

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hristine Angelica Dacera, the flight attendant who was initially reported to have been a victim of rape-slay in Makati City, was laid to rest at 10:40 a.m.

Sunday in her hometown General Santos City.

About a hundred family members and close friends sent the 23-year-old to her final resting place at the Forest Lake Memorial Park amid tight security provided by police and military personnel.

“We love you so much our baby Ica… We are praying for justice for our baby Ica,” said Sharon, calling her daughter by her nickname.

Sharon said they will continue to seek justice for her daughter, the second of four siblings, who was found dead in a hotel room in Makati City noon of January 1, after a New Year party with friends.

Dacera was laid to rest three days after her remains arrived in General Santos on Thursday via Philippine Airlines, where she worked as stewardess until her death.

Sharon reiterated that her daughter, who finished BA Communication Arts, Cum Laude, at the University of the Philippines – Mindanao in Davao City, worked as a flight attendant for her dream to tour her family around the globe.

Clad mostly in white shirts, those who attended the burial wore face masks and face shields and were required to maintain distance to avoid the spread of the

highly contagious coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Throughout the hourlong burial rites, the memorial park management repeatedly reminded the small crowd to observe physical distancing, with a policeman directing those who viewed Dacera’s remains for the last time, to observe the distance.

Sharon thanked those who offered prayers for the repose of her daughter’s soul and those who sympathized to ease the pain of the family.

The Dacera family disputed the findings of the Southern Police District that she died of ruptured aortic aneurysm.

The family sought another autopsy, with the results expected this week.

National police chief Gen. Debold Sinas suspected that Dacera was a victim of rapeslay, differing with the medicolegal report of the Southern Police District Laboratory Office.

The police initially tagged 11 persons, all males with some admitting they are gays, as suspects in Dacera’s death.

Last Wednesday, the Makati police released three suspects in custody after state prosecutors ordered them freed, as the evidence presented was considered “insufficient.”

The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office scheduled the preliminary investigation for the Dacera case on January 13. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Davao City records 732 new COVID-19 cases in nine days; 1,088 in 16 days

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avao City, which has been topping the number of COVID-19 cases nationwide for several weeks now, recorded 732 new COVID-19 cases and 38 deaths in the first nine days of 2021, or 1,088 cases and 67 deaths in 16 days from December 25 to January 9, according to data from the Department of Health regional office.

DOH records from last year show that it took the city four months in 2020 to log 732 cases, the figure reached in only nine days in 2021.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, the city’s COVID-19 focal person, attributes the surge to holiday gatherings including Christmas and New Year parties, family reunions, shopping and Misa de Gallo masses.

But Lopez told MindaNews that they are not recommending a change to a more restrictive quarantine status. The city reverted to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from Modified GCQ on November 20 last year, supposedly to control the spread of the highly-contagious disease. A week before that, Davao City’s medical associations and hospital directors appealed for a two-week lockdown or Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) which was turned down in favor of a GCQ.

At the start of the GCQ on November 20, the city had only 5,607 cases and 248 deaths. By January 9, the number had risen to 9,557 or 3,950 more cases and 196 more deaths.

Of 9,557 cases, 1,253 are active (13.1%), 7,860 are recoveries (82.2%) and 444 are deaths (4.6%.)

From 8,469 on December 25, the COVID-19 cases went up to 8,825 on January 1, 8,908 on January 2 and 8,951 on January 3. It rose to 9,055 on the 4th of January, 9,107 on the 5th and 9,194 on the 6th. By January 7, it increased to 9,325, then 9,404 on January 8 and 9,577 on January 9. A total of 153 new cases were recorded on January 9.

Within the Davao region, Davao City accounted for the highest number of cases as of January 9 with 9,557 or 69.7% out of the regional total of 13,696.

Never ECQ Asked what measures he was recommending to address the alarming situation, Lopez replied: “intensify tri-media info campaign particularly on minimum health standards and other mitigating measures, increase surveillance and case-finding, optimize contact tracing, put up more swabbing areas and testing centers (Molecular lab), increase isolation and

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Christine Angelica Dacera, flight attendant, Philippine Airlines (PAL) Express. Photo from Remembering Christine Dacera FB page

Sara reaches out to churches to comply with health protocols

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has called on the personnel of Catholic parishes in Davao City to comply with the standard health protocols inside churches.

This after three priests and a seminarian of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Barangay Ma-a have tested positive for Covid-19.

Mayor Sara said there is a need to enforce strict implementation of the health protocols inside the churches to prevent transmission.

“Ang atoa na lang is enforcement of the strict implementation, guide and reminder and we are reaching

out to the Catholic churches ug sa ilahang mga officials, mangayo ta ug tabang sa ilaha na from their personnel mismo duna na’y compliance sa katong mga health protocols nato,” she said.

She said transmission is expected to places where people mass gather such as churches, banks, hospitals, and offices.

“Kani sila ang mga duna’y taas ang risks sa outbreak na

mahitabo kay nagtapok ang mga tao,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ashley Lopez, focal person of Davao City Health Covid-19, has also called on the individuals who were sitting near to the confirmed Covid-19 cases to go to the nearest swab testing centers.

“Katong uban na tan-aw ninyo naka simba didto o nakabisita from December 22, 2020 to January 1, 2021 ug tan aw ninyo medyo duol mo or you were exposed to the confirmed cases, puwede ta muduol sa pinakaduol nga swab centers so that you can be tested. Katong naa gyud sa atbang o nakahalubilo sa priests ug seminarian. If you

suspect yourself, feel free to do so ka’y wala ta’y limitation sa atong testing,” Lopez said.

Lopez said they have already identified the closest of the close contacts of the 18 individuals identified who are closely exposed to the confirmed cases and they are already swabbed and waiting for their test results.

On the other hand, upon the recommendation of the City Health Office (CHO), St. Francis of Assisi Parish- Maa is currently suspending all its operation including all liturgical celebration beginning January 2, 2021, until further notice.

Devotees allowed to celebrate Sto. Niño feast in Davao City’s Shrine Hills but...

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he celebration of the feast of Sto. Niño at the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague at Shrine Hills in Matina, in Davao City will push through on January 15, the surge in COVID-19 cases notwithstanding.

But only masses will be allowed and only 100 persons will be allowed in the venue during each mass, Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Public Safety and Security Command Center told MindaNews.

He said five masses have been scheduled for January 15 but at intervals of two hours to allow for movement in and out of the chapel.

Sumagaysay said the security cluster has drafted the security and safety plan, and has agreed with church representatives on the set-up inside the venue to manage the crowd and

control the entry of devotees.

“It will be purely Masses,” Sumagaysay said, adding the other annual activities will not be allowed.

Devotees aged under 18 and above 65 and persons with disability (PWDs) will not be allowed inside the venue,” Sumagaysay said.

He said security personnel will be deployed around the venue to ensure the implementation of the minimum health protocols, particularly physical distancing, and enforcement of the one-entrance and one-exit policy.

“The number of people who will be allowed inside will be limited to the number of seats prepared for every Mass. The others will have to wait for the next Mass… The one who will assess whether the venue is already full or not

is the church management itself while the security will assist them,” he said.

According to Resolution No. 80 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issued on October 22, 2020, religious gatherings in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) shall be allowed up to 30% of the seating or venue capacity.

The city reverted to GCQ from modified GCQ last November 20. The GCQ has been extended until January 31, 2021.

Mayor Sara Duterte said during her program over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Friday that the city government will allow the celebration of the feast of Sto. Niño but security personnel will be closely monitoring compliance of to the minimum

health protocols, such as observing the physical distancing and wearing of face masks and face shields.

As of January 9, the Department of Health (DOH)-Davao Region reported 229 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 13,696, with 1,987 active, 11,148 recoveries and 561 deaths in the region.

Of the total cases, Davao City reported 9,557, Davao de Oro with 651, Davao del Norte with 1,776, Davao del Sur with 1,001, Davao Occidental with 133, and Davao Oriental with 578.

Of 9,557 cases in Davao City as of January 9, 1,253 are active, 7860 are recoveries and 444 are deaths.

In the first nine days of 2021, the city recorded 732 new cases and 38 deaths.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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BPhilippine Eagle rescued by a T’boli farmer in Barangay Ticulab, Maitum, Sarangani on Friday, 08 January 2021. Photo courtesy of JOYLYN TY

DTI sets up testing T facility for cement T

SEC approves country’s 1st crowdfunding portal

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is setting up a new testing facility for cement this year to strengthen the country’s testing capabilities.

In an interview with radio program ‘Konsyumer ATBP.’ on Saturday, DTI Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) director Neil Catajay said the agency allotted budget for the testing facility for cement as well as other equipment for testing of products that need certification. “’Yong sa pag-set-up

ng testing facility for cement ng BPS, ang target natin ay matapos natin within the first semester of the year. Ongoing ‘yong ating procurement ng mga equipment para pag third quarter pwede na tayong mag-conduct ng testing (For setting up a testing facility for cement by BPS, our target is to finish within the first

semester of the year. Our procurement of equipment is ongoing so that in the third quarter, we can conduct testing),” Catajay said.

He said the BPS taps third party testing laboratories to test cement products to be sold in the domestic market.

The country has two testing laboratories for cement, he added.

Catajay added that the BPS also accepts product standard testing done overseas from foreign laboratories which are recognized by an accreditation body that are signa-

pening up the economy to foreign investors is crucial in helping the Philippine economy recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said Sunday as he pushed to amend the “restrictive” economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution.

In a statement, Velasco confirmed that he has instructed the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments to open Charter change (Cha-cha) deliberations on amending the “restrictive” economic provisions in the Constitution as stated in Resolution

of Both Houses (RBH) No. 2 which he filed back in July 2019.

He said that at the time of his filing of the measure, the Philippines was on its way to become one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. No one, however, was able to predict the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on economies around the world.

“As global economies slowly start to reopen, we cannot allow the Philippines to lag behind in terms of investments and opportunities. We need to seize the momentum if we

are to fully recover from the economic devastation of COVID-19,” Velasco pointed out.

“RBH 2 seeks to liberalize the restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution that prevent us from becoming fully competitive with our Asian neighbors,” he added.

Under the said measure, the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” will be included in the provision that reserves certain areas of investments to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations at least 60% of whose capital are owned by Filipinos.

tories to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation.

Aside from cement, Catajay said BPS is adding testing equipment for steel products.

He said the BPS also eyes to expand the mandatory certification for e-cigarettes, personal protective equipment, face masks, and air purifiers.

“We are looking at adding these products for mandatory certification that’s why we are preparing the equipment to test these products,” Catajay said. (PNA)

Also, the same phrase is added in the provisions that limit ownership of educational institutions and mass media to Filipinos.

Moreover, the measure introduces the same phrase to the provision allowing the State to undertake exploration, development, and utilization activities on the country’s natural resources.

According to Velasco, the addition of this phrase would allow Congress to enact laws to free up the economy to foreign investors, or maintain the status quo.

Opening PH economy to foreign capital vital or recovery: Velasco

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FOPENING, P10

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has allowed Investree Philippines, Inc. to operate a crowdfunding platform that will connect small, medium and emerging enterprises with banks and other lenders.

In its December 22, 2020 meeting, the Commission En Banc approved the application of Investree to operate as a funding portal and act as a crowdfunding intermediary, subject to its compliance with certain conditions.

The registration of Investree as crowdfunding intermediary and funding portal shall be valid for one year, subject to a review by the SEC of the actual operation of the crowdfunding portal during the first 11 months for possible extension.

A joint venture between Filinvest Development Corporation and Investree Singapore Pte. Ltd., Investree is the first crowdfunding intermediary and funding portal registered with the Commission since the Rules and Regulations Covering Crowdfunding (CF Rules) took effect in July 2019.

Crowdfunding is a fundraising activity typically conducted through an online platform for startups and small and medium enterprises. It basically involves three parties: the entrepreneur or project initiator; the supporters or those willing to fund the business idea or project; and the platform or moderating

organization that brings the entrepreneur and supporters together to realize the business idea or project.

Crowdfunding may be donation-based, where supporters pool their resources to support a charitable cause; or reward-based, where supporters give money in exchange for a “reward,” usually a product produced by the project initiator.

Crowdfunding may likewise be lending-based, where supporters lend money to the entrepreneur and receive his/her legally binding commitment to repay the loan at predetermined time intervals and interest rate; or equity-based, where supporters invest in shares sold by the entrepreneur and receive a share of the profits in the form of a dividend or distribution, subject to the entrepreneur’s discretion.

Investree will operate a lending-based crowdfunding platform. The crowdfunding activities will involve banks or qualified buyers as lenders, and will be limited to small, medium and emerging enterprises as borrowers.

Lending-based and equity-based crowdfunding activities involve the offer of securities in the form of debentures or shares. As such, they are subject to securities regulation in many jurisdictions.

In the Philippines, Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8799, or The Securities

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Senators urged to keep an open mind on economic reforms

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he chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments on Monday urged senators to keep an open mind in the proposed amendments to certain economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution to attract foreign investments.

In a statement, Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. said the economic amendments are long overdue, noting that it would improve the investment climate and generate much-needed jobs to counteract the economic contraction caused by the pandemic.

He said the introduction of the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law" in the restrictive economic provisions would give Congress the flexibility and leeway to alter the restrictions when the economic situation requires it.

“For the first time in the 33-year history of our Constitution, we in the House see that economic Cha-cha can succeed if only our counterparts in the Senate will keep an open mind on it and agree to consider relevant proposals from us and their own colleagues,” he said.

Garbin allayed the fears of some senators that agreeing to economic Cha-cha might open the Charter to wholesale amendments that could lead to extending the term of office of incumbent elective officials and lifting of the term limits.

“We are not proposing to open the basic law of the land to revisions. We want to limit ourselves to provisions relating to the economy and national patrimony. We will not

touch the political sections of the Charter,” he said.

Garbin stressed that Speaker Lord Allan Velasco himself has committed that the House would confine itself to amending certain economic provisions in the Charter.

“The Speaker’s assurance will serve as our word of honor. In compliance with the Speaker’s instruction, my committee will not entertain any political amendment proposal,” he said.

Garbin argued that the country needs foreign funds to recover from the pandemic in the next two to three years due to the extensive damage caused by the health crisis.

He added economists have projected that due to the deep economic contraction that it has suffered, the country would begin to achieve positive growth only in 2022.

“That is when we hope we already have the constitutional means in place to attract more foreign funds into the country,” he said.

Senators Ronald de la Rosa and Francis Tolentino have filed a resolution to convene Congress as a Constituent assembly (Con-ass) to initiate limited amendments to the Charter.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, earlier said a piecemeal approach and not a total overhaul may be possible in making amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

Sotto, however, expressed optimism on passing possible amendments on economic provisions and the party-list system.

A motorist redeems his discounted fuel voucher at a Phoenix gas station through the Limitless app. Photo courtesy of Phoenix Phils.

Phoenix strengthens thrust for digital with online flash sale

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hoenix Petroleum further reinforced its push for the digital platform by offering discounted fuel vouchers through Limitless, an app-based loyalty FSENATORS, P10 program. Last December 28, Phoenix Globe provides free, paid e-learning fuel vouchers in P1,000, P500, and P100 denominations were offered on tools powered by Microsoft the Limitless app at 80% off during the lobe on Monday anAccording to its web- independent oil player’s first digital flash nounced its partner- site, Globe offers three difship with Microsoft ferent packages of the MS sale.

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Office 365 to provide virtual education tools for digital learning in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Globe said the Microsoft Office 365 (MS) Education platform allows teachers to easily monitor student participation, manage assignments and feedback, and create documents, spreadsheets, and other documents through Microsoft’s suite of office applications.

“In addition, it can support the school’s learning program, whether blended, face-to-face, or purely virtual,” Globe said.

Compared to other Learning Management Systems (LMS), it said the MS Education platform offers a “richer, more secure, more affordable, and more productive platform” that works across a range of different devices.

“It also provides educational resources suited to every teacher and learner’s need, style, and budget.

The platform can significantly improve the process and the delivery of virtual learning,” Globe said.

Education platform.

The Office 365 A1 package is free-of-charge to students, teachers, and administrative staff and allows its users to attend online classes and access to the web versions of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote applications (app).

The Office 365 A3 package costs USD2.50 per month for students and USD3.25 per month for faculty and includes the offline version of the previous apps plus Microsoft Publisher and Access—both PC-only apps—and allows faculty to host meetings for up to 10,000 participants, aside from other features.

The Office 365 A5 package costs USD6 per month for students and USD8 per month for faculty and includes all the aforementioned features plus allowing administrators to control how support accesses mailbox, investigate and remediate attacks after a breach, see advanced analytics, and enhanced visibility and control of the Office 365 environment. (PNA)

ECONOMY 5

“As our brand further evolves, we have also innovated the way we offer our products and conduct our promos. Incorporating e-commerce into our business has been pivotal, especially this year when safety has been of prime concern,” said Phoenix President Henry Albert Fadullon. “By partnering with Limitless and offering our discounted vouchers online, our customers were treated to a big dis-

count without them having to line up at the stations.

It’s safer, and also more convenient because the vouchers can be redeemed anytime,” he added.

Exclusive to Limitless members, the online sale gave customers the chance to avail of discounted vouchers, which have no expiry, and can be used at participating Phoenix retail stations upon refueling. Over P1 million worth of Phoenix fuel vouchers

were sold during the flash sale, which is estimated to have attracted over 2,200 new Limitless members in the course of two days.

“Unlike other fuel discounts offered in the past, the Limitless flash sale eliminated the need to queue at stations, making the process easier. For further convenience and safety, those who were able to take advantage of the sale only need to show the vouchers on their Limitless app when they gas up so the transactions are contactless. Made possible through a digital channel, it’s an ideal innovation that perfectly suits our current circumstances, and customers can expect more regular promos on the app,” said Celina Matias, Phoenix Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Strategies. She also added that the e-gift feature on the app has been especially

useful during the holidays stating, “It allowed users to buy and give vouchers without leaving home.”

Since the start of community quarantine measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix introduced several digital-based initiatives to sustain business operations. These include the implementation of cashless payment at its fuel stations, the introduction of its fuel delivery service for SMEs, and the launch of online ordering and delivery services for its LPG business.

In June, the company announced its partnership with Limitless, which has since offered its members points for valid purchases at partner establishments including Phoenix. Limitless now has more than 100,000 members who have access to perks and other exclusive privileges.

However, the ratings agency said the economic impact of the COVID-19 shock for Philippines in 2020 was more significant than previously expected due to a high domestic infection rate and government policy measures to curb the virus spread.

With total confirmed

COVID-19 infections of 487,690 and deaths reaching 9,405, the Philippines has the second-highest number of cases and fatalities in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia.

Fitch said it expected the country’s economic activity to continue to recover in the coming quar-

ters, and projected GDP to expand by 6.9 percent and 8 percent in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The presidential election in 2022 creates some uncertainty about economic policies beyond the vote, Fitch said, adding it expected the medium-term fiscal framework to remain intact.

Fitch affirms PH rating at ‘BBB’ expects economic activity to continue to recover

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itch Ratings said on Monday that it affirmed Philippines’ long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook, citing modest government debt levels, “robust” external buffers and still-strong medium-term growth prospects.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

On fine-tuning the Davao Safe QR (DQR) contact tracing module to ensure there will be no glitches when the app is fully rolled out: We want to ensure that when introduced ang features sa DQR wala na gyud mga problema and glitches. Mandatory na ang implementation sa DQR and unfortunately we cannot do that because walay contact tracing module or katong mga portions sa program makita nato and masultihan nato ang na-expose sa isa ka positive case kung unsa iyang mga kinahanglan buhaton ug katong isa pud ka feature na automatic musulti ang mga programs sa imoha kung unsa imong kinahanglan buhaton once makit an niya nga duna kay exposure sa isa ka positive case.”

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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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

DIARRHEA IS STILL A KILLER While the country welcomed the coming of 2021, some people in barangay Butuan, about 15 kilometers away from the town of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, were undergoing health problems after drinking contaminated water.

“After I received the report, I immediately talked with our municipal health officer to send a team to the barangay,” Mayor Jason John Joyce posted in his Facebook account on January 3. “We also prepared dextrose and other medicines.”

Some of the victims, mostly children, were admitted in the district hospital and given oresol (oral rehydration solution) and some medicines. Oresol, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a formula used to replace electrolytes and fluids that are lost in the body.

Despite the immediate response of the government, there was one casualty. A 62-year-old man from sitio Malwayog was admitted in the hospital on December 30. He died of renal failure two days later.

“Water is life,” the old proverb insists. After all, water is one of those basic necessities in life.

“It is a grave moral shortcoming if people cannot drink water with-

out courting disease or death,” Worldwatch Institute’s Sandra Postel once penned.

It was the physician Hippocrates, the ancient innovator of medical ethics, who advised that polluted water be boiled or filtered before being consumed.

“About 80 percent of all diseases and more than one-third of all deaths in developing countries are caused by contaminated water,” deplored Elizabeth Dowdeswell when she was still the executive director of the United Nations Environment Program.

“At any given time, an estimated one-half of people in developing countries are suffering from diseases caused either directly by infection through the consumption of contaminated water or food, or indirectly by disease-carrying organisms that breed in water,” the United Nations said in a press statement.

Diarrhea is one of those diseases. In 2008, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) listed diarrhea as the fourth leading cause of deaths among children less than five years old and the third leading cause of illness among the children. “If the trend continues,” the United Nations health agency

surmised, “it is expected to cause 10,000 deaths every year.”

Most cases of diarrhea, however, are self-limited but they sometimes can lead to serious complications. The Ohio-based Cleveland Clinic states: “Diarrhea can cause dehydration (when your body loses large amounts of water), electrolyte imbalance (loss of sodium, potassium and magnesium that play a key role in vital bodily functions) and kidney failure (not enough blood/fluid is supplied to the kidneys).

“When you have diarrhea, you lose water and electrolytes along with stool. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace what’s lost. Dehydration can become serious if it fails to resolve (get better), worsens and is not addressed adequately,” the Cleveland Clinic adds.

Actually, there are several different ways to classify diarrhea. Acute diarrhea, the most common form, is loose watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days.

This type doesn’t need treatment and it usually goes away after a few days.

Persistent diarrhea is a type of diarrhea that generally persists for several weeks – from two to four weeks. Diarrhea that

lasts for more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period of time is called chronic diarrhea.

“Many cases of diarrhea are due to an infection in the gastrointestinal tract,” writes Medical News Today’s Markus MacGill.

“The microbes responsible for this infection include: bacteria, viruses, and parasitic organisms.”

The most commonly identified causes of acute diarrhea are the bacteria Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli. Some cases of chronic diarrhea are called “functional” because although all the digestive organs appear normal, they are not functioning as they ideally should.

Some other major causes of chronic diarrhea include: microscopic colitis, malabsorptive and maldigestive diarrhea, chronic infections, drug-induced diarrhea, endocrine-related causes, and cancer-related causes.

But the question is: how will you know you have it? The website, webMD.com, states you may have diarrhea when you experience these: bloating in your belly, cramps, thin or loose stools, watery stools, an urgent feeling that you need to have a bowel move-

ment, and nausea and throwing up.

The more serious symptoms include: blood or mucus in your stool, weight loss, and fever. “If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you’re not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated,” webMd. com states. “That can be a serious problem if it’s not treated.”

You need to go to the nearest hospital if you have: blood in your diarrhea or black, tarry stools; a fever that is high (above 101 F) or that lasts more than 24 hours; diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days; nausea or throwing up that prevents you from drinking liquids to replace lost fluids; and severe pain in your belly or rear end.

In addition, call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea and any of these signs of dehydration: dark urine; smaller than usual amounts of urine or, in a child, fewer wet diapers than usual; rapid heart rate; headaches; dry skin; crankiness; and confusion.

No one is spared from getting diarrhea. In fact, it’s not uncommon for most people to have diarrhea several times a year. It’s very common and usually not a major concern for most people.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

TERRIBLE LEGISLATIVE “PRIORITIES” “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my axe.’ (Abraham Lincoln).

(I am very certain that ALL our lawmakers – not only in both Houses of Congress – but also all Sanggunians nation-wide are following and are aware of the contemporary developments happening in the United States today.)

Our senators – I fear - have entered into a “zugzwang” position.

“Zugzwang” is a situation in chess wherein one player finds himself in a force majeure because he must have to make the uneasy response that cannot be avoided.

The player in zugzwang is put at a disadvantage but is compelled to make the move even it meant losing the game (or making his position weaker).

Take this initiative by Senate Pres. Vicente Sotto, he of the ‘Eat Bulaga’ fame, who has taken the cudgels for the discredited ABS CBN by filing the first bill immediately as we entered 2021 that seeks to grant the media broadcast company the renewed franchise it failed to secure last year.

THIS IS A TERRIBLE MISTAKE SOTTO HAS COMMITTED.

In the first place, will the granting of the franchise renewal help the Filipinos combat the threats of the CoVid19 that is being repeatedly reported as having mutated into a new, more dangerous strain?

If your answer is “NO” as I would presume, then we should condemn Sotto and 16 other senators (the senate is a boy’s club) who have signed and are supporting the proposal.

Sotto’s rationale is weak, citing that a huge competitive information gap was created as GMA7 monopolized the news broadcasts following the “demise” of ABS CBN. The Eat Bulaga mainstay comedian said GMA& news roll-outs lacked substance and adequate balanced information for the public to fully appreciate the importance that news information plays in their lives.

If this is the case, did not Sotto realize that the government itself is at a zugzwang because whatever PTV4 (the national government broadcast arm headed today by Sec. Andanar) does, it is not commanding the attention, following and support of the Filipino public because it not only has credibility problems but also creative ingenu-

ity.

Political handlers of Sotto failed to rein in their presidential wannabe who was ill-advised because he probably thought if ABS CBN could get its franchise renewal, Sotto would automatically get the broadcast giant’s media backing in case he opts to run for a higher position in 2022. I don’t know if he has a stake in ABS CBN but the public suspects one or two of his relatives are perhaps shareholders.

One plus one equals two. It’s that easy.

Secondly, between introducing amendments to a limped and lame 1987 Constitution and the franchise renewal, the former would greatly impact the lives of Filipinos as we grapple with the economic and social problems created by the CoVid19 lockdowns.

Some uneasy sectors, notably those who have been shielding the 1987 basic law from getting reformed and changed, continue to peddle the idea that revising the Constitution at this time of the “pandemic” is uncalled for and untimely.

Today, constitutional changes must be resorted to by our legis-

lators to enable the government and the national leadership to cope with global developments that are rapidly arising, without us noticing them outright, making our response delayed and awkward.

See, even the vaccines the DOH was supposed to purchase on time are not being acted upon promptly. Too much red tape and bureaucracy and too many indolent and incompetent officials.

From where I sit, reforming restrictive economic provisions should be number one priority.

Millions of OFWs and their families are suffering due to the decreased need for our workers to be employed overseas. Millions are also jobless or under-employed. How do you expect the national government to respond if its hands are tied?

I am harping again for the nth time the compelling duty of our national leaders, particularly our lawmakers in the House of Representatives, to commence taking the first bold step.

Cha-Cha (Constitutional Change) has earned notoriety since this was floated during the Cory Aquino regime, then in FVR’s term

and more actively during GMA’s much-maligned incumbency.

Filipinos are being shortchanged by their lawmakers and pseudo-politicians who are ostensibly looking only after their self-preservation.

Little do our people know that they have been poisoned by the continuous barrage of lies presented by those who oppose it, in particular the Yellow cult because they were afraid of losing Cory’s “legacy” kuno.

Filipinos should themselves make their voices heard and call upon the nation’s leaders, paging and pressing Pres. Duterte to proceed with and fulfill his campaign promise to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The Constitution is the backbone of a nation. Without it, we are like in a rudderless Ship of State buffeted by strong winds of change and or adverse developments.

Let us call on SP Sotto to change course. His pet bill is not only inane but also an act of betrayal to the Filipino nation. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 I SSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

ABS-CBN’S MOONSTONE TRILOGY NOW READY FOR BINGE-WATCHING ON IWANTTFC

FANS of ABS-CBN’s Moonstone trilogy that includes hit teleseryes ”Lobo,” “Imortal,” and “La Luna Sangre” can relive the fantasy, romance, and action anywhere they are in the world by binge-watching the complete episodes in chapters and in HD for free exclusively on iWantTFC.

Aside from watching the “Best of ABS-CBN Moonstone Trilogy” on mobile devices, subscribers can also huddle with family and friends around a bigger screen and enjoy it using select smart TV brands, ROKU streaming devices, and Telstra TV for global users.

In 2008’s “Lobo,” Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual play Lyka and Noah, two childhood friends who meet up again in their 20s and then fall in love.

But their devotion to each other is tested when Lyka transforms into the last savior of the werewolves in order to fulfill her

destiny.

Her duty clashes with Noah’s deep hatred towards her race.

And as he is enlisted by Luna, an organization whose mission is eliminating werewolves, their differences become bigger and harder to ignore.

Angel and John Lloyd Cruz also continue the theme of forbidden love in the 2010 sequel “Imortal,” where a seemingly endless war between werewolves and vampires is destined to intensify after the birth of their most powerful members who would become mortal enemies.

As the two groups prepare for the ultimate fight of their lives, Lia (Angel) and Mateo (John Lloyd) meet and are inexplicably captivated by each other.

However, they have yet to know that their growing bond will activate their powers and drive them apart, as dictated by their fates.

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla star in the final installment called “La Luna

Sangre,” where Lia and Mateo finally live peacefully as mortals after having given up their powers. However, another prophecy is bound to change the life of their daughter Malia (Kathryn), the presumed “chosen one” who will save their kind from an evil vampire king.

When a disgraced Malia fails to show her powers after turning 21, she leaves behind her responsibility and lives in the world of mortals. There, the prophecy continues to haunt her even when she meets Tristan (Daniel), a young man who is seeking revenge against a vampire who killed his father. iWantTFC subscribers worldwide can already stream the first 21 chapters for free of “Lobo,” “Imortal,” and “La Luna Sangre” on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or on iwanttfc.com. For the complete list of compatible devices, sign in instructions, and account activation, visit https://iwanttfc. com/help#tfc-on-smart-tv.

Coffee grown in the Mt. Apo’s ACE HARDWARE tops TICKETS FOR REGINE’Sbest “FREEDOM” foothills Philippines’ brew HELPS REBUILD LIVES

T

he specialty Arabica coffee grown in of Mt. – the counWHILEthe thefoothills series typhoons lateApo last year have try’s highest peak ranked first on gone, many of those severely affected are still trying to rebuild their conducted lives. To help green fast-track recovery,and the recently grading ACE Hardware staff recently donated needed items cupping by licensed Coffee Quality Instisuch as bed & mats, PPEs, and cleaning materials tute (CQI)residents graders. to affected of Kasiglahan Village in RodriEmerging on top of the was done Supposedly, the SM said guez, Rizal. This activity jointly with country’s best specialty grading was part of the Foundation and the local DSWD chapter.

brew, Joe Randy Dubria 2020 Philippine CofTohis fulfill its Marivic “HelpfulDuPlace”fee promise, ACE Hardand wife Quality Competiware initiatives bria, serves coffee communities farmers fromthrough tion outreach (PCQC) but due to like this, as well as provide nationwide with Balutakay, Bansalan in customers COVID-19, the competiDavao garnered relevantdel andSur, helpful products.tion was cancelled. a cupping grade of 85.36 “Even with the PCQC and bested around 70 cancelled, the Departentries nationwide sub- ment of Agriculture (DA) mitted by farmers and together with other partentities engaged in coffee ner agencies such as the farming.

ACDI/VOCA and licensed

The ACE Hardware team turns over the donations to the residents of Kasiglahan Village Rodriguez Rizal with SM Foundation and DSWD.

The Kasiglahan Village residents received donations of beds, matts, cleaning materials and PPE’s from ACE Hardware that will help them rebuild their homes and keep their families safe from the Covid-19 pandemic.

DIGITAL CONCERT NOW UP FOR GRABS

CQI graders still conduct- increased demand from ed the grading and cup- specialty roasters. ping of the submitted enJoe and Marivic attritries to provide farmers bute their feat to the openwith feedback their ofness of the BACOFA [BaluTHEafirst digitalon staging produce. With this, we be- takay Coffee Farmers’ Regine lieve thatVelasquez-Alcasid’s we can increase Cooperative] members to sought-after the Filipino Valentine’s farmers on concert new technologies in coffee improving coffee qualifarming, harvesting, and this 2021 via KTX.ph proved ty,” said DA Undersecreprocessing. The co-op has to be a highly-anticipated event tary for High Value Crops as all VIP tickets were sold250 out members and collecand Rural Credit Evelyn tively cultivates 400 hectjust 12 hours after the selling Laviña. ares of coffee plantation in started.

Based on Philippine the foothills of Mt. Apo. coffee quality online standards, “We sought the asThe biggest concert of the coffee beans must have at sistance from various “Asia’s Songbird” to date, “Freeleast a grade of 80 percent agencies to improve our dom: Regine Velasquez-Alcasid to be considered a special- coffee production and DADigital Concert,” also crossedXIthe ty coffee.

The closer to 100 was one of those. The P500k salesgets, markthe merely 10 High Value Crops a coffeeticket sample DA-XI more likely com-wentDevelopment Program minutes afteritthewill tickets on mand a higher price and (HVCDP) has provided sale and the P1 million sales mark

less than 12 hours after tickets were released.

Due to the outstanding sales of the limited VIP ticket (P2,500) which includes concert access, virtual meet-and-greet, behind the scenes peek, and the Zoom after party with a request portion with Regine—additional 100 VIP slots have been opened to accommodate more fans. Meanwhile, viewers can still avail the access pass sold at P1,200.

Presented by ABS-CBN Events and IME, “Freedom” will be under the stage direction of Paolo Valenciano and musical direction of Raul Mitra and promises the same electrifying concert experience full of great music and exciting sur-

us package of assistance that includes close release fertilizer, pruning shears and saw and processing facilities such as tramline system, dryers, roasting facility, hauling truck, and mini-storage,” said Marivic.

Meanwhile, DA-XI Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. congratulates the Davao coffee farmers for making it big in the domestic and international markets.

“We are proud and thankful that our farmers have utilized the support given to them to improve their livelihood and the quality of their produce.

prise guests.

It will be streamed worldwide via the digital platform KTX.ph, following previous exclusive and successful musical events like Jed Madela’s “New Normal” and “Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience.”

Free yourself from worries and

Aside from the production and technical support, we also made sure the active participation of our coffee farmers during exhibits to showcase their produce and establish linkage among consumers/buyers. This is line with our twin goal of not just Masaganang Ani but also Mataas na Kita,” said Oñate.

They are also the farmer-cooperators of the DAXI HVCDP Coffee Rejuvenation Project led by then HVCDP coffee focal John Paul Matuguinas and further intensified with now HVCDP XI regional coordinator Merriel Aglibot.

(Celso C. Vergara, DA11)

celebrate Valentine’s Day with music and love in Regine’s “Freedom” digital concert happening on February 14 (Sunday). Book your tickets now at KTX.ph. For more details, check out KTX.ph on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ ktxtickets), Twitter (@KtxPH), and Instagram (ktx.ph).

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

9

The end of an iconic bird

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

hen Pag-asa (which means “hope” in Tagalog) was born on January 15, 1992, the world rejoiced. After all, the bird was the first ever tropical eagle born in captivity using cooperative artificial insemination (CAI) techniques. He was the result of a long and tedious work of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to save this very rare bird found only in the Philippines.

“Pag-asa connotes hope for the continued survival of the Philippine eagle, hope that if people get together for the cause of this national icon, it shall not be doomed to die,” says Dennis Joseph I. Salvador, the PEF executive director.

But just nine days short of his 29th birthday, Pagasa died. In a statement released to the media, PEF said the iconic bird succumbed to infections associated with Trichomoniasis and Aspergillosis, both fatal for raptors.

“Trichomoniasis is an infectious disease of birds caused by the single-celled protozoan Trichomonas gallinae,” explains the website of Pennsylvania Game Commission. “There are several different strains of this protozoan, some of which cause clinical disease, while some of which do not.”

One of the oldest known wildlife diseases with written records dating back to the 1500s, the parasite is transmitted from one bird to another in three ways: infected parents feeding young, contami-

nated drinking water, and infected bird is a prey meal for another bird.

“The third method of transmission is more common to birds of prey,” Wikipedia states. “An infection may be established in a raptor that has fed on an infected prey bird.”

Aspergillosis, on the other hand, is a fungal infection that commonly causes respiratory disease.

“This slow growing fungal infection gradually damages tissues in the body over a period of weeks to months, often with little obvious evidence of illness until an organ or system is severely compromised,” wrote Dr. Rick Axelson, an American veterinarian, in the website, vcahospitals.com.

The fungal infection is not contagious from bird to bird. “It more commonly affects birds whose immune systems have been compromised by other diseases or by malnutrition,” Dr. Axelson explained. “Birds with healthy immune systems may be exposed to Aspergillus spores and not develop infection.”

However, even healthy

birds e x posed to a large number of the spores (in dust, mold, and soil, among others) may be infected, he said.

“Although treatment was done over a week ago, (Pag-asa) continued to deteriorate and died at 8:03 pm on January 6,” the statement said.

It is common knowledge now that Pag-asa was the product of carefully orchestrated teamwork based on study for 14 years of eagle behavior, both in the wild and in captivity.

But what Pag-asa equally significant was that two captive eagles, male (Junior) and female (Diola), were induced by humans to reproduce.

Many pioneering efforts in the past failed to breed certain endangered species in captivity. According to Salvador, breeders of captive eagles and other birds find it a herculean task to induce captive birds to reproduce. Many factors like food, protection and nesting needs have to be considered.

Philippine eagles take 5-7 years to sexually mature, the PEF says. “It only lays a single egg every two years,” the foundation states. “They wait for their

offspring to make it on their own (usually within two years) before producing another offspring.”

In the wild, the egg is incubated alternately by both eagle parents for about 58-60 days, with the male eagle doing most of the hunting during the first 40 days of the eaglet’s life while the female stays with the young.

“Years after he was hatched, the PEF reached yet another milestone with Pag-asa in the form of his first and only offspring,” the statement said. “She was named Mabuhay and was also bred and hatched through CAI. “Even after he retired from breeding, Pag-asa lived his life as an icon of hope for Filipinos, young and old, and was a constant inspiration to the people working tirelessly to save our National Bird from extinction.”

The Philippine eagle was formerly known as monkey-eating eagle (its generic name, “Pithecophaga”, comes from the Greek words “pithekos” or mon-

key and

“phagein” meaning eater). It was later renamed the Philippine eagle under the Marcos administration after it was learned that monkeys comprise an insignificant portion of its diet, which consists mainly of flying lemurs, civet cats, bats, rodents, and snakes.

Efforts to save the Philippine eagle were started in 1965 by Jesus A. Alvarez, then director of the autonomous Parks and Wildlife Office, and Dioscoro S. Rabor, another founding father of Philippine conservation effort. American aviator Charles Lindbergh spearheaded a drive to save the bird from 1969 to 1972.

In July 1995, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation No. 615 naming the Philippine eagle as the country’s national bird. He said that the eagle is found only in the Philippines and as such should be a source of national pride.

“If the national bird dies,” Ramos said at that time, “so will all the coun-

try’s e f forts at conserving its natural resources and treasures.”

“The Philippine eagle is the largest predator we have,” Salvador said. “By using the Philippine eagle as the focal point of conservation, we are, in the process, saving wildlife and their habitat.”

The Philippine Eagle Center is located in a farflung area in Malagos of Calinan District in Davao City. It takes almost an hour to travel from the heart of the city to the center where visitors get to encounter Philippine eagles placed in cages.

Primarily a research facility, the Philippine Eagle Center is nestled at the rolling foothills of Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak.

Several Philippine eagles have been raised as part of the foundation’s breeding program. Most of them are being induced to breed in captivity.

10 EDGEDAVAO PH... FROM2

Africa and India.

Phase three trial is currently carried out in the United Kingdom with 15,000 subjects and also ongoing in the United States and Mexico with 30,000 subjects.

The price of the vaccine is expected to be finalized soon between the government and SII, which is noted for providing ef-

fective, safe and affordable vaccines across the globe through the decades.

Faberco Life Sciences, Inc., is also SII’s partner for key programs in the country such as the inactivated polio vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, aside from the Covid-19 vaccine. (PR)

“Foreign investment plays a crucial role in the Philippine economy by supporting domestic jobs and the creation of physical and knowledge capital across a range of industries,” he said.

“The need to attract foreign capital is critical to support our economy’s recovery from COVID-19,” he added.

He said they are aiming to finish the Cha-cha deliberations before the end of 2021 and present it to the public for ratification during the 2022 national elections.

“Until then, we assure the public that the debates on RBH 2 will be transparent and fair,” he

said.

Opposition lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc have expressed concern that the Cha-cha deliberations would pave the way for the amendment of political provisions in the Constitution, allowing the term extension and the lifting of term limits for some elected officials.

House Committee on Constitutional Amendments chair Alfredo Garbin Jr., nevertheless, assured the public the deliberations will focus only on the restrictive economic provisions.

The House panel deliberations are set to begin on Wednesday.

Regulation Code, provides that securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution, without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the SEC. However, to promote capital market development and access to finance, the CF Rules provide an exemption from registration of CF securities provided that the is-

suer, intermediary and investors comply with the CF Rules.

Under the rules provided through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 14, Series of 2019, a crowdfunding intermediary may be a registered broker, investment house or funding portal, which mediates the offer and sale of crowdfunding securities through an online, electronic platform.

"Ang malinaw na tinanong ng Presidente pag-upo niya ay sinabi niya na (What the President clearly asked is) 'I want this problem with the CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army] solved'. So, hinintay ko kung ano ang sasabihin niya (I waited for what he would say) about it.

Sabi niya na (He said) the best way is that we remove the party-list system or change it in the Constitution so we can call for a constituent assembly and amend that. And then, of course, samantalahin ninyo na (take advantage of it). You can amend

the economic provisions, sabi niya (that is what he said)," Sotto said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed misgivings about the plan to revise the Constitution.

"Without the certainty that both chambers of Congress will be voting separately, and there is none due to the vagueness of that particular provision in the 1987 Constitution -- and only the Supreme Court can make such interpretation -- it's like taking one big step into a mousetrap, or even quicksand for that matter," Lacson said.

(PNA)

Erie BayHawks (New Orleans Pelicans) Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana Pacers) Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets) Iowa Wolves (Minnesota Timberwolves) Lakeland Magic (Orlando Magic) Long Island Nets (Brooklyn Nets) Memphis Hustle (Memphis Grizzlies) Oklahoma City Blue (Oklahoma City Thunder) Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors) Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets) Salt Lake City Stars (Utah

Jazz) Santa Cruz Warriors (Golden State Warriors) Westchester Knicks (New York Knicks) The top 8 teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff.

“We worked closely with our teams, the Basketball Players Union, and public health experts to develop a structure that allows our teams to gather at a single site and safely play,” said G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

“We are thrilled to get back to basketball and to fulfill our mission as a critical resource for the NBA in developing players, coaches, referees, athletic trainers and front-office staff.”

of several PBA players who will be part of the second batch coming into the bubble training on January 22nd,” Panlilio added.

The concurrent Meralco governor added, “As always we appreciate the unwavering support of PBA commission-

er Willie Marcial and the PBA board to the Gilas program.”

With the Tokyo Olympic hopefuls arriving next weekend, this would mean that national athletes from four disciplines are to flock Inspire ahead of a busy 2021 in sports. (PNA)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

DavOr donates support materials, equipment to DepEd to facilitate current academic setup

T

o help ensure continuous learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government of Davao Oriental turned over P5.7 million-worth of learning materials and equipment to the Department of Education (DepEd) in support of the agency’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP).

The donation includes 17 units of duplicator machines, 9,322 reams of A4 book papers, 1,275 bottles of ink, 510 pieces of master pens. These will be distributed to 17 district schools which comprise the whole Davao Oriental schools division.

According to the Schools Division Superintendent, Mr. Reynaldo Mellorida, these support materials are highly needed to facilitate modular and distance learning, especially in remote areas without electricity and internet connectivity.

“Heeding the call for the Department of Education to rise to the challenges posed by the pandemic, we are ensuring that learning continues,” Mellorida said.

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Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang led the turnover ceremony at the Provincial Capitol yesterday, January 5, 2020. According to him, the provincial government recognizes quality education as a foundation for improving people’s lives and obtaining sustainable development.

“We acknowledge our key role to keep teachers, students, and other members of the academic community on track. We will continue to level up our efforts to coordinate with DepEd in providing what is needed to ensure that no learner is left behind,” Governor Dayanghirang said.

District 2 Representative Congressman Joel Mayo Z. Almario also graced the ceremo-

ny and shared his esteem for the provincial government given that these supplies will boost the preparedness of DepEd for the 2021 classes through faster reproduction of modules.

“We are upbeat that the government will continue its support to education, especially now that we have been facing the challenges of the pandemic,” the Congressman added.

Congressman Almario also encouraged the school heads to speak up and communicate the challenges they are facing with the current academic setup.

As the limited face-to-face learning has been canceled due to the imposing threat of the coronavirus disease, the support supplies will be used for the production of more modules in the next months.

Also present in the ceremony are the schools’ division head officers and the heads of the 17 districts which will equally benefit from the given BE-LCP Support Materials.

Shaye Dacles/DavOr PIO

quarantine facilities, intensify border control including airport for locally stranded individuals, travel restrictions, etc.”

On December 12, when COVID-19 cases continued to surge three weeks since the reversion to GCQ and Lopez was asked if he would recommend a more restrictive quarantine, he told MindaNews: “never na ta mag-revert to ECQ. (We will never revert to ECQ). We will maintain GCQ until such time we will control COVID cases in Davao City.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews) On Saturday, he did not reply directly to the question if he would recommend a change in quarantine status, saying instead that the national Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) “through its risk assessment tool identifies and classifies areas.”

The city’s GCQ status, initially until November 30 only, was extended until December 31 and was extended anew until January 31.

When MindaNews asked him again if he would recommend a change in quarantine status, he replied: “No.” “We just have to provide constant reminders. This is what

happens when we open up economic activities. It’s unavoidable people go out. Be consistent lang with our minimum public health standards sana to avoid further transmissions. ECQ or MECQ are temporary, not sustainable.

Reiterate lang sana individual responsibilities especially social distancing,” he said on Sunday.

Contact tracing In the November 18, 2020 meeting between the National Task Force on COVID-19’s CODE (Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic) Team, and the Regional IATF and Regional Task Force on COVID-19 here in Davao City, a presentation on the “Results on the Implementation of the Composite Measures for Essential LGU Roles for COVID-19 Response” showed that Davao City, which accounted for 5,412 cases or 69.6% of the regional total of 7,779 that day, recorded the lowest percentage in the region at 17%, on tracing close contacts of new positive cases within 24 hours.

Davao Oriental’s record was 90.96%, Davao del Norte’s was 89%, Davao de Oro at 56.76%, Davao Oriental at 41% and Davao City at 17%. The Davao del Sur percentage was not indicated.

MindaNews asked Lopez what the city’s percentage rating

is now in terms of tracing close contacts of new positive cases within 24 hours, citing the dismal 17% record in November.

He replied that the city now has “better contact tracing” because “our ratio now is 1:7 and the ideal is 1:8,” that contact tracing is now “more efficient and faster” and that their target is “100% within 48 hours.”

In November, the case to close contact ratio was 1:6 for Davao City; 1:8 for Davao Occidental; 1:10 for Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur; 1:15 for Davao Oriental; and 1:21 for Davao de Oro. He said the contracts for the contact tracers hired by the Department of Interior and Local Government expired on December 31 “but (they) will be absorbed” by the city government.

Asked how many contact tracers the city has, Lopez replied: “1,200 more or less.”

On the surge in COVID-19 deaths, Lopez explained that 95% per cent of these deaths were “hospital deaths due to age – mostly 65 years old and above, with co-morbidities” such as like IHD/CHF (ischemic heart disease / congestive heart failure), poststroke, CKD (chronic kidney disease), cancers and other clinical risk factors.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

"I hope not," Indiana guard Victor Oladipo said when asked if he thought going back to a bubble would be possible this season. "But I think the NBA's doing all they can and they're doing a great job, and the NBPA as well, working together to do a great job to make sure we are as safe as possible. It's tough.

You can try your best and unfortunately there will still be some people that catch it."

The Heat-Celtics game is the second postponed in the NBA this season. A game between Oklahoma City and Houston was postponed on Dec. 23 because the Rockets did not have enough eligible players to play — three had returned tests that were either positive or inconclusive for the coronavirus, four others

were quarantined, James Harden was unavailable for violating the protocols and another player was out with an injury. That left Houston with seven players.

The Celtics on Sunday ruled out Jaylen Brown, Javonte Green, Semi Ojeleye, Jayson Tatum, Tristan Thompson, Grant Williams and Robert Williams because of the protocols. That's the most any team has been without because of virus-related issues so far this season but does not necessarily mean any of the affected Celtics tested positive.

"The numbers are spiking," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Saturday. "That is the reality.

We are committed to proceeding with our industry and we're doing it with all the best science and adherence to the protocols,

but ultimately we're not in control."

Bradley being ruled out also did not mean he had tested positive. Bradley — who signed with the Heat during the offseason — opted not to join the Los Angeles Lakers, his former team, in the bubble last year because he has a child with breathing problems and did not want to take any unnecessary risks.

"I mean, this is the new normal," Bradley said earlier this season, explaining his decision to play again. "My decision right now is to just focus on playing.

That's my focus. I feel like everyone has a better idea of this virus; obviously, there's still some unknowns. But my decision not to go to the bubble just was about the impact on my family."

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

Lakers cruise past Rockets

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OUSTON — Anthony Davis had 27 points, LeBron James added 18 and the Los Angeles Lakers won for the sixth time in seven games with a 120-102 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time). “(Tonight) was just A.D. being A.D. and just having him back in the lineup gives us a whole other dynamic both offensively and defensively,” James said.

It was a testy game that included five technical fouls, two flagrant fouls and the first-half ejections of Markieff Morris and DeMarcus Cousins.

Davis, who sat out on Friday with a groin strain, helped the Lakers finish with 62 points in the paint in a game in which they led by as many as 27.

“His shot-making just makes him so difficult to guard and he can hurt you in so many ways,” Los Angeles coach Frank Vogel

said.

The Lakers were up by double figures for most of the night and opened the fourth quarter with a 10-4 run to push the lead to 9879 with about nine minutes remaining. Houston used a 7-2 run, with a 3-pointer from Ben McLemore, later in the quarter to get within 15 with about five minutes to go. But former Rocket Montrezl Harrell scored four quick points to make it 108-89 and both teams took out most of their starters soon after that.

Christian Wood scored 23 points and James Harden had 20 in the first of two straight games against the Lakers with the second one

coming Tuesday night in Houston.

“Two things for us were the turnovers and transition,” Houston coach Stephen Silas said. “The transition doesn’t have anything to do with us being together for a day, a month, or a year. Run back.”

Morris was ejected in the first quarter after an altercation with Cousins.

Morris knocked Jae’Sean Tate to the ground in the lane with a hard shoulder to the chest and Cousins quickly pushed Morris to the ground. Cousins then turned and was bending down to help Tate off the court when Morris jumped up, charged at Cousins and shoved him with both hands. He was quickly pulled away by teammates and officials but continued jawing at Cousins and trying to follow him to the Houston bench.

After a video review

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 27 points.

Morris received a flagrant 1 foul for the play on Tate and was given a technical foul and ejected for the ensuing dustup. Cousins was also given a technical foul but was not ejected.

But he wouldn’t remain in the game much longer.

James was driving to the basket early in the sec-

ond quarter when Cousins tried swipe at the ball but instead hit him in the head and face. James fell to the court where he remained for a few seconds before slowly getting up and remaining in the game.

The play was reviewed and Cousins was given a flagrant 2 foul and ejected.

Houston came out flat after Friday night’s blowout win over the Magic and the Lakers had a 19-point lead at halftime. Los Angeles opened the third quarter with an 11-3 run, capped by a 3 from Dennis Schroder, to make it 76-49 with about nine minutes left in the quarter.

LaMelo youngest to post triple-double

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harlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball has become the youngest NBA player in history to post a triple-double.

The Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 on Saturday, when Ball racked up 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.

The No. 3 Draft pick of 2020 -- at 19 years and 140 days of age -- bested Markelle Fultz, whose record in April 2018 dates from when he was 19 years and 317 days old.

Ball shot 9/13 from the

field, including 3/5 from the three-point line and was instrumental in the win. The Hornets' Terry Rozier, 23 points, and PJ Washington, 22 points, accompanied Ball in the scoring column.

For the visiting Hawks, five players scored in double digits led by Cam Reddish, who scored 21, but they came up short.

With the win, the Hornets improved to 5 wins and 5 losses, while the Hawks dropped to 4 wins and 5 losses. (Anadolu)

Kai thrilled at G League debut in Disney World

I Heat forced to postpone game due to virus exposure B LaMelo Ball dishes a no-look pass.

oston was going to have to face Miami with the NBA minimum of eight players on Sunday night. In the end, the Heat weren't even certain they would have that many.

The game between Boston and Miami was postponed — not because the Celtics ruled out seven players due to the league's health and safety protocols for playing during the coronavirus pandemic, but because of concerns about exposure within the Heat roster.

The Heat learned earlier on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) that guard Avery Bradley would not be available for the game in Boston because of the

11

COVID-19 protocols. That meant the Heat had to go through the contact tracing data, and with that process still ongoing late Sunday afternoon, the decision was made to postpone the game out of abundance of caution.

The league announced the decision about two hours before the 7 p.m. scheduled tipoff.

"You are starting to see what is going on in our country directly affect the NBA because we are no longer in that safety net of the bubble," Denver coach Michael Malone said in New York, where his team was facing the Knicks, after learning of the postponement.

The Celtics would have

been without seven players for the game due to the NBA's COVID-19 protocols, all of them ruled out earlier Sunday, along with two others because of injury. That would have left Boston with only eight available players, the league minimum.

The Heat didn't even have that many cleared by the NBA to play, hence the decision to postpone. The team was staying in Boston overnight while the tracing process continued and is scheduled to play in Philadelphia — another team with virus-related issues — on Tuesday and Thursday. The 76ers played only seven players Saturday in a loss to Denver, doing so in part

because some were ruled out in accordance with the virus protocols.

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association put together a plan last year to finish the season in a bubble environment at Walt Disney World in Central Florida, where nobody tested positive and no games were missed because of the virus. But it's hardly been uncommon for NBA players to miss games this season over virus-related issues, without the safety of the bubble. In Brooklyn, Kevin Durant returned to the Nets on Sunday night after missing three games because of the virus protocols.

FHEAT, P10

gnite head coach Brian Shaw and his squad are all set to take the floor when the NBA G League kicks off at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World near Orlando, Fla., next month.

Ignite, which includes Filipino prospect Kai Sotto, will be among 18 teams participating in the G League.

“We’re excited to be a part of the G League schedule at Disney,” Shaw said.

“This is a unique opportunity for our players to showcase their development while gaining a high volume of experience quickly against the caliber of talent they’ll face every day in the NBA.” NBA sees 'incredible excitement' in PH with Kai Sotto's G League stint Also playing for Ignite are Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Isaiah Todd,

Daishen Nix, and Princepal Singh have been training with Shaw in Walnut Creek, Calif. for Ignite’s inaugural season.

Providing veteran presence for the young prospects are NBA and NBA G League veterans Amir Johnson, Reggie Hearn, Brandon Ashley, Cody Demps and Bobby Brown.

Different from a traditional season, Ignite will be eligible to advance to the playoffs at Walt Disney World Resort due to the unique circumstances of this year.

Other teams competing this year are: Agua Caliente Clippers (LA Clippers) Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs) Canton Charge (Cleveland Cavaliers) Delaware Blue Coats (Philadelphia 76ers)

FKAI, P10

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

BACK TO CAMP

Gilas Men resumes training for FIBA ACQ Feb window

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ilas Pilipinas Men have resumed their training bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba ahead of the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

On Sunday, 12 players including a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) veteran entered the “Calambubble” to begin their buildup for the Feb. 1823 event at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Leading the initial training pool is NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena, who announced through Instagram that he was called up again for national team duty.

Also returning to practice are PBA draftees Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, and Rey Suerte, and collegiate stars Javi Gomez de Liaño, Dave Ildefonso,

Justine Baltazar, Calvin Oftana, William Navarro, and Kenmark Cariño.

Ateneo center Ange Kouame, whose naturalization is being processed in Congress, also joined the training.

“These young men have not only proven their dedication to the Gilas program but have also shown their capability to work well as a team as we saw in the two games against Thailand in the last window,” SBP president Al Panlilio said.

Jong Uichico, who was assigned as head coach during the November window, was tasked again to train

12 players from the Gilas Men pool entered the‘Calambubble’on Sunday.

Gilas Men along with national team program director Tab Baldwin, Boyet Fernandez, and Sandy Arespacochaga.

Meralco gaffer Norman Black and Rain Or

Shine chief tactician Caloy Garcia were also named to the coaching staff.

“I’m thankful for their commitment as we continue to lay the

foundation for the team we will form in 2023,” Panlilio said.

While only Ravena entered so far, some more PBA stars are expected to join the train-

ing bubble later this month.

“We had very good discussions with the PBA and we were able to get the commitment

FBACK TO CAMP, P10

FPANDEMIC, P10