Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 259 | Wednesday, February 17, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

GALVEZ VOWS DAVAO CITY WILL BE ALLOCATED WITH VACCINES EQUITABLY NEWS P3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

IMPRESSED

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

STORY ON PAGE 2

Health Secretary Francisco Doque (front), National Task Force COVID-19 Response chief implementor and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. (left), Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) OIC Medical Center chief Dr. Ricardo Audan (right) and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles inspect the cold storage facilities for Covid-19 vaccines at SPMC’s Molecular Biology Laboratory during a walkthrough at the institution as part of Davao City’s 3rd simulation exercise on Tuesday. Edge Davao

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

IATF-EID commends Davao City’s vaccination plans

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

IMPRESSED

President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go browse through a document during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on Monday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

IATF-EID commends Davao F City’s vaccination plans

4 DEAD IN FIRE

7 killed in 2 succeeding incidents

By MAYA M. PADILLO

ard work paid off for the city government of Davao after the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) commended its preparations for the arrival of vaccines in the city.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque, who is also the chairman of IATF, shared that during the walkthrough at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on Tuesday together with the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (C.O.D.E.) Team, headed by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and the In-

ter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) with vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque, Undersecretary for Operations Epimaco Densing III of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),

and Director General Eric Domingo of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the preparations are aligned to the National Vaccination Program of the Philippines. “Nakakabilib yung kanilang paghahanda na isinagawa at ang simulation na kanilang ipinakita ay wala po akong masabi dahil lahat po ng plano ay malinaw na malinaw na naka-align to our national deployment and vaccination plans. We have noticed lahat ng elements of the plans are clearly laid down,” Duque said in a press conference held at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School (AMES) in Bangkal, Davao City.

The walkthrough covered the vaccination hub at SPMC from the registration area, counselling area, screening area, vaccination area, and to pre-vaccination and post-vaccination waiting areas. The tour aims to inspect and assess the preparedness of Davao City for the Covid-19 vaccine deployment. The group was joined by Dr. Ricardo B. Audan, OIC Medical Center Chief of SPMC and Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang of the Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH 11). Nograles also com-

FIMPRESSED, P6

our young people, including three minors, perished in a dawn fire Monday in barangay Cabantian, Buhangin District, Davao City. Sr. Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado, chief of intelligence and investigation of the Davao City Fire District, told reporters the fire started at 3:45 a.m. in the house owned by one Jonathan Baribe which spread to a laundry shop just in front of the burning house. Baribe and wife were reportedly in Davao Oriental when the fire occurred. Gillado identified the fatalities as Jag Loise Baribe, 19, his brother Nathaniel, 8, both children of the house owner, Angel Mae Lopez, 14, and Ivan Gabriel Negasca, 8, their cousins. When the fire-fight-

ing team arrived at the fire scene at 3:58 a.m., Gillado said the house was already engulfed in flames with the victims trapped inside. The house was located in San Juan Phase 1 in Laverna Hills, one of several lowcost housing subdivisions in barangay Cabantian. Fortunately, neighbors were able to save three injured victims, namely Jerson Padaga, 31, Julia Baribe and Eunice Nengasca. The fire was suspected to have originated from an electrical ignition due to overheating plugged gadget, Gillado said. Damage was estimated at around P3 million The fire was controlled at 6:58 a.m. The Cabantian fire

F4 DEAD, P6

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Galvez vows Davao City will be allocated with vaccines equitably V By MAYA M. PADILLO

accine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. vowed that Davao City will be allocated with Covid-19 vaccines fairly.

A resident takes part in a mock vaccination activity during the 3rd Davao City Covid-19 Vaccine Transport and Vaccination Simulation Exercise held at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School (AMES)in Bangkal, Davao City on Tuesday. CIO

DOH lady nurse nabbed for shabu possession

female nurse working with the Department of Health (DOH) 11 was arrested for possession of illegal drugs at her residence in Barangay Indangan, Davao City Monday afternoon. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Captain Rose Aguilar identified the suspect as Katherine Suico Dejillo a.k.a. “Madam,” 36,

a resident of Barangay Indangan this city. She is a registered nurse assigned as surveillance officer at the Davao City Health Office. DCPO operatives backed by agents of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 11 (PDEA 11) conducted the buybust operation and collared Dejillo AT 4 P.M. after she handed over a sachet of suspected

“shabu” to a police poseur buyer. Aguilar said that the suspect was already arrested in August 2017 by Talomo Police operatives for a similar offense. However, she was released from detention in September 2019 after availing herself of plea bargaining agreement. Dejillo was placed under surveillance after

scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two nations. “The Constitution of the Philippines provides that the foreign relations or foreign policy is vested in the president alone… Kung ano ang policy gusto niyang ipalabas (The type of foreign policy he wants to implement) for the Philippines is vested in the president and not with the senators or the vice president,” he said. Robredo and Lacson earlier likened Duterte’s decision to “extortion”,

saying he could have resorted to a more diplomatic approach to seek compensation from the country’s long-time ally. Duterte rejected claims he was extorting money, citing how all his pronouncements served a "purpose" that the two officials had no knowledge of. He said he had reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to prove that the US is slowly rebuilding its bases in its former

FDOH, P6

Robredo should know my functions under the Constitution: Duterte

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night criticized two elected officials for supposedly interfering with his job empowered only in the president by the 1987 Constitution. In a taped public address, Duterte urged Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to review the Constitution after they criticized his decision to demand compensation from the United States (US) for him to reconsider his decision to

FROBREDO, P7

The national government seeks around 900,000 to one million doses of Pfizer vaccines through the Covax facility, which is an international scheme aiming to make sure vaccines are shared fairly among all nations, rich and poor. The vaccines are expected to arrive in March this year. “Yung sa allocation sa Davao City ang uunahin natin ay yung mga tinatawag natin na Covid dedicated hospitals, LGU hospitals and private Covid-19 hospitals,” he said in a press conference in Apolinario Mabini Elementary School (AMES) in Bangkal, Davao City on Tuesday. Launched in April 2020 and led by the World Health Organization (WHO), Covax works towards the development, purchase

and delivery of vaccines to more than 180 countries. Apart from Covax, Galvez said there is also an upcoming 600,000 Sinovac Biotech Ltd. Covid-19 vaccine doses donated by China this month. “We will allocate equitably with what we can give for Davao City particularly in preserving its health care facilities and protecting the vulnerable sectors,” he said. On his end, Dr. Ashley Lopez, city health officer, said based on the masterlist, a total of 537,820 priority individuals composed of frontline health workers, senior citizens, indigent population, and uniformed personnel who belong in the priority groups will be vaccinated.

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Aeon Luxe CEO commends city for management of pandemic By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

ith an improved Covid-19 management by the city government and the anticipated roll out of vaccines, real estate firms are looking forward to going back on track.

Ian Y. Cruz, Aeon Luxe Properties Inc president and CEO commends the city government for management of the pandemic. EDGE Davao photo

The top executive of Aeon Luxe Properties, a homegrown property development firm, sees imminent changes in the next couple of months. "There's a lot of positive things going on right now and hopefully, of we continue to move forward in our management against this pandemic, there's great opportunity ahead," said Aeon Luxe Properties president and CEO Ian Y. Cruz. "We commend the city government led by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for the relentless efforts in managing the situation," said Cruz who likewise cited the public's cooperation which contributed to the improved health situation. The city remains on general community quarantine (GCQ) status but is expected to be moving towards modified GCQ. "Let's continue to

cooperate and do our share. Everyone will benefit from the sacrifices made," said Cruz. After ending 2020 with a series of unit turnovers of its premier project Aeon Towers, Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. is on an upbeat mood to begin 2021. Despite the rough ride for most part of last year with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic hitting hard the real estate industry, Aeon Luxe rebounded towards the end of the year as it successfully handed over units to residential owners of Aeon Towers. Likewise, it signed up a host of lease contracts with new locators. "We are looking at an improved situation this year and we can only be excited to see more unit owners receive their keys to their new homes," Cruz said.

M Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, has reported a PHP18-billion consolidated net income in 2020 from PHP38.1 billion the previous year. In a statement Monday, SM Prime said its consolidated revenues also reached PHP81.9 billion last year as compared to PHP118.3 billion in 2019. “SM Prime remains committed in its effort to support the national government and other organizations to contain and combat the spread of Covid-19 in the country. As our core businesses slowly recover from the contraction brought about by community quarantines, our company will continue providing avenues that will further enhance and facilitate these collective efforts with various organizations, while sustaining our assistance to our employees, business

partners and the communities we serve,” SM Prime president Jeffery Lim said. In 2020, SM Prime’s Philippine mall business reported PHP23.6 billion revenues, as compared to PHP57.8 billion the previous year. Its residential business, led by SM Development Corp. (SMDC), posted a 6-percent revenue increase last year to PHP46.5 billion from PHP43.7 billion in 2019. The commercial properties business segment reported PHP4.8 billion revenues in 2020 from the previous year’s PHP4.6 billion. Meanwhile, the company’s hotels and convention centers business segment recorded PHP1.6 billion revenues last year as compared to PHP5.1 billion in 2019. “We are optimistic that together as one, we will all rise from this challenge and look forward to a better year.

NEDA asks PRRD to place SM Prime nets P18-B in 2020 whole PH under MGCQ S

he National Economic Development Authority has proposed placing the entire Philippines under the least stringent modified general community quarantine starting March 1 supposedly to balance the country's response to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the need of Filipinos to start earning and spending. Placing the entire country under MGCQ was one several measures that NEDA Director General Karl Chua said had been given the nod by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and that the NEDA was submitting to President Rodrigo Duterte for his approval. “Kailangan po nating mag-shift sa lalong madaling panahon sa MGCQ for the entire Philippines, sana starting March 1, 2021 para i-address po ‘yong hunger o yung mataas na antas ng mga

Pilipinong nagugutom,” Chua said in Duterte's weekly televised briefing. Chua said the country incurred a P1.04 trillion income loss in 2020 or P2.8 billion per day due to the quarantine restrictions since March 2020. On average, he said the annual income loss per worker was P23,000. “Ang recommendation po namin, dapat ibalanse natin. Di naman po natin sinasabi na ibukas lang po natin ang ekonomiya at ‘wag na nating pakielaman ‘yong COVID-19 cases," Chua said. "Kailangan po natin both at nakita po natin, nagbukas po tayo last October at dumaan po ang Christmas vacation, ‘di naman po umakyat ang COVID cases,” he added. Chua said localized lockdowns in the barangay or municipal level can be used to address the local spread of the

virus. “The main reason po is gusto na nating ma-mitigate o mabawasan ‘yong sickness, hunger, poverty, job and income loss that are arising from non-COVID cases,” Chua said. The other proposals that the NEDA suggested and that the IATF approved for Duterte's considerations included: increasing the capacity allowed in public transport from 50 percent to 75 percent; complimenting public transport with active transport via bike lanes; allowing more provinical buses to operate; expanding the age groups allowed to leave their homes from 15 to 65, to five to 70; and resuming the pilot-testing of faceto-face classes. Chua said expand public transport from 50% to 75% capacity would result in more people being able to re-

turn to work. “To compliment public transport with active transport support tulad ng bike lanes kasi marami na pong Pilipino ang nag-shift to biking to work or to avail of their basic commodities when they buy goods,” Chua said. He also said there is a need to increase inter-province bus operations as many workers who returned to their provinces during the enhanced community quarantine were not able to come back to their work due to lack of transportation. Chua asked Duterte to approve face-to-face schooling in low-risk areas and expand the age group who are allowed to go out. He proposed that the age group should be from 5 to 70 years old. “Puwede nating gawing dahan-dahan with

FNEDA, B1

FSM, B1

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY A2

Fish vendors in Davao City’s public markets report low consumer demand and foot traffic through the market has been unremarkable during the past few weeks. Edge Davao

Agri dept.’s proposal to hike minimum pork imports volume awaiting PRRD signature

Economist sees loan growth back to pre-pandemic level in 2022

onsumer loans are projected to lead the recovery of various sectors this year but their return to pre-pandemic levels, including those of domestic growth and the jobs markets, are seen only by next year. In a virtual briefing Monday, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the banks’ lending to consumers

is the “sector that bears watching” since although this remains weak, it is expected to recoup from pandemic-related impact ahead of the others as the economy continues to reopen and the job market improves. “With consumer loans in free fall, I think, we’re going to see this sector bounce back before we see the rest of the other

sectors sort of recover,” he said. Mapa said recovery hinges on returning to the economy’s pre-pandemic performance wherein household spending played as the base of the expansion, followed by investment and government spending. “Until we see that restored, I think it’s going

to be rough sailing for most of the sectors,” he said. Since the job market remains challenging this year, Mapa said consumer loans are seen to again post double-digit growth “maybe closer to end 2020 when (the) job market hopefully stabilizes.” “Maybe end-2022

and accelerate the country’s shift to the new knowledge economy. The soon-to-be enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) bill will open numerous doors of opportunities for the Phil-

ippines and India to put up S&T joint ventures, and serve as the stimulus that would encourage knowledge-based industries to locate here, Dominguez said. Dominguez lauded the Batangas State University (BatStateU) for

its “visionary leadership” in venturing to establish the Knowledge, Innovation, and Science Technology Park (KIST) inside its campus, and thanked the Embassy of India for supporting this initiative.

FECONOMIST, B1

CREATE Act to spur knowledgebased sectors to do biz in PH inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Monday the rise of a science and technology (S&T) park in Batangas could clear the way for startups from India and other countries to establish their presence in the Philippines

FCREATE, B1

he Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposal to increase the minimum allowed volume of pork imports this year to augment local supply and effectively stabilize prices is now awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s go signal. “We have submitted to Malacañang the resolution by the MAV (minimum access volume) advisory council, recommending to increase the MAV for pork for 2021,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said during the House joint committees on Agriculture and Food and Trade and Industry hearing on rising pork prices on Tuesday. “It’s now awaiting [the] President's signature,” Dar said. The Agriculture chief said the MAV will be increased to 404,210 metric tons (MT) from the current 54,000 MT. Dar said the increase of the MAV is part of the DA’s plan to augment domestic supply to address rising pork prices. The DA has earlier said that pork supply deficit this year is expected at almost 400,000 metric tons.

To recall, Duterte earlier approved plans to study the possibility of hiking the country’s pork imports to boost domestic supply. Minimum access volume refers to the volume of a specific agricultural commodity that may be imported with a lower tariff. This is a commitment of the Philippines to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to facilitate trade between countries. Prices of pork in Metro Manila wet markets shot up to as much as P420 per kilo for liempo, and P400 per kilo for pigue and kasim last month as supply ran low due to the African swine fever. To address the issue, President Rodrigo Duterte imposed a price ceiling in the capital region for 60 days starting Feb-

FAGRI, B1

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

On Davao City’s preparations for the muchanticipated Covid-19 vaccination program: Nakakabilib yung kanilang paghahanda na isinagawa at ang simulation na kanilang ipinakita ay wala po akong masabi dahil lahat po ng plano ay malinaw na malinaw na naka-align to our national deployment and vaccination plans. We have noticed lahat ng elements of the plans are clearly laid down.”

Secretary Francisco Duque Department of Health

EDITORIAL UNICEF recommendations There is the likelihood that students in low risk areas in the Philippines will be back to face-to-face schooling by March. That is if the recommendations of the UNICEF will be followed. According to the UNICEF Philippines the negative effects of keeping schools closed have been documented extensively and include learning loss, dropouts, mental health, and socio-emotional aspects, teen pregnancy, among others. Given that the ongoing health crisis will only exacerbate inequalities, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized who have limited access to the internet, digital technology, and other home-based support systems, UNICEF is of the opinion that it is crucial to facilitate the safe, progressive return to in-person schooling as soon as possible. Hence, it is recommending the conduct of pilot face-toface classes in low-risk areas in the Philippines starting March as it underscored the need for a “safe and progressive” return to in-person schooling. In arriving at this recommendation, UNICEF Philippines cited a recent study by the World Bank on the impact of Covid-19 on Philippine households. Based on this study, only 20 percent of school-aged children were engaged in learning activities while adhering to community quarantine guidelines.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Here are the five “incremental approaches” the education sector could take starting next month according to UNICEF Philippines: -- Start a pilot in March 2021 in low-risk areas -- Modify the omnibus guidelines of community quarantine to allow children to go out -- Prepare for nationwide face-to-face classes in the next school year (Aug. 2021) -- Prioritize teachers for vaccine rollout, and; -- Continue investing and supporting distance learning modalities. The approach comes after UNICEF said it is more costly to keep students away from face-to-face learning. UN Philippines resident coordinator Gustavo Gonzales earlier revealed that the cost of closing schools is “now much higher from a social, health, and economic viewpoint” than allowing children for in-person learning. Global studies have shown that there was “no association between school status and Covid-19 infection rates in the community” after tracking school closures and re-openings data in 191 countries. If schools are re-opened, the important thing is that both public and private schools must be equipped with various mitigation measures and maintain applicable health protocols.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H.RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout

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

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

BUCKLE UP YOUR CHILDREN I visited the United States for the first time in 2000 yet. One of the things I noticed was the two child safety seats (or child restraint system) at the back of my sister’s car. “These are for my two kids, who are left behind at the house with my husband, Dan,” says my sister Elena, who picked me up at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport in Minnesota. “I was in a hurry so I wasn’t able to unload them before coming to the airport.” I didn’t see those kinds of car seats in the Philippines so I wondered. “We have a law here in the United States, Manoy,” she explained. It wasn’t nineteen years later that the Philippines followed suit. On February 22, 2019, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11229, better known as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act. “When correctly installed and used, (child restraints) are proven to reduce fatal injuries among infants by approximately 70% and among children aged 1 to 4 years by 54%,” said the ex-

planatory note of Senate Bill No. 1447, the precursor of the Act. Before probing deeper, let’s take a closer look at the statistics. Data from the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) listed road crashes as a leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 years old. Among children aged 5 to 9 years old, it is the sixth leading cause of death. The United Nations health agency also disclosed that about 90% of all these road deaths happened in low- and middle-income countries although they only 50% of the world’s vehicles. In the Philippines, for every 100,000 Filipinos, about 10,379 of them die as a result of road crashes. This loss of lives can be translated to some 2.6% of the country’s gross domestic product. According to the Health Policy Notes of the Department of Health, road crashes claim the lives of children aged 0 to 17 years old. Road crashes are now the second leading cause of death (with mortality rate of 5.85 per 100,000 population) among chil-

dren, after drowning. Statistics from 2006 to 2015 showed an average of 667 children perished in car accidents in the country every year. The figures also revealed children ages 5-7 years old were the most vulnerable. Road crashes need not happen. “They’re not random acts of God,” points out Dr. Jeffrey Runge, head of the US National High Traffic Safety Administration. “They’re predictable, and therefore, they’re preventable.” In fact, road crashes should not be considered an accident. “An accident refers to an unfortunate incident that happens by chance, or one that is unexpected and unintentional. In short, no one is at fault,” explains Atty. Melisa Jane B. Comafay, who is affiliated with the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Inc. (IDEALS). In comparison, “a road crash is when vehicles collide with another or with an object, and the fault cannot be disregarded,” Atty. Comafay says. “Thus, to call it merely an accident suggests that

the event was something beyond control and it implies a description with an excuse embedded within it. “Though a road crash is not premeditated,” she further says, “there is negligence on the part of the driver due to various reasons or other contributory factors.” Globally, road crashes are caused by behavioral risk factors that include speeding, distracted driving, drunk and drugged driving, and non-use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts and child restraints. According to Atty. Comafay, until traffic authorities and government officials will not start calling a road crash a “road crash” and still maintain it as an accident, the Philippines won’t be on the right track to road safety. In the past, existing seat belts on all motor vehicles were meant to harness and protect only adults. The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act tries to correct that; it seeks to maximize the safety of all infants and children to prevent traffic-related deaths that may happen in case of an accident.

Starting February 2, the law disallows children aged 12 years old and below from sitting in the front seat of a vehicle, and mandates them to use “child restraint systems” when sitting at the back. Meanwhile, “a child may be exempted provided that he or she is at least 150 centimeters or 59 inches in height,” the law states, adding that passengers taller than this measurement can be “properly secured using a regular seatbelt.” Children are exempted from sitting on car seats inside a moving vehicle during medical emergencies and if the child has a medical or development condition. All public and private motor vehicles determined by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are covered by this law. However, it does not cover tricycles and motorcycles. People who violate the law are fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 and suspension of driver’s license for a year for the third and succeeding offenses.

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

THE TALE OF A SHOTGUN WEDDING, PSYCHOLOGICAL INCAPACITY AND ANNULMENT Mere refusal to cohabit with one’s spouse will not be automatically considered as a psychological disorder in annulment cases. Like in telenovelas, a seafarer’s story of shotgun wedding or pikot that led to an annulment case became the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Rolando Cortez v. Luz Cortez (G.R. No. 224638, April 10, 2019). The parties were married in 1990 but the seafarer filed thirteen years later a petition for the declaration of nullity of marriage on the ground of their psychological incapacity. The travails started when the seafarer was invited to a birthday party and after consuming three bottles of beer, he became dizzy and passed out. When he woke up, he was already in a room with the girl and was clad only in his underwear and they were covered with a blanket. The girl’s brother, a policeman, suddenly entered the room and said “May nangyari na pala sa inyo, dapat panagutan mo iyan.” He was, however, allowed to go home.

The seafarer was already scheduled to work abroad. While at the airport, he was stopped by a hold-departure order issued by the POEA because of the girl’s complaint as she was then pregnant. He was able to depart days later after he was forced by the girl’s brothers to marry her and designating her as his allottee. He never cohabited with his wife who gave birth to two children. Years later, the seafarer disputed his paternity of the two (2) children as he subjected himself to a semenal examination which showed that he had low sperm count and did not have the capacity to impregnate a woman. He, however, continued giving financial support to avoid being harassed. He described their marriage as one attended by force and reluctance. He claimed that they got married not out of love but because of wife’s desire to ensure material support for herself and the children. The seafarer also argued

that that he married his wife to be able to work abroad as a seafarer, hence, he is psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage. He used the psychiatric evaluation report on his alleged psychological incapacity at the time of the celebration of the marriage since he was forced to marry the wife without love, and that he had no intention to do his full obligations as a husband. But the Court ruled that such claim does not rise to the level of psychologically incapacity that would nullify his marriage. The petition for declaration of nullity of marriage would fail because the juridical antecedence, gravity and incurability of the parties’ alleged psychological incapacity have not been proven. Psychological incapacity must be characterized by: (a) gravity (i.e., it must be grave and serious such that the party would be incapable of carrying out the ordinary duties required in a marriage); (b) juridical antecedence (i.e., it must be rooted in the history of the party antedating the marriage,

although the overt manifestations may emerge only after the marriage); and (c) incurability i.e., it must be incurable, or even if it were otherwise, the cure would be beyond the means of the party involved.) (Cruz vs. Cruz (October 11, 2017 G.R. No. 201988) Mere “difficulty,” “refusal,” or “neglect” in the performance of marital obligations or “ill will” on the part of the spouse is different from “incapacity” rooted on some debilitating psychological condition or illness. The seafarer’s claim of lack of realization that he has marital obligation to perform as husband to his wife is not a consideration under Article 36 of the Family Code. What the law requires is a mental illness that leads to an inability to comply with or comprehend essential marital obligations. Mere stubbornness or refusal to cohabit with the other spouse or the act of cohabiting with another person will not be automatically considered as a psychological disorder. The complained acts depicting the alleged psychological disorder also happened after the

marriage. Demanding financial support for one’s own children cannot even be considered morally or fundamentally wrong, much less a disorder. It is essential that the parties to a marriage must be shown to be insensitive to or incapable of meeting their duties and responsibilities due to some psychological (not physical) illness, which insensitivity or incapacity should have been existing at the time of the celebration of the marriage even if it becomes manifest only after its solemnization. It is downright incapacity, not refusal or neglect or difficulty, much less ill will, which renders a marriage void on the ground of psychological incapacity. The root cause thereof must be medically or clinically identified. There must thus be evidence to adequately establish the same. Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 Republic of the Philippines Province of Davao Oriental OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN SP Complex, Government Center, Dahican C I TY O F MAT I

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE 78TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE 16TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF DAVAO ORIENTAL, HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020, AT THE CITY OF MATI, THIS PROVINCE. PRESENT: Hon. Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr.

Vice Governor - Presiding Officer Regular Members:

District I

District II

Hon. Dante M. Caubang Hon. Marietta D. Palmera Hon. Joselito B. Villademosa Hon. Laureano B. Taya

Hon. Louis N. Rabat Hon. Anacleto P. Macatabog Hon. Lemuel Ian M. Larcia Hon. Enrico M. Antopuesto Hon. Dennis V. Roflo, Jr.

Ex-Officio Members:

Hon. Rabsalon M. Lamaran Hon. Charlie S. Ambasan Hon. Ronald T. Lara, Jr.

President, Philippine Councilor’s League Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President

ABSENT: Hon. Nelson R. Dayanghirang, Jr. Hon. Rustan R. Castillones

SP Member, District I – O.B. District I President, Liga Ng Mga Barangay

PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE NO. 16-53-12-2020 Author : Hon. Anacleto P. Macatabog Sponsor : Hon. Enrico M. Antopuesto

AN ORDINANCE PENALIZING ANY PERSON ALLOWING, CONSENTING, INDUCING OR DIRECTING MINORS TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination And for Other Purposes” provides among others that “it is the policy of the State to provide special protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination and other conditions prejudicial to their development”; WHEREAS, Section 3(c)2 of Republic Act No. 7610 further defined the circumstances which gravely threaten or endanger the survival and normal development of children which includes, among others, those who work under conditions hazardous to life and safety which unduly interfere with their normal development; WHEREAS, it is quite disheartening to learn that tragic accidents involved minors who, in their tender years, are carefree and at times careless, and are not supposed to be driving motor vehicles; WHEREAS, these minors, not being a possessor of any driver’s license are not equipped with the necessary knowledge on traffic rules and regulations; WHEREAS, it is imperative to put a stop, at all cost, to our culture of complacency over minors’ driving of motor vehicles. WHEREFORE, on motion of SP Member Enrico M. Antopuesto, duly and jointly seconded by SP Members Dennis V. Roflo, Jr., and Ronald T. Lara, Jr., it was Be it ordained by the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Oriental in session duly assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as an “Ordinance Penalizing any Person Allowing, Consenting, Inducing or Directing Minors to Drive Motor Vehicle” otherwise known as “Anti-Minor on Wheels Ordinance of Davao Oriental.” SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS – For purposes of this Ordinance, the following shall be defined as follows: a) Person – shall include natural or juridical person. b) Owner – refers to the one whose name is reflected in the Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration as the owner of the motor vehicle or a person found to be exercising attributes of ownership over the subject motor vehicle. c) Motor Vehicle – shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power using public highways or road. It includes public and private utility vehicles among others. d) Minors – refers to those below 18 years of age or over, but not capable of taking care of themselves. e) License – refers to a drivers’ license duly issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). f) LSWDO – shall refer to the Local Social Welfare and Development Officer. g) Parents – shall include the guardian and head of the institution or foster home which has custody of the child” SECTION 3. Unless otherwise allowed by law, it shall be unlawful for any person of legal age to allow, consent, induce or direct any minor to drive any motor vehicle for any purpose within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao Oriental. SECTION 3.1 The fact of registration of the motor vehicle to a particular person driven by the minor shall establish a prima facie case that the said owner allowed, consented, induced or directed the minor to drive the subject vehicle. SECTION 3.2 It shall likewise be prohibited for any person to allow, consent, induce or direct any person who is not a possessor of a drivers’ license duly issued, to drive a motor vehicle. SECTION 4. FINES AND PENALTIES – Any person found guilty thereof shall be subjected to the following fines and penalties: a. First Offense Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) b. Second Offense Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) c. Third and succeeding offenses A penalty of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and Imprisonment of not less than Five (5) months nor more than One (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court. SECTION 4.1 Upon apprehension, minor offenders shall be indorsed by the apprehending officer/enforcer to the Local Social Welfare and Development Officer or any of its designated personnel for mandatory guidance counselling in the presence of his/her parents. SECTION 5. IMPLEMENTATION - Impounded motor vehicle and other similar automobile pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be released only upon full payment of the penalty or fine and other fees and upon showing of an official receipt from the Local Treasurer’s Office. SECTION 6. COLLECTION. All fines collected for violation thereof shall be shared by the province and component City/Municipalities and Barangays who help enforce/implement this Ordinance. Barangays shall be given 30% share and 50% share shall also be given to the component City/Municipality where fines are being collected and 20% shall accrue to the General Fund of the Provincial Government. SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE - All previous ordinances, resolutions, local issuances and provisions inconsistent with this ordinance shall be deemed amended, repealed or modified accordingly. SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If for any reason any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be held unconstitutional or invalid other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY - This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after posting and publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Davao Oriental. ENACTED: DECEMBER 22, 2020. CARRIED, by twelve (12) affirmative votes of SP Members Louis N. Rabat, Anacleto P. Macatabog, Lemuel Ian M. Larcia, Enrico M. Antopuesto, Dennis V. Roflo, Jr., Dante M. Caubang, Marietta D. Palmera, Joselito B. Villademosa, Laureano B. Taya, Rabsalon M. Lamaran, Charlie S. Ambasan, and Ronald T. Lara, Jr.; negative votes – none; and abstention - none. * * *

IMPRESSED... FROM2 mended the city for the vaccine simulation exercises conducted. “Not just for the vaccine roll out but Davao City has always been prepared. Mahilig ang Davao City sa simulation exercises pagdating sa disasters, fire drill. Itong vaccination exercises ka-

lalabas pa lang natin ng SPMC tinext na ako na magsimulation exercises na naman sila bukas,” he said. Among the topics discussed during the visit include the local situation report on Covid-19, National Action Plan (NAP) Against Covid-19

Phase III and the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan. The C.O.D.E. Team also conducted a walkthrough in the vaccination site at AMES, which is being considered as the model hub for vaccination sites in Davao City.

came 42 days after another tragic blaze happened in Davao Central Park, a middle class

subdivision, in the city wherein three senior citizens perished The fatalities were a

bed-ridden 81-year-old and two others, one a 79year old and the other, 60. Antonio M. Ajero

authorities received information about the resumption of her illegal drug activities. Recovered from her

possession were five grams of alleged shabu worth P80,000, cellular phone, marked money, and cash of P500.

Dejillo will face a criminal complaint for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the comprehensive dangerous drugs.

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Puan, Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Services.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Services.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Services.

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2021-2-1518 (2003-XI-01518)

Case No. R11-EV-UV-2021-2-251 (2016-XI-00251)

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2021-2-1032 (2016-XI-01032)

4 DEAD... FROM2 DOH... FROM3

GREGORIO L. BARTIQUIN, Petitioner.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Pubic Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: DOÑA PILAR SUBD. ROXAS AVENUE VIA JP LAUREL AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on April 10, 2021. In the petition filed on February 9, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 30, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation. Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS Dir. NONITO A LLANOS III, Regional Director, this 10th day of February 2021 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer Petitioner, Gregorio L. Bartiquin Counsel, Atty. Randolf P. Esparagoza

ANABEL R. SERAFINO, Petitioner.

ROSELYN M. CATAYAS, Petitioner.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Pubic Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY - BANSALAN (DAVAO DEL SUR) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire onMay 10, 2021. In the petition filed February 8, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Pubic Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: PANACAN VIA JP LAUREL AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on May 2, 2022. In the petition filed February 5, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 30, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

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

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

WITNESS Dir. NONITO A LLANOS III, Regional Director, this 9th day of February 2021 at Davao City, Philippines.

WITNESS Dir. NONITO A LLANOS III, Regional Director, this 8th day of February 2021 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer Petitioner, Anabel R. Serafino Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde, Jr.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer Petitioner, Roselyn M. Catayas Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

UNICEF backs pilot F2F classes starting March

he UNICEF Philippines is recommending the conduct of pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas in the Philippines starting March as it underscored the need for a "safe and progressive" return to in-person schooling. "The negative effects of keeping schools closed have been documented extensively and include learning loss, dropouts, mental health, and socio-emotional aspects, teen pregnancy, among others," it said. "Given that the ongoing health crisis will only exacerbate inequalities, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized who have limited access to the internet, digital technology, and other home-based support systems, it is crucial to facilitate the safe, progressive return to in-person schooling as soon as possible," it added. Citing a recent study by the World Bank on the impact of Covid-19 on Philippine households, UNICEF Philippines said only 20 percent of schoolaged children were engaged in learning activ-

ities while adhering to community quarantine guidelines. In an email, UNICEF Philippines on Monday listed the five following "incremental approaches" the education sector could take starting next month: -- Start a pilot in March 2021 in low-risk areas -- Modify the omnibus guidelines of community quarantine to allow children to go out -- Prepare for nationwide face-to-face classes in the next school year (Aug. 2021) -- Prioritize teachers for vaccine rollout, and; -- Continue investing and supporting distance learning modalities. UNICEF vowed to support the country through the development of guidelines and protocols on safe school reopening based on best practices and lessons learned from other countries. The agency said it would also provide essential supplies, learning resources for teachers, children, and parents, and develop communication strategies and materials with a focus on the most vulnerable population,

especially those at risk of dropping out. The statement came days after UN Philippines resident coordinator Gustavo Gonzales revealed that the cost of closing schools is "now much higher from a social, health, and economic viewpoint" than allowing children for in-person learning. A December 2020 review provided by the UNICEF Philippines highlighted that while sporadic Covid-19 cases have been reported in schools last year, these have not been identified as superspreading settings, except for a high school in Israel in May 2020 "where mitigation measures were not followed". It also cited an October 2020 global study by Insights for Education that showed there was "no association between school status and Covid-19 infection rates in the community" after tracking school closures and re-openings data in 191 countries. The UN body, however, noted that these schools that have re-opened are equipped with various mitigation measures and

ROBREDO... FROM3 military hub in Subic, which could endanger the Philippines. "Do you know that they are slowly converting Subic into an American base? Iyan ang hindi mo alam at hindi... Wala ka sigurong alam kaya huwag ka mag-alam, huwag kang magsalita (That's what you don't know. You probably know nothing that's why don't talk). These are the things that are known to us because I have the reports and I have also the assessments given to me by the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he said. Duterte said the US appeared to be placing the Philippines at the center of conflict. “The meltdown will start in Palawan. It's the province that’s facing the Spratly and everything there. Kaya hindi mo lang alam (But you didn’t know that), in a worstcase scenario, kung may isang g*** diyan na magpaputok ng isang rocket, gulo na iyan (if someone that "some of the early research reviewed was collected in the context of relatively limited school re-openings." The said review is based on published evidence up to November 2020 and will be updat-

launches a rocket, that will spell trouble). And the Philippines invariably would be drawn into the vortex of a conflict that is called war,” he said. He also cited how the US "took years" to deliver arms purchased by the government and refused to allow them to buy helicopters over concerns on human rights. Refresher course Duterte blasted Robredo for forgetting to act like a lawyer, telling her to take a refresher course in law. "Every time she opens her mouth, talagang (she really) she forgets that she's a lawyer, and being a lawyer, she should know that the Constitution says that is my function. It is not their function,” he said. He said he could forgive Lacson for not being a lawyer, but slammed Robredo by repeating his earlier sentiment about her being unfit to run as president. ed in the first quarter of 2021, it said. In December last year, the national government initially planned the start of pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas under modified general community quarantine starting

“I don't know if it's a pretended ignorance kay Lacson. But itong kay (this) Robredo, sabi ko nga, ma'am, kung ikaw ang presidente, hindi mo alam ang trabaho mo, huwag ka na lang mag -- eh dapat alam mo 'yan, abogado ka -- (I said ma’am, if you’re president, you don’t know your job, you should know it because you’re a lawyer) that you should not be opening your mouth while we are negotiating because maraming kasalanan ang Amerika sa atin(American has committed many transgressions against us),” he said. Meantime, Duterte said the fate of the VFA “depends on how the Americans will behave towards us”. In February 2020, the Philippines formally notified the US about its intent to revoke the VFA. The VFA will end in August 2021 unless the termination of the pact is suspended anew. (PNA) January 2021. But the proposal was scrapped following the emergence of the potentially more infectious B.1.1.7. (United Kingdom) variant of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019. (PNA)

B1 NEDA... FROMA1

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

appropriate safeguards. Puwede lang lumabas ang kabataan with their parents or they can go out to open areas,” Chua said. “Kung puwede pong lumabas ang kabataan with safeguards, it will allow their parents to work,” he added. The research group OCTA said there was no spike in the number of cases of COVID-19 even after the Christmas holidays and the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. However, the research group made up of academics from the University of the Philippines and the University of Sto. Tomas expressed

concern over the planned reopening of moviehouses in March. The Philippines has logged 550,860 cases including 11,517 deaths and 511,755 recoveries as of Monday afternoon. Philippine health authorities have confirmed the presence of the more infectious UK variant of COVID-19, which the Department of Health has said entered the country as early as December last year. Department of Health spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there was still not enough evidence that there had already been a community transmission of the UK varian.

There are now 44 who have been detected with UK variant in the Philippines. Vergeire assured the public that the government had placed “safeguards” to curb the transmission of COVID-19. The Philippines aims to vaccinate up to 70 million Filipinos this year with the rollout expected to begin this month. According to the government's vaccination roadmap, health workers and frontliners from select government offices will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by indigent senior citizens, other senior citizens, and other indigents.

We encourage our fellow Filipino to keep supporting our local businesses while practicing safety protocols at all times,” Lim added. SM Prime’s recent partnership with the Philippine Red Cross

(PRC) to provide specimen sites for its saliva transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, which are currently available at SM Mega Mall and SM Mall of Asia, aims to further boost the govern-

ment’s campaign against the Covid-19. Meanwhile, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City continues to be a mega swabbing facility to cater to front-liners and travelers coming into Metro Manila. (PR)

ruary 8 upon the recommendation of DA. The price ceiling is P300 per kilo for liempo, P270 per kilo for kasim and pigue, and P160 per kilo for dressed chicken. The Philippines opened 2021 with a 3-million drop in the total swine inventory, the Philippine Statistics Authori-

ty (PSA) reported, as the government scrambles to boost supply amid the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. Preliminary data released by the PSA showed that the total swine inventory was estimated at 9.72 million heads as of January 01, 2021 versus the 12.80 million report-

ed the previous year. Broken down, 71.1% were raised in backyard farms while the remaining 28.9% were from commercial farms. Apart from increasing the minimum volume of pork to be imported, the DA is also proposing to lower tariffs from 30% to 5% for this year.

Their cooperation on this initiative was formally launched Monday morning. “We need more forward-looking innovative projects such as the KIST Park. We are moving towards an economy where knowledge is the main driver of growth. The next generation must be trained in cutting edge science and technology to support our aspirations for a truly inclusive and competitive economy,” Dominguez said in his videotaped message during the event delivered via Zoom. Dominguez thanked Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran for expressing India’s keen interest to assist in the Philippines’ digitalization programs and in funding the creation of small information technology (IT) centers in schools and universities nationwide. He said that under the Duterte administration, the Department of Finance (DOF) has used fiscal policy as a tool to promote a system that

rewards innovation and the creation of new knowledge by pushing the Congressional passage of the CREATE bill. Once enacted into law, Dominguez said CREATE will grant a 100-percent additional deduction on research and development (R&D) expenses for enterprises to incentivize the creation of new knowledge and products, on top of lowering the corporate income tax (CIT) rate from 30 percent to 20 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and 25 percent for all other businesses. Dominguez said he expects the enactment of CREATE to strengthen the culture of R&D and innovation in the Philippines. “CREATE prioritizes industries that make use of the knowledge economy in their activities. The types of investments that will be pursued are activities consistent with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe),” Dominguez said.

He said “CREATE will open up numerous doors of opportunities for the Philippines and India to collaborate in the knowledge economy. This momentous event is just the start of our close partnership in this field.” Dominguez said the cooperation between BatStateU's KIST Park and India “will take the Philippines’ and India’s partnership to a higher plane,” as this clearly demonstrates how the two countries can complement their respective advantages. The Philippines’ strength lies in its highly educated, tech-savvy and young workforce, while India is a rising power in S&T with a strong cadre of digital technology experts, he said. Moreover, the two countries are “natural partners” as they are both English-speaking democracies with aligned trade and development interests, he said. “This is an opportunity for India to cre-

SM... FROMA1

AGRI... FROMA2

CREATE... FROMA2

6K families displaced as flood hits DavNor town

looding hit six villages in the Davao del Norte town of Sto. Tomas Sunday night leaving 6,067 families displaced from their homes. In an interview Monday, Sto. Tomas Municipal Administrator Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña identified the six flood-stricken barangays as Barangay New Katipunan with 2,408 affected families, Barangay Kinamayan (1,575 families), Barangay San Miguel (1,131 families), Barangay San Jose (276 families), Barangay Tibal-og (565 families), and Barangay Salvacion (182 families). “In barangay New Katipunan, the water level rise at 9 p.m. and by 11 p.m. floodwaters started to hit other barangays. The water came from Talaingod, Davao del Norte,” Lapiña told the Philippine News Agency. Lapiña said three evacuation sites located in Barangays Poblacion,

Kinamayan, and New Katipunan were immediately established. As of 11 a.m. Monday, the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) reported that displaced families have sheltered in two evacuation centers at the covered courts in Barangay New Katipunan and Barangay Kinamayan. “To ensure the efficient and speedy delivery of aid to communities affected by the floodwater, we immediately mobilize the different offices to streamline the process of providing relief assistance and basic services to these flood-stricken barangays,” she added. Lapiña said the local government mobilized disaster units to assist the families of Barangay New Katipunan residents whose houses were submerged in floodwaters. She said the town’s mobile kitchen provided meals for the affected families since sev-

eral houses were still submerged in the floodwater. “We started to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis which will serve as the basis for the immediate release of relief aid, depending on the magnitude of the flood as assessed by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. Right now, our priority is to feed the families, and evacuate them to a safer facility,” Lapiña said. “We will be having a meeting this afternoon and based on the damages particularly on agriculture, there is a proposal that we will declare a state of calamity,” she added. On the other hand, Mayor Ernesto Evangelista ordered Municipal Agriculturist chief Elmer Degorio to provide assistance to the farmers whose crops have been damaged by the flooding. (PNA)

in the Circle. “I haven’t asked her too much about it because we’re both in a camp and training. We’ll talk about different parts

of fight camp, but most of it on a mental aspect,” said Buntan. “She’s taught me to really just trust your training, your coaches,

and yourself, that we’re ready for anything and that we’ve seen it all in training. We just have to have confidence to do what we do.”

or maybe mid-2022 before we see a reversal and that’s not base effect-driven,” he said. Preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data show that lending activities of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), excluding their placements with the central bank’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) facility, slipped by 0.7 percent last December after expanding by 0.5 percent in the previous month. With consumer confidence still affected by the pandemic, Mapa said the

economy’s first-quarter output, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), is expected to remain in contraction but at a lower rate of -3.4 percent compared to the -8.3 percent in the last quarter of 2020. Domestic expansion for the second to last quarters of this year is projected to be at 13 percent, 5.9 percent, and 5 percent, respectively. Mapa forecasts fullyear growth to be around 5.1 percent, boosted by the continued easing of movement restrictions, which is seen to boost

economic activities. Since growth remains fragile, he sees BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) keeping key rates steady this year despite the elevated inflation rate, which he expects to exceed the government’s 2-4 percent target band in the first half this year. Mapa forecasts first-quarter inflation rate to average at 4.2 percent, 4.3 percent in the second quarter, 3.9 percent in the third quarter, and 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter. (PNA)

BUNTAN... FROMB2

ECONOMIST... FROMA2

ate an ecosystem for its leading startups to establish their presence in the Philippines. Our country can even serve as India's Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) regional base,” Dominguez said. “Both our countries will benefit from this partnership through enhanced knowledge sharing, increased investments, and more job opportunities for our two peoples,” he added. Dominguez said that

with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic amplifying the Philippines’ need to rapidly modernize its processes and shift to the New Economy, the government should encourage forward-looking innovative projects such as the KIST Park if it is to accelerate this transition. “This accelerated trend towards an economy driven by technology and innovation will

continue to flourish. The Philippines must evolve and take advantage of this trend,” he said. Dominguez said technological innovations will build new industries and create many employment and investment opportunities, which, in turn, will allow both the Philippines and India to bounce back stronger from the pandemic and help ensure the longterm recovery of their economies. PR

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

AD out indefinitely F

orward Anthony Davis’ injured Achilles tendon is not ruptured, and he will be reevaluated when the Los Angeles Lakers return from their road trip.

Los Angeles forward Anthony Davis’injured Achilles tendon is not ruptured, and he will be reevaluated when the Los Angeles Lakers return from their road trip.

Buntan takes inspiration for Kickboxing world champ Todd ahead of ONE debut

i l i p i n a -A m e r i c a n striker Jackie Buntan is all ready to make her much-anticipated ONE Championship debut. The 23-yearold is set to join her teammate, ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Janet “JT” Todd, among the world’s greatest striking talents in ONE Super Series. Buntan will face the highly-regarded Wondergirl Fairtex of Thailand at ONE: FISTS OF FURY, taking place live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Friday, 26 February. Following in Todd’s footsteps, Buntan has her sights firmly fixated on making a powerful impact in her promotional debut, and working her way eventually to ONE Championship gold. “Ever since my training partner, Janet Todd, joined ONE Championship, it was pretty much on my radar,” said Buntan. “The end goal is, of

course, to get that belt. Muay Thai is where my heart is at, but I did sign up for both Muay Thai and kickboxing. That Muay Thai belt is on my radar.” Todd, who is Buntan’s chief sparring partner at Boxing Works in Los Angeles, California, where they both hone their skills under renowned coach Bryan Popejoy, joined ONE Super Series in 2019. She captured the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Title only a year into her stint in the world’s largest martial arts organization. When Todd brought the ONE Championship belt back to the gym, Buntan came away inspired. “It lit a huge fire in me,” said Buntan. “When she won that belt, it was right before the lockdown, and at the time, I was supposed to make my debut. That just got me so pumped to make my debut and represent myself, my gym,

my coaches, so that really lit a fire in me. Just seeing my friend, someone I’ve known for so long, who was able to achieve this, made me believe that I can achieve this as well.” ONE: FISTS OF FURY is a three-part event series, beginning with a live broadcast on 26 February. The main event features a ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship showdown between reigning titleholder Ilias Ennahachi and #2-ranked contender “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9. Also on the card is kickboxing legend Giorgio Petrosyan, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, and the debut of rising teenage star Victoria “The Prodigy” Lee. Buntan is excited to be on such a huge card, and says she’s talked to Todd and asked for her advice on her first time

FBUNTAN, P10

Jackie Buntan is ready to get on her debut fight.

The defending NBA champions made the announcement on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) after an MRI exam for Davis, who is out indefinitely. The All-NBA first-teamer left the Lakers' game at Denver in the second quarter on Sunday night with an apparent aggravation of the tendonosis that has bothered his right heel for at least two weeks. The seven-time All-Star had already missed five games this season with various minor injuries. The Lakers (21-7) have nine games left before the All-Star break, starting Tuesday at Minnesota. Sitting in second place in the Western Conference, they are likely to be cautious with their superstar big man with an eye on keeping him healthy for the stretch run. Davis' offensive production is down this season with the Lakers less reliant on him after the additions of Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol. The nine-year veteran is averaging 22.5 points — his lowest scoring average since his second NBA season — along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. Davis was reinjured when he bumped into the leg of Nikola Jokic while driving to the hoop in Denver. Davis sat out two games last week to rest his Achilles tendon, but returned with a 35-point game against Memphis last Friday.

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 259 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

BOXER DIES National team member Dargantes of GenSan passes away

ational athlete Alexcel “Didat” Dargantes had joined her creator on Feb. 13 this year in Baguio City. She was 24.

Dargantes, a member of the Philippine amateur boxing team in 2015, is from General Santos City. Her friends are now making a “Pastil for Cause” to raise P97,00 to bring back her body to General Santos City. “Rest in peace, my friend. I can't believe you

carried this on your own. Condolences to the family,” said Criz Sander Laurente, a former teammate of Dargantes. National player Nesthy Petecio, on the other hand, is asking for help to bring back the remains of Dargantes to GenSan. “Even just a little val-

ue,” said Petecio. Dargantes had not been seen for eight years by her family, according to Petecio. Her remains lie in state at the Cosmopolitan-SF Memorial Chapel in KM. 5, Marcos Highway, Sto. Tomas Proper, Baguio City. (PNA)

LEX Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao on Monday said the team is looking to stay intact for now ahead of the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season. He said the team is not keen on doing a trade right now involving its current players. "Ayaw namin i-entertain muna (We do not want to entertain the trade offers for now)," Guiao said. The Road Warriors are fresh from re-signing the core of their roster last year, especially maximum salary extensions to explosive

guards Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas. With essentially its main men back for another year, it may seem like their first round picks could be up for grabs in swaps. But even those picks will not be traded according to Guiao, who also serves as their team manager. "Malabo yun. Hindi natin bibitawan [ang mga] first round picks natin. Gusto kong i-preserve yung number three and number four picks namin (The chances of us trading our picks are bleak. we will not let go of our first round picks. I

want to preserve our number three and number four picks)," he further said. NLEX has the third overall pick in the regular draft as a result of a trade with Blackwater, the original owner of that pick, and TNT that brought former star center Poy Erram to the Tropang Giga camp. The Road Warriors have the fourth pick as their own. Guiao earlier said that he is keen on taking a big man with the third pick and the best player available for number four. But with some draft as-

NLEX not trading players, draft picks for now: Guiao

FNLEX, P7

Alexcel‘Didat’Dargantes. (Photo from Alexcel Dargantes Facebook Page)