Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 262 | Saturday, February 20, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

REDUCING METHANE EMISSIONS FROM RICE PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT P9

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A hawker peddles cartoon characters inspired inflatable swimming floaters near a resort in Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) on Friday. Tourist destinations in the region, particularly in Davao del Norte, are being planned to be enhanced as part of a sustainable and development program in preparation for the reopening of tourism industry post-pandemic. Edge Davao

Prioritize media after frontliners for Covid-19 vaccination: Bong Go

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go assists a fisherman as he tries the pair of rubber shoes gifted by the senator during a turnover of assistance to fisherfolk in Babak, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), Davao Del Norte on Thursday. Maya Padillo

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Prioritize media after frontliners Samal fisherfolk for Covid-19 vaccination: Bong Go receive assistance By MAYA M. PADILLO

or Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, media practitioners are also considered frontliners the reason they must be prioritized and must be part of the priority groups for the Covid-19 immunization.

The Dabawenyo lawmaker said that journalists/media practitioners must be considered second priority sector because they are always in the field that make them at risk of getting exposed to the virus. “Kasi ang media parang frontliners rin sila at napaka-importanteng sektor dahil sila ang nagdadala sa balita. Considered sila as next priority sector to

frontliners. Dapat natin protektahan ang media,” he said in an interview during the distribution of assistance to the fisherfolks of Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) on Thursday. Go said Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of National Policy Against Covid-19 and vaccine czar, has agreed with him to prioritize journalists in the roll out of the immunization pro-

gram in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Go said he and President Rodrigo Duterte are willing to get immunized and even make their immunizations on public to gain the trust of the Filipinos to also get vaccinated. “Willing kami ni President Duterte na isa-publiko ang pagbakuna sa amin, hindi dahil kami ang priority kundi para makuha ang kumpyansa ng mga ma-

mayan. Handa kaming dalawa na magpabakuna,” Go said. He added that the doctors of the President are already choosing which vaccine to give him. “Kung anong bakuna ang suitable sa edad ni Presidente. Siya ay 76 years old na next month. Pinag-aaralan ng mga doktor niya kung ano ang ituturok sa kanya,” he said.

hree hundred fishermen of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) received assistance from national government agencies to help them cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) extended support that includes one unit 30 footer fiber glass “banca” with complete accessories, 10 units certificate of award 20 footer fiberglass “banca” with complete accessories, two units stainless working table, one solar dryer, two units “payao” floater, two bundles of rope, veg-

etable seeds, 20 bags of open-pollinated varieties (OPV) corn seeds that are good for planting in a 20 hectares land. The DA also extended P500,000 grant via "Enhanced Kadiwa Grant" to the local government of Samal to help the fishermen. Agriculture department's "Enhanced Kadiwa Grant" aims to improve the lives of farmer/ fisherfolk cooperatives and associations. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who led the distribution of assistance at Babak Municipal Hall in Samal on Thursday, said the fishermen and the resort

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

DepEd assesses effect of absence of physical classes on learners

ducation Secretary Leonor Briones said the Department of Education (DepEd) is looking into the effect of prolonged absence of face-to-face classes on learners. “Dahil alam naman natin, niri-recognize natin na ang face-to-face aspect ay importanteng bahagi sa (Because we know, we recognize that face-to-face aspect is an important part of) blended learning. You cannot talk about blended learning without considering

also face-to-face,” Briones said in a televised Palace briefing. Citing a DepEd survey, Briones reported that most of the learner-respondents want to have face-to-face classes already but a significant percentage of the parents remain undecided about it. “Ang teachers din, gusto din nila kasi nakikita nila talaga iyong pangangailangan ng face-to-face no matter how limited, maski isang oras o dalawang oras, isang araw,

tatlong araw, ganoon, ganoon (The teachers also, they already want to conduct face-to-face classes no matter how limited, even for an hour or two, once or thrice a week),” she said. The DepEd, Briones said, also recognizes the importance of child socialization secondary to learning for learners aged five to seven years old. She said the agency now is preparing for the pilot face-to-face class-

yond saying they included two tribal datus, two teachers and three adult lumad students. The respondents were given 15 days to submit their counter-affidavits to avail themselves of preliminary investigation. The lumad minors were “rescued” by police authorities resportedly the University of San Carlos Retreat House Talamban Campus in Talamban,

Cebu City last Monday, February 15, 2021. Police filed criminal charges against the suspects who were arrested when PNP Women and Children Protection operatives, and workers from the Department of Social Workers and Development (DSWD) rescued 19 Lumad minors in Cebu City. Via video telecon-

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7 accused of kidnapping 19 kids for NPA training

Education Secretary Leonor Briones reports that most of the learner-respondents want to have face-to-face classes already but a significant percentage of the parents remain undecided about it. Edge Davao

total of seven community organizers in Davao del Norte were charged by the police with kidnapping, child exploitation and human trafficking for bringing 19 Indigenous Peoples (IP) minors to Cebu to train as future New People’s Army (NPA) combatants. The Philippine National Police did not identify the suspects, be-

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Samal LGU appeals anew to IATF to be reverted to MGCQ PH vax roadmap is still on track: Galvez

he country's vaccine roadmap is still on track despite limited access to the global supplies of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines, National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Thursday. Galvez said it is still possible to push the vaccine rollout this month. "But most likely talaga, ang ano po natin iyong sa COVAX, titingnan po natin kasi iyong requirement, sa kanila po talaga manggagaling iyon (But most likely, we are still looking at the completion of requirements for the vaccine from the COVAX facility, it will be coming from them)," he said during the Palace virtual press briefing. He said delays of Covid-19 vaccination rollouts are being experienced not only by the Philippines but other countries worldwide. "But definitely, if just in case ay magkaroon po

ng EUA [emergency use authorization] iyong iba po na mado-donate at saka po iyong darating sa procurement po natin ay puwede pa po, possible pa po ang February (if EUA will be given to those will be donated and other procured vaccines, the rollout would be still possible this February)," Galvez said. While the management of the COVAX facility has yet to provide a definite date for vaccine arrival, Galvez assured the country is well-prepared for the vaccine deployment and other needed logistical requirements. The country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved the EUA for Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines procured under the COVAX facility, he said. "Sa ngayon po, ang definite pa lang po natin na mari-receive ay iyong Sinovac pagka-nagkaroon po ng EUA (Right now, the only definite vaccines that we may

receive, is from Sinovac firm, if its EUA will be approved)," Galvez said. He noted that the government's series of vaccine rollout simulations is not limited to the arrival of the Pfizer vaccines. "So iyong simulations po natin na ginagawa sa national at saka sa local, it covers all, iyong different types of vaccine po (The various simulations that we are conducting both in the national and local levels, it covers all the different types of Covid-19 vaccines)," he said. He said the national and local governments alongside the private sector are preparing for the vaccine arrival and deployment of Covid-19 vaccines. Preps, training of vaccinators Galvez said there is still enough time for the vaccinators to undergo and acquire comprehensive training on the national inoculation program since the vac-

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By MAYA M. PADILLO he local government of Samal reiterated its appeal to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to revert the island to modified community quarantine (MGCQ) status.

Reverting to MGCQ will enable the island to open some industries particularly tourism. Mayor Al David Uy said in an interview tourism accounts 30 percent to 40 percent to Samal’s income. He said if tourism will be opened the LGU can generate income that can be used for purchasing Covid-19 vaccines. “Tourism is a rising in-

dustry in Samal and kinahanglan namo ug income. We are appealing lalo na ngayon kailangan natin ng pambili ng vaccine. Ano ang gamitin natin pambili ng bakuna kung walang pera ang LGU? That is why we are really appealing since January to revert us to MGCQ status. We were denied last month and we sent again another letter addressed to IATF and hopefully

olice filed charges on Thursday against a 19-yearold Pakistani for illegal possession of a firearm. Maj. Milgrace Driz, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao Region (CIDG-11), said Zahir Farooq yielded a .45 caliber and ammu-

nition when arrested on Monday in Barangay Toril here. Farooq reportedly maintains a business in the area. “We have information that this suspect was using illegal drugs and will eventually show his gun to brag. We conducted surveillance, and

ma-grant an gaming request,” he said. The LGU of Samal has adopted the declaration of the national government extending the general community quarantine (GCQ) status of the entire Davao del Norte province last February 1, 2021. “Mao nang since first week of January 2021, nag-sige nami ug padala ug Letter of Appeal address to IATF ug nag-hangyo mi na total na-manage man namo diri sa Samal ang Covid situation unta i-revert mi to MGCQ,” said Mayor Al David Uy in an interview.

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Pakistani faces raps for Illegal firearm possession

our personnel confirmed that he possessed a firearm,” Driz told the Philippine News Agency in an interview. “We requested a firearm verification from Firearms and Explosives Office, and we found out that he is not authorized to possess or own a firearm,” Driz said. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021

Sacks of collected rice grains are piled at a rice mill in Digos City. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has disclosed that the country’s rice stock declined 12.8% at the beginning of the year from the same period in 2020. Edge Davao

Rice stocks down 12.8% as of Jan. 1

he country’s rice stock declined 12.8% at the beginning of the year from the same period in 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority said in its latest report.

In its monthly rice and corn inventory report, the agency said rice inventory as of Jan. 1, 2021 was at 2.332 million metric tons, down from last year’s 2.675 million MT. This was also 15.7% less than the previous month’s level of 2.766 million MT. The PSA did not specify how long the stocks will last, but the latest figure is enough for

around 72 days based on the country’s average daily consumption of 32,000MT. Some 55.3% of the stocks were in households, 29.6% in commercial warehouses, and 15.1% in National Food Authority depositories. Year-on-year, stocks in both commercial houses and NFA depositories declined by 27.5% and 32.8%, respectively.

Inventory in household rose 7.6%. On the other hand, inventory in all sectors declined compared to December 2020 by 20.3% in households, 13.2% in commercial warehouses, and 0.1% in NFA depositories. Meanwhile, corn stocks increased 12.6% to 914,070 compared to the same period last year, but this declined 4.9% versus the previous month. Around 68.4% of corn stocks were accounted to commercial warehouses, and 31.6% to households. The NFA does not

hold corn stocks. Both sectors recorded higher levels compared last year, with 37.7% increase for households and 3.8% for commercial warehouses. Based on month-on-month comparison, household stocks declined 17.9% , while commercial warehouses recorded higher levels by 2.6%. The country was hit by consecutive typhoons during the last quarter of 2020, which caused billions of pesos in damage to agriculture. Despite this, Agriculture Secretary William Dar assured that the country has enough food supply.

said Alyansa Agrikultura chairman Ernie Ordoñez. Agriculture Secretary William Dar earlier said there was a proposal to lower tariffs for pork for a year. Ordoñez however said that this measure will only give more income to importers. "They want to bring down the tariffs, make it really cheap that importers are really hungry to bring it in but we don’t need the whole thing coming in because we don’t have jobs," Ordoñez said. "We don’t have to drop it at all. They’re al-

ready cheaper than us. They’re already making enough," he added. Prices of pork products have escalated due to a supply shortage caused by the African Swine Fever (ASF). President Rodrigo Duterte earlier signed a measure putting a price cap on pork and chicken meat products in Metro Manila. Executive Order No. 124 sets a price ceiling of P270 per kilogram for kasim and pigue, P300 per kilogram for liempo, and 160 per kilogram for dressed chicken in the National Capital Region for 60

days. Retailers, however, claimed that farmgate prices of pork remain escalated, making it difficult to earn a living with the mandated price cap. Aside from imports and loans, the government "must give real efforts to stop this ASF," Ordoñez said. The DA said pork meat products from Visayas and Mindanao were being transported daily to meet the demand in Metro Manila. The country's swine industry is estimated to be worth P260 billion, the DA earlier said.

Agri group bats for more loans to local hog raisers

nstead of lowering tariffs on pork, the government should give local farmers access to more funds so they can grow the hog population in the country which will solve the problem of rising pork prices, an agriculture advocacy group said. "Do what other countries’ do, put the facilities, enlarge the population, give them the loans. Import, import, import but for me don’t give a [tariff ] reduction at all and secondly help the locals by putting in the measures, give the loans and insurance aspect,"

BIR told to pursue tax evaders as bizmen vow support to collection campaign Philippine businesses this week pledged anew their support to the government's tax collection campaign, but called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to intensify efforts and go after those who do not pay their necessary dues. During the National Tax Campaign Kickoff, International Container Terminal Services Inc. chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. said the BIR is now in the best position to go over tax evaders given its shift to digitize and simplify the tax collection process. "What the BIR needs to achieve in the future is to increase the percentage of tax collectors of overall GDP at levels of our neighbors and competitors, so collect the taxes of those who are not paying, of those who are avoiding taxes, but where the BIR is right now, I think they are in the best position to do that," the port magnate said.

"Kailangan tumaas 'yung tax base natin so 'yung mga nagbabayad, walang problema 'yun -- as business grows, we will pay more. 'Yung mga hindi nagbabayad, 'yun ang kailangan talagang matapos na, masingil na nila lahat 'yun," added Razon. In response, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said the agency will continue to intensify efforts against tax evaders, with several entities closed down as cases are continuously being filed before the necessary courts. "Tuloy tuloy ang paghabol natin sa tax evaders. Taon-taon marami kaming fina-file na kaso. We need... we have to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the courts, Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), so that we continue to fulfill our mandate para mahabol natin," he said in the same event. Under the Department of Finance (DOF), the BIR's

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PhilHealth extends premium payment deadline for employers

he Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced Thursday it is extending its deadline for employers to remit their employees’ contributions for the month of January. The deadline was extended to February 22, 2021 from the mandatory payment schedule of February 1, 2021 for payments covering January 2021. “The extension of deadline is in view of the technical issues in the Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS)

Online Payment Module since February 11, 2021 which prevented employers from generating their Statement of Premium Accounts or billing statements,” the state health insurer said. PhilHealth said the extension is applicable to all employers in the private and government sectors nationwide. “Employers needing further assistance may contact the nearest Local Health Insurance Office or their respective PhilHealth Accounts Management Specialists,” it said.

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

he province of Davao del Norte is set to develop and enhance 12 tourism sites this year.

The Landbank of the Philippines bares it would open another 23 new branches and deploy additional 190 automated teller machines (ATM) to expand its reach this year. Edge Davao

Landbank to add 23 branches, boost ATM network this year

he Landbank of the Philippines said it would open another 23 new branches and deploy additional 190 automated teller machines (ATM) to expand its reach this year. Out of the total, 16 will be full scale branches and "branch-lites", 5 agri-hubs and 2 mobile units, the lender said in a statement, adding that its network would grow to 500 by the end of the year. Its agri-hubs, which cater to rice-producing provinces and the agriculture sector, will reach a total of 10 branches this year, Landbank said.

The 2 mobile branches will serve the banking needs in areas hit by calamities, it said. Landbank said the new 190 ATMs will be installed nationwide. The network will serve clients, government workers as well as beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Total ATM network will exceed 2,500 by end of the year,

it said. “LANDBANK remains aggressive in expanding its extensive network to serve more clients and meet emerging needs. While the usage of our e-banking channels continue to rise under the new normal, our branches and other physical touchpoints remain equally important in servicing our clients, especially those in the countryside,” said LANDBANK president and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. As of Feb. 15, Landbank said it has the 3rd largest ATM network in the country with a total of 2,316 ATMs.

BARMM says it sustained rice production, food supply amid COVID-19 pandemic

he Bangsamoro Government on Thursday said it sustained rice production and the supply of food commodities across the region despite the difficulties of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Citing a report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Bangsamoro Government’s Director for Agriculture Services Ismail Guiamel said palay

production in BARMM increased to 196,987 metric tons in the first quarter of 2020 from 170,380 metric tons in 2019. “Pagdating sa impact ng Covid-19, Alhamdulillah at naging tuloy-tuloy ‘yung pagbibigay natin ng serbisyo sa rehiyon. We were still able to maintain food supply in BARMM,” Guiamel said in a statement. According to the Bangsamoro Govern-

ment, the factors that contributed to rice productivity were boosted by the harmonized interventions of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR). The Bangsamoro Government added that the interventions include provision of farming technical inputs, support to farmers in terms of access to market, and

Citing reports by market analysts, Diokno said property price and rent correction were registered last year “due to dampened demand brought about by the pandemic.” “In addition, market analysts do not see a recovery in prices in the coming months as market sentiment takes time to recover and solidify. This lessens the risk of an asset bubble,” he said. Even before the pan-

demic, Diokno said monetary authorities “have already put in place various macroprudential measures to help safeguard against property price bubbles.” These measures include putting a cap on real estate loans and loan-to-value ratio and monitoring tools like the Real Estate Stress Test (REST) and the residential real estate price index.

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TIEZA, LGU Lake Sebu open Monetary authorities see no pandemic-induced price bubble Tourist Assistance Center

isiting tourist destinations in Lake Sebu town will soon be more convenient as the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA) formally turned over the newly constructed Tourist Assistance Center (TAC) to the municipal government. TIEZA allotted P4.7 million for the construction of the tourist center

located at the municipal plaza. This was formally accepted by town Mayor Floro Gandam in a simple turnover ceremony on February 16. Lake Sebu Municipal Tourism Officer Jennifer Tupas said the center is set to be fully operational by March. “The TAC has basic facilities and services tourists may need including comfort rooms with

shower, WiFi stations, charging station, tourist information desks, and rest areas,” Tupas said. The establishment of TACs is part of TIEZA’s Project DREAMS (destination, restoration, eco sustainability, agrotourism, medical assistance, and security and accessibility), which aims to provide and improve tourism infrastructure in

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on Thursday discounted a pandemic-induced asset price bubble in the country. In a virtual briefing, he said monetary authorities “do not expect any undue surges in asset prices.” “In fact, property prices for both office and residential segments have come down recently,” he said.

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

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On the possibility that President Rodrigo Duterte might be convinced to impose the most relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in the entire Philippines after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and Metro Manila mayors have agreed to recommend the implementation of MGCQ status nationwide: Inaasahan naman natin dahil meron ng ganitong kasunduan sa panig ng IATF at ng mga Metro Manila mayors eh baka naman po sumang-ayon ang ating presidente (We expect that since both IATF and Metro Manila mayors have sought [the imposition of MGCQ in the country], perhaps the President might also agree).”

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

EDITORIAL

Mt. Apo: Shared responsibility

The problem of climbers’ polluting the surroundings of Mt. Apo, the tallest mountain of the country and a perennial tourist draw, is nothing new. The climbers are notorious in throwing away rubbish slowly but steadily compromising its pristine state. However, finding remnants of illegal drugs is something new and is very alarming. This is telltale sign of a continuously deteriorating state of the magnificent mountain. Regulating the behavior of climbers is a shared responsibility of the local government units (LGUs) situated around the mountain who’re enjoying the benefits coming from tourists who visit the spot. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB), chief implementer of the laws designed to protect Mt. Apo, should be able to muster

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the LGUs’ cooperation in guarding this valuable natural wealth. Indubitably, most of the LGUs around consider Mt. Apo a point of pride, aside from partaking in the revenues and livelihood it gives to the government and its constituents. Of course, the center of any program to guard Mt. Apo should be the stubborn climbers, who now reportedly include substance abusers. That Mt. Apo is reported to be littered with trash and debris of the wanton abuse committed by climbers is evidence that the LGUs and the PAMB have not performed well in their bounden task. This is bad news to Mt. Apo’s well-being as a heritage tourist spot. If the situation continues to deteriorate, there might come a time that the wisest thing to do is close Mt. Apo to climbers.

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FEBRUARY16, 20,2021 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE ISSUE262 258••SATURDAY, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

‘MAGKAAGAW’ HEATS UP GMA AFTERNOONS WITH ALL-NEW EPISODES HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

KNOWING OXFORD/ASTRAZENECA COVID-19 VACCINE

In April last year, the COVAX Initiative for equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines was launched to ensure the rapid and equitable distributionNetwork’s of coronavirus vaccines GMA well-loved to rich and poordrama countries alike and top-rating series and the vaccination high-risk ‘Magkaagaw’ finallyofairs its groups. highly-anticipated fresh epiThe WHO led the initiative sodes on the Afternoon Prime with about 190 countries as members, including the Philblock beginning February 15. ippines. United States Driven byThe malevolence from notpast a member, partly beawas failed love, Magkaagaw cause former President Donald tells the did storynot of awant legal to wife Trump work who eventually becomes the with the World Health Organization (WHO). person she hated the most — a “COVAX participating mistress. countries are preparing to reLaura’s (Sunshine Dizon) ceive and use vaccines,” said a life put in danger jointwas statement issuedwhen by WHO she confronted Veron (Sheryl and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). “HealthrelaworkCruz) about the latter’s ers have with beenJio trained cold tionship (Jericand GonzachainWhen systems primed.” les). Oliver (Polo RavBut what’s missing, as the ales) arrivesadmitted, and rescues Laura, statement “is the eqshe asks him to accompany uitable supply of vaccines.” her “Of the Veron 128 million vacin pursuing so they can cine her doses administered so far, stop from hurting anyone. more than three quarters of However, Laura is surprised those vaccinations are in just when Oliver tells not to go 10 countries thather account for after Veron. Little did 60% of global GDP,” Laura the two UnitedVeron Nations agencies pointknow, ordered a henched out. man to kill Clarisse (Klea The in statement saidWill that as Pineda) their house. of February 10, “almost 130 Veron’s revenge plans succeed? countries, with 2.5 billion peoFollowing a month-long ple, are yet to administer a single dose.” recap, the cast members of

the intriguing drama can’t wait for the audience to witness the continuation of the original drama that will sure hook daytime viewers in every scene filled with brilliant fight scenes, excellent dialogues, and the outstanding performances of the actors. “Marami kayong aasahan

There are several COVID-19 vaccines now available. One of these is the Oxford/AstraZeneca, known as AZD1222. Last February 11, the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) issued interim recommendations for use of this vaccine. The SAGE is charged with advising WHO on overall global policies and strategies, ranging from vaccines and technology, research and development, to delivery of immunization and its linkages with other health interventions. Since the vaccine supplies are still limited, the SAGE recommends that priority be given to health workers at high risk of exposure and older people, including those aged 65 or older. Others who can also take the vaccine include persons with comorbidities that have been identified as increasing the risk of severe COVID-19, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Although further studies are required for persons living with HIV or auto-immune conditions or who are immunocompromised, people in this category who are excited part of sa Magkaagaw. I’m just a group recommended for vacas everyone waiting forafcination maywho’s be vaccinated Magkaagaw. Kakaiba ‘yungand ter receiving information counselling. makikita ninyong confronta-

Vaccination can be offered to people who have had COVID-19 in the past. But individuals may wish to defer their own COVID-19 vaccination for up to six months from the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection, to allow others who may need the vaccine more urgently to go first. Vaccination can be offered to breastfeeding women if they are part of a group prioritized for vaccination. The United Nations does not recommend discontinuation of breastfeeding after vaccination. What if the woman is still pregnant? While pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe COVID-19, the SAGE admits that “very little data are available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy.” The press statement said that pregnant women may receive the vaccine “if the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks.” For this reason, pregnant women at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (that is, health workers) or who have comorbidities which add to their risk of severe disease, may be vaccinated “in consultation with their provider.” Onhealth tapingcare under the new But not all can take the normal, Sunshine is vaccine. People withthanka history ful for everyone’s She to of severe allergicsafety. reaction any component ofadmiration the vaccine also expressed her

tion scenes dito. Halos every toward her co-stars’ profestaping sa set namin noong sionalism, “I’m just glad that naka-lock-in kami, palaging we got to finish everything may confrontation scenes. on time and that we all came Abangan ninyo ‘yung mga home safely. I’m sure that we ginawa naming eksena at kung all did our best na magawa paano namin in-execute, and ng tama ‘yung dapat naming sana matuwa kayo saFAST handogBACKWARD gawin. Palagay ko, pressurenamin para sa inyo,” said wise nasa audience na ‘yun, e. Sheryl. Kumbaga, basta kami feeling

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

should not take it. In addition, the vaccine is not recommended for persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies. The recommended dosage is two doses given intramuscularly (0.5ml each) with an interval of 8 to 12 weeks. Additional research is still needed to understand longer-term potential protection after a single dose. The big question: Is AZD1222 safe? While this vaccine has yet to be recommended for an Emergency Use Listing by WHO, it has undergone review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and consequently meets WHO’s criteria for SAGE consideration. The EMA has thoroughly assessed the data on the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorization for people aged 18 and above. In addition, the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, a group of experts that provides independent and authoritative guidance to the WHO on the topic of safe vaccine use, receives and assesses reports of suspected safety events of potentially international impact. ko naman ang pagbabalik ay According to SAGE, the matindi kaya aabangan naman AZD1222 vaccine against talaga nila.” COVID-19 has an efficacy of 63.09% against Meanwhile, Kleasymptomatic teased

the audience on what to expect, “Iba’t ibang emosyon ang mararamdaman ninyo sa fresh episodes. Dapat ninyong abangan kung mababawi ba ni Clarisse si Jio mula kay Veron.” Jeric, on the other hand, promised his fans that he gave his best in playing the role of Jio, “Ito ang proudest moment

FIRST MASS ON SAMAL ISLAND

SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range, it added, are associated with greater vaccine efficacy. Another big question: ko dahil natapos ko siya. SaDoes it work hirap, againstdito new sobrang akovariants? nagSAGE as reportedly has proud reviewed grow an actor and all available data on the perako na natapos ito. Masasformance of thekovaccine in the abi ko na maganda siya. settings of variants talaga of concern. The SAGEakocurrently recomThankful sa bumubuo ng mends the use AZD1222 ‘Magkaagaw.’ FromofDirek Gil vaccine Jr.], according to the ko WHO [Tejada mga co-actor Prioritization Roadmap, even tulad ninavariants Ms. Shine, She, if virus areMs. present Polo, Dion, at Klea – sa lahat. in a country. Countries should assess theako risks and benefits Thankful na natapos ko taking consideration ‘to and into I’m very proud.” their epidemiological situation. Completing the stellar cast Preliminary findings highof Magkaagaw are: Polo light the urgent need forRaa covales, Dion Ignacio, Dennis ordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of Isay variants Padilla, Lovely Abella, and theirPatricia potential impact on Alvarez, Tumulak, vaccine effectiveness. and Joanna Marie Tan. As new data become available, WHO This original series, created will update recommendations by the GMA Drama group, is accordingly. Right there no subheaded bynow, the SVP forisEnstantive dataGroup available related tertainment Lilybeth to impact of AZD1222 on transG. Rasonable, VP for Drama mission or viral shedding. Redgie AVPwe formust “In A. theMagno, meantime, Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, maintain and strengthen public health measures that work: Senior Program Manager Camasking, physical distancmille Hermoso-Hafezan, and ing, handwashing, Executive Producer respiratory Darling and cough hygiene, avoiding Pulido-Torres. crowds, and ensuring good Catch the all-new episodes ventilation,” the SAGE urges. – ### of Magkaagaw - under the

helm of esteemed director Gil Tejada, Jr. Mondays to Saturdays, after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime. Viewers abroad can also watch the series via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com.

SKY OFFERS LARGER-THAN-LIFE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE WITH SKY EVO

Until the arrival of the Jesuits in 1868, Christianization of areas north of the gulf of Davao was inexistent.and Earlier, A more enriching the Recollects penetrated relarger than life viewing gions in the eastern seaboard experience of Davao, butawait their families efforts to and entertainment seekconvert indigenous tribes and ers as toSKY launches SKY Moros the faith were limited. batch of Jesuits Evo,The thefirst latest digibox into set foot in Davao onsurely October novation that will 7, 1868, was comprised of Fr. make television viewing Juan Bautista, superior of the more captivating imDavao mission, Fr. and Domingo mersive. Bove and Fr. Ramon Pamies, and Br. Evo Antonio Gairolas, SKY gives users the a lay brother. Atdiscover the time the freedom to over 190Recollect parish priest was Fray SKYcable Franciscochannels, Lenguas. which enables families to indulge in a Barely had the group taken wide of Recollects TV programs. over variety from the when thethe Jesuit At samemissionaries time, they getdecidto ed to make their first watch on-demand videooutreach content in the island of Samal whose through video residentspre-installed were instrumental streaming apps such as iWanin providing Jose Oyanguren, tTFC, HBOof GO, YouTube, and conqueror Davao, the needed information Amazon Prime. that led to the fallFurther of Datu Bago’s enclave amplifying their at the mouth of Davao River. home entertainment experience The Samal sortie was are over 5,000 downloadable joined by the governor and apps gamesand thatwas theymet can by otherand officials a large crowdinonfun thefamily shore. Potap to engage litely welcomed, bonding activities. the visitors

were led to the datu’s residence where they disclosed the agenda to teach the children how to reach and write, introduce them to the Christian faith, and, on a voluntary basis, be baptized. The third plan was strongly opposed. Not wanting to agitate the crowd further, the governor proposed that the people in the locality build a house for the priests, but the opposition only heightened. The people thought the request as another form of forced labor, which they opposed in the past. With temperature rising, there was no other option but leave the island and return to Davao. Fr. Miguel A. Bernad, S.J., in The Evangelization of the Davao Region (2004) reported that there was a change of heart among the natives: “During these challeng“But the people of Samal ing times, that in were like we theunderstand younger son the Gospel parable, first entertainment has beenwho a source refused to obey father of happiness and his escape at told him to go and work in the farm, home. We did always content but later so.seek So the [resiin various platforms and dents of] Samal, after dehaving vices, may ittheir be a smartphone registered refusal, proceeded timber nothfor the or tablet.to Butcut of course, construction of the priests’ ing beats how immersive the

house. “Two months later, on 17 December 1868, the Fathers returned to Samal, this time intending to stay. They lived at first in a nipa hut, while the house was under construction. They toured the island, undertook some kind of census (padron) and persuaded some of the people to live together in a village. “Toward the end of February 1869, enough of the house was finished to provide two rooms, one as living quarters, another for a chapel. In the latter, on 24 February 1869, the first Mass on Samal Island was celebrated.” With tension gone, the priests thought the residents had finally accepted their plans. But this was not so. After the celebration of the big television screenleft, is. After Mass, the people leaving all, asettlement TV at homeabandoned unites family the and the construction ofbond the house members when they over unfinished. The culprit their favorite films, shows, orwas the governor’s order requirapp the activities. So, totoevolve ing residents start and payadapt to their needs, we came ing tribute. It was only after up with SKYhad Evo convinced for enhanced the priests the people return with the help viewingto experience, flexible of a retired public that content selection andofficial non-stop

they went back to the village. As a result, three villages were formed. Fr. Bernad wrote: “When the Fathers’ house was completed and sixty families had built their huts, a solemn inauguration of Casalucan village was held. The governor, other officials, and some residents of Davao came, as well as a brass band. The multitudes gathered. High Mass was sung in the morning and a procession held in the afternoon. The band provided music and there were fireworks. But the best parts of the feast were the slaughter of two young bulls and a free dinner for all.” While everything seemed right, the governor committed again another gaffe after he revived the subject of paying tribute. Sarcastically, the datu offered to the governor gold entertainment the how whole and silver and for asked many family,” Abigail Head ofby persons would Ng be Sy, covered the quantity of minerals prePayTV Products. sented. weighing the On top After of the jam-packed minerals and told how many entertainment offeringsthe of SKY would be covered, datu EVO, the device is also equipped gathered the gold and silver with Google a virtual and left, withAssistant, the village people in tow. Once the commuassistant that again, can follow comnity was emptied. mands and answer questions

Although the residents later returned to their settlement, another blunder was committed some with when just a press of amembers button andof the community asked to speaking throughwere the remote cut timber in Davao. Finding control. and It also has Chromecast tribute forced labor as inbuilt-in, which enables wirelessof consistent with the stance casting of contents the Samal people,from the mobile priests decided leave island and devices totothe big the screen. accepted theEvo, reality that With SKY home en-their first attempt to evangelize Satertainment never be the mal ended inwill failure. sameToagain. The device is best isaddress the knotty experienced with SKY Fiberlater sues, the missionaries decided to conduct Unli Broadband + HD house-toCable house visits in areas TV plans as users will where benefitthe people built their dwellings. both from Fiber’sthat fast while and They alsoSKY learned reliable internet connection andin the government was helpful SKYcable’s of television the pursuitplethora of missionary engagements, channels. the policies it adopted key obstacles SKYwere Evo comes standardin the fruitful conversions of Moros in withisland. all SKYWith Fiber Unli Broadthe the state closeband + HD Cable TV plans for ly working as part of the evana one-time installation of gelization efforts, thefeepeople viewed such as a Php2,000. It isparticipation also available on form of colonization. EspousSKYcable plans for a one-time ing this method of evangelizing installation fee of Php2,500. people in domiciles later bore To know more fruit. Though thisabout was SKY arduous EVObackbreaking, and its bundle the offerings, and strategy succeeded. Without coercion, visit www.mysky.com.ph/skythe evo.conversions expanded.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

AEON LUXE PROPERTIES KICKS OFF YEAR OF THE OX WITH BACK TO BACK TURNOVER. Aeon Luxe Properties executives continuously handed over the ceremonial key and turnover kits for to happy clients and soon-to-be residents of Aeon Towers on the first week of February 2021 at 6F Club Aeon, Aeon Towers, Davao City. Present in the cere-

monies are ALPI Vice President for Sales and Marketing Almira Mariano, Vice President for Operations Engr. Daniel Manalo and Sales Admin Manager Luis Dollesin.

More turnover of units for Aeon residents

021 could be an exciting year for future residents of the iconic Aeon Towers. Aeon Luxe Properties Inc (ALPI) revealed on Friday that the homegrown property development firm has turned over more units beginning the first week of February to its satisfied clients. "We're happy to an-

nounce the turnover of more units to our happy clients. We welcome them to the Aeon Towers community," said ALPI Vice President for Marketing and Sales Almira Mariano. The turnover was facilitated by Mariano along with Vice President for Operations Engr. Daniel Manalo, Project Development

Manager Jester Hospital and Sales Admin Manager Luis Dollesin. The turnover was held at the Club Aeon on the sixth level of the Aeon Towers. 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 2020

said that it is timely for rice farmers to receive the assistance in this time of health emergency to help augment their financial expenses this cropping season. "Unlike other crops, rice farming is both financial and labor intensive as our farmers need to start anew every planting season," he said. Identified farmers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) are those tilling up to two-hectare rice farm and were affected by the low buying price of palay in 2019. Evelyn Basa from DAXI Rice Banner program said that the RFFA is not a loan program but an unconditional cash assistance for rice farmers to revive and support in

paying for the agricultural inputs. “For this year, DAXI and the LBP have released P9-million to 1,197 rice farmer-beneficiaries in Davao del Norte, 442 farmer-recipients in Davao Oriental, 113 farmers in Davao de Oro, and 51 in Davao del Sur. We are closely coordinating with other municipalities to fast track the distribution to help our rice farmers this cropping season,” Basa said. She stressed that some distribution activities scheduled were delayed due to the strict health and safety protocol in various municipalities in the region amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “While we want to fast track the distribution, we

DA distributes cash aid to 1,803 Davao rice farmers

s part of its key programs to help the rice farmers in the region who are affected by the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), this year, the Department of Agriculture-XI (DA-XI) has distributed P5,000 cash card to 1,803 rice farmers in various rice growing municipalities in the region. The said cash assistance is a continuation of the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) distribution in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) which started in 2020 with 13,609 Davao rice farmer-beneficiaries already received their cash aid amounting to P68-M that year alone. DA-XI Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. in an interview

FDA-11, P10

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," said Aeon Luxe Properties president

and CEO Ian Y. Cruz. From December 2020 to January this year, Aeon turned over several units in ceremonies held at the Club Aeon lounge of Aeon Towers where condo owners officially received their turnover kit. After receiving their keys, unit owners marveled over the breathtaking views of the city

skyline and Samal Island from their new abode. Residents were briefed about the house rules and construction guidelines by the Property Manager for a more in-depth discussion and well-coordinated movein process. Most of the condo owners will be moving in to their units this year.

CASH AID | Rice farmers from Asuncion, Davao del Norte receive their P5,000 cash card from DA-XI’s Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program. Photo by: Evelyn Basa, DA11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

Reducing methane emissions from rice production Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ost Filipinos may not be aware of it but they are contributing to making the world getting warmer each year. Rice, the staple food which they eat every day, is among the major sources of methane released into the atmosphere. The Nobel laureate Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) considered methane as “one of the most potent greenhouse gases on Earth.” In fact, it is climate change’s second culprit – after carbon dioxide. The Journal Science reported that atmospheric concentration of methane has more than doubled during the last 300 years and is increasing at an annual rate of about 1% each year. Methane is created naturally as a waste product of anaerobic bacteria (living with little or no oxygen). These bacteria produce methane gas in waterlogged soil and wetland, but also in human-produced environments such as rice paddies. “An estimated 19 percent of world’s methane production comes from rice paddies,” admits Dr. Alan Teramura, a botany professor at the University of Maryland. “As populations increase in rice-growing areas, more rice – and more methane – are produced.” “Rice is a plant that grows best in wet soil, with its roots flooded,” explains L. Hartwell Allen, an American soil scientist at the Crops Genetics and Environmental Research Unit in Gainesville, Florida. “But flooded rice crops emit substantial amounts of methane to the atmosphere.” A study done by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said the burning of rice straw in farmers’ fields and incorporation of fresh rice straw just before land preparation are significant sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other atmospheric pollutants, according “Most paddy rice in the Philippines is still harvested manually,” said Cheryll C. Launio, of PhilRice’s socioeconomics division.

“Farmers cut the panicle portion of the rice, leaving around two-thirds of the plant as rice stubble in the round. The rice stubble is usually incorporated into the soil.” The rice straw, which is produced when the harvested rice is threshed, is disposed of by burning, incorporation into the soil, and removal for animal feed. Among the GHGs emitted from getting rid of rice straw and stubble are methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, u-burnt carbon and other GHG pollutants. “While the carbon dioxide is reabsorbed in the next rice growing season, other GHGs may harm the environment,” Launio wrote in a policy briefing published by the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA). Rice straw burning is also known to emit particulate matters and other chemicals such as dioxins and furans that have a negative impact on human health. Studies also show that rice straw burning causes a loss of major nutrients from the soil. The EEPSEA briefing was based on the study, “Economic Analysis of Rice Straw Management Alternatives and Understanding Farmers’ Choices.” Launio headed the team, which was also composed of Constancio A. Asis, Jr., Rowena G. Manalili and Evelyn F. Javier. The study, using fiveyear average data on rice agriculture (from 20062010), took into account the emission caused by rice straw burning as well as those caused by the incorporation of straw and stubble into wet soil during ploughing. Results of the study showed management and disposal of rice stubbled contributed around 16 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in 2008.

Approximately, the figure is 8% of the total projected carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for 2008 based on the country’s first initial national communication on climate change. The study also found that incorporating rice stubble less than 30 days before crop establishment “appeared to be responsible for the largest contribution of GHG emissions.” “When the different management options were assessed using a five-year scenario, we found that incorporating composted rice straw into the field yielded

the lowest cumulative levels of methane and nitrous oxide emissions,” Launio wrote. Simply shifting from the baseline approach of late stubble incorporation and straw burning to early incorporation of both stubble and straw also gave good results and led to reductions in GHG emissions of around 80%. “This was mainly due to reductions in methane emissions,” Launio pointed out. The researchers conclusion: “Shifting from rice straw burning to rice straw incorporation will not necessarily reduce global

warming potential if straw is incorporated less than 30 days before cultivation, especially in flooded conditions.” Meanwhile, Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) urged Filipino farmers to adopt controlled irrigation or alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology when growing rice in their farms. AWD is a technology which allowed rice fields to dry for a certain period before applying irrigation water. Also called controlled irrigation or intermittent irrigation, AWD technology can actually save farmers almost one-third

of irrigation water without sacrificing yields. It also saves farm inputs like oil, fuel, and labor being utilized on the operation of water pumps. Rice fields using this technology are alternately flooded and dried. The number of days of nonflooded soil can vary from one day to more than 10 days, according to IRRI. It uses an “observation well” that is made of bamboo, plastic pipes, or any hollow indigenous material. Perforations are made in the lower half of the tube. The AWD technology can be started a few days after transplanting (or with a 10-centimeter tall crop in direct seeding). When many weeds are present, AWD can be postponed for 2-3 weeks until weeds have been suppressed by the ponded water. Local fertilizer recommendations as for flooded rice can be used. Nitrogen fertilizer may be applied preferably on the dry soil just before irrigation. “A practical way to implement AWD technology is by monitoring the depth of the water table in the field using a simple perforated field water tube,” IRRI explains. “When the water level is 15 centimeters below the surface of the soil, it is time to flood the soil to a depth of around 5 centimeters at the time of flowering, from one week before to one week after the maximum flowering.” The water in the rice field is kept at 5 centimeters depth to avoid any water stress that would result in severe loss in rice grain yield. The threshold of water level at 15centimeters is called “safe AWD,” as this will not cause any yield decline because the roots of the rice plants are still able to take up water from the saturated soil and move it to the root zone. “The field water tube used in this technology will help to measure the water level in the field so that incipient water stress in the rice plants can be anticipated,” the IRRI points out. As such, the AWD technology does not only save water but can greatly reduce emissions of methane. Studies conducted at the IRRI have shown that AWD technology reduces methane emissions by about 30% or even up to 70%, depending on water usage and management of rice stubble.

10 EDGEDAVAO LGU... FROM3

SAMAL... FROM2 owners of the island are severely affected by the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic and need the help of the government. “Yung mga mangingisda at mga resorts dito ay naghihirap. Magbigay tayo ng konting tu-

long lang man sa kanila para makatawid lang sila sa krisis. I am urging the executive department of the government tulungan natin makabangon ang mga mangingisda natin,” he said. Maya Padillo

mandate includes the assessment and collection of all national internal revenue taxes, fees, and charges. It is also tasked to enforce all forfeitures, penalties, and fines connected, including the execution of judgments in all cases decided by the CTA. According to Dulay, the agency has already streamlined the tax collection process with the simplified forms which can be filled up online with the digital filing of tax returns. As of 2020 there were 1.3 million who manually filed, a significant drop from the 13 million in 2015. The BIR aims to collect some P2.08 trillion in taxes this year, up from the P1.94 trillion it collected in 2020, mainly to finance efforts to support the country's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued investments "They have higher targets for 2021 coming off a pandemic di ba? That's a very challenging job, Commissioner, so we will cooperate obviously by investing... raising our capital expenditure (capex) this year, especially that there's a bit more cash in our hands because of the CREATE Bill, we intend to put that in capex this year and in the coming years," PLDT Inc. chairman, president and chief executive officer Manuel Pangilinan said. PLDT Inc. has earmarked P92 billion for its capital spending this year in efforts to improve services amid the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for telecommunications firms to improve their services.

"I think we should all be supportive of anything that the BIR does in terms of tax collection because that's the fuel for the spending that the government is going to do which is important to all of us, to the whole society including business in terms of stimulating aggregate demand and therefore getting our business to grow again and to get the economy to grow again," Union Bank of the Philippines chairman Justo Ortiz, said in the same event. This was mirrored by Ayala Corp. chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, who were also present during the campaign kickoff. "Anything that adds speed and lessens the paperwork... is a good thing. We're here to help in any way that we can and anything we can do for the Commissioner and the organization, of course, we're happy to do," said Zobel. "If you notice, we are a company that will religiously, honestly pay 100% taxes. We will not even try to avoid any taxes sa pagkat nakakahiya po 'yun kung gawin natin 'yun, kaya makakaasa po kayo na magbabayad kami ng tax," Ang said. Shares in ICTSI closed Thursday down P2.90 or 2.38% to P119.10 apiece; Union Bank up P1.50 or 2.11% to P72.50 apiece; PLDT down P2.00 or 0.15% to P1,350.00 apiece; AC down P17.00 or 2.15% to P773.00 apiece; and SMC down P0.4 or 0.32% to P125.60 apiece.

cine arrival will be made through tranches. "May time pa naman po siguro tayo makapag-train dahil ang nakita po natin, iyong ating mga vaccine hindi naman po sabay-sabay darating (We still have time to train more vaccinators because as what we see, the vaccines will not arrive simultaneously)," he said. Galvez said the country is expecting to receive 5 to 10 million doses of vaccine in the first and second quarter this year.

He said local government units have been tasked to identify the possible vaccination sites as well as to prepare for the recruitment and mobilization of the vaccinators who will facilitate the massive inoculation program. "Iyon po pinapalaam namin na iyong ating mga vaccinations, hindi naman po iyan talagang simultaneous (We are reminding everyone that the vaccination rollout will not be done simultaneously)," he said. (PNA)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021

Uy has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 275 Series of 2021 ordering the extension of GCQ status in the island until February 28, 2021 and based on the EO, the “movement of all persons in areas placed under GCQ shall be limited to accessing essential goods and services, for work in the offices or industries permitted to operate under the IATF Guidelines.” The EO also prohibited the movement for leisure purposes and under Section 6, the local government has also suspended the tourism operations in the island. It also stated that as a consequence of the extended GCQ in the entire Province of Davao del Norte, the operations of beach resorts and tourism-related activities shall be temporarily suspended within the said period of GCQ, except those used as isolation facilities by the government. Uy said the people in the island are now suffering because they have

no job and livelihood. He also said the resorts are hurting because no income is coming in due to zero occupancy. “Naghulat pa ta sa official na mando gyud kay so far sa karon Samal is under GCQ and kabalo ta under GCQ dili puwede mag-operate ang tanan leisure ug tourism activities/establishments,” he said. Uy said if the IATF will grant their request many people will be able to work again and resorts and establishments can generate income. He said the LGU has extended tax relief to the resort owners by relaxing penalties on acquiring and renewing business permit to help them cope with the impacts of the pandemic. “Sa karon okay pa ang Samal pero seguro kung magpadayon ni naa na gyud LGU na ma foreclosed. Naa mi loans that we need to pay kaya we are really appealing na unta maka-abri na ni atoang turismo,” he said.

ference from the Police Regional Office in Camp Osmeña, Cebu City, the seven respondents were presented for Inquest proceedings before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Davao del Norte at the Hall of Justice, Capitol Site, Mankilam, Tagum City. Duty Inquest Prosecutor, Attorney Grazielynne C Corpuz received the information sheet under NPS docket Nr XI-03-INQ-21B-00076 for Violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) or Kidnapping with Serious Illegal Detention; Violation of

Section 10, Republic Act (RA) 7610 and Violation of Sections 4i, 4j, 4k and Section 9 of RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364 or Human Trafficking. The respondents including two tribal datus, two teachers, and three adult lumad students were given 15 days to submit their counter affidavit to avail of preliminary investigation. The case stemmed from complaints by six Ata Manobo parents of the rescued Lumad children who were herded in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte and brought to Cebu City without their consent. (AMA)

the country pursuant to RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009. Lake Sebu has remained the favorite destination of tourists in South Cotabato in 2020. Data from the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Museum Development and Promotion Unit indicate that South Cotabato registered over 400,000 tourists last year, most of them went to Lake Sebu; this despite the coronavirus disease pandemic

and consequent restrictions. The top 5 destinations in South Cotabato in 2020 were 7-Falls Eco Tourism Park (with 53,306 visitors), Divine Mercy Shrine (38,850), Punta Isla Lake Resort (25,504), Dreamweavers' Hill (24,649), Sunrise Garden Lake Resort (19,457), all located in Lake Sebu Town. (ORVR with reports from Lake Sebu Municipal Information Office)

Diokno said the REST and the expanded real estate exposure reporting “have helped to curb the real estate exposure of banks.” He said the central

bank’s liquidity management facilities like the term deposit facilities and the BSP securities are also seen to quickly absorb excess liquidity from the system if need-

7 ACCUSED... FROM3

TIEZA... FROM5

Caraga braces for typhoon ‘Auring’

ocal disaster management teams all over Caraga Region are gearing up for "Auring", which has already developed into a tropical storm as of 11:00 a.m. Thursday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). PAGASA said "Auring" was last spotted at 685 kilometers east-southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h. A tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 may be raised over several Caraga provinces as early as Friday. On Wednesday, the municipal level disaster response groups (MDRRMOs) in Surigao del Sur's coastal towns said they have already activated their respective operation centers and prepared the essential equipment and other life-saving devices. Emergency hotline numbers have also been posted in the social media accounts of local and provincial disaster response agencies in the region and disseminated on other platforms to

raise public awareness. Col. James T. Goforth, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) director, told the Philippine News Agency Thursday that he has already instructed all the municipal and city police stations to coordinate with local disaster management teams. “We need to be prepared as early as today as the typhoon is threatening to hit our area. We also made coordination with the PDRRMO here in Surigao del Sur and other rescue groups for preparations and unified efforts to respond anytime during the disaster,” Goforth said. The same preparations are also being made in Surigao del Norte, especially in the coastal towns. In Siargao Island, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ordered on Thursday the temporary suspension of trips of all vessels and watercraft with 20 gross tonnage and below from going out of the island. The temporary suspension came after the strong to gale force winds that was associated with the northeast monsoon's surge. (PNA)

es for this age group of learners “depending on the assessment” of the Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases and the Department of Health. Briones said the upcoming rollout of the government’s vaccination program will also be considered in the preparation for face-to-face classes. “Anong age natin i-vaccinate ang mga

bata, kung i-vaccinate man? Fifteen-sixteen, sixteen-seventeen, etc., kasiright now, hindi natin sinasama ang mga bata. Siguro iyon ang question na konektado doon (What age should we vaccinate the learners? Fifteen-sixteen, sixteen-seventeen, etc., because the children can’t be vaccinated right now. Maybe that is the question related to that),” she added. (PNA)

distribution of farm machinery, seedlings, infra-support, and equipment. Meanwhile, Guiamel considered the milestone as “seldom” due to natural disasters and the emergence of the pandemic. He also said there is a healthy synergy between the ministry and play growers in BARMM. “We have plenty of high-value crops in BARMM—palay in Ma-

guindanao, corn in Lanao del Sur, while our island provinces have cassava, seaweeds production, and fishing activities,” Guiamel said. The Bangsamoro Government said the MAFAR has started to properly allocate projects based on geographical conditions and characteristics of the areas through georeferencing and geo-tagging.

ed and are factors that “help us temper the risk of asset price inflation or imprudent risk-taking behavior.” “While we expect asset price inflation to re-

main manageable, the BSP continues to closely monitor market conditions for signs of imbalances or the potential presence of asset bubbles,” he added. (PNA)

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NBA All-Star Game starters revealed T

he NBA All-Star Game is poised to be a lot of fun.

Lakers star forward Lebron James will be captaining the West squad.

This year's NBA All-Star Game has been dealing with quite a bit of controversy as many of the players simply don't want to participate. It's easy to see why this is the case when you consider how the players are putting themselves at risk by traveling to Atlanta for no real competi tive reason. Players like LeBron James have advocated for the game to be canceled but the NBA is all about their money, and they won't be letting any of it fall by the wayside. Today, however, the NBA finally announced the starters for this upcoming game. On the Western Conference side, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Kawhi Leonard will be starting. Meanwhile, the East will feature the likes of Kevin Durant , Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bradley Beal, and Joel Embiid. The captains of each team will be LeBron James and Kevin Durant , as these are the two players who were able to secure the most votes. These names should not be surprising, an d when it comes to the Eastern squad, it's nice to finally see Bradley Beal get some love. As for the rest of the teams, those players will be picked soon, so stay tuned for updates as we will be sure to bring you all of the latest information.

Japanese star weighs in on Olympics scandal

Djokovic’s surprise injury backflip after semi-final win

ays after declaring he would have retired from the Australian Open if not for it being a Grand Slam tournament, Novak Djokovic says he's "thrilled" with the way he's feeling after having played through injury this month. Djokovic tonight reached the Australian Open final for the ninth time in his career by beating No.114-ranked Aslan Karatsev, 6-3 6-4 6-2. The top-ranked Djokovic is 8-0 in his previous trips to the final at Melbourne Park. He is now also unbeaten in all nine semi-finals he has contested in Australia. However, this year's tournament has been a rather difficult one for the Serbian star who has been battling through a mystery abdominal injury. After his fourthround win over Milos Raonic earlier this week, the world No.1 admitted he would've withdrawn from the tournament if it was anything but a Grand Slam. "If it's any other tournament than a Grand Slam, I would

retire and withdraw from the event, that's for sure," he said at the time. Speaking after his dominant win over Karatsev, Djokovic revealed he felt "no pain" and showed no issues tonight swinging through the ball. "This is the best I've felt this entire tournament," he told Nine. "I felt great. I could swing through the ball, no pain. Best match so far and it came at the right time. I'm thrilled to feel this way. "I have two days now [until the final], I will see and talk to the team [regarding practice]. "I will definitely train one of the next two days, likely the one on Saturday, closer to the final. "Recovery is the priority right now. I'm feeling the ball well and I'm playing well. I have enough match play and enough practice. "Right now, it's gathering all the necessary energy for the most important match." Djokovic in the Australian Open final will player either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas, who clash tomorrow night.

orld No.3 Naomi Osaka has welcomed the change of Japan's Olympic Ministers after former chief Yoshiro Mori stepped down for making sexist remarks. It was announced today Seiko Hashimoto would take over as chief of the Tokyo Olympic organising committee. Hashimoto, a former athlete turned politician, is a seven-time Olympian having competed at four Winter Games and three Summer Games in speed skating and sprint cycling. F i f t y - s i x- y e a r - o l d Hashimoto was named president of the Tokyo Olympic organising committee after a meeting of its executive board, which is 80 per cent male. She replaces 83-year-old Mori, who is a former Japanese prime minister. Hashimoto's arrival isn't without controversy following a large outcry in Japan and around the world after Mori made claims that women speak too much during an online meeting of the committee's board of trustees. Fresh off her semi-final win over Serena Williams at the Australian Open today, Osaka was asked about the change in power. She said today's unveiling was an example of

what women have "had to fight for" in the battle against gender bias. "I think for me, what it means is that there's a lot of things I think people used to accept; the things that used to be said, but you're seeing the newer generation not tolerate a lot of things," she said. "I feel like it's really good because you're pushing forward, barriers are being broken down, especially for females. "We've had to fight for

so many things just to be equal. Even a lot of things we still aren't equal. Yeah, I thought that was a good thing." Seiko Hashimoto wearing a suit and tie: Seiko Hashimoto© Getty Seiko Hashimoto Mori, before stepping down, tried to offer the job last week to 84-yearold Saburo Kawabuchi, a former head of the country's football federation. But reports of the behind-closed-door deal were widely criticised on

social media, Japanese talk shows, and in newspaper reports. Kawabuchi quickly withdrew from further consideration. Hashimoto is not without her critics. A Japanese magazine in 2014 ran photographs of her embracing figure skater Daisuke Takahashi at a party during the Sochi Olympics, suggesting it was sexual harassment. She later apologized, and Takahashi said he did not feel harassed.

World No.3 Naomi Osaka has welcomed the change of Japan’s Olympic Ministers after former chief Yoshiro Mori stepped down for making sexist remarks.

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BUILD UP STARTS POC eyes 560man contingent to Hanoi SEAG

total of 560 athletes may make up the Philippine team that will compete in this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino said Thursday the athletes would compete in 520 events in 38 sports in the 31st edition of the biennial meet from November 21 to December 2, as approved during the agency’s board meeting at the East Ocean Restaurant in Parañaque. The Cavite congressman added that the number was based on the Philippine team’s performance when it hosted the SEA Games in Luzon two years ago, where the Nationals took home the over-

all title. “The basis of selection primarily hinged on those athletes who won medals in the 2019 SEA Games that we hosted,” Tolentino said. “We also looked at events where the potential of winning the gold medal is very high, as justified by an athlete or athletes’ performance in 2019.” The Philippines netted 149 golds, 117 silvers, and 121 bronzes in 2019 en route to the general championship, the country’s second overall. However, Tolentino clarified that the

560 count was based on the “entries by numbers culled from discussions with the various national sports associations early this week” and it could possibly be trimmed based on the actual entries by names. The Vietnam Olympic Committee has given the SEA Games teams up to March 21 to submit their entries by numbers. The submission of the entries by names is set in August. The POC is eyeing to make the Top 3 at least in this year’s SEA Games. (PNA)