Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 266 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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City, SGV launch “Doing Business in Davao” brochure STORY ON PAGE 2

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting to assess the damage left by tropical depression “Auring” during a visit in Tandag, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday afternoon. Edge Davao

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

HIGH HOPES Aerial photo showing the extent of the damage brought by Tropical Storm Auring in Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte on February 23, 2021. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

City, SGV launch “Doing Business in Davao” brochure By MAYA M. PADILLO

he virtual launching of the “Doing Business in Davao” brochure by the city government of Davao and leading accountancy firm SyCip Gorres Velayo and Company (SGV) is met with fresh hopes for the gradual reopening and recovery of the city’s economy.

Developed by SGV in close collaboration with the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), the brochure is a comprehensive guide for potential foreign and local investors, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) looking to set up business operations in Davao City. Doing Business in Davao is the latest edition of SGV’s Doing Business in the Philippines series. The brochure presents an economic overview of Davao, taxation rules, investment policies, incentives for investors and essential information on the city’s assets. The brochure is set to be translated into three languages. In an interview with

Christian Cambaya, unit head of the Investors Assistance and Servicing Unit of DCIPC last year, he said the “Doing Business in Davao” brochure will be a concise and comprehensive source of information on business options in the city, even amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said it is a guide that will provide vital information on the tax incentives/exemption offered by the city government to MSMEs. DCIPC posted on its Facebook account that during the launching last month, SGV Davao Partner-In-Charge Jose Raoul Balisalisa (JJB) discussed the history of doing business in the Philippines series and presented an overview of the major

sections and highlights of the “Doing Business in Davao” brochure while SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson Tan delivered a message about how Davao City is an ideal business hub and center of growth. He also shared that he hopes the brochure will encourage more investors to explore business opportunities in the city. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also thanked SGV for its valuable and continuous support over the years saying the firm has assisted in amending the Davao City investment incentive code in 2007, developing the first edition of the brochure in 2011, and facilitating a conference on the development of the city’s economic outlook document in the last quarter of 2020. Mayor Sara said that the timely publication of the brochure will help rebuild and create a more promising future for the city.

Go urges gov’t to intensify vaccine plan info campaign

o boost public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed the need for a comprehensive information campaign program and for government officials to volunteer to take COVID-19 vaccines in public. “Tinanong ko po ang taumbayan kanina, kahit saan po ako umiikot. Sa kakaikot ko po, inisplika ko sa tao na ang tanging susi natin para unti-unti tayong makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay ay ang bakuna lamang po,” Go said during an ambush interview after he personally visited and distributed assistance to 413 typhoon victims in Pulilan, Bulacan. “Ngunit sa katatanong ko sa kanila, kokonti lang po ang nagtataas ng kamay na willing po magpabakuna. Importante ngayon, kunin natin ang kumpiyansa ng bawat Pilipino na tanging pagasa natin ang bakuna,” he

added. He noted that the government needs to improve its information and education campaign on COVID-19 vaccines which would greatly help in raising awareness, allaying fears, and boosting public confidence. “Kulang po ang info campaign at kulang din po ang pagkukumbinsi sa tao kaya nga po nagkausap din kami ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, willing na willing po siya na magpabakuna at ipakita sa publiko na magtiwala po kayo,” he pointed out. “Gusto nating pumunta sa MGCQ, eh, wala pa tayong (vaccine) rollout, so, kaya nga po my personal stand dito — no vaccine rollout, no MGCQ muna tayo dahil delikado pa pong luwagan natin. Paano natin ma-a-attain ang herd immunity,” Go added. Meanwhile, the Senator urged government officials to be open to hav-

ing them inoculated first in public to reassure Filipinos on the safety and efficacy of vaccines. “LGUs, DOH (Department of Health), kung kailangan mauna kayo, ipakita n’yo sa publiko na mapagkakatiwalaan po ang vaccine,” he urged, adding that he himself is willing to be vaccinated first. “Willing akong isa-publiko para makuha ang kumpiyansa ng ordinaryong Pilipino na ‘di nila alam ang epekto ng vaccine. Pero importante po sa akin ay dapat safe at effective po na vaccine ang iturok sa Pilipino. Ulitin ko: epektibo at safe na vaccine ang dapat na prayoridad natin,” he said. In a separate statement, Go emphasized that the government must ensure that the vaccines to be used are proven safe and effective and are appropriate to the segment of the popula-

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NEWS 3

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Senator Christopher“Bong”Go stresses the need for a comprehensive information campaign program and for government officials to volunteer to take COVID-19 vaccines in public.

PRRD leads relief operations for ‘Auring’ victims in Surigao Sur

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte arrived in Tandag City on Tuesday afternoon to inspect the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Auring on Surigao del Sur over the weekend, as national government agencies descend on the province on the same day to aid calamity victims. Accompanied by Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, President Duterte conducted an aerial survey on several areas affected by "Auring" shortly after arriving at the Tandag Airport past 3 p.m. The President then met with his Cabinet secretaries and local of-

ficials at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel to discuss disaster relief efforts and long-term interventions on the affected sectors. Agriculture Secretary Willam D. Dar, one of the Cabinet officials who accompanied Duterte, distributed PHP300,000 worth of milled rice, chicks, and assorted vegetable seeds to farmers. DA-13 information officer Emmylou T. Presilda said the immediate assistance was intended for families whose farms and livelihood were directly affected by the typhoon. “We are still finalizing the complete data on the total number of hectares damaged and the number

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Lady councilor pushes for welfare of teenage parents By MAYA M. PADILLO avao City Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata has raised the alarm on the continuing high cases of teenage pregnancy in Davao City proposing for an ordinance to promote teenage parental welfare.

Librado-Morata passed a resolution "Institutionalizing Social Protection for Teenage Parents and Addressing Problems with Teenage Pregnancies, Providing Funds thereof, and for other purposes” before the City Council.

Based on the data gathered last year by the Population Commission 11 (PopCom 11), Davao Region ranked the highest among the regions in the entire country on cases of teenage pregnancy wherein among the cities and provinces in the re-

cantly high. Thus, the necessity to decisively address this concern must still mark as a priority especially in this pandemic where access to reproductive health services becomes more challenging because of quarantine protocols,” Librado-Morata said in her privilege speech before members of the City Council on February 23, 2021. Librado-Morata said reproductive health must

and the New People’s Army (NPA) from 2016 to 2019. Each barangay will get P20 million. The BDA has a P16.4-billion allocation under the national budget for this year and of the P16.4 billion for the BDP, Davao region is set to receive P4.3 billion wherein Davao City will get almost 40 percent of that amount or P1.64 billion. “Titirahin pa nila (Makabayan Bloc) si Mayor Sara bakit mas marami diyan sa Davao City, syempre tatlong

guerilla fronts kaya ang nakapaligid sa Davao City. Totoo naman na maraming projects na nailagay si Presidente Digong noong mayor pa siya, ngayon si Mayor Sara na. Napakalaki ng Davao City. Yung mga taga Manila akala nila ang Davao City ay ordinary city lang. Hindi nila alam may tatlong distrito dito. Alam natin na ang Davao City ay lumalaki. Kapag tahimik ang Davao City, tahimik ang Davao Region,” Esperon said. The development

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Davao City got biggest bulk of antiinsurgency funds reasonably: Esperon

N Young residents enjoy a morning swim in Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). The island is set to reopen its tourism industry with limited operation starting Monday. Edge Davao

gion, Davao City ranked the highest followed by Davao De Oro and Davao Del Norte. Librado-Morata also cited statistics from Popcom 11 that reported 15,703 teenage pregnancy cases in 2018, 14,000 cases in 2019 and 12,000 teenage pregnancy cases in 2020. “It is also important to note that, although, there is a decline in number of cases of teenage pregnancy in the region, the number is still signifi-

ational Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday said Davao City got the biggest bulk of the anti-insurgency funds because it has three guerilla fronts. Esperon delivered the statement at the sidelines of the online launching of the Barangay Development Program (BDA) where a total of 215 villages in Davao Region have been identified as beneficiaries after being cleared of the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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A resident of Maitum in Sarangani province cast a line at the municipal fishing port amid the setting sun on Tuesday (23 February 2021). MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

DITO to launch commercially on Mar. 8 starting with Davao, Cebu D ITO Telecommunity said Tuesday it would launch commercially on March 8 starting in Davao and Cebu, its chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said.

The first phase of the launch will be in Mindanao, a "sentimental" decision to honor the company's origin, Tamano said during a virtual press conference. The telco was initially called Mislatel or Mindanao Islamic Telephone before being renamed as DITO. DITO is a consortium of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy with Chi-

na Telecom. By March 8, 17 cities and nearby municipalities in Mindanao and Visayas will have DITO telco services, Tamano said. "We want the public to know that on March 8 the year, we will be having our commercial launch. Phased launch. First in Mindanao. We will make ourselves available on March 8 Regional starting

with Davao and Cebu," Tamano said. "Initial commercial rollout in Mindanao and Visayas. Within the year, we will be offering our services as well in NCR," he added. Tamano said there will be 10 to 20 points of sale in Visayas and Mindanao as well as online by March 8. There are also about 20 stores in "various stages of construction." Tamano said the March 8 event would be a "humbler" launch with "nothing grand." The third telco passed its first technical audit,

“In the current operational milieu where technology plays a major part in regulation and supervision of the capital market, the SEC will be able to keep abreast of innovations worldwide through its participation in the GFIN and utilize them in the development of efficient regulation and forward-looking policies,” he said. Formally launched in 2019, the GFIN is a network of more than 60

organizations committed to supporting financial innovation in the interest of consumers. Through the GFIN, the SEC will widen its avenue for collaborative knowledge-sharing with other financial services regulators and international organizations in areas such as financial integrity, consumer well-being and protection, financial inclusion, competition, and financial stability through innovation in financial services.

breaching both its internet speed and population coverage commitment for the first year. According to the audit, DITO has a minimum broadband speed of 507.5 Mbps for 5G and 85.9 Mbps for 4G. Internet speed near base stations registered 102.4 Mbps for 4G and 769.1 Mbps for 5G, the NTC said, citing data from independent auditor R.G. Manabat & Co. At mid-point net connection speed reached 91.2 Mbps for 4G and 437.1 Mbps for 5G while tests in areas farther from the stations registered

64.4 Mbps for 4G and 316.5 Mbps for 5G. DITO's initial commitment was to provide "near-Singapore" internet speeds of at least 27 Mbps on its first year. The third telco covered 37.48 percent of the national population covering 8,860 barangays, a little over its initial commitment of 37.03 percent, the audit showed. The company earlier committed to build at least 1,300 cell towers and base stations on its first year but they can easily construct at least 2,000, DITO chief technol-

ogy officer Rodolfo Santiago earlier said. Telco towers are currently being built nationwide, including within military camps. DITO has said it has been investing heavily on technology as well as cybersecurity following concerns from several lawmakers over espionage. Chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago said the telco is also on track to achieve its second year target of covering 51 percent of the population, in time for its second year technical audit in July 8.

the BPS (Bureau of Philippine Standards)," the DTI said in a statement. “The DTI-BPS aims to ensure that CRS purchased in the market meets the specified safety requirements by requiring all manufacturers and importers to secure the Philippine Standard (PS) Safety Certification Mark License or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate prior to selling in the market," DTI-BPS Director Neil P.

Catajay said. The move is in accordance with Section 6 of RA 112299 or the "Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act" and DAO 20-03 series of 2020, the agency said. "All manufacturers and importers of CRS are now required to secure a Philippine Standard (PS) license or an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate prior to marketing, sale and distribution," the DTI said.

Gov’t certification now mandatory prior SEC PH joins Global Financial Innovation Network to support dev’t of capital market to sale of child restraint systems: DTI

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has joined the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) in line with its commitment to supporting the development of the Philippine capital market and overall financial sector. “We thank the GFIN for welcoming the SEC to its growing membership,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said in a statement Tuesday.

he Department of Trade and Industry said Tuesday the Bureau of Philippine Standards has included child restraint system in the list of products for mandatory certification. The DTI said a PS Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme would be available for both local and foreign manufacturers. A PS Certification Mark means a company is found to be "compliant with the requirements of

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ECONOMY

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

One of the seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The provincial government of South Cotabato is pushing for a partnership with a renewable energy company for the development of a three-megawatt (MW) hydropower plant in one of the waterfalls of Lake Sebu town. MindaNews file photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

‘Auring’ leaves P21.56-M damage to agriculture

he Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said agricultural damage and losses incurred due to Tropical Depression (TD) Auring is now at PHP21.56 million affecting 240 farmers and 1,756 hectares of farmlands nationwide. “The affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and fisheries in Caraga Region. The increase in values is attributed to the additional reports from Caraga. These values are still subject to validation.” DA said in its report. The DA reported that around 12,538 hectares

of rice have been harvested from Regions 3, 4-A, 4-B, 8 and 10 with an equivalent production of 71,840 metric tons (MT) amounting to PHP1.31 billion due to the early advisories. For corn, a total of 3,201 hectares have been harvested from Regions 4-A, 4-B, 5, 6 and 11 with an equivalent production of 6,296 MT amounting to PHP94.42 million. The DA regional field office in Caraga has rolled out some PHP5.44 million worth of interventions to facilitate the early recovery of farmers and fisherfolk affected by the weather disturbance. (PNA)

San Miguel to vaccinate all employees for free

an Miguel Corp said Tuesday it is spending almost P1 billion to vaccinate all of its 70,000 employees against COVID-19 for free. The company said it has secured COVID-19 vaccines from various sources and is currently preparing employees for vaccination with its “Ligtas Lahat” task force, in coordination with the government. Receiving the vaccines is voluntary, but SMC Pres-

ident Ramon Ang said he hopes that all of their eligible employees will sign up for vaccination. “Our program...aims to create a safe and healthy workplace so that we can further contribute to our country’s economic recovery,” Ang, said. The government is allowing the private sector to procure its own vaccines against COVID-19. Procurement of vaccines will be free from taxes and duties until Dec. 31, 2023.

SoCot wants to harness Lake Sebu waterfall for hydro power

he provincial government of South Cotabato is pushing for a partnership with a renewable energy company for the development of a three-megawatt (MW) hydropower plant in one of the waterfalls of Lake Sebu town, an official said. Siegfred Flaviano, head of the Provincial Environment Management Office, said the local government is in advanced negotiations with proponent Euro Hydro Power (Asia) Holdings Inc. for the rollout of its hydropower project through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). He said the proposed

hydropower plant will be established in one of the famed seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu. “We’re currently working on the details of the PPP arrangement, including the sharing agreement,” he told reporters. Flaviano said Euro Hydro is working on building the hydropower

power plant on the same site of its original 15MW project, which was shelved several years ago due to opposition from the provincial government and other local stakeholders. The initial proposal involved the building of a dam to generate power, a move spurned by local officials and environment personnel due to the potential destruction that it will bring to the site, which is part of a declared protected area. The official said the company has since scaled down the project

to just 3MW and revised the development plan for the project site, specifically at waterfall number three. “It will no longer construct a dam and will just utilize waterfall’s runoff or surface water to generate power,” Flaviano said. He said Euro Hydro already obtained an environmental compliance certificate for the project from the Environmental Management Bureau and clearance from the Protected Area Management Board of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape.

mary physical interface for both companies. “Through PLDT’s technology and expertise, the interconnection hub will deliver the intercarrier requirements of DITO which will benefit all fixed and wireless subscribers of PLDT and DITO by enabling them to communicate and connect to all the services needed,” PLDT said in a statement Tuesday, The facility is expect-

ed to be completed by end of March in time for the commercial operations of DITO. Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart Communications president and CEO, emphasized the importance of interconnection between PLDT-Smart and DITO “as mandated by the NPC” that allows their users to communicate with each other. “During this pandem-

ic, technology has been a lifeline for our customers so we want to make sure that our connectivity is solid in helping our fellow Filipinos and the entire nation during these critical times. We thank DITO for this partnership and I am looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship,” Panlilio said. Dennis Uy, DITO chairman and CEO, said

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PLDT, DITO sign interconnection deal for fixed, wireless subscribers

he country’s oldest and newest telecommunications companies, PLDT and DITO Telecommunity, have entered into an agreement for the construction of a transmission facility that will serve as an interconnection point for both of their subscribers. PLDT will establish and manage the interconnection facility that will operate as the pri-

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On the decision of the city government to procure more vaccines to ensure enough supply:

Uncertain pud pila ka doses ang unang moabot gikan sa national government. Ang certain lang, because it is within our control and makita man nato ang mga documentation ana, is katong order nato sa Astrazeneca nga 30,000 doses which is good for 15,000 individuals.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL

Undesirable climbers

Regional Executive Director Ragani Fidel Evasco of the Department of Environment and Natural Resoources in the Davao Region (DENR Davao) should be lauded for doing something other officials should have done regularly in the past – visit Mount Apo and assess the state of the country’s highest peak, a very popular destination among mountain climbers. What he and some invited local government unit (LGU) officials found in their trail and camp assessment for four days (Feb. 11-14) were alarming, if not infuriating, courtesy of irresponsible climbers. Trekking through the Digos City (Davao del Sur) trail, Evasco and company discovered telltale signs of climbers’ infractions such as – improper waste disposal, vandalism and even substance abuse. The DENR official later issued a public warning that his office might be prompted to close Mt. Apo to climbers one of these days if the situation does not improve.

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Immediate closure maybe a drastic move expected to affect the tourism revenues of the LGUs of places surrounding the popular tourist spot and the livelihood of porters, guides and others who are earning from mountain trekking which has grown very popular the past years. An alternative to immediate closure is the strict enforcement of laws against misbehaving climbers especially the litterbugs, vandals and drug addicts among them. The DENR and LGUs hosting trails to Mt. Apo, chiefly Davao City, Digos City, Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur and Kidapawan City, should first strengthen surveillance and investigation activities, make arrests and file court charges against violators. They should now throw the book at undesirable climbers. This should not be hard to do as there are so many special laws establishing Mount Apo as a protected area, aside from the Revised Penal Code.

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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

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7 VANTAGE

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

RESTORING BRAIN’S POWER “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us,” wrote British author Oscar Wilde in The Importance of Being Earnest. But what happens if your memories are deleted from your brain? That’s where Alzheimer’s disease, which has a gradual onset, comes into mind. Usually, Alzheimer’s disease starts with subtle changes in memory function. “What comes first gets out last with the most recent memory getting lost first,” explains Dr. Simeon Marasigan, associate professor at the department of neurology and psychiatry of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Unfortunately, there is no definitive laboratory test to detect Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors rely on symptoms to make the diagnosis, and most think that by the time symptoms show up the brain damage is already extensive. “About 5 percent of men and 6 percent of women over 60 years of age are affected with Alzheimer’s,” says Dr Wang Xiangdong, of the regional office of World Health Organization (WHO) in Manila. “With the ageing of popula-

tions, this figure is projected to increase rapidly over the next 20 years.” In the United States, where 11--16 million people will have the disease by 2050, people who turn 50 begin to look at forgetfulness with more seriousness. “When you misplace your keys when you’re 25, you don’t pay any attention to it,” said Dr. Gene Cohen, the director of the Center for Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University. “But when you do the identical thing at 50 or older, you raise an eyebrow.” Recently, however, scientists have started to overcome one of the biggest obstacles to treating brain disease: getting drugs into the brain. Memory Pharmaceuticals is at the forefront of an intense scientific race to devise truly effective memory-enhancing drugs, an idea that has long been the stuff of science fiction. This new generation of drugs could mend memory loss in the seriously ill or the merely absent-minded. “My friends keep asking when the little red pill is coming,” says Dr. Eric Kandel, a Columbia University researcher. He co-founded Memory Pharmaceuticals in 1998 and shared

the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2000. “If we continue making the kind of progress we are now, we will have drugs for age-related memory loss in five or ten years,” he said. But in the absence of such pills yet, people are advised to sharpen their wit and boost their brain power simply and naturally. And the best way to keep your brain sharp is to exercise it. A dwindling memory and decreased concentration are generally caused by decreased blood flow to the brain and loss of brain cells. Research shows that physical exercise may encourage the brain to work at optimum capacity by causing nerve cells to multiply, strengthening their interconnections and protecting them from damage. To sharpen your thinking cap, incorporate mind-stimulating games into your daily life that keep your mind working and stimulated. Listen intently and memorize names, shopping lists, and daily activities. Puzzles and memory games are also helpful. In the United States, decaying brains, or the fear thereof, have inspired a mini-industry of computer-based fitter-brain products, according to The

New York Times. Nintendo’s Brain Age 2, a popular video game of simple math and memory exercises, is one. Posit Science’s computer-based “cognitive behavioral trainin” exercises are another. MindFit, a software-based program, combines cognitive assessment of more than a dozen different skills with a personalized training regimen based on that assessment. “There is a gradual growing awareness that challenging your brain can have positive effects,” Dr. Cohen said. He said the plasticity of the brain is directly related to the production of new dendrites, the branched, tree-like neural projections that carry electrical signals through the brain. “Every time you challenge your brain it will actually modify the brain,” he said. “We can indeed form new brain cells, despite a century of being told it’s impossible.” Don’t ever discount the power of sleep. A good night’s sleep is crucial for mental energy because our body regenerates during sleep. “It’s a common fact that lack of sleep inhibits concentration,” says Dr. Patrick Gerard Moral, head of the sleep and snore diagnostic and treatment unit of the

University of Santo Tomas and president of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine. A good night’s sleep means waking up rested and energized. On average, a healthy adult needs about eight hours of sleep a night, according to Dr. Ravi Seshadri, a sleep expert and clinical director of MD Specialist HealthCare at the Paragon Medical Centre in Singapore. Still another: Feed your brain with good food. Health experts said that a balanced diet rich in essential amino acids, omega oils, minerals and vitamins will ensure a vibrant and sharp memory. Make sure to eat some form of protein with every meal such as nuts, seeds, beans, legumes or animal products. Fish, especially deep ocean fish, provide a good source for the essential oils that our cells need to function optimally. Other brain foods include: apples, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, yams, squash, potatoes, mushrooms, papaya, pineapples, and sesame seeds. “The brain is a wonderful organ,” hailed American poet Robert Frost. “It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.”

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

OVERCOMING FEAR “The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” - Confucius. ***** Fear is the result of ignorance (or the by-product of lack of knowledge and confidence.) As defined by the dictionary, fear is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.” In the layman’s understanding, fear could be anything that brings uncertainty, fright, an imaginary notion of failure or failing, defeat, loss, death, sickness, or whatever that shakes the peace and rhythm of our personal life. Fear is the negative manifestation or expectation that is not supposed to come in place of success, I think the current polarized views on the state of our

national health vis a viz the overblown viral scourge that has only killed a minute percentage of the 110M Filipino population borders on fear. The DOH has reported a total of 12,094 Covid-related deaths while there is a cumulative total of 563,456 virus infections. Of these, there are 28,488 active cases or just 5.1% of the cumulative total. The total number of CoVid patient recoveries is 522,874, meaning while they were not yet vaccinated, these CoVid infected victims have recovered “rather miraculously.” For that matter, Pres. Duterte has thumbed down the recommendation of NEDA Sec. Karl Chua to declare a nation-wide MGCQ - the most lenient quarantine status while there is no still no vaccine roll-out. Long time aide and now Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go confirmed the President’s decision to validate the an-

nouncement aired by Spokesman Sec. Harry Roque. According to Go, Duterte said shifting to MGCQ status will not redound to the best interest of the country, which prioritizes giving higher premium to public health and safety. NEDA has estimated that since the March 15 lockdown last year, the government has lost some P1.3 Trillion in income and livelihood. Duterte has also rejected the proposal to allow limited in person classes in low-risk areas in fear of viral transmission and infection. Health experts, including the UN WHO, say the CoVid 19 virus is already in a state of mutation, noting that variants were identified somewhere in the UK. They added (for emphasis) that the virus may linger in our midst for a while. In fact, Dr. Anthony Fauci, adviser to several US presidents and head of the US Na-

tional Institute of Health, has suggested that if necessary, a second face mask be worn by citizens, an idea that did not sit well with other experts in the medical field. But the wearing of face masks and face shields, Fauci says, will remain till the year 2022. Fear of CoVid 19 contamination is being felt everywhere now, here and around the globe. Fear, fear, fear. But it is the prerogative of the President to have the final say. Let us respect that. However, fear of CoVid 19 has spawned a negative outlook because poverty has worsened, hunger and loss of income opportunities and livelihood have escalated. Would Filipinos allow the fear of CoVid to cower them submissively or will they rather face the threats of Covid infections to feed their families who are already going hungry?

I agree with NEDA Chief Karl Chua that there is a need to balance health and economy. So many businesses - micro, small and medium - have closed shops. I’m not saying the government is cowering in fear. I am suggesting, as Chua himself suggested, that it must stand up and face the challenge. If CoVid19 stays longer than anticipated, (God forbid) then, will the country remain in quarantine status just as much longer? How much longer can the Filipinos endure? The health protocols have already been in place since almost one year ago and all Filipinos are already aware of what carelessness and disobedience to IATF rules can bring. Who was it who said that there is nothing to fear but fear itself ? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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LIFESTYLE

LOCAL BRAND ÀMEN LAUNCHES NEW MASK COLLECTION FASHION SHOW FEATURES 3D FINGER PUPPETS INSPIRED BY EMPOWERED WOMEN FASHION BRANDS around the world are, now more than ever, pushing their limits and thinking out of the box to showcase their own new collections. From physical runways to online platforms, these brands are on its heels to march their way in!

In celebration of Women’s Month, Local brand ÀMEN joins the trend as it launches its newest mask collection on March 5, Friday, via virtual Fashion Show on its official social media pages. The digital Fashion Show features highly produced 3D finger puppets that will serve as models and are inspired by empowered women like Selena Gomez, Black Pink’s Jennie, Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller, US First

Jennie from Black Pink.

Lady Michelle Obama, Corrie Ten Boom who helped Jews from the Nazis, Bethany Hamilton, a surfer whose arm was bitten off by a shark, and Malala Yousafzai who at her young age championed her advocacy which was child’s education, among others. Completing the line-up of 3D finger puppet models are Filipinas who exemplify

Catriona Gray. greatness in their respective arenas like Heart Evangelista, Catriona Gray and Vice President Leni Robredo. According to Kyna Sy, the woman behind the local brand ÀMEN, the goal of the fashion show is to inspire and empower women that even though we’re in an unusual situation, anything is possible as long as you work hard for it. “We want the show to be powerful in a way that leaves people feeling

Heart Evangelista. exhilarated and inspired; very much ready to make a difference,” shared Kyna. “As a casual couture cloth-

ing brand, it is important that we adapt to the changing needs of our customers during the pandemic and still commit to ÀMEN’s mission that is to inspire and help women to fill themselves so they can overflow out into the world by being seeing themselves as God sees them.” Kyna added. ÀMEN mask has passed the 4 Crucial Safety Test of The MASQ Collection standard. Each mask has nose contours and curve-structured silhouette for breathability; contains a silk pocket for filters; has adjustable ear straps that makes it comfortable to use; is uniquely and intricately designed (no 2 masks are the same); and each purchase comes with 10 sheets of PureMASQ Filters and a silk dust bag. As a firm believer of the saying ‘empowered women empower other women’, ÀMEN will donate 10% of its proceeds to the chosen women who are in need. To know more about ÀMEN, visit their website at https://www.amen.com.ph/. Follow them on Instagram @ amen_ph and on Facebook https://web.facebook.com/ amenphilippines/.

WHAT KIND OF SHOPPER ARE YOU?

SHOPPING will always be a part of your routine and it’s always a great time to discover new brands and styles! SM Lanang Premier’s The Great 3 Day Sale on February 26 – March 1 will also make you look forward to getting fresh finds with discounts of up to 70 percent all day—from 10 AM to 9 PM. If that doesn’t awaken your inner shopper, take this quiz to find out what kind of shopper you really are. 1. Which statement describes you the best? a. I am always online and connected with friends. b. I enjoy getting the best deals in town. c. I love to shop and the thrill of winning prizes.

2. Your ideal breakfast experience involves… a. Avocado toast and perky pop music in the background b. Smoothie bowl after some yoga c. Black coffee and reading a newspaper 3. You are getting dressed for an important meeting. You… a. Snap an OOTD and consult a friend to check if your outfit is on point b. Wear your smartwatch to make sure that you are always on schedule c. Don your favorite top for good luck 4. You while away the time by…

a. Browsing Buzzfeed and Instagram to see what’s hot and trending b. Reading fashion magazines and planning outfits and shopping sessions c. Bullet journaling and brain dumping

5. What’s a chick flick that you like to rewatch? a. Mean Girls b. The Devil Wears Prada c. Confessions of a Shopaholic Mostly As - Social shopper You are the social shopper! You always are always connected through social media and have all the latest news in the palm of your hand. You know exactly the items

on sale and where to find them to get the best deals because you follow SM Lanang Premier in Facebook and on Instagram. Mostly Bs - Savvy shopper You are the savvy shopper because you always have your SM Advantage or Prestige Cards on the ready. You know exactly when to shop to get extra 10% off your purchases and you already have these dates and times noted in your

calendar: Prestige Sale on February 26 and SMAC Sale on February 27 and 28. Mostly Cs - Super shopper Shopping is your superpower and you know how to get it done well because you follow an itinerary and bring a shopping list. You also know that you can win P10,000 worth of shopping money or a brand new Suzuki S-Presso in the e-raffle that you can join for every P1,000 purchase.

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Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO Climate change is very simple,” explained Dr. Robert Watson, a British chemist who has worked on atmospheric science issues. “We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

“

Examples of greenhouse gases are: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. There are also those man-made gases generated during industrial processes like sulfur hexaflouride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons. “Our lifestyle has led to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” notes the fact sheet circulated during a workshop on climate change held in Davao City some years back. “These gases trap heat from the sun, making the earth warmer. Manifestations of a warmer world include rising mean temperatures, sea level rise and increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts and greater rainfall.” “Continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems,” contends a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Dr. Rosa T. Perez, a research fellow of the Manila Observatory, says that the current carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is about 40% more than pre-industrial levels. “We are emitting a lot of carbon dioxide faster than the Earth can absorb any excess,” she deplores. In 2009, the government passed the Climate Change Act, which enacted a set of climate-specific laws complemented by the creation of climate-specific institutions. These institutions aim to inte-

grate and coordinate climate change at all levels of government – national, regional, and local – to improve financing, prioritization, and planning. “Think globally, act locally,” so goes a slogan. The world is doing something to stop the consequences of climate change. While the international community is trying to cut carbon dioxide emissions, there are some things that an individual can do. In the journal Environmental Research Letters, there are four actions that can make a difference. “This may not be surprising, however, as they tend to be things people are involved with in their everyday lives: living without a car, avoiding air travel, avoid eating meat, and – most “controversially” – have less children,” wrote Robin Andrews in www.iflscience.com. Let’s take a closer look at each: Living without a car: A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, according to the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA). This is assuming that the average gasoline vehicle on the road has a fuel economy of about 21.6 miles per gallon and drives around 11,4000 miles per year. “Every gallon of gasoline burned creates about 8,887 grams of carbon dioxide,” it claims. In addition to carbon dioxide, automobiles also emit other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide from the tailpipe and hydrofluorocarbon emissions from leaking air conditioners. “The emissions of these gases are small in comparison

ENVIRONMENT

CLIMATE CHANGE: APOCALYPSE SOON?

to carbon dioxide; however, the impact of these emissions can be important because they have a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide,” EPA says. Avoiding air travel: “We hear much about the environmental costs of air travel,” wrote Duncan Clark in a feature which was published by The Guardian. “The problem is not just that planes burn a lot of fuel and therefore kick out plenty of carbon dioxide per passenger. Just as important are a host of other high-altitude impacts, including vapor trails and ozone production, that are usually estimated to cause as much warming as the carbon dioxide itself.” Since 1990, carbon dioxide emissions from international aviation have increased 83%. “The aviation industry is expanding rapidly in part due to regulatory and taxing policies that do not reflect the true environmental costs of flying,” notes the David Suzuki Foundation in its website. “‘Cheap’ fares may turn out to be costly in terms of climate change.” Compared to other modes of transport – like driving a car or taking the train – traveling by air has a greater climate impact per passenger kilometer, even over longer distances. “It’s also the mode of freight transport that produces the most emissions,” the foundation states. It’s not only carbon dioxide that planes emit. “When jet fuel is burned, the carbon in the fuel is released and bonds with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide,” the foundation explains. “Burning jet fuel also releases water vapor, nitrous oxides, sulphate and soot.”

But what makes aircraft emissions striking is that most of them “are produced at cruising altitudes high in the atmosphere.” The foundation says: “Scientific studies have shown that these high-altitude emissions have a more harmful climate impact because they trigger a series of chemical reactions and atmospheric effects that have a net warming effect.” The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations body which became a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, said that the climate impact of aircraft is two to four times greater than the effect of their carbon dioxide emissions alone. Avoiding eating meat: “While energy generation, transport and buildings have long been a target for governments, businesses and campaigners looking into reducing emissions, the impact from food production has often been left out,” wrote The Guardian‘s Fiona Harvey. “But on current trends, with intensive agriculture increasingly geared towards livestock rearing, food production will be a major concern.” According to Harvey, intensive livestock-rearing is a major cause of greenhouse gases, “in part because of the methane produced by the animals and the massive slurry pits that accompany large farms.” Not only that, livestock raising also diverts water and grains to grow animals, “which is less efficient than directing the grains towards direct human consumption.” A research done scientists at the Oxford Martin School

found out that by shifting to eating vegetables, or just by simply cutting down meat consumption “within accepted health guidelines,” would make a large dent in greenhouse gases. “Adhering to health guidelines on meat consumption could cut global food-related emissions by nearly a third by 2050, the study found, while widespread adoption of a vegetarian diet would bring down emissions by 63%,” Harvey wrote. Another study, published in Nature Communications, analyzed about 500 food consumption and production without cutting down more forests. “The biggest contributing factor to food-related deforestation is eating meat,” the study says. Have less children: There’s no doubt about it: population growth is a major contributor to climate change, “given that humans use fossil fuels to power their increasingly mechanized lifestyles.” “More people means more demand for oil, gas, coal and other fuels mined or drilled from below the Earth’s surface that, when burned, spew enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to trap warm air inside like a greenhouse,” the Scientific American says. “Having less children means that the next generation would require (and demand) fewer resources,” Andrews wrote. “The planet is already struggling to meet our needs and desires as it is.” He added that having just one less child “saves a remarkable 59 tons of carbon dioxide. This is 295 times more effective than regularly recycling, or 590

times more effective than using energy-efficient lightbulbs.” Two years ago, Pope Francis made news when he commented that climate change is real and that it was mostly manmade. He did also urge couples not to breed “like rabbits” but rather plan their families responsibly. In an editorial, the Los Angeles Times noted: “By 2050, world population is expected to increase from its current level of about 7 billion to somewhere between 8 and 11 billion. According to a 2010 analysis published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, keeping the growth to the lower number instead of even the mid-range 9.6 billion could play a significant role in keeping emissions low enough to avoid dangerous levels of climate change by 2050.” The Washington, D.C.based Worldwatch Institute said it right: “If we cannot stabilize the population, there is not an ecosystem on Earth that we can save.” Currently, the population of the Philippines is 103.8 million, based on the latest United Nations estimates. The country ranks number 13 in the list of countries by population, and home to 1.38% of the total world population. The authors of the four actions of climate change mitigation said what they suggested are feasible. “We recognize these are deeply personal choices,” wrote co-author Kimberly Nicholas, a senior lecturer in sustainability at Lund University. “But we can’t ignore the climate change affect our lifestyle actually has.”

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GO... FROM2 tion they will be given to. “Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Health, kailangang masiguro natin na tanging mga ligtas at epektibo na bakuna lamang ang ituturok sa mga Pilipino at angkop dapat ito sa kalagayan o pangangailangan nila lalo na yung mga senior citizens at medical frontliners,” Go said. He also asked the public to trust the Food and Drug Administration officials as they conducted a thorough study to inform their recommendations about the vaccines. However, he also asked experts and health authorities to be transparent and clarify the steps being made in regard to the vaccine roadmap. “Magtiwala tayo sa mga eksperto at mga opisyal natin sa FDA dahil siguradong maingat at mabusisi ang lahat ng kanilang mga pag-aaral at rekomendasyon kung anong bakuna ang mas nararapat para sa partikular na sektor ayon sa ating vaccination priority list,” Go said. “Gayunpaman, hinihimok ko rin ang ating mga eksperto at mga otoridad na linawin ang mga desisyong ginagawa ukol sa National Vaccination Roadmap. Bigyan natin ng tamang impormasyon

ang ating mga kababayan para hindi sila matakot o mag-alinlangan na magpabakuna,” he added. With regard to issues concerning Sinovac, Go said that he will ask FDA Dir. Gen. Eric Domingo regarding the conditions for its use. “Ipaliwanag ninyo po sa paraang simple, maayos at madaling maintindihan ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino lalo na yung mga kababayan nating mahihirap at nasa malalayong lugar na hindi nga alam kung paano makakakuha, para saan, at ano ba ang bakunang pinaguusapan natin,” he said. He also reiterated his appeals to all agencies concerned to expedite the procurement of sufficient vaccines and begin their roll-out at the soonest time possible, ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccines to be used on specific sectors included in the vaccination priority list, and intensify further the information and education campaigns for our people to better understand the importance of vaccines in overcoming the pandemic. “To my fellow Filipinos, makipagtulungan lang po tayo sa gobyerno nang sa gayon ay makabalik na tayo sa dati nating pamumuhay,” he ended.

projects are to be funded from the P16.4 billion allocated from the P19-billion budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac). The P20 million BDA for each barangay can cover projects such as schools, farms-to-market roads, health stations, waterworks and irrigation infrastructure, and livelihood. The budget would be released directly to the chief executives of the cities and provinces in Davao Region. “Itong mga barangays ay dating pugad ng mga NPA at tinarbaho yan ng ating AFP at local government para mapaalis sila. We hope that the CPP-NPA by doing this mawawalan sila ng support ng masa. It is all about emancipating these former guerilla bases from the claws of CPP-NPA,” Esperon said. Esperon said it is the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to immediately implement the projects as he is eyeing to visit each barangay next month. “Gusto niyang (President) maumpisahan na ang mga projects dahil ang isa na gagawin niya sa susunod na buwan ay

pupunta siya sa mga barangays. Hindi lang development ang gusto niya kundi kausapin din niya ang mga tao sa affected areas. Gusto agad niyang ma implement yan,” he said. He added that implementation of the projects is targeted to start by March 15, 2021. “Budget Secretary Avisado said he is ready to sign the allocation. Meron lang kaming documents na hinihintay galing sa LGUs,” Esperon said. Alex Roldan, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said his office shall assist in the preparation of the documentary requirements, which is one of the constraints and difficulties for the LGUs to download the funds. “The regional office will ensure that LGUs are able to submit the documentary requirements as specified for the release of the funds and prepare and maintained database. The city offices of DILG 11 will be tasked to ensure that all concerned LGUs at all levels comply with the implementation guidelines indicated,” he said. Maya Padillo

DAVAO CITY... FROM3

COUNCILOR... FROM3

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be among the top concerns of the city government of Davao, which has several programs initiated through City Health Office (CHO), City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) and Integrated Gender Development Office, which aim to provide reproductive health and other direct services to our children including abused girls. Librado-Morata's office has launched a campaign last year dubbed ‘”Laban ‘Te”, which is an educational campaign that aims to provide a comprehensive sexuality and health education to various communities and provided hotlines where teens can seek assistance or advise, conducted series of online fora to different communities in partnership with the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines and Philippine Mental Health Association – Davao. “Our city also has trailblazer local legislations on addressing concerns of both women and children. We have Women Development Code, Children’s Welfare Code and the Women’s Re-

productive Health Clinic Ordinance of Davao City which aims to provide a comprehensive reproductive health,” she said. She added that given the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the city, there is a need to deal this concern including but not limited to providing adequate services fitted to young people and institutionalizing a massive and effective education campaign about sexual and reproductive health rights in both schools and communities. “My office will continue to conduct consultations with our Barangay officials, concerned government agencies and several non-government organizations to come up with the most apt solution or mechanism to address this concern. I also believe that the rise of early pregnancy is also greatly associated with some of our social problems including impoverishment, lack of education and dropping out of school –all of these must be addressed along with eradicating sexual and all forms of abuse against girls and women,” she said.

of farmers and fishermen affected by the typhoon. These data are coming from the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) in the province,” Presilda told the Philippine News Agency. Another PHP217 million worth of seeds, farm machinery, and equipment were handed over to the provincial government and the different farmers’ groups in the area, she said. In addition, DA-13 also turned over more than PHP149 million worth of farm equipment and machinery through the mechanization program of the Philippine Center for Postharvest and Mechanization (PHilMech). The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), meanwhile, released on the same day an indemnification fund totaling PHP1.2 million, according to Presilda. On top of the DA assistance, she said the affected farmers and fisherfolks also received PHP28 million worth

of aid from the national government's Bayanihan 2 Program. For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided financial aid to 3,658 typhoon victims in a distribution activity held at the Tandag City gymnasium. Each recipient received PHP3,000 cash assistance each. Meanwhile, Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel said the President has committed a suit of aid packages to help the province's agriculture sector and repair damaged infrastructures. (PNA) Employment and livelihood support for calamity victims would also be provided by various national agencies, Pimentel added. "The President has given all Cabinet secretaries involved in providing assistance to the disaster victims 30 days to consult and finalize all the needed support to be provided," the governor said. (PNA)

working with the country’s other telecommunications companies was necessary and thanked those responsible for making the interconnection agreement possible. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside all of you in providing the Philippines with the worldclass connectivity that we all deserve,” Uy said. Earlier, the National Telecommunications

Commission said DITO is set for its commercial launch this coming March after passing its first network audit. According to the results of the audit by R.G. Manabat & Co., DITO currently has a national population coverage of 37.48 percent and minimum average internet speeds of 85.9 megabits per second (Mbps) for 4G and 507 Mbps for 5G. (PNA)

cue tool known as "the jaws of life" was used to pry Woods from the wreckage. But Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Christopher Thomas later told Reuters that emergency personnel actually pulled Woods from the vehicle through the front windshield after the glass frame was cut away and removed. Woods' success on the greens transformed him into a worldwide superstar, ushering in an era of multimillion-dollar endorsements and lucrative appearance money and spread the sport to an audience far beyond its traditional image of male, white and middle-class. He also served as a major influence on the modern generation of golfers such as Australian world No. 1 Jason Day, who has said he read a book about Woods and decided to copy the American's high

work ethic. Woods, whose career has been hampered in recent years by back injuries and underwent his fifth back surgery in December, hosted the PGA tour's annual Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club over the weekend but did not compete. He was seen at the Rolling Hills Country Club on Monday with actress Jada Pinkett Smith, former basketball star Dwayne Wade and comedian David Spade. 'PRAYING FOR TW' News that Woods, the greatest golfer of his generation, had been injured in a serious car wreck sent shockwaves through the sports world. "Praying for my brother @TigerWoods as we all anxiously await more news," former baseball star Alex Rodriguez said on Twitter. "Thinking of him and his entire family."

The company, through its website, described the Lake Sebu hydropower project as a “run-of-theriver” type and will be operated by two sets of Horizontal Axis Francis runner turbines at 1.5MW each. Based on its planned 3MW capacity, the plant is projected to generate an estimated 21 million kilowatt-hour of power annually. In their negotiations, Flaviano said the local government is pushing for an 80-20 sharing arrangement with Euro Hy-

dro. He said the company will shoulder all the necessary investments, which has yet to be disclosed, while the provincial government will have the land and aggregates as counterpart. “The PPP scheme will ensure that the province will be involved in the management of the project, especially in the protection of the environment, and will have a reasonable share from its income as well,” he added. (MindaNews)

"I am sick to my stomach,” fellow PGA Tour golfer Justin Thomas said during a news conference in which he called Woods one of his closest friends. “I just hope he’s alright.” Former Woods girlfriend, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, tweeted simply: "Praying for TW" The PGA Tour issued a statement from Commissioner Jay Monahan. "We are awaiting further information when he comes out of surgery. On behalf of the PGA TOUR and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers." Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has played golf with Woods on several occasions and awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, issued a statement urging Woods to get well soon, adding:

"You are a true champion!" California-born Eldrick "Tiger" Woods turned professional in 1996 and won his first U.S. Tour title in only his fifth start. Since then, he has virtually redefined the game. Woods held the top spot in professional golf's world rankings for a record total of 683 weeks, winning 14 major championship titles between 1997 and 2008. After a series of injuries and personal issues derailed his career at times, Woods claimed his 15th major title at the Masters in 2019, his fifth time earning the coveted green jacket given to Masters champions. His 15 major titles stands second only to the record 18 won by Jack Nicklaus.

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Kai Sotto out of G League Filipino beanpole Kai Sotto will not be joining the Ignite team in the NBA G League.

ollowing a “mutual decision”, the NBA G League announced on Tuesday that Filipino basketball sensation Kai Sotto would not be joining the Ignite professional pathway program in the league’s ongoing bubble season in Orlando, Florida. The development came amid the uncertainty of the 18-yearold, seven-foot-three center making the team after Gilas Pilipinas Men

called off their bubble training due to the postponement of the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ). Last month, Sotto

OS ANGELES - (UPDATED) Golfing champion Tiger Woods was hospitalized in Los Angeles on Tuesday with multiple injuries suffered when his car veered off a road and rolled down a steep hillside, requiring rescue crews to extricate him from the wreckage, authorities said. Woods' injuries were not believed to be life threatening, ESPN reported, citing police sources, despite video footage from the crash scene showing his dark gray Genesis sport utility vehicle badly crumpled and lying on its side near the bottom of the slope, windows smashed. There was no immediate official word on the extent or nature of Woods' injuries, but CNN reported he suffered compound fractures to both of his legs. Woods, 45, a 15-time Grand Slam champion

and one of the most celebrated figures in the world of sports, was the sole occupant of the car when it crashed at about 7:12 a.m. near the suburban communities of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a written statement. "Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support," Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, said in a statement given to Golf Digest journalist Daniel Rapaport. Sheriff's deputy Joana Warren told Reuters the vehicle had ran off the roadway and rolled down the hillside before coming to rest near the bottom. The sheriff's department initially said a res-

Tiger badly hurt in car crash

FTIGER, P10

suddenly announced that he is joining Gilas Men for an ACQ bubble, which was initially supposed to happen in Angeles, Pampanga before it was moved to Doha. However, due to a rise in the coronavirus disease 2019 cases in the Qatari capital, the Qatar Basketball Federation let go of its hosting rights, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas eventually reclaimed

the hosting rights to the Group A games, where the Gilas Men are placed in, although it meant that their games had to be rescheduled. Following the postponement, Gilas Men called off their practice in Calamba, Laguna, prompting Sotto to return to the United States to possibly rejoin Ignite once he clears the mandatory quarantine. However, the G

League announcement dashed the hopes. "Kai and the team both understood the challenges for him to rejoin Ignite given the international travel constraints, quarantine times, and health and safety protocols," G League commissioner Shareef Abdul-Rahim said. The former NBA star hinted that Sotto has just left the team as well.

"Kai will always be a part of the extended Ignite family, and we wish him continued success as he pursues his NBA dreams," Abdul-Rahim added. The Ignite squad, which still has some Filipino firepower in it in projected lottery pick Jalen Green, is currently in fifth place in the G League standings at 5-3. (PNA)

Eala climbs anew in world rankings

ilipina tennis wunderkind Alexandra "Alex" Eala continues to zoom upward in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. In the latest update following the end of the Australian Open, the 15-year-old tennister jumped 140 spots to 763rd overall following deep runs in the tournaments she played at, highlighted by her championship in the first leg of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women's World Tennis Tour in Manacor, Spain recently. Eala was fresh from a quarterfinal finish in the ITF W25 Grenoble Tournament in France. Australian star Ashleigh Barty remains the top female tennis player in the world, according to the WTA rankings. Japanese-American sensation Naomi Osaka, banking on her newly won Australian Open title, climbed to number two, dropping Romanian Simone Halep to third overall. (PNA)

Alex Eala has climbed to 763 in the WTA rankings.

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EXTENDED HOURS Arcadia Fitness Gym extends gym hours By NEIL BRAVO

rcadia Fitness Gym announced on Tuesday that it will be extending it’s gym hours to members and guests.

In a post on its social media page, Arcadia Fitness Gym said the extended hours will be from 8:30am-7:30pm every Mondays-Saturdays. The gym also reminded its members and guests to stay safe and follow health protocols all the time. "Always remember to bring your QR Code, wear face mask, and strictly follow all safety protocols," the gym administration reminded on Facebook. Gym hours are still working under the restrictions imposed by the city government upon the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). Davao City is expected to have improved quarantine status in March as the IATF plans to impose a nationwide modified general community quarantine (MGCQ)

status. Late last year, the re-imposition of government regulations on coronavirus-related measures forced Davao City's fitness gym facilities to adopt to a stringent 5-man limit per gym hour regardless of the floor area size. Arcadia Fitness Gym, one of the city's premier fitness hubs, announced its new gym schedule beginning October 28 in accordance to Executive Order No. 57 Series of 2020, Section 10. The revised rules include gym visits 'by-appointment basis' only; maximum of 5members per session are allowed for both pool and gym access; at no time can face masks be taken off while inside the gym; booking for sessions must be done on a daily basis; cancellation of booking must be

done 3 hours prior to gym session; no entry unless the schedule confirmation is received. "Members are advised to book their schedules accordingly. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Together, let’s stay active and stay safe," the announcement read. Gym users may contact the administration for more information through (0917) 146 4304 or (0923) 104 2585. Meantime, Arcadia Fitness Gym has introduced Kinesis Personal Vision to its members and gym users. The new training method allows one to rediscover and improve strength, coordination, flexibility, posture control and breathing control. One can exercise both single muscles and entire muscle chains for a complete and effective functional workout including abdominals, glut exercises, and many more.

A member works out at Arcadia Fitness Gym wearing a face mask.