Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 272 | Thursday, March 4. 2021

AVERTING THE EXTINCTION OF GIANT CLAMS ENVIRONMENT P9 VOL.13 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

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PNP 11 personnel ready to be vaccinated STORY ON PAGE 2

President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to visit China before his term ends to personally thank Chinese President Xi Jinping for the 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines donated to the Philippines. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

GOOD TO GO

A tarpaulin streamer urging Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to run for president and Senator Christopher Larwrence Go to run for vice president is placed on a flyover near Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

PNP 11 personnel ready to be vaccinated

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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inety-eight percent of the personnel of the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) are willing to undergo Covid-19 inoculation.

Police Major Lawyer Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of PRO 11, told media during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday that out of more than 9,000 police personnel in Davao Region, more than 8,000 are willing to get vaccinated.

“The remaining 2 percent, others are not willing to undergo the vaccination because of religious reason, some medyo scared to get vaccinated and others are

afraid of needles. Dili mi mahadlok sa bala, pero hadlok ang uban namo sa injection,” Gultiano said.

The PNP personnel is among the priority eligible group (Group A) that will be vaccinated first along with the frontline health workers, senior citizens, and indigent population.

Gultiano said PRO 11 started swabbing police personnel on February 22, 2021 and out of 336 uniformed personnel that were swabbed, 10

were tested positive of Covid-19. On March 2, 2021 PRO 11 recorded a total of 268 personnel tested with Covid-19 wherein 28 were positive.

PRO 11 also recorded a total of 238 recoveries and one death.

Meanwhile, Major Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division (ID), said vaccination is mandatory among members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but they have the chance to choose other brands of vaccines.

“Pero dawaton namo kung unsa ang ihatag sa amoa sa gobyerno,” he said.

Fire incidents in Davao City drop

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ire incidents in Davao City dropped this year from the months of January to March compared to the same period last year.

Senior Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado, chief of investigation and intelligence of City Fire District, said fire incidents in Davao City dropped almost 50 percent from 99 incidents last year to 50 incidents this year.

However, the City Fire District recorded eight deaths this year due to the fire incidents in Bangkal, which claimed three fatalities, Juna Subdivision with one fatality, and La Verna Hills, which claimed

four lives.

“Kung i-compare natin yung number of fire incidents, mababa ngayon compared last year. It only means na ang mga programa natin sa community ay effective,” he said.

Coinciding the Fire Prevention Month this month, Gillado said they are intensifying the programs focusing on fire safety at home and reminded residents to avoid fire at homes by remembering the fire safety tips: keep flammable materials such as lighters and matches out of children's reach, unplug appliances after use to avoid overheating, keep lit candles

away from flammable materials such as cloth and wood, turn off the stove and remove pots and pans from burner right after cooking, always check LPG tank leaks, and regularly check electrical wires for damage and replace faulty wiring immediately.

The Fire Prevention Month is observed by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 115-A, series of 1966, issued by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

March was chosen since the country’s summer season is statistically the month with the most fire incidences. Maya Padillo

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Students fill out a contact-tracing form before entering Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon on Tuesday (2 March 2021. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

Stop spreading fake news on vaccinations: Librado-Morata C

By MAYA M. PADILLO

ouncilor Pamela Librado–Morata urged individuals to exercise proper discretion to check and double-check information they share about Covid-19 vaccination as it is among the reasons why some Dabawenyos are hesitant to get vaccinated.

The councilor has called on individuals, organizations, and agencies to exercise restraint when spreading information regarding the vaccines and check sources first.

“Unta mahunong na ang pagpakalat sa mga fake news kay samot ma-confuse ang mga tawo. Spreading correct information can save many people’s lives as well as it can lead to the

full recovery of our city and our country from this pandemic," she said.

The initial 12,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines arrived in Davao City on March 2, 2021 signaling the start of the inoculation in the city.

“Given that vaccine hesitancy and declining confidence in vaccines have been brought about by politically-motivated controversies, it is now critical to reverse this hesitancy, educate people on the available

Over 500,000 sign online petition for Bangsamoro transition extension

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t least half a million people have signed as of late Tuesday afternoon an online petition asking President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as priority bill the extension of the threeyear transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until 2025.

Launched on February 10 in the President’s hometown of Davao City, the online petition (https://barmm4all2025.com/) targets

to gather one million signatures and as of 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, 538,600 individuals supported the campaign initiated by the peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC).

Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, MPC secretary general, said it is vital for the President to certify as urgent the various bills pending before the Senate and the House of Representatives given the 27 remaining session days before the Second Regular Session of the 18th

Congress adjourns sine die on June 5.

“We are running out of time… We only have a limited window until June 4. It is crucial that the President certify as urgent the measures seeking the extension of the transition period in the BARMM so that Congress will fast-track their work on the matter,” she said in a virtual presser.

In March 2019, Duterte inaugurated the BARMM, which is governed by the interim

FOVER, P10

Covid-19 vaccines, and provide relevant materials and updates on the issue. Such is necessary for families and communities to make an informed choice on vaccination and being vaccinated,” she said.

Librado-Morata said a vaccination education must be conducted and must be managed parallel with the vaccination programs of the national government and the city government of Davao.

She said while cur-

rent studies are limited and there is still much that needs to be done, an educated public will help diminish clouded judgments that can steer people from options that can positively impact public health.

"Let us get it straight to the point. We need effective, safe, and publicly-available vaccines to put an end to this pandemic so that we may be able to recover and move forward," Librado-Morata said.

She added that while the vaccine is an integral component to ending the pandemic, there is likewise a need to strengthen the country's health care system in terms of its accessibility and affordability to every Filipino.

“It is among the basic services that should be available to all, and it is among the key to longterm recovery from this pandemic, as well as to a healthier population,” she said.

he Davao City Information Office (CIO) has re-opened the Hulagway sa Davao Photo Contest in celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw 2021 with the theme: #StayHome #SaveMoney #SaveLives.

Hulagway sa Davao is a quarterly photo and video contest organized by the City Government of Davao under the CIO aimed at promoting Davao City as a desirable place to invest, visit, and live in.

The quarterly contests were put on hold last year due to restrictions imposed against

the spread of Covid-19.

Jefry Tupas, the Chief Information Officer, said that photographs will be judged based on how they creatively incorporate the city’s call to Stay Home, Save Money, Save Lives as part of the campaign to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“Previously, photo entries were judged per category in line with Araw ng Dabaw events. This year, since Araw ng Dabaw is celebrated online, we decided to go along with its theme which is #StayHome #SaveMoney #SaveLives. Also, to

promote the city’s campaign against Covid-19.

The city government will reward photographs that display the most creative, inspiring story while staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Tupas said.

Dubbed as Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw 2021: #StayHome Photo Contest is open and free to all photographers (professionals, hobbyists, phone photographers) who are residents of Davao City.

All entries must be taken from March 1 to 26, 2021. Participants can submit at least one (1)

‘Hulagway Sa Davao’ photo contest is now open

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F’HULAGWAY, P10

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Ten-year old Ryan Pulbadora joins adult farmers in planting rice in Barangay Panikian, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental on 27 February 2021. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

PCCI backs unified travel protocols

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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has expressed support for the government’s decision to harmonize travel protocols, saying it would facilitate travel movement, the flow of goods and services, and boost local tourism.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PCCI said the latest resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) would

re-stimulate domestic tourism, which in turn would further reopen the economy and bring back jobs.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority

(PSA) show that the tourism sector accounted for an average of 7.4 percent of the Philippine economy between 2008 and 2018.

About 5.71 million Filipinos were employed in the travel and tourism industry as of 2019.

Recently, the IATF approved a resolution to have a harmonized travel protocols among local government units (LGUs), easing the requirements for local

travels, such as a negative result of screening for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), mandatory quarantine unless exhibiting symptoms upon arrival at the destination and other documents like medical certificate and travel permit.

PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said LGUs should plan how to make tourist destinations safe for travelers and their constituents by investing

ippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

Dailisan said during days off or when there are no flight schedules, the airline’s 'Allstars' (AirAsia employees) who have registered to Teleport will accommodate deliveries.

“One example is Peachy Baysa, a senior cabin crew and checker who does part time deliveries for Teleport. On top of her regular salary as cabin crew, she also gets paid for additional duties at Teleport," he

added.

Teleport, Dailisan said, has its own riders, but the AirAsia employees have the option to engage on a part time basis only.

Initially, Teleport is servicing Pasay and Parañaque branches of McDonald's.

Dailisan said AirAsia is looking forward to cater to all McDonald's branches across Southeast Asia.

A venture under AirAsia Digital, Teleport was founded in 2018 to move goods and e-commerce in Southeast Asia.

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Employees earn extra via AirAsia’s partnership with McDonald’s

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urrent and former employees of AirAsia Philippines now have the opportunity to earn extra income as the carrier's logistics arm, Teleport, inked partnership with Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines).

"We opened the opportunity to all our former and present 'Allstars'. Our goal is to provide job opportunities and additional sources of income while we are gearing towards recovery in the airline business," AirAsia Phil-

in a health care system to manage the spread of the coronavirus.

“Investing in infection control facilities, such as (the) widespread availability of disinfectants, improvement of ventilation, and re-designing of spaces to allow greater social distancing, are significant to reinvigorate the industry and it will benefit the constituents as well,” Yujuico said.

PCCI tourism committee chair Samie Lim is

also pushing for boosting public-private partnerships now that the government is reviving the tourism industry.

“If the public and private sector work as one, we can find the solution of bringing people from their homes to Covidfree bubble destinations through a secure travel system for a safe vacation. Safe travel routes will allow us to go on vacation again,” Lim added.

(PNA)

(RRP) facility, of -2.4 percent from month-ago’s -0.7 percent.

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the latest bank lending figure for universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) is the weakest in more than 14 years, or since August 2006.

Ricafort said this development is “consistent with slower business/ economic conditions, in view of the GDP (gross domestic product) con-

traction of -9.5 percent in 2020 and -8.5 percent in fourth-quarter 2020 largely brought about by the Covid-19 lockdowns/ pandemic.”

“The latest -2.4 percent contraction in bank loans data (is) also consistent with expectations/estimates of low single-digit yearon-year contraction in 1Q (first quarter) 2021 GDP (partly due to higher base/denominator a year ago, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic/ lockdowns),” he said.

Covid-19 vax rollout seen to boost bank lending

he rollout of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine program is expected to increase chances of further reopening the domestic economy and support bank lending amidst its continued slowdown as of last January due to the pandemic.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday showed a deeper yearon-year contraction in bank lending, excluding those placed by banks in the central bank’s overnight reverse repurchase

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ECONOMY

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DTI continues KMME mentorship program for MSMEs in rural areas

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas through its mentorship program, the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME).

Following a ceremonial signing Monday, the DTI mentorship program will also be rolled out in its Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) project, which aims to boost agro-enterprise development in the country.

The RAPID-KMME program is a 12-module mentorship program that aims to provide a comprehensive framework in promoting rural enterprises and value chain development.

Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) - Go Negosyo senior adviser for MSMEs Merly Cruz said the pilot batch of the program has 42 mentees in seven regions.

The PCE-Go Negosyo is DTI’s partner for the KMME program.

Cruz added that the pilot batch of mentees is from Eastern Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga , and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Each region has six mentees – three MSMEs and three farmer cooperatives – in four industry clusters: cof-

fee, cacao, coconut, and processed fruits and nuts.

She said with the current situation amid the pandemic, the mentorship program would be done online.

Project director Edwin Banquerigo said the RAPID Growth project targets to increase the income of 78,000 households by 60 percent, and double the income of more than 1,000 MSMEs in the four industry clusters in seven regions.

The project also aims to generate 31,000 more jobs and 155,000 indirect jobs in rural areas.

Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency has various programs that would complement the RAPID-KMME program in terms of financing and providing linkages to the market.

“It’s important that with this partnership, together with the other partnerships of RAPID, we are able to inject serious training, mentoring, improvements in the business plans, and at the end of the day increase income for both MSMEs and farmers and generate more employment for the country,” he said. (PNA)

Globe eyes spending ‘record’ P70 billion capex for 2021

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lobe Telecom on Wednesday said it plans to spend a "record" P70 billion for capital expenditures this year.

The spending will support its "aggressive" cell site builds, upgrade of all its sites to 4G/LTE, the "fiberization" of homes nationwide, as well as the roll out of 5G technology, the Ayala-led telco said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

"The record-breaking capital expenditure supports Globe’s continuous modernization of its

network to make 5G as well as fiber technology available to customers in more areas in the country," Globe said.

Globe said it signed a term loan facility with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co for P10 billion, which would be used to finance capital expenditures.

Globe said it spent P60.3 billion in capex last year.

The country's telcos have been ramping up tower builds and network expansions to improve services nationwide.

Department of Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez says the agency has various programs that would complement the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth-Kapatid Mentor ME (RAP-

ID-KMME) program in terms of financing and providing linkages to the market. Edge Davao

65% of PH employers to provide Covid-19 vax for workers: survey

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joint survey of Willis Towers Watsons and the Philippine Management Association of the Philippines found that more than half of the surveyed employers in the country will be providing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines for their workers.

Of the 250 human resources practitioners that participated in the survey, 65 percent said they have arranged, or are in the process of arranging the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines on behalf of their employees.

Of the organizations that have not yet arranged an immunization program for their employees, 58 percent said they are considering buying Covid-19 vaccines while 42 percent said

that they have no plans to buy the vaccine for their own workers.

Willis Towers Watson Philippines health and benefits leader Susan La Chica said employers have an important role in helping protect their employees and manage the spread of Covid-19.

“By providing timely communication, benefits and access, employers can assist employees in getting vaccinated,” La Chica said.

About 60 percent of those organizations that indicated to buy vaccines for their employees said they also intend to purchase vaccines for their workers’ dependents.

Over half of them said they would include spouses as well as parents, and children of single employees that

should be residing with their workers.

More than 40 percent said they also consider purchasing vaccines for the parents of married employees, siblings of single employees, and anyone residing within the household of their employees.

Majority or 68 percent of the employers said they will provide the vaccines for their employees for free.

About 11 percent said they cannot pay the full cost of the vaccine but they would subsidize the cost, while 7 percent said the firm’s financial support will be limited to a segment of their employees’ population.

On the other hand, 71 percent of the surveyed organizations said even if they are willing to pur-

chase the vaccine for employees’ dependents on behalf of their workers, companies will pass on the full cost to employees for their dependents’ vaccine.

Meanwhile, 37 percent of firms said they will hire a third-party other than their health maintenance organization (HMO) to administer the vaccination program, 29 percent have not yet planned about the vaccine administration, 19 percent will be working with their HMO, and 15 percent said the inoculation will be done in their onsite clinic providers.

“Pandemic fatigue is real and we all feel it.

Now, more than ever, companies need to focus on the health and wellbeing of their employees,” La Chica added. (PNA)

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On the arrival of Sinovac vaccines in Davao City which signifies that the city government of Davao and the Chinese government are one not only in the fight against Covid-19 but also in the efforts to recover the city’s economy:

The current 600,000 are donation.

Maybe there’ll be more donation. The Philippines is also buying from China.”

Chinese Consul General Li Lin

EDITORIAL

Premature euphoria?

Mass vaccination against the Coronavirus Disease 2019, Covid 19 for short, is finally underway in the Philippines with the arrival during the weekend of the first shipment of Sinovac vaccines donated by China. No.less than President Rodrigo Duterte led the turnover rites at the airport. Davao City’s part of the donation is now also in town.

Medical experts say that once 70 percent of the country’s population of 110 million people are inoculated, herd immunity will be achieved. When this happens, a series of positive events will ensue.

The authorities will remove restrictive protocols on health and travel, followed by easing on trade and commerce, movement of people and goods. With the rebound of the economy, the country will be on the road to general recovery, enabling the country to slowly pay its huge loans incurred during the

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

health crisis.

But the picture is not that all rosy. The mass vaccination to begin with is faced with formidable challenges. One of them is people’s low acceptance of the vaccine, as indicated by opinion surveys published by credible research groups.

Then there is the possibility of delays and foulups in the arrival of vaccines due to logistical issues. Foulups are happening even in wealthy countries with all the money they can buy their preferred vaccines.

Let’s cross our fingers and pray that everything will be smooth-sailing in our leaders’ desire to defeat the virus for our country to go back to normal.

Nothing is wrong with being optimistic. Filipinos have proven time and again that with a positive outlook, we have overcome difficult situations in the past.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout

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

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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VANTAGE POINTS

LIFESTYLE

WATSONS AND SM CARES PARTNER FOR TRASH TO CASH RECYCLING MARKET HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE SILENT HOLOCAUST

Some years back, the Philippines was listed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) WATSONS, in partnership as one of the 13 low-income food-deficit countries in their Asia with SM Cares, will give (“those thataccess do nottohave enough customers exclufooddiscounts to feed their populations sive in exchange and for the most part lack the for their empty packaging offinancial resources to pay for health and beauty productsimports”). through SM’s Trash to Cash The other twelve countries recycling market thispopulated Friday -- most of them thickly and Saturday at SM City -- were Bangladesh, Bhutan, CamDavao. bodia, China, India, Indonesia, Watsons customers can Nepal, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, enjoy a 10-percent discount Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. many developing counfor a“In minimum single-receipt tries, rapid population growth purchase worth P500 at Watmakesorita difficult for discount agricultural sons, 20-percent production to keep pace with the for a minimum single-receipt rising demand for food,” wrote purchase worth P300 of NatuDon Hinrichsen in a report pubrals by Watsons and Nutrabliss lished by “Population Reports.” products.

Terms andcountries conditionsal“Most developing apply. ready are cultivating virtually their allCustomers arable landmay andbring are bringing empty plastic packaging of cultimore marginal land under health vation.”and beauty products at Jacquesdrop-off Diouf, areas at the time designated during when he was director-general the “Trash to the Cash” schedule of FAO, echoed same from concern. on March 5 andthe 6, 2021, “Population growth continues 10AM to 2PM. Participating SMto outstrip availability in many malls arefood SM Aura Premier, SM countries,” he pointed out during City Bacolod, SM City Bacoor, the 1996 World Food Summit in SM City Cebu, SM City Davao, Rome.

SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City Naga, SM City North EDSA, and SM Southmall.

“Watsons is committed to creating a healthy planet through our pledge to advocate recycle + reuse initiatives and clean beauty product ranges. We are grateful to partner with SM Cares in providing opportunity for our customers to participate in the Trash to Cash program.

Together, we can create a beautiful,The and sustainable portrayal offuture “comfort for everyone” Viki Encar-sex women” as said willingly-paid nacion, Director of workersCustomer is a misleading attempt Watsons to rewritePhilippines. history and silence the victims of sexual slavery health during Watsons is the flagship World War II. and beauty arm of international A recent uproarGroup, began after retailer A.S. Watson the paper of Harvard School and will be celebratingLaw its 180th professor J Mark Ramseyer anniversary this year, with titled “Contracting for sex in the Pacific the message of “180 years of

War” was published online in the International Review of Law and Economics which described Korean comfort women as “prostitutes” who had willingly entered into indenture contracts with entrepreneurs to work at war-front “brothels” Southeast Asia.

WITH theinmishmash that was notedthethat the 2020,The we paper all deserve arrival Japanese Army created standards of a better and more exciting for licensing so-called comfort year.

This February 26, The stations for “healthy prostitutes” Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is around Asia during World War II inviting you to be captivated as a way of preventing the spread by the perfect match: milk and of venereal disease. matcha.

Ramseyer argued that the Ensnarestructure your tasteofbuds economic the conwith Matchathat Green tractstheir indicated sexTea work was voluntarily chosen, which Latte and Matcha Green Tea in effect rationalized Ice Blended - the twoprostitution perfect based on of economic factors as offsprings matcha and milk. the women were able to negotiTheir classic blends, like the ate and command wages Matcha Green Teahigh Latte is for their sexual labors.

This alarms experts so much that the concept of food security came into existence. FAO defines it as a “state of affairs where all people at all times have access to safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.”

People are said to experience lack food security when “either they cannot grow enough food themselves, or they cannot afford to purchase enough in the domestic marketplace.” As a result, “they suffer from micronutrient and protein energy deficiencies in their diets.”

More often than not, population is being left out in discussion whether in climate change, disaster management, and issues and concerns. To think of, it’s the people -- the inhabitants of this planet -- who are directly affected by all these.

“Logically, population growth must stop at some point, or the earth would become overcrowded and its resources eventually would be depleted,” deplores Hinrichsen, who has authored some books on the relationship between population and environlove for our people, customers, ment. community and the planet”.

If things do not change now, In line with this, the group has the continuous growth of populaalso launched the “Sustainable tion will definitely place unprece-

dented stress on the world’s natural resources. “We are living as if we have an extra planet at our disposal,” deplores Jim Leape, director-general of World Wildlife Fund International. “We are using 50% more resources than the Earth can sustainably produce and unless we change course, that number will grow fast: by 2030 even two planets will not be enough.”

In time, the term “carrying capacity” was born. It refers to the number of people that this planet can support on a sustained basis -- that is, “support indefinitely at a constant standard of living without destroying the natural resource base.”

“There is now way to predict how large the population could become, however, before it overwhelmed the planet,” wrote Hinrichsen. “Nor is there any way to predict the quality of life in the future under the almost infinite variety of scenarios for population growth, consumption patterns, food production, technological change, natural resource use, air and for water landindegracare thepollution, environment a dation, and many other factors.” fun way!” said Engr. Liza B. SileEach year, 50 million new rio, Vice President for Corporate people are added to Asia. “Never Compliance and SM Cares before has agriculture facedProsuch

Choices” campaign with the gram Director for Environment aim of promoting sustainable and Sustainability. business practices through the The Trash to Cash recycling brands being sold in all of its market supports the United stores, in turn, ensuring that the Nations Sustainability Developplanet will “Look Good and Feel ment Goals, 11: “Sustainable Great for future generations.”

Cities and Communities,” 12: A highlight of the campaign “Responsible KUWENTONG KULEConsumption and is providing customers with a Production,” and 14: “Life Below wide selection of Clean Beauty Water.” products, better ingredients, and SM Cares is the Corporate better packaging. In addition, Social Responsibility arm of SM the campaign will also encourSupermalls, with programs to age refills and recycling of prodcommunities Ramseyer asserts that the support It makes not evenand the proslightucts in an eco-friendly way. mote social inclusion and care of comfort women “chose prostitu- est pretense of being a work “We are alternative delighted toopportunipartner for the environment.

Its CSR tion over scientific value, peppered as it is with Watsons,they as they celebrate includeown Programs for ties because believed pros- advocacies with the author’s highly subtitution them better the jective interpretation of events.

180 yearsoffered of service to thea pubEnvironment, Persons with outcome.”

The Japanese lic, made more special through Disabilities, Women government & BreastHe wrote thatrecycling “prostitutes” feeding has long been engaged our Trash to Cash Mothers, Childrenin& hiswho worked in be thea good brothels Youth, torical Senior denialCitizens, and revisionism, program.

This will and the signed contracts that were simiusing as one of its methods opportunity for our community, creation of bike-friendly SM the lar to those used in Tokyo broth- so-called “historical research” especially Watsons shoppers, to Malls across the country.

DENNIS R. GORECHO

a stern challenge,” said Dr. RoTo help bring food security to land P. Cantrell when he was still the growing population around the director-general of the Lagu- the world, experts suggest that na-based International Rice Re- another Green Revolution is search Institute (IRRI). “Feeding needed. The Green Revolution Asia and providing opportunities that started in the 1960s has for people to free themselves helped keep food supply ahead from the shackled of poverty of rising demand over the past 30 are not impossible. This task re- years. By doubling and tripling quires political will, commitment, yields, it brought time for develand sheer determination among oping countries to start dealing many diverse partners. Agricul- with rapid population growth. ture -- rice -- must be the cornerHowever, Green Revolution stone of dealing with the insep- was only a “temporary success,” JEEPNEY TV begins airinghunger, the showbiz-oriented talk show “Kumu arable issues of poverty, to quote the words of Dr. Norman Star Ka” withgrowth, Ahwel Paz an informative program for entrepreneurs population andand environBorlaug, the Norwegian-Amerimental degradation.”

“Magandang Kabuhayan” with tax whiz Mon Abrea this March. can plant geneticist who was one Hunger be entertainment stopped Ahwel leads must the newest of its architects. Upon receiving now!

“Inon the century, some talk show airlast in “Kumu Star Ka” the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for his highly motivated people, driven where he gets up close and percontribution, he pointed out that by moral outrage, decided sonal with the hottest celebri- that it is not enough to boost yields on slavery was monstrous, unconties, music artists, and rising scionable, and must be abolished. existing cropland; slowing popupersonalities at lation growth is also crucial.

They were every calledSunday abolitionists,” 3:30 pm starting March 7.

As early as 1995, envisaid Ismail Serageldin, former Also making its debut on ronmental guru Lester Brown chairman of the Consultative Jeepneyon TVInternational is “MagandangAgricul- warned: “Humanity’s greatest Group Kabuhayan,” a talk show tural Research.

“Today, wide- challenge may soon be just makspread hunger in adiscusses world of plen- ing it to the next harvest.” But hosted by Mon that ty calls equally for moral best business practices to outrage. even if the world can produce The silent holocaust that causes enough, getting food to those who empower Filipino entrepreneurs need it is a huge challenge as well. some 40,000 hunger-related every Sunday 4 pm beginning deaths every day is unconscionaAs Nobel laureate Amartya Sen March 13. ble and must be abolished. We puts it: “An efficient food distriBoth “Kumu Star Ka” and “Magandang Kabumust become the new abolition- bution system is as important as hayan” or FYE channel on ists.” are also streamed on For Your Entertainment food self-sufficiency.” the popular Pinoy community app kumu, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store and Apple App Store to mobile phones.

Meanwhile, viewers can also watch returning Kapamilya series this month such as “Nathaniel” starring Gerald Anderson, Marco Masa, and Coney Reyes weekdays at 9:30 am. The Anne Curtis-starrer “Dyosa” also makes a splashing comeback on March 8 (Monday) at 8 am.

Trending tandem JoshLia’s 2018 drama series “Ngayon at Kailanman” also premieres on Jeepney TV on March for the retraction of the paper and political officials, as well28as (Sunday) at 9:30 am.

“All Of since it is a work that distorts the Japanese state’s responsibilby JM De Guzman and history and insults the victims of ityMe” for led military rape and sexual Yen Santos airs starting March sexual violence without a shred slavery. of academic evidence.

As the tribunal greatlybyad29 (Monday) at 1:30 pm, followed the compilation and Ramseyer’s paper is aKathNiel’s nar- vanced first primetime series “Princess rative with accounts from record of historical data and and I” at at odds 5:45 pm. survivors being forcedthisinto Watch allofthese and more Marchevidence on JeepneytoTV,support available accounts on SKYon human rights abuses, it also sexual slavery, peppered with cable channel 9, GSAT channel 55, Cignal channel 44, and on other major insensitivity and disregard of the pushed back against the assumpprovincial cable systems nationwide. tion that sexual violence is an inpainful memory of the victims.

The military sexual slavery evitable product of war.

The commission or avoidenforced by Japan is a war crime ance of sexual violence, the tribuand atrocious human rights violation, as confirmed by major nal concluded, is dependent on international and domestic insti- whether the armed organization choose to authorize its systemtutions.

Historians have determined atic commission in pursuit of that there was a range of force military objectives, or effectively or coercion used against comfort prohibit it.

As a result of the actions of women wherein the violence their Japanese tormentors, the and threats were endemic. victims have spent their lives in About 200,000 women from misery, having endured physical Korea, China, Burma, New Guin- injuries, pain and disability, and ea, and the Philippines were held mental and emotional suffering. in captivity and many thousands Kule is the monicker of Philmore were raped as part of one ippine Collegian, the official stuof the largest operations of sexu- dent publication of UP Diliman. al violence in modern history.

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the The Women’s Tribunal that seafarers’ division of the Sapalo sat in Tokyo, Japan from De- Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. cember 8 to 12, 2000 deliber- For comments, email info@sapaated on the criminal liability of lovelez.com, or call 09175025808 high-ranking Japanese military or 09088665786

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els, but with shorter terms and higher pay to reflect the danger of working in war zones, some with large advances.

Though largely referring to South Korean victims, Lila Filipina lamented that it is an affront as wellP170/regular, to the victims P185/ of Japanese small, war crimes the Philippines large) and theinMatcha Green whoIce suffered the most horrible Tea Blended (P175/regular, forms of military violence P195/large) will truly bringin the course of the brief but brutal Japdelight to your senses. Also, a anese occupation. quickLila tip, Filipina if you askpointed their barisout tas, they’ve got secret that Ramseyer’s papermatcha is nothdrinks can discover! ing but you a thinly-veiled attempt to The Coffee Bean &narrative Tea Leafof discredit the whole has also indulged themselves Japanese wartime military sexual slavery. and has joined the Tiktok It sanitizes theASMR horrors of community!

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which serve to obfuscate the issues related to Japanese military expansionism and abuses.

Ramseyer’s paper is not a standalone incident, but rather one that fits into continuing, large-scale efforts of the Japanese political far right to rewrite quenching Matcha Green Tea history and silence the victims of Ice Blended?

Go ahead and folsexual slavery low them @thecoffeebeanph.

The surprises paper is an More areattempt also to whitewash history as it overcoming soon with exclusive looked extensive evidence that promos, contentwomen” and evensystem the “comfort Instagram Story stickers to amounted to government-sponbring that matcha flair to ayour sored sexual slavery, not constories! tract between consenting parties.

Now’s thecriticized perfect time Groups his to work sayinginthat his arguments are revel the milky goodness of factually misThe Coffeeinaccurate Bean & Teaand Leaf®’s leading drinks! as part Go of the attempts matcha ahead and to justify atrocious human order your own delightfulrights violations. drink by visiting their stores or Lila Filipina echoed the call

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

COMPETITIVE EDGE

The Asian Banker Names Security Bank as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines in 2020

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anking 1st in the Philippines and among the strongest in the Asia Pacific region, premier financial magazine The Asian Banker recently awarded Security Bank in a virtual ceremony last February 25 as the Philippines’ Strongest Bank in 2020 in its recently published Top 500 Strongest Banks Rankings.

Security Bank landed the number one spot after passing The Asian Banker’s rigorous assessment which used a detailed and transparent scorecard that covers six areas of balance sheet performance: the ability to scale, balance sheet growth, risk profile, profitability, asset quality and liquidity.

The financial magazine’s assessment included banks and financial holding companies that are active in commercial and transaction banking.

The results incorporated the latest 2020 financial information during the course of the pandemic.

As such, the 2020 ranking reflects the impact of the pandemic on the performance of banks as

it unfolded through the year.

“2020 was one of the toughest years for multiple sectors globally, most especially the banking industry. We take this recognition as an endorsement of Security Bank’s strength to deliver on its BetterBanking promise. As we do our part in cushioning the pandemic’s impact towards the economy, we will continue to fulfill our commitment to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities through financial excellence,” says Sanjiv Vohra, President and CEO of Security Bank.

According to The Asian Banker, Security Bank "outperformed its peers in the Philippines

in profitability with the strongest profit growth, the lowest cost to income ratio and the best non-interest income to total operating income ratio.

Its liquidity position was also strengthened. Meanwhile, its asset quality remained relatively sound.”

The Asian Banker’s strongest banks ranking is widely followed by investors, analysts and the media as the leading source to assess the financial strength of commercial banks in the region. It gives a bird’s eye view of the institutions’ balance sheet growth and profitability amidst unforeseen economic conditions. The strength rankings are also used for augmenting assessment criteria for counterparty and balance sheet risks.

The Asian Banker is the leading provider of strategic intelligence and builder of platforms in the financial services industry. It has been publishing the annual ranking based on balance sheet strength since 2007.

ernment to stop the spread of the COVID-19.

“For the past years, we have been gradually shifting our stakeholders’ way of transacting with us from face-to-face to online. The pandemic motivated us further to fast track our digital transformation initiatives, not only to provide our stakeholders with faster, more convenient, and more efficient means of transacting with us but also to ensure their safety,” Ignacio said.

More online services Services in the My.SSS Portal now includes online applications for Calamity Loan, Pension Loan, Retirement Benefit (subject to qualifying conditions for online filing), Unemployment Benefit, and Funeral Claim; submission of Requests for Member Data Change for simple corrections for members; and submission of Sickness Benefit Reimbursement Application for employers.

The SSS has also intro-

Security Bank President and CEO Sanjiv Vohra receives the 2020 Strongest Bank award from The Asian Banker.

SSS steps up digitalization drive, expands online services

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he Social Security System (SSS) adds more services to its online services portfolio as it steps up efforts to digitalize member and employer transactions.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said the initiative aims to address the need to bring SSS services within reach of its members, pensioners, covered employers, and the public in view of social distancing and health requirements imposed by the gov-

duced both members and employers to the Real-Time Processing of Loans Payment Reference Number (RTPL-PRN) facility, Benefit Re-disbursement Module, and improved Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) with uploading of proof of account, previously known as the Bank Enrollment Module.

Moreover, the SSS enhanced the online SS Number Application facility and has provided members with

FSSS, P10

Low water pressure to no water in some areas served by Toril WSS March 6, 2021

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avao City Water District advises of low water pressure to no water on March 6, 2021 from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM affecting some areas served by Toril Water Supply System (WSS).

Specific affected areas are Purok Pagkaka-isa, Concordo Compound, Toril Executive Village, Manggahan, Crossing Bayabas, Paradise Village, Ilocano Village, Davao Housing Subd., B.B. Homes Subd., New Daliaon, Toril Public Market, St. Jude, Santa Clara Village, Prudential Village, San Jose, St. Michael Village, San Roque Village, Duha

Village, San Vicente Village, San Nicolas Village, Teacher’s Village, Rovical Village, Nakada Village, Doña Manuela Subd., Tukbisa Village, Sitio Kanipaan, and Toril Proper.

DCWD needs to temporarily shut off the water supply in the affected areas to give way to the integration of the newly installed Programmable Logic Control to the existing soft starter motor control panel of Toril Production Well Nos. 1 and 2, as part of the general improvement project in Toril WSS. On behalf of the DCWD management,

General Manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of wouldbe affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the schedule.

Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

DCWD conducts flushing after service works are completed.

However, once water is restored, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes. Do not drink tap water immediately but if needed, boil wa-

ter beforehand as safety precaution.

For more details on this water service interruption and other concerns pertaining to DCWD’s services and operation, the general public may visit DCWD’s website (www. d ava o - wa te r. g ov. p h ) or contact its 24/7 call center through the 24-hour hotlines 235DCWD (3293), 2446767, 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, or 0908-4410653. As of this writing, DCWD’s Facebook Page and 24/7 chat support are temporarily down due to technical problems. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

LANDBANK student loan covers gadget purchase for distance learning

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tate-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has expanded the coverage of its direct loan program for students to cover the purchase of electronic gadgets needed for online learning.

Under the enhanced I-STUDY (Interim Students’ Loan for Tuitions towards Upliftment of Education for the Development of the Youth) Lending Program, LANDBANK is now offering a loan of up to P50,000 per student to finance the purchase of learning gadgets such as laptop, desktop or tablet, that can be included in the maximum loanable amount of P150,000 per student or P300,000 per parent-borrower to cover payment for tuition or enrolment-related fees.

Furthermore, students of legal age are now eligible to apply for the LANDBANK I-STUDY Program if they meet eligibility requirements. When the loan program was initially launched last year, only parents and guardians or benefactors of students could apply for the financial assistance.

“LANDBANK recognizes the need to support students in adapting to distance learning modalities. While we await the resumption of in-person classes, we hope that the I-STUDY Program can help students cover the financial requirements to purchase needed learning equipment and participate in online classes,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

The LANDBANK move to expand the I-STUDY credit facility comes at the heels of recent government pronouncements for the continued implementation of distance learning as a measure against the spread of COVID-19.

The enhancement of the I-STUDY Program also includes the increase in maximum age eligibility of students from 30 years old to 50 years old; inclusion of scholar students whose scholarships do not fully cover their tuition fees; and the coverage of non-scholar students from private pre-school, primary and secondary schools.

Meanwhile, LANDBANK has approved as of February 16, 2021 loans amounting to P531.5 million to 16 educational institutions through the ACADEME (ACcess to Academic Development to Empower the Masses towards Endless Opportunities) Lending Program. The Program aims to boost the capacity of private academic institutions to implement a ‘study now, pay later’ scheme for its students.

The ACADEME Lending Program forms part of the Bank’s support to the education sector which offers credit to private and non-DepEd high schools, private Technical-Vocational and Education Training (TVET) institutions, and private Higher Education Institutions (HEls) such as colleges and universities to provide continuing education to their students.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO Additional photo by DENR group of fisherfolk based in barangay Adecor in Kaputian District of Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) are trying to save some of the country’s remaining endangered species of giant clams, locally known as taklobo.

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The Adecor United Fisherfolk Organization, with more than a dozen members, are the caretakers of the giant clams that was transplanted by the Giant Clam Stock Enhancement Program of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI).

The Marine Reserve Park and Multipurpose Hatchery, as it is called, is under the supervision of the local government unit of IGACOS and is a project of the Davao del Norte State College.

Aside from preventing the disappearance of giant clams in the country’s waters, the organization also helps in raising awareness of the importance of giant clams and providing livelihood to members.

They do this through the Taklobo Tours which includes an hour of snorkeling. Visitors are brought by means of a motorized banca from the seashore to the floating cottage, where they are educated about the giant clams.

After giving some instructions, the visitors are told to wear

AVERTING THE EXTINCTION OF GIANT CLAMS

a life jacket and given a snorkel and a mask. Then, they swim to the area where the giant clams are being raised.

As the water is clear, they can see the endangered species up close.

Taklobo Tours started in 2013 and today is one of Samal’s tourist activities.

“Awesome and inspiring marine sanctuary that protects several species of giant clams,” one tourist commented. “With our snorkel masks on, we were led underwater by a certified guide to witness firsthand these amazing sea creatures. We also learned about their habitat, life cycle and feeding. A definite must-see.”

Actually, the 14-hectare giant clam sanctuary is a community-based Ecotourism Project whose aim is to promote biodiversity preservation, education, tourism, and livelihood.

“We raise awareness by informing the people who come how endangered these giant clams are and that there are now laws regarding its preservation,” said Joel Gonzaga, one of the members of the organization. “It is now

prohibited to harvest them and there are some consequences if they do so - with fines up to three million.”

According to Gonzaga, there are four species of giant clams introduced in Samal waters; these are Tridacna gigas (true giant clam), T. deresa (smooth giant clam), T. squamosa (fluted giant clam), and T. hippopus (strawberry clam or bear claw clam).

All in all, about 3,500 giant clams were brought by the UP-MSI for possible stock enhancement in the area.

Marine scientists have considered farming giant clams as a means of promoting biological sustainability and maintaining biodiversity of the species.

Unfortunately, only 2,196 remain of the original numbers of giant clams brought into Samal in 2001. But the good news is that the group was able to raise 800 juveniles thriving in the clean waters.

The giant clams are raised along with the coral reefs. In fact, they are key to the country’s endangered coral reefs, according to Dr. Cecilia Conaco, of the Marine

Science Institute (MSI) of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Dr. Conaco, who is MSI’s deputy director of the Bolinao Marine Laboratory, said giant clams build and shape reefs aside from filtering water and recycling nutrients.

They also serve as food factories.

More importantly, they provide shelter for different organisms. Serving as substrates of corals and sponges, marine biologists say giant clams – which can live in the wild reportedly up to over 100 years – help increase the residence of fishes and act as hiding places for other marine organisms.

“Like most corals, some anemones, and other reef organisms, giant clams utilize a combination of methods to obtain food,” explains Oceana, an international organization focused solely on protecting the world’s oceans.

“The majority of their energy is derived from symbiotic algae living within their cells, providing the clams with excess energy that they make via photosynthesis.”

In return, “the algae have

a safe to live and receive the nutrients necessary to photosynthesize. The giant clams provide those nutrients by filtering feeding small prey from the water above the reef surface, which it siphons through its body. The beautiful, bright colors characteristic of individual giant clams are actually a result of the symbiotic algae.”

As giant clams cannot literally move due to their heavy weight (as much as 250 kilograms), they reproduce via external fertilization, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column at the same time. Although they are hermaphrodites, they cannot self-fertilize. “They are able to reproduce with other individuals that are close by,” Oceana explains.

Most Filipinos don’t know this and in fact, they have no idea about the real status of giant clams thriving in the country’s waters. Recently, these marine creatures made headlines when Chinese fishermen were caught poaching giant clams from the West Philippine Sea.

“(The extraction of giant clams) is an affront to our territory and our sovereignty,” then Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo was quoted as saying by Manila-based reporters. “As far as we are concerned, that is our so we will be objecting to those intrusions.”

Giant claims may not be endemic to the country, but the Philippines is one of the few countries where they can be found. These bivalve mollusks reportedly live in the shallow coral reefs of the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Red Sea, but mainly in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans.

If the Philippines doesn’t watch out, giant clams may soon disappear from its waters. Dr. Conaco said the challenges to giant clam conservation in the country are overharvesting, habitat degradation, inefficient enforcement of national regulations, and unsustained support for conservation programs.

“We need to do something now before giant clams become extinct,” urges Dr.

Rafael D. Guerrero III, former executive director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development and now an academician with the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Giant clams may have existed even during the time when dinosaurs roamed around this planet. “They have been around for over 38 million years,” wrote Vicky Viray-Mendoza, the executive editor of Maritime Review Magazine. “Antonio Pigafetta, the Italian navigator who joined Ferdinand Magellan in his sea travels around the world, documented these giant clam species as early as 1521 in his journal.”

Of the 12 species of giant clams known to man, eight of them can be found in the coral reefs of the Philippines. Aside from the four species mentioned above, the other species were Tridacna crocea (boring clam), T. maxima (elongated giant clam), T. hippopus porcellanus (China clam), and T. noae ningaloo

FAVERTING, P10

10 OVER... FROM3

EDGEDAVAO

Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) whose mandate will end on June 30, 2022, when the new set of elected officials shall have taken their oath.

The Bangsamoro government, seated in Cotabato City, was established two years ago following the plebiscites that ratified Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, more popularly called the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The BOL was anchored on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace deal signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014 after 17 years of peace negotiations.

Arnado said that various groups in Mindanao have been pushing for the extension of the transition period in the BARMM “because three years are not enough for the BTA to enact priority legislations as well as the proper implementation by the BARMM and national governments of the normalization track of the CAB,” partly due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pan-

demic since a year ago.

So far, the BTA had enacted two out of the seven legislative priority measures mandated by the BOL during the transition period, which are the administrative and civil service codes, she said.

As for the normalization phase, it entails the decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons, and providing socio-economic package to transform the members as productive members of mainstream society and their communities into peaceful economic zones. At least 12,000 MILF members, or almost a third of the 40,000-strong armed Moro group, have been decommissioned last year for the second phase of the normalization process.

The online signature campaign, which is steadily gaining support with organizers expecting to achieve the one million target on or before March 10, sought the President’s urgent certification for Senate Bills 2019 and 2025, and House Bills 8116, 8117, 8161 and 8277.

These measures seek to amend the BOL’s Sec-

tion 13 Article XVI, for the extension of the transition period for three years and setting the first regular election of the Bangsamoro government to May 2025.”

The online signature campaign stated: “We believe that the BTA and national government will be able to accomplish more and uplift the quality of life of the people on a massive scale if they will be given additional time to implement the remaining tasks especially on the much needed institutional reforms and the normalization process for the thousands of MILF combatants who seek to return to peaceful and progressive civilian lives.”

“We appeal to you, Mr. President, to certify the extension bill as urgent and allow the transition period to succeed in the larger context of the peace process,” it added.

According to Arnado, Duterte made known last October that he was in favor of the extension of the transition period in the BARMM, and that the peace movement in Mindanao believes that his stance remains to date.

With this signature campaign, peace loving

(Noah’s giant clam or teardrop clam).

The Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed all eight giant clams as endangered species. In its IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, two species – T. gigas and T. deresa – as “vulnerable.” Considered rare to find is T. hippopus porcellanus.

The rest are just as endangered but are misclassified as “lower risk/conservation dependent.”

According to Viray-Mendoza, who retired as World Bank group operations analyst and has special interest in marine environment, these various species of giant clams live in Palawan, Eastern Samar, Maricaban Island, Silaqui Island (in Bolinao, Pangasinan), Batangas (particularly Anilao), Samal Island (in Davao), Negros, and Tawi-Tawi.

With the help of some non-government organizations, giant clams have been restocked at the following sites: Anda, Pangasinan; Masinloc, Zambales; Calape, Bohol; Camotes Island, Cebu; Ilocos Norte; and Hundred Islands National Park.

Giant clams are described as “solar marine species,” which means they need the sun to grow, survive and thrive. According to Viray-Mendoza, giant clams live in flat coral sand or broken corals, and can be found in shallow warm waters and depths up to 20 meters.

“The giant clam gets only one chance to find a nice home,” according to a report released by the National Geographic. “Once it fastens it-

self to a spot on a reef, there it sits for the rest of its life.”

In her in-depth report, Viray-Mendoza noticed that most of the giant clams that used to be abundant in the Philippine waters have dwindled. “Its populations are diminishing quickly, and the giant clams have become extinct in areas where they were once abundant,” she deplored.

Giant clams are also listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), an international agreement between governments whose aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Giant clams are harvested for food. “Though the soft body parts account for about 10% of the body weight, it is nearly pure, healthy protein,” Oceana says.

The meat of giant clams reportedly fetches P6,000 to P8,000 ($120 to $160) per kilogram. In Japan, where it is known as “himejako,” the meat is considered a delicacy. Some Asian foods include the meat from the muscles of clams. In China, large amounts of money are offered for the adductor muscle, which the Chinese think to be an aphrodisiac.

There’s some truth to the claim of being an aphrodisiac. “American and Italian researchers teamed up to analyze the bivalves, and found that clams rich in amino acids that trigger an increase in sex hormone levels,” Viray-Mendoza wrote. “Also, the giant clam’s high zinc content can

aid in the production of testosterone.”

These days, giant clams are valued for their shells.

Touted as “jade of the sea,” the shells are seen as an alternative to ivory from elephant tusks. A Science feature reported these shells are sold from P150,000 ($3,000) to P600,000 ($12,000). In China, where it is a hit, they are made into carvings, jewelry and other ornaments – “as status symbols for the wealthy and as protective charms in Chinese Buddhism.”

To save the giant clams, the government included the species in the Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550). The Code prohibits the act of collecting, selling and exporting giant clams.

Should anyone caught violating the law, the person will be fined administratively, “three times the value of the species, or P300,000 to P3 million.”

In addition, the person committing the unlawful act will be imprisoned from five to eight years and a fine equivalent to twice the administrative fine, and forfeiture of species.

“Giant clams are being protected through the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs),” said Dr. Guerrero. MPAs restrict human activity for a conservation purpose, typically to protect natural resources.

Dr. Guerrero believes there’s still hope for giant clams. “To save our giant clams, we should protect them in the wild from poachers (particularly foreigners) and promote their sea farming,” he suggested.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

HULAGWAY... FROM3

Mindanawons are hoping to get the listening ears of the country’s first and only President from Mindanao to urgently certify as among his top legislative priorities the measures seeking the extension of the transition period in the BARMM, Arnado said.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has opposed the extension of the transition period in the BARMM, while Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, former governor of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has asked for a review of the accomplishments of the BARMM government.

Ustadz Juhan Alihuddin, a Tausug representing the Save Sulu Movement, belied the claims of Tan that “the people in Sulu” do not want the transition period to be extended.

“In the past three weeks, we have gathered 20,000 signatures in Sulu for our online campaign for the extension of the transition period in the BARMM,” he said in the virtual presser.

Arnado said they have forged partnerships with the academe in Mindanao, including the state-owned Mindanao State University and the Jesuit-run Ateneo schools, among others, to mobilize support for the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro region. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

photo entry to qualify. A maximum of four (4) entries per participant will be allowed.

To join, participants must post clear photograph/s to the Post Section (Community Tab) of Hulagway sa Davao official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hulagwaysadavao). Photo caption should include (Sentence case): · Title of the Photo · Description in 1-2 sentences only · Date taken · Participant’s full name · The hashtag: #HulagwaysaArawngDabaw #StayHome #SaveMoney #SaveLives Participants may begin posting their entries on March 1 until 5:00 p.m. on March 26, 2021.

“A shortlist of up to seventy entries will be pre-selected by the panel of judges prior to the final judging. The list of

the qualified photos and participants will be posted on the Hulagway sa Davao Facebook page,” Tupas said.

Qualified participants for final judging will then be required to submit a printed copy of their qualified entry/ entries in 8 inches by 12 inches size, soft copies of their qualified entry/ entries, and proof of residency in Davao City such as company ID, school ID, government-issued ID, barangay certification, proof of billing or any similar document reflecting a Davao City address.

Prizes at stake are P20,000 and trophy for first place; P15,000 and trophy for the second place; and, P10,000 and trophy for the third place. A Mayor’s Choice will also be chosen with a P5,000 cash prize and trophy. There will be 17 consolation prizes with P2,000 each and a certificate. CIO can continue achieving that, I'll still be happy with my progress."

Cabrera will be playing in a WTA event in Miami later this month, after which she hopes to qualify for the French Open. "(I) just (want) to keep winning as many matches as I can, 'cause you just never know with COVID, if something's gonna happen and tournaments get cancelled," she noted. "But yeah, that's my main goal -- top 100, and win as many matches and just stay healthy, and keep enjoying it."

access to the Remittance Transfer Company/Cash Payout Outlet (RTC/CPO) Reference Number Inquiry.

Other online services Aside from the new and improved online services, members also have access to other virtual services, including viewing their contribution and loan records; and inquiring on the status of their benefit claims and eligibility for benefit programs, among others. These may be accessed using the My.SSS Portal as well as the SSS Mobile App, Text-SSS, and Self-Service Express Terminals.

Members can also view their membership information, list of PRN payments, and addresses of SSS branches; file for Salary Loans; submit Maternity Notifications (for self-employed, voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Worker members); generate PRNs for contributions; and update their contact information through the My.SSS Portal and SSS Mobile App. By using the My.SSS Portal, members can also make an appointment with an SSS branch, send a request for SSS records, enroll in the

rently ranked 141. Cabrera is determined to break into the Top 100 this year, thus guaranteeing that she will be in the main draw of the Slams and other tournaments.

"Hopefully, top 100 is soon coming, 'cause I feel like I'm really close," she said.

"Obviously, I just wanna keep improving and keep getting better, and kinda keep reaching those milestones that I'm setting for myself," she also said. "I definitely want to make my milestones that I've set for myself, and I think once I Personal Equity and Savings Option (PESO) Fund or Flexi-fund, use a simulated retirement calculator, and view details of their Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card or SSS ID, as well as change their account password. With the SSS Mobile App, they can also pay contributions using PayMaya and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Employers, on the other hand, may view their contribution and loan records, and status of payments and benefit reimbursement claims; and update their contact information through the My.SSS Portal and SSS Mobile App. They may also view their SSS information; submit Employment Reports (R-1A), Loan Collection Lists (ML2), Contribution Collection Lists (R3), sickness notifications, maternity notifications; generate PRN; and certify the loans or claims of their employees through the My.SSS Portal.

Information drive on online services Since last year, the SSS is building up its information cache on how to use its online services through webi-

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nars and other social media content.

Webinar registration links and materials are posted on the state fund’s official and verified Facebook Page (@SSSPh or Philippine Social Security System). Advisories are also posted on Instagram (mysssph),” Twitter (PHLSSS), and YouTube (Philippine Social Security System).

For more in-depth discussions on these services, companies and organizations may request SSS to conduct free online seminars for employees and members.

Information on SSS online services is also broadcasted in selected AM and FM radio stations and published in broadsheet and regional newspapers.

“With the continuous digitalization of SSS processes, there is a need for our stakeholders to familiarize themselves on how to use our online facilities. We encourage them to join our webinars and monitor our posts on social media,” Ignacio said.

For more information, join the SSS Viber Community or look for “MYSSSPH Updates.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

Hawks rip Heat under new coach

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Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo goes up against Hawks guard Trae Young.

IAMI — Trae Young took over late and made sure Nate McMillan would win his debut as interim coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

Young scored 18 points, including 13 straight for his team in the fourth quarter, and the Hawks snapped Miami's six-game winning streak by beating the Heat, 94-80, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

John Collins scored 17 for Atlanta, which lost

at Miami on Sunday and fired coach Lloyd Pierce on Monday. Kevin Huerter scored 16 for the Hawks and Clint Capela had 10 points and 17 rebounds.

"Losing Coach Pierce, we all had to do better," McMillan said. "And that was the challenge to this

11

team tonight. He took a hit because we didn't do what we were supposed to be doing out there. And I thought tonight, they did better."

Duncan Robinson and Goran Dragic each scored 14 for Miami, which missed a chance to get over .500 for the first time this season.

Bam Adebayo scored 11 for

Toronto has two games left before the All-Star break, with the Wednesday game against Detroit to be followed by a Thursday matchup at Boston. Webster indicated that the players who will be sidelined Wednesday aren't expected back Thursday.

The Raptors' games against Chicago on Sunday and Detroit on Tuesday were pushed back, bringing the league's total number of games moved because at least one team would not have enough players eligible to play this season to 31.

The Wednesday game be-

tween Toronto and Detroit is a makeup of the Tuesday contest.

"It's what you can imagine," Webster said. "It's the emotional stress of having colleagues that potentially, obviously, can be sick. The enormous amount of stress everyone feels, everyone's walking a bit on eggshells here in the locker room and you can't necessarily be as friendly. ... The basketball will go on, we'll play the games, but just to maintain everybody's belonging and familiarity is really important."

the Heat, who shot 37% — their fourth-worst showing of the season.

"We had been trending much better offensively," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

said. "It just was a flat offensive game. It was not a fluid game for us on that side of the floor."

Tony Snell added 11 for the Hawks.

Virus protocols leave Raptors shorthanded 3 first-time participants

T

he Toronto Raptors will have enough players to get back on the floor on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time), after a pair of games earlier this week were postponed for virus-related issues.

But the Raptors will be seriously short-handed when they host the Detroit Pistons in Tampa, Florida — with starters Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby all ruled out in accordance with the league's health and safety protocols, along with Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw. Also still out: coach Nick

Nurse, who entered the protocols last week along with five other members of his staff. Assistant coach Sergio Scariolo, who led Toronto to a win in its most recent game on Friday, will remain in the acting-coach role on Wednesday.

The Raptors were able to do some on-court work Tuesday but have had "multiple days of no new cases," general manager Bobby Webster said.

"It's been a tough couple of days," Webster said. "To get to here and be able to practice, we had to clear a number of hurdles."

The Raptors will be seriously short-handed when they host the Detroit Pistons in Tampa, Florida — with starters Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG

Anunoby all ruled out in accordance with the league’s health and safety protocols, along with Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw.

The only teams that have not had a game postponed by virus issues so far this season are Brooklyn, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers. But the Lakers had an issue appear on their injury report Tuesday, when they ruled center Marc Gasol out for their game against Phoenix because of the protocols.

The roster hits to the Raptors are significant. VanVleet and Siakam are tied for Toronto's team lead in scoring at 20.1 points per game, and Anunoby is averaging 13.8 points. VanVleet was also the only Toronto player to start all 34 of the team's games this season.

The Raptors called up a pair of reinforcements from their Raptors 905 team in the G League bubble in nearby Lake Buena Vista, Florida — bringing in Jalen Harris and Donta Hall for Wednesday.

gun for Slam Dunk crown

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new Slam Dunk champion will be crowned this year as first-time participants Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers, Cassius Stanley of the Indiana Pacers, and Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks compete for the title on Sunday, March 7, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The 36th AT&T Slam Dunk will take place at halftime of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. The league's All-Star festivities will be held over just one night this season.

Simons is averaging 8.2 points and shooting a career-high 40.7 percent from three-point range in his third NBA season. The 6-foot-3 guard was selected by Portland with the 24th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Stanley, a 6-foot-5 rookie guard on a two-way contract, was selected by the Pacers with the 54th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He recorded a maximum vertical leap of 44 inches in the 2020 NBA Draft Combine, tied for the third-highest mark since 2000.

Toppin, a 6-foot-9 rookie forward, was selected by the Knicks with the eighth pick in the NBA Draft last year. As a redshirt sophomore at the University of Dayton last season, Toppin led the nation in dunks and was named the consensus

National Player of the Year.

Five former Slam Dunk champions will serve as judges: Dominique Wilkins (1985 and 1990 champion), Dee Brown (1991), Jason Richardson (2002 and 2003), Josh Smith (2005), and Spud Webb (1986).

Wilkins, Smith and Webb won their Slam Dunk titles while representing the Atlanta Hawks. Richardson won the last Slam Dunk competition in Atlanta, in 2003.

The Slam Dunk contest will be a two-round competition. In the first round, the three competitors will perform two dunks each.

The five judges will score each dunk on a scale of 6 to 10, resulting in a maximum score of 50 and a minimum score of 30.

The two players with the highest combined score for their two dunks (a maximum of 100 and a minimum of 60) will advance to the final round.

In the final round, the two competitors will perform one dunk each. The winner will be determined by "Judges' Choice" instead of individual score. The judges will choose the winner by raising a card that has the dunker's name on it.

Portland's Derrick Jones Jr., then playing for Miami, won the 2020 Slam Dunk contest over Orlando forward Aaron Gordon.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 VOL.13 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

RISING STAR Fil-Aussie Lizette Cabrera eyes Top 100 in 2021

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n the land Down Under where the current top woman player Ash Barty hails from, there’s a place for a Pinay-Aussie swinger who dreams of cracking into the Top 100 this year.

After playing world No. 2 Simona Halep in the first round of the Australian Open, Fil-Aussie tennis pro Lizette Cabrera has set a lofty goal for the rest of the year.

In that match up against the former world no. 1 Halep, Cabrera, 23, did not blink. Although she fell to Halep, 6-2, 6-1, in just 59 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena on February 8, she told Philippine media in a conference call on Monday that the experience was crucial for her development and confidence.

"Simona is definitely one of the best

players I've ever faced so far. She's currently ranked No. 2 in the world, and it was an amazing experience, especially being at my home slam in Australia," said Cabrera, who was born to Filipino parents in Townsville, Australia.

"It was an amazing experience. I can't really explain the feeling that I got out there.

But, it was definitely a good learning curve," she said.

The promising netter admits that she didn't play her best against Halep and was "a little bit nervous" during the match. She didn't get her bearings

until late in the match but by then Halep was well in control. The Fil-Aussie wound up with 28 unforced errors in the match.

Still, playing such an elite opponent can only work in her favor, said Cabrera.

"It was good seeing how my tennis stacked up against the world No. 2, and yeah, it was a really good learning experience for me, and I definitely wanna be back there," she said.

She is confident that the experience she gained against Halep will be crucial as she competes in the WTA Tour, where she is cur-

FRISING STAR, P10

Australia’s Lizette Cabrera in action during her first round match against Romania’s Simona Halep in the Australian Open last month.