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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society
METRO DAVAO SPORTS P8
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
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Bill creating Metropolitan Davao Authority approved by Congress on 2nd reading STORY ON PAGE 2
STORY ON PAGE 2
A hawkers sells crabs for P700 per kilo along the national highway in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Thursday. Edge Davao
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
METRO DAVAO
Bill creating Metropolitan Davao Authority approved by Congress on 2nd reading By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he bill creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) or House Bill No. 8930 was approved on second reading at the House of Representatives plenary session on Wednesday.
In his sponsorship speech, Congressman Isidro T. Ungab explained that the bill aims to create MDDA consisting of 10 cities and municipalities in response to the fast growth and peculiar urbanization of Davao Region citing its increasing social and economic demands that require a
synchronized and unified development. Ungab said that the bill is also guided by the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) particularly the PDP 2017-2022 or the Philippine Medium Term Development Plan, which incorporates a National Spatial Strategy (NSS) that sets the direc-
tion of the physical development on its economic, social, institutional and environmental settings. “The national spatial strategy or NSS seeks to decongest the National capital Region and direct the growth to key centers throughout the country in which the benefit of regional agglomeration
can have better potential of being realized sooner,” he said. Ungab added that MDDA is one of the metropolitan centers mentioned in the PDP, which is a major international gateway and serves as Mindanao’s commercial hub and center for educa-
FMETRO DAVAO, P6
Dayanghirang warns public vs. FB hackers
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ouncilor Danilo Dayanghirang has warned the public against individuals hacking Facebook accounts as modus operandi. This after his FB account was recently hacked. In a statement, Dayanghirang stated that a modus operandi is now rampant, which is hacking FB accounts and that hackers use a chain method victimizing an FB account of a friend to hit another FB friend. He said the modus centers on asking money from people close to the victim including the family members and relatives. “I remember a friend
asked me my password then without malevolence I freely gave it so when I was hacked I thought of that friend who asked earlier so I called to ask about it but unfortunately that friend was also hacked. This is to warn the public that in our busiest hours of every day, never ever let your guards down by easily giving your passwords to friends without thinking these FB friends were also infiltrated by hackers,” he shared. Dayanghirang immediately sought the help of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) of the Philippine National
FDAYANGHIRANG, P6
14 DavaoOc villages declared drug-free
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National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. announces that the government is negotiating with Serum Institute
of India (SII) to study the possibility of local production of vaccines in the country. Edge Davao
total of 14 more barangays in Davao Occidental have been declared drug-cleared recently by the Regional Oversight CommitteeBarangay Drug Clearing Program (ROC-BDCP) in a ceremony held at Sta. Maria ABC Conference Hall, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 Information Officer Noli Dimaandal said the declaration was a result of the intensified anti- illegal drugs campaign of the authorities in the province. The barangays given drug-cleared status were Buca, Datu Daligasao, Datu Intan, Kidadan, Kinilidan, Kisulad, Mama-
cao, Ogpao, San Antonio, San Juan, San Pedro, San Roque, Santo Niño, and Pongpong. Dimaandal said a barangay has to meet all the parameters to be declared drug-free pursuant to Section 8 of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation Number 3, Series of 2017. The parameters include “the non-availability of drug supply in the area and the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory, clandestine drug warehouse, clandestine chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den or resort, drug pusher and drug user, the absence of protectors, coddlers, and
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
NEWS 3
The government is planning to give its 9 million senior citizens the COVID-19 vaccine from Beijing-based Sinovac Biotech. Edge Davao
Davao City now under ‘minimal risk’ classification DavOr enforcers uproot P127-K marijuana plants
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olice and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) jointly uprooted an estimated P127,500 worth of marijuana plants in a mountainous area in Piagubangan, Sitio Pagbaluyan, Barangay Tuba-on in Tarragona, Davao Oriental. In a report, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 said the joint team discovered the clandestine
marijuana plantation allegedly owned by a certain Alejandro Magandam who eluded arrest. The troops uprooted a total of 750 hills of fully-grown marijuana plants. The uprooted plants were immediately burned in the plantation site and only samples were brought to Tarragona Municipal Police
FDAVOR, P6
By MAYA M. PADILLO
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r. Ashley Lopez, acting city health officer of Davao City, announced that the city is now under “minimal risk” classification due to the downtrend of Covid-19 cases. In his Covid-19 Alert interview with the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR), Lopez said based on the Community Quarantine Decision Matrix provided by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Davao
City has been classified as "minimal risk" area in the Local Government Unit (LGU) Risk Classification. He cited two indicators: the 2-Week Growth Rate (2WGR) and the Average Daily Attack Rate (ADAR) to be classified. According to him the
2WGR is -58.26, which means cases here are decreasing and under this indicator, the city is classified as low while for ADAR, the city is at 0.9 or less than one per 100,000, which is also classified as low. Based on the matrix, the city has recorded 563 cases in the past three to four weeks and 235 in the past one to two weeks. Lopez said as of March 16, 2021 the city’s recovery rate is at 92 percent with 13,408 cas-
es recorded since March 2020, of which 398 cases or 3 percent are active cases. The city was given a low risk classification despite having five barangays in the city under high risk and seven under moderate risk, but the city has zero barangays classified under critical risk. “In the past two weeks compared to the last few months, remarkable gyud ang atong pag-
an older sister. Investigation revealed the teenage girl was out for a routine jog at around 6:45 a.m Tuesday when suddenly two unidentified suspects wearing bonnets pointed a gun at her and kidnapped her onboard a motorcycle headed towards the direction of Tagum City. At around 8:30 a.m, the kidnapped victim
Davao del Norte. Santo Tomas Chief of Police Major Frederick Deles told reporters that they already have persons of interest, however they still have to identify the suspects. “Naa na tay gipakita sa iya nga mga nawong pero dili ka-identify ang bata tungod kay mata ra iya makita kay naka-bonnet ug naka-helmet. Gina-check na lang nato
sa mga suspek,” Deles said. Deles also said that it is possible that the suspects are residents of the town as they are familiar with the place. “Most probably taga-didto ra ang mga suspek kay swito kaayo sila sa lugar . Naka- focus ta didto sa site,” Deles added. Meanwhile, Tagum
FDAVAO CITY, P6
Pulong Duterte provides DavNor cops launch hunt For 2 abduction suspects olice authorities in suspects while jogging in was found alive in Baran- ang motor gigamit ug aid to typhoon victims Santo Tomas, Davao the barangay along with gay Busaon ,Tagum City, mga physical description
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he office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte distributed on March 15, Monday, 200 rice packs to flashflood victims in San Agustin town, Surigao del Sur province. The rice packs were brought to the Young Women’s Christian Association in Barangay Otieza in San Agustin, and were distributed to 200
beneficiaries hit by the massive flooding caused by the tropical depression Auring. Auring is the first typhoon to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year. Isolated flooding and rain-induced landslides were reported in Surigao del Sur and nearby areas caused by the typhoon last month.
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del Norte have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down two suspects in the abduction of a 16-year-old teenage girl in Purok 2, Barangay Esperanza on Tuesday morning (March 16). This came after town Mayor Ernesto Evangelista ordered an investigation UPON LEARNING of the incident. The victim was snatched by the
FDAVNOR, P6
A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
Public warned of rising financial cybercrimes amid pandemic
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he general public should practice heightened vigilance against cybercriminals as reported online scams in the Philippines continue to go up, an official of the trade association of key players in the financial technology industry in the country said on Wednesday.
Landbank of the Philippines (Landbank) allocates P15 billion for lending to hog raisers to help address supply issues partly caused by the African swine fever. Edge Davao
Landbank unveils P15B loan program for pork industry State-owned Landbank of the Philippines (Landbank) has allocated PHP15 billion for lending to hog raisers to help address supply issues partly caused by the African swine fever, but the funds may be increased once needs arise. In a briefing after the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing between Landbank and the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the Special Window and Interim Support to Nurture Hog Enterprises (SWINE) lending program on
Wednesday, Landbank president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo said they are closely coordinating with DA for this lending program. “Kung sasabihin sa amin ng DA na itong farm na ito, itong kumpanyang ito ay kailangan tulungan, then we can allocate additional resources. (If the DA says we need to help this farm, this company, then we can allocate additional resources),” she said. The SWINE lending program will be extended
to commercial hog raisers that are registered as cooperatives or farmers’ association, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and large enterprises or corporations. Borrowers may apply for up to 80 percent of their total project cost, with a fixed annual interest rate of 3 percent for three years, with repricing after the succeeding years. The minimum loan term is one year while term loans for loans approved as working capital are payable up to five
years. Landbank said loans extended for the acquisition of fixed assets are payable based on the borrowers’ cash flow or payback period of the project, with a grace period on the principal and interest. This lending program will be available until Dec. 31, 2026 in line with DA’s hog repopulation plan. Borromeo said the funds’ utilization rate will depend on how fast borrowers submit all the
“We urge (the) government to allow the private sector to import vaccines without restrictions or conditions so we could move quickly and efficiently in vaccinating more people,” PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said. Yujuico said the inoculation program should be accelerated amid the rising Covid-19 cases “to ensure the safety of our workers and people, im-
prove consumer confidence and hasten the recovery of our economy". He added the country could not afford another lockdown as this will be fatal to economic recovery. “We have to keep pace with our neighbors, which except for Indonesia, have lower infection rates than us and yet are ahead of us, including Indonesia, in implementing the vaccination program.
We cannot risk being left behind again and revert to being the ‘basket case’ of Asia,” Yujuico said. The PCCI has also called on the Food and Drug Administration to fast-track the review of applications for emergency use authorization for the Covid-19 vaccines. Earlier, the National Task Force Against Covid-19 said only the government can procure
FLANDBANK, PB1
Allow private sector to directly buy vaccines, PCCI tells gov’t
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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has asked the national government to allow the private sector to directly procure coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines from accredited sources. PCCI made the statement Wednesday in its intent to help the government to speed up the rollout of the vaccine program.
FALLOW, PB1
“While opportunities abound for technologies to advance our digital shift in the financial system, the same opportunities are currently being exploited to do harm to individuals and to the economy as a whole,” Fintech Alliance Philippines founding chair Lito Villanueva said. Villanueva cited that the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed for the digital shift in financial transactions for almost everyone. He said neophytes in the landscape are still navigating its features and are commonly susceptible to scams. “Citizens should keep their guards up when it comes to online transactions and always check with relevant banks and institutions whenever they receive suspicious messages. This way, we can guard our own finances and in turn, ensure that our economy can better recover with less of the threat of cybercriminals hampering our recovery from the pandemic,” said Villanueva, who also sits as the executive vice-president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of the Rizal Commercial Bank-
ing Corporation (RCBC). Common scams Data from the global think tank Cybersecurity Ventures shows that the impact of cybercrime is expected to generate USD6 trillion worldwide by 2021. It is expected to reach USD10.5 trillion in 2025, it added. In the Philippines, various cybercrime incidents have been reported throughout the pandemic that started a year ago. On its website, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group reported that there are 869 online scam cases from March to September 2020. This is higher by 37 percent compared to 633 in the same period in 2019. Fintech Alliance Group warned that the number may be going in an upward direction since the community quarantine and lockdowns continue amid the pandemic. “Some of the common online fraud schemes used by criminals include phishing or the use of emails that pose as from a credible institution in order to extract sensitive and private information
FPUBLIC, PB1
AirAsia appeals for ‘immediate approval’ of saliva RT-PCR test for COVID-19
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irAsia Philippines said it is appealing to the government to "immediately approve" the public use of the cheaper saliva RTPCR test for COVID-19 detection. The saliva tests conducted by the Philippine Red Cross only costs P2,000 compared to the standard P3,500 or more for a swab test, the airline said in a statement. "The approval of saliva RT-PCR test will surely allow more tourists to afford domestic travel," AirAsia spokesperson Steeve Dailisan said. "Since saliva RT-PCR is also as accurate as the nasopharyngeal RTPCR test, we see this as a cheaper alternative for our tourist who plans
on visiting their favorite tourist destinations this summer," he added. Airlines in the Philippines have been implementing efforts to stimulate travel demand to jumpstart recovery. However, the recent discovery of a variant that originated in the Philippines, as well as the surge in new cases prompted the government to limit inbound international arrival starting March 18. According to a research conducted by the Philippine Red Cross, the saliva RT-PCR test is 98.23 percent accurate, AirAsia said. The Department of Health earlier said the swab RT-PCR test is the "golden standard" in COVID-19 testing.
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
ECONOMY A2
Further reforms to let PH build back better post-Covid, DOF chief says
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epartment of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Wednesday the Duterte administration’s steadfast resolve to undertake further reforms to rebuild a strong and inclusive economy --and set the stage for a “sustainable, greener and healthier future” for the Filipino people-- will enable the Philippines to thrive in the post-pandemic era. Dominguez said among these reforms are improvements in the country’s information and communica-
tions technology (ICT) infrastructure to expand the use of digital tools, enhance revenue collection performance, and achieve greater financial inclusion for Filipinos. The government should also pursue sustainable policies targeted towards bolstering the healthcare system and keeping a strong fiscal position to withstand future adversities, he said. Dominguez underscored in an Asian Development Bank (ADB) event the need to intensify global collaboration and redefine the
challenges that confront the world today as it reemerges from a debilitating coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic so that countries can be better prepared to deal with future outbreaks. On the part of the Philippines, Dominguez expressed confidence in its capability to emerge stronger from the pandemic. “We are very optimistic about the near future. That optimism is based on our willingness to undertake the reforms nec-
epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said more businesses have restarted their operations since the government implemented a gradual reopening of economic activities.
said in mixed English and Filipino. Lopez said the government has been implementing its REBUILD Strategy—Revitalizing Businesses, Investments, Livelihoods, and Domestic Demand-- to ensure the country’s economic recovery. Since mid-2020, DTI has been rolling out its zero-interest loans for MSMEs to help them restart their businesses and survive amid the pandemic. Lopez said the Small Business (SB) Corp. has already released PHP2.5 billion worth of loans as of March 16 under the Covid-19 Assistance
to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program. Aside from these programs, DTI has other initiatives to help those who were affected by the pandemic, such as digital upskilling through reboot package for MSMEs and capacity building interventions through BEST Bootcamp 3A training program for displaced overseas Filipino workers. “Given the important role of MSMEs helping to rebuild our economy, DTI’s efforts are directed towards their swift recovery by enhancing their resilience to recover and rebuild,” Lopez said. (PNA)
DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez III
FFURTHER, PB1
More businesses open this year: DTI survey SSS adds BPI as payment gateway in mobile app
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he Social Security System said Wednesday it has added the Bank of the Philippine Islands as a new payment channel for members to pay their contributions through the SSS mobile app. Individual members such as Self-employed, Voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who have existing BPI accounts can now pay their contributions through the bank, the pension fund said. “We are glad our payment partners are also integrating their systems with ours to further im-
prove services thru hassle-free and safe transactions,” said SSS President and CEO Aurora Ignacio. Aside from BPI, SSS members can also pay their contributions through their PayMaya accounts and other online transactions offered by partner-banks and collection partners, the pension fund said. “We are still exploring more online payment channels to provide convenience to our growing membership base, especially since the community quarantine is restricting movements,” Ignacio said.
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Speaking at the Association of Filipino Franchise Inc. (AFFI) online event on Wednesday, Lopez said DTI’s impact assessment survey showed that businesses that fully ceased their operations have gone down to 4.6 percent in early 2021 from a peak of 34.2 percent last year. The DTI surveyed a total of 15,434 micro, small, and medium en-
terprises (MSMEs) in its latest survey from Jan. 28 to Feb. 10. “Last year, we started at a peak of 34.2 percent of businesses that fully stopped their operation. It went down to around 10 percent in October (to) November, and then it went down to 5 percent. The latest survey released in March showed that it further declined to about 4.6 percent,” he
Stocks rise anew; peso sustains sideways movement vs. dollar
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ANILA – The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gained for the second consecutive day Wednesday and this helped buoy the local currency. The main equities gauge rose by 0.12 percent, or 7.75 points, to 6,566.83 points. All Shares increased by 0.27 percent, or 10.63 points, to 3,964.78 points. Most of the sectoral indexes also gained during the day namely the Services, 0.70 percent; Financials, 0.42 percent; Industrial, 0.31 percent; and Holding Firms and Mining and Oil, both rose by 0.16 percent.
Only the Property index ended the day in the negative territory after it slipped by 0.52 percent. Volume totaled 4.62 billion shares amounting to PHP6.85 billion. Gainers led losers at 122 to 94, while 47 shares were unchanged. “Philippines shares were slowly bought up once again as investors anxiously await the conclusion of the Fed’s twoday policy meeting in which the central bank is expected to release new rate forecasts,” Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corporation head of sales, said. Meanwhile, the peso continues its sideways
FSTOCKS, PB1
A vegetable porter takes a nap on his wooden cart near Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao
4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
On the proposal to increase green space requirement from 10 percent to 15 percent to further enhance the city’s environment: In our proposal for the land used plan, himoon nato ang 10 percent to 15 percent ang mahitabo ang sellable area na mabilin is 55 percent for the developets para ang atoang mga subdivisions dili igang kaayo because there are subdivisions na naa’y punuan.”
Ivan Chin Cortez
Head, Davao City Planning and Development Office (DCPDO)
EDITORIAL Unrelenting Davao City will continue looking for Covid 19 vaccines from all sources around the world until it is able to reach supply agreements enough to inoculate everybody in our populous city. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said last Monday that the city’s vaccine team aims to talk with the Maryland (USA)based Novavax for.more vaccines. Earlier, the city negotiated with Astraseneca and has, in fact, placed orders for vaccine supplies expected to arrive during the third quarter of the year. This relentless effort of Inday Sara’s administration to procure vaccines from all companies manufacturing
EDGEDAVAO
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the anti-Covid 19 vaccines is being done amid the recent classification of the city as a “minimal risk” area for Covid 19. This great improvement in risk classification came about due to a heartening downtrend in virus infection in the city for many days now, explained Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO). The unyielding determination of our leaders to see to it that we will have all the vaccines we will need to defeat the pandemic is reassuring to us Dabawenyos who depend on our officialdom for leadership and guidance in these difficult times.
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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle
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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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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 5th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor
Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
On Official Business
ORDINANCE NO. 0477-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY TESTING PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO DAVAO CITY VIA THE DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY TESTING PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO DAVAO CITY VIA THE DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.” SECTION 2. COVERAGE – This Ordinance covers all persons coming into Davao City, wherein RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Results or any other health verification documents that may be needed to confirm the status of a person’s health before entry into Davao City via the Davao City International Airport. SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – The following terms, as used in this Ordinance, shall mean: 1. RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result – shall refer to Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result issued by valid and licensed testing centers within seventy-two (72) hours of administering the test, upon arrival at Davao City port of entry and presented to Davao City officials and/or authorities; 2. Invalid RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result – shall refer to the Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result that does not comply with the 72 hour time table requirement; 3. Officials and/or Authorities – shall refer to individuals authorized by the City Government to examine, inspect and scrutinize the RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result. SECTION 4. MANDATORY TESTING – Persons entering Davao City via the Davao International Airport are mandated to present their RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result to Davao City officials and/or authorities, along with a valid government issued identification card. Any person who, upon entering Davao City, does not present a negative RTPCR COVID-19 Test Result or presents an invalid RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result shall be required to undergo a RT-PCR COVID-19 Test at the place of entry and shall be required to remain at a government sanctioned quarantine facility until the release and/or issuance of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result. Those who present a false or tampered RT-PCR COVID-19 Test Result shall be required to undergo a RT-PCR COVID-19 Test at the place of entry and shall be required to remain at a government sanctioned quarantine facility until the issuance of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result and their release into the custody of the proper law enforcement agency. Those who shall leave the designated waiting area or quarantine facility without proper authorization shall be penalized under the succeeding section and shall be returned to the quarantine facility or waiting area until the issuance of a negative RT-PCR result and release into the custody of the proper law enforcement agency. SECTION 5. PROHIBITED ACTS – The following offenses are prohibited acts under this Ordinance, without prejudice to the filing of other criminal, civil or administrative liabilities:
a. REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH MANDATORY TESTING. Any person who shall refuse to comply with the mandatory testing shall be placed under quarantine and shall be required to return to the place of origin at their own expense. The City Government of Davao shall not be liable for the expenses of any person who does not wish to comply with the mandatory testing. b. LEAVING THE DESIGNATED WAITING AREA OR QUARANTINE FACILITY WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION. Any person who shall leave the designated waiting area or quarantine facility and enter Davao City, prior to validation of the negative RT-PCR result, or without the direction of the person authorized to discharge cleared passengers, shall be penalized with an administrative fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000). c. ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS IN COMMITTING PROHIBITED ACTS IN THIS ORDINANCE. Any person who shall knowingly assist any individual in committing the prohibited acts in this Ordinance shall be penalized with an administrative fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000). SECTION 6. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT/CITATION TICKET – An ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT, otherwise known as a CITATION TICKET, shall be issued to violators of this Ordinance. The citation ticket shall state the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed, and the provisions of the succeeding section, “No Contest Provision”. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and such other appropriate enforcers as may be commissioned by the City Mayor shall have the power to apprehend violators of this Ordinance and issue citation tickets. The City Mayor may deputize Barangay Officials or representatives of the private sector, non-government organizations and government organizations in the strict implementation of this Ordinance, as the need arises. SECTION 7. NO-CONTEST PROVISION – Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance who does not wish to contest the same and is willing to pay voluntarily within three (3) days the fine imposed under this ordinance prior to the filing of a complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor shall be allowed to do so, and shall pay the corresponding administrative fine as cited in Section 4 at the Office of the City Treasurer. Availment of the no-contest provision shall exempt a person from criminal liability under this ordinance. The City Legal Office and the City Treasurer’s Office shall provide for the procedure for the availment of the “No-Contest Provision” and establish a case inventory and recording system of all violators of this Ordinance. All proceeds from the payment of the herein imposed fine shall be apportioned as follows: 1. Sixty percent (60%) of the amount collected per apprehension shall accrue to the apprehending barangay; and 2. Forty percent (40%) shall accrue to the General Fund of the City. The share of the barangay shall be remitted directly to the barangay, without need of any further action, on a monthly basis within ten (10) days of the following month. Said amount shall be utilized for COVID-19 response and for other matters incidental thereto. SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Ordinances, resolutions, rules or regulations, which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication, and shall remain in full force and effect until the declaration of the existence of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern is retracted by the World Health Organization, or when the State of Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 in the country is lifted. ENACTED, on the 2nd day of February, 2021 by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum. CERTIFIED CORRECT:
ATTESTED:
EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/johanna
MAR 02 APPROVED : ________________, 2021
An Ordinance providing for Mandatory Testing prior to entry into Davao City via the Davao International Airport
6
EDGEDAVAO Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
19th City Council 3rd Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. - Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Nilo D. Abellera Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Jonard C. Dayap Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Alberto T. Ungab Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Durterte - Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar
On Official Business
ORDINANCE NO. 0466-21 Series of 2021
AN ORDINANCE PENALIZING PERSONS USING OR PRODUCING FALSIFIED OR TAMPERED COVID-19 MEDICAL TEST RESULTS OR OTHER HEALTH VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. COVERAGE. This Ordinance covers all forms of COVID-19 Medical Test Results or any health verification documents issued by valid and licensed testing centers that may be needed to confirm the status of a person’s health. SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS. The following terms, as used in this Ordinance, shall mean: 1. COVID-19 Medical Test Result and other health verification documents- any test administered to confirm that a person is negative of the COVID-19 virus such as, but not limited to, RT-PCR tests, rapid antigen test, other serologic tests, or any other similar tests that may be devised in the future; 2. Valid and Licensed Testing Centers – are testing centers, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and other establishments which have been granted a license by the Department of Health, to test persons for COVID-19 and have been authorized to issue documents verifying the results of the same; 3. False Result – a. a document procured by a person which alleges that a person has tested negative of the COVID-19 virus, but was not in fact actually tested, or when tested was actually found to be positive of the virus, but through machinations has obtained a document indicating the contrary; b. a document purporting to be a result obtained from a valid and licensed COVID-19 testing center, but in fact is not; 4. Tampered Resulta. a document obtained from a valid and licensed COVID-19 testing center, but was altered or modified after the fact in order to reflect a negative result; b. a document obtained from a valid and licensed COVID-19 testing center, but details contained therein, such as important dates, names, contact details, addresses, were changed to misrepresent the facts surrounding its issuance; SECTION 3. PROHIBITED ACTS. – The following offenses are prohibited acts under this Ordinance; a. USE OF FALSE RESULTS. Any person who shall use a falsified result shall be penalized with an administrative fee of P5,000; b. USE OF TAMPERED RESULTS. Any person who shall use a tampered result shall be penalized with an administrative fee of P5,000; c. PRODUCTION OR ISSUANCE OF FALSE OR TAMPERED RESULT. Any person or establishment who shall fabricate or produce any false or tampered result, or shall present themselves as testing centers, without the proper authority given by the Department of Health, shall be penalized with an administrative fee of P5,000; SECTION 4. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the remaining sections or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. SECTION 5. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Ordinances, Resolutions, rules or regulations which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of the Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. SECTION 6. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication, and shall remain in full force and effect until the declaration of the existence of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern is retracted by the World Health Organization, or when the State of Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 in the country is lifted. ENACTED, on the 19th day of January 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
ATTESTED:
EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/bern
FEB 19 APPROVED : ________________, 2021
An Ordinance Penalizing Persons Using or Producing Falsified or Tampered Covid-19 Medical Test Results or Other Health Verification Documents in the City of Davao
VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
METRO DAVAO... FROM2 tion and health services. He also said that it is explicit in PDP that the creation of MDDA will strengthen coordination among the component cities and municipalities in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of priority programs and projects. “This bill I know will definitely bring change to the socio-economic landscape, growth and development of Davao Region,” he said. The crafting of the bill was also based on the Philippine Constitution Section 13 Article 10 of 1987 Constitution which
provides that “local government units can group themselves and consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them in accordance with law.” Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced last year that the proposed MDDA will involve the unified management of waste, traffic, disaster resiliency, and infrastructure as well as policy development. The mayor also said that the creation of MDDA will help manage infrastructure, garbage,
disaster, traffic and other vital public services in four cities and two big municipalities in the Davao Region. She said Metropolitan Davao will be comprised of Davao City Digos, Sta. Cruz, Panabo, Carmen and Tagum and this will be administered by MDDA. The Regional Development Council 11 (RDC 11) has expressed its strong support for the said bill through resolutions. Currently, there are two established metro groupings – Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.
Police (PNP). He said during the investigation, it was found out that just this month alone, there were already eight similarly reported cases, of which three cases were already resolved. Dayanghirang said the team of RACU has identified the location of the hackers but because these are professional individuals possessing high technical skills, the authorities have to pursue the operation 24 hours round the clock until cas-
es pending before them is fully solved. The councilor also stated that hackers are highly technical people using their abilities to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks in order to commit crimes. “FB to my surprise correspondingly protected my account by deactivating it immediately after detecting many codes have been changed from the original. Therefore, let us be vigilant. May this serve a lesson to all
so that this crime is soon stopped,” he said. Dayanghirang also promised to post the development of his case to remind everyone not to be complacent in technology. “And I stand firm that there shall be no perfect crime, hackers will be doomed and will eventually fail to dominate the online sphere,” he said. Dayanghirang also commended the team of RACU for their immediate action. Maya Padillo
financiers”. Other criteria include “active involvement of barangay officials in anti-illegal drugs activities, active involvement of Sangguniang Kabataan representatives in maintaining the drug-liberated status of the barangay, the existence of drug awareness, preventive
education and information, and other related anti-illegal drugs programs, the existence of a voluntary and compulsory drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk in the barangay.” The certification was validated by the ROC BDCP chaired by PDEA 11 director Antonio Rive-
ra, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as Vice-Chairperson, Police Regional Office (PRO) 11, Department of Health (DOH) and Local Government Unit. Out of 105 barangays in the province, 41 have already been declared drug-free. (AMA)
baba and pag-improve sa atong Covid-19 situation,” he said. Lopez reminded Dabawenyos to remain vigilant as a surge of Covid-19 cases is still
possible anytime due to the increase of new Covid-19 variant cases in the country. “Kinahanglan lang gihapon ta magbantay. Di ghapon ta pwede mag-re-
lax because anytime masudlan lang ta og usa ka variant diri sa Davao, it will not be impossible nga mahitabo gihapon ang another surge,” he said.
Station for tagging and inventory. Follow-up investigation was going on to arrest the cultivators of the
plantation. A case for violation of Section 16 Article 11 of Republic Act 9165 is being prepared for fil-
ing in court against the suspects who remain atlarge. (AMA)
Duterte’s office said the distribution of rice is a continuation of the relief efforts provided
by the First Congressional District Office. The activity was carried out in strict compliance with
the health and safety protocols against the coronavirus diseases.
Chief of Police Major Joselito Tan said that based on the testimony of the
victim, she was raped. Deles, however, said they are still waiting for
the report from the medico legal to confirm a rape incident. (AMA)
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VOL.14 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
LIFESTYLE
PAL turns 80, committed to stay aloft and serve the public P PAL EXECUTIVES at 80th Mass
hilippine Airlines, celebrating its 80th birthday, assured the flying public of its staunch commitment to continue serving the public as flag carrier as it works towards full recovery of the airline and the travel sector. PAL President and COO Gilbert Santa Maria said: "Our message to our country and the world: Buhay pa tayo. Andito pa tayo. At hindi tayo aalis. (PAL is alive, we're still here, and we're here to stay.) This great lady Philippine Airlines - will stay aloft while she is in our care." Mr. Santa Maria issued this statement after a dawn eucharistic celebration welcoming PAL's 80th anniversary today (March 15, 2021). The open air Mass, held at the grounds of the south wing of NAIA Terminal 2, was attended by management officials and representatives from vari-
ous PAL departments and guests. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the flag carrier has been focusing on repatriation and cargo transport efforts as well as rebuilding its network of commercial flights on key international and domestic routes. PAL carried home 310,000 of the displaced 420,000 Overseas Filipinos to their respective provinces from March 2020 up to the present. Within the same period, tens of thousands of foreign nationals flew back to their home countries via PAL. At present, the airline is airlifting shipments of anti-COVID vac-
Rev. Fr. Jose Winston Margate. cines to various areas in Mindanao, Luzon and the Visayas. The flag carrier has restored regular commer-
cial flights to the U.S., Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and several Asian countries as well as most of its domestic trunk
and inter-island routes. As a fitting cap to his message, the PAL President read the Knights Templar Motto: "Non no-
bis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam (Not for us, My Lord, not for us, but to your Name give the glory)."
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PH eyes Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine for senior citizens
T
March. Sinovac has shown “very limited” adverse effects and low wastage at just 2 vials, said Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19. “Titingnan natin iyong possibility na talagang iyong Sinovac din po,” he said, when asked which vaccine the gov-
ernment would give to the elderly. (We are looking at the possibility of Sinovac.) Senior citizens will get COVID-19 shots after health workers, who are expected to complete the first round of their vaccination in April. The government will "most likely" finish vaccinations of the elderly in
May, Galvez said. Among the hardest-hit in Asia by the pandemic, the Philippines aims to vaccinate 70 million people or two-thirds of its population this year. The Philippines is battling a spike in coronavirus infections, tallying over 4,000 new COVID-19 cases for a fifth straight on Tuesday.
okyo is funding three separate agricultural projects in the Philippines through Japanese non-government organizations, the Japan Embassy in Manila said Wednesday. Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko signed on March 17 grant contracts worth about USD1.62 million (approximately PHP78.5 million) with three Japan-based groups -- OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement)
International, the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), and Ikaw-Ako. OISCA's project, amounting to USD574,214 (approximately PHP27.7 million), will focus on improving the skills of sericulture farmers in Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Aklan, Iloilo, Antique, Misamis Oriental, and Negros Occidental. Japanese NGO IkawAko, on the other hand, will receive a grant worth USD263,644 (approximately PHP12.7
million) to commercialize strawberry cultivation and encourage farm tourism in Patag, Silay City, Negros Occidental. The project will lay out an income option for the residents by using Japan's strawberry cultivation technology and expertise in the operation of farms focusing on agri-tourism. Meanwhile, JAEC will share Japan's technology and best practices in reducing production costs as well as improving the vegetable distribution process. The project is
worth USD789,856 (approximately PHP38.1 million) and will focus on Central Luzon. Japan has so far funded 55 projects in the Philippines under its grant assistance for Japanese NGO programs that started in 2002. In a statement, the Embassy said these programs would not only strengthen friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Japan but also bolster the existing strategic partnership between the two countries. (PNA)
he government is negotiating with Serum Institute of India (SII) to study the possibility of local production of vaccines in the Philippines, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said. Galvez, also the vaccine czar, said one of the topics tackled during his recent trip to India was the possibility of reviving the local vaccine production in the Philippines. "Tayo rin po ay nakipag-usap sa Serum Institute of India upang pagaralan ang posibilidad na ibalik ang kakayahan ng ating bansa na makapag-produce ng sarili nitong bakuna (We also spoke with the Serum In-
stitute of India to study the possibility of reviving our country's capability to produce its own vaccine)," Galvez said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum. He said the Philippines used to have the capacity to produce vaccine as it donated vaccines to China in 1938. Galvez said the SII, considered the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is willing to assist the Philippines to produce its own vaccine. “Ang ganda po ng SII. Meron silang 136 na scientists at gusto nilang tulungan tayo na tayo ay makapag-produce ng sarili nating bakuna (The SII has 136 scientists and they want to help us produce our own vaccines),"
he said. He said once the country regains its vaccine production capability, it would ensure a steady supply of vaccines during health crisis like the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. "Ang mga hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng agresibong stratehiya ng pamahalaan na magkaroon ng isang stable at ngreliable source ng anti-Covid vaccines at tuluyang wakasan ang pandemya (These steps are part of the government's aggressive strategies to sustain a stable and reliable source of anti-Covid vaccines and totally end the pandemic)," Galvez said. He added the Philippines is also working with the SII "not only
for the containment of disease but also to push disease elimination by 2022." The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) also presented a three-year program for the expansion of its vaccine research and development, he said. “It will require an economy of scale investment. Para sa 'tin po talaga na magkaroon ng definitive na source ngvaccine (This is really for us to have a definitive source of vaccines)," he added. On Tuesday, Galvez announced the Philippines has signed a supply agreement with the SII for the acquisition of 30 million doses of the Novavax vaccine. (PNA)
with some loose change above PHP60 million. The Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled got the most financial assistance among the recognized members with over
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PHP379.1 million. In 2019, the PSC released a total of PHP1.198 billion financial assistance to the NSAs as the country hosted and won the overall championship of
the 30th Southeast Asian Games. The PSC was created as top government sports body in 1990 through Republic Act 6847. It has grown into one of the country’s for-
midable institutions, ennobled by its salient mission of transforming the Filipino people into a healthy citizenry through various commendable sports development programs. (PNA)
close against the US dollar after finishing the day’s trade at 48.725 from its 48.635 close a day ago. It opened the day at 48.65 and traded between 48.577 and 48.74.
ship in Cebu in the same year. Lawyer Omar Yasser Sema, another BTA member, underscored the importance of extending support to ath-
letes "to retain them and avoid what has happened in the past athletes" who left the country due to lack of support. BTA member Jose
Lorena, also a lawyer, said BARMM should also provide incentives to its athletes “especially those who win in the international field.” (PNA)
that can be used to access one’s debit and credit cards, digital banking accounts, and other financial accounts,” Villanueva said.
A similar modus operandi includes smishing which uses SMS, and vishing, which relies on voice calls. (PNA)
necessary requirements but added applications of existing Landbank borrowers may be processed faster because the bank already has the debtors’ details. She said application processing and evaluation will be done within
10 working days. “We know the gravity of the problem. We know the urgency of the interventions needed by the sector so we will work very hard to also process their applications in a very efficient manner,” she added. (PNA)
the coronavirus vaccines. Since the Covid-19 vaccines are not yet for commercial use globally,
vaccine makers only deal with the government for the procurement of the vaccines. (PNA)
essary to rebuild a strong and inclusive economy that thrives in the 21st century. We are also doing our utmost to provide a sustainable, greener, and healthier future for our Filipino people,” he said in his keynote address at the opening plenary of the ADB-hosted Southeast Asia Development Symposium (SEADS). Infrastructure modernization through President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature program “Build, Build, Build” will remain the cornerstone of the Philippines’ recovery plan, complemented by tax reform and other economic stimulus measures for businesses, and investor-friendly legislation being pushed by his economic team in the Congress, said Dominguez, the governor of the Philippines in the ADB. The virtual SEADS led by ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa was expected to gather over 3,000 participants from ADB’s member-economies and partner-institutions during the two-day gathering. With the theme “Innovation through Collaboration: Planning for Inclusive Post-Covid-19 Recovery,” the ADB said SEADS will provide governments in Southeast Asia “with a unique opportunity to interact directly with each other, and with leaders from industry, academia, and the development sector, to discuss innovative approaches and solutions to the Covid-19 crisis and other development challenges.” Dominguez said despite supply challenges, most countries --including the Philippines-- have begun rolling out their vaccination programs,
a development that has “inspired market optimism” and “a sense that the worst is over and our economies can be fully functional in a matter of months.” “The availability of vaccines, however, should not lead us to neglect equally urgent concerns. We still need to do the tough things we must undertake to cope with the severe weather conditions induced by global warming or with the possible emergence of new viruses,” he said. Dominguez said the Philippines will strive to ensure the sustainable growth of its economy over the long term by adopting climate-resilient and adaptation strategies, knowing fully well that unlike Covid-19, for which vaccines have been produced in a matter of months, there is no quick solution to the climate crisis. “We need to act now with the same sense of urgency that we have for the ongoing pandemic,” he said. Dominguez, who is chairperson-designate of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), reiterated his strong push for a legislative measure that will ban single-use plastics as a way to jumpstart the country’s fight against climate change and encourage all Filipinos to do their part in helping save the environment on a daily basis. (PR)
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he Philippines is eyeing giving its 9 million senior citizens the COVID-19 vaccine from Beijing-based Sinovac Biotech, an official leading the inoculation strategy. Authorities have secured a stockpile of 600,000 Sinovac shots so far, and 1.4 million more doses of this vaccine are expected in
Japan to fund agri dev’t projects in PH
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PH eyes local vaccine prod’n with Serum Institute of India T
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Average level for the day stood at 48.658. Volume totaled USD793.7 million, higher than the previous session’s USD721.9 million. (PNA)
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NSAs got P5.12-B funding from PSC in last 10 years T
he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has extended a total of PHP5.12 billion financial assistance for sports development of the national sports associations (NSAs) last decade.
PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez.
Based on the PSC financial report released to the media on Wednesday, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association topped the list of the largest financial aids the PSC handed out from 2010 to 2020 to regular Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) member NSAs with PHP274.3 million. The Philippine Swimming Inc. received the second highest funding of PHP270.7 million. For two straight years from 2018-2019, however, swimming got more financial assistance from the PSC than athletics
with swimming getting PHP85.86 million in 2019 alone. Canoe-kayak received the third most with PHP215.19 million, while the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, the recently named NSA of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association, was fourth with PHP211.89 million. Taekwondo rounds out the Top 5 with nearly PHP208.52 million. Among the associate POC member NSA's, dancesport got the largest financial assistance
Bambol Tolentino-led national sports association to postpone everything for the meantime. “The priority is always the health and safety of everyone— cyclists, officials and fans,” Tolentino, also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said. “No questions asked.” He added that the postponement will be in place “until the pandemic is contained.” The holding of the PhilCycling national championship has been in the works since January as the national
sports association is looking at the possibility of holding the events in a bubble setup in adherence to the joint administrative order put up for professional sports. PhilCycling even wrote a letter to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases requesting for the tournaments to push through. The national championships are part of the selection for the national cycling team for the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi. (PNA)
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Young chess wizard gets PhilCycling postpones nat’l scholarship from BARMM racing due to Covid-19 rise
C
OTABATO CITY-The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government has granted a 10-year-old Bangsamoro chess master an educational scholarship, vowing to provide financial assistance for his training and future matches. “One of the goals of the Bangsamoro Sports Commission [BSC] is to develop young and dynamic athletes in the BARMM as they have these gifted talents to represent its people,” Mitmug said in a statement on Wednesday.
Mitmug said that Buto, who belongs to a Maranao family currently based in Cainta, Rizal with his family, is the first and youngest Bangsamoro master chess player. The regional government also promised to support Buto in future national and international competitions, he added. On Tuesday, the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the lawmaking body of the BARMM, passed Resolution No. 356 commending Buto for his outstanding feats in both national and in-
ternational chess championships. Buto has participated in more than 100 chess tournaments since the age of five and has reaped awards in various competitions, including a gold medal in the 13th Asian Schools Chess Championship in China in July 2017. He also received three individual and two team gold medals for the overall crown in the 8th Asean AgeGroup Chess Championship in Malaysia, and a trophy at the National Group Chess Champion-
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BARMM kid chess wizard Al-Basher Buto. (Photo courtesy of BTA Member Rasol Mitmug, Jr.)
T
he Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) has to call off its plans to hold the national cycling championships over the midyear due to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases. Although PhilCycling initially scheduled the national championships for road bikes from May 5-8 in Subic Bay and for mountain bikes and BMX in June in Tagaytay, the rise in daily infections that even saw the Department of Health confirming 5,000 new cases twice over the past week prompted the
Due to the rise of Covid-19 cases, the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) has to call off its plans to hold the national cycling championships.
8 SPORTS
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HAIL TIGERS EDGEDAVAO
The Davao Occidental Tigers have been declared the champions of the MPBL South Division.
Davao Occidental declared MPBL South champ
D
avao Occidental has been officially declared the MPBL South Division champion after Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes announced on Tuesday that Basilan forfeited their supposed rubber match due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Duremdes confirmed that some more Steel players have been tested positive for Covid-19. "Update is four ang positive (The update is that four were tested positive)," Duremdes said. The league gave a condition that for Basilan to play Davao Occidental in the supposed MPBL South Finals decider, everyone must be tested negative in their re-test on Monday. But with Duremdes' confirmation, the match has been declared forfeited in favor of the Tigers, who have an extra week of rest. This put a bitter end to what has been a promising season for the Steel. Banking on a solid lineup led by Gilas Cadet Allyn Bulanadi and former PBA star Jonathan Uyloan, Basilan made a full season turnaround from a moribund MPBL debut in the 2018-19 season to title contender status for 2019-21. Despite finishing
the regular season in third place in the South standings, the team stunned second seed Bacoor City in the division semis to set up a showdown with Davao Occidental for one of the two national finals spots. The Steel stunned the Tigers in Game 1 in Tagum and came close to complete the South Finals upset in Game 2 in Lamitan. But Davao Occidental recovered in the end to force the decider supposedly in Davao City only that the pandemic postponed the MPBL season and eventually forced the Subic bubble one year later. Davao Occidental and San Juan will rekindle their rivalry at the start of the best-of-five national finals at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Subic Bay Gymnasium. The games will be played daily except for a day-off on Friday. Not Covid? Duremdes' decision came as a surprise to a Basilan team official, who claimed that one
of the players who got a positive Covid-19 test turned out to be a false positive. "Yung naunang nagpositive, hindi daw Covid sabi [ng] hospital (The first player tested positive was actually not for Covid according to the hospital," the official told the Philippine News Agency. He then relayed a conversation within the team with the baller claiming that it was an upper respiratory tract infection, even believing that there was something fishy going on. The official said the team is considering appealing the forfeiture, but according to him upon trying to clarifying matters with the league officials, "Walang masagot MPBL (The MPBL could not provide us with a valid answer)." By the looks of it, however, the MPBL is now keen on pushing through with the Davao Occidental-San Juan series. (PNA)