Edge Davao Issue 14 No. 18 \ Tuesday, April 6, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

BEAT THE PANDEMIC WITH THESE INDULGENT DESSERTS

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VACCINEE HIT

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VOL.14 ISSUE 18 • TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021

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Market goers troop to the ‘bagsakan’ area of fish and other sea produce at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Monday where social distancing is being ignored. Bankerohan Public Market vendors are scheduled to undergo surveillance swab testing on Monday to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Vendors from Agdao Public Market underwent surveillance swab testing where nine tested positive of Covid-19. Edge Davao

Vaccinee, 8 other Agdao Public Market vendors tested positive for Covid-19 STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 18 • TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte reminds Filipinos that amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives“a message of hope”that there is an end to pain and suffering. Edge Davao

VACCINEE HIT

Vaccinee, 8 other Agdao Public Market vendors tested positive for Covid-19 By MAYA M. PADILLO ine vendors of Agdao Public Market including one who has taken her first shot of Covid-19 vaccine were tested positive for coronavirus following the surveillance swab testing conducted by the Davao City Health Office (CHO) last week.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced via

Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday

that there were around 300 vendors volunteered to undergo the testing. The surveillance swabbing/testing is part of the city government of Davao’s actions to address the potential mgea surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City. “Example, ang mga palengke are known to

be as areas kung diin asa daghan usually ang naay exposure. Last week, nag-surveillance swabbing ta diha sa Agdao. We were able to test around 300, duna tay nakita nga 9 kabuok all asymptomatic and one even nakakuha na sa iyang first dose sa bakuna because

the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII) to tap Davao’s agri trade industry. “As a start off point, through DiMuto, they seek to explore export capabilities to find new markets for the new normal and match their products and services to qualified buyers in Davao Region and vice versa,” said Dr. Malou Monteverde, president

of DCCCII. Monteverde said the partnership will help close the trade finance gap and level the playing field for all. Meanwhile, DCCCII and e-commerce platform Lazada have teamed up to help local businesses through digitalization last month. Under the partnership, Lazada will provide a learning program on online selling for

chamber members, including product photography, marketing strategies, and live-streaming, among others. “Lazada has already opened its platform not just for ready-toeat meals, but even for fresh produce, or hotel and restaurant promos. And the long-term goal is to eventually go global with Lazada Global,” said Monteverde. Maya Padillo

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Singapore-based DiMuto exploring B2B with buyers in Davao Region

ingapore-based company DiMuto is exploring for possible business matching (B2B) with buyers in Davao Region. DiMuto is a company that leverages Blockchain, IoT and AI to digitize the agri-food supply chain, providing end-to-end supply chain visibility for global businesses. DiMuto has established partnership with

Easter brings ‘profound message of hope’ amid pandemic: Duterte

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday reminded Filipinos that amid the prevailing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives “a message of hope” that there is an end to pain and suffering. In his Easter Sunday message, Duterte extended his greetings to Filipino Christians here and abroad in commemorating the most important day of the year for Christians. “Today, we are joined together in the spirit of victory through the Resurrection of Christ. The glory of Easter gives us all a profound message of hope in the midst of suffering and an assurance of triumph over adversity,” he said. Duterte also expressed hope that Easter would guide Filipinos in pursuit of “shared aspirations” for a better and safer future for all. “As we collectively strive to overcome the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, I trust that the promise of salvation will inspire us to look ahead for new beginnings and move forward with stronger faith and compassion for others,” he added. Experience rebirth In a separate message, Presidential Com-

munications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes “the power of God.” “This momentous event gives rise to our spiritual renewal, so we may experience rebirth and renewal, walk and receive the promised salvation in Heaven and be with Christ and God,” he said. Even in the face of adversities such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Andanar reminded Filipinos to draw inspiration from Easter by always having faith in “a new life, a new hope, and a new future for us all.” He also encouraged Filipinos to be “optimistic” about recovering from the prevailing health crisis. “Let us be optimistic that we will rise and recover as one global community from Covid-19 while we continue to follow health protocols to ensure that we protect ourselves and those around us,” he added. Renewed hope Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in his Easter message, said we must look forward to gaining a “strengthened faith for better things to come” and stronger determination to heal and recover as one from the nation’s challenges.

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Pulong offers skills scholarship

By MAYA M. PADILLO avao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has offered skills development scholarship programs particularly for Dabawenyos affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

In partnership with the regional office of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA 11), Rep. Duterte urged Dabawenyos to avail the scholarship programs on: Automotive Servicing NC II, Bread & Pastry Production NC II, Computer System Servicing NC II, Contact Center Servicing NC II, Electrical Installation & Maintenance NC II, Health Care Services NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (FORKLIFT) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (excavator) NC II, Heavy Equipment Oper-

ation (BULLDOZER) NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Plumbing NC II, Shielded Metal Arc, Shielded Metal Arc NC II, Tile Setting NC II, and Visual Graphic Design NC III. The program, which is open to 18 years old and high school graduates, aims to provide accessible education and continuous learning to anyone who aspires to acquire new skills or enhance their existing talents and knowledge. “Kining among pag-paningkamot aron kamo mahatagan ug gamay nga kaalam pangan-

dam para sa umaabot nga kaugmaon. Giawhag namo kamo nga pahimuslan kini kay makatabang kini aron kamo mamahimong skilled workers ug aron mas dako ang inyong puruhan aron makapangitag trabaho dili lamang diri sa nasud apan abroad usab,” Duterte said. Interested applicants may visit the First Congressional District Office of Davao located at Ponciano Street and look for Erly Delantar or Ms. Suzzane Calayo or call or text at the following contact numbers 09667510792 (Globe) and 09683022613 (Smart). Duterte’s office continues to offer assistance to those affected by the pandemic particularly the displaced workers.

Cops hunt 2 men linked to Holy Thursday blast in Cotabato City

olice here are hunting down two “persons of interest” believed to be behind the Holy Thursday explosion near an old police outpost that killed one passerby and hurt two others. “We are pursuing a lead, in due time they will be behind bars,” said Maj. Rene Dale Gabuat Cairel, city police station 4 commander, in a radio interview Monday. He refused to identify the two individuals to preempt ongoing police operation. Cairel said the blast,

which happened at around 6 pm. along Jose Lim Sr. Extension Road, fatally hit Hasmad Kader with a shrapnel, and wounded two passersby. Hasmad died on Saturday while undergoing treatment at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center. Two other victims, Marguilama Kalim and her son, Yusuph Talusan Kalim were on board a motorcycle near the old outpost of the police station 4 in the area when one of the three planted im-

provised explosive devices went off. Army and police bomb disposal experts also found and successfully deactivated two more IEDs fashioned from 81mm mortars with a mobile phone as a trigger mechanism near the blast site. Cairel said a review by police investigators on closed-circuit television camera footage from establishments near the blast site showed the presence of the two suspicious individuals in the area before the blast. (PNA)

Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte, through his congressional office in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 11 (TESDA 11) offers skills development scholarship programs particularly for Dabawenyos affected by

300 Sta. Cruz residents complete community-based skills training

ore than 300 residents of Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur have successfully graduated on Tuesday (March 30) from a 15-day community-based skills training provided by the provincial government. Apart from receiving their training certificates, the graduates also received P6,000 each as compensation for attend-

ing the training. The training undertaken were on basic welding with 49 graduates; hair cutting and coloring (96); massage and nail art (117); and basic electrical wiring (47). The trainees, who are residents from barangays Astorga, Darong, Inawayan, Jose Rizal and Sibulan, have started their training on March

vorite of fishing enthusiasts every morning. All 15 persons in the photograph have masks but three are wearing them improperly and physical distancing is hardly observed. MINDANEWS photo

1, 2021. “Dako akong pasalamat sa paghatag og opportunity sa Tupad kay madala namo hangtod sa matigulang ang among nahibal-an karon,” (Thank you for giving us the opportunity in Tupad, we can bring the skills we learned today to our old age) stated Judith Arellano from Barangay

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Troops seize guns, provisions In Good Friday clash with rebs

G COVID-19 notwithstanding, fishing enthusiasts gather at the coastal road project site near Bucana, Davao City on Easter Sunday morning, 4 April 2021. According to them, this portion of the coastal road project is a fa-

Covid-19 pandemic. The program aims to provide accessible education and continuous learning to anyone who aspires to acquire new skills or enhance their existing talents and knowledge. Contributed photo

overnment troops confiscated high powered firearms, mobile phone units, valuables and documents during an encounter with suspected members of the communist New People’s Army in sitio Libertad, barangay Malinawon, Mawab, Davao de Oro on Good Friday, April 2. Maj. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said the operating team of the 25th Infantry Battalion (IB) clashed with 16 NPA members belonging to the Andoy Platoon of the Reds; Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) operat-

ing in some barangays in Mawab and in New Corella, Davao del Norte during a 25- minute firefight with the rebels being led by a certain “Bagyo.” During the clearing operation, the soldiers recovered two M-16 armalite rifles, one bandolier, three cellular phones, eight ponchos, eight backpacks, one and a half sacks of milled rice, 10 pairs of combat boots, 12 jungle hammocks, and valuable documents. There were no casualties reported on the government side. Lamosao said the fleeing rebels were conducting

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

Children and adults enjoy the cool water from a natural spring at the Yesgo Resort pool in Pagsilaan, Andap, New Bataan in Compostela Valley on Black Saturday. Families flocked to the resort despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The resort

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is a few meters away from the area buried by a debris flow brought about by super typhoon Pablo in December 2012. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO C. BUENO

NorCot women’s group, coop members benefit from DAR aid A

All financing, lending firms subject to AMLC rules: SEC

68-member women’s group in North Cotabato has been empowered with the help of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) that provided them Monday with livelihood assistance. Rodolfo Alburo, provincial agrarian reform program officer, said the women are expected to generate additional income for their families after DAR-North Cotabato turned over a sustainable livelihood support intervention under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support

Project (CRFPSP). Alburo said the project, with a combined amount of PHP450,000 was awarded to Kisandal Women Power Organization (KWPO) as the project recipient whose members are residents of Barangay Kisandal, Magpet, North Cotabato. “With this project, we

are encouraging more women to engage in business enterprise and provide them with an avenue to generate additional income for their families,” he said in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday. Alburo added that the KWPO was also given one unit of decorticating machine, garden tools, assorted ornamental seeds and seedlings, flower pots, racks, and cocopeat. Emelita Mayol, chief agrarian reform program officer, said the project aims to help and empow-

er women to become resilient amid calamities and economic difficulties. “This project will provide the 68 members of the group with an extra source of income especially during this time of the pandemic,” she said. In her acceptance speech, KWPO president Arcelie Sotto expressed her gratitude to DAR for providing their group with an additional livelihood project. “The project is indeed a huge augmentation to the livelihood of the

national coffer represents half of its net earnings from 2016 to 2019. Melvin Matibag, president and chief executive officer of Transco, said the GOCC has realigned its budget to support the national government’s Covid-19 response since the onset of the pandemic. TranCo has provided immediate assistance to government hospitals in Quezon City and the Philippine Red Cross for the Covid-19 screening

of Quezon City Police District, help locally stranded individuals to go back to their provinces, and relief efforts to vulnerable communities, he added. “We are just doing our part to help our government address the needs of the people in this time of crisis. And we are happy to learn from the DOF (Department of Finance) that our remittances helped secure the resources for the important infrastructure projects of the government,” Matibag

said. TransCo said it is also committed to remit PHP1.6 billion in the coming months. Under the Republic Act 7656, GOCCs are required to remit 50 percent of their net income to the national treasury. Meanwhile, DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi has lauded the contributions of TransCo in the national government’s fight against Covid-19 and in its “Build, Build, Build” program.

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ll financing and lending firms are now required to register with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and comply with other rules and standards at combating the entry of dirty money into the country. Under a memorandum circular released by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 30, the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPSA) were amended to add all financing and lending firms among supervised covered persons of the corporate regulator.

Prior to this, only those required to comply with the AMLA and the TFPSA were financing and lending companies with over 40% foreign participation in the voting stocks, and those with paid-up capital of at least P10 million. "The amendment aims to protect financing and lending companies from abuse and misuse by money launders and terrorists, and more importantly the integrity of the financial system, the overall economy, and the people who would ultimately suffer from such illicit activities," SEC Chairperson Emilio Aquino in a statement on Sunday.

TransCo tops GOCC remittances in Q1 2021 PH manufacturing posts

he National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) has the highest dividend contributions to the national treasury among government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for the first quarter of the year. The GOCC under the Department of Energy (DOE) said it has remitted PHP8.32 billion to the national treasury from January to March 2021 period. TransCo said its first quarter remittance to the

modest growth in March

he Philippine manufacturing sector continued to expand in March, albeit at a slower pace than the previous month, according to results of the monthly survey conducted by IHS Markit. The IHS Markit Philippines Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.2 in March from 52.5 in February. The PMI is a composite indicator of the manufacturing sector's performance, with 50.0

as the threshold. A reading above 50 indicates growth while below 50 is a contraction. "The Philippines manufacturing sector ended the first quarter on a positive note with a modest expansion recorded in March," IHS Markit Economist Shreeya Patel said in a commentary. Goods producers reported a marginal rise in new order volumes for the month, while for-

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EDGEDAVAO

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ECONOMY

Oil prices up starting today

fter two consecutive weeks of rollbacks, oil firms on Monday announced upward adjustments on pump prices of petroleum products starting today. In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said it will hike the prices per liter of gasoline by P0.65, diesel by P0.05, and kerosene by P0.05. Cleanfuel will implement the same adjustment for gasoline, while keeping prices of diesel unchanged.

Pilipinas Shell's adjustments will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, while Cleanfuel will implement the changes at 8:01 a.m. the same day. Other firms have yet to make similar announcements. According to the latest data available from the Department of Energy, year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P6.15 per liter for gasoline, P4.60 per liter for diesel, and P3.50 per liter for kerosene as of March 30, 2021.

PH economic outlook downgraded from bad to worse: global think tank

he Philippine economy is now expected to end the year at a worse state than earlier expected as COVID-19 cases continue to surge while the vaccination rollout remains slow, a global think tank said. London-based Capital Economics said it now expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to fall 12% below its pre-crisis trend, the biggest gap of any country in the Emerging Asia region. Prior to the pandemic, the economy was averaging a 6% growth. "The economic outlook in the Philippines has gone from bad to worse over the past month. The main headwind is a renewed surge in virus infections, with the country now reporting around 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 each day," it said in a recent chart book. The Philippines has continued to log over 10,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past few days. It reported 11,028

on Sunday, April 4, to bring the total to 795,051. This includes 135,526 active cases; 646,100 recoveries; and 13,425 deaths. "Even before the latest surge in cases, there were signs of the recovery going into reverse," Capital Economics said, noting employment data which indicates that unemployment crept up to 8.8% in February from 8.7% the previous month. The February unemployment rate is the third-highest since the 17.6% recorded in April 2020 during the peak of the lockdowns designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. The country also reimposed the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest possible restrictions, in the NCR Plus Bubble from March 29. This was initially scheduled to last in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan until April 4, but was extended for at least another week to April 11.

A pump attendant refills a motorcycle with gasoline at a gasoline station in Matina, Davao City on Monday. After two consecutive weeks of rollbacks, oil companies announced an increase on pump prices of petroleum products starting today. Edge Davao

Landbank mobile transactions up; online fees waived until June 30

tate-owned Landbank of the Philippines extended anew the waiver of fees for online fund transfers of retail clients until June 30, 2021, as a way to help the public cope with rising Covid-19 cases. The waiver of fees, previously extended until March 31, covers online fund transfers facilitated through online banking channels via InstaPay and PESONet. Among these platforms is the Landbank Mobile Banking App (MBA), which facilitated 14.1 million transactions valued at PHP20.27 billion as of the end of February, amounting to increases of 71 percent and

230 percent, respectively, over the same period in 2020. The Landbank MBA was upgraded last year to include new features such as an enhanced user interface, card-less withdrawal, and registration of Mastercard credit and prepaid cards. Since the government-imposed health restrictions in March last year, Landbank has been encouraging clients

to utilize its digital and e-banking channels. Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite are still under enhanced community quarantine on April 5 to 11. "Landbank remains committed to balancing service delivery and safety, by providing secure and convenient digital banking solutions while promoting health protection. We continue to urge our clients to utilize our online banking platforms and make cashless transactions, especially at this time when Covid-19 cases are rising,” Landbank president/CEO Cecilia Borromeo said. As of February 2021, Landbank’s five major

electronic channels – MBA, Electronic Modified Disbursement System (eMDS), Link.BiZ Portal, i-Access, and we-Access – recorded a cumulative 18.59 million transactions amounting to PHP247.08 billion. These represent increases of 16 percent and 47 percent, respectively, year-onyear. The eMDS, dedicated for national government clients and partners, recorded 191,494 transactions or a 10 percent increase in volume, amounting to PHP152.86 billion, or a 68 percent growth, from February 2020. Likewise, e-payment

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CebPac cancels several flights as ‘NCR Plus’ lockdown extended

ebu Pacific said it was canceling several flights next week after the government ordered a one-week extension of the strictest quarantine level currently imposed over Metro Manila and adjacent provinces. The airline said the one-week extension of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the areas covered by "NCR Plus" states that only essential travel is allowed in and out of Metro Manila until April 11, 2021. Because of this, Cebu Pacific and Cebgo flights mentioned below are canceled during the period, the company said. Cebu Pacific said it will also cancel several other flights after the

government approved the request of the local government of Western Visayas (Region 6) to temporarily suspend the acceptance of incoming passengers until April 10. The airline said that clients affected by the flight cancellations can opt to rebook, place the equivalent amount in a travel fund, or ask for a refund. The company however advised clients that due to the high volume of refund requests, the process may take up to seven months from date of request. Cebu pacific meanwhile said it will continue to operate all other domestic and international flights not mentioned above.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

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In launching a skills development program for those affected by the pandemic: Kining among pag-paningkamot aron kamo mahatagan ug gamay nga kaalam pangandam para sa umaabot nga kaugmaon. Giawhag namo kamo nga pahimuslan kini kay makatabang kini aron kamo mamahimong skilled workers ug aron mas dako ang inyong puruhan aron makapangitag trabaho dili lamang diri sa nasud apan abroad usab.”

Cong. Paolo Z. Duterte First Dist. Representative

EDITORIAL

Ivermectin debate

Ranking business leaders of the Philippines are appealing to President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to consider seriously the distribution of Ivermectin as medicine for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19. The appeal is contained in an open letter dated March 31, 2021 and signed by Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Jose Luis U. Yulo Jr., president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, former Senator Joey Lina, former Ambassador Benedicto V. Yujuico Jr. and former Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor, among many others, including Dabawenyo business leader Vicente T. Lao, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council. In the five-page letter, the group said specifically requested the Presiident to direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Science and Technology to “look into the credible testimonials of a substantial number of Filipinos, including well-known members of Philippine society, and on the studies of several local and foreign researchers on the efficacy and safety of Ivermectin in preventing and treating Covid-19 cases” and “issue the appropriate permit or authority to persons, natural or artificial, to manufacture, compound, import, distribute and sell Ivermectin.” The group also requested Congress to pass the appropriate legislation or resolution “to expedite the availability and easy access to

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Ivermectin, by the masses of our people”. The Philippine businessmen’s appeal came in the wake of the raging debate worldwide over the question of whether Ivermectin should indeed be used for the prevention and treatment of Covidl-19. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug sold over-the-counter for 40 years now but it was originally intended to treat animals only. However, Ivermectin has been repurposed as a human-grade drug as claimed by the business group. Pro-Ivermemctin advocates reported that there are now more than 50 studies conducted in different parts of the world, 14 of them completed with success. In their letter to President Duterte, the businessmen are claiming that “22 of the world is already using Ivermectin to successfully fight Covid-19,” quoting the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDC Philippines), another group advocating for the use of Ivermectin as a preventive and curative drug against Covid-19. Whatever happens to the appeal in Malacañang, one thing is certain-- there is now a need for more emphasis on aggressive research aimed at finding a drug that would prevent and treat the coronavirus. The responses to the pandemic admittedly have been more focused on lockdowns, health protocols, hospitalization and vaccination. Little emphasis has been put on finding the preventive and curative drug.

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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

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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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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

7 EDGEDAVAO

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LIFESTYLE

Beat the pandemic with these

indulgent desserts

here is something about cakes that make us feel better. So with the madness of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's best to have a slice of goodness. Dulce Vida (sweet life), the pastry line of homegrown Tiny Kitchen, pops delightful homestyle cakes and desserts from the oven with passion and utmost quality. Well, there is no denying that these can be indulgent but who says you can't have these occasionally? There is a saying that money can't buy you happiness but chocolates can, so lets eat chocolate cake and be happy. Treat yourself with a soothing slice of Concord Gateau, a chocolate filling crispy broken meringue fingers rich in taste and flavor. The magical Red Velvet cake, which is a velvety chocolate cake with dense cream cheese frosting is guaranteed to blow your mind. Cheesecake in any form is a winner and Dulce Vida's Red Velvet Cheesecake is a delightful treat and a real crowd-pleaser. This decadent, which is a mixture of red velvet cake coated with

moist and luscious cream cheese is Philippine Inquirer's Best Dessert in 2015. There's also the chocolate meringue cake that will surely turn any tea time into a special occasion. The chocolate cake doused cream cheese frosting is everything you want for a dessert. A lavish Square Indulgence is like,some things are just meant to be together. It is a chocolate meringue crust with an ivory mousse glaze. A layer of deliciousness indeed. Dulce Vida's Silvanas are decadent fancy frozen dessert cookies with irresistible crunch due to its nutty meringue and buttercream filling. These frozen cookie sandwich are available in mocha, chocolate, and classic flavors. Eating chocolate is some of life's great treats and most of us really like chocolate flavored desserts because they makes us feel good and feeling good is what we need during the pandemic.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Coca-Cola further strengthens its People First culture as it commits to roll-out a comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination plan for its 10,000 employees— this

plan extends to their families as well, as the company vows to source vaccines for their employees’immediate family members.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) President and CEO, Gareth McGeown conducts site visits to ensure the safety of employees and to strengthen open dialogue between leaders and associates.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines strengthens people-first commitment with free vaccinations for all employees

oca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI)—the local bottling arm of Coca-Cola and one of the major employers in the country—announces its free comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination program for its 10,000 associates— this plan extends to their families as well, as the company vows to source vaccines for their employees’ immediate family members. With the move, the company underscores that its People-First policy, which prioritizes employee welfare, is still the best support and recovery strategy for the business. Coca-Cola is currently working with partners to ensure that the program will be rolled out immediately and efficiently. This also seeks to support collective efforts to revive the national economy.

Expanded pandemic support “Our People-First commitment means that we are responsible for our employees and their families especially during these most challenging times,” says Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of CCBPI. He adds, “2020 really tested us as a company—tested our policies, our culture, the way we do business, and I am extremely proud to say that we came out of it stronger as one Coke family. We intend to do the same this year and the years to come.” Supporting the government's plan for an economic reboot, Coca-Cola’s vaccination of its employees will help increase their activity and mobility, which will positively impact the conduct of business and uphold continued job preservation

within the entire Coke value chain. The move is also seen to contribute to a virtuous cycle of job generation, as for every direct job at the Company, seven more indirect jobs across its value chain are produced—thus supporting thousands of small businesses through livelihood programs and financial support. With the well-being of its people at the center of Coca-Cola's commitment, the company allocated Php 2B for its employee assistance fund to ensure that all its employees receive their salaries, their jobs secured during the pandemic. “Our biggest achievement is that we did not have to let anyone go because of the pandemic” shares McGeown. “Creating and championing a People-centric culture is not the job of one person

alone. Every single person in the organization made this possible, a shared responsibility among the company’s 10,000 employees.” Coca-Cola has in place a comprehensive HMO coverage for employees and dependents, and employs strict safety and sanitation standards across all its 20 manufacturing sites, 70 distribution centers and sales offices. Via its people development policies, the company also facilitates employee-driven initiatives for mental well-being and health, ensuring that all of its associates—whether they are working from home or serving as industry frontliners—are protected. Commitment to gender inclusivity Women are the most affected by the economic demographic of the pandemic. Studies compiled

normal. Smart has also activated Smart Infocast, a web-based text broadcast solution, to help the university disseminate information to members of its community via text. "The connectivity services that we provide put us in a unique position to help society in a big way. We know that internet service is actually like the air we breathe already, especially during these times where physical connection is extremely challenged," said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart, adding that Smart has also provided CMU's students and teachers with reliable mobile services as they study and teach from home. "When our students and teachers go back to CMU,

we want to make sure that they have the most reliable and affordable connectivity service in school through Smart WiFi. Through this, we continue to enable our students, the future of our country, with free and affordable connectivity, so that they can continue to learn and stay connected to their passions," she added. CMU President Dr Jesus Antonio Derije highlighted the importance of connectivity for the university and its students. CMU, known as the premier college for agriculture in the region, is a Center of Excellence for Agriculture education and a National University Center for Agriculture, and serves mostly students from farming families in Bukidnon and surrounding provinces.

"PLDT and Smart have invested so much to improve the signal in our campus. We are optimistic that this partnership will provide our students better access to the Internet and enable the university to continue delivering quality education to our students," he said, adding that the partnership will also contribute to the university's efforts to continuously level up as one of the Philippines' top universities. This partnership is part of Smart's "Live Smarter for a Better World" campaign, which highlights Smart's long-running community partnership programs and enables "personal revolutions" that generate lasting positive impact to society through connectivity and

Smart, Central Mindanao University partner to deploy Smart WiFi

LDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Central Mindanao University in Maramag, Bukidnon are teaming up to roll out fast, free, and fiber-powered Smart WiFi in the state university to serve the connectivity requirements of its academic community. This is the latest addition to the leading mobile services provider's support for the university, which currently has more than 13,500 students enrolled online and more than 3,000 faculty members. In the past, Smart has provided the university with smartphones, free SIMs and Smart Bro Pocket WiFi units to help the university's scholars continue their studies online in the new

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by UNWomen.org state that 510 million of women globally are working in the hardest-hit sectors, with women employment being 19% more at risk, and mothers facing a rise in unpaid work. Many global companies saw an exodus of women from their roles due to the pressure of work and childcare. CCBPI recognizes the responsibilities and challenges that women are experiencing, within and outside of their professional careers. It is therefore imperative for organizations like CCBPI to take it upon itself to ensure that it is taking extra steps to support women associates. To strengthen job security for the women members of the organization, CCBPI has fostered open communication among employees, sustaining dialogues on personal and professional concerns, and has supported them through people development programs and assistance addressing their welfare. “It is very important for companies to be aware of this additional challenge for women, and to consciously make policies that will help women succeed in their roles professionally and outside of the workplace,” says Thelma Meneses, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of the Bottling Investment Group (BIG), of which Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines is a member. “At Coca-Cola BIG, this outlook and the support are imperative. And it is a continuous journey of improvement, because we want to make sure that our policies are not just words but will truly have an impact on every single individual.” CCBPI’s People-First culture makes it an ideal setting for any individu-

al to succeed within and beyond the workplace, as it continues to uphold and further its gender-inclusive culture and implement policies for the personal and professional development of its employees. Coca-Cola has been helping accelerate the growth of its female talents through various programs and training, such as Leveraging and Inspiring Female Talent (LIFT). Through LIFT, associates learn from a holistic set of topics, from balancing professional and personal life, to strengthening one’s business acumen. The company also conducts initiatives to help raise awareness on women’s health, and supports the forming of communities within the company—one of which is a dedicated online community for working moms where they can share tips, stories, and help fellow parents in the workplace. The company strives to cultivate a culture that values support beyond the workplace through policies such as expanded maternity and paternity leaves, extended health coverage to same-sex partners, and the implementation of a solo-parent policy that allows single parents to have more flexibility with their work schedule to take care of their families. “At Coca-Cola, all teams are working toward a unified goal of providing equal opportunities and supporting everyone to thrive and grow, especially during these times. Our people have been integral to the company’s achievements throughout our 108 years of service in the country—with them, we are able to move forward and continue to serve for a hundred more,” shares Gareth McGeown.

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Why vaccines are necessary By HENRYLITO D. TACIO n a sunny Monday morning, 12-year-old John arrived early at school in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. When he opened his classroom door, a stray dog that had wandered into the building the day before jumped up, bit his right arm and ran off.

None of the teachers had arrived yet, so John, his arm bleeding, ran home. His mother took him to a nearby health center, where a nurse cleaned and sutured the wound. Life returned to normal until a month later, when John suddenly refused to eat or drink. A few days later, he woke up screaming – his legs were paralyzed and he couldn't get out of bed. John’s parents rushed him to hospital. After examining him, doctors said there was nothing they could do for him. He died the next day, a victim of rabies. Each year, 200 to 250 deaths are reported due to bites of rabid animals, particularly dogs. At least 50% of the victims are children aged 5 to 14 years, according to the Department of Health. Once symptoms of rabies are apparent, there’s nothing that can be done. That’s why rabies is touted to be the deadliest disease

ever known to man. But people bitten by rabies-carrying animals – like dogs and cats – can still be saved if they are to be vaccinated before the virus incubates. “Rabies vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection caused by the rabies virus,” explains the Mayo Clinic. “The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the rabies virus.” Rabies vaccine is used in two ways. It may be given to persons who have been exposed (that is, by a bite, scratch, or lick) to an animal that is known, or thought, to have rabies. It may also be given ahead of time to persons (like veterinarians, animal handlers, or travelers) who have a high risk of getting infected with rabies virus. “Vaccines are one of our most important tools for preventing outbreaks and keeping the world safe,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), said in a press statement. The way vaccines work is an amazing process. When a person gets a vaccine, his immune system responds by recognizing the invading virus or bacteria. For another, the immune system produces antibodies (proteins produced nat-

urally by the immune system to fight disease). More importantly, the immune system remembers the disease and how to fight it. “Our immune systems are designed to remember,” the United Nations health agency explains. “Once exposed to one or more doses of a vaccine, we typically remain protected against a disease for years, decades or even a lifetime. That is what makes vaccines so effective. Rather than treating a disease after it occurs, vaccines prevent us in the first instance from getting sick.” When a person gets vaccinated against a disease, their risk of infection is also reduced – so they’re less likely to transmit the virus or bacteria to others. As more people in a community get vaccinated, fewer people remain vulnerable, and there is less possibility for an infected person to pass the pathogen on to another person. This is what herd immunity is all about. “Herd immunity does not mean unvaccinated or individuals who have not previously been infected are themselves immune,” WHO clarifies. “Instead, herd immunity exists when individuals who are not immune, but live in a community with a high proportion of immunity, have a reduced

risk of disease as compared to non-immune individuals living in a community with a small proportion of immunity.” Vaccines protect against many different diseases, including: cervical cancer, cholera, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), diphtheria, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis, mumps, pertussis, pneumonia, polio, rabies, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, typhoid, varicella, and yellow fever. But like all medicines, side effects can occur after getting a vaccine. “However, these (side effects) are usually very minor and of short duration, such as a sore arm or a mild fever,” the WHO said. “More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare.” A person is far more likely to be seriously harmed by a disease than by a vaccine. For example, tetanus can cause extreme pain, muscle spasms (lockjaw) and blood clots, measles can cause encephalitis (an infection of the brain) and blindness. Many vaccine-preventable diseases can even result in death. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks, and many more illnesses and deaths would occur without vaccines. But not all people can be vaccinated. There are some

people, because of medical conditions, should not get certain vaccines. These conditions can include: chronic illnesses or treatments (like chemotherapy) that affect the immune system; severe and life-threatening allergies to vaccine ingredients (which are very rare); and severe illness and a high fever on the day of vaccination. According to WHO, all the ingredients of a vaccine play an important role in ensuring a vaccine is safe and effective. Some of these include: antigen (a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria, which trains the bodies to recognize and fight the disease that can be encountered later on), adjuvants (help to boost the immune response), preservatives (ensures a vaccine stays effective), and stabilizers (protect the vaccine during storage and transportation). Vaccines are different from drugs. “A vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease,” explains the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease, without having to get the disease first.” That’s what makes vaccines such powerful medicine. Unlike

most medicines, which treat or cure diseases, vaccines prevent them. And this is the reason why children, particularly newly-born babies, are advised to be vaccinated. “Immunity is the body’s way of preventing disease,” the Atlanta-based CDC says. “When a baby is born, his immune system is not fully developed, which can put him at greater risk for infections. Vaccine reduces a child’s risk of infection by working with his body’s natural defenses to help safely develop immunity to disease.” Here’s an even more understandable explanation from WHO: “Our immune systems are designed to remember. Once exposed to one or more doses of a vaccine, we typically remain protected against a disease for years, decades or even a lifetime. This is what makes vaccines so effective. Rather than treating a disease after it occurs, vaccines prevent us in the first instance from getting sick.” Most vaccines are given by an injection, but some are given orally (by mouth) or sprayed into the nose. Aside from those mentioned earlier, vaccines protect against many different diseases, including: cervical cancer, cholera, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, measles, mumps, pneumonia,

rabies, rotavirus, rubella, typhoid, varicella, and yellow fever. Vaccines protect people throughout life and at different ages, from birth to childhood, as teenagers and into old age. “If we delay vaccination, we are at risk of getting seriously sick,” the WHO warned. “If we wait until we think we may be exposed to a serious illness – like during a disease outbreak – there may not be enough time for the vaccine to work and to receive all the recommended doses.” Not everyone could be vaccinated though. Among those that cannot be immunized are the very young babies, those who are seriously ill or have certain allergies. “They depend on others being vaccinated to ensure they are also safe from vaccine-preventable diseases,” the WHO said. As with all medicines, every vaccine undergoes several studies and testing before it is released to the public. “To develop a vaccine, there first has to be research done to understand the nature of the infection you’re trying to prevent,” Prof. Adam Finn, the David Baum professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, explained to Gary Finnegan’s Vaccine Today. “You

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she works sa health center diha sa Agdao,” she said. A surveillance swab testing is also being conducted for the vendors of Bankerohan Public Market. The mayor, however, said that placing Agdao Public Market in a lockdown is not an option to contain the spread of Covid-19. “Dili ing-ana kadali ang mosulti ka nga mag-lockdown especially karon nga ang mga businesses nato they are spread very thinly already. So dili ing-ana kadali nga mosulti ka nga mag-lockdown ta. Wala pa mi nakakuha sa recommendation from the health group. We will check kung unsa ang ilahang recommendation with regards to public markets,” Mayor Sara said. The mayor said the first option is to intensify testing and contact tracing. From testing the first generation contacts or close contacts or F1,

she also said that the city is eyeing to expand the testing to other people whom the Covid-19 positive patients were in contact with or F2 and F3. “Kaniadto ang F2 and F3 dili nato gina-testing, atoa lang na silang ginapa-self monitor na kung mag-positive ang F1 dinha pa sila i-refer for testing. Karon gina-try nato i-reach out ang atoang testing to F2 and F3 close contacts. Ang surveillance swab testing nato nag-start na sa Agdao last week and Bankerohan scheduled today,” she said. Mayor Sara said there should be an everyday schedule swabbing/testing for targeted areas and targeted high risk areas based on high risk classification. “Based on report kung asa daghan ang makita ang naga positive na mga cases can be palengke, offices, banks, and even if wala, puwedeng buhatan ug schedule for surveillance swabbing and testing,” she said.

“Easter gives us renewed hope for a better new normal. We can apply the lessons we have learned over the past year, turn setbacks into opportunities, and leverage on each other's strengths. With the spirit of Bayanihan, we hope to soon rebuild our economy, reunite with our communities, and recuperate from the loss of lives and tragic experiences that this pandemic has brought us,” he said. Lorenzana said Easter is also a time to reaffirm commitment towards a peaceful and stable Philippines. “Signifying rebirth, Easter brings forth a spirit that enliven the morale of our soldiers and reignites our resolve in protecting our nation's sovereignty and serving our people with utmost professionalism and patriotism,” he said. Lorenzana also expressed hope that global leaders abandon war strategies in favor of peace. “It is with fervent

hope that the message of Easter would also resonate with our global leaders, that they may choose peace over war, life over death, and cooperation over division,” he added. This is the second time that the observance of Holy Week in the Philippines has been restricted because of the pandemic. Maundy Thursday (April 1), Good Friday (April 2), and Black Saturday (April 3) have been declared holidays to allow Filipinos to observe Lent. Religious activities are currently limited only to online or livestreaming as part of the government’s effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. But on Holy Week, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-IED) has allowed a once-a-day religious gathering from April 1 to 4, at 10-percent capacity of the church. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

throttle on his time attack against Literatus. The match completely swung on Literatus' favor as Asuela countered his Kf4 by Kf2, seemingly looking to trap him to the side, which like f3 was analyzed as a mistake. After Literatus checked him twice with his rook, which was already deep into white's territory at the c-file,

Asuela committed a huge blunder by placing his king at d2. After another rook check, Asuela was forced to let go of his own rook at d7, but as he tried to get the rook back by putting his knight at e5, Literatus found the mating move at Rd4, ending the contest and handing the Heroes the championship.

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Astorga, who chose to train on massage and nail art. Governor Douglas Cagas congratulated the completers in a graduation ceremony held at the Davao del Sur Coliseum in Digos City. The community-based skills training was implemented under the TUPAD Program or the Tulong Pang Hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-XI) where a P2 million fund was poured in. The local government’s implementation of TUPAD was modified by integrating employment opportunity to the

beneficiaries through the Government Internship Program (GIP) which explained why the trainees were paid of their 15 days attendance. Through this combined programs, the governor was hoping that this would enable the trainees to sustain their livelihood income if they pursue their newly-acquired skills. Cagas also thanked DOLE-XI for the continuing support to the province, and for another assistance to fund the GIP this year, which amounts to P47,355,136. About 1,700 residents from across the province are targeted to benefit from this assistance. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

extortion activities when the troops chanced upon them. They were assigned to hold the financial assets of the NPA in the Regional Command, he said. First quarter of 2020, Andoy Platoon merged with the members of the Weakend Guerilla Front 33 (WGF 33) and operated in theareas of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. However, during the last quarter of the year, all the members of the WGF 33 surrendered to the military. Col. Asnawi Muti, 25IB commanding officer, called on the remaining NPA members to surrender as he also urged troops to relentlessly pursue the rebels who continue to threaten the people in communities. “These losses will eventually cripple the armed group and eventu-

ally weaken the terrorist organization,” he said. “I also encourage the people in the barangays to continue supporting authoritites by giving information on the presence of NPAs in the barangays in order for us to prevent them from doing terroristic activities that could hamper the ongoing peace and development efforts in the area,” Muti said. Meanwhile, Mawab Mayor Ruperto Gonzaga commended the performance of the soldiers in securing the communities amid the pandemic and during holy week. “Today as we observe and take time to reflect on this Holy Week, the NPA terrorists still continue peddling their lies, recruitment, deceit and continue their barbaric deeds to the communities,” Gonzaga said.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. "Our mission at PLDT and Smart is to connect every Filipino anytime and anywhere they might be," said Alex O. Caeg, SVP and Head of Consumer Sales Group at PLDT and Smart. "We have been enabling the academe to always be connected to online learning, providing teachers with digital tools, and reaching out to even more students to keep them connected to their classes so that no learner is left behind," he added. Caeg said the partnership supports the eventual return of face-to-face schooling. "Together, we will continue to help mold the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators from CMU. We will ensure that the university will be an enabler and a change agent of innovation for a much better world," said Caeg. "CMU has always been

a key university partner for Smart. Our mission and commitment is to serve the university amid this crisis. As we are in the era of digitalization, we hope to help the university face all the challenges that the education sector is up against," said Hoyle Disuanco, FVP and Head of Smart Regional Customer Development for VisMin. Enabling this partnership is parent company PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, the most extensive in the country at more than 429,000 kilometers. The deployment of Smart WiFi is part of PLDT and Smart’s nationwide rollout and expansion of their integrated fixed wireless networks. To date, Smart’s wireless network, the fastest mobile network in the country according to third-party analytics firm Ookla, covers 96% of the Philippine population from Batanes to Sulu.

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members of our organization. Rest assured that we will take good care of this project,” Sotto said. Meanwhile, Muslim women in Barangay Guiling, Alamada, North Cotabato also received sustainable livelihood support from DAR-North Cotabato. The project amounting to PHP450,000 was given to the Dimaampao Native Inhabitants Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative. Bandili Metopher, the cooperative’s chairper-

son, received the livelihood support intervention which includes one unit garden tiller, one set drip irrigation system, one set of garden tools (net/mulch, sprayer, trays, brewer),100 heads mallard ducks, assorted vegetable seeds, and assorted organic fertilizers. “We are glad about this project, our first project awarded by the government, we will ensure this project will grow,” Metopher said. (PNA)

eign client demand was subdued as restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic persisted in overseas markets. Locally, the Philippines reimposed the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest possible restriction, in the NCR Plus Bubble from March 29. This was initially scheduled to last in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan until April 4, but was extended for another week to April 11. IHS said an overall rise in new work led local firms to increase their output at an accelerated pace, while some noted efforts to stockpile finished goods amid expectations of greater demand

in the coming months. "A key area of concern, however, continues to be rising price pressures. Material shortages were often blamed for the highest costs incurred by firms," said Patel. "A sustained increase in client demand, however, allowed some firms to partially pass on rising expenses," she added. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is scheduled to report March inflation data on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. "Nevertheless, a strong first quarter places the sector in a good stead for a return to industrial production growth in 2021, with our current forecast expecting a 7.1% expansion," said Patel.

platform Link.BiZ Portal facilitated 660,490 transactions amounting to PHP1.39 billion, or equivalent to 37 percent and 41 percent increases, respectively. Meanwhile, i-Access, which provides 24/7 online banking services to individual retail clients,

logged a total of 879,483 transactions with a total value of PHP2.28 billion, representing an 83 percent growth rate. The we-Access system for the online banking needs of corporate clients facilitated 2,740,611 transactions amounting to PHP70.33 billion. (PR)

need to know enough about the virus or bacterium that causes the infection; you have to understand the structure of the bug because in order to create a vaccine you need to know enough about the infection to be able to mimic it. A vaccine is essentially a mimicked infection.” Before a vaccine is released for human use, careful steps are taken to ensure that all material is manufactured in an entirely safe and strictly controlled way. “Following pre-clinical research, the vaccine is tested in a very small group of people – sometimes as few as half a dozen – in what is called a Phase I clinical study,” Finnegan wrote. “This helps to rule out major safety problems and also helps doctors to work out the right dose for the next step in the testing process. “Phase II trials involve giving the vaccine to a larger number of people (often 100 to 200 but sometimes in the 1,000s). At this point, researchers want to see whether the vaccine gives a consistent immune response and they watch for any side effects that might occur. “Where a disease is reasonably common, Phase III trials

can be conducted to test how the vaccine protects against natural infection. These studies often include tens of thousands of healthy volunteers so that doctors have a better chance of discovering rare problems which did not show up in smaller Phase II studies and prove that the vaccine prevents the disease.” In the current fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have developed at least 10 vaccines. These are: Sinopharm, Sinovac, Kexing, and Can Sino (all four from China), AstraZeneca (United Kingdom), Pfizer (United States and Germany), Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax (all three from the United States), and Sputnik V (Russia). “Vaccines are a critical new tool in the battle against COVID-19 and it is hugely encouraging to see so many vaccines proving successful and going into development,” the WHO said. “Working as quickly as they can, scientists from across the world are collaborating and innovating to bring us tests, treatments, and vaccines that will collectively save lives and end this pandemic.” – (Photo: thechildren.com)

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Lonzo Ball had 27 points and a career-high eight 3-pointers.

Lonzo Ball fires M career-high 8 triples H

Laguna wins inaugural PCAP title

night he outdid his previous career mark of seven 3s, which he'd accomplished four times. Kelly Olynyk got the Rockets within four with two free throws with about 2 ½ minutes to go, but Ball's eighth 3-pointer made it 116-109. Jae'Sean Tate added a 3 for Houston seconds later, and Ball left the game

soon after with what appeared to be cramps. Willy Hernangomez made a dunk with less than a minute to go to push the lead to 118-112. Olynyk had a season-high 26 points in his second 20-point game in the five games since he was traded to Houston from Miami. The Rockets lost their fourth straight. Kenyon Martin Jr. had three dunks in less than two minutes to power an 8-4 run that put the Rockets up 102-97 with about 7 ½ minutes to go. The Pelicans used a 10-2 spurt after that, highlighted by a 3 from Ball,

nine rebounds from Nikola Jokic. Chuma Okeke and Terrence Ross led Orlando with 19 points each. Denver coach Michael Malone said before tip-off that he didn't have to give Gordon any advice about keeping his emotions in check going against his former team that dealt him to Denver last week after seven seasons in Orlando. "I haven't gotten the sense from Aaron that he's hyped up more because it's Orlando than he was for Atlanta or Philly or the Clippers. I don't get the

sense that he's that type of guy," Malone said. "I haven't said anything to him. What I tell our entire group is that this game is all about us. They sure did. The Nuggets trailed by double digits for most of the first half, and after cutting their deficit to 54-47, they surrendered the final 11 points of the second quarter and trailed 65-47 at halftime. Denver erased all of that in the third quarter, but Ross put Orlando back on top 86-85 with a jumper in the closing seconds.

OUSTON — Lonzo Ball had 27 points and a career-high eight 3-pointers, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Houston Rockets, 122-115, on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time) to end a two-game skid. Ball was on fire early, making all four of his 3-point attempts in the first quarter in his return after missing seven games with a hip injury. He cooled off after that and didn't hit from long range again until the third quarter, when he made two. He had nine assists, and his 27 points tied a season-best on a

Gordon plays huge against former team

ENVER — Aaron Gordon scored 24 points against his former team, rallying the Denver Nuggets past the Orlando Magic, 119-109, Sunday night (Monday, Manila time). Gordon scored Denver's first dozen points, then helped the Nuggets erase an 18-point halftime deficit for their 14th win in 17 games and their 10th straight over the Magic. Jamal Murray added 22 points and Michael Porter Jr. 20 for Denver, which got 17 points, 16 assists and

to take a 107-104 lead with about four minutes remaining. The Pelicans had a sixpoint lead with about 2 ½ minutes left in the third, but the Rockets scored the last nine points of the period, with 3s from D.J. Wilson and D.J. Augustin to take a 92-89 lead into the fourth quarter. Ball's big night came in a game where all five starters finished with at least 10 points. Eric Bledsoe had 19, James Johnson added 18, Jaxson Hayes had 11, and Steven Adams had 12 with 11 rebounds.

ANILA – The Laguna Heroes made history on Saturday night as they became the first ever champions of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP). In a rare Philippine sporting event happening during the Holy Week holidays, Laguna clinched the All-Filipino Conference title after beating Camarines in the grand finals. The Heroes, led by their grandmaster (GM) duo of Board 1 player Banjo Barcenilla and homegrown talent John Paul Gomez, was on pace for a cruise control after taking Set 1, 14.5-6.5. But the GM Mark Paragua-powered Soaring Eagles bounced back in Set 2, taking an 11.5-

9.5 win that sent their championship battle to the Armageddon matches. Paragua took the first point for Camarines after forcing Gomez to resign after 25 moves in the King's Indian Defense. But Barcenilla got one back for Laguna after downing Mark Daluz on time attack, leaving the showdown between FIDE Master AJ Literatus and Ellan Asuela to decide the tie. Asuela, playing white, was ahead on the quality of pieces captured and time as he looks poised to breach through Literatus' Sicilian Defense. But a pawn check at f3 in his 37th move started Asuela's endgame collapse as he went full

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Aaron Gordon scored 24 points against the Orlando Magic.

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WARMING UP

Petecio scores big in Thailand Goodwill meet

avao pride Nesthy Petecio warmed up for her Tokyo Olympics stint with a not so easy win over a Thai foe in the Philippines’ goodwill meet against Thailand over the weekend at the Surat Thani province. The world champion Petecio and compatriot Carlo Paalam weathered the challenge of their respective Thai opponents, both of who are likewise bound for the Olympiad in July. Paalam beat Thitisan Panmot in the men’s 52 kg class, while Petecio won her 60 kg bout against Sudaporn Seesondee.

Petecio even posted a short clip of her fight on her Facebook page that saw the Filipina scoring a standing eight-count against her Thai opponent.

Irish Magno, the third Olympic-bound fighter currently with the Philippine men and women’s boxing team that is holding training camp in Thailand, was not as fortunate as she lost to Chutamat Raksat in the women’s 51 kg class.

The other Filipino pugs who also saw action suffered the same fate as Magno. Palicte lost to Khunatip Pidnuch in the men’s 63 kg division, Piannar also went down against Wuttichai Masuk at 69 kg., while Aira Villegas and Junmilardo Ogayre likewise fell short in their respective matches. The second of the two-part goodwill tournament will be held on April 10.

The Thai training camp serves as the first international exposure of the national boxing team this year after training in the bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.