EDGEDAVAO
NEW LEADERSHIP AT AGCC
Serving a seamless society
SPORTS P12
NUMBERS UP
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
f
@EdgeDavao
www.edgedavao.net
47,814 Covid-19 vaccines administered in Davao Region STORY ON PAGE 2
A physically challenged man, who brought his son to work, maneuvers his wheelchair through traffic on his way home along F. Torres Street in Davao City on Friday. This year’s Araw ng Kagitingan is not only dedicated to people who fight for our country but also the present-day heroes such as the medical frontliners who are in the forefront in the ongoing battle with Covid-19 and those underpriviledged people in the society who fight bravely the challenges of life for the wellbeing of their loved ones. Edge Davao
edgedavao@gmail.com
P 15.00 • 12 PAGES
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
NUMBERS UP
President Rodrigo Duterte hails the front-liners whose dedication to fighting Covid-19 is worthy of imitation in his Araw ng Kagitingan message. The Chief Executive also encourages his fellow Filipinos to exhibit a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity. Edge Davao
47,814 Covid-19 vaccines administered in Davao Region By MAYA M. PADILLO
T
here have been 47,814 Covid-19 vaccines administered so far in Davao Region since its roll out a month ago. The Department of Health-Davao Region posted on its Facebook page that out of the 64,300 vaccines distributed across Davao Region, 47,814 were already administered. Davao Region has received 27,500 CoronaVac and 20,000 AstraZeneca vaccines for the first dose and 20,000 CoronoVac for the second dose that were distributed to 592 vaccination sites. Meanwhile, based on the Regional Statistics Update on Covid-19 Vaccination in Davao Region as of April 8, 2021, DOH Davao Center for Health Development recorded a total vaccine doses administered of
91.5 percent for the first dose and 25.8 percent for the second dose to eligible A1 priority, which are the healthcare frontliners. Dr. Janis Olavides, team leader of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program of DOH 11 said that they are already preparing for the vaccine roll-out of priority eligible individuals under the A1 and A2 categories. "Right now we are already preparing for the incoming vaccines na kahit po ganito palang tayo na nagkocover tayo ng healthcare workers we are already preparing to cover the priority eligibles (A2 & A3). Kaya po it’s better to be prepared para po pagdating ng bakuna agad-
agad na mabakunahan sila," she said in a virtual presser. On the other hand, based on the Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of April 8, 2021, DOH Davao Center for Health Development reported 91 new cases of Covid-19 in the region bringing the total number of active cases to 865. Of these new cases, 50 were from Davao City, 22 from Davao del Norte, eight from Davao Oriental, seven from Davao de Oro, and four from Davao del Sur. There was one death case reported from Davao de Oro. There were 38 recoveries reported and among these 12 were from Davao del Sur, 12 from Davao City, eight from Davao Oriental, and six from Davao de Oro.
Remember frontliners on Valor Day: Baste
D
avao City acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte urged Dabawenyos to remember the frontliners for a more meaningful commemoration of 79th Araw Ng Kagitingan on Friday. In a statement, the acting mayor urged the public to continue to be inspired by the selflessness and dedication of the frontliners to serve the country during these trying times. "As we commemo-
rate this day, let us also acknowledge our valiant countrymen who are at the forefront in our ongoing battle against Covid-19," he said. He said that now more than ever, Dabawenyos must remain steadfast in their commitment to win against the threats on the welfare of the people and communities. "Let this day be a reminder for us to continue working together towards
a healthier and much better city moving forward," he said. The acting mayor led the commemoration held at the Veteran's Memorial Monument along Freedom Park. He was joined by Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief PCol Kirby John Kraft and Task Force Davao Commander Col. Consolito Yecla. Maya Padillo
by June this year. Dean Ortiz, DPWH-Davao region public affairs and information officer, said in an interview that the installation of the bicycle lanes commenced just
last February. A convergence project between DPWH and Department of Transportation, he added that at least P145.3 million have been allotted
DPWH-Davao targets to complete installation of bike lanes by June
T
he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Davao is eyeing to complete the installation of 43 kilometers of two-way bicycle lanes in Davao City
FDPWH-DAVAO, P10
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
EDGEDAVAO
NEWS 3
Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, together with Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief PCol Kirby John Kraft and Task Force Davao Commander Col. Consolito Yecla, leads the Araw ng Kagitingan ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Monument along Freedom Park on Friday morning. CIO
City mulling isolation, treatment facilities in far-flung districts By MAYA M. PADILLO
T
he city government of Davao plans to set up isolation and treatment facilities in far-flung districts.
Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office, said this is part of the city's efforts to boost its Covid-19 response as active cases of the respiratory disease continue to rise in some parts of the country,
which is by putting up more isolation centers and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMF) in the city. “Mag-set up tag TTMFs didto kay so far wala tay TTMFs didto. What we
utilize as an isolation and quarantine unit is kadtong mga eskwelahan didto sa Malabog Elementary School ug Malabog National High School. Kung mabuhatan sa syag TTMF mao na na sya for our Paquibato District, " Lopez said during the ‘Covid-19 Alert’ program at Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.
Apart from Paquibato District, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has recommended other strategic areas where TTMF structures will be installed namely Tibungco in Bunawan District, and in Marilog District. Lopez said that the additional TTMFs will serve as catch areas for places with distant treatment facilities
and will house COVID-19 patients. He said each project will cost around P10 million. “This is part of the Bayanihan 2 Act fund that was allocated by the Department of Health to Davao City. Naay gi-allocate ang DOH sa Davao which is around 30 million pesos and ang required kay structural,
kinahanglan magbuhat ta’g structural TTMF, " Lopez said. He added that there are around 81 beds for the three temporary treatment and monitoring facilities that will be put up in Davao City based on the recommendation of the Department of Health to place 27 beds per
technical functionality of the four operating machines being used in the registration. Step 2 involves validating the demographic information (Step 1) and supporting documents such as the certificate of live birth and other valid identification cards. It is also where PSA officers get the biometrics of a registrant, such as fingerprints, iris scanning, and photo-facing photographs. “The local government of IGACOS is fully supporting the National ID system be-
cause this does benefit not only the masses but also the general public, especially in the fast-tracking of transactions with government and private sector,” IGACOS Mayor Al David Uy said. The Samal CIO said PSA registration would be implemented from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in identified registration centers. The designated registration centers include Nieves Villarica National High School in Babak District, Ka-
FCITY, P10
Pinoys urged to show ‘greater Davao City, Samal begin Step 2 sense of patriotism, solidarity’ registration for nat’l ID system
P
resident Rodrigo Duterte on Friday enjoined his fellow Filipinos to exhibit a “greater sense of patriotism and solidarity,” especially now that the country is still grappling with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Duterte made the call as he joined the entire nation in commemorating Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). In his message, Duterte also hailed the front-liners whose dedication to fighting Covid-19 is worthy of imitation.
“As we continue to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated front-liners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” he said. An estimated 60,000 Filipino and American troops on April 9, 1942 were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese.
They were forced to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the sun with no food and water for days. The forced march of the prisoners is known as the Death March. Around 18,000 Filipino soldiers and 650 Americans died during the Death March due to exhaustion or were either shot or bayoneted to death. Duterte said the “meaningful and solemn” occasion serves as a reminder of the
FPINOYS, P10
T
he Island Garden City of Samal and Davao City have started with Step 2 registration for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or National ID. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Davao del Norte spearheaded the registration held at the Samal City gymnasium on March 27, the IGACOS City Information Office reported. A day before, DavNor PSA Provincial Director Pepito Amoyen led the conduct of a dry run to assess the
FDAVAO, P10
4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
Delayed government loan processing impedes economic recovery: Piñol
M
indanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol bared during the Mindanao Economic Recovery Facilitation Council (MERFAC) meeting on Wednesday that one of the problems that impede the economic recovery of Mindanao is the slow processing and release of loans by government financing institutions (GIF).
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol says one of the problems that impede the economic recovery of Mindanao is the
slow processing and release of loans by government financing institutions (GIF). Edge Davao
Electronic goods boost PH importation growth in Feb
T
he Philippines ' total external trade in goods grew at an annual rate of 0.6 percent, or about USD12.191 billion, in February 2021. Of the total external trade in February 2021, 58.9 percent were imported goods, while the rest were exported goods, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on Thursday stated. Compared to the previous month, the annual decrease was recorded at -9.4 percent while in February 2020, the decline was slower at -3.1 percent. Electronic products accounted for the highest import value among commodity groups, with an import value of USD2.12 billion or a share of 27.9 percent of total imports in February, PSA data showed. This was followed by transport equipment, val-
ued at USD759.29 million (10.0 percent); and mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials which amounted to USD692.46 million (9.1 percent). By major type of goods, imports of raw materials and intermediate goods accounted for the largest share at USD2.97 billion (39.0 percent) of the total imports in February. Imports of capital goods ranked second with a share of USD2.56 billion (33.6 percent), followed by consumer goods with USD1.32 billion (17.3 percent). The increase has been predicted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap) in its Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Trends report on merchandise trade in December 2020. Unescap estimated that the country’s exports
and imports will reach a high of 15.8 percent and 24.3 percent in 2021, respectively. It said the Philippines can boost its investments in Information and communications technology to leverage the trading of services, citing reports that 84 percent of enterprises increased their ICT budgets in 2020, as against 66 percent in the previous year. Sales from exports, however, posted negative growth. Total export sales in February 2021, amounting to USD5.31 billion, contracted at an annual rate of -2.3 percent, from an annual decrease of -4.8 percent in the previous month. In February 2020, total export sales rose at a rate of 3.4 percent annually. (PNA)
“While I respect the adherence to the policy of "due diligence" on the part of both Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), I cannot understand why after all of these years, it would still take them long months and even years to decide on whether to approve a loan application or not,” he said. He called the system a puzzling practice as it is just easy for bank experts to determine whether a project being proposed for financing is viable or not. The MinDA chief said that such delay has led to suspicions that corruption has crept even into financial institutions. “Established businesses affected by the COVID lockdowns and new start-up industries need the support of our GFIs at this time and there is simply no reason why the appraisal, processing, and approval would take
months, sometimes even years,” he further said. Piñol suggested a system that would make government financial institutions immediately act on loan applications and declare outright whether the proposed project qualifies or not. “Accept the loan application if the proposed project qualifies and reject it outright if it is not viable. It is just simple so that it will not be hampred and people won’t raise suspicions on the motive in delaying the processing,” he added. In the creation of MERFAC, Piñol said that there is a need to form a council that would facilitate the economic recovery of Mindanao as there is no existing body that oversees and addresses issues. “My proposal is for us to form a council not necessarily lead by a government official, may be supported by government agencies like MinDA, lead by a private sector rep-
resentative preferably Chamber of Commerce to set up complaints and action center,” he explained. The council would also look into the budget utilization of various agencies for services or goods that will be delivered to the people. “The moment that there is delay in the releasing of funds for specific programs there is a delay in the delivery of services and goods to our people. So we need to monitor their budget utilization on Department of Agriculture (DA) for example, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and we need to review this to make sure that the services were delivered at the scheduled time,” Piñol explained. "Today we are going to start an advocacy, we are going to start an action. We are going to revamp Mindanao’s economic recovery. By looking at problems which could impede, delay or deter our movements, the movement of goods, the processing of papers, loans, even checkpoints we have to look at it all of this issue. So that we can be able to facilitate the economic recovery of Mindanao," Piñol further emphasized.
Increase in ATM deployment seen amid acquirer-based fee charging
M
onetary authorities are optimistic that banks will be encouraged to deploy more automated teller machines (ATMs) after the latter were allowed some leeway on fees instead of just having a fixed share on the fees. Under the acquirer-based fee charging (ABFC), which took effect on Wednesday, ATM owners, which are normally the banks, set the fees they want to charge cardholders of other banks who use their machines. However, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said ATM transactions using the machines of cardholders’ banks remain free of charge. “By allowing ATM owners to set the fee, they can be encouraged to place ATM terminals in the provinces since they will now be adequately compensated,” he told journalists in a virtual briefing Thursday. Under the new system,
ATM withdrawal fee ranges from PHP10-PHP18 per transaction while balance inquiry fee ranges from zero to PHP2.50 per transaction. BSP executives said most banks increased their fees under the new system. While this system seems to be an additional burden to the cardholders who do not have access to their banks’ ATMs, Diokno said this is beneficial to the banking public in the long run. He said bulk or 34 percent of ATMs in the country are in the National Capital Region (NCR), 13 percent are in Region 4-A, and between 0 to 8 percent in the other regions. With the ABFC, BSP executives expect the deployment of ATMs in more areas around the country, which is expected to boost the central bank’s financial inclusion bid. Diokno said ATM transactions fell from around 100 million in end-2019 to
about 73.6 million in the first half of 2020. “However, withdrawals regained its volume by year-end 2020 to about 94.2 million as lockdown restrictions were relaxed,” he said. Diokno said a drop was again noted in the first quarter of this year. “This behavior may be considered normal as may be considered in previous years. Nonetheless, data show that InstaPay transactions continue to increase,” he said, referring to one of the two electronic fund transfer services under the central bank’s national retail payment system (NRPS). Meanwhile, Diokno said BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) has approved the retention of the current ceilings on credit card transactions. The maximum interest rate or finance charge on unpaid outstanding credit card balance remains at 24 percent per annum or 2 per-
FINCREASE, P10
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
DOE, Japanese company to study hydrogen as future energy source
T
he Department of Energy (DOE) said Thursday it signed a memorandum of understanding with Tokyo-based Hydrogen Technology Inc. (HTI) to explore the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for the Philippines in the future. DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi and HTI president and chief executive officer Yasuhiro Yamamoto signed on Wednesday the MOU that aims to study hydrogen production in the country. HTI is the second partner of DOE in studying hydrogen as fuel for power generation. In January, DOE also forged an agreement with Australian research and development company Star Scientific Ltd.
“With the assistance of HTI and through the signing of the MOU, we are hopeful that the development of hydrogen energy will eventually be realized,” Cusi said. He added that through the partnership with HTI, the DOE hopes to bring in Japanese technology in hydrogen power generation to the country. “The DOE, with the creation of the Hydrogen and Fusion Energy Committee (HFEC), commits to exploring hydrogen as a viable alternative and cleaner source of energy and its other beneficial applications for the Filipino people,” Cusi said. Aside from achieving energy independence, the DOE aims to increase the share of alternative fuel in
FDOE, P10
Landbank, DBP get largest capital infusion under Duterte admin
T
he administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has infused a combined PHP53.3 billion in cash into the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) -- the country’s two main government financial institutions (GFIs) -- over a five-year period, larger than the combined capital infusions from all administrations since the two banks were established. Based on data from the Landbank, it has received a total of PHP38.79 billion in capital infusion under President Duterte as of Feb. 28, 2021, which accounts for 72.11 percent of the total paid-up capital of the bank. The DBP got a total of PHP14.5 billion in capital infusion under the current administration, the bank’s president Emmanuel Herbosa said
Since Duterte took over in 2016, the government invested a total of PHP38.79 billion so far in Landbank, of which PHP27.5 billion was infused in February 2021. This is in line with the provisions of Republic Act 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), to support the institutions wholesale banking services and extend low-interest rate loans to sectors severely affected by the economic shock of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Landbank’s paid-up capital of PHP1.8 billion in 1992 grew at a slow phase, as the past administrations did not inject capital into the bank but instead issued stock dividends. It was only during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III that the government infused capital into Landbank in the
FLANDBANK, P10
ECONOMY 5
Economy sank deeper in 2020 than initial estimates -- PSA
T
he economic fallout in 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is worse than initially reported, revised estimates by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Thursday. Data released by the PSA showed the country’s economy as measured by gross domestic product (GDP)—the summation of all the goods and services produced by a country in a specified period—shrank by 9.6% last year, a deeper contraction than the -9.5% reported in January. In peso terms using current prices, the Philippines’
GDP amounted to P17.9 trillion, lower than the P19.51 trillion in 2019. This translates to an economic loss of P1.58 trillion last year due to mobility restrictions and business activity disruptions amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The PSA, meanwhile, maintained the -8.3% GDP for the fourth quarter of
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Charito Plaza says even with the recent surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases and the resulting community quarantine, the agency
2020. “These are due to the latest full year data. We always update as needed if new data are available,” Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua told reporters in a Viber group message. The PSA explained that revisions on the estimates are based on the updated data submissions by the data source agencies. “The PSA revises the GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy (PSA Board Resolution No. 1, Series of 2017-053) which is consistent with in-
ternational standard practices on national accounts revisions,” it said. The revised GDP estimates came almost a month before the Statistics agency is scheduled to announce the first quarter 2021 economic output on May 11. The revised -9.6% GDP in 2020 is still the economy’s worst performance on record since the end of World War II. Chua earlier blamed the 2020’s economic contraction to COVID-19, which “disrupted our growth momentum and development
FECONOMY, P10
is strongly committed and unrelenting in its efforts to promote investment and employment that will benefit Filipinos despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Edge Davao
SB Corp. OKs P3.4-B zero- PEZA online job fair continues even during Covid-19 pandemic interest loans to MSMEs
T
he Small Business (SB) Corp. has approved a total of PHP3.38 billion in loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday. In a television interview, Lopez said the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) financing arm has provided financial assistance to about 28,000 borrowers who are affected by the pandemic. In a message to reporters, he said some PHP2.78 billion worth of loans were released to 23,141 borrowers. He added 10 percent of the borrowers are from the tourism sector, which is “seriously damaged” due to restrictions in mobility amid the coronavirus disease
2019 (Covid-19) crisis. However, Lopez said the take-up of loans under CARES program during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal or the ‘NCR Plus’ has slowed down. “Their operations are limited. If they will borrow and they can’t operate, they can’t pay for their loans,” he said in Filipino. But compared to last year, Lopez said the number of borrowers in DTI’s zero-interest lending program for MSMEs has improved. The DTI chief said SB Corp. received 200 applications a week at the start of the CARES program, and now gets 1,000 applications weekly. SB Corp. also increased its processing capacity to about 4,000 applica-
FSB CORP, P10
T
o fulfill its mandate of generating jobs and other economic opportunities, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has partnered with WorkBank Philippines Inc. to make job vacancies easily accessible to Filipinos seeking employment with PEZA-registered companies. This initiative is in line with the Development Outreach for Labor, Livelihood, and Advancement (DOLLAR) program which was launched by the PEZA Director General Charito Plaza July last year with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Office of Senator Bong Go. Even with the recent surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases and the resulting community quarantine, Plaza reiterated that “PEZA is strongly committed and unrelenting in its efforts to promote in-
vestment and employment that will benefit Filipinos despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic." PEZA's DOLLAR program initiative of conducting a virtual job fair aims to inform the public of thousands of jobs available in different types of industries in various ecozones. The program is also in support of the Administrative Order No. 18, otherwise known as “Accelerating Rural Progress Through Robust Development of Special Economic Zones in the Countryside” and Executive Order No. 114, also known as the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program”. The DOLLAR program’s job expo online job search platform is powered by WorkBank which was established on Nov. 28, 2018 by virtue of “malasakit” or compassion and care program, bridging businesses with qualified and primed
talents. It is an online job site that primarily helps job seekers connect to various job opportunities locally and abroad. WorkBank reported a total of 17,500 job vacancies with 60 companies tagged under the special category for PEZA, 16 of which are currently active with jobs posted online. Of these 16 active companies, 62 percent are business process outsourcing (BPO) and call center companies followed by information technology (12 percent), manufacturing (12 percent), and transport and logistics (12 percent). In terms of applicants for PEZA-related companies, there are over 22,500 applicants in the first three months of 2021. From August 2020 up to the present, WorkBank recorded over 40,000 applicants. However, WorkBank said it is quite challenging
to obtain accurate data in determining how many of these applicants were hired since only a few companies are reporting back to their system regarding the number of their newly hired employees. Meanwhile, PEZA was also recently added to WorkBank’s “Live Programs” section. This section serves as an additional promotional field on the job search category to essentially highlight the ongoing job opportunities in various PEZA-registered companies. Likewise, WorkBank offered its discount to companies under PEZA at 65 percent to further boost the agency’s initiatives in generating employment in the Philippines. Of the 17,500 job vacancies, active companies under PEZA are Alorica, Teleperformance, Wells Fargo Philippines, VXI, iOPEX
FPEZA, P10
6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
In calling on Filipinos to exhibit a “greater sense of patriotism and solidarity,” especially now that the country is still grappling with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19):
As we continue to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated front-liners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times.”
President Rodrigo Duterte
EDITORIAL
Why not ivermectin?
Amid the rising public clamor of the use of ivermectin particularly in the Philippines where the spike of Covid-19 cases in recent days have been raging, it is best to take a close and clear look at this broad spectrum, anti-parasitic drug. It is good that the World Health Organization (WHO) has come up with a definitive answer to the question in its latest bulletin of March 31. According to WHO, the current evidence on the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients is inconclusive. “Until more data is available, WHO recommends that the drug only be used within clinical trials,” it said on its website. The recommendation, which applies to patients with COVID-19 of any disease severity, is now part of WHO’s guidelines on COVID-19 treatments. The previous recommendations on the use of therapeutics for COVID-19 are: 1. Strong recommendation for the use systemic corticosteroids for severe or critically ill COVID-19 patients; with a conditional recommendation against their use in patients with mild/moderate COVID-19; 2. Conditional recommendation against administering remdesivir in addition to usual care; 3.Strongrecommendationagainsttheuseofhydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for treatment of COVID-19 of any severity; 4. Strong recommendation against administering lopinavir/ ritonavir for treatment of COVID-19 of any severity; and 5. Conditional recommendation for the use of low dose
EDGEDAVAO
Providing solutions to a seamless global village.
PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE
the national association of newspapers
Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com
ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor
MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter
KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle
CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout/Cartoons
LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent Consultant Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ
OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising SpecialistGeneral Manager Finance JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales
anticoagulants in hospitalized patients (this recommendation is part of the clinical management guidelines). WHO suggests the use of low dose anticoagulants rather than higher doses, unless otherwise indicated. Recently, a group of health advocates petitioned the national government of using Ivermectin for Covid-19 patients as the cases in the country ballooned. At one point last week, the cases skyrocketed to over 15,000. Ivermectin is used in the treatment of onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis and other diseases caused by soil transmitted helminthiasis. It is also used to treat scabies. As public international attention for ivermectin as a potential treatment for COVID-19 snowballed, guideline development group was convened. This group is described as “an independent, international panel of experts, which includes clinical care experts in multiple specialties and also include an ethicist and patient-partners.” They determined that the evidence on whether ivermectin reduces mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, need for hospital admission and time to clinical improvement in COVID-19 patients is of “very low certainty,” due to the small sizes and methodological limitations of available trial data, including small number of events. Listening to the WHO recommendation may be prudent at this point and the best available prevention for Covid-19 remains strict adherence to health protocols. Strict adherence must be self-imposed and not merely for compliance purposes.
SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance
CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)
VOL.14 ISSUE 20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021
EDGEDAVAO
7
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
VANTAGE POINTS
EDGEDAVAO
LIFESTYLE
GLOBE VIRTUAL HANGOUTS BRINGS A REINVENTED CONCERT EXPERIENCE FEATURES GOJAM LIVE X KARPOS LIVE 360 SESSIONS
RELAXING after a long day at work or school used to be as easy as calling your friends to hang out or packing a weekend bag for a spontaneous trip with the family. But with restrictions still limiting travel and outdoor activities, how does one unwind at home?
One way is through Globe Virtual Hangouts! By putting out digital events and activities geared towards different passion points of the youth such as music, K-Culture, school-oriented experiences, and eSports, Globe empowers Gen Zs to reinvent the way they attend events and connect with their squad from the safety of their home. This year, Virtual Hangouts has a lot in store for music lovers starting with the GoJAM Live x Karpos Live 360 Sessions. Many of us already miss the energy and excitement of seeing our favorite bands and artists perform live, and so through these virtual 360 concerts, you will be able to have an immersive live gig experience – it’s almost as if you’re right there at the venue! Fans can also get to know the featured artists more and find out their own stories of reinvention through interviews and games all in a choose your own adventure style! Homegrown talents Jason
Dhakal, Claudia Baretto, Leanne and Naara, and Clara Benin have already taken the GoJam Live x Karpos Live stage and last March 15, Lola Amour also kicked off the summer vibe with a fun performance of their hits. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming GoJam Live x Karpos Live 360 Sessions, because who knows, your favorite artist might be featured next! To join, just open the GlobeOne App, choose GoJam Live x Karpos Live 360 Sessions
from the list of available events and click “Join in SHOOR” to redeem your slot for the event. From the Virtual Hangouts VIP site, participants will be redirected to an interactive video page of the 360 concert. Virtual Hangouts GoJAM celebrates summer this year with a bang with the VH Fest: Reinvent Summer and Go, a virtual 360 music festival happening on April 17 starting at 6 PM. Headlining this music festival is singer-songwriter I Belong to
the Zoo, who is known for his often beautifully heartbreaking hits like ‘Sana’ and ‘Balang Araw.’ Performing as well would be musical acts Oh Flamingo, Keiko Necesario, Ysanygo, and Brisom. More details will be up soon on Globe’s social media pages, so stay tuned Subscribe to Globe Prepaid’s Go promos with the biggest data allocations for all sites at best value of P10/GB, now with its most innovative features! Go convert your GBs to Rewards
points and get FREE G-Insure with up to P140,500 coverage on COVID-19 when you subscribe to a Go50 & up. These very relevant features make Go promos the best value out there for Prepaid customers! Plus, as a Globe Prepaid customer, get to enjoy year-round Virtual Hangouts depending on your passion. All these are available via the GlobeOne app. Know more about Globe Virtual Hangouts by visiting http:// glbe.co/GlobeOne.
GONG YOO AND PARK BO GUM’S ‘SEOBOK’ PREMIERES ON SKY PAY-PER-VIEW PHILIPPINE viewers will get to see K Drama superstars Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum together for the first time as they star in the highly anticipated Korean sci-fi flick “Seobok,” which will premiere on SKY Pay-Per-View, commercialfree and in high definition, beginning April 15 (Thursday), the same day it will be released in Korea. CJ Entertainment’s futuristic film revolves around a special agent named Ki Heon (Yoo) and his top-secret task of safely transporting Seobok (Bo-Gum)— the first-ever human clone from a complex stem cell cloning and genetic modification process—to a safe location.
But problems arise as several forces try to abduct the human clone to serve their mischievous agenda. As they escape threats from unknown attackers along the way, Seobok is fascinated with the outside world, longing to learn what it feels like living a normal life. Find out what lies ahead for Ki Heon and Seobok in this one-of-a-kind sci-fi adventure as SKY Pay-Per-View brings home viewers the Philippine premiere of “Seobok,” from April 15 to May 14. As a special treat to Korean drama lovers and avid moviegoers, SKY offers an early bird discount promo to its PPV passes,
now priced at only P200 until April 14. Regular pricing of P250 takes effect the day after. Alongside “Seobok,” SKY Pay-
Per-View offers another summer treat for audiences with the showing of intense Pinoy drama film “General Admission,” starring
JC de Vera and Jasmine CurtisSmith, until April 22—distributed by CineXpress for only P150. The film helmed by Jeffrey Hidalgo tackles the story of Katja (Jasmine), a noontime show dancer who experiences a wardrobe malfunction in front of the camera. She and her partner, Carlito (JC), are then stuck in a public media frenzy, which leads to a cold and brutal murder. SKYcable subscribers can avail of the 48-hour PPV passes of “Seobok” and “General Admission” at mysky.com.ph/skyppv. For more details on its premieres, follow SKY on Facebook (fb.com/MySKYCable), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates).
8
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
COMMUNITY SENSE
From April 3-5, 2021, the ICRC, together with the Philippine Red Cross, distributed hygiene kits and essential items like blankets, sleeping mats, and tarpaulins, to more than 8,200 Datu Saudi Ampatuan residents who were affected by the recent clashes. ©ICRC/J. Apias
Around the end of March 2021, the ICRC donated emergency health kits to the rural health units (RHUs) of Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Unsay Ampatuan. Six RHUs additionally received collapsible tents, tables, and tarpaulins that may be used by health workers deployed to run emergency health stations in or near the evacuation centers. The ICRC also delivered its second quarterly support of medicines and medical materials to the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital. ©ICRC/V. Patay
Aid for 8,200 displaced people in Maguindanao
I
n Maguindanao, thousands of families from five towns remain displaced due to recent armed clashes between government security forces and a non-state armed group. The displaced residents, majority of them Muslims who are preparing for Ra-
madhan, are now seeking shelter in 44 evacuation centers or with host families. This appears to be the largest displacement in this area since March 2017. To help these families cope with the difficulty of displacement, the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC) distributed hygiene kits and essential household items to around 8,200 people (1,641 families) from Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). During the distributions held from 3-5 April
2021, masks were required while alcohol disinfectant was provided to the displaced families. The distribution was also held in batches to avoid overcrowding. To assist health providers already burdened by COVID-19, the ICRC provid-
ed emergency health kits containing medicines and medical materials that can support 15,000 people for three months, to five rural health units (RHU) and the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao. The ICRC, a neutral and
impartial humanitarian organization, reminds all parties to the conflict to take measures to spare civilians from the fighting, especially as COVID-19 continues to be an additional burden to them. Civilians are not part of the fighting and must be protected at all times.
Stronger as Juan: United response to the COVID-19 crisis
O
ver a year since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country continues to grapple with the challenges, which include the imposed quarantines and limiting of movements. Throughout this critical time, countless individuals and organizations have worked together and volunteered to provide support to those who needed it the most. Among these is the Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Driven by its mission and purpose, CEB immediately answered the call to join other partners in mounting extensive relief and humanitarian efforts towards helping those affected by the pandemic. Truly, the collective spirit of bayanihan shone through, and Cebu Pacific sincerely thanks its partners who went above and beyond the call of duty at an undeniably difficult time. Aiding in the transport of much-needed supplies The lockdowns resulted in restricted movements across cities and provinces, which then posed quite a challenge in ensuring essentials, such as food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid, are still delivered in a timely manner all over the archipelago. Thankfully, major players in the industry offered to help, while CEB as a public service volunteered the best way it knows how. The carrier, with the support of its hero frontliners, such as its cargo, passenger, and ramp agents, along with its pilots and cabin crew members— has provided free-of-charge cargo deliveries across various cities in the Philippines. CEB’s fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft were utilized to address the demand for logistics support to areas such as Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Bohol, Butuan, Davao, and Zamboanga. Throughout the year, the airline also flew a
number of sweeper flights to aid the Philippine government and its attached agencies in flying stranded tourists home. It has also mounted flights for OFWs in partnership with various organizations, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Just recently, CEB has also carried life-saving vaccines to Zamboanga and Tuguegarao, in support of the national government’s efforts to wipe out COVID-19. Heeding the call of partners From the onset of the pandemic, numerous organizations, both from the government and non-government space, rallied for assistance and support as they sought out potential private-sector partners for their respective relief efforts. CEB was quick to commit assistance in any form possible as it flies to the widest domestic network. “Through Cebu Pacific’s generous support, we were able to distribute PPEs to the health and security sectors, to our staff and volunteers—timely and efficiently,” says Jerome Balinton, Humanitarian Response Manager, Save the Children Philippines, the world’s leading independent organization for children, protecting and supporting children in need. For George Morales, Volunteer Mover of the Mindanao-based non-government organization (NGO) Bulig Kontra COVID-19 Koronadal, he appreciated how Cebu Pacific “was more than helpful when it waived its delivery fee.” Meanwhile, Melody Cosep, Member and Volunteer of Puksain ang COVID-19 sa South Cotabato, another Mindanao-based NGO, said the money saved that was supposed to be spent for logistics was instead “coursed through and utilized for the purchase of more PPEs, alcohol, and other essentials for frontliners.”
FSTRONGER, P10
Ground crew of Cebu Pacific load goods into an ATR cargo plane as part of a COVID-19 response mission.
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
IVERMECTIN: To F take or not to take
HEALTH
9
By HENRYLITO D. TACIO armers whose livestock are attacked by heartworm and ascariasis usually treat their animals with ivermectin. Discovered in 1975, it is used to cure other types of parasite infestations.
Starting in 1981, it was included on the list of essential medicines of the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States, ivermectin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an antiparasitic agent. It can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin for external infestations. “Ivermectin is widely used to treat human diseases caused by roundworms and ectoparasites,” the Wikipedia states. “For river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, ivermectin is typically given as part of mass drug administration campaigns that distribute the drug to all members of the community affected by the disease.” The United Nations health agency considers ivermectin the “drug of choice” for strongyloidiasis. Most cases are treated with two daily doses of oral ivermectin while severe infections are treated with 5-7 days of ivermectin. Ivermectin is also used to treat infection with parasitic arthropods. Scabies, for instance, is most commonly treated with oral ivermectin. Both head lice and pubic lice can also be treated with ivermectin. Recently, ivermectin is hogging the headlines as some doctors are prescribing it as part of the treatment against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In India, South Africa and many Latin American countries, ivermectin is widely used as a COVID-19 drug. Researchers from Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University in Australia have found that ivermectin “could kill the novel coronavirus within 48 hours in a laboratory setting.” Dr. Kylie Wagstaff was quoted by pharmaceutical-technology.com: “We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA by 48 hours and even at 24 hours there was a really significant reduction in it.” According to the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDC Philippines), twenty-two percent of the world is already using ivermectin to successfully fight COVID-19. CDC Philippines is a group of Filipinos advocating for the use of ivermectin as a preventive and curative drug against COVID-19. “Multiple studies and meta-analyses confirm the effectiveness of ivermectin, a safe oral drug used for over 40 years for other illnesses in humans,” the group said. “We respectfully appeal to our Honorable President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to give serious, urgent and immediate attention to ivermectin as an inexpensive drug to prevent and treat COVID-19 during this public health crisis,” said a statement
signed by various businessmen, private individuals, and leaders of various organizations. The statement urged the president to direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to do the following: · Pro-actively look into the credible testimonials of a substantial number of Filipinos, including weekknown members of Philippine society, and on the studies of several local and foreign medical 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 statement also “respectfully ask the Congress to pass the appropriate legislation or resolution to expedite the availability of and easy access to ivermectin by the masses of our people.” “We are in a severe public health emergency,” the statement added. “Our people are dying in big numbers on a
daily basis and our hospitals can no longer accommodate those who are getting sick of the virus. The number of cases is growing bigger and bigger. Our people are desperate for a preventive and curative drug against COVID-19.” One good thing about ivermectin is that it is cheaper than remdesiver, the current drug being used to treat COVID-19 infected patients. Remdesiver costs around P28,000 per vial and must be administered twice daily until the patient is discharged. “This drug is beyond the means of the average Filipino, most especially the poor,” the statement said. Ivermectin, in comparison, costs only around P35. It has been sold over-the-counter for 40 years. For those infected with the COVID-19 virus, ivermectin “is generally administered for three days.” As such, the COVID-19 patient will only spend a little over P100 for the entire treatment. “The preventive dose is only once every two weeks,” the statement said. On March 31, however, the WHO said “the current evidence on the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients is inconclusive.” Until more
data is available, WHO recommends that the drug only be used within clinical trials. The recommendation follows the European Medicine Agency’s warning a week earlier against the genetic anti-parasite drug. In the United States, the FDA was also against using ivermectin for COVID-19. “Never use medications intended for animals on yourself,” FDA explained in its website. “Ivermectin preparations for animals are very different from those approved for humans.” Also, “taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm,” US FDA warned. “Even the levels of ivermectin for approved uses can interact with other medications, like blood-thinners. You can also overdose on ivermectin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (problems with balance), seizures, coma and even death.” In the Philippines, the health department also told Philippine Daily Inquirer that there’s no sufficient data yet that ivermectin can treat or combat COVID-19. “There is
no conclusive data at this time to show that ivermectin is effective in treating COVID-19,” FDA Director Eric Domingo was quoted as saying. The COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is now described as “spreading like wildlife.” Vaccination against the dreaded virus is on-going. But there are more Filipinos who are not yet immunized. The figure of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 – is escalating. The death toll is also increasing. The economy is going down. Some people are no longer following the health protocols – wearing face masks and face shield, hand washing, and physical distance. Now, there is a division – even among health professionals – as to whether iver-
mectin should be used or not. “There are already a lot of people fighting about this ivermectin,” said Dr. Antonio Dans of the Health Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC). “Those who are in favor of medicine are so angry because there is no FDA approval yet. Those who are against ivermectin are so angry because it’s not really effective and it’s medicine for animals.” The HPAAC has this viewpoint: “The best evidence that ivermectin is promising – meaning it can be effective. This is the evidence: There are trials happening now in different countries. That’s a lot. That probably hasn’t happened to other diseases with so many trials – meaning tests that are performed if the medicine is effective. So that
will not happen if there is no hope for ivermectin to be effective. “But those 73 trials are also proof that there is still a lack of knowledge because if ivermectin is sure effective, those trials will stop,” Dr. Dans continued. “Now, the trials are just temporary. They are just looking after 28 days if there are more healed than those who were given ivermectin. So that means, in a few weeks, we’ll find out the true effect of this medicine. Does it work? Is it effective?” Dr. Dans appealed to all health professionals “to stop shouting and insulting each other. Because the people are having more difficulties. Let’s just wait for the (result) of the trials.” – (Photos sources: Dreamstime, US FDA, and Facebook)
10 EDGEDAVAO
DPWH-DAVAO... FROM2
using the approved funds under Republic Act 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. As the number of cyclists grew, Ortiz said that the objective of the government in pursuing the project was to make them feel safer on the road and to encourage more people to use bicycles as an alternative mode of transport. As of March 31, at least 1.56 kms have been installed along Roxas Boulevard, 4.80 kms along Davao-Cotabato Road (Magallanes, Governor Generoso Bridge to Matina Crossing, Solariega to Bago
Bridge), 1.50 kms along Quezon Boulevard, and 1.11 kms along Sandawa Road, according to Ortiz. “With more people using bikes, pollution will be decreased thereby creating a healthier environment for the Dabawenyos,” he said. The project involves installation of separate bicycle lanes using pavement markings and reflectorized flexible bollards, provision of warning and regulatory signs, provision of designated lane markings and road sign markings, he added. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
“unyielding determination of the Filipino to prevail over all forms of adversity.” “The valor of our forebears, which was exhibited during the defense of Bataan almost eight decades ago, has left an indelible mark in our history and shaped our indomitable spirit to rise after every fall,” he said. Duterte was optimistic that Filipinos would be inspired by the fallen soldiers whose sacrifice “became the bedrock of our resolve to uphold our most cherished liberties.” “May this awareness resonate among us as we strive to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” he said. ‘Great sacrifice of past, modern heroes’ In a separate statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar called on his fellow Filipinos to emulate the past and modern heroes who made a “great sacrifice” for the country. Andanar issued the statement, as he lauded the gallantry and patriotism of
the fallen soldiers for the freedom the country presently enjoys. He also praised the hard work and commitment of front-liners in the country, who he dubbed as modern heroes for displaying courage despite the risk posed by the coronavirus. Andanar urged his fellow Filipinos to show valor by heeding the government’s call to follow the health and quarantine protocols amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “May we be inspired by the great sacrifice of both our patriotic veterans and our modern-day heroes. Following the minimum health standards and being part of our government's collective fight to recover and rise as one nation against this virus is how we can show valor in our own little way,” he said. April 9 of every year, by virtue of Executive Order 203 signed in 1987, has been declared as “Araw ng Kagitingan” to honor the thousands of Filipino and American forces who fought for freedom and democracy. (PNA)
putian District Hall, and Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Kaputian District. PSA Davao del Norte started the Step 1 registration process, which involves the house to house data collection last quarter of last year. PSA is accommodating the low-income families as the priority for the registration and followed by the general public beginning this year up to 2022, the target year to complete registration of Filipinos and resident aliens. PSA is targeting to register up to 5 million low-income families this year. Davao City registration Earlier on March 24, Mayor Sara Duterte registered for the National ID at Barangay Catalunan Grande, signaling the start of the Step 2 registration in Davao City. “Dabawenyos are also urged to register for the National ID whenever registration is available in their
respective barangays. Barangay officials and functionaries will notify their constituents for the schedule of registration in their areas,” the city government said in a Facebook post. Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua earlier said the National ID seeks to allow Filipinos, especially those in the low-income bracket, to access both government and private sectors' financial services. He said the National ID system is aimed to fast-track transactions with government and businesses. Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens. The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in
PINOYS... FROM3
DAVAO... FROM3
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
CITY... FROM3
facility. It can be recalled that Mayor Sara wants at least one single occupant per room with a comfort room which differs from the existing DOH standard model of an open type and common
rooms with three to four occupants. The additional TTMFs will serve as supplement isolation and treatment units in case a surge of Covid-19 infections will arise in the city.
cent per month, the maximum monthly add-on rate for credit card installment loans is up to 1 percent, and the maximum processing fee for credit card cash advances is PHP200 per transaction. “The retention of the
ceilings is in keeping with the low interest rate environment,” Diokno said, adding BSP continues to monitor the impact of these ceilings on credit card operations amid the pandemic. (PNA)
trajectory.” The Philippines first implemented the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in March 2020, which has been gradually eased in June all throughout the first two months of 2021. New COVID-19 cases saw a dramatic increase, hitting all-time highs in March. This prompted the government to place Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 11. The reimposition of the strictest quarantine classification in the country’s economic center further dims hopes of a faster recovery from the pandemic-induced recession experienced last year.
The two-week ECQ in the NCR Plus bubble is expected to shave off P30 billion or P2.1 billion a day in household incomes, and result in 252,000 job losses, and 102,000 more poor individuals for the entire duration of the strict lockdown. The National Economic and Development Authority earlier admitted that the country will continue to see a negative GDP in the first quarter of 2021. Asked if the revisions will affect the economic managers' target of 6.5% to 7.5% growth this year, Chua reiterated that it is too early as state economists and statisticians look at ongoing trends and not a single month's data.
Technologies Philippines, Synchrony Global Services Philippines Inc., and Wideout Workforces Inc. There are also new companies that joined the online job search platform namely: Optum, Sykes, Accenture, Honda Philippines, Inc., HGS, and Ayala Land Premier.
Repatriated OFWs, fresh graduates, unemployed Filipinos, those who are looking for work-from-home arrangements, and any interested applicants can access the online job portal 24/7 and create their own account for free through this link: www.workbank. com/peza. (PR)
energy mix that will significantly reduce the country’s carbon dioxide emission. Currently, coal accounts for 48 percent of the to-
tal energy mix, renewable sources at 26 percent, and natural gas at 21 percent. (PNA)
amount of PHP3.03 billion. As for DBP, PHP12.5 billion of the PHP14.5 billion infused by the Duterte administration into the bank were in step with the Bayanihan 2 law provisions to enable the bank provide wholesale banking services
and cover the loans and interest subsidies of pandemic-hit enterprises. This PHP12.5-billion infusion represents 39 percent of DBP’s total paid-up capital of PHP32 billion. (PR)
tions in a month, he said. “We should continue with this microlending program because there are still
many takers, still in need of working capital loans to save their operations and jobs,” he added. (PNA)
schools, and the opening of bank accounts. It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing
with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)
INCREASE... FROM4
ECONOMY... FROM5
PEZA... FROM5
DOE... FROM5
LANDBANK... FROM5
SB CORP... FROM5
GenSan to crack down on erring infra contractors
T
he city council here is pushing for the creation of a special unit that will regularly evaluate the performance of construction companies implementing various infrastructure projects in the area. The move was based on an ordinance passed by the council on Wednesday that adopted the comprehensive Constructors Performance Evaluations System (CPES) for local government-funded projects. City Councilor Jose Edmar Yumang said Thursday the evaluation system mainly addresses the long-time problem of the city on the unreasonable delay in the implementation of some vital infrastructure. He said the measure is based on the CPES guidelines approved by the National Economic and Development
Authority. It provides for the technical criteria for the evaluation of project contractors, specifically on workmanship, materials, time, facilities, environment, safety and health, and resources deployment. Yumang, who co-authored the ordinance with City Councilor Dominador Lagare Jr., said the evaluation will be spearheaded by a proposed CPES-Implementation Unit (IU), which will be composed of engineers who are not directly involved in the implementation of the concerned infrastructure projects, he said. He said the CPES-IU is expected to provide “objective and unbiased” evaluation of the contractors’ performance and provide the necessary recommendations to the local government. (MindaNews)
Among the major organizations Cebu Pacific partnered with and extended vital support to include the Angat Buhay initiative of the Office of the Vice-President, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, among others. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline also officially became a partner of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), both of which are backed by some of the largest companies and businesses in the Philippines. As the delivery of relief goods, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid is mission critical, having a partner from the airline industry can help a great deal when a disaster or crisis— especially one of immense magnitude—strikes. As specified by the partners of Cebu Pacific, the airline’s inter-island connectivity amidst the lockdown was maximized as this allowed them to reach more destinations and individuals without having to allocate budget for transport costs. “We’re immensely grateful to the Cebu Pacific management and its employees for their immediate and positive response to our request for blood augmentation,” says Romarie Sanchez RN, Donor Recruitment Officer of the Philippine Red Cross Iloilo Chapter. “They
also helped in transporting Rh negative blood units to patients with rare blood type needs as well as facilitating in the transport of Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT) to COVID-19 patients in need of CPT transfusion. Physicians, families, and patients were very pleased with the results.” “You've always been there. Transporting beds, water, tents, to Mindanao and so many other areas. Cebu Pacific is giving a gift of love today and hopefully tomorrow,” says Butch Meily, PDRF President. To date, Cebu Pacific has already transported 124 tons of humanitarian goods, all free-of-charge. At present, CEB is the only Philippine carrier with dedicated freighters – two ATRs capable of carrying as much as seven tons of cargo in one uplift, along with one recently-converted A330 freighter.
Toronto in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday. ... The Lakers managed to get three nights in Miami on this trip. They arrived late Tuesday night and stayed Wednesday and Thursday. They were scheduled to fly to Newark, New Jersey, on Friday afternoon for games against Brooklyn
and New York. Heat: Miami began shooting penalty free throws just 4:31 into the first period. By the time the Lakers attempted their first free throw with 54 seconds remaining in the quarter, Miami had converted 15 of 16 from the line.
STRONGER... FROM8
HEAT... FROM11
“As we continue to weather this pandemic, we at Cebu Pacific are driven by our purpose and mission to serve others in this time of need,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing & Customer Experience of Cebu Pacific Air. “We are always more than ready to help in any way we can, as have been and always will be committed to serve our fellowmen– indeed when like-minded partners come together, we truly become stronger as Juan.”
11 Heat outwork Lakers to get back on track EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
M
IAMI — Jimmy Butler scored 28 points to lead the Miami Heat past the depleted Los Angeles Lakers 110-104 on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time).
Victor Oladipo had 18 points and Tyler Herro finished with 15 points for the Heat, who bounced back from Tuesday's 12-point home loss against Memphis. Miami went on a 9-2 run late in the fourth period and took a 104-94 lead with 2:14 remaining on Butler's two technical free throws following Markieff Morris' ejection for arguing with the officials. The Lakers cut it to 106-100 on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's 3-pointer with 29 seconds remaining. Butler's four throws on Miami's next two possessions secured the win. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored
Bam Adebayo and Andre Drummond battle for a rebound. AP
Loman pulled out from ONE on TNT 3
F
ilipino former mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Stephen Loman will not be seeing action at ONE on TNT 3. ONE Championship announced on Thursday that Troy Worthen has replaced the Team Lakay standout as John Lineker's opponent in the headliner for the fight card scheduled for an April 22 broadcast. Loman, the longest-reigning champion of Brave Combat Federation before moving to ONE, reportedly contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) prior to his departure to Singapore. Loman's teammate, Lito Adiwang, was also tested positive for Covid-19, prompting ONE to pull him out of his own match. Adiwang was scheduled to face Jarred Brooks at ONE on TNT 2 scheduled to be aired next week. ONE has yet to replace if Adiwang has been replaced for the fight, which was played right after the live ONE on TNT 1 broadcast. Meanwhile, the entire Team Lakay delegation has been placed under observation following Loman and Adiwang's positive test results. This means that Eduard Folayang's match at ONE on TNT 4 on April 29 is now in peril too, although supposed opponent Yoshihiro Akiyama said earlier in the
week that he pulled himself out from the fight due to injuries. Johnson KO'd, Alvarez DQ'd At ONE on TNT 1, American MMA stars Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez suffered shock losses against separate foes. Adriano Moraes achieved what 29 other fighters failed to do against Johnson as the former retained his ONE flyweight title in stunning fashion. The Brazilian standout shocked the world after knocking out who fans tipped as the greatest MMA fighter of all time at the 2:20 mark of the second round. Fighting mainly on an American television stage, Moraes showed glimpses early on after using his height and reach advantage to keep Johnson at bay before taking him down late into Round 1. Johnson went more active to start Round 2, but Moraes hit him with a right uppercut followed by a knee strike to the head that staggered him too much, prompting Referee Olivier Coste to stop the fight. Moraes, who has held the ONE flyweight belt since 2019, moved up to 19-3, scoring his 13th stoppage win and fourth by knockout. Meanwhile, Johnson, who lost for the first time by knockout, dropped to 304-1.
28 points, including 6 of 11 3-pointers. Recently acquired Andre Drummond returned from a four-game absence and had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers. Drummond hurt his right big toe in his Los Angeles debut March 31. The Lakers continued without injured LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James missed his 10th consecutive game because of a sprained ankle and Davis has sat out the last 24 contests with a calf strain. Forward Kyle Kuzma also was sidelined Thursday with a calf strain. TIP-INS Lakers: Guard Talen Horton-Tucker served his one-game suspension, handed down by the NBA earlier Thursday for his role in an altercation against
FHEAT, P10
PSC to launch Zumbarangay Pilipinas fitness program
T
he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will launch a nationwide exercise campaign called the Zumbarangay Pilipinas with an original Filipino workout song “Igalaw Galaw Ating Katawan” on Saturday (April 10). “Once we get motivated to move our bodies, exercising can make a big difference; it changes our mood,” PSC chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez said
in a news release on Thursday. The sports agency aims to underline the importance of physical fitness, especially in these trying times of the pandemic. The Zumbaranggay Pilipinas project is a contest of a solo dance performance done either at home or in an open space. Participants have to record their original dance exercise moves, form, and style to the beat
of “Igalaw Galaw Ating Katawan” which may be downloaded on the agency’s website at psc.gov.ph or its social media pages. Workout music has a therapeutic ability to treat physical, psychological, emotional, and mental issues such as depression and anxiety. This project is being organized under the “Women in Sports” program of the Commission supervised by
the Office of Commissioner Celia Kiram. “This contest is PSC’s campaign to raise awareness on the value of solo dance fitness workouts. We designed this to provide a recreational activity for women and girls given the alarming increase in the number of cases whose well-being has been negatively affected by the pandemic,” Kiram said. (PR)
Bulls rip Raptors for third win in row
T
AMPA, Fla. — Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine each scored 22 points and the Chicago Bulls beat the Toronto Raptors 122-133 on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time) for their third straight victory. LaVine also had 15 assists, and Lauri Markkanen came off the bench to score 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Chris Boucher scored a career-high 38 points and had 19 rebounds for the Raptors. They have
Zach LaVine goes up for a layup with his non-shooting hand over Chris Boucher.
lost 15 of 18. Pasc a l S i a ka m added 27 points and eight rebounds for Toronto. LaVine and Vucevic combined for 15 points on an early 19-3 run that gave the Bulls their first 10-point lead. Chicago ran off 13 straight points while the Raptors missed 10 straight shots, and a 3-pointer by Coby White made it 51-31 with 6:04 left in the first half.
12 SPORTS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 22 • SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
NEW LEADERSHIP Leo Magno heads AGCC, committees formed By MOSES BILLACURA
T
he Apo Golf and Country Club has formed its set of officers this year with Leo A. Magno leading as president. The Apo Golf and Country Club has formed its set of officers this year with Leo A. Magno leading as president. Serving as VP is Chris Tan, Edi Herrera as secretary and Dickson Go as treasurer.
Committee chairmen were also elected to help in the affairs of the Board. Abe Dizon heads legal, Nestor Corpus for house, Edi Herrera for grounds, Lito Laurel for finance, Dr.Dumama for membership and John Oropeza for sports.(with reports from Roland Jumawan)
NEW PRESIDENT. Leo Abellera Magno is the new President of Apo Golf and Country Club.