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VOL.14 ISSUE 25 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021
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Sara orders inspection of drainage system in flood-prone areas STORY ON PAGE 2
Muslims arrive at a mosque before the start of an afternoon worship during the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Brgy. 23-C Mini-Forest, Quimpo Blvd., Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 25 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021
President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
LET’S FIX IT
Sara orders inspection of drainage system in flood-prone areas in city By MAYA M. PADILLO
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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has ordered for a thorough inspection of drainage systems in flood-prone areas in the city. The mayor made the order for inspection to determine what infrastructure is needed to solve the flooding problems in Davao City. Heavy downpour on Saturday affected the areas of Kilometer 5 Highway, Tulip Drive, Barangay
Matina Crossing; highway fronting barangay hall in Barangay Matina Aplaya; Purok 3, Susan Homes, Barangay Baliok; Bacanaya Villge, Barangay Catalunan Pequeño; Countryside Village and La Vista Monte Village, Barangay Talomo; Goldland Subdivision,
Barangay Bago Gallera; Spring Valley Subdivision, Barangay Buhangin; Gallera De Oro Subdivision, Barangay Bago Aplaya; New Argao, Datu Loho; Forest Lake, Bugac in Barangay Maa; Circumferential Road, Barangay 76-A; Opal Street, Marfori Subdivision, Barangay 10-A; J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada; and Quirino Avenue corner Jacinto Extension. Mayor Sara said during the department heads
avao City Health Office chief Dr. Ashley Lopez reiterated that the most effective strategy to map out all remaining Covid-19 cases in Davao City is to do surveillance. CHO has conducted surveillance swabbing in some establishments in Uyanguren, Davao
City and the Calinan and Agdao Public markets as part of the city’s implementation of the heightened surveillance on Covid-19 cases. In its surveillance swabbing at Agdao Public Market, CHO recorded individuals with positive test results wherein of the 468 swabbed individuals
on April 7, 2021, about three percent of them are positive of Covid-19. Lopez said CHO is still waiting for the results for the other areas. He also said that the heightened surveillance and response of Covid-19 cases is important to stop the rising of Covid-19 cases and prevent the enter-
meeting on April 12, 2021, the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that the streets that were flooded are flood-prone areas. She said the list of areas was forwarded to the City Engineer's Office (CEO) for them to check if the Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DPWH 11) has drainage projects in these areas.
ing of other Covid-19 variants in the city. “In a time when another opportunity comes when we are going to have another surge, it will not be difficult for us to track down and control,” he said. The surveillance includes tracking down influenza-like illnesses
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Surveillance is most effective strategy in mapping Covid-19 cases: CHO
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Speed up district swab centers: Sara
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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has directed district health centers to speed up the establishment of their respective district swab center to decongest the city's main swabbing venue at the Sta. Ana Health Center. “Ginapadali nato sa atoang district level ang ilahang mga district swab center para ma-decongest nato ang atoang Sta. Ana Health Center,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara said that there is a need to open up additional testing centers to accommodate individuals in distant areas and to avoid overcrowding. “Nakita nato nga dunay need gyud nga mag-open og mga district swab center para dili na layo sa mga tao. Diretso na sila sa mga district health center nila duol sa ilahang residential address ug dili mag congestion ang atoang main swabbing center,” she said. The opening of the district swab centers is part of the city government of Davao’s push for additional swabbing centers for the mandatory testing of F1, F2, and F3 generation contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case. The mandatory testing for F1, F2, and F3 close contacts has started on
Monday at the Sta. Ana Health Center. The said individuals were notified via Safe Davao QR (DQR) text message. This is the city’s way in stepping up its Covid-19 mitigation strategies with its active case-finding and community surveillance, to prevent and control virus transmission in the city amid a surge of cases in the National Capital Region (NCR). The city government has already conducted surveillance swabbing in different areas, especially in places where there is possible convergence of people like public markets. The mayor also said that the surveillance testing will also target business offices and police stations. “Duna napu’y dako nga trabaho karon ang atoang contact tracing team. Kinahanglan nga ilahang masumpay-sumpay ang takud-takod para makita ang sinugdan ug last person, para maputol ang transmission,” she said. The mayor is hopeful that the city can test 1,000 individuals per day. “Makita na nato nga duna na’y effect ang pag increase sa atoang [COVID-19] testing. Taas ang testing, daghan ta’g
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EDGEDAVAO
NEWS 3
Rep. Malanyaon urges people: be vaccinated against Covid-19 M ATI CITY, Davao Oriental House Representative Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon joins the ranks of senior citizens confident of taking COVID-19 vaccine given her doctor’s advice. Guesting in a special TV episode of Probinsya Ta Sayron Ta discussing Women Empowerment: “Kaya Ni Juana!”, Rep. Malanyaon who represents the first district of Davao Oriental admitted being convinced by her personal physician’s explanation regarding the advantages of getting vaccinated. “My doctor says that comparing the risk of not having the vaccine with having the vaccine, there’s greater risk of being afflicted with the virus if we won’t get vaccinated,” she said. “That’s convincing enough,” she added. She made it clear, however, that she follows the advice of her doctor who had revealed of submitting to a COVID-19 jab. “To prove to you that I am serious with my recom-
mendation, nagpabakuna nako, ingon niya sa ako, (I got vaccinated the doctor told me)” Malanyaon quoting her physician. Having been made aware of the benefits of and made to understand the consequence of COVID-19 vaccination, she said, “Ako for one, I will submit myself to the vaccination”. On the other hand, Malanyaon stressed the necessity of “constant education and advocacy on the need to be vaccinated” in the midst of doubts on the COVID-19 vaccination. She likewise emphasized the importance of grassroots and sectoral participation in curbing COVID-19 infection and in pushing vaccination advocacy
VACCINATION SUPPORT. Rep. Corazon N. Malanyaon of Davao Oriental discusses with Dabawenyos the need to be vaccinated against “Dili nga ang burden will just be on the government (The burden should not be just with the gov-
ernment). Kinahanglan jud tanan; kung pwede neighborhood association. sila na mismo mag discuss kung
Covid-19 during a recent interview. Photo courtesy of Karen Lou Deloso unsaon (Everyone is needed, if possible the neighborhood association. They will be the ones discuss-
ing) how to prevent, how to survive under the crisis," Malanyaon said. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)
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Senior citizens of Datu Piang town in Maguindanao patiently line up for the payout of 6,000 pesos support for the elderly from the municipal government. The amount was budgeted for 2020, but released belatedly. Each senior is entitled to 500 pesos support per month from the local government. Basic health protocols, however,
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were not observed such as ensuring physical distancing and proper wearing of masks. Photo contributed by the Magayon Youth Organization. MindaNews
Inflation rate remains W under control: Diokno
Covid-19 accelerates online workouts
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he country’s inflation rate remains under control despite surpassing the government’s target band since January this year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said. “Under control yan (That’s under control);” he said during the Laging Handa public briefing aired over state-owned PTV 4 Monday. Domestic inflation rate was on the rise since the last quarter of 2020 and exceeded the government’s 2-4 percent target band since January this year when it rose to 4.2 percent.
It further accelerated to 4.7 percent last February but registered a slower rate in March at 4.5 percent. Average inflation in the first three months this year stood at 4.2 percent. Monetary authorities forecast inflation to average at 4.2 percent this year while it is projected to post a slower average next year at 2.8
percent. Diokno attributed the faster inflation rate to transitory factors, particularly the rise of some commodities like meat and oil rice. He said the slower inflation rate last March was due to several factors like deceleration of the rice and vegetable inflation as well as meat inflation, with the latter on the price ceiling imposed on this product to address the impact of supply constraints. He said central bank officials forecast inflation to remain elevated in the first half this year partly due to
elevated inflation of some commodities because of the pandemic before decelerating in the second half of the year. Asked how the government could help address the impact of the elevated inflation rate on the public especially now that a lot of people lost their jobs, Diokno said the key is providing jobs. Citing Department of Labor and Employment data, Diokno said there are about 5.1 million workers who were retrenched and lost their jobs because of the closure of some establishments.
meters (sqm) in the January to March period, up by 22.5 percent from 89,000 sqm in the fourth quarter 2020. “There was a renewed interest in the office market, activity spur(s) up and we are doing deals with tenants today (with) either new leases and renewals for as long as five years. It’s a testament to the commitment of many of these investors in the
Philippines and that they believe that the recovery is just around the corner,” he said in a virtual press briefing Monday. Barranda said the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine rollout are expected to improve investor sentiments in the next few months.
He said the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) remains the single largest driver of office demand in the first quarter as the Philippine offshore gaming operators’ activity (POGOs) flatlined due to the pandemic, China’s clampdown, as well as high taxes being imposed on the industry.
Office space demand rising amid optimism in economic recovery
T
he Philippine office market continued registering new demand in the first quarter of 2021 and is growing despite the pandemic as more firms are optimistic on a post-coronavirus economic recovery. Mikko Barranda, associate director at Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), said office demand reached 109,000 square
ith restriction in mobility due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), more gym-goers rely on online workout sessions for their daily exercise and to continue their personal fitness goals, a leading fitness clubs operator in Asia said. In a statement Monday, Evolution Wellness Philippines country manager Mark Ellis said its latest survey shows that the number of gym subscribers using online platforms now has increased compared to the pre-pandemic period. According to its survey done by Kantar, 77 percent of respondents from the Philippines turned to online workouts amid the lockdowns from 35 percent before the pandemic. “The results for the Philippines mirror the regional findings very closely,” Ellis said. He added this reflects that the Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown did not stop people to keep up with their fitness goals and they continue to find ways to stay committed to their fitness regime. Instead of stopping their exercises, gym subscribers are doing ‘hybrid approach’, or attending virtual classes and online fitness programs when they cannot go to the gym but still visit the gym whenever they can.
However, the survey also revealed that workout satisfaction is lower when doing it at home than going to gym. “Filipino respondents also report a drop in satisfaction with their workouts from 76 percent pre-pandemic to just 40 percent during lockdowns,” Ellis said. Among the top reasons of lower satisfaction for home workouts include lack of gym equipment at 50 percent, lack of motivation or laziness at 48 percent, lack of gym amenities at 45 percent, lack of a motivating atmosphere at 39 percent, and lack of social interaction at 35 percent. Evolution Wellness added that due to limitations in home workouts, people also shifted from having specific fitness goals such as losing weight and gaining strength to just “getting some form of exercise” amid the current situation. It said many gym subscribers are also excited to go back to their workouts and training inside a fitness club. The gym operator also said they rolled out a flexible membership plan, which had strong uptake in the recent months. “(It’s) presumably because people want to prioritize their health and fitness, while still being prudent with their disposable income which may have come under strain as a result of the pandemic,” Ellis said.
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EDGEDAVAO
ECONOMY
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) says it needs an additional P5 billion budget for the repopulation of hogs in the wake of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the country. Edge Davao
Diokno eyes cut in 2021 growth target of between 6.5 to 7.5% GenSan extends rollout of tax A relief measures until yearend
T
he city government has extended the implementation until yearend of its tax relief measures for business and real property owners in the wake of the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. City Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr., chair of the city council’s finance committee,
said Monday the 50-percent discount for the payment of business and real property taxes will remain in effect until Dec. 31 this year. He said City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has already endorsed the amendment passed by the council regarding the tax relief, which initially ended on Dec. 31 last year.
Gacal said the extension aimed to allow residents, especially the business sector, cope with the impact of the pandemic. He said it will mainly benefit the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that were hit hard by the series of lockdowns last year due to Covid-19.
he Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has extended PHP6.13 billion in loans to enterprises badly hit by the economic shock of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and earmarked interest subsidies amounting to PHP27.13 million to local government units (LGUs) last year in line with its goal to help keep the productive sectors of the economy afloat during this global crisis. DBP president and chief
executive officer Emmanuel Herbosa said that to provide the bank with additional resources to help fund these efforts and the country’s economic recovery program starting this year, it plans to issue a USD300-million bond by mid-2021, along with the second tranche of its sustainability bonds sometime in November. “These will not only provide the bank with the necessary liquidity to fuel the country’s economic recovery efforts but will also aid in the
development of the Philippine capital markets moving forward,” Herbosa said in his presentation of DBP’s 2021 plans to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. As part of DBP’s innovative financing solutions, Herbosa said it is also planning to develop an LGU credit rating system together with the Department of Finance (DOF)-attached Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in support of the development of a bond market for LGUs.
DBP extends P6.13-B loan to Covid-hit businesses
T
cut in the government’s gross domestic product (GDP) target of between 6.5-7.5 percent this year is possible because of the impact of the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in NCR Plus. In an interview during the Laging Handa public briefing aired over PTV 4 Monday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) may revise the growth target for this year following the ECQ implementation in the National Capital Region (NCR) and four
nearby provinces namely Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna from March 29 until April 11. “So siguro base dun sa magiging resulta nun sa aking tantya ay baka ibaba ng konti ang ating target for this year to around 6-7 percent (Based on the would-be result (of the revision), I think the target for this year might be lowered to around 6-7 percent),” he said.
Amidst the latest developments, Diokno reiterated that the economy was strong pre-pandemic thus, authorities expect the domestic economy to recover. “Siguro sometime in 2022 makakabalik tayo dun sa where we were before in 2019. At yun naman ay nakabase rin yun kung gaano kabilis natin madi-deploy yung vaccination. (We might return to where we were in 2019 sometime in 2022. This will also depend on how fast the vaccination would be deployed),” he said referring to the government’s coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination program.
for the repopulation of hogs, but this was not enough. "Kailangan pa natin ng P5 billion for repopulation and P3 billion for other supporting projects sa livestock and poultry industry," he said. (We still need P5 billion for the repopulation effort and P3 billion for other supporting projects for the livestock and poultry industry.)
Apart from the P600 billion reallocated funds for the hog repopulation effort, Dar said the department also realigned some P1.5 billion for its ASF response measures. Senator Francis Pangilinan had been calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a state of calamity due to the ASF outbreak in the country.
Dar: Additional P5-B needed for hog repopulation in wake of ASF outbreak
T
he Department of Agriculture (DA) needs an additional P5 billion budget for the repopulation of hogs in the wake of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the country. Agriculture Secretary William Dar told the Senate Committee of the Whole that the department was able to realign some P600 billion
4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 25 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021
On the importance of people getting vaccinated against Covid-19: My doctor says that comparing the risk of not having the vaccine with having the vaccine, there’s greater risk of being infected with the virus if we won’t get vaccinated. That’s convincing enough.”
REP. CORAZON NUÑEZ-MALANYAON House of Representatives 1st District, Davao Oriental
EDITORIAL
Solving a big problem
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has sprung into action on the street flooding that bedeviled a wide swath of Davao City last Saturday after a long heavy downpour. Affected by the flood included the areas of Kilometer 5 Highway, Tulip Drive, Barangay Matina Crossing; highway fronting barangay hall in Barangay Matina Aplaya; Purok 3, Susan Homes, Barangay Baliok; Bacanaya Villge, Barangay Catalunan Pequeño; Countryside Village and La Vista Monte Village, Barangay Talomo; Goldland Subdivision, Barangay Bago Gallera; Spring Valley Subdivision, Barangay Buhangin; Gallera De Oro Subdivision, Barangay Bago Aplaya; New Argao, Datu Loho; Forest Lake, Bugac in Barangay Maa; Circumferential Road, Barangay 76A; Opal Street, Marfori Subdivision, Barangay 10-A; J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada; and Quirino Avenue corner Jacinto Extension. Many of these areas experienced floodwaters up to the waist for the first time. During a meeting of city department heads using the after-incident report of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as reference, the lady chief executive ordered the inspection of drainage systems of the pinpointed flood-prone areas and determine what infrastructure undertaking will solve the problem. Mayor Sara forwarded the list of the identified spots to
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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
the City Engineer’s Office to check with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) whether they have drainage projects in these areas. She said clogging of drainage systems caused the street flooding. The mayor has pinpointed the culprit, so to speak. The question to be answered now is what is/are causing the clogging. Interface Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), a group active in the advocacy of pro-environment issues, has identified its own suspect - - - plastic wastes indiscriminately disposed by Dabawenyos anywhere and finding their way to the drainage canals and then clogging them. Of course, plastic wastes, mostly non-biodegradable, is just one of the “persons of interest” if this were a crime investigation. Another cause of clogging could be construction debris again thrown indiscriminately by contractors who are either building the road or constructing the structures as a result. There is a construction boom in the city, remember? Whatever are the identified causes, the city planners ought to create a system that would stop the clogging of waterways. This is a must in order to stop street flooding. The ugly weather pattern and the worsening global warming are different stories altogether.
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)
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EDGEDAVAO
VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
WHY COCKFIGHTING IS POPULAR We call them “mga sunoy,” those cocks that are used for fighting. Oftentimes, you see them in the countryside. If you’re lucky, you get to see those cocks fight against each other when they are left together in a cage. “Sabong,” as cockfighting is known in the country, is very popular as a way of gambling, but it is also seen as a national sport. In fact, sabong is a Philippine institution, some people claim. It has been said that long before the establishment of Spanish Catholicism, the practice of pitting two trained cocks against each other had been thriving in the local shores. When Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, it was already a roaring spectacle. Pigafetta’s account on the Spanish’s fleet arrival at “Polaoan” (now known as Palawan) include this observation: “They (the natives) have large and very tame cocks, which they do not eat because of a certain veneration that they have for them. Sometimes, they make them fight with one another, and each one puts up a certain amount on his cock, and the prize goes to him whose cock is the victor” (Jocano, 1975. The Philippines at the Spanish Contact, p. 80). Even today, cockfighting still has a passionate following in the country. In fact, some of those who are into this kind of “sport” said that there are more cockpits than churches.
“It’s the noblest sport in the world,” said Jorge Araneta, known as the dean of Philippine cockfighting. “There’s no other animal in the world that will fight to the death. That’s as noble as you can get.” Contrary to common notion, the University of Santo Tomas is not the country’s oldest university. It’s cockfighting, according to Angel Lansang, author of Cockfighting in the Philippines. “It was in cockfighting that the early Filipinos learned the rudiments of arts, sociology and even economics. Public relations had its start at the cockpits.” Unknowingly, the most honest men you can find in this part of the world are the cockers. Reacting to the “wallet” honesty test conducted by Reader’s Digest almost two decades back, then Education Secretary Alejandro Roces commented, “If they want to know if Filipinos are honest, don’t go to Malacanang, you’ll be disappointed; don’t go to Congress, you will be equally disappointed; don’t go to the Supreme Court… go to the cockpit and you’ll see the Filipinos are basically honest.” “A bet is a bet,” said a kristo or the professional bettor, the equivalent of bookmarker in horse racing. “It must be honored at all costs or else you undermine the very basic framework of the sport – which is trust and the gentleman’s word of honor.”
No one really knows how cockfighting started. History records, however, showed the sport originated in Asia more than 3,000 years ago. The Greeks were the first known devotees of cockfighting. However, the sport was much disdained by the Romans and continuously criticized the Greeks for indulging in a “useless sport.” But such resentment lasted only until the ascension of the great Roman general Julius Caesar, according to Wikipedia The Romans were so fond of Julius Caesar that they tried to follow what he liked. They became so fanatic of cockfighting that they took it into excess, even squandering whole patrimonies – much in the same way the merchants of Athens in an earlier period devoted their leisure to gamecocks. During the reign of Henry II in the 12th century, cockfighting took off in England. Four centuries later, the reigning monarch Henry VIII recognized the sport as a clean and honorable medium of diversion and he made cockfighting a national pastime. It has been reported that a cockpit was built in Whitehall Palace, the official residence of all English monarchs. King Henry VIII also staged cockfights attended with great enthusiasts by his loyal subjects. It must be for this reason why the French call cockfighting the “king of sports” and the “sport of kings.” From Europe, cockfighting
became popular, too, in the United States. It happened when the colonists came to America in the 17th century and they brought with them the sport. As a matter of fact, the rooster almost defeated the eagle in the race for its national bird. The power of one – the eagle won because of one vote, cast by cocking aficionado George Washington. Other American presidents who were lovers of the game were Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. “Cockfighting is a blood sport due in part to the physical trauma the cocks inflict on each other,” the Wikipedia wrote. In Noli Me Tangere, Jose Rizal wrote that during the fight, the fighting cocks wear sharp razor blades fixed on their legs. The duel will only end by the death or (bloody) flight of one of the cocks. “While not all fights are to the death, the cocks may endure significant physical trauma.” It was for this reason that Massachusetts passed the first law in the United States in 1836 barring cockfighting. Many other states followed thereafter. Similar legislation was passed in Great Britain in 1849. But in some parts of Asia and Latin America, cockfighting is still very popular. “Not everywhere is cockfighting under legal assault,” wrote staff
writer Paul Watson of LA Times. “In the home of the World Slasher Cup, it is central to the culture – and the economy.” Quoting estimates by Manny Berbano, the publisher of the glossy Pit Games, Watson wrote: “The Philippine economy benefits by more than $1 billion a year from cockfight betting, breeding farms and the business of selling feed and drugs, including steroids, that bulk up the birds for two years before their fighting instinct kicks in.” The Philippines is a haven for cockers. “We love coming here,” Mike Formosa, a veteran American cocker was quoted as saying. “They make us feel real welcome.” For people who spend their spare time watching chickens shred each other, the cockers are amiable men, anxious to ensure their sport gets a fair hearing. “It’s like thoroughbred horses,” commented Ray Alexander, another American cocker. “It’s all in the bloodlines.” The cockpit is a place where the poor and the rich come together. “Where else can you find a senator and someone from a squatter area competing on an equal footing?” asked Araneta. Is cockfighting really a cruel sport? Again, here’s Araneta: “(Cockfighting) is a lot less cruel than pitting a chicken against a 150-pound man in a kitchen with a large knife.”
DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS
VAWC HANGING OVER SEAFARERS’ HEADS LIKE THE “SWORD OF DAMOCLES” The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act (VAWC) , or R.A. No.9262, in some instances, can be considered a ‘Sword of Damocles” hanging over a seafarer’s head, specially in support issues. The “Sword of Damocles” is an allusion to the imminent and ever-present peril faced by those in positions of power who always labor under the specter of anxiety and death, and that “there can be no happiness for one who is under constant apprehensions.” Enacted in 2004, R.A. 9262 is a landmark legislation that defines and criminalizes acts of violence against women and their children perpetrated by women’s intimate partners, i.e., husband, former husband, or any person who has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom the woman has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in, among others, economic abuse. The said law defined “economic abuse” as any act that makes or attempts to make a
woman financially dependent which includes the following: (1) withdrawal of financial support or preventing the victim from engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation, business or activity, except in cases wherein the other spouse/partner objects on valid, serious and moral grounds; and (2) deprivation or threat of deprivation of financial resources and the right to the use and enjoyment of the conjugal, community or property owned in common. Economic abuse is a deliberate pattern of control in which individuals interfere with their partner’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources. It may decimate a victim’s financial well-being and result in psychological and physical ailments as a result of ensuing stress and poverty. Some Filipino seafarers are confronted with warrants of arrest or hold departure orders (HDOs) due to criminal complaints filed under R.A.9262 where they are accused of abandoning their financial obligation to persons to which they are obliged by law to support.
The Filipino seafarer is required to make a monthly allotment of at least eighty percent (80%) of his monthly basic salary which shall be payable to his designated allottee, or the person named as the recipient of his remittances to the Philippines. A common problem in connection with remittance is the issue on who will be the seafarer’s allottee. The mandatory remittance required by law does not divest the right of a seafarer over his hard-earned money or earnings. Like any personal property, the seafarer can freely dispose or give to anybody without limitations other than those provided by law. His right to dispose his wage remains in his discretion, including the manner or as to how he will divide nor dispose it. Under R.A.9262, the deprivation or denial of financial support to the woman or the child is considered a crime which may include the deprivation of support of a common child of the man-accused and the woman-victim, whether such common child is legitimate or not.
Married couples are legally obliged to support members of the family, including the spouse and not just the kids. However, the offending spouse as well as one who is guilty of abandonment (leaves the conjugal home without justifiable reasons) is not eligible for support. The law puts pressure on a father to provide for his child by threatening him with criminal action if he does not provide support. The act of denying support to a child is considered a continuing offense (Del Socorro v. Van Wilsem, 749 Phil. 823, 839, 2014). Child support is for “indispensable” needs of the child, which include food, shelter, clothes, medical care, education and transportation. In the Philippines, child support continues until the child turns 18. Generally, the rate of child support is dependent on the child’s needs and the parent’s means. Parents-in-laws may also be held liable for violation of the law under the principle of conspiracy under the Revised Penal Code.
The Supreme Court held in the case of Go-Tan v. Spouses Tan (567 SCRA 231) that the parentsin-law are proper respondents in a case filed by the victim upon the allegation that they and their son (victim’s husband) had community of design and purpose in tormenting her by giving her insufficient financial support; harassing and pressuring her to be ejected from the family home; and in repeatedly abusing her verbally, emotionally, mentally and physically. If convicted under R.A.9262, the accused shall be punished by prision mayor, or imprisonment of a minimum of six years and one day to a maximum of twelve years. He shall also shall pay a fine in the amount of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than three hundred thousand pesos (300,000.00). Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)
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LET’S... FROM2 SURVEILLANCE... FROM2 “Kung wala pa, kinahanglan og inspection og tan-awon kung unsa ba jud ang problema og unsa ba jud ang kinahanglan na klase na infrastructure nga solusyon sa pagbaha,” she said during her Special Hours program at the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday. Mayor Sara said clogged drainage systems caused the street flooding in the city. “Barado ang drainage. Ang monitoring report sa street flooding akong giingnan na ipasa CEO aron maka-review sila og unsay hinungdan. Pero mubalik gihapon na sa barado tungod sa naglain-laing mga rason,” she said. The mayor added there have been drainage projects and interventions that were made to address flooding in some floodprone areas but even after that it seems flooding resurface in other areas. She also said the usual reasons for the flooding include undiscipline disposal of garbage in canals, blockade of natural waterways where water pass through since it belongs to private properties or homeowners building of their own drainage but what they do is not really connect it to the main water passage.
(ILI), an acute respiratory infection with a fever of more than 38 degrees celsius and cough with onset within the last ten (10) days, and referring
them for swabbing. The surveillance will be facility-based, community-based, and establishment-based. Lopez said 70 to 80
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percent of cases are asymptomatic, which means there are asymptomatic carriers that are roaming around. “There are people somewhere who do not have symptoms while some have a simple cough, colds who refuse to have themselves checked, and later on, we know that they are carriers. These are the persons that we are trying to catch,” Lopez said. He also urged Dabawenyos to cooperate and not doubt to participate if there are surveillance activities in their area. Maya Padillo
ERRATUM In the March 29, April 5, 12,2021 issues of Edge Davao, in the Notice of publication given by Social Security System, was inadvertently published from Vilama Tan to Vilma Tan Our apologies
SPEED... FROM2 nakita pinaagi sa atoang surveillance testing dinha sa atong mga targeted areas ug sa swabbing sa atoang F1, F2 ug F3 close contacts nato,” she said. Meanwhile, oth-
er swabbing centers in Davao City are located in SIR Health Center at Barangay 76-A, Mintal Gym at Brgy. Mintal, Daliao, Toril and Ilang, Tibungco. Maya Padillo
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April 21, 2021 (Wed.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc. Quezon Branch, Tagum City
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VOL.14 ISSUE 25 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021
7 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO VOL.14 ISSUE 25 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 EDGEDAVAO
LIFESTYLE
LEARNING DIVERSITY THROUGH VIRTUAL CAMP
Learning diversity through virtual camp By Maya M. Padillo
M
aya Angelou once said “in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Diversity encompasses acceptance and respect for all. It prepares the students to build successful careers in the future by encouraging critical thinking and building of alliances. These are among the reasons why Stockbridge American International School (SAIS) participated in an online Chinese virtual tour
Maya Angelou once said “in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
Diversity encompasses acceptance and respect for all. It prepares the stuthrough the 2021 “Chinese Bridge” Online Windents to build successful careers in the ter Camp that was hosted by the Chongqing No. future by encouraging critical thinking
7 High School. Although, the students of SAIS are from different races, the weeklong virtual tour program, which was participated by Grade 5 to 7 students, helped them appreciate and embrace diversity more. Virtually, the students were able to travel to
One pawikan has economic use value of P4.80 million I
f you ask Filipinos living in rural areas to describe what a farmer looks like, don’t be surprised if carabao is also being mentioned. The two, after all, are partners when it comes to farming. The carabao is Filipino farmer’s beast of burden. ENVIRONMENT:
ONE PAWIKAN HAS ECONOMIC USE VALUE OF P4.80 MILLION Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio Additional Photo by AboitizPower
Chongqing museum and learned about the rich history of Chongqing. They were also introduced to some hotpot features and fascinating Chinese cuisines such as boiled fish with chili oil, kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, sweet and sour crispy fish and many more. These dishes were cooked live on the spot and through the show the students learned that Chongqing people like to eat hot-pot delicacies. Another highlight of the program was to let the students test their cognitive abilities by playing Chinese chess or Xiangqi. Chinese chess is a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation, and it is known as one of the four traditional arts of ancient China. It was famous not just because of its long history, but because of its integration of culture, science, art, and
competition. A Chinese facilitator guided the participants in the whole duration of the virtual camp. These diverse activities not only gave the students opportunity to fully immerse and learn about Chinese history and culture, but also taught them to respect and celebrate the differences in all peoples. Mikkaela Antonee Marquez, a Grade 7 student, described her experience as an amazing opportunity as she watched fascinating Chinese cuisines prepared online. Rashad Clyde C. Rabaya, a Grade 6 student, said that an event such as this bridge knowledge and proof that no matter how difficult challenges may be, all can be united. “In this time of online learning, the China Winter Camp has allowed our students to virtually travel to China and immerse themselves with Chinese language, culture and arts. This experience has made them discover new interests and passions and understand cultures,” said Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, chief operating officer of SAIS. Ledesma said all these have helped the students gain more confidence and have global perspectives which are essential building blocks of business leadership and the core of the SAIS’ mission. SAIS is the first and only international school in Davao City and in Mindanao offering international education through its international partners, the Fieldwork Education (UK) and the Nacel International School Systems (USA).
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One pawikan has economic use value of P4.80 million Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO Additional photo by ABOITIZPOWER
I
f a marine turtle, locally known as pawikan, can live up to 57 years, how much is its economic use value? An estimated whooping P4.80 million, according to a study done by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), a line agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The estimation was based on the animal’s ecological role in coastal and marine ecosystems (P900,000) and on the tourism value it generates (P3.90 million). The DENR study was conducted under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)/ Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project on Combating Environmental Organized Crime in the Philippines. It aims “to recognize the bigger picture,” as the protection of wildlife not only keeps ecosystems balanced, but eventually benefits human well-being. “The annual use value of the entire population of the Philippine marine turtle, which is conservatively estimated at 7,294 individuals, ranged between P2.89 billion and P3.19 billion (US$57.88-63.85 million) per year,” the study said. The identified five species found in the country are Green Sea turtle (known in the science world as Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback turtle (Dermocheyls coriacea), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Most of the marine turtles in the Philippines are found in Baguan, Taganak, Lihiman, Boan, Langaan,
and the Great Bakkungan, which are part of the socalled Turtle Islands. In the olden times, these islands were favorite weekend destinations of British excursionists and other nationals from North Borneo (now Sabah). But marine turtles can also be found in other parts of the country. The Green Sea turtles have been sighted as far north as the Fuga Islands in Cagayan and in the Southwest in Bancuran, Palawan. The Hawksbill turtles inhabit the Celebes Sea, the Cuyo island group of Palawan, the neighboring towns of Jolo, Cotabato, and Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi, as well as in Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro and the open waters of Sulu Sea. The Olive Ridley turtles have been seen by fishermen in the shallow coastal waters of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. The five species mentioned earlier are listed under the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which means the trade of these marine turtles and its and subspecies is strictly “prohibited except for educational, scientific or research and study purposes.” “All of the species found in our country are endangered except for the Hawksbill turtle, which is critically endangered,” said Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, founder and director of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP), a non-government organization advocating for the conservation and protection of marine wildlife and their habitats. “The only sure thing is
that marine turtle populations are under tremendous threats. If these are not stopped, extinction is imminent,” he added. Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, a pioneer of the environmental movement in the country, believes so, too. “Unless Filipinos seriously take on the task of protecting the much-endangered marine turtles, these ancient creatures will soon be gone (from our waters),” it said in a statement. According to MWWP, threats – whether manmade or not – impact marine turtles at all life-stages from eggs to adults. “It is impossible to prevent natural predation, mortalities due to natural causes, or changes to the environment brought about by climate change,” it said. “But reducing or even eliminating human-caused threats is possible.” In the past and even until today, the biggest threat comes from harvesting of eggs, juveniles and adults. “Marine turtles are hunted for meat and leather; their eggs are taken for food and aphrodisiacs,” Haribon said. The degradation of their habitat has also contributed to the decimation of marine turtles in the country. The ruin of the territories results from increased effluent and contamination from coastal development, construction of marinas, increased boat traffic, and
harvest of near-shore marine algae resources. Marine turtles are also affected by plastics. About 20% – or half a million tons – of the 2.7 million tons of plastic waste the Philippines generates annually leaks into the oceans, according to the 2015 report on plastic pollution by the Ocean Conservancy. “Plastics endanger marine life and other animals, because they can mistake a piece of plastic for food when it isn’t,” a study pointed out. After eating a plastic, they starve and die. Another study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests that ingesting even a single piece of plastic can be deadly for these marine animals. Marine turtles are also being threatened by climate change. “Potential impacts of global warming, such as projected sea level rise, can lead to shoreline erosion of small, low-lying tropical islands,” MWWP says. “Waves running up the shore during storms will wet the nests and increase egg mortalities at rookeries in these small islands, possibly decreasing the overall reproductive success of the marine turtle population.” The Philippines, a CITES signatory, implemented the Pawikan Conservation Project nationwide through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (now known as Biodiversity Management
Bureau) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 1982. Since 2001, hunting, sale and killing of marine turtles have been banned in the country. But despite sincere efforts made by the local and national government and some environmentalist groups to save marine turtles from disappearing in Philippine waters, the decimation of the endangered species continues unabated. Aside from marine turtles, the BMB-DENR also conducted the economic use value of the blue-naped parrot (known in the science world as Tanygnathus lucionensis): P186,000 throughout its six-year lifetime. This is based on its trade value and tourism value (P5,000 when combined) and its ecological role in forest ecosystems (P181,000). The entire Philippine parrot population was estimated at 8,500 individuals, according to wildlife conservation group Katala Foundation. Its annual use value ranged between P36.23 million and P295.19 million per year. Complementing the study findings, a willingness to pay survey was conducted in Cebu and Manila by the DENR-ADB/GEF Project to estimate the non-use value of marine turtles and blue-naped parrots. The survey found an annual value of P9.30 bil-
lion for the Philippine marine turtle population and P33.38 billion for the local blue-naped parrot population. This finding was in stark contrast to the traded value of one blue-naped parrot, which was only P5,000. In fact, the price was even lower in barangay Buliluyan, Batarza, Palawan where the buying price per blue-naped parrot was only P200. The economic study was released in time for the celebration of the World Wildlife Day last March 3. DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu is optimistic that the result of the study will allow “more people to be inspired in conserving and protecting our wildlife.” “We hope that in popularizing the findings, we can entice more Filipinos to think about the long-term benefits of our wildlife such as marine turtles and bluenaped parrots, and not just short-time gains,” Cimatu said. Environmental economist and study leader Dr. Agustin Arcenas added, “The economic valuation of resources is vital in monitoring whether steps to protect these resources are effective, as well as evaluating the efficiency of projects and programs geared toward managing the resources, especially in situations where no other feasible metric currently exists.”
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Philippine swimming icon Akiko Thomson-Guevara will be the speaker in session 9 of the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) National Sports Summit 2021 this Wednesday.
Akiko discusses Olympians’ role in Philippine sports
P
hilippine swimming icon Akiko Thomson-Guevara dives into the “Role of Philippine Olympians in furthering Philippine Sports” in session 9 of the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) National Sports Summit 2021 this Wednesday. The three-time Olympian and eight-time South-
east Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medalist ex-
plores the ongoing efforts of the Philippine Olympians Association, an organization founded in 2002, to provide opportunities through sports for the Filipino youth. Thomson-Guevara, elected as president of the body composed of fellow Filipino Olympians and has been leading it since
Even MVP contender Damian Lillard was well locked up, scoring 12 points, turning the ball over five times and shooting 3-of-10 from the floor. Butler had previously declared that Miami could be an elite defensive unit and when asked why their defence has gone to the next level this season, Butler cheekily took a shot at his former teammate and friend. “We got rid of Derrick Jones Jr,” he said. “Got his a*** up outta here and we started guarding somebody. Simple as that.” Butler flashed a smile before later quipping: “I hate you D.J., record that.” While Butler was all jokes in the post-game
press conference, he was switched on when he took to the court, managing four steals in another stellar defensive performance which earned immediate praise from coach Erik Spoelstra. “His competitive fire... things matter to him on that side of the floor,” he said. Butler meanwhile added that his high energy on the defensive end is paramount to being a leader in the Heat line-up. “I feel like if you lead by example, everybody’s got to follow suit,” he added. “They see one of your best players doing it, they got to be able to do the same thing, because you can’t say that I or Bam or [Andre Iguodala] or any of those guys aren’t doing it.”
Butler takes dig at former teammate
J
immy Butler has never been afraid to take cheeky jabs at his current and former teammates. Back in 2019 he claimed he would be fining Bam Adebayo $500 for every game he did not attempt a 3-pointer and now Derrick Jones Jr. was in the firing line. Butler’s ex-teammate was signed by the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent in the off-season and the two faced off on Monday in Miami’s 107-98 win. The Heat currently boast the third-best scoring defence in the NBA with 107.2 points allowed per game and became just the fifth team to hold Portland under 100 points this season.
2015, also shares “how to optimize the asset of the Filipino Olympian to play a meaningful role in the realm of Philippine sports." “Her stellar career as part of the Miracle of 1991 and as an Olympian, and further using her platform as the head of their organization will truly inspire our participants in the pur-
suit of improving Philippine sports,” expressed PSC Chairman William Ramirez. The swimming icon has had a history of promoting Philippine sports and Olympism through participating as a volunteer in the Athens Summer Olympic Games in 2004 and serving as assistant coach of the national swimming team in the
Jimmy Butler took a dig at former teammate Derrick Jones Jr.
1997 SEA Games and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games. She also served as one of PSC’s Commissioners from 2010-2016. The National Sports Summit 2021 is a countrywide online conference covering key sports concepts from the local scene up to international linkages.
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