Edge Davao Issue 14 No. 28| Saturday, April 17, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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Street vendors in Davao City’s “Chinatown”, including Sta. Ana Avenue, Monteverde Avenue, Ramon Magsaysay Street, and Quezon Boulevard undergo free swab testing at Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Friday. The swab testing of street vendors is part of the city government of Davao’s community surveillance swab testing program to help determine the effectivity of the city’s Covid-19 response efforts. Edge Davao

More than 300 vendors in Davao’s Chinatown undergo surveillance swab test STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 28 • SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte walks past old photos of past presidents as he arrives for the meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Thursday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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Duterte eyes conversion of hotels into Covid facilities

More than 300 vendors in Davao’s Chinatown undergo surveillance swab test By MAYA M. PADILLO

ore than 300 vendors hawking within the central business district including Davao’s so-called Chinatown in Uyanguren St. underwent swab testing on Friday.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, head of City Health Office (CHO), said results of the tests will be available on Saturday or Sunday. The free testing covered the vendors in “Chinatown” including the streets of Sta. Ana Avenue, Monteverde Avenue, Ra-

mon Magsaysay Avenue, and Quezon Boulevard. This is part of the “community surveillance swab testing” of the city government Davao to help determine the effectivity of the city’s Covid-19 response efforts and validate the slowing down of

cases in the city. “This serves as an info drive nga gipatuman para ma-educate sila sa objective aning activity,” Lopez said. Free swab testing has been scheduled also for street vendors at People’s Park, San Pedro Street, Bolton Street, and Magallanes Street on Monday. In his interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) last Wednesday, Lopez said that the turnout of the surveillance swabbing that the city is

having right now proved that the cases against Covid-19 here in Davao City are slowing down and that community transmission within Davao City is going down. Around 3,000 individuals have been tested in the surveillance swabbing for the past two weeks since its implementation with a low positivity rate. Lopez added that more activities will be conducted related to it, especially in workplaces and in highrisk barangays.

He said the number of New People’s Army rebels, and sympathizers has dwindled since the Executive Order No. 70 was operationalized with the assistance of line-government agencies through a wholeof-nation-approach. Lamosao revealed that from 2016 up to the present, the Army recorded the unprecedented surrender of regular rebel forces and sympathizers at 2,000 in 2018, and more than a thousand in 2021. “We see a downtrend in the number of surrenders, and it was revealed by for-

mer rebels that they could no longer withstand their difficult situation, internal stripes like corruption in the organization and the concern of their leaders in their financial status in terms of proceeds from extortion activities, broken promises like familial support,” he said. Lamosao said former rebels saw the sincerity of the Duterte Administration in helping them get out of the sad situation of being duped by the communist movement. He said that from 12 guerrilla fronts in Davao

Region, the rebel organization is now down to three weakened guerrilla fronts, a platoon size of fighters moving in the boundaries while more or less 20 pulang bagani companies are still active. Lamosao said their total strength is two hundred but dispersed in Davao Region. He maintained this group could hardly withstand the military combat operation from time to time, since the military forces can easily be deployed once there are complaints on rebel presence like re-

10th ID notices insurgency downtrend in Q1 of 2021

he Philippine Army Division which covers the whole of Davao Region, part of Sarangani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur noticed a downtrend in rebel activities on the first quarter of 2021. Major Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Brigade bared that since January this year, they have accounted five encounters with the rebels with the recovery of several high powered firearms and improvised explosive device.

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night broached the idea of turning hotels into isolation facilities for individuals infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a taped public address, Duterte said he could wield his police power to take over the hotels’ operations if the Covid-19 situation in the country worsens. “I am not without power. When we are pushed to the wall, either by the microbe itself or by external, internal, I can always order the military and the police to go there and confiscate the operation of the hotels,” he said. Duterte said he would not hesitate to order the conversion of hotels into Covid-19 facilities, in case National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III tell him that hospitals run out of space due to rising Covid-19 infections. He said he would ask owners to allow the government to transform their hotels into quarantine facilities. “Kapag sinabi na (If they say) we are at a critical condition, there is no space for the doctors and the nurses to move and stay healthy, then we begin to exercise the police power of the state,” he said. “Sabihin ko sa hotel, adre, pasensya ka na. Kailangan ko 'yong hotel mo. Hiramin

ko lang (I will apologize to hotel owners but I need to borrow their facilities).” Duterte, however, acknowledged that the takeover of hotels is not a remedy. “That is not really what you would call a remedy desired in a democratic state,” he said. ‘We know what to do’ Despite the alarming spike in Covid-19 cases, Duterte ensured that the government knows how to address the Covid-19 pandemic. Duterte guaranteed that the government is exhausting all efforts to contain the coronavirus. “Do not be afraid. Government is working. Government is busy doing everything, not nothing. Government is trying to get the things to fix all of us,” he said. Duterte added that he had picked the “bright” and “right” people to stop the further transmission of Covid-19. “I’d like to just disabuse the mind of na nagkulang tayo ([other people who are claiming] that we are lacking),” he said. “We are not really at a total loss of what to do. We know what to do.” The Philippines on Thursday logged 11,429 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total case count to 904,285. The country has reported a total of 183,527 active cases, 705, 164 recoveries, and 15,594 deaths. (PNA)

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

LTFRB 11 intensifies anticolorum operation

he regional office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has intensified its anti-colorum operation of Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) in Davao Region. In a facebook post, the team conducted the operation on April 13, 2021 in Barangay Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao Del Sur by visiting two terminals and inspected eight PUVs wherein two units were apprehended for breach of contract. Meanwhile, LTFRB 11 has also taken a hard

stance to raise awareness and ensure complete conformity with the 7 Commandments set by IATF-EID when onboard public transportation such as wearing of face masks and face shield, no talking and making phone calls, no eating, keeping public utility vehicles week-venticulated, conducting frequent disinfection, no passengers with Covid-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside the public transportation; and observing appropriate physical distancing. Maya M. Padillo

6 barangays in Sto. Tomas flooded, 1 dead in Kapalong

Major Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Brigade, says the number of New People’s Army rebels has dwindled since the Executive Order No. 70 was operationalized with the assistance of line-government agencies through a whole-of-nation-approach. Edge Davao

Coffee for Peace urges city to extend special permits to ambulant vendors By MAYA M. PADILLO

offee for Peace urges the city government of Davao to extend special permit to ambulant coffee drink vendors. Of late, coffee vendors have been spotter at Abreeza Mall compound, infront of Carmelite Church, and Toril. They converted their motorcycles as mobile coffee shops. “During this time of recovery, I think we should give room to our local street coffee drink vendors a special permit to sell coffee just like in Thailand and Ethiopia, where the coffee culture is more advanced than our country,” Felicitas “Joji” Pantoja, chief executive officer of Coffee For Peace, Inc., told Edge Davao.

Pantoja said the street coffee shops through tricycles and movable tables were introduced as there are still some coffee shops that are closed because of Covid-19. She said these baristas are just trying to make a living out of the job they love: creating a good coffee experience for the coffee drinkers. “Our coffee shop (Coffee for Peace) will reopen by next week. We needed to. We need to refuel our economy by boosting these micro-small businesses that are trying to move forward,” Pantoja said.

Pantoja said she is encouraged by the growing initiatives of these individuals, whether they are ex-cafe shop working or new coffee enthusiasts who are starting to sell on the streets. She said a number of them engaged with her company by buying green beans from Coffee for Peace, and having it roasted by Coffee for Peace roastery. She said Coffee for Peace makes it affordable for them so that they earn money also and making it fair for all. “This way, we can move more beans coming from the farmers and educate our local coffee drinkers to support local coffee. By moving the beans and bringing them to the hands of the coffee drinker, we also fuel our

own local economy. Let us support them, let us support the farmers, let us support our city,” she said. Pantoja said when these vendors promote local coffee on the street, they invite local coffee drinkers to become proud of Davao Region because the coffee made a mark in the coffee industry as the best as the second largest producer of coffee beans is Region 11. She mentioned that Davao Region is the home of twice winner coffee farmer, Marivic Dubria, of BACOFA (Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association) Cooperative. “Local consumers will become aware that Region 11 has the best coffee. It will help promote and boost our local economy,” she said.

B.1.17 or the UK mutant strain of Covid-19. The patient was previously identified as a close contact of a Covid-19 case in his workplace and reportedly had exposure in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Oco said they managed to track down the patient after finding an unusual number of new infections from his identified close contacts. She said they were able to detect at least 18 confirmed cases from among the identified first to fourth-level close contacts. The contact-tracing activities were conducted after the patient, an authorized person outside of residence or Apor, tested positive for Covid-19 a week after arriving in the city on March 21. Oco said eight came out positive out of the 11 first-level close contacts,

four from the 26 second-level contacts, five from the 17 in the third level, and one from the fourth level. “Our surveillance team saw a certain value that was crucial, and that triggered us to send the specimen of the index patient for genome sequencing,” she said in a press conference. Upon the confirmation of the case, she said they immediately subjected the index case and all identified close contacts to RT-PCR testing. She said four of the first level contacts tested positive anew for Covid-19 and two in the second level, although these were considered possible remnants of the virus usually found among clinically recovered patients. Six test results are still pending for the second level and 16 for the third level,

with one yielding negative, she said. City Administrator Arnel Zapatos assured that the city government is on top of the situation and has implemented the necessary interventions to contain the spread of the new variant, which he described as more contagious based on the recorded infection rate from the index case. He urged residents to continually comply with the minimum health standards to prevent another surge of cases as what has been happening in the National Capital Region and other areas in the country. “We need the cooperation of everyone so we can keep our economy open and defend our modified community quarantine status,” he said. As of Wednesday night, the active Covid-19 cases in

GenSan monitoring possible new infections from UK variant

ealth authorities here are monitoring possible new infections related to the area's first case of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-United Kingdom (UK) variant confirmed early this week. Dr. Rochelle Oco, acting head of the City Health Office, said Thursday they sent samples for genome sequencing from a new Covid-19 case that emerged from among the close contacts of the 58-year-old male returning resident from Barangay San Isidro who had tested positive with the UK variant. She said they are still waiting for the test results of 22 other close contacts who were subjected to Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) testing. UP-PGC confirmed Monday that a patient here was infected with the

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he Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI (RDRRMC XI) has reported the trough of a Low Pressure Area in the Eastern Section of Mindanao has caused massive flooding in the Municipality of Santo Tomas while one dead body was found in Simpao River, Kapalong. The massive flooding in Sto. Tomas municipality occurred on April 11, 2021 at 3am affecting 1,845 families or 9,225 individuals across six barangays

of San Miguel, Balaguna, Bobongon, New Panay Salvacion, Kimamon, and Talomo. According to the RDRRMC XI, the dead body of one missing person named Vilma Ayanan, 22 years old from Sitio Manipis, Mamacao, Kapalong was found on April 12, 2021 at 4:40pm in Simpao River, Kapalong. However, there has been no reports of lifeline disruptions or damaged houses. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI and OCD XI)

Duterte expresses support for local Covid-19 vax production

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed support for the planned local production of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines. This, after Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, during a virtual meeting, reported that at least four pharmaceutical firms have expressed intent to venture into local vaccine manufacturing. Lopez said the government is currently in talks with four potential Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers. “Para hindi tayo totally dependent sa pag-import ng vaccines. Of course, ngayon ho talagang nagde-depend tayo dahil wala tayong local manufacturing capabilities ([It will help us] not to be totally dependent on importation of vaccines. Of course, we are depending now [on other countries] because we still don’t have local manufacturing capabilities),” he told Duterte during the meeting of the Inter-Agency Taskforce for the Management on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Malacañang. Based on Lopez’s presentation, United Laboratories and Glovax are among the pharmaceutical companies that have signified their plan to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines in the country. The potential vaccine manufacturers, Lopez said, are requesting for “green lane on government permits” to ensure faster processing of all requirements

and necessary documents. Lopez added that government procurement of locally-produced vaccines is encouraged, “subject to standards, specs and prices.” “They need our support,” he said. “Kailangan i-commit din ni government na bibilhin natin iyan para self-reliant and self-sufficient tayo. So ‘yun po ang isang kahilingan dito (The government should commit to buying [the locally-produced vaccines] so we will be self-reliant and self-sufficient. That’s their request).” In his recorded public address, Duterte welcomed the possible manufacturing of Covid-19 vaccines in the country. Duterte said the possibility of having Covid-19 vaccines produced in the country is an “answered prayer.” “Parang dasal natin ito sa gobyerno kasi historically, the Philippines is one of the laggard, sabi nila because there’s a lot of paperwork at kung anu-ano ang hinihingi (It’s the government’s answered prayer because historically, they are saying the Philippine is one of the laggard [nations] because there’s a lot of paperwork and has so many demands),” he said. To support the local production of vaccines, Duterte told appropriate government agencies to hasten the processing of requirements. Duterte said it would take just less than an hour

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 28 • SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021

A mobile coffee shop owner prepares a cup of coffee for a customer at Abreeza Mall compound in Davao City. Coffee for Peace founder Felicitas Pantoja said the city government of Davao should extend help to the local street coffee drink vendors by gving them special permit to sell in the city’s streets and parks. Edge Davao

NEDA backs hike in pork T imports, reduced tariffs

Miners’ groups welcome lifting of ban on new mining projects

he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Thursday said the temporary increase in pork imports to fill the supply gap will not “kill” the local hog industry. “(This) as imports would potentially account for up to 22.8 percent of total consumption,” acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua told the Senate Committee of the Whole. Chua said the proposal to increase the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork from 54,000 to

around 404,000 metric tons by the Department of Agriculture is consistent with the supply deficit estimated by NEDA. He also cited some experts saying imports will not flood local markets as the African swine fever (ASF) has also affected hog production of many countries.

Chua said the limited cold chain facility in the country serves as a physical barrier to huge importation since the total capacity is only estimated at about 268,000 metric tons allocated for pork given the requirements of other commodities. “Hence, we think the 404,000 plus metric tons proposed for importation will only gradually enter the country as needed, instead of being imported at the same time, contrary to industry concerns,” he added. Apart from addition-

al pork imports, Chua pushed for lower tariffs to help fill the deficit, and lower and stabilize retail prices. He said the large supply deficit has led to a rapid spike in the retail price of pork that pushed meat inflation from 2.9 percent in September 2020 to 19.6 percent on average in the first quarter of 2021. “Lowering inflation by ensuring adequate supply of pork is very crucial to some 95 million Filipinos who rely on pork for their regular diet amid this pandemic,” he added. (PNA)

and services move online. Ensuring broad based internet access should be a strategic imperative in the country’s inclusive development agenda as we build a new digital economy that leaves no one behind,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a virtual briefing Thursday. Under the said EO, non-enfranchised but registered internet service providers (ISPs) and value-added service providers (VASPs) may directly access satellite systems to put up broadband facilities.

This will allow small players like cable television operators and utility cooperatives to operate a satellite broadband service for local communities. Diokno said this reform is also expected to provide digital financial services like remittances distribution, bills payments, and opening of transaction accounts in areas that are currently unserved or underserved by the formal banking system. Citing a central bank survey, he said internet access penetration in the

country is highest in Luzon at 60 percent and was followed by the Visayas, 40 percent; and Mindanao, 30 percent. “With EO 127 in place, we expect to bridge the digital divide in the country as it enables the deployment of infrastructure for areas that are currently unserved or underserved by incumbent providers,” he said. Diokno said satellite technology is best suited for rural areas where setting up terrestrial infra-

Diokno: EO 127 supports BSP financial inclusion bid

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) financial inclusion bid got another boost after the signing of Executive Order (EO) 127 allowing for inclusive access to satellite services. EO 127, titled “Expanding the Provision of Internet Services through Inclusive Access to Satellite Services”, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last March 10. “Internet connectivity is a critical enabler of financial inclusion in the new economy as transactions

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he Chamber of Mines in the Philippines (COMP) and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) have lauded the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to lift the nine-year moratorium on new mining projects. “We welcome the lifting of the moratorium on new mining projects --in place for nearly nine years-- in this time of great national difficulty as a result of the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic,” COMP said in a statement Thursday. COMP added the new mining projects will generate new revenues for the government in the form of taxes and fees, as well as royalty fees while increasing export revenues and job generation, especially in the rural areas. “The removal of this policy roadblock will undoubtedly help encourage both local and foreign in-

vestments into the country. Since 2010, investor interest in the Philippines has declined. Executive Order 130 will help bring the Philippines back on the investment map,” the group said. Meanwhile, PNIA said the lifting of the moratorium on new mining agreements recognizes the role of the mining industry in economic recovery and development. “PNIA has always maintained the industry’s contribution to countryside development by providing employment opportunities and livelihood, and ensuring the sustainability of our host communities,” it said in a separate statement. Both groups said they will continue to adhere to the highest environmental and social standards to mitigate the impacts of mining on the environment and the host communities. (PNA)

DITO expands to Luzon, adds service in 21 more cities

ITO Telecommunity said Friday it has expanded its services to 21 more cities, including 18 in Luzon. In a statement, the third telco said starting April 16, Friday, services would be available in the following areas: Lipa City (Batangas) Malvar (Batangas) Santo Tomas (Batangas) Tanauan (Batangas) Silang (Cavite)

Tagaytay City (Cavite) Calamba (Laguna) Los Banos (Laguna) Baliuag (Bulacan) Palayan (Nueva Ecija) Santa Rosa (Nueva Ecija) Science City of Munoz (Nueva Ecija) Talavera (Nueva Ecija) Cabanatuan City (Nueva Ecija) Capas (Tarlac) Concepcion (Tarlac) Gerona (Tarlac)

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ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

Street vendors in Sta. Ana Avenue, Monteverde Avenue, Ramon Magsaysay Street, and Quezon Boulevard wait for their turn to have their swab samples taken at Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

Japan-built vessel to boost profit, says Chelsea Logistics T

Loans for Covid-19 vax program best strategy for PH: DOF chief

helsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp said Friday its new vessel MV Trans-Asia 21 has completed its sea trial conducted in Fukuoka, Japan which would likely boost revenues despite impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Built in Japan, the 123-meters and 8,800 tons ship can carry 1,085 passengers, 24 buses and 11 trucks, the shipping and logistics company told the stock exchange.

Chelsea Logistics said it is the biggest brand new RoPax (or a ship made to carry passengers, cargo and vehicles), built and for delivery to the Philippines.

During the sea trials, MV Trans-Asia 21 reached top speed of 20.1 knots and hurdled all tests to ensure safe and efficient operations, Chelsea Logistics said. The ship was built at the Fukuoka Shipyard in Japan, the company said. "The shipping industry might have been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but we are convinced that this investment will be a meaningful revenue and profit contributor to the Group," said Chelsea

epartment of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi has urged American companies to look into opportunities in the Philippine energy sector. During the Philippines-United States virtual economic briefing Thursday, Cusi said there are many business opportunities for US firms in the energy sector in the Philippines as the DOE pushes for programs that will augment power supply in the country while also advocating the use of clean and indigenous energy sources. He said US Embassy as well as American firms and residences in the Philippines can avail the Green

Energy Option program which allows consumers to exclusively source their power requirements from renewable energy. “Another opportunity is in nuclear energy. I am a firm believer that integrating nuclear power into the country's energy mix would significantly help us meet our future power requirements,” Cusi said. In July 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order establishing the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) to study the viability of including nuclear energy in the country’s energy mix. The DOE chief added nuclear energy could come

in earlier in the power generation mix with the “evolution of the small modular reactors that are suitable for the off grid or island areas of the Philippines”. But he said some bills should be passed by the Congress which will ease restricting policies on nuclear power. Moreover, as the DOE has partnered with Australian and Japanese firms, Cusi also invited US companies to explore opportunities for the use of hydrogen as fuel for power generation. Cusi likewise urged American firms to consider the exploration and development of indigenous energy resources in the Phil-

Group’s President & CEO Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy. "The Philippines, being an archipelagic country, composed of 7,641 islands, is largely dependent on shipping to move people, goods, and services across the globe. We are certain that the shipping and logistics industry will recover faster because it is essential and a necessity in global trade," he added. The TA 21 is the latest addition the Chelsea's fleet of 76 vessels, it said.

ippines and revitalizing the upstream oil and gas sector. The country is open to US-based companies to join the exploration of energy resources in the West Philippine Sea. US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires John Law said energy is one of three priority sectors under the US government’s Indo-Pacific strategy, along with infrastructure and digital connectivity and cybersecurity. US Agency for International Development (USAID) acting director Gloria Steele said the USAID will launch the Energy Secure Philippines Activity next month that aims to improve the environment for private

DOE chief invites US firms to invest in PH energy sector

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aking out loans to help finance the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination program is the best approach for the government, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Thursday. “We chose this financing strategy because we want to assure the public of two things: First, that the vaccines we are buying are internationally accepted, and have passed the stringent criteria for safety and effectiveness. Second, that the vaccine procurement is totally transparent,” he said during a virtual briefing organized by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez in Washington DC. The government has secured total loans amounting to about PHP58.4 billion (USD1.2 billion) from the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to help finance the vaccination deployment plan. It has secured over 140 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, 15 percent of which is scheduled for delivery in the first half of this year while the bulk, or 85 percent, is set for delivery in the second half. Despite the supply issues, it has started vaccination drives around the country using the supplies donated by China.

The government plans to inoculate at least 70 million adult Filipinos this year. “The Philippines strongly supports the statement of Mr. David Malpass, former US Undersecretary of the Treasury for International Affairs and now the World Bank President, who underscored the importance of releasing Covid-19 vaccines from countries with excess supplies as soon as possible,” he added. During the same briefing, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) acting Administrator Gloria Steele announced that the agency is providing “USD3.5 million to further support the Philippines in delivering vaccines received from COVAX”, referring to global risk-sharing mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines. “Our assistance will strengthen vaccine supply chains and support local governments to plan, track, and deliver vaccines. And it will help the Philippines’ Department of Health and local government distribute essential public health messaging around the vaccines,” she said. To date, USAID’s total Covid-19 support to the Philippines amounts to USD25 million, or about PHP1.25 billion.(PNA)

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On the ongoing efforts to locally manufacture and develop vaccines in the Philippines: Napakalaki po ng potensyal ng ating bansa na mag-produce ng sarili nating mga gamot at bakuna laban sa samu’t saring mga sakit. Napapanahon na po upang pagaralan natin kung papaano tayo magiging self-reliant pagdating sa aspetong ito.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL

Respect the game

It doesn’t take a basketball expert or a coach to say there is something fishy about missing 25 free throws out of 29 and blowing wide open layups. As basketball is as indispensable as pan de sal for breakfast among Pinoys, we take the game to heart so deep that when someone or some people are pooping on it, we cry our hearts out. So the reaction of basketball-crazy and even the not-so cagecrazy folks when they saw posts of a basketball farce on social media is very much understandable. Why this piece even deserve to be an editorial for this issue could be mind-boggling for some. But this is basketball and this is our national pastime. Those images of a player switching shooting hands in between free throw attempts, another clanking two straight free throws hitting nothing but the board without the ball even touching the rim. Those are just too much. It quickly spread like the dreaded coronavirus. In this age where sports and online gaming have arranged for marriages not known to man before as same sex marriages do, potential machinations of the game have also transcended to digital platform. Someone out there could possibly control the results with the button of a remote controller especially when the stakes are high. Setting things straight, game-fixing is a crime defined under Philippine Law. Presidential Decree No. 483 defines game-fixing as “any arrangement, combination, scheme or agreement by which the result of any game, races or sports contests shall be predicted and/

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. 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

or known other than the basis of the honest playing skill or ability of the players or participants.” P.D. 483 recognizes that sports and games should be won or lost because of the skill or ability of the players. Hence, if anyone manipulates the game such that the result is predetermined, then what you have is the criminal offense of game-fixing. The law also criminalizes point-shaving and game machination. To stress these two, point-shaving is similar to game-fixing, except that the intent of the schemes is to deliberately limit points or scores to influence the result of a game. An example of point-shaving is deliberately missing free throws in order to maintain a betting line or spread. On the other hand, game machination is more of a catch-all, where the use of any other fraudulent, deceitful, or unfair means to influence the results of games, races, or sports contests is considered a crime. If charged and found guilty under P.D. 483, the players can face jail time of up to six years and a fine of P2,000. P2,000? That obviously is peanuts and no seasoned gambler would settle for crumbs. But way back in 1974 when P.D. 483 was issued, two grand is a big amount. We’re not saying the new league’s controversial game had something to do with game fixing and gambling but we sure hope the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) won’t end up with investigations that close out with simple suspensions and fines.

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 27 • FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

LIVE THE LEGACY LEISURE LIFESTYLE AT

HOLIDAY OCEANVIEW

EVERYDAY STAYCATION, that’s what Legacy Leisure Residences is about. Your address is the destination with world-class amenities. An Olympic size pool, a water spray park, outdoor sports facilities, a green oasis with putting green, and many more spread across a wide open area occupying 70% the property. This alone sets this vertical village apart from the rest. As the first of four tower rises, all you can do at this time is imagine what it’s like living in a place with all the deluxe facilities right at your doorstep. But what if Legacy Leisure can snap you out of your daydreaming and let you live the future now? You can have a peek of your “everyday staycation” at Holiday Oceanview Serviced Residences in Samal. The island resort is the sister company of Legacy Leisure and geared towards the same concept of luxury living. In the mixed-use community is a residential setting, which includes a condominium with recreational amenities you would expect. This is where the similarities between the two starts. A spacious, relaxing environment and privacy is shared by both properties. The gated condominium complex of Legacy Leisure is ensconced in a 2.4-hectare property by a creek. Only four buildings will be erected to use less than 30% of the area, the rest will be allotted to open space. The living areas will have a view either of the Davao Gulf and the majestic Mt. Apo. Its may be in the city but with the resort-like vibe, you’ll never feel that it is. Holiday Oceanview sits in a large seaside gated property. The development follows the terrain that slopes gradually from the verdant mountain side to |the shore. It’s living with nature — the sun, sea and mountain, with the conveniences of modern living. How about enjoying the ”firsts in Davao”? Summer heat is beating on us and you can’t wait to cool down in Legacy Leisure’s Olympicsized pool, or you can take a few laps and set a personal best on a

At Legacy Leisure, experience nature in its expansive open space that includes verdant oases and an Olympic size pool.

At Holiday Oceanview, enjoy the outdoor in a natural setting.

Experience Legacy Lesiure’s _everyday staycation_ at Holiday Oceanview Samal today for free. sportsman’s course. It’s the first of its kind in Davao and Mindanao, and it’s for you to use any time, any day, year-round. The marina at Holiday Oceanview is the first of its kind in Davao and Mindanao. It’s exclusive to its members. But if you know someone who is and willing to lend you the yacht, then consider yourself very lucky. Sail away! If not, you can still enjoy the ocean breeze whether you’re in the pool or the beach. Both properties pushes for wellness living. You know why Legacy Lei-

At Holiday Oceanview, expereince living with nature. sure is going the opposite way space- 30% living space? It’s to of a usual community developmake sure the residents have ment and designed a 70% open ample room to move about the

outdoors and still enjoy their personal space. The greens, fresh air and the sports activities set in a wide al fresco expanse are good stress relievers. While at Holiday Oceanview, to be in the middle of nature is a gift. Here’s the good news: you can experience the the everyday staycation life now! For every reservation you make at Legacy Leisure, you get a night’s stay in a studio unit at the Holiday Oceanview Serviced Residences for free! A night at the island condominium will give you a feel of what Legacy Leisure is offering you in a city setting. Tempted enough? Legacy Leisure is throwing in another good news. Due to public demand, they are bringing back the 10%-90% payment scheme with the 10% downpayment payable in 48 months. Can you resist such a tempting offer?

8 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

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Preserving the country's endemic flora and fauna Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

‘T

he Philippines’ terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are considered a paradise of biodiversity, serving as a habitat for a myriad of rare wildlife – some found nowhere else in the world,” wrote Eirene Grace Z. Arcayos in a feature published by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). Unfortunately, biodiversity (coined from the two words: biological diversity) is collapsing at nothing less than mind-boggling. In fact, the Philippines is one of the world’s biodiversity “hotspots” or areas that are home to thousands of irreplaceable species that are facing multiple, urgent threats. Biodiversity, a term coined in 1985, is used to describe the vast array of life on Earth. Actually, it refers to every living thing, including plants, bacteria, animals, and humans. More formally, it comprises several levels, starting with genes, then individual species, then communities of creatures and finally entire ecosystems. “Without biodiversity, there is no future for humanity,” Prof. David MacDonald of Oxford University was quoted as saying by The Guardian. The Conservation International describes species as “the building blocks of Earth’s life support system.” “We

all depend on them,” it adds. And they are on the way out. In the United States, a group of distinguished biologists have called the species extinction crisis as “a threat to civilization second only to the threat of nuclear war.” The Geneva-based Worldwide Fund for Nature estimates there are on Earth at least 30 million species, of which “all but a few thousand are at risk.” Less than two million species have been studied by man. Yet, over a thousand, maybe 10,000 more, are being lost each year, mostly unseen and unrecorded. Plant species number only a quarter of a million, and vertebrates less than 50,000. Mammals and birds, however, are principal concerns of conservation efforts more than with invertebrates. In Davao City, for instance, the Philippine Eagle Center is trying to save the country’s bird icon from vanishing in this part of the world. It doesn’t mean that

invertebrates, mostly millions of insects such as bees, are not equally important. They are also essential for their ecological services like pollination. Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson estimates that, at a minimum, 50,000 species of invertebrates per year – nearly 140 species each day – are condemned to extinction. “Of all the global problems that confront us, species extinction is one that is moving the most rapidly and the one that will have the most serious consequences,” contends Dr. Peter Raven, a noted American biologist. Unlike other global ecological problems, Dr. Raven stressed, the crisis is completely irreversible. “Extinction is forever,” deplores the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. FAO admits that the loss of species is not new. It cites the fate of the dinosaurs. “The disappearance of species in past eras has occurred by virtue of natural process,” it says. Saving biodiversity, however, is very expensive:

an estimated $300 billion a year for the next eight years. That’s according to Brazilian Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, the chief of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity. It’s worth it though. “Biodiversity is the basis of everything we do in agriculture, everything we do in health,” Dias told Reuters. “So the development of new vaccines, the development of new cultured varieties of plants is based on biodiversity, genetic resources. If we lose biodiversity, we lose the options for future development in these areas.” Habitat conversion and degradation, overexploitation, introduction of exotics, and creation of monocultures. These are the immediate causes behind the loss of biodiversity, FAO says. “In most instances, these causes often occur in combination,” it adds. Professor Norman Myers, a consultant to several UN agencies, believes the biggest threat comes from deforestation. All over the world, forests are decimated at an alarming rate.

People are cutting trees as if there is no more tomorrow. “We might be thankful for the wealth of the tropical forests next time we visit a chemist for a medicine,” Prof. Myers wrote. “There is a one-in-four chance that our purchase will derive from tropical forest plants. It may be an antibiotic, an analgesic, a diuretic, a laxative, a tranquilizer or even just cough drops, among many other products. “The contraceptive pill was originally manufactured from a wild yam growing in Mexico’s forests, and another pill came to us courtesy of a forest plant in West Africa. One of the biggest breakthroughs against cancer in recent decades has stemmed from the Madagascar periwinkle, the source of two potent drugs used against leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease. According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, tropical plants may well contain at least ten further plants with similar potential against cancer.” The Philippines, be-

cause of its many islands, ranks fifth in the world in terms of the number of plants and is host to around five percent of the world’s species of flora. “(Our country) serves as home to more than 10,000 species,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) claims. Among the flora endemic to the country include several orchids including waling-waling, Bulbophyllum ocellatum, and Paphiopedilum fowliei. Other native flowers that can be found in this part of the world are “kolon busaw” (Rafflesia schadenbergiana), “kalayaan” (Peltophorum pterocarpum), “hoyas” (Hoya lacunose and H. carssicaulis). According to the Biodiversity Management Bureau, a line agency of the DENR the Philippines has more than 2,500 endemic flora and fauna species, excluding insects and other invertebrates. “The Philippines has tremendous wildlife resources,” wrote Jesus B.

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Apo Agua achieves 5 million safe man-hours

po Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) through its Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contractor J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC), recently achieved five million safe man-hours, as it ramps up construction activities for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP). Apo Agua, a joint venture company between Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. and JVACC, continues to meet the safety standards set by the Department

of Labor and Employment while working on Part A of the DCBWSP of Davao City Water District (DCWD). Part A includes the Water Intake Struc-

ture, Raw Water Transmission Lines, Water Treatment Plant, Hydroelectric Power Plant, and Treated Water Transmission Lines. DCWD is working on Part B of the DCBWSP, which consists of the construction of facilities for various off-take points, primary transmission/ distribution pipe mains and storage facilities, and the distribution of treated water to residential, government, commercial, industrial and bulk water end-users.

Alvarez Jr. in a 1981 position paper. “We have unique and beautiful birds which are in great demand, both here and abroad. We also have rare interesting mammals. Most outstanding are the tamaraw and the Philippine eagle which could be placed alongside the world’s finest species.” Unfortunately, many of the country’s endemic flora and fauna are on the verge of extinction. “A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if the present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” commented Dr. Lee Talbot, who was once a

member of the Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Noted Filipino wildlife expert Dioscoro Rabor echoed the same sentiment. “It is about time that we, Filipinos, stop making ourselves internationally blind to the real status of our wildlife resources,” he said. “We should face the fact that our country is no longer rich in forests and consequently, of wildlife which used to be a normal component of our forests.” A species is considered extinct when it is no longer found in the past 50 years. Endangered species are those that have been reduced in number to a

critical level or whose habitats have been damaged, altered, or reduced. Rare species have small world populations. Usually, they are restricted to very few habitats. At present, rare species are not considered endangered but at risk. Threatened, on the other hand, is a general term used to describe the animal or plant species which could be in the status of “endangered” and “insufficiently unknown.” The Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species has listed almost 50 wildlife species in the country that are rare, threatened, or endangered. Among those that are included in the list

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Once operational, the DCBWSP will provide an average of 300 million liters of treated water per day for more than one million Davaoeños. “As we are hard at work to expedite the completion of the DCBWSP amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our team members and site workers remains to be a top priority for us. As such, we ensure everyone’s compliance with all our safety policies and health protocols,” said Shake A. Tua-

son, Apo Agua Operations Head. The project has provided employment opportunities to over 4,700 workers to date, with the majority coming from Apo Agua’s host and partner communities. “We at JVACC are very happy to have attained a significant milestone of five million safe manhours without lost time accident. Even with the terrain and environment this project is subjected to, we remain steadfast in our commitment to

ensuring that everyone at JVACC should return safely to their families,” said Kathryn Angeles, JVACC’s Chief Executive Officer. “As the sum of our individual actions has contributed to achieving this milestone, we would like to thank everyone on our team for continuing to deliver and persevere,” she added. This latest milestone affirms Apo Agua’s commitment to health and safety as it works to advance business and communities.

are five marine turtles, two crocodile species, the Philippine eagle, tamaraw, and dugongs. Unknowingly, thousands of species may go extinct before they are discovered. And this is very alarming. “The number of previously unknown species being discovered in the Philippine habitats is currently among the greatest in the world,” noted the Chicago-based The Field Museum. “For a field biologist who studies biological diversity, the Philippines is, in many respects, a dream come true – a place where new discoveries lie around every corner.” The loss of biodiversi-

ty is even a greater threat to humanity than climate change. “Changes to climate are reversible, even if it takes centuries or millennia. But once species become extinct, particularly those unknown to science, there’s no going back,” wrote Damian Carrington, environment editor of The Guardian. When it comes to biodiversity and conservation, most people think of eastern Africa, the Amazonian rainforest or Madagascar. But “on a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably harbors more diversity of life than any other country on the planet,” the BMB said in its website. Several environmental

laws that protect these natural heritages have been passed. Unfortunately, these laws are not reinforced due to internal conflicts over policy direction and jurisdiction as well as a general lack of technical knowledge and political will, surmised Atty. Jose A. Canivel, Executive Director of the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation. “Lawmakers, decision makers, policy makers have shown little interest in biodiversity conservation, because there is little knowledge, and with little knowledge there is very little value attached,” Canivel said.

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10TH ID... FROM2 cruitment and teach-ins. Lamosao said there is really an effort by the rebels to discredit anew the government. In reality, he said the rebel forces within the areas of the 10th Infantry Division are waning with all agencies helping the military in implementing the EO 70 side by side with the people, government and nongovernment organizations. Captain Rose Aguilar, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office bared that

the police show support to the efforts of the Army in responding to the insurgency problem through the enhanced pulis sa barangay program. She said the police also maintain their presence both in geographically isolated and depressed areas and the urban centers, to help them communicate their basic problems to concerned line-agencies and to maintain police visibility in the urban center to deter crime. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

the city have dropped to 69, with about half currently asymptomatic, as more patients continue to recover. Since March last year, the confirmed infections

in the area have so far reached a total of 2,276, with 89 related deaths and 2,118 recoveries. (With a report from Richelyn Gubalani/PNA)

to issue permits for the companies that are interested in manufacturing Covid-19 vaccines in the country. “Ask everybody to cooperate. Itong government procurement of locally-produced [vaccines], subject to standards, specs and prices, madali lang naman ito kung trabahuhin mo ito (This government procurement of locally-produced vaccines, subject to stan-

dards, specs and prices is easy if you would work on it). I don’t think it would take about one hour trabahuhin mo sa opisina (to process it in your office). It’s a matter of preparation,” he said. The Philippines has so far received 2.5 million Covid-19 vaccines from China’s Sinovac Biotech and 525,600 vaccines from United Kingdom’s AstraZeneca. (PNA)

Tarlac City (Tarlac) General Santos City (South Cotabato) Compostela (Cebu) Cordova (Cebu) DITO, operated by businessman Dennis Uy with China Telecom, debuted on March 8 in 15 selected areas in Visayas and Mindanao. "We are very excited to announce that in just a few weeks after our commercial launch in Cebu and Davao, more Filipinos can now experience stronger and reliable connectivity with DITO's Luzon expansion," DITO chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said. SIM cards are now available in more than 300-partner stores and will be available "very soon" in 3 DITO-owned stores in Cebu and Davao, the telco said. DITO is laying its network nationwide in order

to challenge Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc. In line with the expansion, DITO said it is offering subscribers 25GB of high speed data for P199 valid for 30 days. With the promo, users can avail of DITO-to-DITO calls, texts, call waiting, call forwarding, video over LTR and unlimited texts and 300 minutes calls to other mobile networks, it said. DITO is on track to meet its second year target of covering 51 percent of the population, in time for its second year technical audit on July 8, chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago earlier said. The Philippine Competition Commission earlier said the entry of the third telco would result in healthy competition, benefitting Filipino consumers.

structure is “not economically justifiable.” “The new regulation also potentially optimizes the use of the 14 satellites covering the Philippines to connect all parts of the country in the shortest time possible,” he said. He said with this reform, banks and other financial service providers in remote areas may now be able to put up more access points such as automated teller machines,

cash agents, and branchlite operations and can also offer digitalized payment transaction services accessible through the internet. “These developments will contribute towards the BSP’s financial inclusion targets, namely that first, 70 percent of the adult population should own a transaction account, and second, that half of all retail payments should be in digital form by 2023,” he added. (PNA)

Assistance and Coordination Division Chief and head of the PSC Emergency Response Team, Manuel Bitog has been designated head of the Risk Management Team. Executive Di-

rector Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr. has given instructions to implement stricter protocols and roll out a QR codebased monitoring system within the agency to aid interaction tracing.

GENSAN... FROM3

DASURECO General Manager Ferdinand D. Canastra (center) and LANDBANK Davao del Sur Lending Center Head, Department Manager Arnel M. Caalim (leftmost), lead the P350-million loan signing on March 15, 2021 to enhance electric services in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental. Join-

ing them are (from left) DASURECO Finance Services Manager Alejandra B. Rosario and LANDBANK Account Officer Christian Harvey N. Wong and Account Assistant Ralph Rhester Encabo.

DavSur power co-op taps P350-M LANDBANK loan to boost operations

IGOS, Davao del Sur – Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) granted the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO) a P350-million credit line to augment its working capital for the continued provision of reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted electric services to consumer-members in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental. The loan signing was led by DASURECO General Manager Ferdinand D. Canastra and LANDBANK Davao del Sur Lending Center, Department Manager Arnel M. Caalim on March 15, 2021. They were joined by DASURECO Finance Services Manager Alejandra B. Rosario and LANDBANK Account Officer Christian Harvey N. Wong and Account Assistant Ralph Rhester Encabo. The LANDBANK Davao del Sur Lending Center facilitated the loan application of DASURECO amid strict community quaran-

tine protocols implemented in the region. “LANDBANK recognizes the vital role of our electric cooperative partners in providing essential public service for socio-economic growth, especially in the countryside. We will continue to support their financial requirements toward advancing inclusive local recovery and development,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. DASURECO General Manager Ferdinand D. Canastra welcomed the approval of the loan that will support the financing of

three (3) additional power substations and rehabilitation of subtransmission lines. DASURECO will also use the loan to fund a new three-storey office building located in Barangay Cogon, Digos City. “The loan will help us pursue projects that will ensure power efficiency and reliability in the provinces we serve. It will also be a big help for us to provide a safe and convenient office building for our employees and consumers visiting us,” said General Manager Canastra. As a public utility provider, DASURECO is a partner in the National Government’s Rural Electrification Program, particularly in the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental. The cooperative services many small farmers and fishers and supports their capacity for post-production and storage. As of December 31, 2020, DASURECO has a total of 205,568 active

investment and competition in the energy sector. “And through the new activity, USAID will support

the private sector’s role in expanding energy sector opportunities and energy efficiency investments.

To help achieve our target of USD750 million in new investments in the energy sector, USAID will provide

DOE... FROM5

connections being served by six substations. It is categorized as a Mega Large Electric Cooperative with a AAA rating—the highest classifications conferred to an electric cooperative by the National Electrification Administration (NEA). LANDBANK continues to offer loans in support of developmental projects for the delivery of basic services and necessary infrastructure facilities. Interested cooperatives may contact the nearest LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000. Updates are regularly posted on the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), and in Viber Community (@LANDBANK), or in the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).

transaction advisory services to help close deals and secure investments,” Steele added. (PNA)

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The late Kobe Bryant was posthumously elected to the Hall of Fame.

Jordan to present Kobe to Hall of Fame

ICHAEL Jordan will present Kobe Bryant for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next month. Hall officials revealed the full list of presenters Thursday (Friday, Manila time). Members of a Hall class are asked to choose who they would like to accompany them to the stage and present them before their acceptance speech; when the inductee is being

enshrined posthumously, as in Bryant’s case, family members are asked to make the decision on presenter. Jordan tearfully spoke for more than 11 minutes at the memorial for Bryant and his daughter Gianna in Los Angeles in February

Nets' Aldridge announces retirement after health scare

2020. “When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died,” Jordan said at that memorial, about four weeks after Bryant, Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash. “And as I look in this arena and across the globe, a piece of you died, or else you wouldn’t be here. Those are the memories that we have to live with, and we learn from. I promise you, from this day forward, I will live with the

memories of knowing that I had a little brother that I tried to help in every way I could.” The enshrinement ceremony is May 15 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Jordan will also present Baylor women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey, another member of the 2020 class. Tim Duncan will be presented by his longtime San Antonio Spurs teammate David Robinson, and Kevin Garnett will be pre-

EW YORK — LaMarcus Aldridge retired from the NBA on Thursday after saying he experienced an irregular heartbeat during his final game with the Brooklyn Nets. Aldridge, 35, posted a statement on social media saying the heart concern he had during and after Brooklyn’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) was one of the “scariest things” he’s experienced. Aldridge said he feels better now after getting it checked out but decided to end his 15-year career. “For 15 years I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and my family first,” Aldridge wrote. The seven-time All-Star signed with the Nets on March 28 and he had become their starting center. He missed the last two games with what the team had called a nonCOVID-19 illness.

LaMarcus Aldridge of the Brooklyn Nets has retired from the NBA on Thursday.

sented by Isiah Thomas. Four-time Olympic gold medalist and 10-time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings will be presented by Alonzo Mourning and Dawn Staley; former Bentley women’s coach and winner of more than 1,000 games Barbara Stevens will be presented by Geno Auriemma and Muffet McGraw; the late three-time Final Four coach Eddie Sutton will be presented by John Cali-

pari, Bill Self and Sidney Moncrief; two-time NBA champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich will be presented by Calvin Murphy and Hakeem Olajuwon; and the late longtime FIBA executive Patrick Baumann will be presented by Russ Granik and Vlade Divac. The enshrinement ceremony was originally scheduled for August 2020 and was postponed by the pandemic.

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PSC asks NSAs, athletes to keep watch against COVID

ith the number of monitored infected cases rising in the past weeks, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez reminded everyone to “never put your guard down when it comes to COVID.” After imposing a 10-workday lockdown on the two complexes of the agency starting Tuesday, Ramirez informed that disinfection of facilities is being carried out and a revision of health-security protocols have been done. The sports chief expressed his concern over the alarming numbers of COVID-19 cases that were monitored in the last round of testing. “We sent all athletes home even before the imposition of the first lockdown last year,” said Ramirez explaining that there are no more athletes training or staying in any of the

agency’s facilities. Both complexes are now being used as “we heal as one centers.” Among many assistances given to athletes and National Sports Associations, the PSC also assists in getting them RTPCR testing when requested or required for their training or competitions. Ramirez askes all NSAs to be more cautious and to actively remind their athletes to follow basic protocols saying, “in this case, it is better to be safe than sorry.” Some sports are training under their NSAs in venues outside PSC Facilities.

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