Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 33 | Friday, April 23, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 33 • FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

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Illegal settlers along drainage systems worsen flooding woes: CEO STORY ON PAGE 2

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Commuters form a long queue while waiting for passenger busses at a bus stop along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte expresses apprehension over the proposal of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to shorten the mandated 14-day quarantine period for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Presidential Photo

BLAME GAME C

DOT develops bike tour in Chinatown

Settlers along drainage systems worsen flooding woes: CEO says By MAYA M. PADILLO

he City Engineer’s Office has found a culprit to the flooding problems of the city.

Who’s to blame? They are the illegal settlers whose houses sit atop drainage systems. Atty. Joey Felizarta, head of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), said houses and house extensions constructed on top of drainages contributed to the

flooding that is why his office is asking Dabawenyos to voluntarily demolish their houses as they are obstructing the drainage. According to Felizarta, these structures are built on public property. He said that some of these drainage systems

are located under private properties whose owners should also give way to existing creeks. Felizarta also pointed to more water flowing from newly-constructed buildings which contribute to the flooding. “Because of development, daghan na kayo ta’g mga building karon during the time magulan ang mga building

mag-produce pud og mga tubig. Ang iba naka-clog na sa atong mga kanal, naay mga driveways na kailangan na nato i-check. That’s why kung magkuha sila og building permit, ginapakuha gyud nato sila og drainage clearance sa City Engineer’s Office,” he said. Felizarta said based on CEO’s recent survey and

scribed Ramadan as a time for “deep reflection, prayer, and contemplation as the country faces challenging and dangerous times brought by the pandemic or a crisis that threatened health and livelihood.” “To my Moro brothers and sisters in Davao City, allow me to join you in your observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Countless of our Moro brothers and sisters are actively and bravely working at the frontlines, helping the government in the fight against the pandemic,” the lawmaker said. “May the Holy Month of Ramadan also strengthen your faith, bring you good health, and shower you with abundance,” he added.

Duterte also underscored the role of Moro leaders in ensuring that “this city and the rest of Mindanao remain peaceful.” “This is important as we envision to live in a place where everyone coexists with each other, a place where we can achieve our aspirations for better lives,” he said. (PNA)

FBLAME, P10

‘Pulong’ hopes Ramadan brings inspiration, love, compassion

s Muslims around the world mark the holy month of Ramadan, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte said he hopes the religious observance would bring inspiration, hope, love, and compassion for those who have less in life, the sick, and the needy. In a statement Wednesday, Duterte de-

ycling is one of the fastest growing types of outdoor recreation nationwide in the middle of pandemic and now, ideas are coming out to make it a form of tourism. In fact, the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT 11) is developing Japanese Heritage Bike Tour at Davao City’s Chinatown to help the recovery of the city’s tourism industry. “This is our proposal kasi nakita namin pati yung mga Japanese houses na puwede naming isali sa tour. So that one we

will be working closely with the city government of Davao para mabuo ng husto ang tour na yan,” said Tanya Rabat-Tan, regional director of DOT 11, in a virtual presser on Thursday. Tan said DOT 11 is also working on the development of bike trails. “We also have bike trails that we will be working also with the LGU. Kasi marami tayong mga place outside the city para sa mga adventure seekers. It yung mga plano na gusto nating mabuo na

FDOT, P10

Water service interruptions in some downtown and Line 1 of Dumoy WSS areas on April 24 and 25

avao City Water District advises the public of two separate sets of water service interruptions. First set is on April 24, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM affecting portion of C. Bangoy Street (from E. Jacinto Street to Roxas Avenue), portion of Roxas Avenue (from C. Bangoy Street to C.M. Recto Street) and immediate environs. DCWD needs to temporarily shut off the water supply in the affected areas to give way to the tapping and installation of a gate valve to DCWD’s existing pipeline for the new service connection of Alsons Development and Investment Corp. along C. Bangoy Street. Second set is from

8:00 PM of Saturday, April 24, 2021 until 8:00 AM of Sunday, April 25, 2021 affecting some areas served by Line 1 of Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS). Specific affected areas updated as of April 21, 2021 are Davao Executive Homes, South Grove, Doña Luisa Village Phases 1 and 2, Ecowest Drive, Ecoland Subd. Phases 3-A, 3-B, and 5, Purok 22-D Kabacan (Sabroso), Matina Executive Homes, Queensland, Bonguyan Beach Resort, Punta Dumalag, and San Isidro Village; and portions of Quimpo Boulevard (from Davao Executive Homes to Tulip Drive and from corner Maya Street to corner Aquino Street), portion of S.I.R. Phase 2 particularly Pat-

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

Market goers choose from different varieties of fish on display at the“bagsakan”area for sea produce at Bankerohan Public Market on Thursday. Edge Davao

41 tourism-related establishments in Davao Region temporarily closed First bishop of Mati laid to rest

he first and retired bishop of the Diocese of Mati, Most Rev. Patricio H. Alo, D.D., was brought to his final rest at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral episcopal crypt on Monday. The current bishop of Mati, Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D. presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, co-presided by five

(5) other bishops and the diocesan and religious clergy of the diocese. The other bishops in attendance were Bishop Emeriti Fernando Capalla and Wilfredo Manlapaz; and Bishops Guillero Afable of Digos, Medil S. Aseo of Tagum and Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan. Also present were pro-

FFIRST, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

total of 41 tourism-related establishments in Davao Region have temporarily shut down due to the impacts of Covid-19.

Tanya-Rabat Tan, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT 11), bared in a virtual presser that majority of the establishments that opted to stop operations temporarily are in the accommodation sector. Tan assured that affected workers of the tourism industry will be extended assistance as DOT 11 and the regional

office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 11) has partnered to extend help through DOLE’s CAMP-Bayanihan 2 for affected workers. “Naa ta’y ihatag na financial assistance sa atong tourism workers. Nagsugod na ni ug daghan nata nahatagan na mga workers in the tourism related businesses,” Tan said. Meanwhile, Tourism

Secretary Bernadette Puyat said based on their records tourism industry in Davao Region generated an income of P3.4 billion last year, which is a 93.7 percent loss compared to the P64.2 billion income generated in 2019. “Dahil sa pandemya bumagsak sa P3.4 billion, ang lugi sa kita ay 93.7 percent in Davao Region,” she said. Tan said among the factors that contributed for the losses were the canceled flights, shorter stay of the visitors due to the pandemic, and temporary

closures of the establishments. “Ganoon kalaki yung bagsak ng ating tourism receipts. May maraming nawalan rin ng trabaho,” she said. On the other hand, Puyat said as many workers are now rearing to go back to work, DOT is now pushing to include tourism workers as among the priorities in the vaccination program of the government. “I believe na pag mabakunahan na lahat, tuloy-tuloy na ang trabaho,” she said.

he Philippines understands the decision of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to postpone his plan to visit Philippines and India on a trip originally set for the end of the month. Reports showed that Suga decided to postpone his visit to the Philippines and India to focus on handling a recent surge in Covid-19 cases in his country. “The Office of the President (OP) understands the decision of the Office of the Prime Minister to postpone the planned Official Visit of His Excellency Suga Yoshihide to the Philippines,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. Roque said the OP un-

derstands Suga’s decision, since beating Covid-19 is a priority shared by other countries. “Defeating the Covid-19 pandemic is high on both the Philippines and Japan’s agenda and remains a key point of cooperation. The decision to postpone a planned official visit based on this ground, therefore, deserves support,” he added. He, however, assured that ties between the Philippines and Japan would remain strong despite the postponed visit. “The strategic partnership and broad cooperation between the Philippines and Japan will continue to strengthen even as we jointly and

Japan PM cancels visit to PH

PRRD ‘uncomfortable’ with pitch to ease quarantine rules for OFWs T

resident Rodrigo Duterte expressed apprehension over the proposal of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to shorten the mandated 14-day quarantine period for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In a pre-recorded meeting with his Cabinet and medical experts, Duterte said he is “uncomfortable” with the proposed relaxation of quarantine protocols for returning OFWs. “Unless also there is something more than just

what I am hearing now and previously, I must also be convinced that it is really, medyo ano ako (I am somehow), I am not quite comfortable with the relaxation that’s being brought about now,” Duterte said. During the meeting with Duterte, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III vented frustration over the “heavy burden” caused by the current quarantine rules imposed on returning OFWs. Bello then proposed to impose the “original” rule that allows OFWs to

be transported to their “final destination” without completing the 14-day mandatory quarantine, so long as they test negative for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). “Gusto ko pong iparating ang kalagayan ng ating OFWs. Talagang hirap na hirap po sila (I just want to give an update on the OFWs’ situation. They are really struggling). They are crying,” he said. In an April 17 public advisory posted by the Department of Foreign Affairs, all returning OFWs are reminded that

they are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine in isolation facilities upon the arrival in the country. Medical experts who attended the virtual meeting told Duterte that it would be ideal to shorten the OFWs’ quarantine period from the current 14 days to 10 days, provided that they remain asymptomatic. Duterte said he understands Bello’s misgivings because the government’s funds for OFWs are already depleting.

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

A cell site towers over a residential area along Guerrero Street in Davao City. Investing on information technology (IT) infrastructure is now among the priorities of the Duterte administration to ensure an inclusive recovery from the pandemic. Edge Davao

tie-up to boost IT infra investment ensures ARTA-PACC fight vs. corruption, red tape inclusive economic recovery T

nvesting on information technology (IT) infrastructure is now among the priorities of the Duterte administration to ensure an inclusive recovery from the pandemic, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said. During the virtual event hosted by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Diokno said the government’s infrastructure program called Build, Build, Build is the key program targeted to ensure the sustainable growth of the domestic economy while investment in human capital is the key in

bringing down poverty level. He said government officials underscored the need to invest in IT infrastructure to “minimize the digital divide” because of the pandemic. “We really need to make it available to even the lowliest families because if you want to do remote education, you can’t do that without in-

frastructure,” he added. Diokno said the Duterte administration prioritizes infrastructure investment because the government’s infrastructure spending in the last 50 years is only about 2.6 percent to gross domestic product (GDP), a far cry compared to other countries in the region. He said the current administration bids to allocate around 6-7 percent of GDP for its infrastructure program annually. The government is able to finance the Build, Build, Build program because of

Diokno eyes rise of pawnshops’ share in financial inclusion

hare of pawnshops in the central bank’s bid for financial inclusion is expected to rise given the sector’s huge network nationwide compared to banks. In a virtual briefing Wednesday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said the industry has an 82 percent footprint in local government units (LGUs) around the country, with 14,641 total offices and branches as of end-2020, and 14,824 as of February 2021.

The number of offices and branches as of end2020 was higher than the 13,044 combined branches and offices of universal, commercial, thrift, rural, and cooperative banks during the same period, he said. “Given their reach, pawnshops are key financial service access points for Filipinos,” he added. Citing the results of the 2019 Financial Inclusion Survey report, Diokno said that aside from banks’ automated teller machines

(ATMs), Filipino adults are aware of pawnshops as a key financial access point and these two, along with bayad (payment) centers, are the most accessible points for financial services. “This is because pawnshops provide immediate liquidity to borrowers who have personal assets that can serve as collateral, even to those individuals with no credit history. They provide funding for cash-strapped Filipinos especially during the pandemic,” he said.

the series of tax reforms that allowed it to increase revenues, he added. In human capital, Diokno said having a young population that is tech-savvy is the Philippine economy’s “ace in our sleeves.” “In an aging world, (a) young population with a right training and education will be a big boost to the economy,” he said. On the improvement of IT infrastructure, Diokno hailed the signing of an Executive Order (EO) 127 that expanded the access to

FIT INFRA, P10

he Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) signed Wednesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen the government’s fight against corruption and bureaucracy. The MOA signed by ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica and PACC chairman Greco Belgica aims to align and integrate their functions in handling complaints and reports of violations. PACC’s Belgica said their partnership with ARTA will include sharing critical information and conduct of joint investiga-

tions. “This agreement is a big step forward in developing and strengthening the anti-corruption campaign of the President and in achieving the administration’s goal of ensuring transparency and accountability in the government,” he said. ARTA’s Belgica said the signing of MOA will fast-track and strengthen fact-finding investigations. He said the fact-finding process usually takes the longest time in an investigation. But as ARTA and PACC partner for sharing information, it will accelerate the fact-finding process.

nism of the CSC, designed to ensure that actions on public feedback are in compliance with the number of days government agencies are required to respond under Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act signed in 2018. “This recognition from the CSC underscores LANDBANK’s steadfast commitment towards

customer satisfaction. Rest assured that we will continue to prioritize and address client concerns as part of providing the highest standard of customer service to the sectors we serve,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Aside from the CSCCCB channel, LANDBANK clients may also send their comments or feedback to the Bank’s custom-

LANDBANK tops CSC rankings for 100% resolution rate for third straight year

or three years in a row, state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) once again posted a 100% resolution rate for all concerns coursed through the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) from January to December 2020, ranking first among the government agencies in the country. The CCB serves as the public feedback mecha-

FLANDBANK, P10

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VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

BSP to ask Duterte to certify as urgent bill seeking amendments to bank secrecy law

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will ask President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent a bill seeking to amend existing bank secrecy laws and strengthen the central bank’s supervisory powers. At a virtual briefing, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank recommends that Republic Act 1405, or the Secrecy of Bank Deposits Law, be limited within the confines of its banking supervision and investigation of closed banks. The proposed amendments also include provisions that seek to protect banks against suits from depositors in line with the BSP’s inquiry or examination of deposits, and against the use of the law for persecution or harassment.”We will request the President to certify this as urgent,” Diokno told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. At its current version, the bank secrecy law is regarded as one of the toughest in the world, as it prohibits the disclosure, inquiry, and examination into Philippine currency deposits of whatever nature and kind, as well as investment in securities issued or guaranteed by the government. To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2016 vowed to lower personal and corporate income tax rates, and relax the Bank Secrecy Law. Both taxes have been lowered but the amendments to the Bank Secrecy Law have yet to be passed, making the Philippines currently the only country to have such a law after Leba-

non lifted its version in May 2020.” Clearly it doesn’t look good for us, that’s why we want to pass this law to be at par with the international standards,” said Diokno. Duterte, then a presidential candidate in 2016, was also dared to sign a bank secrecy waiver, but his accounts were not opened to the public.At present, the central bank’s proposals under House Bill 8991 are on second reading at the plenary. House Bills 1498 and 3554, which exempt government officials, are being deliberated at the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries. Meanwhile, Senate Bills 663, 634, 539, 374, 26, and 1802 are being discussed at the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies. ”We have been pressing this in both houses of Congress and as you can see, there are a lot of initiatives already at the part of Congress. We expect this to be acted upon may be as early as when they reopen Congress. Sometime in May,” said Diokno. Diokno’s predecessor, the late BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. also previously supported easing bank secrecy laws.Former BSP Deputy Governor Vicente Aquino said that with the repeal of the law, processing of bank records would be fast-tracked especially in cases of litigation, as current laws state that bank deposits must be treated as confidential and may only be opened with written consent from the account holder.

ECONOMY

DavSur potato farmers double harvest thru agri-tech: DA-11

otato farmers in Davao del Sur village have improved the quality of their products and doubled the harvest by adopting appropriate farming technologies, the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11) said in a statement Wednesday. Gagpang Alegre Potato Small Farmers Association (GAPSFA) chair Carlito Palangya said that from 4,000 kilos, their members increased their yield to 8,000 kg per cropping. Palanga’s group is based in Barangay Alegre, Bansalan town. “When DA-11 came to us, they taught us how

seed quality can greatly affect crop development and yield. Before, we only used native varieties or homesaved seeds in potato farming which are susceptible to pests and diseases and produced low yield compared to the Granola seed variety, which can produce up to one kilogram of potatoes per tuber,” Palangya said.

GAPSFA is a beneficiary of the Sustainable Potato Program (SPP) of DA-11 and Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the country’s leading potato chip manufacturer. Under the SPP, URC provides free high-quality Granola potato seeds imported from Prince Edward Island in Canada, a source of one of the best potato seeds in the world. They also conducted skills training and research and development while DA-11 facilitates the identification of farmer-beneficiaries and monitoring the impact of the program on the farming community.

Meanwhile, DA-11 High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) SPP Project Support Officer Ken Oliver Dungo noted that more farmers are now using Granola potato seed variety in potato production. “The first time we came here with the DA-11 Research Chief and SPP focal Melani Provido, we can see a lot of idle spaces with very good potential for high-value crops production, but now we are so happy that more farmers have cultivated the area and the technology given produces great results,” Dungo said. (PNA)

Sony Electronics Announces the Compact, Ultra-wide Angle Large Aperture FE 14mm F1.8 G Master™ Prime

ony further expands its E-mount lens lineup with the introduction of the FE 14mm F1.8 GM (model SEL14F18GM) – a compact, large F1.8 aperture, ultra-wide angle lens that allows users to capture the world with new perspectives, especially when shooting landscapes, architecture, starry skies and interiors. “The newest member of Sony’s G Master series, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM, delivers extraordinary resolution, fast and quiet autofocus and is remarkably compact, “said Ryo Ochi, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “We are constantly innovating based on the needs of our customers and will continue to devel-

op the best technology so that they can realize their creative vision.” Extraordinary Resolution in a Compact and Lightweight Design The new FE 14mm F1.8 GM features a compact optical design, measuring just 83mm x 99.8mm and weighing just 460g (approx.), with advanced optical technology that delivers superb resolution and stunning contrast. Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements maintain excellent resolution throughout the image area even at corners, which enables its compact and lightweight design. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and one Super ED glass element result in optical refinements that suppress

Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) director Tanya Rabat-Tan interacts with members of the media in this undated photo. Rabat-Tan shares updates on Davao Region’s tourism industry during a virtual presser on Thursday. Edge Davao

The Newest Addition to Sony’s E-mount Lens Lineup Offers Extraordinary Resolution, Advanced and Quiet Autofocus Capabilities, Beautiful Bokeh Rendering and More chromatic aberration and deliver excellent contrast and precise rendering at all apertures. Users can faithfully render light point sources thanks to a maximum aperture of F1.8, making it possible to capture astrophotography or shoot in other low-light environments without having to use extremely slow shutter speeds. When shooting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology maximizes clarity by subduing flare and ghosting. The FE 14mm F1.8 GM can produce beautiful bokeh at F1.8, even with the ultra-wide 14mm focal length. With a 0.25m minimum focus distance, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM offers expanded possibilities for close-up still and video shooting and creates stunning bokeh known to Sony’s G Master premium series of lenses. In addition, its precise XA elements, a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism and optimally managed aberration allows the FE 14mm F1.8 GM to produce exquisite background bokeh without the undesirable onion-ring effect. Advanced and Quiet Autofocus Using two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, focus can be accurately acquired and maintained even when shooting with narrow depth of field at F1.8, giving professional shooters the reliability they

need to get the job done in challenging conditions. Moreover, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions, perfect for video content creation. Professional Level Control and Reliability The new lens also features several advanced and versatile control options including, a focus hold button, a focus mode switch and a focus ring to ensure smooth, efficient operation in a wide range of shooting environments. For added customization, a number of functions can be assigned to the focus hold button from the camera body interface. The FE 14mm F1.8 GM also features Linear Response MF for direct and precise manual focusing. An aperture ring that allows intuitive aperture control is also included. For added creative freedom, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM includes a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, color correction, soft filter, etc. A dust and moisture resistant design provides the reliability needed for challenging conditions. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants. The rear element is also fluorine coated to keep that surface clean when changing the rear filter. The lens also has a built-in petal hood that effectively blocks extraneous light that can cause flare and ghosting.

DAVAO 6 EDGE VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

On what she blames on a poorly performing payroll team as the culprit for the delayed salary of job order employees:

Daghan offices delayed ang suweldo, ngano man? It’s a management problem sa mga offices, meaning ang management wala naga bantay sa ilahang payroll team, ang ilahang payroll team wala ga-trabaho ug tarong para mapagawas nila ang ilahang mga suweldo on time.” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL

Bad taste in the mouth

Another raging national debate is ongoing. The issue is community pantry. There should be no debate if some Filipino don’t mix community pantry up with the nation’s favorite pastime – politics. People who are behind the CP should be lauded for their noble effort to help fellow countrymen who are presumed to hardly make both ends meet amid the pandemic. There ought to be pantries in all communities in the country. But trouble starts when some politics-addicted Filipinos inject politics by using the otherwise laudable effort to bash the administration alleging that the community pantry came to being because of the failure of President Rodrigo Duterte’s government to help Filipinos in their hardship amid Covid-19. The political commentary using an otherwise commendable effort logically infuriates the legions supporting Mr. Duterte and company. The loyal ones even charge that the opposition is behind the community pantry designed to put the administration in a bad light.

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LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent 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 SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

Then came some eager beavers from the police and other state forces asking questions like who are behind the pantries, and so forth and so on. They argue that the community pantries should not be used in propaganda against the government. All these leave a bad taste in the mouth. But we think the cookie will not crumble. People individually and in crowds, will continue to take advantage of the community pantry. They don’t care who are behind the pantries. They don’t care about politics. They need the food for free. The community pantry will stop only when people and organizations behind run out of money to buy all those food items given for free. People will continue to patronize the community pantry for as long as they exist and continue giving away foodstuffs that they are in dire need of. They wouldn’t care about politics. They will only care about their survival and that of their loved ones. They are that wisened now.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FISH: NOW YOU SEE, SOON YOU DON’T As population continues to balloon and fish catch in the open seas is dwindling, the Philippines – which has more than 7,000 islands – has to adopt new technologies to solve the problem. Currently, more than 100 million Filipinos are occupying the 30 million hectares that comprise the total land area of the Philippines. In addition, the country is outlined by more than 18,000 kilometers of coastline, bordering roughly 70% of the country’s municipalities. Interestingly, our coastline is indented with several bays and gulfs that can serve as natural harbors. We are also considered “the center of marine biodiversity” with more than 400 species of coral can be found and over 2,200 species of fish are swimming in our waters. Unfortunately, destructive human activities – cyanide and dynamite fishing, coral harvesting, and cutting of mangroves – are wreaking havoc on our fragile coastal ecosystem, where most of the fish and other marine creatures are starting their lives before going to the oceans. “The past three decades have seen the rapid decline of the

Philippine coastal ecosystem,” said lawmaker Loren Legarda when she was still with the Senate. Some 70% and 20% of mangroves and seagrasses are destroyed, respectively. Nearly 90% of coral reefs are under threat. The biomass of coastal fish stocks is only 10%-30% of its state in the 1940s. It is unthinkable as fish is the main source of protein for the Filipinos. “An island nation, the Philippines necessarily depends, to a large extent, on its fishery resources for its food,” Legarda said. “Fish, which used to be among the cheapest sources of protein, is now more expensive than pork or chicken.” A new kind of revolution is needed to catch up with the demand for fish. “New technologies, new breeds and newly domesticated species of fish offer great hope for the future,” The Economist said in a recent report. That’s where “blue revolution” comes in. If you’re wondering just what it is, just remember the “green revolution” of the past. If you have forgotten, the “green revolution” refers to a set

of research and development of technology transfer initiatives occurring between the 1930s and the late 1960s that increased agricultural production worldwide “On land, the green revolution allowed dramatic increases in crop production, with increased mechanization, and improved pest control and soil fertility through the addition of herbicides, pesticides and nitrogen-based fertilizers,” The Economist explained. So, if the same technique can be adopted in the waters, the sobriquet “blue revolution” (refers to the color of the ocean) came into existence. “The blue revolution has seen companies breeding fish to improve traits such as their growth rate, conversion of feed into flesh, resistance to disease, tolerance of cold and poor water, and fertility,” said The Economist. Blue revolution actually refers to aquaculture, the farming of marine animals. Actually, it’s not a new thing. China did it first. No wonder, it leads in farmed fish production and other aquatic resources. “Aquaculture yields have in-

creased from around two million metric tons in 1950 to almost 50 million metric tons today,” wrote Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, in Scientific America. In 1985, the country was listed fourth in global fish and aquaculture production. Twenty-three years later, its ranking went down to number 6. By 2013, the ranking even dipped to seventh. But still, to be ranked among the top ten in the world is still a good thing. “While we are rich in fisheries and coastal resources, among the poorest in our country are coastal communities with 4 of 10 coastal residents living under the poverty line,” Legarda deplored. In fact, the poverty report of Philippine Statistics Authority said Filipino fishermen remain the poorest among the nine basic sectors. They have been living with an average earning of P178 a day, with no less to nothing to eat every day. A scientific meeting some years back held in Visayas convened by the Department of Science and Technology reported that the “conservative monetary

value” of the marine ecosystems in terms of contribution to the economy of the Philippines is estimated at US$970 billion to US$1.5 trillion annually, roughly P74.6 trillion. Meanwhile, Dr. Sachs said aquaculture should not be considered as the ultimate solution to the problem of fish crisis. “Aquaculture brings its own ecological challenges: it can spread diseases from farmed to wild fishes, pollute nearby waters with excess nutrients, lead to habitat destruction (such as the clearing of mangroves for shrimp farming), and threaten genetic diversity through the release of farmed species into the wild,” Dr. Sachs reminded. Of course, he knows that there are better aquaculture technologies which are already evolving rapidly. “Public funds and prizes could promote research to advance them,” he suggested. Dr. Sachs concluded: “With sensible global policies, the blue revolution can indeed become a major force for improved human nutrition, economic well-being and environmental sustainability.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

CALLE PIZARRO In the January 1908 issue of Official Gazette, Juan Awad, a Syrian planter given the title as ‘father of the Davao abaca industry,’ was entered as one of those who filed in the Court of Land Registration a case (No. 3000) for titling of a lot at Calle Claveria corner Calle Pizarro, Davao, which was surveyed on August 1903.In the September 1903 sketch map made by American Rev. Robert Franklin Black, first Protestant pastor in Davao, San Pedro Street was already existing but its extension, the road passing by the old Philippine Constabulary headquarters (now Camp Domingo Leonor), then restricted, was unnamed.To make sense of the sketch map, Calle Claveria, one of three major thoroughfares at the time, was intersected by two roads, Calle Hernan Cortes (later Federico Escario and now Andres Bonifacio) and Calle Pizarro, now San Pedro Extension.

Rev. Black could not have inquired about Calle Pizarro because the extension was chiefly appropriated only for the constables and was not officially open. At the time, the road was juxtaposed between the PC barracks and a military field hospital.Another possible reason why Rev. Black did not include Calle Pizarro in the sketch is that for few months since arriving Davao, most of his time were spent in Melillia, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur where he was opening the first Protestant mission.By piecing together available circumstances, the Awad lot being submitted for titling on Jan. 22, 1908 covered the area from Philippine National Bank (PNB) lot to the estate where the defunct Maguindanao Hotel stands, next to the ancestral home of Francisco Villa Abrille Lim Chuan Juna on a lot that now hosts the Knights of Columbus building and Banco de Oro.

When Awad upped his investments, from funding his plantation to completing the planned multi-storied building, he pawned the lot to PNB. Things, however, did not go the way the Syrian expected. Exactly a decade later, the structure was foreclosed in favor of the bank after Awad failed on his debt. The foreclosure meant surrendering the Awad building and lot in favor of the bank which, until that time, was leasing the property. After the war, PNB, the state depository, yielded part of the confiscated lot to house the Rehabilitation Finance Corp. (now Development Bank of the Philippines), formed “to provide credit facilities for all who wish to undertake the rehabilitation of war-destroyed enterprises and the expansion of our industrial potential.” Like Hernan Cortes, who annexed Mexico for Spain, and

Federico Escario who figured in the Spanish-American War in Cuba in 1898, Pizarro was also a Spanish conquistador who subdued Peru in 1533. Born in Trujillo, Caceres, Spain, he escorted Vasco Núñez de Balboa in crossing the isthmus of Panama, becoming the first Europeans to reach the Pacific Ocean. He served as mayor of the newly established Panama City mayor and later founded the city of Lima. Pizarro was the illegitimate son of Col. Gonzalo Pizarro, who fought in the Navarre (Spain) and Italian campaigns, and Francisca Gonzalez, a poor woman, who married late in life and bore a son, Francisco Martin de Alcantara whose father was the second cousin of Cortes. On June 26, 1541, Pizarro met a fatal death in Lima in the hands of Diego de Almagro II’s armed supporters who stormed his palace and slayed

him. The attackers coerced the horrified city council to install the Almagro’s son as governor of Peru. Despite his fatal injured, Pizarro still managed to kill three attackers, but he died from a stab on the throat. The wounded Pizarro “collapsed on the floor, alone, painted a cross in his own blood and cried for Jesus Christ” before he died moments later. Calle Pizarro, moreover, has nothing to do with the Pizarro family of Davao which used to own a property that stretched from Ponciano Reyes Street (Cayetano Bangoy) to Claveria Street (C.M. Recto). That property now hosts, among others, the Royal Mandaya Hotel (both old and new), the UCPB Cocolife, and the defunct Lawaan Theater. Old timers still remember the Pizarro Billiards, which was frequented by students and pool habitues.

VOL.14 ISSUE 33 • FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

HONG KONG ON A PLATE AT

LUK FOO PALACE NAME a top Dabawenyo summer destination abroad and chances are, Hong Kong would rank highly on the list. But given the current international travel-less situation we are in, summer Hong Kong trips dining on delicious authentic Hong Kong cuisine seems far from reachable.

Enter Luk Foo Palace. Touted to be Durianburg’s new home for authentic Cantonese cuisine, Acacia Hotel Davao’s signature Cantonese restaurant serves premium Cantonese dishes that are sure to bring back memories of the fragrant harbour. Manning and leading the wok brigade at Luk Foo is its Chef de Cuisine Roy Du. Born and raised in Aberdeen, Hong Kong, Du uses fresh and complete ingredients in all of his specialty dishes. Aside from his cooking skills, Chef Roy Du is passionate in overseeing and managing the overall kitchen operation to ensure maximum guest satisfaction and tastes that are true to Cantonese

Luk Foo Signature Fried Rice and Steamed Crystal Prawn Balls.

cookery. “A great restaurant doesn’t just offer great food but also offers great service and an unforgettable dining experience”, said Chef De Cuisine Roy Du. On a recent visit to Luk Foo on an invitation from Acacia Hotel Davao, I was treated to a sampler of some of the restaurant’s signature dishes and what could be more iconic of eating out in Hong Kong than its traditional Dim Sum. From their Steamed Pork Siumai, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling, to the Vegetable Hakao, each Dim Sum dish is well made and offers a taste of Hong Kong’s famous tea houses. My personal favourite is Luk Foo’s Deep Fried Taro Puff, its crispy

Chef de Cuisine, Roy Du.

Dimsum trio of Pork Siumai, Vegatable Deep Fried Taro Puff. Hakao, and Steamed Shrimp Dumpling. tures and flavour in the mouth. for two at Luk Foo Palace. The For the actual dinner, we room and meal package can started with a scrumptious be booked for only P4,288 nett Hot Prawn Salad followed by per room per night. Ordering crispy and savory Salt and Pep- for a celebration? Dining out at per Spareribs, and Beef with Luk Foo Palace is made even Seasonal Vegetables. I particu- more rewarding, with every Luk Foo Crispy Noodles served table-side. larly loved the Steamed Crystal Php1,500 spent of food and gossamer threads envelop a Prawn Balls which are filled beverage, receive a a complicreamy taro and meat center, with umami goodness but light mentary order of Birthday creating a symphony of texto the taste. Noodles as a gift. All offers are Adding a bit of flair to available until June 30, 2021. the meal, Luk Foo’s Crispy While it may still take some Noodles served table-side time before we can visit Hong with a bit of flair by Luk Foo’s Kong and taste its wonderdining team. And completing ful cuisine, at least we have a the sumptuous meal, was Luk place in Durianburg to grab an Foo’s Signature Fried Rice, authentic bite of the fragrant which features perfectly fried harbour without breaking the rice topped with roast chicken, bank. roast pork, crispy shrimp and Luk Foo Palace is located at vegetables. the 3rd floor of Acacia Hotel To complete the experience, Davao and is open from 11AM Acacia Hotel Davao is current- to 8PM. Reservations can be ly a day of relaxation with their made by calling 298 8088, Delightful Stay package which 09178171706 or email at enincludes an Overnight stay in quiry@acaciahotelsdavao.com. a Deluxe Room, breakfast for Take out and delivery via Food Acacia Hotel Davao’s Luk Foo Palace. two and a sumptuous meal Panda are also available.

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

ARE YOU HAVING A WORK BURNOUT? By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

r. Dike Drummond may not ring a bell among Filipino doctors but he is the founder and chief executive officer of The Happy MD, a leader in the prevention of physician burnout for individual doctors and healthcare organizations in the United States.

Born in Indiana, Dr. Drummond earned his medical degree from the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota in 1984. After that, he went to California where he did a family practice residency. Later on, he transferred to Washington State, where he worked as a family doctor for more than a decade. In 1999, at age 40, “all the color drained out of my career,” Dr. Drummond admitted in his book, Stop Physician Burnout. “I lost all passion for medicine – both in the clinical and business side. It was as if I had hit a brick wall.” He recalled that it felt like he “was dying and had no other option but to quit.

So, I walked away from my fulltime practice. It took me several years to understand burnout was the case. It was an agonizing time in my life, where I felt burned to the ground yet, strangely, I never felt like quitting was a failure.” Work “burnout,” which Dr. Drummond experienced, is now recognized by the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon. In fact, it has been included in the United Nations health agency’s handbook of medical diagnoses, which guides health professionals around the globe. The International Classification of Diseases states

doctors can issue a diagnosis of burnout if a patient exhibits these three symptoms: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy. The diagnosis is listed in the handbook’s section on issues related to employment or unemployment. “Burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life,” it states. Dictionary defines burnout as “a state of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by a prolonged period of stress and frustration.” It is also described as “a complete depletion of energy or strength.” “Burnout is nature’s way of telling you, you’ve been going through the motions your soul has departed; you’re a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker,” wrote Sam Keen, author of Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man. More often than not, burnout is job-related. Dr. David Ballard, of the American Psychological Association, describes job burnout as “an extended period of time where someone experiences exhaustion and a lack of interest in things, resulting in a decline in their job performance.” Here’s an explanation for the website, helpguide. org: “Most of us have days when we feel helpless,

overloaded, or unappreciated – when dragging ourselves out of bed requires the determination of Hercules. If you feel like this most of the time, you may be burned out.” The Canada-based Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace says severe burnout can result in self-medication with alcohol and other substances, sarcasm and negativity, and debilitating self-doubt. According to the center, burnout – if left unattended – may result in a number of outcomes, including: poor physical health, clinical depression, reduced job satisfaction, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, increased risk of accident, poor workplace morale, communication breakdown, and increased turnover. Anyone can experience burnout – even the rich and the famous. Hollywood actor Brad Pitt admitted to burnout, reflecting on his late-1990s self in 2012. “I was hiding out from the celebrity thing,” he was quoted as saying.

“I was smoking way too much dope. I was sitting on the couch and just turning into a doughnut, and I really got irritated with myself. I got to: ‘What’s the point? I know better than this.’” Singers have to undergo such events in their lives, too. Beyoncé experienced the reality of burnout in 2013 that she had to cancel her concert in Antwerp, Belgium. It was due to “dehydration and exhaustion,” although there were some rumors that she was actually pregnant. “To my dearest fans in Antwerp,” she wrote in a letter, “I’ve never postponed a show in my life. It was very hard for me. I promise I will make it up very soon. I’m sorry if I disappointed you.” As a psychological term, burnout was first described in the mid-1970s, according to BuzzFeed. This was when psychologist Herbert Freudenberger used the word to describe patients who experienced “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.” He ascribed the condition to

“helping” professions such as nurses and doctors. Dr. Hans Seyle, acknowledged as the “Father” of the field of stress research, having gained worldwide recognition for introducing the concept of stress in a medical context, says burnout doesn’t happen overnight. Generally, it has three stages: The first stage, which is the “alarm stage,” is called the “fight or flight” phase. This happens when a person faces a challenge or a difficult situation. “Resistance stage” is the second stage, which has a longer span than the first stage. It is also the stage in which a person deals with issues more on a psychological basis. The third and final stage is the “exhaustion stage.” During this stage, Dr. Seyle explained, the “alarm stage” returns and causes extreme fatigue, disease, disability, and even death. In these days of crass materialism and information highways, burnout has become a common concern. “Often, it’s the pace

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assessment, there are 13 identified flooded areas in the city: Km 5 Tulip Drive in Brgy Matina Crossing, Brgy Hall in Matina Aplaya, Susana Homes in Brgy. Baliok, Bacanaya Village in Brgy Catalunan Pequeño, Countryside Village in Brgy La Vista Monte, Gallera de Oro in Brgy Bago Aplaya, Goldland Subdivision in Brgy Bago Gallera, Spring Valley Subdivision in Buhangin, Datu Loho in Maa, Circumferential road in Marfori, in JP Laurel, and Quirino. He also said the CEO team will be checking the outfalls (drainage) whether it’s already silted, including the newly constructed drainage such as in Matina Crossing. He added that the city government of Davao funded P35 million for the rehabilitation of the drainage along the Civil Service Commission (CSC) road and P40 million for the rehabilitation of the Kabacan creek in Ecoland. CEO has earlier reported that uncollected and im-

properly dumped garbage that clogged the drainage system and canals, siltation and structures built above waterways have contributed to severe flooding in the city on April 10, 2021. Meanwhile, the city government of Davao and the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) are also working on projects to address flooding issues and pumping stations to help ease the flooding. DPWH 11 has seven pumping stations in Davao City located in Jerome creek, Mamay creek, Agdao creek, Marginal St. to Magsaysay outfall, Ponce St., Roxas ext. outfall, Mabini ext. outfall. There are also two (2) existing pumping stations in Laverna, wherein they recently proposed to add another one. Regular inspection and cleaning of pumping stations are done by the Ancillary Service Unit (ASU) and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

mga tours,” she said. The bike tours include visits to natural scenic spots and historical sites in and around Davao City. Tan believes that Davao Region has a potential for these kinds of activities for bikes or motorcycles. The DOT 11 is also currently trying to develop regional tourism circuits which are clusters of destinations connected by an infrastructure in the case of bike tourism, the scenic locations are connected by a network of roads and trails. The development of these tourism circuits form part of the Updated Regional Tourism Development Plan (RTDP), 2020-2022 and Regional Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan (RFTSAP), 2020-2023 and anchored under the DOT’s Tourism Response and Recovery Plan (TRRP) and the Davao Region’s Recovery

Program to Mitigate Losses from Covid-19. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat affirmed that DOT will help in promoting the bike tourism in Davao Region. “It is the best way to see a place, biking. Maraming bago na magawa because of the pandemic. Lumabas sa survey namin, yun ang hinahanap open air, open space, tapos biking lumabas kasi bike is very nature, mag-isa ka lang at may physical distancing,” she said. Puyat also said that biking is also being promoted by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). “This is the best way to see the country and lalo na ngayon na health conscious na ang mga tao. Halos lahat ng mga travelers ay naghahanap ng biking to a destination, where they can go around,” she said. By Maya M. Padillo

vincial and city government officials, members of the different religious congregations and parish mandated organizations and friends. The funeral mass and burial were live streamed through the Catholic Mass Media Network – DXHMAM/DXDV-FM, TCTV Cable Network in partnership with the Social Communication Apostolate of the Diocese. Bishop Abel extolled Bishop Alo’s impressive founding activities and de-

livered on the latter’s motto, “Seek First the Kingdom of God” (MT 6:33). Other speakers were Bishop Alo’s sister representing the Alo-Hacbang family – Sr. Marietta H. Alo, OND and Fr Edilberto Mahinay representing the Diocese of Mati. The two speakers expressed thanks to everyone, especially those involved in the funeral preparations, in the medical care of Bishop Alo, and donors of food, myriads of flowers and other needed items.

er center hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10405-7000, or via email at customercare@mail.landbank.com. LANDBANK is also working on expanding its customer touchpoints through a website chatbot where clients can either chat with a live agent or

choose self-service options. For more information about LANDBANK’s customer service channels, clients may follow the Bank’s official social media channels at @landbankofficial on Facebook and Instagram, @LBP_ Official on Twitter, and @ LANDBANK on Viber.

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nubay Street (from Acacia Street to Aquino Street) and E. Lopez Street, along Ecoland Drive (from Tulip Drive to South Grove), along Tulip Drive (from Quimpo Boulevard to Ecoland Drive), and some streets in Juna Subd. particularly Orchid, Durian, Duha, Sampaloc, Sampaguita, and Camia (from Juna Ave. to Duha Street). DCWD needs to temporarily shut off the water supply in the affected areas to give way to the tapping of a boundary valve and interconnection of a District Metered Area (DMA) inlet pipeline to DCWD’s existing pipeline for the Dumoy WSS DMA Project. This project is among DCWD’s non-revenue water or water loss reduction strategies. On behalf of the DCWD management, General Manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the schedules. Water supply may be

restored earlier if works go smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. DCWD conducts flushing after service works are completed. However, once water is restored, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes. Do not drink tap water immediately but if needed, boil water beforehand as safety precaution. For more details on these water service interruptions and other concerns pertaining to DCWD’s services and operation, the general public may visit DCWD’s website (www. davao- water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/officialDCWD) or contact its 24/7 call center through the 24-hour Water Patrol Emergency Hotlines 2446767, 0927- 7988966, 0925-5113293, or 09084410653 or chat support in DCWD’s Facebook page or website. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

of our lives that creates this problem,” wrote Dr. Frank Lipman, a physician who wrote Revive: Stop Feeling Spent and Start Living Again. According to Dr. Lipman, cultural and environmental stressors have compounded what he called the “total load” of what a person can handle without his top. “We never turn off – we’re on our phones and computers and televisions all the time,” he said. “Apart from the food we eat, which is not helping, apart from the normal stresses we may have been under for years – a bad boss, a bad relationship – we have this added layer of technology that is making everything worse.” Jill Metzler Patton, in an article published in the website of experiencelife. com, quoted Dr. Roberta Lee, vice chair of integrative medicine at the Center for Health and Healing in New York City, that contemporary lifestyles of people today contribute to a “perfect storm” for chronic stress. “Burnout represents the most depleted end of the stress continuum,” the doctor said. As to burnout sufferers, Dr. Lee said: “You’re a vacuous presence.” She went on to explain: “It’s not that you don’t want to be present; you do. It’s kind of like the ICU (intensive care unit) version of stress.” Although you cannot escape from having burnout, you can do something to prevent it from happening. As one of the chapters of the book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Dr. Richard Carlson suggested: “Prevent Burnout.” “Work-related burnout is an enormous, disruptive, and often expensive problem for millions of people,” Dr. Carlson wrote. “To put it bluntly, people get sick of and fed up with their jobs and crave a better, different, or more satisfying life.” The award-winning

author, who is also behind Slowing Down to the Speed of Life and You Can Be Happy No Matter What, admitted that there’s no way to guarantee the prevention of burnout, “but there are things you can do to put the odds in your favor.” Try to take action, the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic suggests. Here are some of the things to do to get started: Evaluate your options: Discuss specific concerns with your boss or supervisor. Maybe you can work together to change expectations or reach compromises or solutions. Try to set goals for what must get done and what can wait. Seek support: Whether you reach out to co-workers, friends or loved ones, support and collaboration might help you cope. If you have access to an employee assistance program, take advantage of relevant services. Try a relaxing activity: Explore programs that can help with stress such as yoga, meditation or tai chi. Get some exercise: Regular physical activity can help you to better deal with stress. It can also take your mind off work. Get some sleep: Research suggests that having fewer than six hours of sleep per night is a major risk factor for burnout, not least because poor sleep can have negative effects on your performance and productivity. Mindfulness: This is the act of focusing on your breath flow and being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling at every moment, without interpretation or judgment. In a job setting, this practice involves facing situations with openness and patience, and without judgement. “Keep an open mind as you consider the options,” the Mayo Clinic suggests. “Try not to let a demanding or unrewarding job undermine your health.”

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“Maliit na yung pera (We no longer have enough funds). He (Bello) is raising the alarm. He’s raising the alarm of possibility of having no more funds to take care of this kind of situation that we have now),” he said. Duterte, however, agreed with the medical experts’ suggestion, saying

he is “not ready” to compromise Filipinos’ health. “I cannot compromise. There is no compromise. Hindi ako magko-compromise (I will not compromise). It’s just an off-thecuff statement before I make the final decision. I’m not ready for a compromise, lalo na ngayon(especially now),” he said.

individually work to address the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. The Palace earlier said the Duterte administration looked forward to working with Suga to further boost bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In December 2020, Duterte and Suga reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen the Philippines-Japan relation in a 25-minute telephone conversation. Duterte had visited Japan four times since he assumed the presidency in 2016.

satellite services. Under EO 127, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed last March 10, non-enfranchised but registered internet service providers (ISPs) and value-added service provid-

ers (VASPs) may directly access satellite systems to put up broadband facilities. Diokno said monetary authorities are also supportive of pending bills in Congress that allow for open access on data transmission.

produce national champions and many of them played for the national squad and the eventually recruited by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Thanks to the “triad” (God bless their souls!). Few years later, I heard from James A. Zimmerman, then administrative officer of the General Services Office at City Hall, about Mayor Digong’s plan to convert the PTA to a park, and so boss James and his team started the preparations including on how to re-plant those full grown trees you’d probably see today. There were peaceful protests to save the PTA as a sports center but Mayor Digong was determined to convert that piece of property to a park, which turned out beautifully and enjoyed by all Dabawenyos. So, what happens now to Davao football? Then came the talk of a new football field at the Agro Industrial Foundation College. And so, the Tionko football field was born. I first heard about it from Gerry Romero-Salas, the Davao FA president then, whose secretary-general Prof. Erwin Protacio became our go to guy when it comes to football news. The Tionko football field turned out to be one lovely field to play. It’s no longer “lubak lubak”. Even some ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) tryouts were conducted there, and Holcim Cement became a regular backer of the tournaments during the Araw ng Dabaw, Kadayawan and Pamasko festivities. The last time I visited the Tionko field was sometime in 2008 where I represented then city sports chief Bong Go (now the Senator of the Republic, tiaw mo na, na senador gyud noh?) at the opening of the Holcim Cement Corp. Youth Football Tournament, where I had the chance to meet Kevin Hughes and Roger Cervo of Holcim Cement. That football field was really nice and well-maintained, pang FIFA event na gyud ang

dating, and ever since, it has hosted regular tournaments for players including the regular Acosta Cup of Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta. Then came the Covid-19 pandemic. Everything has just to stop in sports. Henry Sabate, the current football association president, is an engineer by profession, and according to my ninang Patmei Ruivivar is a Triple A contractor. So, what happened was that Henry (we address each other as “Erap” in the football community that started by Atty.Iroy) brought in his equipment and started doing a complete facelift of the Tionko football field. And from what I learned from ninang Patmei, the football field is now all-weather, meaning, it would be like the world-class golf course like Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country where the fairways won’t be flooded even if there’s heavy rain. Maskig mo ulan ug kusog, after a few minutes, the water will just go down and the field is ready to be played. Isn’t that amazing? Since we only have two weathers in Davao, rain or shine, football players can now continue to play because there won’t be any “baha” on the field. This type of work is done out of true love for the sport of football and its players. I don’t know what was on the mind of Henry Sabate but I believe, he has been blessed all these years and saw the opportunity to give something back, big time! It won’t just be the all-weather field but there will be stands to be installed for the fans and that is why if only all Dabawenyos get the vaccines, I will not be surprised that soon the Tionko football field will be filled with players, parents and fans. I don’t know what’s with that name Henry. But I notice that Henrys can really do good, big time for the community. And that includes Henry Sabate, the current reigning King of the Davao Football Association. Hail to King Henry!

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VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

The Philippines’Vanessa Sarno lifted a total of 229 kilograms to take home the overall gold in the event

Young Pinay weightlifter wins 2 golds

anessa Sarno put Tashkent on notice on Wednesday as she ruled the women’s 71-kilogram category of the Asian Weightlifting Championships. The 17-year-old Bohol native lifted a total of 229

kilograms to take home the overall gold in the event.

Sarno also lifted the heaviest in the clean and jerk (C&J) routine with 128 kg, giving her another gold. Only Gulnabat Kadyrova of Turkmenistan had a better lift than Sarno in the

snatch as the former lifted 102 kg. against the latter’s 101. However, Kadyrova struggled a bit in the C&J as she only lifted 121 kg., just good for third place, giving

her 223 kg. in total. Overall, Kadyrova still got the silver as Kazakhstan’s Yekaterina Bykova, despite having a heavier C&J lift at 122 kg, could only lift a 91 in the snatch

for 213 in total and settled for the bronze. Last year, Sarno won the IWF Online World Cup, making her a prospective gold medal hauler in the Olympics down the road. (PNA)

The Lakers went 14-16 without Davis, and they’re 7-9 since both Davis and James went down. Coach Frank Vogel said James is still “probably a couple of weeks or so” away from returning from his sprained ankle. Davis will start when he returns, but will only play about 15 minutes in his first game back. Vogel intends to monitor his superstar’s acclimation closely, and his return could be pushed back another game if Davis feels sore on Thursday morning. “Honestly, if you’re out for this long, it usually takes a couple of weeks to feel like you really have your legs under you, and your rhythm and timing is back,” Vogel said. “It’s going to take some time, and as far as the minutes restriction, it’s really going to be evaluated on a dayby-day basis.”

ASHINGTON — Stephen Curry had his first rough night in a month, and Bradley Beal rallied Washington in the fourth quarter for its season-best sixth straight victory, 118114 over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) in the first Wizards home game with fans in more than a year. Coming off a historic 11-game stretch in which he made 78 3-pointers and surpassed Beal as the NBA’s scoring leader, Curry scored 18 points on 7-of-25 shooting, including 2 of 14 on 3s. Beal scored 29 points as the glamorous matchup with Curry mostly fizzled until Washington’s late rally. He pounded his chest after scoring on a drive with 2:44 left and drawing a sixth foul on Draymond Green. Beal converted the three-point play to bring Washington within one, and he found Davis Ber-

tans for a 3-pointer that put the Wizards ahead for good with 2 minutes remaining. Russell Westbrook had 14 points, a season-high 20 rebounds and 10 assists for Washington. The triple-double was his 27th of the season and 173rd of his career, second to Oscar Robertson’s 181. Former Wizard Kelly Oubre Jr. led Golden State with 24 points in his second game at Washington, and first with the Warriors, since he was traded to Phoenix in December of 2018. Jordan Poole added 22 points and hit back-toback 3-pointers midway through the fourth quarter that gave the Warriors an 11-point lead, their largest of the game. Curry started 2 for 13 from the floor and 0 for 7 from 3-point range before he made a layup and a 3 in a 21-second span to get Golden State rolling midway through the third quarter. But he wasn’t con-

Wizards score big Davis ready to rejoin win over Warriors Lakers: ‘I’m 100 percent’ W L OS ANGELES — When Anthony Davis’ right leg became too painful to play on two months ago, the big man and the Los Angeles Lakers decided he wouldn’t return until he was completely ready to be himself again.

More than two months later, Davis is confident that time has arrived with 14 regular-season games left in the Lakers’ push to defend their NBA title. Davis intends to play on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time) when the Lakers open a four-game

More than two months later, Lakers center Anthony Davis is confident that time has arrived with 14 regular-season games left in the Lakers’ push to defend their NBA title.

road trip at Dallas, he said after a workout at the team’s training complex. He hasn’t suited up since Feb. 14, missing Los Angeles’ last 30 games in the longest injury absence of his nine-year NBA career. “I wanted to make sure I was coming back 100%, because it wouldn’t be fair to myself, wouldn’t be fair to my team,” Davis said on Wednesday. “I feel great. These last games leading to the playoffs, a lot of teams aren’t healthy, a lot of players aren’t healthy. I’m 100%, and we’ve got Bron coming back as well who’s going to be 100% healthy. I think we’ve put ourselves in a good position.” Indeed, the Lakers (35-23) have managed to stay in the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings despite playing without Davis for nine weeks and without LeBron James since March 20.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 33• FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

KANGAROO KAI

Hail to (King) Henry Sabate!

File photo shows Senator Pia Cayetano during a ceremonial kickoff at the Tionko Football Field.

hen I joined the Daily San Pedro Express (DSPEX) in 1992, the first sport that I reported was football. The PTA (now the Peoples Park) was close to the Grajeda Building, where we used to hold office (we eventually moved closer to the Ecoland Bus Terminal for easy access in the newspaper dispatch to the provinces), so after my classes at Holy Cross ( I was a working student then), I would go straight to the PTA to check on what’s happening there. The PTA was then the sports center where you can find news sources for tennis, track and field, swimming, speak takraw, and even basketball news. But if you talk to manong Vic, then secretary-general of So Kim Cheng, president of the Davao City Sports Council, then you’ll have a lot of sports tips. The Davao Football Association (DFA) was then headed by the football “triad” (to borrow the term used by Atty.Guillermo Iroy Jr.) of manong Vic Sai as president, Jose Te as head coach and Edward “Chaya” Lam as team manager. There I was eating snacks at the

Adolfo Canteen and observing the players and officials during their training. After I was able to get some sports information, I would walk my way to the DSPEX office and start writing a sports story on the available manual typewriter, submit it to publisher and editor in chief Nilo Claudio, who then gives the copy to Mila and it gets encoded on the IBM computer, which minutes later, would be edited by Michael D. Locsin or manong Jess Ibanez. The PTA football field then was “lubak lubak” but it was playable. Out of that “lubak lubak”, the DFA was able to

FHAIL, P10