HYPERTENSION: WHEN BLOOD PRESSURE GOES UP
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Registrants fill up the voter’s application form outside the regional office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at Magsasay Park compound in Davao City on Tuesday. Comelec said it has so far received 137,385 applications for registration in Davao Region. Edge Dava
Sara recommends semi-closure of Davao Region’s borders
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VOL.14 ISSUE 37• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021
PARTIAL SHUTDOWN Registrants form a long line as they wait for their turn to submit their voter’s application at the regional office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at Magsaysay Park compound in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao
Sara recommends semi-closure of Davao Region’s borders By MAYA M. PADILLO
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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio recommended the semi-closure of the borders of Davao Region to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The mayor disclosed in a live broadcast interview on Monday that she wrote a letter to the Regional InterAgency Task Force (RIATF) requesting for the partial closure of the region’s borders to travelers from outside Davao Region except those essential travelers. “We wrote to RIATF about semi-closing Davao
Region to travelers gikan sa gawas sa Davao Region. Ang atoang RIATF nag comment na sila sa mga local chief executives about it. Hopefully something will come out about it na masemi sarado ang atoang region except for those essential travelers,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara is hopeful that with the partial closure
of the borders this will further protect the people in Davao Region from exposing to people whose origins are from the areas with cases of new variant of Covid-19. “Maglisod man gud ta ug sarado diri sa atoang syudad because of our exchange of people and businesses in our neighbors. So we elevated it
sa RIATF because it is more sustainable kung regionwide kontra sa Davao City only,” she explained. Mayor Sara added that the city and the local executives of the local government units (LGUs) in Davao Region already received a letter from RIATF consulting the recommendation of this inbound travelers restriction. “Nakadawat nami ug letter gikan sa RIATF, they
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Sec. Lapeña to conduct site visit in Panabo City
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echnical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General, Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña, is set to conduct a site visit at Barangay San Nicolas, Panabo City on April 27, 2021. According to the Briefer from TESDA, the objective of the site visit is “to monitor the ongoing BDP program” in the said barangay and “to engage the convergence partners, barangay constituents, and participants of the training program to an informal dialogue for future interventions and other
plans”. After the site visit, a short program, featuring the messages of Sec. Lapeña and all convergence partners, will follow. Barangay San Nicolas is one of the twenty-three (23) barangays in Davao del Norte identified under NTF 70 for Barangay Development Program (BDP) and one of the 20 barangays in Panabo City identified under NTF 70. The approved skills development training programs for Brgy. San Nicolas, are Produce Organic Concoction and
officials expressed their gratitude as they formally accepted the project which was implemented by the provincial government. Earlier last week, Cagas has also led the turn-over ceremony for a concrete perimeter fence with gate project for the Necensio Isidro Elementary School in Barangay Kapatagan, Digos City.
The project which amounted to P750,000.00 was funded by the provincial government’s Special Education Fund (SEF). In the turn-over rites on April 23, the governor has committed to also fund the concreting of the flooring and the construction of a stage in the school’s
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provincial LGU pours in Comelec receives over DavSur infra projects for public schools 2M voter applications D The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it has so far received more than 2.7 million applications for registration. Citing data as of April 20, the poll body said it has accepted 2,770,561 applications from wouldbe voters in the last seven months.
Region 4-A (Calabarzon) posted the highest number of applicants at 396,529. It was followed by National Capital Region (NCR) with 295,357; Region 3 (Central Luzon), 271,869, and Region 7 (Central Visayas), 202,370. The least number
of applicants received came from the Cordillera Administrative Region at 42,204. The number of applications accepted from other regions is as follows: Region 6 (Western Visayas), 187,394; Region 5 (Bicol Region), 171,315;
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avao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas has turned over on Saturday (April 24) a P2 million-worth of newly completed Day Care Center to the parents and barangay officials of Barangay Latian in the municipality of Kiblawan. Brgy. Captain Gerald Jade C. Encallado along with the other barangay
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NEWS 3
The office of the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City is all lit up on Friday, 23 April 2021, the second week of Ramadan. The month-long fasting started on April 13. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ
Matanao’s remote barangay residents obtain skills training
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lmost 200 residents from the municipality of Matanao, Davao del Sur recently obtained their certificates of training after having undergone a ten-day community-based skills training program of the provincial local government unit. The graduates, who are residents of the far-flung barangays of Donganpekong, Savoy and Saub in Matanao, were grateful of their newlyacquired knowledge and skills. The beneficiaries underwent the following short courses: food processing (33 participants); manicure/ pedicure/nail art and massage (34); dressmaking (21); basic welding (48); and driving (56). Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas, who led
Globe Telecom inaugurates cell site tower in UM-Matina
the graduation ceremony on April 23, 2021 at the barangay gym of Donganpekong, urged the beneficiaries to develop their knowledge and skills for their livelihood ventures. “Hinaut nga makatabang kaninyo kini pag abot sa panahon (I hope that this will help you in the future,” Cagas stated in his message during the ceremony. Punong Barangay Rodulfo Lauda of Brgy. Donganpekong was thankful that the program was created as a way of providing an opportunity for their livelihood to improve. “Dili lang ni para sa atoa, kundili para pod ni sa atong mga kabataan (This is not only for us, but also for our children),” Lauda told his barangay constituents.
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utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and delivery riders is still under negotiation. “The private companies and banks naga-request to be included (swab testing) kay libre man gud,” Lopez said. Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio pronounced in a live broadcast on Monday that there is already a list of sectors and groups to be included in the surveillance swab testing. “Naa na’y listahan sa mga lain sectors ug
grupo nga i-undergo sa surveillance swab testing. It is with our focal person of Covid-19 as ways forward for surveillance,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara has recommended for the inclusion of the Muslim community in Davao City, which is currently celebrating the Ramadan, as ways forward for surveillance. “Nag-suggest ko nga kining atoang mga Muslim
By MAYA M. PADILLO
n line with its commit-ment to continuously and aggressively dev-elop and upgrade its cell sites to provide better digital experience for its customers, Globe inaugurated its newest cell site in the University of Mindanao (UM)-Matina Campus on Tuesday. Ric Angelo Angelo Aquino, regional sales head of Globe MyBusiness South Mindanao, said the establishment of the tower will also boost Globe’s coverage in the area. “The thought of building the tower at UM Matina aims to boost ourcoverage here. This is an area where
Private establishments, banks request inclusion to surveillance swab testing
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mployees of private establishments and banks in Davao City want inclusion to the free surveillance reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO) and focal person of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said including the employees of the said establishments in the surveillance swab testing after the public
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we were challenged in terms of internet and connectivity. What happened in December 23, 2016 when NCCC Mall was razed by fire, where we have a temporary cell site on top of the building when it got burned down the signal and coverage in this particular area got
compromised and affected so we thought of putting a permanent solution for this particular area,” Aquino said in an interview. Aquino said in terms of speed they recorded an average of 30mbps, which is the latest technology evolution, for the cell site at UM. “The cell site in Matina Campus aims to resolve the coverage of Globe and usher in opportunities by providing solutions that allow UM future-ready so that students will be equipped as well as the teachers toward digital transformation,” he added. He also said that the
partnership between Globe and UM aims to enhance the university’s digital learning experience. “It is part of our vision to empower teachers and students with the latest technology so that the graduates of UM become responsible citizens that contribute to the country’s growing and thriving economy,” Aquino said. Under the partnership, Globe provides relevant programs for UM and one of these is the Go-Wifi, wherein students and professors can connect to the internet for free for 30 minutes.
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An electric scooter rider uses the bike lane while traversing side-by-side with motorcycle riders along MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City over the weekend. Edge Davao
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Bae Inatlawan Adelina Tarino teaches children how to weave mats at the heritage center of the Bukidnon-Daraghuyan tribe in Olanguhon, Brgy. Dalwangan, Malaybalay City on Saturday, 24 April 2021. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO
BARMM benefits from DA-PRDP’s P32.2-M enterprise support B
Exit strategy depends on growth sustainability, says BSP chief
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he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) currently has 14 enterprise development subprojects with a total worth of P32.2 million being implemented under the Investments for Rural Enterprises, and Agricul-
The Province of Maguindanao is currently implementing nine (9) “Goat Multiplication, Fattening and Marketing” enterprise development subprojects worth P2.23 million each or a combined cost of P20.04 million. Goat is one of the priority commodities identified in Maguindanao and with these interventions from DA-PRDP, the Province’s population of meat-type
goats for chevon production through crossbreeding and fattening can be increased. Its target market will be the organized chevon consumers and farmers who are interested in goat raising and fattening, including meat vendors in the nearby towns and cities, and other institutions who engage in goat dispersal. Recipient municipalities for this enterprise subproject are the Municipali-
ties of Gen. S. K. Pendatun, Ampatuan, Guindulungan, Datu Paglas, Buluan, Sultan Sa Barongis, Rajah Buayan, and Mangudadatu. Among these nine (9) subprojects, five (5) have already started implementation and these are under the Maslabeng Group of Farmers Marketing Cooperative with 9.22% progress; Kalian Bangsamoro Womens Agri Marketing Cooperative with 48.90% progress; Badak Multi-Purpose Cooperative with 48.68% progress; Lumpingan Agri-Preneur Marketing Cooperative with 49.90% progress; and Mawalao MNLF Multi-Purpose Cooperative, with 21.26% progress.
Meanwhile, the remaining four (4) subprojects are still under business plan preparation and these are under the Midpulo Unified Agriculture Cooperative; Kauran Christian Upland Farmers Agricultural Cooperative; Macasampen Goldland Farmers Marketing Cooperative; and Datu Paglas Integrated Agriculture and Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative The goal of the “Goat Multiplication, Fattening and Marketing” subproject is to provide additional income to beneficiaries and improve their standard of living by producing a quality supply of live goats, increasing farmers’ income,
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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) exit strategy for pandemic-related measures will depend on the sustainability of domestic growth, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said. “It makes sense that we looked at whether the growth is sustainable, whether there is traction,” he said during the question and answer part of the first segment of the virtual “Sulong Pilipinas: pre-SONA of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Cluster” Monday. Aside from growth targets, Diokno said monetary officials will also look at developments on inflation rate and employment. The pandemic resulted in the 9.5-percent contraction of the domestic economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), in
2020. When the pandemic hit the country starting in the first quarter of last year, the BSP immediately cushioned any possible economic impact by reducing the central bank’s key policy rates. For the whole of 2020, BSP’s key rates were slashed by a total of 200 basis points. To date, the central bank’s reverse repurchase (RRP) facility rate is at record-low of 2 percent. Aside from the rate cuts, the BSP also reduced banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by as much as 200 basis points and allowed for a certain period banks’ lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as reserve requirement com-
his speech during the virtual “Sulong Pilipinas: pre-SONA of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Clusters” forum on Monday. Republic Act (RA) No. 7656, otherwise known as the Dividend Law, mandates GOCCs to declare and remit to the national government at least 50 percent of their annual net income as dividends. Dominguez presented proposed amendments on RA 7656 in a letter to House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco dated April 15, 2021, a copy of which was shared by the former to journalists Mon-
day. Aside from hiking the minimum dividend remittances, Dominguez is also proposing that the remittance be in cash form, and not stock or property dividend. “Additional dividends may be collected out of accumulated earnings,” the proposed amendment shows. During the press conference during the virtual event, Dominguez said recommendations to increase GOCCs’ minimum dividend rate is part of the options being looked into to finance the planned Bayanihan 3.
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Past reforms to help ensure Hike in GOCC dividend rate eyed to fund proposed Bayanihan 3 admin's tax reform wins
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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III acknowledged that tax reform successes of the Duterte administration would not have been achieved without the measures made by past governments. In his speech during the virtual “Sulong Pilipinas: pre-SONA of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Cluster,” Dominguez said the current government is the first in the country’s history to implement tax reforms without being compelled by any entity or an economic crisis.
“I would like to point out, however, that the success of the tax reform measures cannot be attributed exclusively to current efforts. In fact, this is a logical continuation of the decades of reforms arduously passed by previous administrations,” he said. Tax reforms, along with the infrastructure program called “Build, Build, Build,” are the priority programs of the current government that are targeted to ensure a sustainable growth for the Philippine economy. Primary to these reforms is the Tax Reform for
Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, which slashed personal income tax for 99 percent of Filipino workers since it excluded from income tax payment those who are earning below PHP250,000 annually. Under TRAIN, sugary drinks have been imposed on excise taxes, a move to curb Filipinos’ sweetened drinks consumption in a bid to protect their health. Dominguez said the government collects around PHP100 million daily from excise tax on sugary drinks.
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he Department of Finance (DOF) is proposing the 75 percent increase of government-owned and controlled corporations’ (GOCCs) mandated dividend to the national government to boost financing for economic revitalization programs. “To raise more funds for our economic recovery, we are proposing to increase the mandated dividend remittances of GOCCs to the National Treasury from the current 50 percent to at least 75 percent of their net earnings,” DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in
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Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar says the agency expects a dramatic revitalization of the coconut industry in the next few years due to the release of the coconut levy fund by the President. Edge Davao
Expect revitalization of coconut industry in coming years: Dar
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he Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing to reap the fruits of its efforts toward revitalizing the coconut industry in the coming years. In the last decade, DA Secretary William Dar said the coconut sector’s contribution to agricultural gross value added (GVA) remained at an average of 4 percent. With the newly reconstituted Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), bigger things are expected. “We expect a dramatic rebound of the subsector in the next few years due to the release of the coconut levy fund by the President,” Dar said in his speech at the Department of Finance’s Sulong Pilipinas virtual conference on Monday. The DA-PCA formulates a development plant for the industry that aims to increase the subsector’s
contribution to agricultural GVA significantly. DA data showed that coconut planted on more than three million hectares contributed at least 10 percent to GVA, surpassing banana that is planted on 200,000 hectares only. “Coconut is a top Philippine export that brings in considerable foreign exchange. Besides, we now have substantial budgetary resources to develop this sleeping giant, thanks to the passage of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Law or Republic Act (RA) No. 11524,” Dar added. Coconut levy President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11524 in February, a legislation creating a trust fund for the coconut industry and its workers using recovered coco levy assets, which
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Duterte admin accelerates digitalization of services
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he Duterte administration has accelerated the use of digital technology for government services to improve transactions in public offices, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
At the Sulong Pilipinas virtual forum Monday, Lopez said government agencies’ digitalization efforts are aligned with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to ease queuing in public offices by making government services available online. Lopez said that among the key legislation during the Duterte administration is the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Service Act
of 2018 or the EODB law, which aims to stop too much bureaucracy in government offices. Last January, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) launched the first phase of the Central Business Portal (CBP), a platform where citizens and business owners can access forms and requirements necessary for busi-
Online business name registrations skyrocket amid pandemic, DTI says
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egistrations of names for online businesses skyrocketed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry said on Monday. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said more Filipinos have been setting up businesses online as e-commerce exploded in growth last year. “Our records will show
that more and more people are getting into the online business,” Lopez said during a forum by economic managers in preparation for President Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address in July. The Trade chief said that based on the DTI’s business name registration system, there were 86,726 business names registered for online busi-
nesses from April to December last year. This was in contrast to just 1,848 business names registered for online businesses as of March 2020 before the pandemic, the DTI chief said. Lopez added that online business name registration also grew 381 percent in the first quarter of this year. The DTI chief mean-
while also said the government’s efforts to digitalize its processes have helped make doing business easier in the Philippines, even as the country struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic. Lopez noted that government agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, and the Securities and
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ness registration. The CBP Phase 1 covers corporations registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR). “Phase 1 reduced not only the forms and documentary requirements, it also shortened the processing time for SEC and BIR registration to at most three to four days from over 10 days, and also made employee reporting to Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth easier. The pilot phase of the CBP linked the business permit processes of Quezon City and 17 cities and municipalities,” Lopez said. He said the government targets to launch the sec-
ond phase of CBP by the end of this year. “The second phase will incorporate the “Philippine Business Number PHBN” which shall serve as a unique business ID, which can be used in transacting with any government agency,” the DTI chief added. Lopez said that since DTI launched the Business Name Registration System (BNRS), businesses were encouraged to use online payment. Of the PHP525 million collected from business name registration last year, 68 percent were paid through online payment, higher from 35 percent in the previous year. Through the BNRS, a
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SEC empowers minority investors to call stockholders’ meetings
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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued rules allowing minority shareholders in publicly listed companies (PLC) to call special stockholders’ meetings. The commission en banc, in its April 22 meeting, approved the rules on the calling of special stockholders’ meetings as embodied in SEC Memorandum Circular No. 7, Series of 2021. “The newly issued rules
empower minority shareholders to better protect and advance their interests, as well as help listed firms have a wider perspective and be more inclusive in their decision-making process,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said in a statement Monday. Aquino said the greater protection afforded to minority shareholders should encourage increased participation in the stock market and in turn, further
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DAVAO 6 EDGE VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
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In requesting the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF)for the partial closure of the region’s borders to travelers from outside Davao Region except those essential travelers:
We wrote to RIATF about semi-closing Davao Region to travelers gikan sa gawas sa Davao Region. Ang atoang RIATF nag comment na sila sa mga local chief executives about it. Hopefully something will come out about it na ma-semi sarado ang atoang region except for those essential travelers.” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio
EDITORIAL Do the right thing The community pantry trend that’s been evolving in these times of the pandemic is not a new thing. It is very much the same bayanihan spirit that is distinctly Filipino. It is also very much Christian-like. Charity is the strength that will pull people through the tough times. But charity itself has to be genuine and it is the facelessness of charity that makes it so.
Genuine charity should be bereft of fanfare. So if we are true to the word charity, we should not have any problems with community pantry. Be that as it may, there should be a sense of responsibility and foresight. We cannot have people crowding on every community pantry organised. Whether we like it or not, the trend has also awakened inter-
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We understand it when Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio advised those individuals and groups planning to stage a community pantry to always coordinate with the barangay and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for crowd-control.
Mayor Sara thinks the recklessness defeats the purpose of charity. Hence, the need for some restrictions.
While issuing guidelines for organizers of community pantry is not yet necessary, it is imperative at this point to require pantry organisers a permit. This is being discussed and referred to the City Legal Office. It makes sense to put some control mechanisms before this whole pantry-mania becomes a spreader itself. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor
MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter
KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle
CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL GRACE M. BORDIOS Layout
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
est and awareness among people of this so-called pantry-mania that some have become ‘pantry hunters’ or ‘pantry crashers.’
SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance
CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)
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VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
NEVER WAIT FOR TOMORROW “The habit of always putting off an experience until you can afford it, or until the time is right, or until you know how to do it is one of the greatest burglars of joy. Be deliberate, but once you’ve made up your mind – jump in!” – Charles R. Swindoll *** Who says age – that number which most women fear (sorry, ladies if most of you are singled out) – matters? Look at Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao who, at 40, still manages to win his boxing match against a younger opponent. If you’re like the world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, age also doesn’t matter at all. He was already 68 when he created his most famous structure – in about two hours. But hold your breath first. It actually took him long to do it. Brandon Spector, in an article published in the widely-circulated Reader’s Digest, shares the story: “In 1934, Pittsburgh department store magnate Edgar Kaufmann Sr. hired Wright to design a retreat around the waterfalls of his forested Pennsylvania property. Wright visited the site and assured Kaufmann he had big plans. In truth, he hadn’t drawn a thing. That’s how trouble started brewing. “Weeks become months, and on a Sunday morning, September 22, 1935, Kaufmann spontaneously decided to visit Wright’s studio and
check his progress. He would arrive before lunch, Kaufmann explained over the phone, and was very excited to see the designs.” If you were in Wright’s shoes, what would be your response. I know what you are thinking. Read the rest of the story: “With nervous apprentices watching and Kaufmann hours from his door, Wright finished breakfast, then drew up the plans for what became Fallingwater – an icon of modern design and a US National Historic Landmark.” What Wright did – the delaying tactic – is procrastination. Its synonyms include dawdle, dally, defer, drag, linger, loiter, postpone, protract, retard, stall, suspend, tarry, temporize, and wait. Dictionary defines it as “delay or postpone action.” It also means “put off doing something.” Many famous men have shared their thoughts on the subject. “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done the day after tomorrow just as well,” said American humorist and novelist Mark Twain. US President Abraham Lincoln also said, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” Two other American presidents did say on the subject. Thomas Jefferson, stated, “Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today.” Dwight David
Eisenhower also said, “Neither a wise nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.” Wright, however, is not alone. There are so many people – famous at that – who procrastinate for various reasons. Bestselling author Paulo Coelho admitted, “It was my failure that first kept me from attempting the master work. Now, I’m beginning what I could have started ten years ago. But I’m happy at least that I didn’t wait twenty years.” Miranda July, the woman behind It Chooses You, shared her own experience: “The funny thing about my procrastination was that I was almost done with the screenplay. I was like a person who had fought dragons and most limbs and crawled through swamps and now, finally, the castle was visible. I could see tiny children waving flags on the balcony; all I had to do was walk across a field to get to them. Then, something unusual happened. The American film director, screenwriter, singer, actress, author and artist went on: “But all of a sudden, I was very, very sleepy. And the children couldn’t believe their eyes as I folded down to my knees and fell to the ground face-first, with my eyes open. Motionless, I watched ants hurry in and out of a hole and I knew that standing up again would be a thousand
times harder than the dragon or the swamp and so I did not even try. I just clicked on one thing after another after another.” More often than not, writers have this habit of doing things “later on.” American playwright and essayist Paul Rudnick wrote: “As a writer, I need an enormous amount of time alone. Writing is 90% procrastination: reading magazines, eating cereal out of the box, watching infomercials. It’s a matter of doing everything you can to avoid writing, until it is about four in the morning and you reach the point where you have to write.” To procrastinate once is a while is alright. But doing it for several times becomes a habit, well, that’s another story. “Habitual procrastination will readily testify to all the lost opportunities, missed deadlines, failed relationships and even monetary losses incurred just because of one nasty habit of putting things off until it is often too late,” wrote Stephen Richards, author of The Secret of Getting Started: Strategies to Triumph over Procrastination. Do what you do today and don’t wait for tomorrow. Remember, we have given today and that’s why it is called present. Yesterday is gone and you cannot relive the past. Tomorrow is still out there and what if, as the line of a song goes, “tomorrow never comes”? Now, let me tell you a story
shared by William Barclay: It came to pass that Satan was testing all his little devils on the methods they would use to get people into the burning hell. “What trick or like would you use?” he asked them. A little devil pupil raised his hand and answered: “I’d tell them there is no heaven. Heaven is just a mere imagination.” “You’re crazy,” Satan shouted. “Deep down inside everyone believes that they are one day going to be rewarded in heaven for all the good work they do. Saying there is no heaven does not work.” Another volunteered, “I’d tell them there is no hell.” Satan again fired back: “That’s no good either. Instinctively, everyone knows that someday – in a hell – evil and evildoers are going to get what they deserve. It is going to catch up. Forget about that argument.” A third pupil stood and said, “I’d tell people: have you fling now and convert later. No hurry. Take your time.” Satan smiled and declared, “Hurrah! There’s a man who will win. Get up to earth and get to work.” Now, get to work. Do the things you have to accomplish today. Never wait for tomorrow. For as Scarlett O’Hara (portrayed by Oscar-winning actress Vivien Leigh) in 1939’s Gone With The Wind, “Tomorrow is another day.”
FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE
COMMUNITY PANTRY IS CHRISTIAN CHARITY 2 Thessalonians 3:10. “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” ******* The Scriptures look down condescendingly on idleness. Very bluntly, Paul declares so in his Letter to the Thessalonians. That is why there is a great debate on the on-going community pantry that has gone viral nation-wide. A person who is lazy cannot hope to provide food on the table - for himself and for the members of his family. A beggar is even “slightly better” situated in the sense that he gets his food by taking pains to ask for alms. A lazy person is colorfully comparable to our local folklore hero, Juan Tamad, who is portrayed as someone who waits for the guava fruit to fall from the tree into his open mouth rather than stretch his arm to pick the fruit off the twig.
This picturesque parody of our lives indicates the innate goodness of man. When God created Adam and Eve, they were originally without sin. Regardless of who initiated the community pantry that had the mainstream media all agog, the idea was to offer free food items for the hungry and the needy without any expectation of any reward or recognition. Millions are going hungry because of the year-long and on-going lockdowns, preventing hundreds of thousands of workingmen from earning their living. Reality will tell you in the face that a hungry stomach is difficult to endure. While you can survive with just water for a period of time, without solid food, a person will easily succumb. Like a restless volcano, it will explode and erupt in due time. The national leadership should encourage this by instructing the LGUs to roll out
their own individual concepts of Christian charity. I see this as a more effective solution to the lockdowns, if the government remains adamant and unprepared to altogether lift the quarantine protocols nationwide. (Israel has already declared that face masks be taken off.) Filipinos are, by nature, kind, considerate, compassionate and generous. Is this not so? The community pantry is similar in intent to a cooperative where all the members are benefited with discounts and privileges and receive equal share in the profits accordingly. However, unlike in the cooperative where a person invests a monetary sum to enjoy his membership, the community pantry gives away free food items to whoever is in need without any strings attached. Some have suggested that if only all families of Filipino billionaires and their clans contribute to the community
pantry, no Filipino will ever get hungry during the CoVid lockdowns, no matter if these last for another year more. Don’t you think so? This is possible. The billionaires in our country which comprise even less than 1% of the total 110 million population are so profligately wealthy that whatever they give away to sustain the community pantries nationwide would only amount to a few scratches off their treasure troves. Filipinos can’t be choosy at this time. They can survive - like the guerillas during the Japanese occupation - on boiled and steamed root crops, freely-grown leafy vegetables, corn on cobs and other agricultural products that are edible. The resiliency of our countrymen is being tested and I don’t think this character trait will ever fade away. Of course, some smart alecks have convoluted the noble intent of the community pantry.
Some have even conspired to use the circumstances to boost their political stocks - or even just to be heard or seen. I have this inkling that the community pantry can be institutionalized. Who knows really? But where are the rich? They may be slowly moving things through their messengers, like doing it in a corporate way, the CSR. (corporate social responsibility), so that their efforts will not be in vain. Public relations, they call it. Whatever, the community pantry is a noble gesture. The intent is to feed the hungry and the needy, those without any income and livelihood. God must be smiling approvingly. In Acts 2:44-45, the Bible says: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to everyone as he had need.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
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EDGEDAVAO LIFESTYLE
PEF, AUSTRALIA AND BUKIDNON LGU RELEASE PHILIPPINE EAGLE INTO THE WILD
ON Earth Day 2021, a rescued and rehabilitated Philippine Eagle is released back to its forest home. Tagoyaman Fernando is among the seven Philippine Eagles that were rescued last year – the highest rescue rate recorded in the history of Philippine Eagle conservation – and the first Philippine Eagle to be released back to the wild this year.
Tagoyaman’s release was made possible through the support of the Australian Government, Whitley Fund for Nature, Jurong Bird Park, DENR Region X, and the local government of San Fernando Tagoyaman flies and Bukidnon. back to his forest “Rescuing, rehabilitating home on Earth and releasing Philippine Eagles Day, 22 April in the middle of a pandemic is 2021 Photo from PEF. very challenging. It’s difficult to mobilize field operations when travel restrictions are imposed and sources of funds are shut down. Still, we are able to persevere, thanks to the support of the Australian Government and other conservation partners,” said Dennis Salvador, Executive Director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. The short program in honor of Tagoyaman’s release is attended by the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson AO, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, San Fernando Vice Mayor Norberto Catalan, and Philippine Eagle Foundation Trustee Mr. Francis Ledesma. Tagoyaman Fernando, estimated to be four years old, was named after its Indigenous rescuer, Datu Tagoyaman “The Australian Embassy is Sinangkap. On Earth Day, 22 April Tagoyaman was released proud to continue our support to its forest home by the Philippine Eagle Foundation with From left: San Fernando Vice Mayor Norberto Catalan, PEF Trustee Mr Francis Ledesma, Australian Ambassador to the to the Philippine Eagle Founsupport from the local government and the Australian Philippines Steven J. Robinson AO, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador, PEF Director dation for the protection and Embassy. Photo from PEF Jayson Ibanez Photo from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines preservation of the Philippine The PEF, through the support Eagle. I travelled to Bukidnon wildlife biodiversity. Australia forces our deep and expanding son said. Tagoyaman was retrieved of its conservation partners has to witness Tagoyaman’s release stands with our friends in the relationship as we celebrate on October 2020 in San Feralso taken measures for Tagoyabecause it is an important Philippines as they protect their the 75th Anniversary of diploman’s survival in the wild. An milestone in the Philippines’ natural resources, in their lands matic relations between our two nando, Bukidnon, after getting education campaign targeting efforts in conserving local or seas. This initiative reincountries,” Ambassador Robin- accidentally caught in a native trap intended for other animals. communities surrounding the The bird was then brought to release site was conducted and the Philippine Eagle Center for Indigenous forest guards were further check-up and rehabilita- trained to perform voluntary tion. forest patrols and monitor “We hope to see Tagoyaman Tagoyaman’s movements using successfully breed and contribthe GPS transmitter attached to its back, for the next six months. ute to his species’ wild popula“Collaborations and partnertion in the future. His release on ships play a big role in PhilipEarth Day is also our resoundAmbassador Steven pine Eagle conservation. The ing call for long-term solutions J. Robinson AO PEF can’t save the eagles alone. to our problematic relationship and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri with We need the help of our lowith nature and wildlife. We the Indigenous cal communities, government believe that by conserving the Manobo-Tigwahanon agencies, the private sector, and Philippine Eagle and the biocommunity Photo the Filipino people so that one diversity it represents, we can from the Australian avoid another disease outbreak,” day Philippine Eagles will thrive Embassy in the Salvador said. Philippines in the wild,” said Salvador.
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VOL.14 ISSUE 37• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021
HYPERTENSION: WHEN BLOOD PRESSURE GOES UP By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
“H
igh blood pressure runs in my family, so I was not surprised at all when my doctors put me on medication,” said Generoso Mortejo, a 35-year-old teacher. “I did, however, find it surprising that because of my age, even though the numbers showed that I had high blood pressure, they were reluctant to say I had it.”
Because of his family history, Generoso knew the dangers of elevated blood pressure. “I decided to take charge of my condition. I bought a monitor so I could check my blood pressure at home,” he said. “I had been told that my blood pressure was high because of the tension from my work, so I shouldn’t worry, but it was high at home, too. I knew that my condition was more serious than the diagnosis said it was.” At Generoso’s next appointment, he discussed his condition in detail with his doctor. As they looked back over his chart and talked about the readings he had gotten at home, it became clear that he needed to go on medication. “I was almost relieved,” he admitted. “I didn’t really want to be put on medication at such a young age, but I also didn’t want to suffer the consequences of not treating my condition.” Generoso is just one of those 9% of Filipinos who know their condition. Studies have shown that 19% of those with hypertension, as the condition is known in medical parlance, are actually not aware that they have it, and these are the people that are most likely to suffer
serious health problems. “Practically nine out of 10 hypertensive patients have uncontrolled BP which make them good candidates to develop heart attacks and strokes, or literally drop dead before they could realize what was wrong with them,” said Dr. Esperanza Cabral, former health secretary and past president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension. Hypertension affects around 14 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). “Two in every 10 Filipino adults, 20 years and over, are hypertensive,” the Food and Nutrition Research Institute adds. The prevalence of hypertension in the country has considerably grown in recent years, and the need to address it should be more prioritized, according to the Philippine Heart Association – Council on Hypertension. As lives become more sedentary and stressful, and diets loaded with saturated fats become the norm, hypertension is now becoming a serious health problem in the country. In fact, health authorities consider it “a stubborn problem” as it involves so many of the body’s
interlocking systems, and lying at the center of it all, is the heart. Medical science tells us that blood travels through our body by flowing through arteries, carrying oxygen-rich blood from our heart to other tissues and organs. Once oxygen is delivered to our tissues and organs, oxygen-poor blood travels back to our heart through our veins. Our heart then pumps this blood into our lungs, where it is replenished with oxygen. After returning to our heart, the blood is pumped out into our arteries again. The World Health Organization (WHO) sees blood pressure as “the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body.” Hypertension happens when the blood pressure is too high. “High blood pressure is not an illness in itself,” explained Dr. Robert Buckman, author of What You Really Need to Know About High Blood Pressure. Low blood pressure, or hypotension as it is called, is also not a medical problem. “By and large if your blood pressure is low, you are more likely to live a long, healthy life,” he said. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. Dr. Willie T. Ong, chair of the Department of Medicine at Our Lady of Peace Hospital, defines high blood pressure as systolic pressure at rest that averages 140 mm Hg (millimeters mercury), or a diastolic blood pressure at rest that averages 90 mm Hg, or both. An individual has a mild hypertension if the systolic BP is between 140 to 159
mm Hg or the diastolic BP is between 90 to 99 mm Hg. When systolic BP is higher than 160 mm Hg or diastolic BP is greater than 100 mm Hg, a person is said to have a moderate to severe hypertension. Many things can cause blood pressure to go up and down. When we are asleep, our blood pressure is low because our body needs less oxygen-rich blood when it is at rest. On the other hand, when we are exercising, our body’s demands are greater, and so our blood pressure increases. “It is perfectly normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall in response to your body’s needs throughout the day,” said Ong, an internist-cardiologist. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because of the lack of warning signs or symptoms so much, so that many people do not realize they are already hypertensive. “Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms,” the UN health agency states. “For this reason, it is essential that blood pressure is measured regularly.” When symptoms do occur, they can include early morning sickness, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. “Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors,” the WHO says. The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure the person’s BP. “Having BP measured is quick and painless,” the WHO says. “Individuals can also
measure their own BP using automated devices, however, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions.” Hypertension is a serious medical condition whose complications are often deadly if not corrected immediately. “Hypertension is the leading risk factor for heart attack, or myocardial infarction,” writes Dr. Julian Whitaker, author of Reversing Hypertension: A Vital New Program to Prevent, Treat, and Reduce High Blood Pressure. “A heart attack occurs when part of the heart’s blood supply is suddenly reduced or cut off,” he continues. “The portions of the heart muscle that cannot get adequate oxygen and nutrients die. The more extensive the damage, the more serious the heart attack.” Hypertension is also the primary factor underlying strokes and stroke-related deaths. “Too much pressure can cause the bursting of a vessel—especially if that vessel has been weakened by age and the excess pressure of hypertension,” explains Dr. Whitaker. “Hypertension also contributes to atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of the arteries that increases the likelihood of blood clots cutting off blood supply,” Dr. Whitaker points out. “When either of these scenarios occurs in an artery in the brain, the result is a stroke. There is a reduction in oxygen supply to that area of the brain, followed by cell degeneration and death.” The health department reports that heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of mortality, com-
prising 35 percent of total deaths, among Filipinos. Philippine Health Statistics data show that in 2009, about 167,000 Filipinos died from heart disease and stroke. Half of these tragic deaths are likely related to high BP. A lesser-known outcome of hypertension is memory loss and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. “It is believed that hypertension’s adverse effects on the brain are caused by the relentless pounding on the small vessels in the brain,” Dr. Whitaker writes. The brains of patients with hypertension actually shrink – by as much as 20%, according to some studies. There are also studies which show that hypertension accelerates the aging of the kidneys. High BP reportedly damages the arteries and arterioles that supply blood and nutrients to the kidneys. As these arteries become stiff and less elastic, blood supply to the kidneys is reduced or, in some cases, cut off, causing damage to the kidneys themselves. “Severe high blood pressure causes kidney malfunction over a relatively short period of time; however, even milder forms of uncontrolled hypertension can damage kidneys over several years, with no evident symptoms until severe damage has already occurred,” Dr. Whitaker claims. “Poorly controlled high blood pressure is responsible for approximately 25% of all cases of chronic kidney failure.” The good news is: There is a wide range of drugs that your doctor can prescribe to bring BP down. The aim is
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studied on it and we came up with a guide which they are asking everyone for comment and nakadawat pud ta ug request for comments,” she said. She also said this has been the plan of the city government of Davao for Davao City. “Kita sa Davao City nagsulat ta because gusto nato buhaton diri sa atoang syudad, unfortunately we cannot do it without causing chaos sa atoang mga silingan because as I said frequent ang exchange of people,” she said. Presently, Task Force Davao has been securing the entry points of Davao City from travelers coming from the areas with high cases of Covid-19. “Ang atoang checkpoints will screen sa mga tao nga gikan sa mga lugar nga taas ang Covid-19 cases so dili
tanan lugar ang daghan ug kaso. Naga-interview pud ta ug katong mga taong nag landing sa airport,” she said. Meanwhile, as of April 26, 2021, the Department of Health-Davao Center for Health Development reported 17 new cases of Covid-19 in Davao Region bringing the total number of active cases to 770. Of these new cases, 11 are from Davao City, three are from Davao del Norte, two are from Davao del Sur, and one is from Davao Oriental. There are two death cases reported and among these one is from Davao City and one is from Davao del Norte. There are also 112 recoveries reported and among these, 64 are from Davao City, 31 are from Davao del Norte, 11 are from Davao de Oro, and six are from Davao Oriental.
Extracts, and Raise Organic Chicken, both funded by TESDA. The convergence partners of both programs are the LGU-Panabo City, Provincial Government Office (PGO) Davao del
Norte, 27th Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police (PNP) Davao del Norte, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 159,895; Region 12 (Soccsksargen), 144,075; Region 11 (Davao Region), 137,385); Region 1 (Ilocos Region), 136,712; Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), 133,842; Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 107,430; Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), 105,650; Region 4-B (MIMAROPA), 96,180; Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), 94,462 and Caraga, 87,892. The voter registration nationwide has resumed on September 1, 2020, and will end on September 30, 2021.
The Comelec is looking to register some 4 million new voters for the May 9, 2022 elections. Voter registration is ongoing except in Metro Manila, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Abra, Quirino, and the city of Santiago in Isabela which are under modified enhanced community quarantine until April 30. All Offices of Election Officers (OECs) in cities and municipalities are accepting applications for registration from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays. (PNA)
Barangay Kagawad Romeo Lauda, one of the trainees for the driving lesson, expressed gratitude to the LGU for giving them the “wonderful opportunity” and for exempting them from having to obtain a student permit after completing the driving lesson. Rolly Impas, the provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager, said that the community-based training is part of the governor’s flagship program on I-HELP which stands for infrastructure, health, education, livelihood and peace and order. Impas was also hoping that the skills training would prepare the beneficiaries to embark on livelihood undertakings as source of
income. According to the Provincial Information Office, the provincial and municipal LGUs, Police and the Army initiated this program in November 2020 through the Revitalized Police sa Barangay (R-PSB) and Community Support Program (CSP). The program is also with the assistance of barangay officials and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), pursuant to Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole of Government Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon/PIO DavSur)
covered court, of which pronouncement has made the teachers and parents happy and thankful. These projects of the provincial LGU for the public schools in the province
is part of the governor’s flagship program on I-HELP which stands for infrastructure, health, education, livelihood and peace and order. (PIA-XI/ Carina L. Cayon)
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“Today’s inauguration of the cell site comes the time when interconnectivity is needed now more than ever. With the current pandemic majority of us has to adapt the new normal of learning from home, working from home or simply staying home where the demand for stable and reliable data connection is important. UM is extremely pleased
for the building of Globe cell site at a location we can probably say at the heart of Davao City. UM looks forward for the continued partnership with Globe, with the hope of improving and uplifting the lives of our community,” said Lawyer Edward Anthony Go, first vice chairman of UM Board of Trustees. By Maya M. Pardillo
communities, mga two weeks to three weeks in their celebration of Ramadam, because usually sa Ramadan naay pagampo ug ang Covid-19 ganahan kaayo na sila sa mga lugar diin daghan tao nga nagatapok,” she said. The drive-through surveillance swab testing for PUV drivers, courier service, and food delivery drivers is ongoing at the Crocodile Park along Ma-a, Diversion Road.
The surveillance RTPCR testing, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Monday to Saturday and will run until May 8, 2021, is supported by the mayor’s Executive Order (E.O.) 22, known as “An Order Providing for Heightened Surveillance and Response of Covid-19 Cases in Public Ground Transport and Delivery Services in Davao City”, that was signed on April 22, 2021.
were declared state-owned by the Supreme Court less than 10 years ago. The new law mandates the PCA to craft the Coconut Farmers and Industry
Development Plan that will set the directions and policies for the development and rehabilitation of the industry within 50 years.
to find the particular drug or combination of drugs that lower BP to a safe level and prevent problems. “The doctor adapts treatment to you as an individual, so do not be surprised if you find that you are taking completely different drugs from someone else with the same condition,” Dr. Buckman wrote. Dr. Ong says there are four classes of drugs available to treat hypertension. “Once you have started treatment, you must return to your doctor for regular blood pressure checks,” he reminds. According to Dr. Buckman, different people respond to drugs in different ways. “Diuretics and beta-blockers used to be the first-line treatment for high blood pressure, but are less frequently prescribed today,” he writes. “Beta-blockers should never be stopped abruptly. The dose should be gradually reduced over several weeks.” ACE-inhibitors and calcium antagonists, when taken in combination, seem to have a protective effect on organs such as the kidneys, according to Dr. Buckman. “Before leaving the doctor’s office, make sure you understand exactly what the drug has been prescribed for and what side effects can be expected,” Dr. Buckman advises. “Ask your doctor how many times a
day you need to take the drug, and when and how it should be taken.” But there are instances where a hypertensive person needs not to take medicines. “For some people, lifestyle changes such as stopping tobacco use, eating healthily, exercising regularly and avoiding the harmful use of alcohol, are sufficient to control blood pressure,” the UN agency says. “Reduction in salt intake can also help. For others, these changes are insufficient and they need prescription medication to control blood pressure.” But hypertension can be prevented. Among the prevention methods the WHO suggests are the following: reducing salt intake (to less than 5 grams daily or just a teaspoon), eating five serving of fruits and vegetables a day, being physically active on a regular basis (at least 30 minutes a day), avoiding use of tobacco, reducing alcohol consumption (no more than one standard drink a day), limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats, and reducing – if not eliminating – trans fats in diet. Managing stress also helps. “Manage stress in a healthy way such as through meditation, appropriate physical exercise, and positive social contact,” the WHO suggests, adding that managing other medical conditions is also a must. – (Graphics from Wikipedia)
Molina, who was born and raised in Hawaii to Filipino parents, was signed to a training camp contract by the Fever in February. At the time, she was playing in Sweden’s DamLigan for the Norrkoping Dolphins. Indiana posted a few photos of Molina this weekend, as the team gears up for
its training camp at the Salesforce Court in Indianapolis. There are 20 players in Indiana’s training camp roster, with only 12 slots available. This includes Kysre Gondrezick, whom the Fever took with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Rookie Draft. In February, Molina
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generating employment and job opportunities in the entire operation, and increasing the number of cooperative members. Meanwhile, the Province of Tawi-tawi, which is composed of island municipalities, is implementing five (5) “Seaweeds Production and Marketing Enterprise” subprojects worth a total of P12.15 million. These are implemented in the five municipalities of Panglima Sugala with one (1) subproject worth P2.17 million (without PG equity); Sibuto with one (1)subproject worth P1.92 million; South Ubian with one (1) subproject worth P2.54 million; Sitangkai with one (1) subproject worth P2.95 mil-
lion, and Tandubas with one (1) subproject worth P2.55 million. The lead proponent groups are Balimbing Seaweeds Farmer’s and Fisher Folks; Tawi-Tawi Movement for Peace and Unity Service Cooperative; Tong Tampakan Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative; Inah Tawi-Tawi Farmers Association, Inc.; and. Kasambuhan Ma Kauman Tapian Sokah respectively. While all of these farmer associations are already engaged in seaweeds farming, the lack of seaweed seedlings as well as farming materials and capital to support production have been a recurring problem to all of them.
pliance. To help the national government on funding requirements for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) programs, the BSP also entered into a PHP300-billion shortterm repurchase agreement with the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), which was re-
deemed last September. A PHP540-billion provisional advance was also extended to the national government and this was settled last December. Another PHP540-billion provisional advance was extended to the national government last January.
TRAIN also mandated the implementation of the fuel marking program that aims to address oil smuggling. Revenues from this law reached PHP305 billion in the first three years of implementation, Dominguez said. Improvement in tax administration also allowed the government to
hike excise taxes on sin products, which numbers to three increases since the current government took office in the second half of 2016. Dominguez said they have been collecting around PHP200 billion annually on the average from cigarette excise tax, more than twice the yearly collection in the past.
business name certificate is possible to be acquired online in just eight minutes. Digitalization efforts of the government have also helped to make government services closer to Filipinos during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Lopez said.
DTI’s financing arm Small Business (SB) Corp. has made available its zero-interest loan program online for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through digitalization, the SB Corp. received nearly 38,000 loan applications from small businesses.
also aching for a big-fight return bout to close out the final chapter of a legendary 25+ year career. The 42-year-old boxing Senator last fought in July of 2019, beating Keith Thurman via split decision to prove that he still belonged among the elite of the competitive welterweight division. Reading between the lines, Manny was never too keen on fighting Crawford. Years of not wanting to address the possibility and a recent hardline $40 million purse demand kind of prove that. But now, from the smoldering ashes of Pac-
quiao-Crawford there arises a brand new rumor of a big-fight option for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer. According to ESPN Knockout, “advanced negotiations” are happening for a Manny Pacquiao-Errol Spence title bout for July. There’s nothing concrete to lend credence to this and no confirmation or denial yet by anyone “in the know” from either side, but the idea of this happening is certainly tantalizing. If Pacquiao wanted to create a bang with his comeback fight, this one would certainly accomplish that.
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expressed her confidence that she can clinch a spot in the Fever’s regular season roster thanks to her experience in playing overseas. “I’m gonna work my tail off, and I’m not gonna let this opportunity go to waste. So, I’ll try my best and represent all the Filipino ballers out there,”
said Molina, who played Division 1 basketball for Washington State but went undrafted in 2020. The Fever officially starts its training camp on Sunday (Monday in Manila). Their first regular season game is scheduled for May 16 against the New York Liberty on May 22
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Creamline star spiker Alyssa Valdez in file photo.
PVL top guns Creamline, Choco Mucho cleared to train in Clark T he two teams under the Rebisco umbrella in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) have been given the green light to do their training in Angeles City’s Central Business District.
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) approved the request of Creamline and Choco Mucho to hold a training bubble at the St. Paul American School inside the Clark Freeport Zone. Under the joint administrative order by GAB, the
Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Health, professional athletes can hold their training only in areas under the least restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). Angeles City, like the rest of Pampanga, is under
Tokyo Olympics organizers have defended their request for 500 nurses at the pandemic-delayed mega-event, after accusations of diverting crucial medical resources. Reports about their request to the Japanese Nursing Association sparked a furious response among social media users on Monday, the day after a coronavirus state of emergency was imposed in the capital. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto confirmed the reports but said discussions were still ongoing, and that organizers would strive to “come up with a feasible way of securing that many nurse resources”. “One of the key assumptions is you should not deteriorate the service level
in the local community by pulling out these nurses, and I have made this point very clear,” Muto told reporters. Parts of Japan have seen a recent resurgence in Covid-19 cases, driven by more infectious new variants. A virus state of emergency came into force in Tokyo and three other regions on Sunday, less than three months before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23. The hashtag “request for 500 nurses” was trending on Twitter in Japan on Monday, with many users scathing. “This isn’t a joke, people will die because of the Olympics,” wrote one user. “Are you looking to kill frontline medical workers?” wrote another.
Tokyo 2020 defends request for Olympic nurses, as virus spikes
MGCQ, making it a fitting venue for the training bubble to take place. “Considering the alarming spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, I am happy to learn that two teams of PVL have decided to stage their conditioning inside a bubble. This move is really
an added safety measure,” GAB chairman Baham Mitra said on Monday. GAB had previously allowed all the PVL teams to hold their training bubbles in various locations in Metro Manila even if the province was then still under GCQ in anticipation of a possible May bubble season start at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
However, the training was stalled when Metro Manila, Laguna, and three nearby provinces were placed under lockdown during the Holy Week due to the Covid-19 spike, which was later extended for another week. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has since eased the quarantine status of the
so-called NCR Plus to modified enhanced community quarantine, but professional sports practices were still not allowed, prompting the two teams to set up their own Clark bubble. Creamline and Choco Mucho’s training bubble will start on Tuesday and will run until May 23. The PVL is now scheduled to open its 2021 season sometime in June. (PNA)
Manny’s winding road to a comeback A
Reports said the June 5 welterweight title clash between WBO champ Terence Crawford and WBA champion in recess Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi has fallen apart.
ccording to reports, the tentatively, somewhat possible, June 5 welterweight title clash between WBO champ Terence Crawford and WBA champion in recess Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi has fallen apart, supposedly due to the funding never coming through. According to common sense, though, Pacquiao-Crawford was NEVER going to happen. How many times does Bob Arum have to talk about mystery money men in the Middle East eager to bankroll big-ticket boxing events, but who never seem to come through before people start to explore the possibility that there were no Middle East money men? Terence Crawford, who’s been aching for a blockbuster matchup, should’ve seen this coming. Odds are pretty good that a Manny Pacquiao fight was never a real possibility. Some of Pacquiao’s own people were skeptical of this fight as well, shooting down rumors and keeping things real with only tepid “it might happen” talk. Like Crawford, Pacquiao is FMANNY’S, P10
12 SPORTS
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VOL.13 ISSUE 262 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 VOL.14 ISSUE 37• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021
FAB FIVE. The country’s top bets for an Olympic gold boxers Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlo Yulo and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.
EYES ON T THE PRIZE
Filipino athletes still focused despite pandemic: PSC he Filipino athletes remain focused and steadfast despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic restrictions with some still hoping to earn a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said on Monday. FEYES, P10
FHAIL, P10