WHY FILIPINO FARMERS SHOULD PLANT MORE PILI
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President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on Monday evening. The President said he opted out of the debate with retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio because his statements “might bind future actions of government” in relation to the West Philippine Sea. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Sara raises alarm as CHO reports slight surge of Covid-19 cases
STORY ON PAGE 2
STORY ON PAGE 2
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 49 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
ALARMED
A bus driver submits himself for a swab test at the Davao Crocodile Park. The city government of Davao has requested an extension to use the premises of the Davao Crocodile Park as a drive thru swabbing area. Edge Davao
Sara raises alarm as CHO reports slight surge of Covid-19 cases By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he city government of Davao has noticed a slight rise in the Covid-19 active cases in Davao City exceeding 500 cases just over the weekend. Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio said during the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) Special Hours
program on Monday, based on the presentation of Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO),
it is not yet a surge but it seems to indicate that there is a pre-surge. The mayor stressed this is a cause for alarm. As of May 9, 2021, the city recorded a total of 513 active Covid-19 cases after 74 cases were added to the number on that day.
The mayor attributed the rising cases to outbreaks in the clustering of cases aside from the surveillance swab testing and contact tracing. However, Mayor Sara reiterated that it’s not up to the city to be classified under
DA-Region 12 executive director, said Monday they are currently coordinating with several companies, institutions and concerned individuals to help expand the rollout of its Kadiwa community pantry in other localities in the region. He said they already received favorable response and commitment for more donations to sustain the
program. Mangelen said they started the initiative last week in the cities of Koronadal and Kidapawan, and will continue this week in Tulunan, North Cotabato. He said they launched the community pantries in partnership with local government units and farmers-fisherfolk groups, in response to an earlier
challenge from Secretary William Dar. The move aims to help bring “temporary relief” as well as hope to residents who continue to reel from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said. “We’re finding ways to expand it so we can cater to more people in need during this pandemic,” Mangelen
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Davao cops assist surrender of 23 NPA rebs, supporters
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total of 23 members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and supporters from Paquibato District, Davao City surrendered to the authorities Monday (May 10). Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Col. Kirby John Kraft said that the surrenderers are former NPA members, sympathizers, members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB), and underground mass organization (UGMO) operating in Paquibato District. Most of them have pending warrants of arrest for cases of murder, arson, kidnapping, serious illegal
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Davao City govt’ ensures enough resources to fund free Covid tests
More Region-12 folks to benefit T from agri community pantry he Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) has tapped local companies and other stakeholders to deliver more food supplies and other basic necessities to residents who are hit hard by the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Arlan Mangelen,
detention, among other cases. Alias Joy, one of the surrenderers, thanked the government for helping them surrender peacefully, clear their names of involvement in the leftist groups and help them start life anew. Kraft said that the surrender is a strong indication of the communist terrorists’s nearing defeat in the city adding that he welcomes the surrender of the group. He urged those who are still actively fighting the government to lay down their arms and embrace peaceful means to attain
he Davao City government is making sure there will be enough resources for the free swab testing for Dabawenyos against Covid-19 as active-case finding and surveillance activities continue in the city. On Monday, May 10, Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, during her ‘Special Hour’ program aired via 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio, bared that the city government has its way of ensuring that the free Covid-19 testing will benefit more Dabawenyos. “We can always find a budget para sa atoang ginapahigayon nga testing
(We can always find a budget for our ongoing testing activities),” Duterte said. The local chief executive has also instructed all district health offices to activate their respective swabbing corners to test more Dabawenyos in the city’s intensified campaign against Covid-19. “We have instructed and daghan na sa atong mga district health offices ang naka-comply sa swabbing corner nila. We aim to empower all our district health offices nga makaswab sila didto sa ilahang mga district health centers
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VOL.14 ISSUE 49 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
NEWS 3
A container containing Covid -19 vaccines is being transported from the plane to a waiting refrigerated van at the Davao International Airport. Around 13,200 vials of Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccines arrived at the Davao International Airport (DIA) on Tuesday. Edge Davao
3 more NPA rebels in Paquibato give up
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hree more members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), including a former team leader of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 1, surrendered to elements of Revitalized-Police Sa Barangay (R-PSB) recently in Paquibato District Davao City. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 director Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal identified the NPA returnees only as Brgan, Julius, and Grace. Brgan was a former team leader of PBC SPARU unit while Julius and Grace served as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) courier of PBC 1 and Liaison Logistic officer and medic of Guerilla Front 55 respectively. The rebels also surrendered their guns and ammunitions such as a caliber .45 pistol,
several magazines, bullets, IED,subversive documents, and medical equipment. The three former rebels were presented to the members of the media Monday afternoon at the headquarters of PRO 11 in Camp Catitipan, Buhangin this city. According to Escobal, the surrender of these NPA rebels were facilitated by the members of the R-PSB of Barangay Mapula led by Police Lt. Medardo Baleros Jr. together with operatives of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Intelligence Unit, Paquibato Police Station, and Davao City Mobile Force. Last week, seven former NPA rebels across Davao Region were surrendered to the police and military. Escobal said, the regional police is consistent
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Shabu worth P.5M plus seized in Mintal buybust
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ver half a million pesos worth of suspected shabu were seized in a buy-bust operation at Deca Homes, Mintal, Davao City Sunday afternoon, May 9. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) identified the arrested suspect as Ginadyl Gloria Kamsi alias Lab-Lab, 34, a resident of Mintal.
The suspect was arrested after a police officer who acted as poseur buyer was able to buy a sachet of shabu. Police operatives recovered a total of 38.37 grams with a street value of about P613,920.00, a pouch, and a cellular phone. Drug charges are being readied against the suspect.
Mindanao TVET appeals to PRRD to replace Lapeña By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he Mindanao TechVoc Education Training Institutions (MinTVET) and associations of Tech-Voc Institutions (TVIs) are appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte to replace Director-General Isidro Lapena of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for allegedly “slowly killing the TVIs”.
The group wants the President to heed on the issues and concerns and consequently take action on the present plight of the
private technical vocational education and training institutions of Mindanao. MinTVET is Mindanao’s largest association of all
TESDA private schools composed of 16 regional schools TESDA association. Among issues and concerns raised by the group in a seven-page petition sent to the Office of the President last May 7, 2021, include unjust, unfair, biased and partisan distribution of scholarships for skills training; heavily favoring only public technology training; operation of private assessment centers that were practically suspended
or closed down due to TESDA Memo Order giving all conduct of assessment to the public centers; unclear policies and directives on the moratorium on the Mobile Training Program (MTP); establishment of more government training centers in municipalities where there are a number of private TVIs; and there is no direct and indirect assistance provided by TESDA to the private TVIs
include officials of the National Economic and Development Authority 11 (NEDA 11), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Davao, and the regional office of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT 11). A one-day activity only, Audan said SPMC is targeting to immunize 183 senior citizen employees of NGAs. The senior citizens were pre-masterlisted
through the DICT template. “We are going smoothly so far. Pag 30 minutes wala silay’ adverse reaction gipapauli namo but still instructed them just in case naa (adverse effect) mutawag. Naa mi gihatag nga number sa ilaha,” he said. Audan said SPMC is expected to start vaccination of the senior citizens (Priority A2) this coming Friday.
“Wala pay’ advisory kung kanus-a but most probably this Friday mi mag-start for the senior citizens,” he said. He also said that SPMC is already prepared to host the inoculation of the senior citizens and other vulnerable groups. “Ready naman gyud ang SPMC ever since kay we practiced and we also anticipated mga different
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Senior citizen employees of nat’l gov’t agencies receive Sinovac
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enior citizen employees of the national government agencies (NGAs) received Sinovac vaccines administered by the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) during the start of the Covid-19 inoculation for the senior citizens on Tuesday. Dr. Ricardo B. Audan, OIC medical center chief of SPMC, told Edge Davao these senior employees who received the vaccine
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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 49 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
Several varieties of fish from General Santos City and other fishing towns are sold at the“bagsakan”area of Bankerohan Public Market on Tuesday. Edge Davao
Moody’s Analytics eyes 1.5% G growth for PH economy in Q1
Globe offers ‘up to 5x’ speed boost to ‘loyal’ home clients
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he Philippine economy likely expanded by 1.5 percent in the first three months of 2021, Moody’s Analytics said. This projection is better than the domestic economy’s -8.3 percent output in the last quarter of last year. In a report dated May 7 released Monday, Moody’s Analytics said
“risks to recovery have not mitigated.” “The volatile course of the pandemic continues, with the resurgence of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases in India and stronger
waves in Japan and the Philippines, among others. High transmission risks from newer variants and slow vaccination rollouts, weakened by supply shortages or logistical snags, remain pertinent factors until countries aggressively move towards herd immunity,” it said. Economic managers said 2021 is a recovery year for the Philippines, with the
gross domestic program (GDP) target set between 6.5-7.5 percent. They lean this growth target on optimism on the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program as well as on higher spending for infrastructure spending. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is scheduled to release the first quarter 2021 GDP report on Tuesday. (PNA)
lobe at Home subscribers are entitled to a free permanent speed upgrade of “up to 5 times” their subscriptions, Globe Telecom said Monday. Starting May 10, Globe said “loyal users” can avail of the free upgrade through the Globe at Home app where they can also check eligibility status. “Under this new normal, we are given an opportunity to understand our customers’ needs better and respond with solutions that are powered by care such as providing them with better
connectivity and service experience,” said Globe Vice President and Head of Broadband Business Darius Delgado. The app lets users selfactivate the upgrade while staying at home, the Ayalaled telco said. Globe clarified though that the offer applies only to “loyal” customers and subject to terms and conditions, Globe said. Demand for wireless and fixed broadband soared during the pandemic as millions of Filipinos were forced to work and study from home.
central government rose 47.4% owing partly to the sustained borrowings by the national government. Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 18.1% in March, to reflect the increase in the country’s level of gross international reserves versus the same month last year. The NFA of banks rose at a slower pace than the previous month, even as banks’ foreign liabilities continued to decline on account of lower bills payables. Preliminary data
loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase placements, declined by 4.5% year-on-year. Outstanding loans to residents dropped 3.9% while outstanding loans to non-residents contracted by 20.4%, as credit activity remained tepid on bank’s tighter lending standards given the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer loans to residents likewise dropped 9.9%, on the back of the drop in credit card and motor vehicle loans.
Covid vax plant in PH possible Money supply growth slows in March lending remains weak: BSP to rise in 10 months, says ARTA ashebank growth of the Phil- as net claims on the showed that outstanding
A
s the government is putting up a green lane for manufacturers of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said this initiative will help pharmaceutical firms to set up a production facility in 10 months. ARTA, along with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Science and Technology, and National Task Force Against
Covid-19, will be releasing a joint memorandum circular (JMC) for the establishment of a green lane for vaccine manufacturers. The JMC is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement to facilitate and streamline processes in setting up of vaccine manufacturing here for the country to have its local Covid-19 vaccine supply. “(T)he Joint Memorandum Circular for the green lane is already there and very soon, we will be rolling this out. The
idea is to have a one-stop shop and have everything finished in seven to 20 days, all of the applications from the LGUs (local government units) to the different government agencies,” ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said in a statement Monday. In a meeting with Duterte last month, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency has at least four Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing leads. Lopez said these companies were
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ippine money supply slowed in March as bank lending for the month remained weak, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Monday. Central bank data indicated that domestic liquidity (M3) -- the broadest measure of money within an economy -- grew 8.3% year-onyear to P14.150 trillion in March. This is slower than the 9.4% expansion recorded in February when liquidity came in at P13.969 trillion. Domestic claims for the month grew 5.6%,
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VOL.14 ISSUE 49 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
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Cargo vessel carrying container vans docks at Sasa Port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City. Moody’s Analytics said Philippine economy likely expanded by 1.5 percent in the first three months of 2021. Edge Davao
PH backs global call for equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines FDI inflows down T 2.2% in February
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oreign direct investments’ (FDI) net inflows retreated in February as overseas investors put in less money into the local equities market, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Monday. Data released by the central bank showed that the FDI net inflows fell 2.2% to $608 million in February from $621 million the same month last year. The decline came
mainly from the 88.3% decline in non-residents’ net investments in equity capital to $20 million in February from $175 million the same month last year. Equity capital placements for the month declined by 62.1% to $89 million, and withdrawals rose by 13.6% to $69 million. These placements
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PayMaya offers cashback for bills payments this May
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ayMaya will give more refunds to consumers who use the mobile wallet to pay for their bills this month, the company said on Monday. PayMaya said users who settle two bills worth at least P1,500 each will automatically get a P50 cashback. “Meanwhile, those paying their bill via PayMaya for the first time will be rewarded with a P100 cashback for a
minimum spend of P1,000,” the company said. “If they pay for a credit card, loan, or insurance bill for the first time, they will also get an additional P50 cashback voucher, for a total of P150 reward!” PayMaya added. The PLDT-backed mobile wallet said the app can now be used to settle payments at over 550 billers. This includes utilities
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he Philippines has renewed its call for the just and equitable distribution of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines to ensure the access of lower-income and developing countries to these life-saving medical interventions amid the prolonged pandemic.
Represented by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the Philippines said in its Country Statement at the recent 54th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that the Covid-19 pandemic “did not only widen the inequalities within societies
but amplified the disparities between countries” as shown by the uneven allocation of the vaccines in favor of developed economies. Dominguez said developed economies were not only able to provide higher levels of financial
support to their people as stimulus measures, but were also able to undertake their mass inoculations at a faster pace than the developing countries because of their vast financial resources. “It is only through the just and equitable distribution of vaccines can the world achieve a safer recovery from this pandemic. The Philippines, therefore, supports the strong call for developed countries, multilateral institutions, and global organizations to join forces in ensuring the accessibility of these life-saving doses to lower-income economies,”
said Dominguez, the governor for the Philippines in the ADB Board. Dominguez said that after the mass inoculations against Covid-19, the ADB will play a critical role “in the herculean task of ensuring the sustainable and resilient recovery of developing economies” and must effectively assist them to bounce back as fast as the high-income and developed countries. Moreover, the ADB should help membercountries harness the potentials of the digital economy to enhance
accept online applications for the P5,000 financial assistance for the tourism sector under CAMP starting 5 p.m. on May 10, 2021. “The Department has reached the target beneficiaries and is currently evaluating and processing payment of the remaining applications,” Bello said in Labor Advisory 10 dated May 5, 2021.
CAMP seeks to provide one-time financial support to affected workers in the formal sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DOLE partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to provide financial assistance to displaced workers in the tourism industry. Among those qualified for the financial assistance
are displaced workers in DOT-accredited primary and secondary tourism enterprises, qualified community-based tourism organizations (CBTO), and tour guides. According to the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), nearly 10 million Filipinos were laid off from March 2020 to March 2021.
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DOLE to stop accepting applications for P5,000 assistance for tourism workers
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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will stop accepting applications for the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) for the tourism sector, as the number of target beneficiaries has been reached. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the department will no longer
6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 49 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
In dealing with health protocol violators to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 contagion: The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Go said, have already agreed along with his office to provide free masks to the detainees who have violated health protocols. We agreed that when they got arrested by the police and before putting in a cell to be lectures, lectured, they should be given first a face mask as they might not have the means to buy a face mask. I pity them. They may get infected inside the cell.”
SENATOR BONG GO
EDITORIAL Alarming Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said that the number of Covid-19 cases over the week indicate that Davao City is in a pre-surge situation. The mayor, the city’s chief executive and our leader, made the latest presentation of Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting chief of the City Health Office (CHO), as basis for her statement during her special program over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on 87.5 FM station.
As of May 9 (Sunday), according to Dr. Lopez’ report, Davao City had 513 active Covid-19 cases, much higher than the average 350 active cases in the previous weeks. Data of the Department of Health, also indicated that Davao topped the number of new cases of all Region 11 areas in a single day for five straight days. According to strict surveillance system initiated by the lady mayor herself, it appears that there has been an outbreak of cases in offices and establishments during the period in review.
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us.
We should do something about this if we know what is good for
It behooves upon all Dabawenyos who care about their health and safety and that of their loved ones to do their share in strictly following the health protocols proven effective in dodging infection with Covid 19.
With utmost urgency, every Dabawenyos should wash their hands frequently, wear face mask and face shield, practice social distancing at all times and avoid going to crowded places. Those who understand, especially those who lost a love one to the virus, realize this to be a matter of life and death. 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 ANA MARIE G. SILPAO 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
While it has only been described by Dr. Lopez as “pre-surge”, the situation is nevertheless admittedly “alarming.”
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 49 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
VANTAGE POINTS
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DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE
THE SINKING OF BOHOL DURING THE FIESTA MONTH OF MAY If not for the pandemic, Bohol should have been sinking this month. It is jokingly said Bohol is “sinking” during May because the population of the island during this month is multiplied twice, thrice, or even four times. Known as a reverse exodus or “balikbarrios”, once the first of May strikes, people from abroad, from Manila , and even nearby provinces begin flocking back to their small barrios of Bohol. It was fiesta time twenty five years ago, or May 1996, when I first visited my family’s hometown in Matabao, Tubigon in Bohol . Like in other Philippine provinces, a fiesta is a hallmark of Bohol. The word fiesta is a Spanish term for festivity to honor their patron saints, a telltale sign that the celebration was heavily influenced by the Spaniards as a Catholic country. Date of fiestas in Bohol vary from town to town yet most of the feast days fall on the month of May, earning it the name the “Fiesta Month”. Characterized by an abundance of food and merriment,
not a single day will pass without a fiesta somewhere on the island. Visitors can enjoy the month-long revelry by hopping from town to town and to the barangays and participate in religious processions, live brass bands, street dancing and fireworks. It is time of the year when old folks seem to have mastered the art of putting out most of their earnings for the year. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa Ginoo kay sa panahon sa pista nagkakita ang tanan mga kaigsoonan ug kaparetehan,” elders will say in the Visayan vernacular, meaning that they are thankful to God that close family ties remain in the island of Bohol as each town still has its way of attracting people to go home to celebrate the fiesta season. There are some who say that the bigger number of balikbarrios is considered as an indication that more are becoming well-off. The larger the arrival means that more have been able to save money for their vacation. Joining the procession in
honor of the barrio’s patron saint is to fulfill their promise of thanking him for bringing them back to where they really came from. For three consecutive nights, the plaza is usually converted into an entertainment area primarily aimed to raise funds for development projects. In 1996, I witnessed one evening where middle-aged women hold plastic cups for the ap dance, a ballroom dancing event wherein the woman who accumulates the largest amount of money in her cup from those eager to dance will be declared the “queen of the night.” Fiesta proper is a whole day of house-hopping for eating, drinking, and dancing the ap in each residence as rice cakes, kinilaw na pusit and fish, ube and many local delicacies are laid on the table. Every home becomes an “open house” for everyone as there is no need for an invitation. One can just grab his plate and join the guests. A day after the celebration, the balikbarrios normally proceed to explore the more excit-
ing side of Bohol. The Gorecho clan is blessed to hail from a province known for its famous icons – Chocolate Hills, the amusing tarsiers, the amazing beaches of Panglao island, the sumptuous lunch along Loboc River and the dolphins of Balicasag, Pamalican and Cabilao islands. The province prides itself of its beach resorts, a brochure even stressed that “all of them are gorgeous.” It has 151 kilometers of coastline skimmed by lovely coves and clean white sand beaches. With an aggregate land area of 4,117.3 square kilometers, the terrain of Bohol is rolling and hilly as the island’s interior is generally flat although it is dotted by 1,268 mounds of the same shape – popularly known as the Chocolate Hills – throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan. My surname is “GORECHO”, a clan that originated from Barrio Matabao in Tubigon, Bohol. However, I was not born nor raised in the province. A surname that is not found in the Claveria Decree (Catalogo Alfabetico de Apellidos) when
“Indios” were forced to change the surnames during the Spanish era as a means of population control, or a zoning scheme to determine your place of origin. It is perhaps a Spanish surname from the rebel tribe moors of Galicia, Spain. I am currently doing an extensive research on the Gorecho family tree. At present, I already traced eight generations that originated from the matrimonial bondage of Isidro Gorecho and Tomasa Cristobal. It’s interesting to note that surnames seems to re-appear in other lines signifying intermarriage between not-so distant relatives, a typical occurrence in the provincial set-up. The pandemic may have muted the pageantry, but Boholanos are hoping that the island will sink again next year. Kule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of UP Diliman. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786
ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD
LT. COL. CLARO LAURETA, WAR HERO A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Lt. Col. Claro Laureta of the Philippine Army is the most significant guerrilla commander to earn fame during World War II in Davao region. He did not only hasten the downfall of the Japanese juggernaut, he engaged the enemy forces despite leading an ill-equipped, almost ragtag guerrilla contingent. Using leadership and combat skills learned at the academy, Lt. Col, Laureta, months after Davao was dragged into the war, fled to the northern hills, a dense jungle some thirty kilometers from Davao and secured civilians who had evacuated from the Panabo, Carmen, and Tagum areas to avoid enemy abuses. When Bataan fell, feelers were sent for his surrender, but he steadfastly turned down the offer. By May 1942, roughly 2,000 refugees were gathered to fight the invading Japanese forces. The refugee community served as security and was the link to their relatives who
acted as spies for the evolving guerrilla movement. They warned Lt. Col. Laureta of impending Japanese operations. To enforce law and order in the community, a 30-man rifle company composed chiefly of policemen, expanded by the enlistment of peasant refugees as spies and riflemen, was put in place. Michael Anthony Balis, in ‘The American Influence on the Mindanao Resistance during the Second World War’ (1990), summarized Lt. Col. Laureta’s efforts to secure the refugees: [Lt. Col. Laureta] used a series of outposts on every trail that led to the Japanese garrison which passed him information on the direction and location of enemy patrols tat searched for guerrillas. This system made the Japanese easy to intercept and ambush they reached the refugees. Lauretta’s (sic) men treated strangers as if they were spies unless they quickly proved otherwise. His men enhanced security when they restricted farming to areas
nearby so that nobody could be captured and give away the guerrilla locations. It was in early 1943 that Lt. Col. Laureta’s exploits as guerrilla leader reached Col. Wendell Fertig, organizer of the United States Forces in the Philippines (USFIP) and later commanding officer of the 10th Military District – Mindanao, who promptly sent him a telegram in April 1943, encouraging him to link with his group. Heartened by the prospect of having a powerful ally in the fight to bring down the Japanese invaders, Lt. Col. Laureta, who was a pro-American officer who went on to become commander of the 107th Division replacing Col. Clyde Childress, agreed to place his guerrilla forces under Lt. Col. Ernest McClish with headquarters in Butuan. Lt. Col. Laureta, who carried the rank of captain while in Army service, also figured in securing the safety of a band of U.S. soldiers who fled the
heavily garrisoned Davao Penal Colony. The escapees, including two Filipino prisoners who acted as guides, were presented to the guerrilla leader who told the prisoners of war to negotiate the interior region going north where there was a strong presence of Americans closely working with the guerrillas. To assist the POWs, the colonel supplied them with over thirty porters and armed guards. Peter Duffy, in historynet.com, wrote about this episode: For the trip north, Laureta provided the Americans with more than 30 porters and armed guards. They traveled by dugout canoes at first, then by foot over mountain ranges that at times punched through clouds. In early May [1943], about a month after their escape, they reached the coast and found American forces in the town of Medina [Misamis Oriental]. [U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Melvyn] McCoy and [Coast Artillery Corps Major S.M.] Mellnick
traveled another 100 miles to a bigger American outpost, hoping to secure transportation to Australia for all 10 men. [Air Force Lieutenant Colonel William E.] Dyess soon followed, and the three were picked up by a U.S. mini-submarine. News of the arrival of the Americans in Davao area in the second week of April 1945 provided the brightest note in the campaign to repulse enemy incursions. Lt. Col. Laureta, to prevent the Japanese from escaping to freed and unoccupied Davao territories, ordered the repulse of around 2,000 enemy troops entrenched at a road junction near Ising bridge, where the last Japanese resistance was crashed, and the enemy intrusion squashed. Although the Battle of Ising is immortalized by the obelisk erected to commemorate the feat, Lt. Col. Laureta, a recipient of Military Merit Medal and promoted to full-fledged colonel, deserves to be honored singularly with a monument for his heroism.
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EDGEDAVAO
LIFESTYLE
MIRABAI SEBASTIAN BRINGS VEGAN BREAKFAST RECIPES TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN the time of lockdowns and home confinement, families found comfort in kitchen routines and gravitated towards healthier options. Studies show an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as the health crisis prompted people to add more nutrients to their diet to support and boost the immune system.
If you’re on the same path or simply interested to add variety to your menu, you can get ideas from the Breakfast Person Vegan Recipe eBook by 28-year-old independent creator, Mirabai Sebastian. This multifaceted Filipina has been in the business of recipe development for some time now and she recently launched a colorful roundup of healthy and flavorful varieties that even kids and non-vegans will love. Featuring a total of 70 recipes, including mixes, spreads and drinks, her eBook clues you in on delicious possibilities and ways you can get your daily dose of essential nutrients. COOKING FROM SCRATCH Mirabai, or Bai for short, aims to inspire your kitchen curiosities. “Everything in my eBook is very simple and easy to make, because I believe food should be easy to prepare.” She understands how it feels to tackle kitchen challenges without much culinary prowess, which is why she chose to focus on wholesome and hasslefree recipes. You see, Mirabai only got into cooking and creating recipes when she decided to go vegan in the middle of college. Prior to that, her kitchen expe-
rience only involved steaming vegetables and cooking rice. “I’ve always loved food and eating, but going vegan was a complete shift. I eventually learned how to prepare my food and discovered how fun and exciting it is to cook, as it introduced me to a whole new world of ingredients. There’s a certain magic that comes with making your own meal from scratch.” CULINARY INTUITION Asked about her culinary intuition, she says she first gets her inspiration from photos on Pinterest. “Then, I head to the kitchen to experiment and figure out
ALL-TIME FAVORITES The Breakfast Person features a lot of Mirabai’s personal staples, which are anything but boring. According to her, they went through series of taste tests and were even reviewed and approved by kids. “I received many praises from my friend’s children,” she beams. From the eBook’s cover to its inside pages, you will find mouth-watering visuals—all beautifully styled and photographed by the author herself. Based on what I’ve seen so far, the photos will have you craving for a taste of her breads (the double chocolate oat loaf is a must-try), vegan cheeses, pancakes, waffles, smoothies, savory porridges, vegan omelet, pancake burgers and more. You’re definitely in for an adventure of gastronomic proportions, as these recipes are not only limited to breakfast indulgences. They can be enjoyed any time of the day, to satisfy any kind of craving.
what will work according to my preference.” She also makes do of what is available and accessible. “I prefer fruits and vegetables that are in season because they always taste better and they are easy on the pocket. Most of my recipes use
basic ingredients, with a few exceptions like nutritional yeast and miso paste which you can purchase from local specialty outlets or online shops. The rest of the main ingredients are items you can find at the grocery store.”
DOWNLOAD OPTIONS The Breakfast Person Vegan Recipe eBook is available in horizontal and vertical formats, plus a version that includes macros and calorie count. You can purchase the eBook at https://www.mirabaisebastian.com/ebooks and settle the payment via PayPal. You may also order or inquire through mirabaisebastian@gmail. com or send a message to @ Mirabaiii on Instagram. Thank you to Mirabaii for sharing her wonderful photos.
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AGRITRENDS
9
WHY FILIPINO FARMERS SHOULD PLANT MORE PILI By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
P
ili (known in the science world as Canarium ovatum) is an indigenous tree in the Philippines. But despite this fact, pili is completely unknown among Filipinos. Second to cashew in importance as a source of nut, it has the potential of becoming a major export crop. Although pili is also grown in other tropical countries of Asia like Malaysia and Indonesia, only the Philippines produces and processes pili nuts commercially. In 1977, the country exported approximately 3.8 tons of pili preparation to Guam and Australia. Today, however, the largest buyers of pili nuts are people from Hong Kong and Taiwan as the nut is one of the major ingredients in the famous Chinese festive dessert known as the “moon cake.” Unknowingly, there is no commercial planting of this crop in the Philippines and fruits are collected from natural stands in the mountains near those so-called “production centers” like Bicol (particularly Sorsogon, Albay, and Camarines Sur), Southern Tagalog, and Eastern Visayas. Pili is grown mostly for its most important product -- the kernel. Nutritionally, it is high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium and rich in fats and protein. When raw, the nut resembles the flavor of roasted pumpkin
seed, and when roasted, its mild, nutty flavor and tender-crispy texture is superior to that of the almond. It is extensively used in the confectionery industry. Pili contains approximately 23 percent oil. The oil extracted from the kernel and husk produce a superior salad and cooking oil (which is superior to coconut oil in taste). It can be used as base oil for bath soaps, shampoos, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. As for the stony shell, it could be developed to produce activated carbon, charcoal briquettes and as porous, inert growth medium for orchids, anthuriums and other ornamentals. The young shoots and the fruit pulp of pili are edible. The shoots are used in salads, and the pulp is eaten after it is boiled and seasoned. Boiled pili pulp resembles sweet potato in texture; it is considered to have food value similar to avocado. But there’s more to pili than all these. The Botany
Department of University of Hawaii describes pili as “a majestic tree” which is ideal for lining avenues, subdivisions, and golf courses. As it is an evergreen tree with evenly spreading branches, pili is an excellent shade tree with an immediate aesthetic value. Unlike deciduous trees, pili does not shed its leaves, making its undergrowth clean and shady year-round. (Pili is also an excellent shade tree for abaca, coffee, cacao, and other shade-loving crops.) Pili is also a good reforestation tree. It is resistant to typhoons and most pests. This hardy tree can grow in marginal lands, steep hillsides and even under coconuts. However, it grows best in sandy loam soil rich in organic matter and volcanic soil, especially in areas where rainfall is almost evenly distributed throughout the year. As timber, the wood is characterized by fine striated grains making it very ideal for the manufacture of high quality furniture, wall panels, carved doors, and other wooden products. The rootstock could also be utilized for wood carvings and tool handles. The branches make excellent firewood when dry. The trunk produces a resinous substance commercially known as “Manila elemi,” a valuable material in the preparation of varnishes and lacquers. Studies have shown that the average pili tree starts bearing fruits six or
seven years after planting. But given proper care and fertilization, a tree would start bearing after four or five years. A five-year old tree yields 1,000 to 2,000 nuts per year. The older the tree is, the more fruit it bears. Now, are you ready to plant pili in your farm? Here are some tips from the Department of Agriculture: Propagation. Generally, it is propagated by seeds. Seeds for planting should be selected from newly harvested fruits. Seeds with fermented or decayed pulp should be avoided. However, asexual methods of propagation such as cleft grafting and inarching are preferred for cultivating high yielding mother trees. Grafting is usually done in November to February. The success rate range between 50 to 80 percent, depending on the physiological state of mother trees and the propagator’s skill. Nursery management. A fairly level area is selected for the seedbed. Plots – one meters wide of any length even up to five meters – are prepared. The soil is pulverized and leveled. Compost or saw dust may be incorporated with the soil. The seeds are sown in parallel lines spaced about 2-3 inches apart. The seeds are planted vertically upwards with the tapered end at the top. Watering is employed whenever necessary. The seedlings are transplanted in plastic bags (5 x 7 centimeters) con-
sisting of two parts garden soil and one part compost or coir dust. The seedbed is watered before the seedlings are pulled singly. Pulling should be aided by a wedge to prevent injury to the root system. Seedlings are ready for transplanting as soon as the pair of leaves with the cotyledon is developed. This occurs from 30-45 days after seed sowing. Land preparation. The land is plowed and harrowed once. If planting under coconut trees, the rows are cleared by removing tree stumps. Stakes are placed to make planting of either 10 meters x 10 meters or 12 meters x 12 meters. Holes approximately six inches deep and 6 centimeters wide are prepared for planting seedlings. Planting. Only seedlings with a stem diameter of about pencil size are planted. Two seedlings are planted 30 to 40 centimeters apart per hill. Other seedlings are removed when trees start to bear; only female trees must be left. A few male trees are only retained as sources of pollen. Fertilization. About 100-150 grams of nitrogen fertilizer per hill are applied at least twice a year after ring weeding and within the first three years after planting. Complete fertilizer (1414-14) is applied from the fourth year onward. If possible, organic fertilizer may also be applied. Intercropping. In
open-upland orchards, intercropping with cash crops like upland rice, corn, mung bean, peanut, yellow squash, or tomato may be done while the pili is still young. This will ensure clean culture, while giving the farmer some income to help maintenance expenses. After the fifth year, a perennial intercrop like coffee, cacao, black pepper or pineapple may be planted as companion crops. Harvesting. Matured nuts (when fruits turn green to dark purple) are harvested by priming. This is usually done from May to October. However, some pili fruits do not develop at the same time. The leftovers after the harvest season mature at different stages. Flower initiation on the different terminal buds occur at different periods so that the late ones are harvested outside the harvest season. Most pili kernels tend to stick to the shell when fresh, but come off easily after being dried to 3-5 percent moisture. Shelled nuts, with a moisture content of 2.5 to 4.6 percent, can be stored in the shade for one year without deterioration of quality. According to Richard A. Hamilton, a macadamia breeder from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the current status of the pili is equivalent to that of the macadamia some 30 years ago. As such, pili has great potential to develop into a major industry.
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ALARMED ... FROMP2
an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified community quarantine (MECQ) since it is the national government, particularly the InterAgency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases that makes the decision. “Ginaingon nato sa tanan we do not want an ECQ or an MECQ but if we continue to kanang dili strikto sa atong public minimum health standards, sa pagfollow non-pharmaceutical interventions nato, then we will really have a surge of these cases diri sa atong city. And usually ang ECQ og ang MECQ naay measure kung kanus-a na iimplement,” she said. She assured that the city will continue to manage, stop, or push down the increasing number of Covid-19 cases to prevent
an ECQ or an MECQ classification. “We are all in agreement, I do not think there is one person diri here sa atong syudad na gusto mag-ECQ or MECQ. Dili nato gusto buhaton na, that’s the same message gihatag nato last week. Ginaingon nato nagantos ta, nagaantos tang tanan. Dili nato pasagadan atong paghago og pag-antos mahulog lang sa wala kay mudaghan atong mga kaso. Panigurohon nato nga ang pag-antos nato, ang lisod na giagian nato, dili mudaghan ang mga kaso,” the mayor said. Out of the 60 Covid-19 cases recorded on May 8, 2021, Buhangin topped the list with the most number of cases having had 12, followed by Talomo South with nine, Talomo Central 7, Talomo North 6, Bunawan 5, Agdao 4, and Sasa 4.
their sought-after changes. The DCPO director said the anti-insurgency efforts of the regional police through RevitalizedPolice Sa Barangay (RPSB) is a breakthrough of the government's Executive Order (E.O.) 70 creating the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC ). “This is the outturn of the RPSB Program of our Regional Director, Police Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, that persuaded these rebels to surrender,” he said Kraft said that the presence of its police officers in the mountains reaching out to the communities,
providing opportunities to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to improve their lives have opened the eyes of rebels to the deceptive ideologies of the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPP-NPA) and decided to return to the folds of the law. He said DCPO together with the military is committed to remain enthusiastic in the conduct of security operations in consonance with the government thrust and pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte to finish-off the communist terrorists and other threat groups to pave the way for lasting peace and development in our city.
(We have instructed them and most of our district health offices have complied with their swabbing corner. We aim to empower all our district health offices for them to be able to conduct their own swab testing in their respective district health centers),” Duterte said. The city government has been relentless in its testing activities to detect more positive cases and stem the
further transmission of the coronavirus in the city. Meanwhile, the city government has extended its drive-thru swab testing for public utility vehicle drivers and delivery services drivers at the Crocodile Park until May 11, Tuesday, while eyeing additional swabbing sites in the downtown area to accommodate more individuals and decongest the main swab center in Sta. Ana. CIO
said in the agency’s radio program “Ani at Kita Teleradyo”. Theofficialsaidhundreds of residents benefited from the community pantries in Koronadal and Kidapawan, which offered food supplies such as rice, vegetables, eggs, fruits, dressed chicken, fish and other basic goods for free. These were gathered through the initiative of DA-12’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division and the Farmers Cooperatives and
Associations in the region. He said the agency also purchased some produce, among them vegetables and fruits, from local farmers and fisherfolk. Mangelen cited a group of farmers in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat that produced top-quality squash and other highvalue crops. “Rest assured that we are serious with our mandate to ensure the availability and accessibility of food supplies to our people,” he added. (PNA)
“Going forward, the BSP will continue to keep its monetary policy stance supportive of the government’s initiatives to address the pandemic,” the BSP said in a statement.
“The BSP stands ready to take appropriate measures as needed to ensure ample liquidity and credit in the financial system, consistent with its price and financial stability objectives,” it said.
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for displaced trainers. Lourdes M. Mission, chairperson of MinTVET, in an interview affirmed that there are a number of TVIs that are closing down because TESDA is doing what these private TVIs are doing and also has its own schools and assessment centers that operate like private schools and give scholarship vouchers for training assessments. The group is appealing to the President to take immediate action and prevent the further closure and death of private TVET institutions, which significantly contributed to skills training and development for the workforce and consequently in the employment of graduates. The group also appeals to call the attention of TESDA to review and correct the procedures in the payment of training costs under the scholarship program to allow submission of billing
statements upon start of training and to play training and assessment costs to private institutions on time or within responsible time. The group also recommended to the President for the replacement of Lapeña for being inconsiderate to private institutions for consistently providing an unhealthy environment for the private sector to thrive well and repeatedly violating the provision on complementary roles in education and training between public and private as emphasized under TESDA Act. “Lahat naman po galing ang order sa kanya (Lapeña), and he is slowly killing the private technical institutions. Because of those issues na wala naman siyang action to help us kaya napilitan kami to request for his replacement na baka naman ang director general na pipiliin sa susunod ay may puso sa private TVIs,” said Mission.
in contributing to the desire of the government to help the communist terrorist groups who are willing to turn their back on the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) made possible through R-PSB’s projects. He said the continuous surrender of the group across Davao Region proved that the effort of the regional police in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) is successful. “It also reflects that the
R-PSB program of PRO 11 is indeed doing its job in slowly putting an end to the insurgency by delivering the government services to the people even in the farthest barangays of the region,” Escobal added. The R-PSB program that has been initiated by Escobal since October 2019 is now being recognized by PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar as a strategic program to eradicate the remnants of communist terrorists.
ages for this and seniors sa pag study sa ilaha kung unsa ang among buhaton basta ang importante naa’y clearance. Naa man ta 5 stations and they have to be cleared at the 3rd station kay mao man na ang screening. Kung dili sila makapasar ma-defer sila,” Audan said. As of this writing, none of the senior citizen NGA employees was deferred. Meanwhile, the city government of Davao also
conducted a scheduled vaccination activity for the senior citizens at SM Lanang Premier and Matina Aplaya Elementary School. Davao City Health Office (CHO) acting head Dr. Ashley Lopez said these senior citizens received Sinovac vaccine also. He also said the list of the vaccinees will be based on the registration from the District Health Centers. By Maya M. Padillo
requesting the government to facilitate their potential investments by accelerating the processing of permits. These companies include United Laboratories, Glovax, IG/IP Biotech, and Dr. Zen Biotech, Inc. “With this (JMC), ARTA estimates vaccine manufacturing plants to be put up in 10 months once all conditions are met,” ARTA said. Belgica added at least two companies are “almost ready” for their fill-andfinish vaccine facility here. “They would import it
(vaccines) in bulk and they would fill-and-finish it in this manufacturing plant,” he said. Meanwhile, the ARTA chief said his office is looking into reports that some interested vaccine manufacturers have experienced extortions. “Those types of reports are one of the things that we are here for,” he said. “(F)or the questions asking for grease money or lagay… please, we’re very much interested to know more about this and pursue an investigation,” Belgica said. (PNA)
like water and electricity, to insurance, loans, credit cards, schools, real estate, healthcare, and government services. Users can also use the app to donate to charity
“allowing Filipinos to perform digital bayanihan with just a few taps on their smartphones.” PayMaya said over 35 million Filipinos currently use the app.
3 MORE... FROMP3
SENIOR... FROMP3
COVID... FROMP4
PAYMAYA... FROMP5
BUBBLE... FROM P12
during the team’s first week of training as he was still in the process of completing health and safety protocols when the national squad decided to break camp for the moment as it processes the necessary documents needed for travel to Austria, site of the May 26 to 30 qualifier. But head coach Ronnie Magsanoc said the team will return to training in full force for the final phase of its preparation before leaving for Central Europe. “Right now there has been an agreement with the roster that we’ll continue our Zoom workouts, but we also instructed them to find a playing court where they could practice individually,” said Magsanoc, also a deputy coach at Meralco. “What’s important is to stay in shape and be ready for the elite competition come the OQT.” Despite the absence of Pasaol, training camp went smoothly as Magsanoc said the quintet of regulars Mo Tautuaa, CJ Perez, and Joshua Munzon, along with alternates Leonard Santillan and Karl Dehesa have all been
locked in. The team trained twice daily in the one week they stayed at Inspire Academy. “With their commitment and sacrifice, I can say that the players are really all-in,” said Magsanoc. “The SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) did its part to provide us with everything we needed including a safe training environment in the bubble and the team did its best to maximize the great opportunity to train and be together. Magsanoc admits the first few practices were tough due to the conditioning of the players, but the level has since picked up considerably. “They’ve been off the court for the past six weeks because of the community quarantine so we had to be patient until they got their legs underneath them. But so far, we like what we see and we’ll take what we can get,” said the 3x3 national coach. “The launchpad that this team will have is the effort and commitment they will show not just in the training bubble, but hopefully until our next workouts.”
to avoid the play-in round of the postseason. He appeared to injure the wrist during Boston’s 119115 loss to Oklahoma City on April 27, but said afterward he was “fine.” It was one of the best games of the season for Brown, who finished with 39 points, 11 rebounds and four steals. Brown logged 113 minutes over the Celtics’ next three games, averaging 24
points. He is averaging 24.7 points, six rebounds and 3.4 assists in 58 games this season. The points and assists are career highs. Celtics second-year guard Romeo Langford tore the same ligament prior to training camp in September. He was sidelined for six months, missed Boston’s first 49 games and didn’t make his season debut until last month.
on,” Hongo said. “There are only great expectations for his further growth.” Team Manager Hideki Higashi also expressed bullishness on what Ravena will continue to contribute to the team. “I am confident that his aggressive play will tear the opponent team apart and continue to accumu-
late points, leading the team to victory. The San-en Neo-Phoenix, along with Thirdy, will impress not only his native people but also the Filipinos living in the San-en area, and will aim to become a champion with him,” Higashi said. The B. League is a professional men’s basketball league in Japan. (PNA)
trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthen health care systems, boost social safety nets, and deepen financial markets through green and sustainable finance, he said. “We particularly stand at a new period in human history dominated by information technology and artificial intelligence. At the Asian Development Bank annual meeting in May 2018, I called on the bank to increase its focus and expertise on this area. I also
suggested that the bank seek advice on this modernization effort from senior digital technology professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. There is no better time than now to vigorously pursue this initiative,” he added. Dominguez said that with developing countries having to work ceaselessly to return to their pre-Covid levels of growth and equity, they would need intensified assistance from multilateral financial institutions like the ADB for them to do so.
came mainly from Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Singapore. These were then invested mainly in manufacturing; real estate; wholesale and retail trade; financial and insurance; and electricity, gas,
steam, and air-conditioning supply industries. Non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments rose 36.1% to $515 million from $378 million, while reinvestment of earnings grew 6.1% to $72 million from $68 million.
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VOL.14 ISSUE 49 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
SPORTS 11
Cris Nievarez became the first Filipino rower to make it to the Olympics after 21 years and third overall.
Celtics’ Brown out for remainder of season
B
OSTON — Celtics AllStar forward Jaylen Brown will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left wrist. The team said in a statement Monday that Brown learned of the injury to his scapholunate ligament this past weekend and is expected to have surgery later this week. Brown has missed the Celtics’ past three games with a sprained right ankle, which he sustained during a collision with Jayson Tatum late in a 129-119 loss to Portland on May 2.
Boston (35-33) has lost two of three since then and entered Monday seventh in the Eastern Conference with four games left. His injury is the latest blow to a team that was hoping to challenge for the conference title a season after losing to Miami in the conference finals. Boston has struggled to find consistency as several key players have either been injured or spent extended time in the league’s health and safety protocols. Brown’s absence will make it difficult for Boston
FCELTICS’, P10
POC chief calls Nievarez ‘an inspiration’
P
hilippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino hopes that the current and next generation of athletes will draw inspiration from rower Cris Nievarez.
Nievarez became the first Filipino rower to make it to the Olympics after 21 years and third overall. “We’re proud that we have an Olympic rower for the third time -- an inspiration, too, for our athletes
and youth,” Tolentino said on Monday, hours after the Philippine Rowing Association confirmed Nievarez’s qualification. Ed Maerina was the first Filipino rower who competed in the Olympics
er, included the Philippines among the five Asia-Oceania countries that will get Olympic slots through the continental qualification regattas. The qualification was secured due to Japan’s Olympic hosting, India, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam getting spots through the Olympic qualifying event, and Hong Kong and Indonesia taking spots through the world rankings. (PNA)
“It was indeed a tough time for me last season, having to miss a lot of games and not being able to help the team as much as I want. But despite that, it was all love from the NeoPhoenix club and boosters; which was why it wasn’t hard for me to make this decision,” Ravena said. He was limited to only 18 games last season after contracting Covid-19, fracturing his right ring finger, and hurting his knee near the end of the regular season.
The six-foot-three guard, however, had decent numbers of 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Kenjiro Hongo, NeoPhoenix’s president, sees Ravena as a future cornerstone of the franchise being the first player in B.League history to be signed through the Asian player quota. “Ravena will continue to build a new culture with a team centered on him and strive to become a champi-
Ravena signs fresh contract with San-En NeoPhoenix
T Thirdy Ravena slams it home.
in 1988 Seoul Games followed by Benjie Tolentino in the 2000 Sydney edition. Nievarez is an example of not giving up on his Olympic dreams, the POC chief said. He finished fifth overall in the men’s singles sculls category during the Olympic qualifiers in Tokyo last week and ninth overall in the qualification system. World Rowing, howev-
he San-En NeoPhoenix announced on Monday that Filipino basketball star Thirdy Ravena has signed a fresh multi-year contract with them, assuring that the Filipino swingman will remain with the B.League team for a foreseeable future. Barring another roadblock, Ravena looks to redeem himself after his rookie season with SanEn was marred by injuries and even the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) scare.
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Dabawenyo cager Alvin Pasaol gets swabbed.
BUBBLE BOYS
Pasaol ready to rejoin Gilas 3x3 team in bubble
D
abawenyo cager Alvin Pasaol is set to rejoin his teammates in the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 men’s team once it re-enters the Inspire Sports Academy for its bubble training in the coming Tokyo Olympic Qualification Tournament.
The sweet-shooting rookie forward of Meralco was reported to have failed to show up in Calamba, Laguna
FBUBBLE, P10