Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 59 | Sunday-Monday, May 23-24, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

OBESITY: NOW A LEADING KILLER HEALTH P7 VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

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SPIKE BLAME A member of a rescue unit monitors the water level of Talomo River in Taal, Bangkal, Davao City. The water level of several Davao City’s rivers have reached code red or in critical level after the city experienced a heavy downpour caused by Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) on Friday afternoon. Edge Davao

Banks, BPOs cited for workplace transmission in Davao City

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio leads the blessing and handover of the two-storey building of the Task Force Davao at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) on Thursday. The newly-constructed building serves as a billeting quarter for TF Davao personnel assigned at the DCOTT. CIO

SPIKE BLAME

Wanted drug pusher killed Banks, BPOs cited for workplace A transmission in Davao City By MAYA M. PADILLO

avao City is now facing an increasing number of Covid-19 cases and the main contributor to the spike is workplace transmission. Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), confirmed that transmission of Covid-19 are now happening in various workplaces like banks, BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing), and even government offices. “A number of cases also noticed due to mass and social gatherings,” Lopez said in a text message. Mayor Sara Duterte-

Carpio earlier disclosed that there is clustering of cases in the households and workplaces that contribute to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Davao City. “Klaro na gyud kaayo na pataas na ang atoang cases ug nakit-an pud nato nga increasing ang atoang cases sa mga hospitals ug sa atoang mga Temporary Treatment and Monitoring

Facilities (TTMFs), therefore makita increasing gyud ang atoang trend,” she said. Based on the report as of May 17, 2021, there are 43 cases due to household transmission and 21 outside household transmission wherein 13 cases are from workplace transmission. “Various workplace duna ta’y call centers, schools, government offices, and private offices, sagolsagol siya. Mas taas ang household transmission. Makita nato still ang balay ug opisina ang daghan clustering of cases. Naturally, sa balay wala naman ta’y

distancing and face mask and diri sa office tungod sa nagtapok ang mga tao sa enclosed na opisina or building,” the mayor said. The city has noted an increase of Covid-19 cases in Davao City since the start of this month. Lopez said this is partly brought about by the city’s heightened surveillance and expanded contact tracing. Lopez also said that Dabawenyos’ lack of adherence to the minimum health standard protocols adds to the surging of cases. Meanwhile, based on the

FSPIKE, P6

wanted drug personality was killed in an encounter between government forces, a gang of suspected drug pushers in Barangay Lipao, Datu Paglas,Maguindanao early morning today (May 21). Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Colonel Alaric Delos Santos identified the killedsuspect as Abdulatip Pendaliday alias Grasscutter. Pendaliday has a standing warrant of arrest for violation of Republic Act 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Based on record, Pendaliday was able to elude arrest during a buy-bust operation last February 21, 2020. Delos Santos said the firefight between the suspect and his heavilyarmed companions and a joint military-police and

agents from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) lasted at about three minutes. Recovered in the area were 1/4 gram of suspected shabu, two digital measuring devices, several bullets of different guns, assorted camouflage, ammunition box, and two fragmentary hand grenades. The operatives also seized two anti-tank rocketpropelled grenades, Caliber .38, three Caliber .45, and assorted empty cartridges. “Amid the conduct of combat clearing operation, soldiers of Joint Task Force Central encountered undetermined number of fully armed men in Barangay Lipao, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao at about 5:50 a.m., Friday,” WestMinCom Commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said in a statement.

More guns surrendered to military in NCot Bansalan town targets over 6,500 even more highAccording to Lieutenant in Central Mindanao. Of

powered loosefirearms were handed over to the government forces in a ceremony held at the Barangay Hall of Kabacan, North Cotabato on Thursday (May 20,2021). The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) reported that among the surrendered loose firearms were four Caliber 30 Garand rifles, two Caliber 30 M1 Carbines, and one M16 Baby Armalite.

General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of WestMinCom, the firearms were surrendered by the officials of seven barangays in Kabacan. He said this is the result of the concerted effort of the local government units and the security sector in the province. From January 2021 up to present, a total of 39 firearms have already been turned over to the military

these, 34 are high-powered and five are low-powered firearms. Vinluan urged the residents of the province to help government to make every community free from hostilities and criminalities. “We call on those who are still keeping undocumented firearms to surrender them now as they will be penalized for illegal possession of firearms once

FMORE, P6

senior citizens to be inoculated

ayor Quirina Sarte of the municipality of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, is hoping that most if not all of the 6,760 eligible population of the town’s senior citizens will be vaccinated to be protected against COVID-19. Sarte said that they have been preparing the vaccination flow and

vaccination sites for the A2 priority group expected to be rolled out this week. Once the vaccines will be available, the mayor said that they will need to clusterize the 25 barangays to have one vaccination site per cluster, and will set up the vaccination sites at strategic areas which will be accessed easily by the

vaccinees. The municipal government has tapped the barangay councils and national government agencies like the Department of Education to help in explaining to the senior citizens the importance and advantages of being vaccinated against COVID-19.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

NEWS 3

A motorist ponders whether to risk the drive in deep floodwater at Barrio Obrero in Davao City around 4 p.m. Friday (21 May 2021). Heavy rains hit parts of Mindanao. According to the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, an Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) brought heavy rains in some areas of Toril, Talomo, Paquibato, and Tugbok Districts, and light to moderate rains in some areas of Buhangin and Baguio Districts. Most of the city’s downtown area is also undergoing simultaneous road works. MindaNews photo by YAS D. OCAMPO

DOST 11 to set up wastewater treatment facility in every province of Davao Region IDC 11 tackles major infra projects in Davao Region

he Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) XI convened, through video conferencing, for its 2nd Quarter CY 2021 Regular Meeting on 18 May 2021. In his opening message, IDC XI Chairperson and RDC XI Private Sector Representative (PSR), Arturo M. Milan expressed his optimism on the matters to be discussed and is looking forward on how the completion of major infrastructure projects shall contribute to the attainment of the goals contained in Chapter 19 of the updated Davao Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2017-2022 Midterm update, which is to Accelerate Strategic Infrastructure Development. During said meeting, Engr. Manuel T. Jamonir of Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corporation presented the Updated Feasibility Study of the Sasa Port Modernization Project. The RDC XI has previously endorsed this Project through RDC XI Resolution No. 26, series of 2020. However, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has submitted an

Updated Feasibility Study which reflects a change in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modality which is now Rehabilitate, Operate and Transfer (ROT). The Committee endorsed the Project for RDC XI’s consideration subject to several recommendations which included providing the status of the Right-of-Way (ROW)/Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), as well as, the submission of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the approval from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) Governing Board for the reclamation component of the project, among others. Implementation updates on the major infrastructure projects in the Region were also presented, to wit: the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) Tagum-DavaoDigos Segment from the Project Management Office (PMO) of the Department of Transportation (DoTr), as well as, the Davao City Bypass Road Project (DCBRP) and Samal IslandDavao Connector (SIDC)

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

he regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST 11) is targeting to set up a wastewater treatment facility in every province of Davao Region. The facility will use the Vertical Helophyte Filtration System (VHFS) technology that allows filtration and reuse of wastewater. DOST-11 Regional Director Anthony C. Sales said in a virtual presser that the agency is now working with the different LGUs in the region for the setting up of said facility in their slaughterhouses, public markets, and schools. “Kasi sa ngayon

hindi lahat ng bahay o establishment may proper wastewater treatment facility kaya ang tubig na lumalabas madumi, so nasisira ang ating environment at ang river ay nanaging polluted. With this technology gusto natin tulungan ang ating gobyerno lalonglalo na ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at para matulungan din ang ating

mga negosyante at bahaybahay na makapag-comply with DENR standards on wastewater na bago itapon ay treated na siya at malinis na so that the environment will not negatively impacted,” Sales said. Sales said this wastewater treatment facility is small scale to make it affordable to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “Very customized ito sa ating mga micro and small and medium enterprises. Marami na tayo nito sa Davao and were are spreading it,” Sales said. In Davao City, DOST 11 has set up wastewater

treatment facilities along the Davao River and at the city’s slaughterhouse in Ma-a. Other sites where the treatment facility is being established are poultry farms in Calinan and in Bucana, wherein a communal toilet was built for the community, which is connected to the sanitation embankment. “Sa Bucana kasi gusto natin tulungan ang ating urban poor na magkaroon ng CR na may wastewater treatment at nakapaglagay tayo doon (Bucana) ng isang unit. Napakasaya ng mga taga Bucana alam natin na ang mga kaibigan natin

preparing their beds and facilities for the Covid-19 patients following the warning of the One Hospital Command Center that the city’s ICU beds for Covid-19 patients at SPMC are almost used up. Private hospitals in the city started admitting Covid-19 patients when the city was reverted to general community quarantine (GCQ) in November last year. However, these hospitals

stopped accepting Covid-19 patients last month and reverted SPMC as the sole Covid-19 referral hospital in the city. Last May 4, 2021, Dr. Ricardo Audan, OIC Medical Center Chief of SPMC, disclosed that the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds for Covid-19 patients are at critical level. Dra. Marie Yvette Barez, Infection Control and Prevention Unit chair

of SPMC, recently reported that SPMC’s 35 ICU beds are already full. She added that there are only two private hospitals that opened because other private hospitals don’t have enough staff. Barez also affirmed that cases in Davao City has increased and presumed may be because its summer and people are on vacation or going out. By Maya M. Padillo

FDOST, P6

Private hospitals admitting cases anew; ICU beds at SPMC at critical level

r. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), confirmed that all major private hospitals in Davao City have reopened their Covid/ICU units, as the ICU beds for Covid-19 of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) are now at critical level. Lopez said they sent a memorandum to all city private hospitals to start

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

DOE, ERC back removal of expiration for Joint Congressional Energy Commission

The groundbreaking ceremony for Masandag Tribal Village in Tagum City signifies another Tagumpay to the indigenous people (IP) communities as this event mark the beginning of the IP’s dream to have their own homes.Geneva Pangandoyon/CIO Tagum

Shell sells 45% stake in Malampaya to Uy’s firm

utch petroleum giant Shell Petroleum N.V. is selling its entire stake in the Malampaya gas-to-power facility to Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp. In a statement, Shell said it signed an agreement with Malampaya Energy for the sale of its 100% shareholding in Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX). SPEX holds a 45% operating interest in Service Contract 38 or the Malampaya gas field. The development was confirmed by Malampaya Energy, in a sepa-

rate statement, saying it signed a sale purchase agreement with Shell to acquire SPEX. “The base consideration for the sale is $380 million, with additional payments of up to $80 million between 2022 to 2024 contingent on asset performance and commodity prices,” Shell said. The transaction, which is subject to part-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11 TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,905-21

ZALDY R. GRUMO , married to PERLINA M. GRUMO Mortgagor/s. X-----------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mortgagee against ZALDY R. GRUMO, married to PERLINA M. GRUMO with postal address at LOT 4-C-3-C-9 ,# 77 YAKAL ST., DOÑA PILAR VILLAGE, SASA, Davao City , to satisfy the mortgageindebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounts to P1,054,998.33 Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-110179

A parcel of land( Lot 4-C-3-C-9, Block 11-B, Psd-11-015208,being a portion of Lot 4-C-3c-C, Psd-11-014877 situated in the Barrio of Sasa City of Davao, Island of Mindanao Xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY(150) Square meters ,more or less.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on July 15, 2021 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, May 7, 2021

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court &amp; Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff TERESITA M. CEBALLOS Sheriff IV

ner and regulatory approval, is targeted to be completed by the end of 2021. With the sale of Shell’s Malampaya stake to Malampaya Energy, Uy’s company will now hold 90% control of the gas field in offshore Palawan. Uy’s company bought out Chevron Philippines’ share in the Malampaya Consortium, which had 45% participating interest in SC 38. Before Uy’s planned takeover, the Malampaya Consortium was composed of SPEX, Chevron, and the Philippine Na-

tional Oil Company-Exploration Corporation — which holds 10% interest. “We are tremendously proud of Malampaya Energy for acquiring one of Shell’s most successful natural gas assets in Asia, which of course includes the world-class SPEX team currently operating Malampaya,” Uy said. Malampaya The Malampaya gasto-power facility fuels three gas-fired power plants with a total generating capacity of 2,700 megawatts (MW), providing up to 30% of the power generation needs

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF DAVAO CITY 11TH Judicial Region BRANCH 11

MAVIS JOY I. LANTACA, Petitioner, SP PROC. NO. R-DVO-21-02338-SP -versus-

course, needless to say, that it should continue,” she added. She said the JCEC has been serving as a platform where the stakeholders and the government agencies meet to settle any disputes. “One of the things that we can credit the JCEC is to bring together the agencies and the stakeholders, who otherwise, have no forum to discuss the matter and this, we see, that we are avoiding unnecessary cases filed in court,” she said. “We may not agree with each other, but we agree to agree, and agree to disagree. And maybe the disagreements, these are the things that can be addressed through legislation,” she added. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Energy Committee, filed Senate Bill 2154 which proposes the removal of the expiration period of the JCEC “to allow regular review and if needed, amendments, of the EPIRA” and to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Renewable Energy Act, Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund Act, Anti-Obstruction of Power Uries Act, and Murang Kuryente Act, among others, are fully achieved and implemented. The JCEC, formerly known as the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), was formed on the enactment of the EPIRA Law in 2001. The body was set to exist 10 years after the effectivity of the EPIRA but it was further extended for another 10 years or until June 26, 2021 through Joint Resolution No. 1, Series of 2010 Extending the Period of Existence of the Joint Congressional Power Commission.

Jollibee Foods opens store near Buckingham Palace

CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR’S OFFICE OF DAVAO CITY Respondent x----------------------------------------/

ORDER By this verified petition and for the reason therein stated, he above-named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seeks for an Order of this Court directing the City Civil Registrar’s Office (CCRO) of Davao City, Philippines, to rectify and correct the citizenship of petitioner’s husband from Filipino to U.S. or American Citizen.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance , the same is hereby set for hearing before this court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St. Ecolnd, Matina, Davao City,on June 17, 2021 at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which place, date and time any interested person may appear an show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted. Furnish each with copy of the petition and of this Order the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City for the City of Davao, SO ORDERED

This 3rd day of May, 2021 at Davao City Philippines

he Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday expressed their approval for the bill which would remove the expiration date of the Joint Congressional Energy Commission - an oversight body for the implementation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and other energy-related laws. During the Senate Committee on Energy hearing Friday, the DOE said it would rely on the wisdom of Congress whether to lift the expiration of the JCEC or not. “The Congress knows better when these laws were passed. Congress fully established the objectives on how to attain this. Congress has its timeline and on our part we implement and work on it. Whether we lift this monitoring power it is up to Congress. You know better than us on that,” DOE Assistant Secretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. told the Senate panel. He was pressed by Senator Imee Marcos to provide a categorical answer, noting that the DOE “certainly has a position” on the said bill. “Just by way of record, the DOE poses no opposition to the removal of expiration period recommended by my chairman?” Marcos asked, to which Erguiza answered “yes.” The ERC meanwhile expressed its full support for the removal of the expiration of the JCEC. “We found the role of JCEC as very, very significant because when we are looking for directions… we found some direction and a forum in the JCEC,” ERC Chair Agnes Devanadera said. “That is the reason why we are grateful that JCEC is there and of

NANETTE G. LEMANA Presiding Judge

ollibee Foods Corp on Thursday opened its new flagship store in the United Kingdom located at London West End’s Leicester Square near the London Eye and the Buckingham Palace. British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce congratulated the Philippines’ top restaurant operator on his Twitter account. “Congratulations to @ Jollibee on the opening of your latest restaurant in Flag of United Kingdombring #chickenjoy to Leicester Square!,” Pruce said. Pruce retweeted a video of Jollibee’s open-

ing ceremony which was originally posted by the Department of Trade and Industry’s DTI London Twitter account. In 2020, a Jollibee outlet also opened in Liverpool, UK. The country’s top restaurant operator said it has sold over 3 million pieces of chicken to the British people and is set to achieve 15 million by the end of 2022. JFC plans to open at least 50 stores across Europe by 2025, as part of its efforts to become of the world’s top 5 restaurant operators. JFC operates in 33 countries with over 5,800 stores globally.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

ECONOMY A2

Finance dept. exec cites need to further push for fiscal reforms

Department of Finance (DOF) official has cited the need to further push for fiscal reforms, noting its benefits for the government and the people during the pandemic. In an economic bulletin on Friday, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said “the fiscal reforms adopted by the Duterte administration boosted the tax effort to its highest first-quarter level in history”. “These reforms made the country one of the few emerging economies to maintain investment-grade rating and avoid a credit rating downgrade which would have pushed up interest rates and delayed nascent economic recovery,” he said. He said the pandemic has increased the need for government to hike expenditures given the need to address the impact of the virus-induced crisis. Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) data showed that government spending rose by 19.86 percent year-on-year in the first quarter this year to PHP1.017 trillion. However, revenues by the national government fell by 8.73 percent during the same period to PHP696.5 billion. This resulted in a budget gap of PHP321.5 billion, up 273.11 percent against the PHP86.2 billion deficit in end-March 2020. Amid the drop in revenues, Beltran noted the rise in tax revenues during the same period. Tax revenues jumped by 7.09 percent year-on-year in March this year to PHP190.1 billion while it rose by 0.87 percent year-on-year in the first quarter this year. He attributed the first

quarter results to the 0.18 percent year-on-year rise of Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) collection during the period and the 2.66 percent expansion in collections by the Bureau of Customs (BOC). He said “other taxes which include motor vehicle taxes and forestry charges also rose by 10.8 percent” but “non-tax revenues declined by 50.6 percent as dividend remittances normalized after last year’s huge dividend remittances from GOCCs (government-owned and controlled corporations) as mandated by Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and Treasury income was reduced by lower interest rates.” He said that while revenue effort fell by 1.14 percentage points to 16.03 percent from 17.16 percent in the first quarter of 2020 because of non-recurrent revenues, this was offset by the improvement in tax effort. He said tax effort posted its record-high of 14.41 percent in the first quarter this year after it rose by 0.44 percentage points from 13.96 percent same period last year. “Robust collections from BIR and BOC were boosted by the implementation of tax reforms,” he said. He, thus, stressed the need for the government to “continue to adopt fiscal reforms, particularly tax reforms still pending in Congress, to sustain these fiscal gains.” “Due to fiscal reforms, the country was able to fund the unprecedented fiscal requirements imposed by the pandemic and, at the same time, protect its strong macroeconomic fundamentals,” he added. (PNA)

Imported secondhand bicycles are displayed at an establishment along Dacudao Street in Davao City on Saturday. The bicycles are selling like hot cakes due to their affordable price. Edge Davao

BPO workers’ inclusion in A4 vax list to boost economic recovery

he inclusion of workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the government’s A4 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination priority list will further spur economic recovery, the country’s trade chief said on Friday. In a statement, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez noted that the BPO sector is one of the economic activities that support the economy as its operations remain open despite quarantine lockdowns. “This is helping the economy in its recovery

efforts, in saving jobs, and contribution to dollar revenue generation. That, in turn, is helping solidify further the economic fundamentals of the country and stable credit rating for the country,” Lopez said. The DTI has endorsed the inclusion of BPO

workers in the A4 priority group. “(The) IATF supported the move following justifications that DTI presented on the importance of BPO in the economy, citing huge contribution in export revenues, reaching close to USD30 billion a year, bigger than OFWs’ (overseas Filipino workers’) remittances,” he said. A DTI attached agency, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), has also requested the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases

and restaurants, Diokno said. Individuals holding accounts in the following banks with InstaPay may now use QR Ph in paying for purchases in participating merchants: AllBank (A Thrift Bank) Inc. - Asia United Bank - China Banking Corporation

- Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation - Robinsons Bank - UnionBank - PayMaya “Any of the merchants who have an account with these banks and institutions can have a QR [code],” the BSP chief said. This shift to digital payments is in line with the cen-

tral bank’s goal of promoting financial inclusion especially for small businesses and consumers, allowing them to perform day-to-day transactions without turning to the “usual, more formal form like for example, use of credit cards or cash,” Diokno added. The central bank governor also reiterated this targeted transition is “consistent”

(IATF-EID) to include the sector in the next group to be prioritized for Covid-19 vaccines. Lopez said the BPO sector “didn’t lay off workers and even continued to hire during this pandemic.” The country is one of the biggest BPO players globally, directly employing 1.32 million people and creating four million indirect jobs. “We cannot afford to disrupt its very good momentum, especially in this time of the pandemic,” he added. (PNA)

with their goal to propel the Philippine society towards being “cash-light” from its current “cash-heavy” state. “So for example, you’ll ride a tricycle or ride a jeepney or buy goods from the sari-sari store, you can just choose your QR code,” Diokno said. “Isn’t that a better way of transacting business?”

BSP eyes full operation of national QR code standard by 2nd half of ‘21

n line with its goal to promote digital payments inclusive for businesses and consumers alike, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas aims to widely roll out the national QR code standard in a few months. “We have launched na [already] what is called QR Ph. That will be the standard, and that will be on stream by

second half of the year,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno told CNN Philippines’ The Exchange with Rico Hizon. The central bank launched the person-to-merchant pilot of QR Ph just this April, with consumers able to use their respective codes in buying goods from establishments such as department stores, pharmacies,

Department of Environment and Natural Resources conducts the Environmental Awards for Governance and Leadership Excellence (EAGLE) Phase 2 Virtual Leadership Evaluation of MGB Regional Office no. XI (MGB-ROXI) Regional Director Atty. Jasper Alberto H. Lascano being one of the top five (5) Regional Director based on the Phase I Performance Base Bonus (PBB) Evaluation of all MGB Regional Directors. Selected sixteen (16) MGB-ROXI personnel were selected for the subordinate survey and four were also selected for the online interview.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XI personnel conducts Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on Geohazard and Vulnerability Risk Assessment undertaken in 2018 to the Local Government Unit (LGU) representatives from municipalities of Baganga, Davao Oriental and Monkayo, Davao de Oro on May 17 to 21, 2021. Gender and Development in Disaster Management was also presented and provided the LGUs with Geohazard Maps. Same IEC will be presented on May 24 to May 28, 2021 to LGU representatives from municipalities of Laak, Pantukan, Monkayo and Maragusan, Davao de Oro.

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

On the spike of Covid-19 transmission in Davao City Various workplace duna tay call centers, schools, government offices and private offices, sagol-sagol siya. Mas taas ang household transmission. Makita nato still ang balay ug opisina ang daghan clustering of cases.” MAYOR SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

EDITORIAL Dangers of the workplace It used to be that the dangers that lurk in the workplace are common culprits like sexual harassment and employer abuse. That has changed.

The new and emerging threat is actually a health concern—the Covid-19 pandemic.

The recent spike in Covid-19 cases in Davao City points to the main contributor which is the workplace. No less than Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), revealer that transmission of Covid-19 are now happening in various workplaces like banks, BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing), and even government offices. Due to the clustering of cases in the households and workplaces, the number of Covid-19 cases increased . Even Mayor Sara Duterte- -Carpio made the admission that cases

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Based on the report as of May 17, 2021, there are 43 cases due to household transmission and 21 outside household transmission wherein 13 cases are from workplace transmission. These workplaces include call centers, schools, government offices, and private firms. Likewise, there is higher transmission in households.

The reason for the workplace and household transmission is the apparent lack of adherence to the minimum health standard protocols adds to the surging of cases. While it’s sounding like a broken record now, the only chance we have against the virus is for people to adhere to the health protocols. Nothing else.

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

have gone up and the hospitals andTemporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs) have been overwhelmed.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA IBP DAVAO CORNER

ON VIRTUAL WEDDINGS AND SACRED UNIONS Dear IBP Davao,

My American fiancé and I want to get married but he cannot come to the Philippines due to Covid-19 Pandemic. Can we get married online instead? Thank you. Deeply In-Love

Dear Deeply In-Love,

Article 2 (2) of the Family Code requires consent and personal appearance before the solemnizing officer for a marriage to be valid. In fact, these are considered essential requisites of marriage and non- compliance of this requisite would make the marriage void.

Based on the above provision, can there be valid marriage thru video conference during this global health emergency of Covid19 since travel is restricted? It seems that the answer is no because online presence cannot be equated to personal appearance as required by Article 2(2) of the Family Code.

Our laws give much emphasis on the sacredness of the marriage vow. It prefers to keep the marriage intact. Let us say both the groom and the bride comply with the personal appearance requirement of Article 2(2) of the Family Code but the consent of the parties themselves was a mere farce, would the marriage be valid? In other words, is pretend marriage valid? In this case, the solemniz-

ing officer thought parties were serious but the parties were actually not serious. Based on the Supreme Court decision of Republic v. Albios, it seems that the marriage is valid:

“The resolution of this case hinges on this sole question of law: Is a marriage, contracted for the sole purpose of acquiring American citizenship in consideration of $2,000.00, void ab initio on the ground of lack of consent? The Court resolves in the negative.” (Republic v. Albios; G.R. No. 198780; October 16, 2013) In his book, Persons and Family Relations, Dean Melencio S. Sta. Maria, quoting decisions of the US Supreme Court wrote that “marriage is not at most a civil

contract but is at least a civil contract, with status and interest of the State added to it.”

“Thus, in a case where the petitioner filed for the annulment of his marriage on the ground that he never had any intention at all to marry the respondent because the main consideration why he entered in such a marriage contract was only to give a name to the child in respondent&#39;s womb which however was never born, and therefore clearly proving a failure of consideration of the marriage contract warranting the annulment of the same, it was held that such annulment cannot be granted on such a ground, not only because the said ground for annulment was not among those provided in the marriage laws of

that state but also because the policy of the law clearly was against such an annulment considering that a marriage is not at most a civil contract but it is at least a civil contract, with status and the interest of the State added to it (Bove v. Pinciotti, 46 Pa D. &amp; C. [C.P. 1942]).”

IBP Davao Corner is a weekly column of Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Davao Chapter, giving legal advice as part of its legal aid program. The above legal opinion is based solely on the appreciation of the facts and problem given and stated above. The opinion may vary when other facts, circumstances, and situations are stated. You may send your comments and questions to ibpdavao@gmail. com.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE POWER OF PRAYER John Ironside, an American ardent soul-winner, spent his short life preaching on the streets, in the parks, in halls and theaters, wherever he could. But at age 27, he contracted typhoid and quickly died, leaving his wife Sophia with two small boys and no income.

One of the boys, Harry, watched his mother closely. On one occasion, he recalled company coming for supper. Sophia’s cupboard was nearly bare, but she scraped together a meal with the little that remained. After the visitors left, she found under one of their plates a ten-dollar bill – a vast sum in those days. With eyes full of tears, she offered thanks to God.

Sometime later, the cupboard was again empty. Sophia gathered her two sons to the table for breakfast, but their plates were empty, and there was only water to drink. “We will give thanks, boys,” she said. Closing her eyes, she prayed, “Father, Thou hast promised in Thy Word, ‘Your bread shall be given you, and your water shall be sure.’ We have the water, and we thank Thee for it. And now, we trust Thee for the bread, or for that which will take its place.” Just as she finished praying, the doorbell rang, and the boys ran to the door to find a man there. “Mrs. Ironside,” he said, “I feel very

bad. We have been owing you for months for that dress you made for my wife. We’ve had no money to pay you. But just now we’re harvesting our potatoes, and we wondered if you would take a bushel or two on account of the old bill.” “Indeed, I’ll be glad to,” replied Sophia.

And in a few minutes, the potatoes were sizzling in the frying pan, and the boys had answered prayer for breakfast. “Prayer is the gymnasium of the soul,” says Samuel M. Zwemer. George Buttrick believes: “Prayer is not a substitute for work, thinking, watching, suffering, or giving; prayer is a support for all other efforts.”

“Prayer is more than verbally filling in some requisition blanks,” Billy Graham states. “It’s fellowship with God! It’s communion with the Lord through praising Him, rehearsing His promises, and then sharing our needs.” Atty. Nick Mabale Caraquel, a friend who grew up in San Isidro, Davao Oriental, is a fine young man who believes in prayer. He came from a poor family who has seven children.

When he was in third grade, his parents requested him to stop

going to school and instead asked him to help them by selling banana cues in the bus terminal. He was saddened; he wanted to continue his studies but he had no choice. “I prayed that someday I would understand God’s reason why He allowed it,” he said. But Nick, who believes in education, was able to finish elementary. And it came to pass that when he was graduating from high school, the government offered for the first time the State Scholarship Program (SSP) to poor but deserving students in private schools. He took the qualifying exams and was awarded as one of the 13 SSP scholars in the country, representing Region XI.

The scholarship was his ticket to enroll at the Ateneo de Davao University, where he took BS Industrial Engineering. After graduation, he worked in one of the world’s top food manufacturing companies and was assigned to Cagayan de Oro City. However, his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer beckoned. With the money he saved, he decided to fulfill his dream. He pursued law at Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) and passed the bar in 2003.

In 2007, Nick visited the United States to look for better opportunities. Three weeks after his arrival, he asked his friends to pray for him with a specific request. He

recalled: “If God has better plans for me in America, the Nestle USA will call my friends’ landline the following Monday at 9 am.” True enough, at 9 in the morning that Monday, the phone rang and the company called. He was hired.

In 2012, Nick decided to work as a full-fledged lawyer in New York City. With only three weeks approved vacation from his work, he concentrated on 13 out of 21 subjects for the 2-day New York bar examinations. The first day was the toughest; it had the NY Bar five essay questions. Before he left the hotel, he asked God to give him at least one topic he could focus on. Should that selected topic be one of those that will come out, he assumed that with God’s guidance, he would pass the bar exam. Out of nowhere, someone whispered in his ears to concentrate on libel and defamation.

The 100-multiple choice federal law portion and the first 2 essay questions were covered in the morning session. The afternoon session started with the third essay question and lo and behold the topic was -- hold your breath! -- about libel and defamation. It was then that he knew he would pass the bar exam. And he did. A few months later, Nick was in a quandary whether he would

stay in the US or be back in the Philippines, although deep inside him, he wanted to stay. Again, he prayed asking that if his plans aligned with His plan for him, he will receive his American citizenship notification on or before April 2 (Thursday). And, yes, it happened as he had requested. “All my life,” he says now, “I am guided by prayers in every major decision I make. It’s a trait I learned from my mother. I always ask for God’s sign to give me confidence that the decisions I make are aligned with His.”

William A. Ward believes that God is never more than a prayer away from us. He explains: “We address and stamp a letter and send it on its way, confident that it will reach its destination, but we doubtfully wonder if our prayers will be heard by an ever-present God… If laser beams can cut through mountains, why should we doubt the power of prayer? Wonderful things can happen to us when we live expectantly, believe confidently, and pray affirmatively. The pulse of prayer is praise. The heart of prayer is gratitude. The voice of prayer is obedience. The arm of prayer is service.” Just remember this: “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of,” wrote Alfred Lord Tennyson.

6 EDGEDAVAO

MORE... FROMP2

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

IDC... FROMP3

through Project Manager Joselito Reyes informed that the construction of access roads at the north and south portals for the DCBRP is ongoing. Road Right-of-Way acquisition for the main line of the Project is also underway. On the SIDC, Project Manager Director Lilibeth B. Rico of the DPWH-UPMO informed that the loan processing under the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and China EXIM Bank is still

ongoing and mobilization for major civil works is targeted by January of 2022, contingent with the effectivity of the loan. Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella of the Department of Energy (DOE) also presented the salient features of DILG-DOE Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2020-01 or the Guidelines for the LGUs to facilitate the implementation of energy projects or otherwise known as the LGU Energy Code.

Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in Davao Region Republic of the Philippines Republic of the Philippines as of 5 p.m. of May 21, 2021, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT the Department of Health11TH JUDICIAL REGION 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao Center for Health Davao City Davao City Development reported 199 SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), new cases of Covid-19 in SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, Davao Region bringing the Mortgagee, total number of active cases - versus - - versus - EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,916-21 to 1,725. EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,918-2021 FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL Of these new cases, 118 CRISPOLO GRANDE ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 as amended Mortgagor/s. were from Davao City, 44 X-----------------------------------X MARITESS H. MANGMANG from Davao del Norte, 19 Mortgagor/s. X---------------------------------X from Davao del Sur, eight from NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Davao de Oro, six from Davao

Oriental and four from Davao Occidental. On the other hand, BPO workers are now included in the government’s A4 Covid-19 vaccination priority list to further spur economic recovery. In a statement, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez stated that the BPO sector is one of the economic activities that support the economy as its operations remain open despite quarantine lockdowns.

caught,” Vinluan said. The activity was witnessed by Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman and Municipal Coordinator Jabib

Guiabar who facilitated the ceremonial turnover of the loose firearms, officials from military, and police.

Sarte urged the senior citizens in Bansalan town to submit to vaccination, saying “this is for our safety.” The Rural Health Unit in Bansalan has continued to lead the vaccination team this week for the remaining health care frontliners or the A1 priority group.

Atty. Kirby Villaraiz, the local government’s vaccination program focal, bared that a total of 2,212 health care frontliners in the municipality have been inoculated of the first dose of either the Sinovac (1,292) or Astrazeneca (920) vaccine. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

BANSALAN... FROMP2

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) against the mortgagor/s CRISPOLO GRANDE, with postal address at Lot 8, Block 2, # 505 Guijo St., Poly Subdivision. Matina Aplaya , 8000 DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the indebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounted to TWO MILLION SIX HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTEEN PESOS & 67/100 (P2,625,718.67) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-108515

A parcel of land ( Lot 8, Blk-2 of the consolidation-subdivision plan, Pcs-11-000445, being a portion of Lots 377-B-1-C-8-B1-B; 377-B-1-C-8B-1-C & Lot 377-B-1-C-8-B-1-D, Psd-11-011255) situated in the Barrio of Matina Aplaya, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT (148) Square meters ,more or less.”xxx. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on July 15, 2021 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, May 7, 2021 For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff SUNNY D. MAURILLO Sheriff IV Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11 th Judicial Region Branch 15, Davao City Rtc.dav015@judiciary.gov.ph (082)298-3336/09236095058

SP PROC.NO. R-DVO-21-01618-SP

IN THE MATTER OF RECOGNITION AND/OR ENFORCEMENT OF DIVORCE OBTAINED IN FOREIGN COUNTRY, MARICEL SARSONA MATARANAS, Petitioner - versus -

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY Respondent x----------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

(initial hearing)

By this Verified Petition and for the reasons therein stated, the above named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seeks for an Order of this Court, after due notice, publication and hearing, that the foreign judgment of divorce obtain by Angelo Otome with the petitioner be duly recognizes under Philippine jurisdiction and that petitioner be declared legally capacitated to remarry and that the Office of the City Civil registrar of Davao City be ordered to cancel the marriage contract of Petitioner with Angelo Otome issued under Registry No. 2014-3434 or annotated the appropriate remarks thereon. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting st the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St.,Ecoland, matina, Davao City, on June 4, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in Davao City and of general circulation in the said City and the Provinces of the City of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law and to submit proof of compliance thereof within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order. Likewise, petitioner is further directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, a copy of this Petition and likewise, submit proof of compliance thereof also within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof. Failure to comply with these twin directives shall cause the dismissal of the Petition. SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, April 21, 2021

MARIO C. DUAVES Presiding Judge

from the DPWH-UPMO. Ms. Christense Denise L. Geonzon, Community Development Officer III of the MRP-PMO, informed that a coordination meeting with the Office of the Solicitor General was conducted

wherein expropriation cases for some affected properties were discussed. Moreover, the bidding process for the Project Management Consultant was reported to be in the final stages. The DPWH-UPMO,

doon walang maayos na sanitation facilities so with the CRs that we provided with the VHFS masayangmasaya sila at nakakagamit na sila ng CR, nakakaligo sila at nakakatulong tayo sa

paglilinis ng Davao River,” Sales said. Sales also reported that DOST 11 was able to treat thousands of cubic meters of water with the use of the VHFS.

DOST... FROMP3

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS)against MARITESS H. MANGMANG with postal address at # 17 . Kamagong Street Lot 12 Block 11-B, Nova Tierra Village, Bo. Pampanga, Davao City , to satisfy the mortgageindebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounted to TWO MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY EIGHT THOUSAND SIX THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE PESOS & 42/100 (P2,888,689.42) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-130338

A parcel of land( Lot 12, Block 11-B,PCS-11-000698, being a portion of Lots 1-8 & 10-17, Psd-11-004872), situated in the Barrio of Pampanga, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SIXTY NINE (169) Square meters ,more or less. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on July 15, 2021 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, May 6, 2021 For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff NICOLAS SUMAPIG Sheriff IV Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SPIKE... FROMP2

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,904-21 - versus - FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 as amended JOHN MANLAPUZ married to SOLITA MANLAPUZ Mortgagor/s. X------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS)against JOHN MANLAPUZ married to SOLITA MANLAPUS with postal address at # 80 . Ruby Street Lot 21 Block 3, Landmark l Village, Sasa, Davao City , to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounts to ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED SIX NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE PESOS & 78/100 (P1,169, 345.78) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-132128

A parcel of land of a subdivision project ( Lot 21, Blk 3 ,PSD-11019541, being a portion of BLK. 4, Psd -11-000814), situated in the Barrio of Sasa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED HUNDRED FIFTY(15) Square meters ,more or less. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on July 15, 2021 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, Mortgagee, if any there be. EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,902-21 - versus - FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF Davao City, Philippines, May 6, 2021 REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT MARIO MACASUHOT 3135 as amended For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Mortgagor/s. Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff X----------------------------------------X IRVIN PAUL L. CUBELO Sheriff IV

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mentioned mortgagee against MARO MACASUHOT, with postal address at , Lot 6, Block 12, #06 3rd Avenue, Fortune Executive Homes, Bo. Pampanga, 8000 DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the indebtedness of the mortgagor/s which as of March 01 2021, amounts to One Million Eight Hundred Thirty One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety One Pesos & 05/100 (Php 1,831,691.05) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 3, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon,to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-109128 “A parcel of land (Lot 6, Block 12, Psd-11-014494, being a portion of Lot 557-C-1-8, Psd-11-014034), situated in theBarrio of Pampanga City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less.xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on June 24, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. April 23,2021 ,Davao City, Philippines,. For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff IRVIN PAUL L. CUBELO Sheriff IV

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PELAGIO BLANCO ROBIN and ATANACIA GARCIA who died September 29 and December 24,1983 both at BArangay Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur ,that the deceased at the time of their death without a will or testament, leaving parcels of land covered with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-1326, OCT No. P-737, Lot No. 313 and Lot No. 312-B situated in Brgy. Coronon ,Sta. Cruz ,Davao del Sur with waiver of rights, has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their heirs , per Doc. No.116; PageNo.25; Book No.21 Series of 2021, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.BEHN JOSEPH O. TESIORNA

7 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

The first Bajaj RE PWD transport vehicle

omfort and safety are obviously the major considerations when purchasing a vehicle. With

the currently emerging trend for the use of last mile transportation, Bajaj RE is a top choice with regards to those two components. Besides, it can also be

personalized according to the owners’ personal liking and creativity. Pinoy’s attraction towards such craft made custom building a culture. And out of many bike builders, only a few with impeccable dedication, passion, and enthusiasm to such craft

last in the said industry. One of those is no other than the first man to land the moon of custom car and motorcycle building in Japan, Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show by Mooneyes - Jeffrey “Pong” Ylagan of Ylagan Kustom. Coming from the family of skilled

and expert industrial fabricators of foot pump model air guns and developer of dentist chairs, it is safe to say how talent truly runs in his blood. Pong’s vast knowledge in motorcycle fabrication bagged him awards from numerous competitions he

has engaged in and upon realizing Japan’s prioritization to disabled persons, he figured out how turning his passion into a cause would greatly help a community close to his heart – Persons with Disability (PWD). His insightful thinking made him realize how Bajaj RE

would be a great fit for his so-called Advocacy Project. In an interview, Pong mentioned Bajaj RE’s suitability as a vehicle for the orthopedically disabled stating its legal acceptability on the roads, its safety and security for the PWD driver given its symmetrical built, fuel efficiency and the powerful engine performance that can carry the additional weight brought by the customization. Though the Bajaj RE PWD Transport Vehicle is still in its prototype stage, it already comes with 5 main modifications done to meet the needs of its unique riders: It has a door that doubles as a rectangle ramp to help the driver get in the vehicle, Rotating floor with grip tapes to keep the wheelchair in place while driving, Easy access controls placed on the dashboard area, And prominent PWD signages located at the sides and rear of the vehicle. Pong’s creation only proves how versatile he can be as a custom bike builder. He has brought to life an authentic equalizer for the underrepresented sector which promotes inclusivity in the transportation landscape of the Philippines. As stated by him “Kasama ang PWD Community sa Bagong Biyahe”. By Ylagan Kustom

B1 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

OBESITY: NOW A LEADING KILLER By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

new enemy is emerging in the 21st century — our appetite. Gluttony has become a way of life, instead of an exception. Today, obesity is more of a life and death issue rather than just simply looking “bad.” In fact, it is fast becoming one of the world’s leading reasons why people die. “Obesity affects people of all ages and all social groups. It is already threatening the future well-being and longevity of many youths, as well as the economic prosperity of countries,” deplored the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). Around the world, more than one billion adults are overweight – and at least 300 million of them are clinically obese. Overweight is defined by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, while obesity relates to a BMI of 30 or above. The BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters) squared. For example, a person who is 1.7 meters tall and weighs 65 kilograms would have a BMI of 22.5. There is a misconception that obesity is common only in industrialized countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. But obesity is fast spreading across the globe. There are now more fat people in the

world than hungry people, reports the International Obesity Taskforce (IOT). In extreme cases, people who are overweight since childhood could die as much as five to 10 years early. “The developing world in particular is going to bear the enormous brunt of this weight gain,” deplored Dr. Neville Rigby, IOT policy director. Obesity often affects only adults. But in recent years, children are not spared from this health burden. In fact, there is such a thing as childhood obesity. A 2004 IOTF study showed 155 million children between the ages of five and 17 worldwide who are overweight, with 30 to 45 million of them regarded as obese. In the Philippines, 1.8 percent of boys and 0.8 percent of girls between the ages of six and ten are overweight. “We should fight off the common mistakes of Filipinos that overweight children are ‘cute.’ It is not!” urged Dr. Ramon F. Abarquez, Jr. when

he was still alive. “Healthy kids are not overweight or underweight. We should teach them proper eating habits and healthy lifestyle choices while they were young.” “We’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic,” decries Dr. John Foreyt, one of the worldrenowned authorities on obesity. “We have to start in the young and develop healthy lifestyle habits, particularly in our dietary preferences, to prevent becoming obese and developing all sorts of cardiovascular problems.” A couple of years back, a nutrition expert said the Philippines has the third “fattest population” in Asia – after Malaysia and Singapore. Currently, about 500,000 Filipinos are suffering from obesity. What is alarming is that some of these obese are still teenagers. Although not a medical emergency, Dr. Ian Caterson urged government health officials to do something about it now -- before obesity becomes pandemic. “Obesity has a significant impact on both the health of a nation and its health bill,” said the Australian professor of nutrition during the Third Scientific Meeting on Obesity in Malaysia. “Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, gallstones, fatty liver, back problems and osteoarthritis. In addition, being obese increases your risk of cancer and infertility.” According to Philippine

Obesity Control Surgery Team, obese people are in a much higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes (which is a result of a high blood sugar level). Also, obesity can triple the risk of heart disease. One-third of all deaths globally — about 17 million — are blamed on heart disease, stroke and related cardiovascular problems. Lack of sleep used to be seen as a disorder brought about by stress and environmental factors, but the recent studies have shown that sleeping disorders like sleep apnea can also be caused by obesity. Sleep deprivation can lead one person to have a low energy level which deters them from doing physical activities during the day and ultimately gain more weight. This cycle traps an obese person even more. There are many reasons why become obese. Among the most common ones are diabetes, thyroid problems, poor diet, insufficient exercise, and heredity. People with a predisposition to gain weight often aggravate their condition by smoking, drinking alcohol, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Health experts suggest that if you are obese, one possible solution is to recognize that you have a disease and to avoid habits that aggravate it. Watching television, for instance, is one of the strongest predictors of obesity.

Dr. Ricardo Fernando, a member of the Philippine Society of Hypertension, traced the current problem of obesity in the country to Filipinos’ passion for food, as illustrated by the popularity of ‘eat-all-you-can diners.’ “Everywhere you go, restaurants are offering such promos, probably taking advantage of the Filipinos’ excessive appetite,” he observed. If you consume more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. The tricky part of the equation is that some people metabolize food differently from others. Why this happens is complex and not entirely clear to researchers, who continue to be surprised by each new finding. For instance, one recent study concluded that heavy people actually burn calories faster than underweight people because their metabolism speeds up as they put on pounds, and slows if they try to take them off. “For obese people, the average-sized meal really isn’t filling,” says The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments. “Not only do these people have more fat cells sending out signals for food, but their faster metabolism burns more calories as well.” Despite such obstacles, obese person should make every effort to lose weight. If left unchecked, obesity places that person at much greater risk for developing those extremely serious, often lifethreatening conditions. “Be particularly concerned if your body tends to store fat around your waist (most common in men),” advises The Medical Advisor. “Unlike fat around the thighs, which is more common in women and is more likely to serve as an energy reservoir, abdominal deposits deliver fatty acids directly into the bloodstream for immediate short-term energy; doctors

remain uncertain why this can prove to be detrimental to your health.” Beating obesity in the Philippines should be a family affair, according to Dr. Abarquez. By “family affair,” he explains that the whole family must be involved, from parents to the youngest child. The dietary instructions have to be reinforced at home. Health instructions in school would be meaningless if the child goes home with pork chop and pata tim for dinner. Diet is just one thing. Exercise is another. Experts claim that aerobic exercise is essential to weight loss – even more important than diet. Still, many people don’t know when to exercise to reap maximum benefits. The answer: light exercise after eating. “A moderate workout after you eat uses justconsumed calories instead of storing them,” explains Dr. Bryant Stamford, director of the Health Promotion Center at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He points out that when you avoid storing calories, you also avoid turning them into fat. He recommends an easy walk or other mild exercise after eating. However, exercise and strict diet regimes have little or no effect in reducing weight – particularly for morbidly obese people. What would do the trick with these kinds of people is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. It is a procedure wherein a gastric band is placed on the stomach pouch to restrict food intake. The dietary habits are changed after the laparoscopic surgery because it gives the person the feeling of being full even after a light meal. Just a word of warning though: Consult with a doctor first before undergoing any medical procedure to determine if you are a viable candidate for the operation. Photos courtesy of WHO and World Obesity Federation

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

SPORTS B2

WBA, IBF junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor announced his dream of fighting his idol, eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

Seems like old times as Nuggets face Trail Blazers

early 20 years ago the Denver Nuggets, led by a player wearing No. 15, were a yearly presence in the NBA playoffs. Most of the trips ended in the first round, but in 2009 Denver went to the Western Conference finals before losing in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers. Flash ahead 12 years and another No. 15 is leading Denver into the postseason again. And Nikola Jokic is going against the man who had a productive run wearing that number for the Nuggets. The past will meet the present when the Portland Trail Blazers and Nuggets open the best-of-seven, firstround series at Denver on Saturday night. The Nuggets took two of the three games in the regular season. The Trail Blazers are led by Damian Lillard but plenty of attention will be on Port-

land forward Carmelo Anthony, that former Nuggets All-Star who used to wear No. 15 on his jersey. The 18-year veteran, who has revived his career with the Trail Blazers, has gained perspective in his long career that began as the No. 3 overall pick by Denver in the 2003 draft. “It’s a lot different now. My mindset is different. My goals are different. We’re going in there trying to win,” Anthony said. “So, it’s a different type of mentality, but deep down inside I know that Denver will always hold a special place for me.” While he has affection for his first NBA stop, Anthony would like nothing more than help eliminate the Nuggets. They last met in the playoffs in 2019, with Portland winning Game 7 at Denver in the second round.

Taylor wants to face ‘idol’ Manny

BA, IBF junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor announced his dream of fighting his idol, eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao. Taylor greatly admired Pacquiao that recently he got a tattoo in honor of his late dog who was named “PacMan”, a name he gave to his pet after the Filipino boxing icon turned senator. “Manny is a hero of mine so when we named the dog it came about naturally, I could never have dreamed back then of fighting him but I would still love to now, 100

percent,” Taylor was quoted by The Sun. But Taylor said he will be merciless in the event they would face in the ring. “As soon as that bell rang it would be down to business, even though he is an idol of mine and he isn’t as young as he used to be, he is still a dangerous top-level fighter so I would have to be ruthless.” Taylor is a recent addi-

main Taylor (middleweight), and Terence Crawford (light welterweight). “It is good but I am not bothered about being touted as the greatest this or that. I am not bothered about being recognized. But I do see it as a little sense of achievement that a little guy from Prestonpans can force his way into that list,” Taylor said. “I try not to but I do sometimes look at those lists and think ‘wow’ just because of how far I have come in a short space of time. One day when I am safely retired I can say ‘Jesus Christ, I was one of the top-ten best fighters on the planet’.”

the second-seeded Nets are viewed as one of the top NBA title contenders. It hasn’t hurt that each player has been fine with sacrificing statistical goals in pursuit of making a title run. “It’s all about winning,” said Nets guard James Harden, the three-time NBA scoring champion acquired from the Houston Rockets in mid-January. “I don’t care about stats. My impact doesn’t have to show up on the stat sheet for us to win.

“I think my job as a leader is to make sure everybody’s playing well. If I’m doing that, I can focus on myself last. That’s not a problem at all.” The seventh-seeded Celtics know they face a tough battle after going 0-3 against Brooklyn in the regular season. Boston lost nine of its final 13 regular-season games before advancing into the playoffs with a 118-100 win over the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference playin round.

Nets will take topbilling vs Celtics

T Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball while defended by Boston Celtics power forward Semi Ojeleye (37) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Reuters

tion to the growing number of fighters who wants to battle the 42-year-old Pacquiao, who has not fought since July 2019 when he won a backbreaking twelve round split decision over Keith Thurman. This Saturday night in Las Vegas, Taylor will try to make history when he faces WBC, WBO champion Jose Ramirez in a four belt full division unification battle. Should Taylor win, he would join a limited list of the few male fighters who were capable of unifying an entire division in the four belt era. They are: Oleksandr Usyk (cruiserweight), Bernard Hopkins (middleweight), Jer-

he star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving will play together for just the ninth time when the Brooklyn Nets open the Eastern Conference firstround, best-of-seven series against the visiting Boston Celtics on Saturday night. The threesome was on the floor together for just 202 minutes during the regular season as all three missed time with injuries. But despite the three being in the formative stages of their on-court relationships,

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 59 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-24, 2021

CRUISING Alex Eala of the Philippines in action in this file photo.

Eala, Russian partner reaches doubles final at W25 Spain

inay teen tennis phenom Alex Eala and her Russian teammate Oksana Selekhmeteva advanced to the doubles final of the $25,000 Platja D’Aro tournament in Spain with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Isabelle Haverlag and Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands. The pair will battle it out with 25-year-olds Oana Georgeta Simion of Romania and Ustina Mikulskyte of Lithuania in the finals. The Simion-Mikulskyte tandem ousted Spaniards Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Claudia Hoste Ferrer 6-0, 6-2. The W25 Platja D’Aro is the first professional doubles tournament for Eala, who won the Australian Open junior girls’ doubles championship in 2020. Selekhmeteva is the 2019 US Open girls doubles champion, while Simion and Mikulskyte each have multiple professional and juniors doubles titles. Friday’s semifinal, dominated by the 15-year-old Eala and 18-year-old Selekhmeteva, was 53 minutes long. It featured the no-advantage scoring method for games at deuce, also called “sudden death” with the receiver’s choice. The Dutch duo opened the match with a 2-0 lead, and the Filipino and Russian quickly caught up at 2-2. With a backhand down the line winner from Eala, she and Selekhmeteva took the lead at 3-2. After holding serve to get to 5-3, Eala and Selekhmeteva broke to secure the first set, 6-3.

The Filipino-Russian tandem became more aggressive in the next set, preventing their opponents from getting on the scoreboard in the first five games. A volley down the T from Eala nailed a comfortable 5-0 lead, to which the Dutch pair replied with a hold of serve. At match point, Eala let out a forceful backhand that was netted by the opponent, closing out the set, 6-1, in favor of the Filipino and Russian. Eala and Selekhmeteva’s semis win is a breather compared to their arduous victory in the quarterfinals where they scored an upset over the top-seeded Russian pair of Sofya Lansere and Vlada Koval, 6-3, 2-6, 12-10. In the first round, they posted a 6-2, 6-0 win over South African Warona Mdlulwa and Spanish Valeria Koussenkova. Meanwhile, Eala also entered the W25 Platja D’Aro singles tournament as a junior exempt. The World No. 662 and 2021 W15 Manacor champion defeated Spanish qualifier Alba Carrillo Marin, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, in the opening round. Eala’s singles campaign ended on Thursday in the second round where Irene Burillo Escorihuela of Spain prevailed, 6-2, 6-4.