Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 63 | Friday, May 28, 2021

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The golden rays of the sun illuminate the sky as seen from the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) early morning of Thursday. Edge Davao

Sara extends liquor ban, curfew until July 31 STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

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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 Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Sara extends liquor ban, curfew until July 31

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio extended the liquor ban along with imposed curfew hours in Davao City until July 31, 2021.

The mayor recently signed Executive Order (E.O.) No. 30, Series of 2021, known as “An Order Extending Until July 31, 2021 The Liquor Ban And Curfew Within The City” on May 17.

The said E.O. takes effect beginning May 31.

Section 1 of the EO

states that the liquor ban in all public places shall be 24 hours every day while the curfew time in all public places is from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. every day but those who work or do business during these hours are exempted.

Mayor Sara said there is a need to extend the

liquor ban and curfew to regulate some activities that can contribute to local transmission in the city, which is the top source of Covid-19 infection due to social gatherings.

Dr. Ashly Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), confirmed the continuing surge of Covid-19 cases in Davao City following the occupancy rate of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds of the Southern Philippines Medical Center

(SPMC) now at 100 percent almost everyday while the isolation and covered ward beds are above 70 percent occupied - these indicators are already classified under critical level.

Lopez added that recovery rate in Davao City also dropped.

Mayor Sara reiterated the need for Dabawenyos to comply with the basic public minimum health standards and to only leave their homes for essential

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Gov’t ‘very diligent’ in distributing aid: PRRD

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he government is “very diligent” in distributing emergency subsidies to Filipinos to help them cope with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday.

This, after Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año informed him that a total of PHP22,838,875 or 99.67 percent of financial assistance have already been distributed to qualified beneficiaries.

Año, during a meeting with Duterte and select Cabinet officials at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday night, said around 93 local government units (LGUs) have already finished the aid distribution.

Other LGUs, Año said, have returned the money

disbursed to them because some beneficiaries did not get the cash assistance.

Duterte lauded the DILG’s efforts to ensure the speedy distribution of financial assistance to eligible families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s DILG [that is] very diligent in giving the money. Sila ang magbigay.

Nakikita naman ninyo (It is in charge of distributing the assistance, as you can see).

Pay attention to the figures then you would know magkano ang binibigay ng gobyerno na ayuda para sa mga Pilipino na mahihirap (how much assistance the government is giving to poor Filipinos),” he said.

Qualified beneficiaries affected by the twoweek implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region

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from Davao City wins Davao City gets USAID help Bettor P181-M Lotto jackpot prize A for Covid-19 response

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he local government has received support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to strengthen its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response.

Dr. Ashley Lopez, Davao City Health Office chief and

Covid-19 focal person, said USAID offered two mobile swabbing teams for this city, including logistics and testing kits.

The USAID also provided six personnel for the swabbing team, Lopez said in a radio interview Wednesday.

“They will also provide two vehicles for the city’s surveillance swabbing,” Lopez added. “These will be a big help and big boost to our response team under our heightened surveillance.”

He said the two mobile swabbing teams will cater

to those who cannot access the Sta. Ana swabbing center, which is primarily for close contacts of Covid-19 patients.

Lopez said the city government also received manpower assistance from the Philippine National

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lone bettor from Davao City bagged the PHP181-million jackpot prize draw of the Mega Lotto 6/45 on Wednesday night.

The lucky bettor guessed the winning combination 23-43-2932-36-04.

Meantime, 47 bettors won second prize and will each receive PHP32,000 for correctly guessing five

out of the six winning combination numbers, the PCSO said.

Around 1,892 bettors won PHP1,000 for getting four out of the six winning combinations while 33,111 bettors won PHP30 for guessing three right combinations.

The MegaLotto 6/45 is drawn every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

(PNA)

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VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

NEWS 3

A flood hit some parts of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao because of the nonstop rains the past days, but this did not stop these children from playing in the water in Barangay Gawang on Tuesday. Photo by MUNISA K. SINSUAT, one of the participants of a basic photography training organized by the Islamic Relief Worldwide-Philippines in coordination with MindaNews

Hedcor to turn over P7.3M worth of CSR projects

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boitiz-owned Hedcor is set to turnover P7.3 million worth of CSR (corporate social responsibility) projects to host communities including Davao City this year according to an official.

Rolando Pacquiao, vice president for operations of Hedcor Group, said the CSR projects will be turned over to Hedcor’s host communities in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Bukidnon.

Hedcor, a whollyowned subsidiary of AboitizPower, partners with the communities where it operates run-ofriver hydropower systems.

Its CSR projects focus on education, health, livelihood and environment.

For education, the Aboitiz Foundation has given a total of P15 million for scholarship programs, financial assistance, and donations of computers,

school supplies and books.

New schools were built and buildings in disrepair renovated.

In Davao City, Hedcor’s hydro plants are Talomo Hydro 1-5, Therma South Inc (TSI) in Toril, and the Davao Light and Power Company while in Davao del Sur, there’s the Sibulan Hydro (Hedcor Sibulan Inc), Tudaya Hydro (Hedcor Tudaya Inc), and Sta. Cruz (TSI).

“Last year, we made sure to supply the immediate need of our host communities’ frontliners in Mindanao amounting to almost P1 million assistance that include sacks of rice, ready to eat goods and PPEs, among others,” Pacquiao said during the Mindanao Power Forum 2021 via Zoom on May 25, 2021.

Hedcor has business units operate under the Aboitiz Power Corporation,

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DSWD 11 warns public against phishing scam

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI warns the public against a phishing scam claiming that the agency is giving away cash assistance of P10,000 to 50 individuals in exchange of his/her bank or GCash accounts and other personal information.

“Ang DSWD wala magtugot sa bisan kinsa nga indibidwal, organisasyon o grupo sa sulod o gawas

sa ahensya nga mokuha og mga personal nga impormasyon sama sa bank o GCash accounts gikan sa publiko aron makakuha og hinabang (The agency has not authorized any individuals, organizations, or groups to get personal information such as bank or GCash accounts from the public in exchange of any assistance),” Regional Director Raquel E. Nuñez clarifies.

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Several commercial firms recommended for lockdown

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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r. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), stressed the need to strictly implement establishment lockdown in Davao City to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 in the workplaces.

“That is why nagahatag ko ug directives and it is really high time na ato na ning i-implement ang establishment lockdown. We have several establishments that were recommended already for lockdown,” Lopez said in a live broadcast interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.

Lopez said these establishments do not apply mitigating measures against Covid-19 in their premises.

“Gina-istriktuhan na namo ang paglockdown, not only house and compound lockdowns, but including establishment lockdown.

Kay nakabantay nami murag usab-usab na lang ning kaso aning mga lugara. Naa’y mga establishimento na usabusab, di gyud mahutdan ug kaso tungod kay wala gyud sila’y mitigation measures nga ginabuhat sa ilahang mga kompanya ug lugar,” he said.

Lopez has confirmed that transmission of

Covid-19 are now happening in various workplaces like banks, BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing), and even government offices.

Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio has also 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.

“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.

Meanwhile, Manolito P. Orense, regional director of the Office of the Civil Defense 11 (OCD 11), is urging the owners and management of various establishments in Davao City to strictly implement the minimum health standard protocols (MHSP) particularly the social distancing to prevent transmission of Covid-19.

He said it is the responsibility of the owners of the establishments to remind people to observe the health protocols.

“The problem now is the reminder itself. As of now there is a need to remind again ang mga tag-iya sa

of Babak had temporary waiting area for passengers and with the growing number of passengers going to and from Davao mainland there is a need for a bigger and modern building.

Before the pandemic (2019) the pier handled about 6,480 passengers per day. It was reduced to 4,742 passengers a day during the pandemic in 2020 but it hiked to 5,178 passengers per day (as of January to April 2021).

“It will be very beneficial to our embarking passengers especially to those waiting in the barges, they can make use of the facilities in the port operations building,” said Ariel Lonsaga, acting terminal manager in the Port of Babak.

He said the added facilities ensures safer travel particularly during the pandemic when everything is controlled inside the building.

The Port of Babak

development is part of the Build, Build, Build program of the government particularly in the upgrade of several ports across the country as implemented by the Department of Transportation.

The Port of Babak POB which was completed in December 24, 2020 is one of the 27 port projects completed last year. Around 16 of these projects will be inaugurated this 2021. (PIA XI/RG Alama)

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Upgraded Port of Babak set to open

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he newly upgraded Port of Babak, the main gateway to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) is set to open on May 29.

The upgrading involves the construction and completion of the Port Operations Building (POB) which also serves as the Port Terminal Building. The new facility can handle 250 passengers.

The Port of Babak, a former municipal pier of the erstwhile Municipality

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

The country’s information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry projects growth of 5% to 6.5% in 2021 as most firms plan to expand operations, according to IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP). Edge Davao

IT-BPM industry expects as much as 6.5% growth in 2021 T

BSP data: Balance of payments back to surplus in April this year

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he information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry in the Philippines expects to grow by as much as 6.5% this year, as most firms plan to expand operations.

According to IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) president and chief executive officer Rey Untal, the sector projects growth of 5% to 6.5% in 2021, but did not elaborate in terms of what.

“Sa mga nakakausap ko pong mga country heads, marami sa kanila ang nagsasabi na maraming demands na mina-manage ngayon sa kasalukuyan, at

malaking indikasyon ‘yan sa pagiging masigla ng ating industriya,” he said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing.

(I’ve been talking to country heads and they are saying that they are managing a lot of demands and that is an indication of a healthy industry.)

Based on a survey of firms in the Philippines, 87% said they expect to expand their operations

anywhere between 5% to 15%.

Untal said the remaining 13% that did not indicate any plans of expansion were the smaller firms.

The IT-BPM industry posted a slight growth in 2020, after adding 23,000 new workers to its headcount to bring the total up 1.8% to 1.32 million. Revenue likewise rose 1.4% to $26.7 billion.

“Napakalaking bagay po niyan dahil iilan lang po siguro ‘yung mga industriyang lumago noong panahon ng pandemya at labis naming ikinatutuwa na kasama kami sa iilang industriya na lumago,” said Untal.

financing especially from government financial institutions,” Ayco said.

He added consumers are now more interested in RE technologies like solar panels, as these are now 90 percent cheaper.

Department of Energy (DOE) hydro and ocean management division chief Andresito Ulgado said government banks such as the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines offer RE financing even for consumers to facilitate investments in RE. Moreover, Ayco said that with the right policy,

the Philippine government can attract more consumers to source their electricity from RE, particularly solar power.

He cited Vietnam that installed 9.6 gigawatt of rooftop solar last year.

He said one of the policies that the Vietnamese government offered is the feed-in tariff.

Ayco added the Philippine government can adopt these kinds of policies, along with accessible financing both from public and private financial institutions, to encourage more consumers to go RE. (PNA)

(This is a big deal as only a few industries recorded growth during the pandemic. We are happy to be among those few industries.)

So far, the industry has secured some 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from AstraZeneca and Moderna to be inoculated to some 500,000 workers, on top of negotiations for more doses moving forward.

Employees of the sector have also been classified under the A4 priority of the government in its vaccination program, the next in line for the vaccines available.

he Philippines’ payments position posted a surplus for the first time this year in April, driven by the proceeds of the government’s bond issuances.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that the balance of payments (BOP) position posted a $2.614 billion surplus in April.

This follows the deficit recorded in the three previous months -- $73 million in March, $2.019 billion in February, and $752 million in January.

April’s figure is also higher than the $1.666 billion surplus recorded in the same month last year.

“The BOP surplus in April 2021 was attributed to inflows arising mainly from the proceeds of the nation-

al government’s ROP Global and Samurai Bond issuances, which were deposited with the BSP,” the central bank said an in accompanying statement.

Year-to-date, the BOP posted a $231-million deficit as of April, a reversal of the $1.598-billion surplus in April.

“Based on preliminary data, this cumulative BOP deficit was partly due to the country’s merchandise trade deficit and net outflows of foreign portfolio investments,” the BSP said.

The latest position reflects an increase in the final gross international reserves (GIR) level to $107.71 billion from $104.48 billion in March.

“The latest GIR level represents a more than ad-

a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee that oversees implementation.”

“In addition, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) conducted a results-based assessment of this Act,” the IBP said.

The Philippines, along with Australia, Norway, and Peru are the only countries that reached an “adequate” level of accountability in early COVID-19 fiscal policy responses.

Meanwhile, no country reached the “substantive” level, the highest level of fiscal responses accountability in IBP’s scorecard.

This, as the main finding of the study, showed that governments are falling short of managing their fiscal policy response to the crisis in a transparent and accountable manner.

As a result, more than two-third of countries have only provided limited or minimal levels of accountability in the formulation and implementation of their fiscal policy response.

The IBP’s assessment covered 120 countries between March 1 and September 30, 2020.

It used a set of 26 new indicators developed by

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Accessible financing needed for PH tops in global accountability renewable energy to grow in PH in COVID-19 fiscal responses

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n accessible financing is important for the growth of the renewable energy (RE) sector in the country as interest for using RE is rising among Filipino consumers, a solar energy firm executive said.

At the virtual Roundtable @ Lido Wednesday, WeGen Laudato Si’ (WGLS) president Charlie Ayco said the demand and supply for RE is already there but financing becomes a gap for the market.

“This is the weak link now. Technology is available. Demand is there. But make it easier to access

T

he Philippines is among four countries which demonstrated an “adequate” level of accountability in its early COVID-19 fiscal policy responses, according to a report released by the independent group International Budget Partnership (IBP).

In its report “Managing COVID Funds: The Accountability Gap,” the IBP said that “in the Philippines, specific provisions included in the ‘Bayanihan to Heal as One Act’ —the law detailing COVID-19 response measures— to ensure that weekly reports on COVID-19 response actions are sent to

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ECONOMY

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Tamban (sardines) abound in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Fisherfolk, however, say their catch has declined in recent years forcing some of them to fish in the waters of neighboring towns. Photo taken May 26, 2021 by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO/MindaNews

SEC grabs global award for good corporate governance

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is this year’s recipient of the Global Good Governance (3G) Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award.

London-based Cambridge International Financial Advisory recognized the SEC for championing good governance in the Philippine corporate sector during the 6th 3G Annual Awards Ceremony held virtually on May 25 (Manila time).

“The SEC Philippines is truly honored and elated to receive the 3G Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said, as he received the award on behalf of the Commission.

Aquino said this recognition affirms the SEC Philippines’ resolve not only in creating a good corporate governance climate in the country but also in promoting sustainable business practices and stakeholder centricity among its corpo-

rate constituencies.

“We have been and shall remain to be a champion and purveyor of good corporate governance and sustainability,” he added.

The SEC has consistently advanced corporate governance reforms through the adoption of corporate governance codes, sustainability reporting guidelines, and similar rules.

It also conducts forums and dialogues with stakeholders to discuss corporate governance issues within and outside the country.

The Commission likewise actively participates in global development initiatives as a member of international organizations such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions, Asean Capital Markets Forum, the Global Financial Innovation Network, and the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators, among others.

Prior to the 3G Awards,

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DavSur town coffees dominate PCQC 2021 C The winning entries in this year’s contest were announced via a Zoom meeting and livestreamed over Facebook Wednesday morning. Marites Arellano of Balutakay in Barangay Managa, Bansalan wont he first place. Second was Lendilou Loon of Sitio Mahayahay in Barangay Alegre, a neighboring village, while the third was Jastine Mae Dubria, also of Balutakay.

The fourth and sixth placers, Marifel dela Cerna and Maria Luz Dubria, respectively, are from Balu-

takay as well. Only the fifth placer – George Dapliya – is not from Bansalan. Dapliya is from fSagada in the Mountain Province.

Arellano’s entry, which garnered a score of 85.86, was described by organizers as having “peach, guava, chocolate, apricot [and] almond” notes.

“This is a very gentle coffee, quite a fruit bomb,” said head judge Shaun Ong, of Bettr Barista Coffee Academy in Singapore. He added that this “phenomenal coffee” is quite different

from the typical Philippine coffee with spice, nutty and tobacco flavors.

The winning entry was a “natural” or “dry process” coffee, which is the old method of drying the cherries with the pulp still intact instead of being washed and depulped before drying. It is of the catimor variety and grown at an altitude of 1,560 meters above sea level.

Marivic Dubria, chair of the Balutakay Coffee Farmers’ Association (BACOFA) and winner in the PCQC 2019, told MindaNews the help they got from government agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry, as well as from the coffee experts from the Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE)

Bautista said the bank’s innovation campus will serve as a venue where their employees, among others, can undergo training to help themselves, the bank, and the country compete globally.

Bautista said its digital transformation started five years ago and a lot has changed since then.

He said the campus, located in a one-hectare property in San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna, will serve as a venue where the bank can “share to everyone what we have learned.”

“So that Filipino companies can be globally competitive in this new

digital age as we continue with our efforts to TechUp Pilipinas and pioneer innovation for a better world,” he said, referring to the company’s goal to use technological innovations to increase efficiency, lower cost, and improve customer experience.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said the groundbreaking of the innovation campus is timely given the need to further enhance Filipinos’ talent and skills “to build back better and rise from the adversity” and remarkable “because of the challenges brought upon by the

Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.”

Diokno said the country has moved forward amid the pandemic “because we choose to innovate and embrace digitalization.”

He said the BSP’s Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) has several pillars namely the digital payments streams, the digital finance infrastructures, and the digital governance and standards.

“We invite the Unionbank Innovation Campus to work on these critical areas and help the country achieve further digital transformation. With your support, I am certain

offees from hinterland villages in the municipality of Bansalan at the foot of Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur dominated the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2021, winning the top three places in the Arabica category and two more honorable mentions.

project of the development organization ACDI/VOCA, have improved the quality of their coffee in the past few years.

“We appreciate the trainings and seminars introducing new technology to us farmers. Otherwise, we could have stuck to the old practices that led us nowhere,” said Dubria, who was sent to Seattle in the United States to attend a coffee fair for winning the local competition two years ago.

Her daughter Jastine Mae placed third in this year’s contest, while sisterin-law Maria Luz was sixth.

The Robusta category, meanwhile, was dominated by farmers from Ilocos Sur, getting all the top five places. A farmer from Pangantucan in Bukidnon placed

that we will be able to further reform, innovate, and transform our payments ecosystem into one that is safe, efficient, and reliable,” he added.

In a recorded video message for the event, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the experience during the pandemic highlighted the need for the economy “to quickly adjust to the trajectory of modern digital technologies if it is to remain viable.”

“Nowhere is the impact of digital technology more pronounced than in the field of finance. The restrictions on movement

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IT upskilling crucial for PH firms become globally competitive

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uthorities from the government and the private sector are one in citing the importance of upskilling people’s technological expertise to make Filipino firms become globally competitive in the present times.

During the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank) innovation campus on Wednesday, Unionbank chief information officer Dennis Omila said the country has what it takes to be an artificial intelligence (AI) hub.

Omila said a lot of major software developments

are being sourced from the Philippines, which can be attributed to Filipinos’ creativity, ingenuity, and high information technology (IT) skills.

He said around 100 people have undergone training on data science under the Unionbank program and more are being enlisted.

“Let’s not miss the opportunity. I think this is really a good opportunity for the Philippines to shine when it comes to artificial intelligence and machine learning,” he said.

In the event, Unionbank president and chief executive officer (CEO) Edwin

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

On the need to strictly implement establishment lockdown in Davao City to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 in the workplaces:

That is why nagahatag ko ug directives and it is really high time na ato na ning i-implement ang establishment lockdown. We have several establishments that were recommended already for lockdown.”

DR. ASHLEY LOPEZ ACTING HEAD, CITY HEALTH OFFICE (CHO)

EDITORIAL Justice for Llubit Davao City lost a devoted village leader in Barangay Captain Roderico Llubit or “Tata Llubit” of Brgy. 9-A, Poblacion, Davao City, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Tuesday evening inside his own home.

There is now a reward offer of P300,000 from Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte and Barangay Captain January Duterte of Catalunan Grande for any information on Llubit’s killers. The suspects left a tricky trail for authorities but there seems to be an overwhelming theory that the killing is related to a demolition order of a private property occupied by informal settlers in his jurisdiction.

Based on the initial police investigation, the killing of Llubit may have to do with the planned demolition at Purok 10, Muslim

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Llubit’s role as the go-between paved the way for some to accept the offer but at the same time, also angered others.

This is not the first time that barangay officials have become the collateral damage in local disputes. If the authorities solve this in time, it should be an encouragement for lowly barangay officials to forge on their tasks in the community as frontliners of governance.

This is where the police will begin their investigation and hopefully, there will be some brave souls who will step up to the plate to help in the process of finding justice to Llubit’s 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

Village, San Rafael, Barangay 9-A. It was Llubit who reportedly negotiated for a peaceful demolition with compensation arranged for by the property owner.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

OF GUINEA PIGS AND EXERCISE A young man who gets along famously with all kinds of people, of all ages, was asked how he did it.

His reply: “When I first meet somebody, I always tell myself, ‘He (or She) is a weirdo,’ because everybody has idiosyncrasies and eccentricities.

Then when that person does something weird, I’m not surprised or disenchanted. I still like the guy or gal.”

The young man’s reply came to my mind as I read the biographies of Jonas Edward Salk, Paul Niehans, Werner Forssmann, and Elie Metchnikoff. Well, these famous physicians had one thing in common: they used themselves as guinea pigs for the experiments they were doing.

Let’s start with Dr. Salk (19141993). The American virologist, best known for developing the first polio vaccine from killed viruses, has tested influenza serums on himself. He and his staff at the Immune Response Corporation in Carlsbad, California worked to develop a vaccine against the dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). He once commented that when the vaccine is ready for human testing, “action speaks louder than words,” and that he would be one of the first to try it.

On the other hand, Dr. Niehans popularized a form of “rejuvenation therapy” consisting of cells from the crushed organs of lambs. The Swiss

surgeon often used the concoctions on himself, once with near-tragic results. He died in 1971, in his early nineties.

Many scientists assert that cell therapy is quackery, but people seeking to restore their youth still flock to the Niehans clinic in Vevey, Switzerland.

What about Dr. Forssmann?

The German surgeon pioneered the technique of cardiac catheterization in 1929 by threading a thin rubber tube through a vein in his left arm and pushing in two feet into his body. An X-ray proved that the tube reached his heart. In 1956, he was given the coveted Nobel Prize for his work.

Nobel Prizes, if you care to know, are given to individuals or institutions judged to confer “the greatest benefit on mankind” in any of six fields: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace and economics. Except for the Peace Prize, the Nobel Prizes are awarded by the appropriate learned bodies in Sweden: The Royal Academy of Science, the Caroline Institute, and the Swedish Academy of Literature.

Dr. Metchnikoff is another Nobel Prize winner. The pioneering bacteriologist was widely known for his quest for a cure for old age.

Noting that many Bulgarian peasants lived to be 110 or 120, he was a proponent of their “sour milk” (yo-

gurt) diet and was convinced that death before age eight was unnatural. In 1912, he injected himself with microbes that he hoped would extend life. He died four years later, at age seventy-one.

Ever heard of Elihu Thomson?

An electrical engineer second only to Thomas Edison in number of patents held, Thomson was also a pioneer in the field of radiology. Before the dangers of X-rays were fully understood, workers were being burned by the radiation. In 1896, using two of his own fingers, he discovered that lead shields stopped the rays but aluminum did not. The experiments left his fingers stiff and scarred.

Then, there’s the fatal case of Clara Maass. The head of a nursing school in New Jersey, Maass took part in Walter Reeds yellow fever studies in Cuba in 1990, allowing herself to be bitten by an infected mosquito. She was supposed to contract a mild case of the disease and then recover, immune. Unfortunately, she perished and became the only woman to die as a result of the experiments.

So many things have been said about the benefits of exercise. Unknowingly, however, some of the world’s most prominent people died while exercising? Actually, they never perished while performing but rather as a result of exerting too much force. Allow me to share these

cases taken from The Book of Lists: The famous author Zane Grey suffered a fatal heart attack after working on weight equipment in his home. As a record-holding deep-sea fisherman, he used the weights to stay in shape for his fishing expeditions. He probably never read the novel, The Old Man and the Sea. An avid golfer, Bing Crosby had just completed the seventeen holes of golf at La Moralejo Golf Club in Spain when he fell to the ground.

His golf partners thought he had merely slipped, but he had had a massive heart attack. He died en route to a hospital in Madrid.

Ron Copeland, an All-American track and field star, died at age twenty-eight of an apparent heart attack after he ran a sixty-yard dash challenge match against a young college athlete. Lesson of the story: Never compete with someone younger than you.

A 220-pound, two-pack-aday smoker until age 38, Jim Fixx became the guru of marathoners in the 1970s when he wrote The Complete Book of Running. He died of a massive heart attack, at age 52, during one of his daily ten-mile runs. I am not so sure whether his book is still being sold.

Nico, the German-born vocalist who sang with the Velvet Underground, died of a cerebral hem-

orrhage while riding her bicycle in Ibiza, Spain. She had performed in Berlin four weeks before her death.

Swimming is hazardous to your health. Guitarist Brian Jones should have learned this lesson. He had quit the Rolling Stones only one month before taking what turned out to be a fatal midnight swim.

Friends who found him at the bottom of his pool were unable to revive him.

Though overweight, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Theodore Roethke was a good swimmer, tennis player, and dancer. However, a few minutes after he dived into a swimming pool, friends found him floating facedown, dead of a heart attack.

Richard Tregaskis, an American journalist and author (best known for Guadalcanal Diary) had a heart attack while swimming in the ocean near Honolulu. He was found in the water, dead.

Harold E. Holt, prime minister of Australia, drowned near his home outside Melbourne while skin diving in the ocean in search of crayfish. His doctor had earlier advised him to cut down on swimming and tennis.

Are you wondering why these famous people didn’t listen to their doctors?

Well, your answer is as good as mine

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

CHARLIE SASIN, LEBANESE GUERRILLA Outside Americans and Europeans who fought on the side of Filipino guerrillas, there were also Asian and Middle Eastern citizens who sacrificed their lives in defense of the Filipino nation.

For those who survived, they became honorable citizens of the republic, and many of them eventually embraced Filipino citizenship through naturalization.

The name Chahin Najib Sasin may not ring a bell, but the man became a theatre operator and socio-civic leader in Davao region. Born in Kafarzabad, AlBekan, Lebanon, Sasin was born on August 19, 1911, two decades before his country gained freedom. The same year that Gen. Charles de Gaulle, later prime minister of France recognized Lebanon’s independence, Sasin, on board the vessel Derflenger, at the invitation of his relatives, the Borgailys, to join in their business venture in Davao, travelled to the Philippines, reaching Manila on

June 4, 1931.

Upon arrival in Davao, Sasin managed the first Borgaily branch at Santa Ana as part-owner.

The store was smaller than the main but was quite popular due to the fine Lebanese textiles, silks, and laces it exclusively sold.

Eight years later, he took a Filipina wife; he married Ester Barles, originally from Nueva Ecija, in 1939, two years before the global conflict.

During the war, Sasin brought his family to Samal where many of the Davaoeños also took refuge. He joined the fight against the Japanese forces and went into battle with the guerrillas.

Given experience in marketing, he was handpicked to handle the distribution of goods under the supervision of the Philippine Constabulary Auxiliary Unit (PCAU).

After the conflict, Borgaily’s

Store reopened but was housed in another building along San Pedro Street. Charlie decided to venture into movie business by opening the Universal theatre, directly competing with the Liberty theatre owned by the Carriedo family. Later, he opened Lyric and Crest cinema houses at San Pedro district but would suffer losses after fire hit the area on February 10, 1964, incinerating six business blocks.

On January 27, 1950, now with two children (i.e., Anthony and Jamilla) from his marriage, Sasin filed for Filipino citizenship with the Court of First Instance of Davao, with Rafael C. Castillo, the former 1934 Constitutional Convention delegate of Davao, as legal counsel.

As requirements for his application, treated as Special Case No. 25, he presented Tiburcio S. Cervantes and Antonio Hernandez as witnesses in his petition and submitted his residence cer-

tificate No. A-654953, issued on January 23, 1950 in Davao City.

The approval of Sasin’s Filipino citizenship, now officially known as Charlie Sasin, was approved on May 16, 1951 by Judge Enrique A. Fernandez of the Court of First Instance of Davao, later acting justice secretary. The Certificate of Naturalization was issued on the same day. In part the decision stated: [Sasin’s] relationships with the government and in the community in which he lives are and have been flawless.

The applicant speaks and writes English and Tagalog.

In the light of the above data, the Court thinks that the applicant meets all the conditions required by the naturalization law in force in the Philippines; and, having the applicant fulfilled the requirements established by this law; and, on the other hand, the naturalization law in force in Lebanon does not contain claus-

es that prohibit Filipinos from acquiring citizenship of that nation, the Court agrees to the petition.

By virtue of this, the Court declares the applicant, for all legal purposes, a Filipino citizen by naturalization. Once this decision is firm and enforceable, the Clerk of this Court is ordered to issue in favor of the applicant, Charlie Sasin, the letter of Philippine citizenship, and it will be registered in the civil registry.

The effectivity of Sasin’s new citizenship did not take effect until May 16, 1953. After the twoyear probationary period had elapsed since the decision was handed down, Fernandez issued an Order mandating the clerk of court, as a requirement before taking an oath of allegiance, “to issue the letter of Philippine citizenship to… Charlie Sasin” to be recorded in the Civil Registry as manded under Article 10 of Commonwealth Act No. 473..

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EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

LIGHT AND FLUFFY SOURDOUGH DOUGHNUTS SINK YOUR TEETH INTO NATURALLYIN THE CITY LEAVENED BOMBOLONI BY CAROL CO

SOURDOUGH is still on the rise and the trend has gone beyond breads and crusts. Carol Co, a mother of two, has upped her home baking game by concocting her own line of Italian sourdough doughnuts, also known as bomboloni.

Think of this dessert hybrid as an upgrade of the humble doughnut, but naturally-leavened and without a hole. The deep-fried buns are rolled in sugar and stuffed with decadent cream and filling. They’re light, pillowy and chewy, with a hint of crispiness around the edges.

These puffy sugar clouds piqued the interest of local epicures, when Carol started selling outside her circle of friends and photos of the mouth-watering doughnuts began circulating online.

People were sold on trying out her cakes and breads, but nothing got them hooked quite like her bomboloni.

The kitchen story Carol’s venture into food business is a pandemic kitchen story that pays homage to a family tradition. She, her sister and their mom share a love for cooking and baking, a passion that sprang from childhood. When she married and became a mother herself, she carried on the tradition and continued baking cakes for family and special occasions.

It was only during the pandemic that she took her friends’ suggestion to give selling a try. She understood how people found a connection in comfort food and are doing their bit in helping the economy by supporting homebased food sellers, alongside restaurant take-out and delivery services. Looking at the business potential, Carol didn’t waste any more time to launch her brand, Made by Carol.

A standout and sellout She became fascinated with sourdough and created differ-

Sourdough Buns with Garlic Cheese, Bacon, and Pimiento fillings .

Carol Co. ent breads out of it. She also had bomboloni on her mind and she wondered how they would fare in the local food scene. At that time, sourdough

doughnuts were not widely known in the community.

“This Italian sourdough delicacy is unique, not only in form and taste, but also how it is made,” shares the home baker. “It goes through a period of fermentation and it takes several days to proof

Blueberry Sourdough Bomboloni. the dough. It is naturally leavened—meaning no commercial yeast is added—which, I believe, makes bomboloni a healthier doughnut option.”

Carol’s first batch sold like pancakes and additional orders immediately came through. Soon, bomboloni became the most coveted items on the menu, followed by her sourdough buns.

“The feedback I’ve received, so far, are both heartwarming

Banana Nutella Bomboloni.

Dulce Cream Cheese Bomboloni. and uplifting. I’m happy that my bomboloni bring joy to different families and homes.”

If you’re in the mood to try something different for a snack or dessert, these flavor bombs will not disappoint. You can choose any filling from the featured selection, such as Strawberry, Banana Nutella, Mango, Blueberry, Coffee, Dark Mocha, Pimiento, Dulce Cream Cheese, and Chocolate.

Price starts at PHP480.00 for a box of 6 flavor-filled bomboloni. Advance order is highly recommended. For more information on availability, rates and delivery, send a message to MADE by Carol on Facebook.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

WATCH OUT: IT’S SEASON OF FLOODS J

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ust like the very popular American television sitcom, Three’s a Company, disaster is also like that. In the Philippines, disaster comes together in three forms: when there’s a typhoon, expect too much rain and inundating floods.

Typhoons Sendong and Pablo, which hit Mindanao, were only a preview of the things to come. Both were described as “super typhoons,” thus they caused extensive devastation to Northern Mindanao (particularly the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan) and Southern Mindanao (mostly in Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro).

But it’s the super typhoon that most Filipinos are familiar with. It was the “strongest typhoon in the world” in 2013, according to Dr. Flaviana Hilario, of the research and development office of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The US-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) recorded Yolanda’s average strength at 195 miles per hour (314kilometers per hour) at landfall, beating the previous record set in 1969

by Hurricane Camille, which carried 190 mph (306 kph) winds when it landed in Mississippi in the US. On record, though, Yolanda is the fourth strongest tropical cyclone in world history in terms of

overall strength, according to Jeff Masters in his weather website, wunderground. com. The all-time record is still held by Super Typhoon Nancy in 1961 at 215 mph (346 kph), followed by Super Typhoon Violet in the same year at 205 mph (323 kph), and Super Typhoon Ida in 1958 with 200 mph (322 kph).

As more typhoons are expected to hit the country before the year ends, floods will become a common thing in Metro Manila, Bicol Region, and other low-lying areas in the Philippines.

A flood is defined as “an overflow of water that submerges land which is normally dry.”

“Floods are due to the complex combination of weather, climatic and human activities,” explained Rosalie Pagulayan, weather specialist II of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) during a seminar workshop convened by the Department of Science and Technology in Davao City some years back.

“Most floods occur as a result of moderate-to-large-scale rainfall events.”

Actually, given the location and the topography of the country, the Philippines experiences five weathercausing phenomena which can bring floods anytime of the year. These are: thunderstorms, cold front, monsoons, intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), and tropical cyclones.

Thunderstorms, called local storms, occur when towering cumulus clouds reach a height where the temperature is well below the freezing point. Among the associated hazards are heavy rain (which may cause flash floods) and lightning (which may cause death, burns or fire).

Cold front is formed when cold air moves over areas of warm air, according to the country’s weather bureau.

Since cold air is heavier than warm air, the warm air is pushed aloft by the cold air giving rise to widespread cloudiness. The cold front affects the eastern part of the country from November to late April or early May. There are two types of monsoon that hit the country: Southwest and Northeast. In the former, the Asiatic continent becomes warmer than the surrounding seas and a low pressure cell develops over the continent. This causes a flow of moist southwest wind over the Philippine area. At times, when this southwest flow becomes thick in depth, it persists for a long period

causing continuous rains which may last for weeks during the months of June to September. The Southwest monsoon is responsible for the great portion of rainfall during the country’s wet season.

In the Northeast monsoon, the Asiatic continent is snowbound and the high-pressure cell over China sends northeasterly winds over the Philippines giving the country cold temperatures, and causing much rainfall over the eastern coasts. This happens from November to February.

Known by sailors as the doldrums, the ITCZ is an area where the northern hemisphere trades meet the southern hemisphere trades. According to the weather bureau, ITCZ is characterized by towering clouds of cumulonimbus clouds accompanied with showers of widespread thunderstorms.

“The axis of convergence, which is usually oriented in an east to west direction, does not remain stationary at the equator but migrates north or south of the equator,” explains a PAGASA’s briefing paper. In the Philippines, it oscillates during the months of May to October.

Tropical cyclones are low pressure systems characterized by relatively low atmospheric pressure at the center with very strong winds blowing counterclockwise (in the

northern hemisphere) towards and around the center. The 1972 flood in Central Luzon was due to four storms that hit the region from July to August.

The 1991 flash flood that happened in Ormoc City was due to Typhoon Uring.

“Each year, about 20 tropical cyclones enter our country,” says PAGASA’s Rene Paciente. Fortunately, only 6 to 9 of these tropical cyclones make landfall.

All these weather disturbances bring a lot of water causing flooding in affected areas.

The same thing happens when there is a storm surge, “a rise of seawater above the normal level on the coast generated by the action of the wind and atmospheric pressure, associated with the occurrence of a tropical cyclone.”

According to the PAGASA briefing paper, a storm surge can inundate lowlying coastal communities as the level of the ocean is raised by several feet. This happened in Metro Manila in 2011, when large waves that hammered the coastline of Manila Bay caused flash floods in areas. The huge waves caused by the storm surge battered the bay’s seawall, causing portions of the wall to collapse.

Likewise, high tide that coincides with high stream flows can aggravate flooding near the coasts.

Some years back, torrential rains inundated many barangays in Davao City as Bankerohan River overflowed and submerged houses along river banks displacing hundreds of residents.

A really big flood can cause billions of pesos in damage to agriculture, infrastructure, loss of productivity in industry and commerce, not to mention loss of human lives.

Congested urban centers like Metro Manila could stand still

9

for days.

“With too much rain and floods, agriculture production especially in flood-prone areas will be adversely affected with physical and economic losses,” pointed out Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, a national scientist with the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

“Floods will wash away crops, hasten soil erosion and increase crop spoilage due to poor storage and distribution problems.”

The Department of Health said floods will accelerate food-borne and waterborne diseases. “Flooding can contaminate the public water through the disruption of water purification and sewage disposal systems, rupture of underground pipelines and storage tanks,” the health department said.

Using contaminated water can cause a wide spectrum of illnesses, among them: acute gastroenteritis, dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis A. “Foods that may have been in contact with contaminated flood water should not be eaten,” the health department advised.

In addition, there is an increase of leptospirosis cases after heavy rains or flooding incidents.

This livestock disease transmissible to many may be acquired through wading in water contaminated with urine of infected animals.

As floods are common throughout the country, the weather bureau has launched the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) capacities.

It has five basic elements: prediction, detection, communication, decisionmaking, and mobilization.

“In any disaster of given magnitude, the first line of defense is still awareness of the communities at risk,” reminded Pagulayan.

Another PAGASA briefing

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EXTENDED... FROMP2 goods and services or work or doing business to reduce the risk of local transmission.

“We have a stay home quarantine order because we are under GCQ. Dapat

mga tawo naa lang sa sulod sa balay, ginatugtan lang mugawas sa balay tong muaccess for essential goods and services, magwork or magnegosyo,” the mayor said.

(NCR) Plus last month have received a maximum of PHP4,000, based on the guidelines issued by DILG and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

NCR Plus, composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, was placed under ECQ from March 29 to April 11 due to the sudden spike in Covid-19 infections.

Duterte earlier

approved the release of PHP22.9 billion for the distribution of financial aid to affected families in NCR Plus.

Duterte said the government is doing everything to ensure the systematic and orderly distribution of assistance.

“What is being given to you now by the DILG, ito yung tulong [is the assistance]. It runs into billions,” he said.(PNA)

international bodies to examine transparency, public participation and oversight of emergency fiscal policy packages introduced by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

IBP’s survey was answered by both civil society groups and central governments.

In particular, the Philippines was assessed based on its transparency measures, extent of public engagement and oversight powers over its fiscal measures, as implemented under the Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. The measures evaluated include direct fiscal support, tax relief measures, as well as credit and liquidity support.

The IBP cited the Philippines’ practices of publishing and submitting weekly reports to the Congress and the conduct of public consultations on COVID-19 response poli-

cies and programs through the “Dagyaw 2020: Open Government Virtual Town Hall Meetings.”

In a separate statement, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) welcomed the results of the IBP’s rapid assessment survey.

“This is an exemplification of the National Government’s continuous efforts towards upholding fiscal transparency and accountability, despite the unexpected, unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the DBM said.

“Dedicated to sustaining the country’s recent positive performance in global rankings on accountability and transparency, the DBM commits to remain as a champion of open and participatory governance by delivering more concrete, felt and transformative results to the citizens especially during these challenging times,” it said.

also known as Aboitiz Power (AP), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), is a holding company engaged in power distribution, generation and retail electricity services.

The company is one of the largest power producers

in the Philippines with a balance portfolio of assets located across the country and major producer of clean energy.

AP has facilities spread across six regions in Mindanao. By Maya M. Padillo

mga establishments na kinahanglan i-impose nila strictly sa ilang mga stores and establishments ang health protocols and this should be reinforced with security personnel,” Orense said.

Orense recommended that management should tasked their security personnel to remind the customers/people the health protocols every now and then while inside their establishments.

the SEC also received the ISAR Honours from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2019 for instituting sustainability reporting in the corporate sector.

Founded in 2016, the 3G Awards recognizes individuals and institutions who treat governance and sustainability as a strategic priority. It has since presented over 150 awards to

various individuals and institutions in more than 25 countries.

Winners are determined based on five pillars, namely transparency, social responsibility, sustainability, impact, and innovation, and are chosen from three major categories --government and politics, corporate sector, and social sector and philanthropy.

(PR)

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DAVAO... FROMP2 Police (PNP).

Colonel Kirby John Kraft, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, has assigned 21 police personnel who are registered nurses to function as swabbers.

“Their training is ongoing at the Crocodile Park. They are trained onsite. By tomorrow and on May 28, they will be conducting their practicum there. By next week, there will be an alternate swabbing team with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),” Lopez said.

Earlier this week, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said the city needed additional swabbers to be assigned to the various testing sites in the city.

“We need 30 more new swabbers. Because others have resigned and left. We need to continuously recruit and train so that we will not run out of swabbers,” she said.

Duterte said the local government also recruited additional doctors for the vaccination sites. (PNA)

The Department appeals to the public to avoid sharing their personal information to anyone who introduce themselves as employees of DSWD through phone

call or text and to report the said incident to the field office through text hotline numbers: 0975-553-7811 and 0961-710-6192. (PRDSWD X)

equate external liquidity buffer, which can help cushion the domestic economy against external shocks,” the central bank said.

The buffer is equivalent to 12.3 months’ worth of imports of goods

and payments of services and primary income.

It is also about 7.4 times the Philippines’ short-term external debt based on original maturity, and 5.1 times based on residual maturity.

sixth.

First place went to Mabini C. Ubuan, of the municipality of Sigay, whose coffee was described as having notes of “cherry, almond, caramel, dark chocolate, dates and prunes.”

Cherry Cruz, chair of the technical working group of the PCQC 2021, said it was the best Robusta coffee she has tasted in the local competitions the past four years with “sweetness and complexity pretty much like an Arabica coffee.”

Second placer was Mariell M. Gannad, of Gregorio del Pilar town, while third was Erlinda Daoayan, of the same place.

Cruz said 103 entries were submitted, the most attended so far. Thirty-one of the entries were Arabica, 69 Robusta and three Excelsa.

Arabica is regarded as the best among the four common types of coffee with the most production in the world. It is more difficult to farm as it requires higher elevation and colder climate. The second most produced

coffee is Robusta, and usually easier to farm as they can grow in lower altitudes and warmer climates. Excelsa and Liberica (locally known as “barako”) are far less common coffees.

Farmers from 12 regions joined the competition: 14 from the Cordillera Administrative Region; 13 from the Ilocos Region; 11 from Cagayan Valley; three from Central Luzon; one from Calabarzon; eight from Western Visayas; five from Central Visayas; one from Zamboanga Peninsula;16 each from Northern Mindanao and Davao regions;, 13 from Soccsksargen; and two from Caraga.

Mindanao submitted the most entries at 48, followed by Luzon at 42 and Visayas, 13.

Cruz said it was a challenge holding the contest amid the pandemic as they had to send the samples to the judges instead of gather in one place.

Last year’s competition was cancelled because of COVID-19. (Bobby Timonera / MindaNews)

and physical interaction during this pandemic put our entire banking system on a forced march towards rapidly innovating on its processes, products, and customer experience,” he said.

Dominguez said there was an immediate need to provide services through digital means and to improve on internal processes to meet new standards of efficiency.

“Those that cannot swim in the digital tide will drown in its wake,” he said.

He said Unionbank’s innovation campus will help towards cultivating new talents and aid in the development of new products and ways to help the economy become more competitive.

“It is a landmark for the Philippines’ relentless push towards comprehensive digitization,” Dominguez said, as he urged the bank “to continuously strengthen the cybersecurity safeguards of its digital systems to protect them from potential threats and risks.” (PNA)

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2020 Philippine Cup, but with some minor tweaks.

The Philippines was originally scheduled to host the qualifiers last February, but had to pull out due to the extension of travel restrictions following a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Hosting duties were then handed over to Qatar, but the country also encountered its own drawbacks due to the pandemic, prompting FIBA to return the role to the Philippines.

On May 6, 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of

Emerging Infectious Diseases issued Resolution 114, which approved the request of the SBP to host the sporting event.

The country will host Groups A (Philippines, Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia), B (Chinese Taipei, Japan, and China), and C (Hong Kong and Guam) for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Teams will play their window matches in a bid to gain a slot in the tournament proper, which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from August 16 to 28. (PR)

33 points, while Rui Hachimura and Daniel Gafford added 11 each.

Less than two minutes into the fourth, Westbrook (10 points, 11 assists) appeared to injure his right ankle and was helped to the locker room. Just as Westbrook went under the tunnel, a fan appeared to drop popcorn on Westbrook and he had to be restrained by Wizards personnel from confronting the fan.

Ish Smith chipped in with 10, but Davis Bertans went scoreless and fouled out.

After the Sixers moved ahead 53-46, Beal made 1 of 2 free throws to pull Washington within six with 4:30 left in the second.

Harris scored in the lane with 2:02 remaining for a 61-54 Sixers advantage.

Earlier in the quarter, Harris appeared to tweak his left

ankle, but he returned soon after.

The Sixers were led by Harris and Simmons with 16 points apiece as they moved ahead 71-57 at halftime.

They shot 62 percent from the field.

Beal paced the Wizards with 24 by the half and 17 coming in the second.

When Embiid dropped in his third 3-pointer, this time from the top of the key with 6:57 left in the third, the Sixers extended their advantage to 85-65.

The game became chippy early in the fourth after Bertans fouled Dwight Howard. Westbrook and Howard had words and Howard was given a technical foul.

Tyrese Maxey (10 points) gave the Sixers a spark as they pulled ahead by 24, 107-83, with 7:58 to go in the fourth.

paper shared some safety tips before flooding, during the flood, and after the flood.

It said that when warned of floods, the following should be done. Securely anchor weak houses.

Drinking waters must be stored in containers as water service may be interrupted.

Household belongings should be moved to upper levels while livestock are bought to higher grounds.

Should there be advice of an evacuation, it must be followed. “Do not panic, move to a safe area before access is cut-off by floodwaters,” it said.

“Turn off the main electricity switch and gas valve, and lock your house before evacuating.”

Before flooding occurs, keep these in mind: Keep informed of the daily weather conditions and forecast from the weather bureau.

Be aware how often your location is likely to be flooded and to what extent. Know the flood warning system and evacuation plan of your community and make sure your family knows them.

Designate an evacuation area for the family and livestock and assign family members specific instructions and responsibilities according to an evacuation plan. Keep a stock of food which requires no or little cooking and refrigeration, good at least for 3 days. Keep a transistorized radio and flashlight with spare batteries, emergency cooking equipment, candles, matches, and first aid kid hand in case of emergency.

During the flood, stay indoors. Do not attempt to

cross rivers with flowing streams where water is above the knee. Beware of water-covered roads and bridges. Do not go swimming or boating in swollen rivers.

Beware of contaminated food and water.

After the flood, here are the things you need to do: Reenter the house with caution using flashlights.

Flammables and dangerous animals like snakes may be inside. Be alert for fire hazards like broken electric wires. Do not eat food and drink water until they have been checked for flood water contamination.

Report broken utility lines (electricity, water, gas, and telephone) to appropriate agencies or authorities. Do not turn on the main switch or use appliances and other equipment until they have been checked by a competent electrician. Do not go “sightseeing” in a disaster area.

Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.

It’s the rainy season again – and forearmed is forewarned. Listen to the woes of one flood victim: “The downpour of rain is unprecedented.

The rain came without much warning. When we woke up in the morning, there was intermittent heavy rain and I thought that it is seasonal – indeed the rainfall throughout this year has been quite heavy, unlike during the last three years. The rain water reached two feet on the main streets. I couldn’t drive, there was water everywhere.”

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VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

SPORTS 11

The Philippines’Mark Lester Durens (right) advanced to the semi-final round of the Asian Boxing Confederation Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

Mindanao pug moves to semis in int’l boxing championship C Japan newspaper sponsoring Olympics joins cancellation chorus

J

apan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, in the latest sign of opposition less than two months before the opening ceremony.

The call comes with public opinion in Japan firmly against holding the Games this summer, and after prominent business leaders voiced their concern in recent weeks.

Organizers insist however that the Games are on, saying an extensive rulebook will keep athletes and the Japanese public safe.

The Asahi daily’s editorial urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to “make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer’s Olympics”.

The paper said it “cannot accept the gamble” of holding the event, despite organizers’ assurances it will be safe.

It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being “self-righteous” and “clearly out of step” with the Japanese public.

When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said “the answer is absolutely yes”.

Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20.

“Saying ‘yes’ without

demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC,” the Asahi editorial said.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said it was “natural” that “different media organizations have different views”, but acknowledged that people are “anxious”.

“The national and local governments have put stringent measures in place to contain the spread of infections, and we believe the situation will improve as a result,” he said.

Muto added that no executive board members had called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed.

Two prominent figures in Japanese business have also voiced opposition to the Games in recent weeks.

Masayoshi Son, head of tech investment behemoth SoftBank Group, tweeted on Sunday: “Do the IOC have the right to decide if it’s held or not?”

“If you think about what people have to put up with, we might have a lot more to lose” if the Games go ahead, he added.

And earlier this month Hiroshi Mikitani, CEO of e-commerce giant Rakuten, called the Games “a suicide mission”.

“The risk is too big and...

I’m against having the Tokyo Olympics this year,” he told CNN. Japan opens mass staterun COVID vaccination centers in Tokyo, Osaka

agayan de Oro’s Mark Lester Durens (49 kgs), will proceed to the semifinals in the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships after a victory Tuesday evening (Dubai time).

Coach Elmer Pamisa shared Duren’s win over Kuwaiti boxer Mansour Khalefah after a quarterfinal victory.

Durens’ win came

when he scored a referee-stopped-contest decision in the first round, Team CDO boxing head coach Pamisa said.

Another quarterfinalist

John Paul Panoayan fell in the quarterfinals after bowing to Bakhodur Usmonov of Tajikistan, the No. 1 ranked Asian boxer.

Durens will next face a boxer from Khazakstan during the semis.

Three homegrown boxers in the city are set to compete in an international boxing competition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from May 23 to June 1, 2021.

Other than Durens and Panoayan, Marvin Tabamo is also part of Team CDO. The three boxers representing the Philippines are products of Mayor Oscar Moreno’s comprehensive and sustained grassroots amateur boxing development program.

Before embarking on the Dubai tournament, the boxers have experienced several international bouts. (PNA)

Simmons leads 76ers past Wizards in Game 2

B

en Simmons had 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, Joel Embiid added 22 points and seven rebounds and the host Philadelphia 76ers took a 2-0 series lead with a 120-95 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

Tobias Harris contributed 19 points and nine rebounds for the top-seeded Sixers. Furkan Korkmaz added 13 points and Matisse Thybulle registered five blocked shots and four steals off the bench.

Seth Curry, however, limped to the locker room with 6:09 remaining in the third quarter with an ankle injury and didn’t return.

Game 3 will be held Saturday at Washington.

Bradley Beal led the eighth-seeded Wizards with

FSIMMONS, P10

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter of game two in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Reuters

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 63 • FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

Over 600 local and foreign players, coaches and tournament staff will be in the Clark Bubble during the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers next month.

CLOSE WATCH BCDA vows to implement strict protocols at FIBA Bubble in Clark

T

he Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has assured that strict health protocols will be implemented to ensure the safety of over 600 local and foreign players, coaches and tournament staff during the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers to be held in Clark next month.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon said the BCDA and its subsidiary Clark Development Corp.

(CDC), in coordination with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the national government, and the local governments of Pampanga and Angeles City, are doing

the necessary preparations to provide a safe sports bubble environment for the nine participating teams.

“Hosting the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) bubble in Clark last year gave BCDA and CDC the experience of mounting sporting events in the face of Covid-19. This

time, with the arrival of foreign teams for the FIBA Asia Cup, BCDA and CDC will step up to the challenge and leave no stone unturned. Health and safety measures will be strictly enforced to protect all athletes and staff, and to eliminate the possibility of spreading the virus,” said Dizon, also deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force Against Covid-19.

In coordination with FIBA, organizers will implement the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and Department of Health’s (DOH) Joint Administrative Order on Physical Activities and Sports During the COVID-19 pandemic.

The movement of players, coaches and staff will be limited to within the airport, ho-

tels and the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center where the tournament will be held. The designated hotels are Quest Hotel & Conference Center in Mimosa and Lohas Hotel in Redwood Villas, both in the Clark Freeport Zone.

While the games are slated for June 16 to 20, the 200 foreign delegates from eight countries and territories are scheduled to arrive on June 13.

They will be quarantined the next day, then practices will be held on June 15. Visiting teams will depart on June 21.

They are required to take reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) tests 12 days, seven days and two days before departure to the Philippines.

They must also secure RTPCR tests on the day of arrival,

four days after arrival, and before departure if required by the country of destination.

A total of 617 participants are expected to be included in the bubble. Aside from the foreign teams, included in the Clark event are the Gilas Pilipinas team; FIBA and SBP personnel; hotel, transport and ancillary staff; and other staff from TV5, PLDT and Smart, who are official partners with FIBA. “This is a team effort. Everyone, including the government, LGUs, organizers, athletes and staff must play their part to ensure the success of the FIBA bubble,” Dizon said.

SBP President Al Panlilio earlier said the bubble environment for FIBA will be set up the same way as the one done in Clark last year for the PBA

FCLOSE, P10