Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 110 | Thursday, July 22, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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ARE FOOD ADDITIVES REALLY SAFE? HEALTH P9 VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

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INCREASED SAFETY Cyclists in Davao City feel safer with improved bike lanes

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Senator Christopher Lawrence“Bong”Go visits the fire site in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City on Tuesday afternoon. Go also visited the three evacuation centers where the fire victims temporarily stay.

INCREASED SAFETY P Cyclists in Davao City feel safer with improved bike lanes By MAYA M. PADILLO

ang biyahe. Ngayong mayroong bike lanes, mas ligtas na, mas suwabe na ang biyahe dahil sa mga barriers nito. Mas madali na ito,” Joe Elric Pasaol said. Justin Padeño said bike lanes ensure safety to bikers who travel every day. “Mas nagbibigay ito ng kaligtasan sa mga bikers na buminiyahe araw-araw. Mas nagbibigay talaga ito ng proteksyon sa amin,” he

said. On the other hand, Jayson Garrido Nierra, biking enthusiast, told Edge Davao that the newly inaugurated bike lane network will make Davao City’s roads safer for Dabawenyos. He said this will clearly benefit cyclists specially those who does the same route regularly. He is also appreciative the project’s goal of providing a physical barrier between cyclists, cars and pedestrians. “This will lessen the fear and hesitation of bikers to commute using bike as mode of transportation.

This will surely increase the number of bikers and decrease the number of drivers,” he said. Nierra added that as Dabawenyos bike more, they become healthier and less likely to get affected by this pandemic. He said riding a bicycle is best for strengthening the lungs and the heart. “Riding a bike is a great way to exercise and to have healthier citizens,” he said. The 54.74-km bike lane network in Davao, which stretches across 14 road sections, was officially

6th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the people of Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo have withdrawn any support to the violent extremists, through simple ceremonies held at the 6IB headquarters in adjacent Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang town on Tuesday. Backed by barangay officials, civilians voluntarily

took their oath of allegiance to the government. The signing of a “fatwa”, a local edict that states they will denounce and no longer support all forms of violent extremism, followed the event. Banaag said the activity was a result of the Community Support Program - Preventing

and Countering Violent Extremism (CSP-PCVE) conducted by the Bravo Company of the 6IB that aims to clear the barangay from the influence of the BIFF and other violent extremist groups. The event, he said, also aimed to make the residents resilient from

yclists in Davao City are feeling safer with the recent inauguration of the Metro Davao Bike Lane Network Project.

In the launch event, several bikers from the cycling community in Davao City conveyed their messages of support, and how the establishment of bike lanes helped them make their cycling experience safer, comfortable, and convenient than ever. “Noong wala pang bike lanes, malubha ang trapiko. Nahihirapan ang mga seklista tumawid, mahirap

he military in Maguindanao said Wednesday residents of a conflict-affected village in the province have denounced the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the path of violent extremism bred by the terror group. Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, commander of the Army’s

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Eleazar: BARMM cops more disciplined now

hilippine National Police chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Tuesday assured leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that the police organization in the country is more disciplined now than before. Eleazar told lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM interior minister, that the police in the Bangsamoro region is now well organized, well-disciplined, and more ready to serve and protect the people. Eleazar was here since Monday night for an inspection at the city police office after visiting the PNP headquarters in Tawi-Tawi, the second stage of his threeday swing to PNP offices in

the BARMM. He also inspected the Police Regional Office (PRO)-BARMM headquarters in nearby Parang, Maguindanao. On Sunday, Eleazar likewise visited the police offices in Maimbung, Sulu, and those in Basilan province. “Personally, I was surprised to see our police stations in the region where I visited unannounced,” he said. “Due to bad weather, our helicopter was diverted on Monday morning to the Jolo police office in Sulu which was not part of our itinerary after our visit to Tawi-Tawi, and I was surprised that the Sulu stations were very clean,

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GenSan, Sarangani on guard vs Delta variant from Indonesia

ational and local authorities have a compelling reason to be apprehensive about the surge of COVID-19 Delta variant in Indonesia which might spill over to communities in the southern portion of Mindanao. Amid this development, Secretary Carlito Galvez announced that the national government will send “thousands more doses” of the single-dose jab Janssen to this city and the island-province of Tawi-Tawi, where there is a largely unchecked cross border connection between Indonesia and Malaysia. The move is to help

avoid making GenSan and Tawi-Tawi “growth areas” of the Delta variant in the country, said Galvez, the chief implementer of the country’s COVID-19 response. The Department of Health in Region 12 announced the arrival on Monday of 148,700 doses of the Janssen vaccine intended for the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the Soccsksargen Region. The Food and Drug Administration said Jansenn, produced by American firm Johnson and Johnson, is a viral vector vaccine that requires only a single dose and

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

NEWS

A farmer rewards his hard-working carabao, towing a bamboo cart full of coconuts, with a splash of water as they cross the river in Barangay Bitaogan, San Isidro, Davao Oriental during a hot afternoon on Sunday. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

Sara leads inauguration of Davao City’s 54.74-km bike lane network

5 more ASG members surrender in Basilan

ive more members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under the late Isnilon Hapilon surrendered to the military in Lamitan City, Basilan on Monday (July 19), the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said. Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, spokesman of the WestMinCom, said the militants turned themselves in at the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Campo Uno in Lamitan. The ASG surrenderers were identified only as alias Nori, 32; Ansar, 44,

Dam; 44, Miyo, 42; and alias Sharim, 30. The surrenderers turned over their firearms which included four M1 Garand rifles; a KG9 semi-automatic pistol; magazines; and bullets which were presented to Joint Task Force (JTF) Basilan under its commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway. These former extremists will be assisted by the authorities in their reintegration into mainstream society. The JTF Basilan has al-

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

ly Davao-Cotabato Road, ABS-CBN-Quimpo Boulevard Diversion Road, G.E Street (Sandawa Road), Roxas Avenue, Quezon Ave., Elpidio Quirino Ave., E. Jacinto Extension, Dr. A. Gahol St., Mabini St., F. Torres St., Loyola St., Porras St., Inigo St., and Nicasio St., was officially completed on June 30, 2021. The bike lane network features white and green

pavement markings, signages, bollards, bike symbols and concrete delineators to ensure the bikers’ safety. The lanes are also equipped with sheds for bike racks for the comfort and convenience of bikers, and are designed with solar studs and planters for greeneries and trees in order to provide cyclists with shade and fresh air. “I’d like to congratulate the DoTr, DPWH, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). Thank you for bringing the Metropolitan Bike Lane Network Project to Davao City. By providing Davaoeños with bicycle lanes, they are able to safely maximize usage of their bicycles, whether as a mode of

transportation for work or business, or as a means for exercise and leisure activities,” said Mayor Sara in her message during the virtual inauguration. Tugade said it is the DoTr’s paramount priority to ensure the safety and welfare of all the road users, road-based transport initiatives such as the establishment of bike lane networks, was pursued. “Sa Kagawaran ng Transportasyon, pinapahalagahan po natin ang buhay ng lahat, lalo na sa daan. Kaya nga ba’t sa pamamagitan nitong mga bike lanes na ito, masiguro ang inyong kaligtasan, pagkat ito ay mayroong pavement markings,

oodpanda Philippines on Wednesday shed light on the issue concerning a group of foodpanda riders in Davao City who were recently offboarded. Lorelei Olalia, senior communications manager of foodpanda Philippines, shared the company’s official statement to Edge Davao that stated foodpanda has made the difficult decision to offboard a small number of riders who have violated their agreement with foodpanda by calling

for disruptions that may affect the wider ecosystem (other riders, vendors and customers). The statement said to ensure continuity of service to the customers, the company onboarded new riders and re-onboarded those who still wish to be the rider partner, after a screening process. This is in line with the claims of 30 foodpanda delivery riders that they were improperly suspended by the company.

“Nagpadayag mi (30 riders) sa among kasubo kay gitanggalan ni ug access ug gi-suspend mi. Ang among mulo bisan ubos sa distance pay, wala mi kabalo kung giunsa pag-compute. Ang nahitabo sa amoa during July 14 and 15, 2021, ang plano lang unta namo kay mag-rest day mi ana na adlaw ug dili mi magkuha ug schedule. Ang gibuhat sa management sa foodpanda gibuhat-buhatan mi ug violation na nag no-show daw

avao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the inauguration of 54.74-kilometer bike lane network in Davao City signifies the city government’s commitment to promote cycling and ensuring the safety of cyclists and other road users. Mayor Sara, together with Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, led the virtual inauguration of the Metro Davao Bike Lane Network Project on Tuesday. The 54.71-kilometer bike lane network in Davao City, which stretches across 14 road sections name-

Over 200 loose firearms surrendered in Basilan F L ocal officials in Basilan Province turned over another 204 loose firearms to government forces as their support to the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program implementation in said province. Western Mindanao Command spokesman Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos said the local chief executives of Lamitan City

pledged support to the SALW program through the signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) in a ceremony held at Lamitan City on July 19. The firearms include a 12-gauge shotguns, an M1 Carbine, M16 rifle, Garand rifles, three M203 Grenade Launchers, M19 Grenade Launcher, M79 Grenade Launcher, caliber .22 revolvers, KG9 pistols, caliber

38 revolvers, and caliber .45 pistols. According to Delos Santos, the firearms were voluntarily surrendered by civilians from the different barangays of the city. Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of WestMinCom, said the SALW program was implemented and earned overwhelming support from the local gov-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

A foodpanda rider traverses along Chavez Street in Davao City on Wednesday. foodpanda Philippines said it recently offboarded a small group of riders in Davao City due to violation of agreement with the company by calling for disruptions that may affect the wider ecosystem. Edge Davao

LGUs post 12% hike in operating income to P825-billion in 2020 T he total current operating income of the local government units (LGUs) rose from PHP738.54 billion in 2019 to PHP825.2 billion last year, representing an increase of PHP86.66 billion or 12 percent, as a result of their higher internal revenue allotment (IRA) and improved local tax collections. In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) said the increase in the 2020 current operating income of provinces, cities, and municipalities is mostly attributed to the 18-percent growth in the external revenue sources

of LGUs, including the IRA, which amounted to PHP509.65 billion, or 11 percent more than the PHP457.15 billion they received in 2019. BLGF Executive Director Niño Raymond Alvina said that although local tax collections increased in 2020 to PHP189.86 billion from PHP183.46

billion in 2019, their share in the current operating income of LGUs declined to 23 percent in 2020 from 25 percent in 2019. The share of non-tax revenues, which amounted to PHP61.79 billion in 2020, also decreased to 7 percent compared to 10 percent in 2019 when collections reached PHP70.36 billion. Alvina said LGUs’ dependence on external sources, comprised of IRA and other transfers to the LGUs, as a ratio of their operating income last year, has increased to 70 percent as compared to 66 percent in 2019. “In aggregate terms,

LGUs dependence on external sources in fiscal year (FY) 2020 reached 70 percent, which is 18 percent or PHP88.83 billion higher than 2019 levels. On IRA dependence, provinces showed the highest dependency ratio at 78 percent, followed by municipalities (74 percent) and cities (42 percent) in FY 2020,” Alvina said. Besides the IRA, the other external revenue sources of LGUs are other transfers from the national government (NG), which amounted to PHP63.9 billion in 2020, or 132 percent higher than the PHP27.57 billion in 2019, he added.

Creation of dedicated loan program for microfinance institutions being studied

uthorities are considering the creation of a dedicated loan program for microfinance non-government organizations to boost lending to small businesses. In a reply to questions from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said another option they and the Philippine Guarantee Corp. are looking

into is subsidizing the surety fees of all loans endorsed through the Credit Surety Fund. “These measures aim to broaden support for the microfinance and MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) sectors, which are severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” it said in an e-mail. Authorities recognize

the importance of helping small businesses, especially during the pandemic, as they account for about 99 percent of businesses in the country. Amid this volume, some small business owners still find it difficult to get a boost from financial institutions due partly to such requirements as identification cards of owners and lack of assets

that could be used as collateral. The sector is also considered a risky segment to lend to because of the lack of information about its credit score. The BSP, however, said the banking sector remains supportive of the MSME sector during the pandemic despite the drop in bank lending growth since December 2020.

2022 national elections seen to boost economic recovery

n economist is projecting the economy to return to pre-pandemic growth levels by 2022 due partly to the impact of the May 2022 national polls. In a report Tuesday, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said inflation and interest rates are also expected to be back to pre-pandemic levels next year. “Economic recovery could accelerate shortly

before or during the 2022 election year (as early as the latter part of 2021 or about a year from now),” he said. Last year, growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), contracted by 9.5 percent due largely to the impact of the pandemic. This is a far cry from the 6-percent growth the domestic economy has been posting for several years now. Ricafort said he expects

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PH mobile, broadband internet speeds improved in June: Ookla

he Philippines’ broadband and wireless network speeds improved in June, according to the latest Ookla 2021 Speedtest Global Index. The country’s mobile speed moved 2 notches up to the 75th spot from 77 in May with an average download speed of 32.84 Mbps from 32.03 Mbps, the Speedtest Global Index report showed.

In terms of fixed broadband, the country ranked 62nd, up 3 notches from the 65th spot. It registered an average download speed of 66.55 Mbps from 58.76 Mbps the previous month, data showed. Based on Ookla’s data, the global average is 55.34 Mbps for mobile download and 101.61 Mbps for fixed broadband.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

ECONOMY 5

A techie resident of a subdivision in Sasa, Davao City uses three gadgets at a time, which are all connected to the internet. The country’s broadband and wireless network speeds improved in June with an average download speed of 32.84 from last month’s 32.08, according to the latest Ookla 2021 Speedtest Global Index. Edge Davao

ARTA targets boosting datasharing among gov’t agencies

he Anti-Red Tape Authority said Tuesday it would collaborate with key agencies and the Philippine Statistics Authority to boost data-sharing practices in government. In a statement, ARTA said Director General Jeremiah Belgica met with the PSA to further streamline sharing of data on birth, death and marriage with relevant government agencies through online platforms. “Isa po sa cornerstone ng streamlining initiative ng kahit anong pamahalaan na nagpapabilis ng kanilang pagproseso ay ang pagbibigay ng datos sa pamahalaan sa pagproseso ng kanilang mga dokumento at pagbibigay ng datos sa kanilang karatig na ahensya,” he said. (A cornerstone in the streamlining initiative to make processes faster is the transfer of documents to affiliate agencies.) The PSA has an existing data matching scheme

where concerned agencies can check records, according to the PSA Civil Register Maintenance and Development Division (CRMDD), the statement said. To further boost data-sharing, ARTA will form a working group with the PSA, the National Privacy Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Belgica said. Belgica also recommended the sharing of data collected through the National ID System to relevant agencies to protect citizens. “Having a single repository of these confidential info or personal info about you will hasten e-security,” he added. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) earlier said over 37 million have registered for the national ID as of July 2. The goal is to achieve 50 to 70 million registrations by the end of the year, the agency said.

DavSur’s winning coffee farmers grateful to gov’t

he five coffee farmers from this province, who won big in the prestigious Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2021 under the Best Philippine-Origin Arabica Coffee Category, have expressed their gratitude to the government after the success they reaped recently. Marites Arellano snatched the top spot, while Lendilou Flores Loon placed second, Justine Mae Dubria, third, Marifel dela Cerna, fourth, and Maria Luz Dubria, sixty. They bested all the 103 coffee growers who submitted their entries this year. At the same time, Arellano and Dela Cerna were also given special awards for having the Best Arabica Natural Process and

Honey Process, respectively. The pride of the region’s coffee industry are from Sitio Balutakay, Managa, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. The place is 1,200 meters above sea level, which accordingly has contributed to their best-tasting coffee. While the area is 45 kilometers away from Digos City, and 25 kilometers from the town of Bansalan, this scenario never

stopped the concerned government agencies from bringing the necessary assistance to the farmers. The road going to the farms is one challenging journey, especially when there is a heavy downpour. Apart from being steep, the entire road is also slipper and muddy road, which makes it more difficult to reach the barangay. Nevertheless, the coffee farmers in the area have seen the government’s efforts just to provide them the essential package of assistance. PCQC 2021 topnotcher Arellano expressed her gratitude to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other government agencies who helped her and other coffee farmers of BACOFA.

stalled capacity is now close to triple the installed capacity of the 1 MW on-grid photovoltaic solar power plant of the Cagayan Power and Electric Company (Cepalco) in Barangay Indahag here, in 2004. The facility was then the largest on-grid solar power farm in the whole of Southeast Asia. The venture had its ups and downs when it began its operations as many thought that Greenergy So-

lar was in for an uphill journey when it branded itself as the company that would be “building the clean energy future of Mindanao and the Philippines”. To date, the company has 24 engineers who serve customers from installation and the maintenance of the solar power systems; and 21 full-time salespeople who also serve as educators of solar energy as the renewable energy of choice. After four years of pro-

viding solar solutions to homes, farms, and other clients who want clean, efficient, and affordable power sources, Greenergy Solar has installed 10,000 solar panels in 108 houses. It has installed 5,737 units of solar street lights illuminating 287 kilometers of streets with clean power. Greenergy Solar has also watered farms, supplying a total of 234 horsepower of installed solar water pumps, irrigating a total of

“We are grateful to DTI, DA (Department of Agriculture) and other government agencies who assisted us in terms of machineries, equipment, trainings and other interventions,” Arellano said. “All of you played a big role in our success. With your collaboration with NGOs like ACDI/VOCA, you have molded and developed our mindset to adopt new technologies, become entrepreneurial and produce specialty or high quality coffee beans as we pursue economic prosperity for every coffee farmer,” she added. Arellano encouraged other coffee farmers to continue striving for excellence and assured them that their own time to shine will come.

480 hectares of land. As a supplier of efficient power sources, Greenergy Solar claims to have accumulated PHP1.3 billion of savings in terms of power expenditure. As its contribution to climate action, Greenergy Solar estimates 249,000 metric tons of avoided carbon emissions. Greenergy Solar now positions itself as the first commercial rooftop service provider in Mindanao.

Local firm promotes renewable energy in Mindanao for 13 years

local company has been helping promote the use of renewable energy in Mindanao for more than a decade producing 2.508 megawatts (MW) of installed solar panels to power homes, offices, streetlights, and farms. “The sun is the limit,” said Engr. Cerael Donggay, Greenergy Solar’s president and chief executive officer, on the huge, still-untapped market for solar energy not just in Mindanao but in the

entire country. “Greenergy Solar, whose slogan is ‘Hire the Sun,’ has certainly come a long way,” Donggay said in a statement. Greenergy Development Corporation, the parent company of Greenergy Solar, turns 13 years old and has been harnessing the power of the sun as a source of energy. Four years after its first commercial solar installation, the company’s in-

DAVAO 6 EDGE VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

On the inauguration of the 54.74 Davao City bike lane network:

By providing Davaoeños with bicycle lanes, they are able to safely maximize usage of their bicycles, whether as a mode of transportation for work or business, or as a means for exercise and leisure activities.”

Sara Duterte-Carpio Mayor, Davao City

EDITORIAL Productive campaign The campaign against loose firearms at least in Basilan Province is effective. Local officials in the province have turned over another 204 loose firearms to government forces in support to the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program. Western Mindanao Command through its spokesman, Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, reported the local chief executives of Lamitan City pledged support to the SALW program, signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) in Lamitan City on July 19.

The firearms include a 12-gauge shotguns, an M1 Carbine, M16 rifle, Garand rifles, three M203 Grenade Launchers, M19 Grenade Launcher, M79 Grenade Launcher, caliber .22 revolvers, KG9 pistols, caliber 38 revolvers, and caliber .45 pistols. According to Delos Santos, the firearms were voluntarily sur-

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Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of WestMinCom, said the SALW program was implemented and earned overwhelming support from the local government units and populace. “In the long run, we expect to achieve more as we receive more support from the different organizations and the people of Mindanao,” Vinluan said. The activity was facilitated by Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman and top officials from the Joint Task Force Basilan and Police Provincial Office. Indeed, the program will be fruitful if the campaign in other parts of Mindanao will be as aggressive with the unconditional and honest support of local leaders. 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

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rendered by civilians from the different barangays of the city.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER There was this story of the mother of an American president. She had set up an interview with an aggressive woman reporter who made it clear with her very first question that she intended to take the measure of this sharp-tongued little woman“Your son,” the reporter started, “has been traveling the United States, telling people not to vote for him if he ever lies to them. Can you, knowing a son as only a mother can, honestly say he’s never told a lie?” “Well, perhaps a little white lie now and then,” the mother countered. Snapped back the reporter, “And what is the difference between a white lie and any other kind of lie? Define white lie for me.” The mother said sweetly, “I’m not sure I can define it, but I can give you an example. Do you remember that when you came in the door a few minutes ago, I told you how good you looked and how glad I was to see you?” “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Was it Benjamin Disraeli who said these words? The statement came to my mind after reading the story below sent to me via e-mail

by a friend. Frankly speaking, some of the experiences that happened to the originator of the story also occurred to me. That is the reason why I can relate with what the author (whoever he is) wrote. Read the full story – which I am printing in toto – to fully comprehend what I am talking about… My story began when I was a child. I was born to a poor family. Oftentimes, we ran out of food. Most of the time, my mother would give me her portion of rice. While she was removing her rice into my bowl, she would say “You can have this rice, my son. I’m not hungry.” While I was growing up, my mother made use of her spare time fishing in a river near our house. She hoped that the fish she caught would give me some nutritious food for my growth. After fishing, she would cook the fish. While I was sipping the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat the leftover meat from the fish I was eating. Seeing what she was doing, I gave some fish. She would decline and said these words: “Eat it, my son. I don’t really like fish.” When I was in high school,

my mother was selling second-hand clothes to support my studies. At night, I would see my mother sewing those tattered clothes over a little candlelight. I usually urged her to sleep since it was already very late at night. She would just smile and reply, “Go to sleep, my dear. I’m not tired.” During my final examination, I usually study hard. My mother would accompany me and see to it that I had all that I needed. She would prepare hot milk for me since the nights were cold. When I saw my mother was shivering, I gave her the milk she had prepared for me. “My son, drink it,” she said. “You know that I don’t drink milk.” My father died ahead of my mother. Since he left nothing, my mother had to work to support me. I sensed that she had a hard time and wasn’t capable of supporting the two of us. A neighbor advised her to marry again, but she replied, “I don’t need love. I have a son.” Finally, I was able to finish college and got a job. It was the time my old mother had to retire from work. But she didn’t want to; she was selling some vegetables in the market. Since I was working in the city, I had

to send her money to help her but she would not accept the money. Even if she had to miss some meals, she said, “I have enough money.” Wanting to have a higher position in the company I was working for, I attended a well-known university taking a Master Degree, under the company’s scholarship program. After two years, I finished the degree and was promoted. I had enough that I can now bring my mother anywhere in the world. When I invited her to join me while vacationing in the United States, she answered, “I’m not used to it.” At the age of 80, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. It was not until she was hospitalized that I learned of her illness. After getting the news from one of our neighbors, I immediately flew to our hometown. At the hospital, I found my mother lying down in bed, weak, thin, and having a hard time breathing. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I looked at her for a few seconds while tears were flowing on my face. I came to her and hugged her. But my mother, with her remaining strength, told me, “Don’t cry my dear. I’m not in pain.” After saying those words,

she closed her eyes forever! The son knew that through all the years, what his mother was telling him were all lies. He knew she was in pain. He knew she wanted to see the world. He knew that she liked fish and milk. But knowing that he needed it more than her, she said the other way around. “What is a lie?” asked George Gordon Noel Byron. “It is but the truth in masquerade.” To which Mark Twain adds, “It’s no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.” Let me end this piece with another story. A priest saw a group of little boys sitting in a circle with a dog in the middle. He asked them what they were doing with the dog. One boy said, “We are doing nothing to the dog; we’re just telling lies, and the one that tells the biggest one gets the dog.” The priest told them he was very shocked, that when he was a little boy he would never have even thought of telling a lie. The little boy thought for a while, and then declared, “Give him the dog, fellers.” Just one more reminder: “Lying is done with words and also with silence.” That’s according to Adrienne Rich.

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARER’S HAZARDOUS LIFE ON BOARD CAR CARRIERS While consumers enjoy driving their cars, transporting automobiles as cargoes on board vessels can have a toll to a seafarer’s health. Most seafarers live and work under extremely hazardous conditions that can cause serious short-term and longterm damage to their health. In some cases, they are unknowingly exposed to conditions that can even be fatal. The seafarer’s constant exposure to hazards such as chemicals (like benzene) and the varying temperature, coupled by stressful tasks in his employment may cause a plethora of illnesses. Benzene, a known carcinogen, is a colorless, sweet-smelling chemical that is commonly used in the manufacturing of petroleum products such as gasoline, solvents, and crude oil. It is also mainly used as a starting component in making other chemicals and materials including dyes, detergents, drugs, plastics, lubricants, nylon, rubbers, pesticides, resins, and synthetic fibers.

Vessels that can have higher benzene exposure include petroleum oil or chemical tank ships; petroleum or chemical carriers; liquid cargo, flat/deck and open hopper barges; and liquid bulk tankers. Benzene can cause a host of medical issues, including damage to reproductive organs and immune system, internal bleeding, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute myelogenous and cancer. In the case of Melchor Deocariza vs. Fleet Mgt Services Phils, Inc. ( G.R. No. 229955, July 23, 2018), the Supreme Court awarded total permanent disability benefits to a seafarer (Chief Officer) afflicted with Aplastic Anemia brought about by chronic exposure to benzene. To be considered as work-related, Aplastic Anemia should be contracted under the condition that there should be exposure to x-rays, ionizing particles of radium or other radioactive substances or other forms of radiant energy. The company-designated physician pointed out that

“exposure to benzene and its compound derivatives may predispose to development of such condition,” and that work-relatedness will depend on exposure to a certain factors. The employers denied liability by arguing that the cause of the Deocariza’s illness was not work-related. They claimed that while the cars loaded in the vessel contained gasoline (which is said to have benzene elements), the cars’ engines were nonetheless always “OFF” during the voyage and turned “ON” only during the loading and unloading of the vehicles in the vessel. They added that seafarer could not have accumulated benzene elements in his body given that the vessel was equipped with many big exhaust fans that drive away the toxic fumes. The Supreme Court disregarded the employers’ argument by noting that the use of safety gears in the performance of the seafarer’s duties did not foreclose the possibility of his exposure to such harm-

ful chemical, given that he was in fact diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia brought about by chronic exposure to benzene. As a general rule, the seafarers most affected by benzene are those who perform vessel maintenance and tank cleaning. But the Court noted that the claimant actively supervised as Chief Officer the loading and unloading operations of cars/ motor vehicles in every voyage that constantly exposed him to an atmosphere of cargoes with nearly 6,000 cars in just one voyage alone. Benzene, an important component of gasoline, is emitted from the engines of these cars in the course of their loading and unloading. The Chief Officer was constantly exposed to the hazards of benzene in the course of his employment. Studies show that since benzene is highly volatile and tends to evaporate quickly, exposure occurs mostly through inhalation without detection. The seafarer’s illness is work-related as the reasonable link between the nature of his

work as Chief Officer and the illness contracted during his employment was sufficiently established by substantial evidence with no showing that he was notoriously negligent in the exercise of his functions. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that it is not necessary that the nature of the employment be the sole and only reason for the illness suffered by the seafarer for illness to be compensable. It is sufficient that there is a reasonable linkage between the seafarer’s disease suffered and his work to lead a rational mind to conclude that his work may have contributed to the establishment or, at the very least, aggravation of any pre-existing condition he might have had. ( Magsaysay Maritime Services v. Laurel, G.R. NO. 195518, March 20, 2013) (Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

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LIFESTYLE

RUSH EMPOWERS BRANDS TO UNDERSTAND CUSTOMER BEHAVIOR LOYALTY and eCommerce enabler RUSH makes it easier for brands to earn customer loyalty and drive repeat purchases, by empowering them with the right tools to better understand customer behavior.

A powerhouse when it comes to fostering customer relationships, RUSH operates the loyalty programs of some of the biggest brands in the Philippines like Globe Telecom, Shakey’s, and Unilever. RUSH has taken its expertise in the loyalty field to level up its eCommerce solution, the RUSH eStore. RUSH empowers brands to do more than just selling by offering capabilities for businesses to better understand each customer; through effortless customer segmentation based on demographics and purchase patterns, paired with multi-channel customer engagement possibilities. “RUSH understands the needs of local businesses to connect. We allow businesses to build a direct relationship with their customers, unlike aggregators or marketplaces. Through the RUSH eStore, we can close the loop in terms of the acquisition, conversion,

and retention for brands as they journey through the digital highway,” said Stephanie Kubota, RUSH Chief Executive Officer. For brands that are struggling to bring traffic to their eCommerce platform, RUSH has partnered with GCash, the leading finance app in the country, through GLife. “It is easy to get lost in a crowd with everyone and almost everything online. With RUSH in GLife, we empower brands to be accessible to

millions of users from day one. Not only are we helping businesses grow, but we are also joining GCash’s vision in enriching the digital lifestyle of Filipinos,” Kubota said. GLife is a one-stop digital platform that meets customers’ various lifestyle needs from food, beauty essentials, groceries, to entertainment. GLife is the latest addition to the GCash’s wide range of services and offerings. Through GLife, brands can bring their products and

services to nearly 40 million GCash users, attract new customers and engage with existing ones. As businesses create mini-apps within GLife, they can maintain their brand identity while enabling a great user experience leveraging GCash’s simple sign-on and payment functionalities. On the other hand, RUSH onboards its brand partners on GLife with their pioneering eCommerce solution embedded into the GCash app. RUSH also enables brands to com-

municate and engage directly with their desired audience, ultimately building lasting relationships with customers. Established in 2016, RUSH offers digital innovation tailored to meet the growing demand for accessible and easy-to-use programs to bring businesses into the digital space seamlessly. Its whitelabel apps and services are utilized by over 100 top-notch companies with 27 million registered users. RUSH and GCash propel businesses to embrace digital transformation and allow brands to succeed in new marketing channels. They are under the umbrella of 917Ventures, the country’s largest corporate venture builder. 917Ventures is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe. Globe is committed to supporting 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), specifically UN SDG No. 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth, and UN SDG No. 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. To learn more about RUSH, visit https://www.rush.com. ph/.

NEW SKY FIBER SUBSCRIBERS ENJOY A P500 DISCOUNT ON INSTALLATION GETTING CONNECTED online becomes more convenient as new subscribers of SKY Fiber Super Speed Plans from June 25 to July 31, 2021, will be able to save P500 on their installment fee with the Flash 500 Off Promo. The offer is available to all residential subscribers nationwide when they subscribe to either an Unli Broadband Plan or Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV Plan. Those who will avail of a standalone plan of 40Mbps or above will only have to pay P500, instead of P1000, to get their high-speed modem installed. Meanwhile, a 30Mbps or above Bundle Plan, which has an installation fee of P2000, will only be P1,500 within the promo period. Should they choose to get the All-In Box, which combines SKY’s Digibox and Cable Modem in one box that is ideal for small spaces, they will also enjoy a P500 discount on their

installation fee. The leveled-up SKY Fiber Super Speed plans of up to 200Mbps are now available in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Cebu, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Il-

oilo, and Davao. While Baguio, Gensan, and Zamboanga can experience fiber-fast speeds of up to 80Mbps. To learn more about the promo mechanics, visit mysky. com.ph/flash500.

SM Foundation, in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, turns over 140 Kalinga packs to City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for distribution to affected households in the recent fire incident at Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya. In the photo (from left to right): Mr. Lester R. Tantoco, mall manager of SM City Davao, Ms. Julie P. Dayaday of CSWDO, and Ms. Cicel B. Amor, assistant store manager of SM Markets. Photo from SM City Davao

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(Photo: foodnerdinc.com and blog.technavio.com)

hen it comes to chemicals, people are very much concerned as they are hazardous to health. More so, if they are being ingested with the food people are eating. Such is the case of food additives.

Food additive is defined by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “any substance the intended use of which results or may reasonably be expected to result – directly or indirectly – in its becoming a component or otherwise affecting the characteristics of any food.” In the past, the common food additives were salt, sugar, and vinegar. Today, these are still being used: salt to preserve meat and fish, sugar to preserve fruits, and vinegar or acids to pickle vegetables. “Fermentation processes are often used to preserve foods for later consumption,” says the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria leads to the production of foods such as burong pipino, kesong puti, burong talangka, longganisa, and bagoong alamang.” Today, a wide range of chemicals may be added to food, including flavoring agents, colors, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives. Other chemicals may be used to aid in the transformation of raw materials into foods during processing and manufacture. “Many food additives have been developed over time to meet the needs

of food production, as making food on a large scale is very different from making them on a small scale at home,” the World Health Organization (WHO) explains. “Additives are needed to ensure processed food remains safe and in good condition throughout its journey from factories to industrial kitchens, during transportation to warehouses and shops, and finally to consumers.” Let’s take a closer look as to why some ingredients are needed to be added to foods. For one, they maintain or improve safety and freshness. “Preservatives slow product spoilage caused by mold, air, bacteria, fungi or yeast,” FDA points out. “In addition, they help control contamination that can cause foodborne illness, including life-threatening botulism.” One group of preservatives – antioxidants – prevents fats and oils and the foods containing them from becoming rancid or developing an offflavor. They also cut fresh fruits such as apples from turning brown when exposed to air. Another reason: they improve or maintain nutritional value. Vitamins, minerals, and fibers are added to many foods to make up for those lacking in a person’s diet or lost in processing, or to enhance the nutritional quality of a

ARE FOOD ADDITIVES

REALLY SAFE? Text by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

food. Such fortification and enrichment have helped reduce malnutrition in the Philippines and around the world. More importantly, they improve taste, texture and appearance. Spices, natural and artificial flavors, and sweeteners are added to enhance the taste of food. Food colors maintain or improve appearance. Emulsifiers (prevent liquid products from separating), stabilizers and thickeners (both provide an even texture) give foods the texture and consistency consumers expect. Leavening agents allow baked goods to rise during baking. Some additives help control the acidity and alkalinity of foods, while other ingredients help maintain the taste and appearance of foods with reduced fat content. According to the United Nations health agency, food additives can be derived from plants, animals, minerals or they can be synthetic. Right now, there are several thousand food additives used, all of which are designed to do a specific job in making food safer or more appealing.

The WHO divides these food additives into three categories: flavoring agents, enzyme preparations and other additives. “Flavoring agents – which are added to food to improve aroma or taste – make up the greatest number of additives used in foods,” the WHO says. “There are hundreds of varieties of flavorings used in a wide variety of foods, from confectionery and soft drinks to cereal, cake and yogurt. Natural flavoring agents include nut, fruit and spice blends, as well as those derived from vegetables and wine. In addition, there are flavorings that imitate natural flavors.” Enzyme preparations, on the other hand, are a type of additive that may or may not end up in the final food product. “Enzymes are naturallyoccurring proteins that boost biochemical reactions by breaking down larger molecules into smaller building blocks,” the WHO explains. “They can be obtained by extraction from plants or animal products or from

micro-organisms such as bacteria and are used as alternatives to chemicalbased technology.” Enzymes are mainly used in baking (to improve the dough), for manufacturing fruit juices (to increase yields), in wine making and brewing (to improve fermentation), as well as in cheese manufacturing (to improve curd formation). Other additives are used for a variety of reasons, such as preservation, coloring, and sweetening. They are added when food is prepared, packaged, transported, or stored, and they eventually become a component of the food. Coloring is added to food to replace colors lost during preparation, or to make food look more attractive. Non-sugar sweeteners are often used as an alternative to sugar because they contribute fewer or not calories when added to food. Food additives can be added directly or indirectly. Direct food additives are those that are added to a food for a specific purpose in that food. Indirect food additives – which

are not used or placed in the food on purpose – become part of the food in trace amounts due to its packaging, storage or other handling. One big concern about these food additives is whether they are safe when consumed. “The process of approving the use of a food additive is quite rigorous,” the PCIEERD explains. “Additives are examined to establish a good technological reason for using the additive, and then to assess their safety. Safety evaluations may include laboratory trials on the additive to evaluate their effect on laboratory animals.” Scientists can establish the maximum levels for incorporation of an additive in a food based on the result of the aforementioned studies. In the Philippines, the Department of Health has published a list of food additives being used in the country; the list is updated every now and then. “By establishing permitted levels in specific foods, a consumers’ intake of

FFOOD, P10

EDGEDAVAO

INCREASED... FROM2 completed on 15 June 2021. The bike lane network features white and green pavement markings lit by solar-powered road studs signages, bollards, bike symbols, and concrete delineators to ensure the bikers’ safety. Funded by the

Bayanihan to Recover as One Act of 2020 (RA 11494), the project aims to connect Davao’s key activity areas, through enhancing their accessibility, and providing the most vulnerable road users with safe transport infrastructure.

organized, and beautiful.” Eleazar was referring to the Jolo police station and the Sulu provincial police headquarters, both situated in the municipality, which he described as “very tidy” in appearance. On Tuesday morning, Sinarimbo briefed Eleazar on the support provided by the region’s Ministry of the Interior and the Local Government to the PROBARMM, as well as their backing to the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in the area. The PNP chief appreciated and lauded BARMM for the assistance extended to the police organization. Speaking to police officers and BARMM officials, Eleazar said he was pushing for the intensified cleanliness policy in the PNP orga-

nization. “Small problems must be addressed immediately to prevent these problems from getting worst,” he said, adding he found out that police offices across the region have also observed cleanliness in the city and municipal levels. After meeting with BARMM officials, Eleazar and the party proceeded to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur to complete his threeday inspection tour. The BARMM covers the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi; the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi; and also the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato. The PNP chief’s party is expected to return to Camp Crame in Manila on Tuesday afternoon. (PNA)

the recruitment of violent extremists to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and development in the community. “Don’t get lured in by these groups. If you need a living, you can find it everywhere. You just have to figure out how to create something out of it and remain a productive citizen of the municipality of Datu Salibo,” Banaag told reporters here. In a separate interview, Teng Abdul, a resident of the village, pledged to report to authorities any sightings of

the BIFF and similar groups in their area in the future. “Di dapat suportahan ang BIFF. Nanggugulo lang sila (The BIFF should not be supported. They are just troublemakers),” he said. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and head of the Joint Task Force Central, lauded the community for their support to the government’s antiterrorism campaign. “You are the end beneficiaries of this endeavor,” he said. (PNA)

would not need a cold storage facility. There was no mention as to how many vials of the vaccine, said to be for senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, will go to this city and Sarangani. Meantime, health and police personnel in this city are on orders to prevent fishermen and travelers from entering via the “backdoor” from any of the nearby Indonesian islands. Mayor Ronnel Rivera said there are also the returning fishing boats that ventured into international waters and that its crew members, as well as other travelers, must be subjected to the needed testing and quarantine procedures. “We have to implement strict protocols to protect

our city from the Delta variant,” Rivera said. In nearby Sarangani Province, police and local government officials have met to further strengthen measures to strictly enforce travel restrictions, specifically barring persons from Indonesia from entering the country from July 16 to 31. The restriction covers travelers from Indonesia or those who have been there 14 days before their intended arrival in the Philippines. Police Lt. Col. Fernando Cunanan Jr., commander of the Regional Maritime Unit (RMU) 12, said they have beefed up patrols along the coast and shorelines of Sarangani Province, particularly in Glan town, which is adjacent to Sarangani and Balut islands.

ready recorded a total of 21 ASG personalities who chose to abandon their

ernment units and populace. “In the long run, we expect to achieve more as we receive more support from the different organizations and the people of Mindan-

dedicated bike lanes are for you, our dear cyclists. Ngayong narito na ang pasilidad, ako po ay nakikiusap sa ating mga kababayan—mapa-cyclist, motorista, o pedestrian ka man—gamitin natin ito nang tama. Pairalin natin ang respeto at kortisiya sa kalsada, para everybody safe and happy,” he said. The project is funded by the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11494) aiming to connect Davao City’s key activity areas through enhancing their accessibility and providing the most vulnerable road users with safe transport infrastructure. The online activity was also attended by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra III, MRT-3 OIC-general manager assistant secretary Eymard Eje, assistant secretary for Communications and Commuters Affairs Goddes Hope Libiran, MinDA assistant secretary Romeo Montenegro, DPWH 11 director Rey Peter B. Gille, LTFRB 11 director Nonito A. Llanos III, and other representatives from the DPWH, cyclist organizations, and the city government of Davao.

mi. Ang pasabot man gud sa no-show, kung naa kay schedule, dili nimo siya dutyhan. Ang amoa is wala gyud mi schedule pero gitanggalan gihapon mi nila ug access kay kuno mag-strike daw mi. Ang strike nga ilang gipasabot is mag-adto mi sa dalan mag-rally ug magsaba-saba. Ang amoa lang, mag-rest day mi, dili mi magkuha ug schedule tungod kay kapoy ug duty na gagmay ka ug earnings. Mauli nimo sa imong pamilya gamay kaayo,” said Edmund Carillo, president of Davao United Delivery Riders Association, in the AFPPNP Press Corps virtual briefing on Wednesday. In the statement, foodpanda stated that the company is aware of concerns raised by the group regarding rider fee structure and provided clarity on this matter. According to foodpanda, the company has always tried to do its best to give rider partners a better understanding of rider fee structure, and its benefits. It said rider pay structure takes into account route and distance among other factors, allowing for a fair pay structure that is higher than other industries. It also said beyond earnings through completed orders, riders also enjoy benefits from the partner-

ships with other brands including discounts on fuel/ mobile data, insurance at a significantly lower price for the same benefits, free merchandise, among others. The company also assured that as a platform, it is supporting thousands of riders and vendors who earn their livelihood and income with foodpanda, by delivering food and essentials to our customers’ homes. To ensure that the platform remains reliable for all users, the company sometimes have to take difficult actions to mitigate operational interruptions. The statement also said that foodpanda remains committed to providing fair and flexible earning opportunities for its rider partners, as it has done so in the past seven years. It said the company has always been in constant communications with the rider community, so it can address and take care of their concerns. “However, we also take rider integrity and conduct seriously as a responsible business to our vendor partners and customers. We will continue to seek solutions that improve our service among riders, vendor partners and customers,” the statement said. By Maya M. Padillo

armed struggle since January of this year.

government spending, especially on infrastructure, to increase a few months before the national polls so as not to violate the election

spending ban. He said some incumbent officials rush to complete various government projects before the election ban.

ao,” Vinluan said. The activity was facilitated by Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman and top officials from the Joint Task Force Basilan and Police Provincial Office.

The country’s internet service providers (ISPs) are expanding network services in the country to improve connectivity, especially during the COVID-19

pandemic. Internet connectivity is crucial as the pandemic prompted the shift to remote work or workfrom-home setup and distance learning.

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physical separators at road signages,” Tugade said. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar underlined the longterm benefits that the project will provide for the public, as well as for the overall traffic system of the city. “We are optimistic that the project will not only provide safety and convenience for road users, but also encourage the use of bicycles as a healthier and more environment-friendly alternative. Apart from the convenience and safety for bikers, the construction of bike lanes also help in decongesting traffic as less people will have more options in their daily commute,” he said. Transportation assistant secretary Mark Steven Pastor said through the unwavering commitment and strong leadership of Tugade, it is the goal of DoTr to put the Filipino commuters at the center of the transportation landscape by providing protected bike lanes in cities, creating safe spaces for the vulnerable road users, the cyclists and pedestrians. Tugade also enjoined all cyclists to utilize the bike lanes properly, with respect and courtesy. “These well-designed

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additives will not exceed a defined acceptable daily intake (ADI),” the PCIEERD says. The UN health agency defines ADI as an estimate of the amount of an additive in food or drinking water that can be safely consumed daily over a lifetime without adverse health effects. Once the ADI has been known, the food additives are then fit for human consumption. “The toxicity of food additives is generally low,” assures Rose Elaine E. Placio-Guilaran, a science research specialist from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), another DOST line agency. Guilaran said those words while discussing the uses and safety of food additives during the DOSTCaraga’s recent webinar for the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). SETUP is a nationwide DOST strategy encouraging and assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations and increase their productivity and competitiveness. The webinar was held to help Filipino entrepreneurs who are interested in producing their own food products. Doing so, they will be guided as to what kind of food additives to use and the safety levels. “You cannot merely use food additives without proper discretion,” she pointed out. According to Guilaran, there is a CODEX Committee on Food Additives that sets the standard known as the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) that can be accessed online. She said Filipinos can refer to the GSFA for the maximum permissible levels (MPL) of certain food additives they are using, since GSFA provides a list of food categories with the corresponding MPL. The GSFA further prescribes the safe amounts of additives to use especially if applied

to processed foods done for personal consumption or commercially sold in the market. Guilaran reminded that the use of food additives should not exceed the ADI and the level should be in accordance with the GSFA recommended level, as well as the good manufacturing practice. This means that the quantity of additive added to food shall be limited to the lowest level possible necessary to accomplish its desired effect. “A small proportion of the population may be intolerant to some food additives and may have acute effects,” Guilaran said. This must be the reason why the Philippine government requires the labelling of pre-packaged food products to include all the list of ingredients used, including food additives, to guide consumers of what is in the products they buy. In a study conducted by FNRI in relation to exposure to certain food additives, it was found that the mean exposure to cyclamates were higher among children through consumption of bakery wares and beverages. Cyclamates is a low-calorie sweetener often found in products like soft drinks and chewing gums. The same study also found that exposure to residual nitrites, often added to cured meat products like ham and sausages, were also higher in children ages one to nine years old from consumption of sausages and canned meat products. “When formulating a food product, the food manufacturers are recommended to consider the general principles for the use of food additives: Exercise due care in choosing food additives; add only the right type and right amount of food additive, and the trade should also take note of the regulatory requirements on the use and labeling of food additives,” Guilaran advised. – (Photos: foodnerdinc.com and blog.technavio.com)

Commission (PSC) invited the Department of the Interior and Local Government who tasked their representative DILG Assistant Bureau Director Debie Torres, CESO V to be the resource speaker. Torres is responsible for the development of the capabilities of the barangays in the country.

Torres served as the DILG Provincial Director of Davao Occidental from 2016 to 2020 and was also the former Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) of the DILG Regional Office XI in Matina, Davao City. From 2009 to 2014, she served as the City Director of the DILG office in Digos, City.

Margielyn Didal, who goes around the facility using her skateboard. “They are moving around freely, but of course, with the usual protocols that we have been used to in the Philippines, social distancing, use of face masks,” Dr. Molo said. Athletes, officials, and coaches numbering 6,700 inside the village undergo

saliva testing for COVID-19 daily. He also revealed that Irish Magno is back to her training as if nothing happened after the boxer suffered a soft tissue contusion during her skip-rope training session. “Nothing serious, she’s back training with the rest of the boxing team,” said Dr. Molo.

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More games postponed as part of PBA COVID-19 protocols

he Tropang Giga’s match against Meralco on Saturday, and the Dyip’s contest against Rain or Shine on Friday have been called off, the PBA announced on Wednesday. Four TNT players will be retested for COVID-19. As part of the safety protocols, the Tropang Giga as well as their opponents last Saturday in the Dyip are in isolation. Friday’s schedule is down to a doubleheader, with Barangay Gine-

bra facing Blackwater at 3 p.m., and San Miguel facing NLEX at 6 p.m. Meralco is set to face Rain or Shine on Saturday at 2 p.m. to be followed by the match between Alaska and Phoenix Super LPG at 4:35 p.m.

Business as usual inside Athletes Village

OKYO -- It may be a State of Emergency in Japan, but it’s business as usual inside the Athletes’ Village of the Summer Olympic Games here. Team Philippines’ physician Dr. Randy Molo of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Medical and Sports Science Science unit, revealed this to media men during breakfast at the Conrad Tokyo, secretariat headquarters of the delegation. “The athletes approach each day as a regular one, but they don’t let their guards down,” said Dr. Molo. According to the Team Philippines’ doctor,

athletes go about their businesses with guarded optimism inside the 44-hectare Athletes Village located in Tokyo’s Harumi Waterfront District. “They bring their chairs into the open, grass field and they soak up the sun,” he said. “You see athletes jogging or cycling, but with the usual masks and social distancing.” The athletes have everything they need inside the village -- from 48,000 kinds of meals to choose from to massage therapists, that can be arranged online. The most fun from among the 14 Filipino athletes staying inside the village is skateboarder

FBUSINESS, P10

In one of the earlier completed games of the new PBA season, San Miguel Beer bowed to Meralco Bolts. Dabawenyo John Pinto and teammate Chris Newsome of Meralco gang up on Beermen guard Chris Ross. PBA Images

Olympics gets underway as softball begins in Fukushima T he Place of Sports in Local Government Units (LGUs) will be the center of discussion for the upcoming twenty-second virtual session of the

National Sports Summit 2021 this Wednesday, July 21. “This is a perfect subject that we need to discuss since LGUs are one

of our vital partners. This is a great opportunity to hear their inputs and also assess what we can do to bring sports closer to their localities and part of their

local programs,” said National Sports Summit Project Director Marc Edward Velasco. The Philippine Sports

FOLYMPICS, P10

MOSES BILLACURA CLEAN SLATE

BEAUTIFUL SPORTS FACILITY IN MARAWI While having lunch, my wife Marj was listening to a speech delivered by Senator Pia Cayetano answering allegations on the building of sports facilities becoming white elephants. I was already thinking of writing my column for Edge Davao after seeing the post of Prof.Henry C. Daut, a indefatigable co-worker in the Sports for Peace Mindanao movement, about the ongoing construction of a beautiful rubberized track oval at the Mindanao State University campus in Marawi City. Senator Cayetano, herself a former national athlete, is fully aware of the situation and so she lauded the construction of modern sports facilities in the country under the Duterte administration that led to the successful hosting of the Southeast Asian Games. The building of the sports facilities is now well supported with a sports program because of the creation of the National Academy of Sports. You see, the problem with

sports facilities becoming white elephants has become a common scene years back simply because there is the absence of a genuine and comprehensive sports development program. Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, himself a member of the academe, has been calling for this for many years because it is the only way to sustain a major sports facility. Ani ni. You construct a sports facility, track oval like the one in Marawi City. If there is no sports program to support such an expensive facility, no organization to maintain it, no sports association to run a sports program, then it would be a shame because that facility will become “bulok” in the long run. Nasayang lang ang mga paningkamot sa tanan to build that facility. And what will Mayor Digong, the President of this strong Republic, PSC chairman Ramirez, Dr.Habib Macaayong and the people in

Marawi, Lanao and their neighbouring towns and cities will say? “Na white elephant gyud”. We don’t want to hear that, never! That is why these days, you will notice that local governments tie up with universities that offer sports degree courses. It is the best partnership. The Davao City Sports Complex, which hosted the Palarong Pambansa, was built at the University of Philippines-Mindanao campus. As long as Prof. Erwin Protacio is alive, there is one sports official with the “malasakit” who will keep a close eye on that facility. And if there are things to be done to improve it, I’m sure he will make a “sumbong” to Congressman Sid Ungab, a staunch sports supporter, or worse, Prof. Protacio will report directly to Mayor Inday Sara if there is one “badlongon” in sports, aron ma sumbagan ba (komedya lang Mayor Inday, puwede pud tinod on). Pare Dennis “Mr.Sports Complex” Lazo, then with Bombo

Radyo, has been very noisy for many years in the 1990s as to why the City of Davao has no sports complex, unlike other cities and provinces. He will even go to the extent of asking news sources during the interview, in a jokingly fashion, if they are willing to donate a sports complex to Davao City. Natuman na imong mga pangandoy pare Dennis Rivera Lazo, so okay na. As the years go by, we have little by little become mature in the sports community. We have a strong private sector to support government sports programs and that has benefitted athletes, coaches, trainors, BBQ saging, ice water, ice candy vendors. I could not forget PSC chairman Ramirez teaching us that sports development is as basic as food, clothing, shelter and health care. That teaching has been written in our hearts and our minds and that is precisely, we will be fuming mad if there is exploitation

and abuse done to the sports community. Once that track oval is fully operational in Marawi City, that will definitely change the course of sports development in the Bangsa Moro land. A world-class facility in a once war-torn area that would bring all sports lovers together. Would that be a beautiful sight? Of course, it would be. Prof.Henry, although officially retired as MSU professor, will have his hands full again because he will be one sports official who will keep a watchful eye on that facility. And someday, the kids playing there will become friends and if they go their separate ways, become good citizens of the Republic, will one day give something back to sports because sports has made them better Filipinos. “Ngano barilon man nako na siya nga kadula man mi ana tung bata pa mi?” You see my point?

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 110 • THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

BUCKS NAIL IT

Giannis explodes for 50 in Game 6 clincher

Finals MVP and champion Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates with the Milwaukee Bucks team during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum.

he Milwaukee Bucks, powered by a masterpiece from Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, captured the franchise’s first NBA championship in 50 years with a 105-98 win over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. With the victory, the Bucks clinched the NBA Finals 4-2 and became only the fifth team to win the best-of-seven championship series after losing the first two games. Antetokounmpo was named most valuable player of the series after scoring a playoff career-high 50 points in the clinching game that will surely soothe the Bucks’ recent history of postseason failure. “I’m so blessed to work with Giannis every day,” Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said during an on-court interview. “He’s a special human being, he’s an even more amazing human being than he is a player. I’ve learned so much from him and his leadership.” Phoenix overcame a slow start to the game and led by as many as seven points early in the third quarter but could not contain Antetokounmpo down the stretch. Suns guard Chris Paul had a team-high 26 points. For Phoenix, who were seeking their first championship in the team’s 53-year existence, the defeat marked the first time all season they have

lost four consecutive games. Unlike last year’s NBA Finals when the celebratory screams of the Los Angeles Lakers echoed across an arena void of fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bucks’ win kicked off a wild party for both a capacity crowd of 17,000 inside and the 65,000 supporters who attended a watch party outside the arena. SHAKY START Both teams got off to a shaky start that saw poor shooting on both ends of the court and plenty of turnovers but Milwaukee, powered by Antetokounmpo, led 29-16 after the first quarter. Phoenix, facing elimination for the first time in the 2021 playoffs, shook off their lowest-scoring first quarter of the postseason as they turned up the defense while Chris Paul led the offense as the Suns took a 47-42 lead into the half. The Suns opened up a seven-point lead early in the third quarter but the Bucks responded with a 16-6 run that put them back in front. From there the teams went back and forth and took a 77-77 tied into the final quarter.