Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 112 | Saturday, July 24, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 112 • SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021

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OUTDOORS

Children not allowed to go outdoor under GCQ heightened restriction

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A motorcycle rider drives by a pile of concrete culverts along Cordillera Street in Central Park, Bangkal, Davao City that is being constructed on Friday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 112 • SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte expresses concern after his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian“Baste”Duterte contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Presidential Photo

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50 UCCP Haran ‘bakwits’ return home in Talaingod

Children not allowed to go outdoor under GCQ heightened restriction By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease will impose restrictions on children from going outdoors in areas placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions status as provided for under IATF Resolution No. 125 (s.2021) due to the threat Delta variant of Covid-19.

It can be recalled that on July 9, 2021, the IATF, through IATF Resolution No. 125, partially lifted stay-

at-home orders for children aged 5 and up in areas under modified general community quarantine

(MGCQ) and GCQ, however, the Department of Health confirmed local the transmission of Delta variant cases in the country. Presently, there are 47 cases of Delta variant recorded in the Philippines with numbers include 36 recoveries, three deaths and eight active cases. The Delta variant was first discovered in India and is responsible for the latest outbreaks of Covid-19 in several parts of Asia. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte

approved on Friday the recommendation of IATF to place Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte under GCQ with heightened restrictions effective July 23, 2021 until July 31, 2021, from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status. Davao City was placed under GCQ with heightened restriction since July 16 to 31, 2021. Davao del Sur, which is previously MECQ, is placed under GCQ starting July 23, 2021 until July 31, 2021.

Mayor is siya po ay bata at malusog. Talaga naman pong immune system ang lumalaban dito sa Covid-19 (One thing for the Vice Mayor is he is young and healthy. His immune system can really fight Covid-19),” he said. Roque, however, could not confirm whether Duterte has been exposed to Sebastian. “Wala po akong alam na close contact si Presidente (I do not know if the President is a close contact),” he said. This, after Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor

Sara Duterte, confirmed in a Facebook post that Sebastian has acquired Covid-19. Sara, on her official Facebook account, shared a screenshot of the presidential family’s video call on Wednesday to check on each other after Sebastian got infected with the coronavirus. The video call was joined by Duterte, his former wife Elizabeth Zimmerman, and children Sara, Sebastian and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte. Roque could not also

say if Sebastian’s heath condition would affect the presidential family’s attendance to Duterte’s sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26. “Hindi ko lang po alam kung makakarating si Deputy Speaker Pulong (I do not know if Deputy Speaker Pulong will be able to attend),” he said. A maximum of 200 participants may be allowed to grace Duterte’s last SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on

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Duterte worried about Baste’s health condition

resident Rodrigo Duterte has expressed concern after his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Thursday. “Of course, the President is concerned as a father,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser. Roque said the Palace is glad that Sebastian, being physically fit, can fight off the infection. “One thing for Vice

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nother 50 “lumad” individuals have finally returned to their ancestral land in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte after several years of living in United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran compound in Father Selga Street, Bankerohan, Davao City. According to Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11, the Indigeneous Peoples (IPs) individuals including minors from Barangay Nasilaban, Talaingod were escorted by the members of the Revitalized-Pulis Sa Barangay (R-PSB) in their homecoming last Wednesday (July 21). He said the returning IPs boarded a van, a dumptruck and bus pro-

vided by the local government unit (LGU) on their way to Talaingod. The escorting team and the IP individuals arrived at the house of Bae Pilar A Libayao, the town’s Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) located at Sitio JBL, Barangay Sto. Niño in said municipality at around 4:30 p.m. Currently, these individuals are now temporarily sheltered at the Municipal Tribal Hall for quarantine before allowing them to go home to their respective families. UCCP Haran has been serving as the temporary shelter for the IPs from various provinces in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Arakan town in North Cotabato since early 2015.

Cops happy about dwindling number of rebs in S. Mindanao

he Philippine National Police (PNP) has welcomed reports on the reduction of guerilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the continuous surrender of communist rebels in Southern Mindanao. In an earlier report, the commander of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division Major General Ernesto Torres said the number of communist armed groups in Southern Mindanao has been reduced from 23 to just six guerilla fronts. Data from the National Task Force to End Local

Communist Armed Conflict indicated that a total of 18,433 communist rebels have surrendered to the government since 2016, including 92 “child soldiers.” PNP chief General Guillermo Eleazar said that this development could be attributed to the intensified anti-communist insurgency campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte. “The PNP welcomes this huge development in the government’s campaign against communist insurgency. Kaagapay tayo ng militar sa pagsugpo sa mga rebeldeng ito,” he said.

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Consul General Li Lin meets Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde, president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., in a follow-up meeting after the signing of Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Hainan International Economic Cooperation and Exchange Association (Hainan IECEA) and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce

NEWS

and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) last July 17. They both exchanged ideas on how to turn the cooperation into concrete results in order to further promote the economic cooperation between Hainan and Davao. Photo courtesy of Chinese Consulate General in Davao

Dad to Foodpanda: Show correct computation of riders’ earnings E.coli bacteria, organisms behind diarrhea outbreak C By MAYA M. PADILLO

ealth authorities in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte found E. coli bacteria in the barangay water system that have caused diarrhea of hundreds of residents in Tulalian Village in the municipality. E. coli or coliform is bacteria associated with human or animal wastes. This bacteria can also be found in improperly cooked meats and vegetables. Municipal health officer Dr. June P. Lim said that the stool tests of diarrhea

patients showed that 13 persons suffered cholera, a water-borne ailment. He said patients were positive of various bacterias such as vibrio cholerae, enterobacter cholerae, rhizobium radiobacter, aeromonas sobria, providencia alcalifaciens, escherichia coli, aeromonas sobria, klebsiella pneumoniae, among others. Lim said laboratory results also confirmed that the diarrhea was due to amoebiasis, acute gastro-

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Pulong’s office helps families affected by Covid in Brgy 34-D

he office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte of Davao City distributed relief goods to the locked-down areas in Barangay 34-D on July 22, Thursday afternoon. The effort was in response to the barangay’s urgent request following the City Government’s recent declaration of a 14day lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in some puroks in 34-D. Barangay 34-D chieftain

Erlan Guevara said in an interview that about 106 households are affected in the area. He added that 32 families from Purok 3 and 14 individuals from Purok 2 were said to be affected by the virus. “Ginabantayan man na dira pag-ayo. Galing lang gamay kaayo ang dalan dira, igo-igo gyud mag-abot ang mga mangagi. Kadtong mga na positive gisundo na sila for isolation, the rest close contacts sa balay lang,” Guevara said.

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manangement: transparent and rightful computation of their earnings. Mao dapat mag atubangay gyud kay ang claim ra ba sa manangement sa foodpanda sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) national kay na settle na sila, which is not true,” Librado-Morata said.

Last week, about 300 Foodpanda riders conducted a protest on Roxas Avenue, Davao City, against their company due to the following reasons: sudden termination, wrong or unfair determination of salary, and their call for a higher wage amidst these challenging times. On Wednesday, Edmund Carillo, president of Davao United Delivery Riders Association, confirmed to a virtual media forum that some delivery riders were suspended for 10 years and were offloaded from their respective mobile food panda apps. In her privilege speech, Librado-Morata empha-

sized that the management of Foodpanda does not truly consider their delivery riders as “partners,” for the company refuses to negotiate with the riders for the latter’s welfare. She added that the riders have been in constant negotiation with the management of Foodpanda, seeking clarification on the manner of their pay’s computation, but to no avail. The riders shoulder the gas money for every trip, and they are willing to take longer routes to make the deliveries. “However, despite this, their delivery earnings are at a decline. The riders also

Consul General Li Lin recently met with Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde, president of DCCCII for a follow-up meeting after the signing of agreement. They both exchanged ideas on how to turn the cooperation into concrete results in order to further promote the economic cooperation between Hainan and Davao City. Lin told Edge Davao the meeting was a follow up

on the strategic partnership between DCCCII and Hainan for cooperation on free trade zone, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) zone, agricultural trade and food processing and other areas of cooperation. “We discussed consular matters, trade relationships between China and the Philippines and specific investments to Mindanao. Very broad kasi ang

interests ng China from agriculture to IT to food processing, goods, power, steel, and suggested that it be processed here,” said Monteverde. Meanwhile, the virtual signing of the cooperation to contribute in strengthening the business cooperation between the two organizations while boosting the economic development of both countries. By Maya M. Padillo

ouncilor Pamela Librado-Morata, chair of the Committee on Labor in the City Council, wants the issue between delivery riders in Davao City and Foodpanda Philippines fixed and hopes that the company will give what the workers’ demand for “transparent and right computation” of their earnings. Librado-Morata said this could be achieved only if both parties will meet and talk. “Mapaklaro ang mga concerns sa both side and maayos ang issues. Matubag ang mga legitimate demands sa riders kay sa ako masabtan basic lang ila gipangayo sa

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Davao chamber, Chinese consulate continue talking on trade cooperation

he Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII) and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao continue talks on trade cooperation following the recent signing of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between the DCCCII and the Hainan International Economic Cooperation and Exchange Association on July 16, 2021.

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Twenty-nine Moro women aged 15 to 62 learn fashion designing during a workshop under John Phillip Oliver, BARRM regional head of Philippine Fashion Coalition, in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Thursday (22 July 2021). The workshop is part of the efforts of the Peacebuilding Project of Islamic Relief Worldwide to build community livelihood centers. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

PH can be future tech leader in Southeast Asia: DTI chief T

Gov’t to closely work with private sector for bid to push digitalization

rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the country can be the next technological leader in Southeast Asia as Filipinos adapt to digital technology amid the pandemic.

“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is one with the Digital Pilipinas Movement in believing that the Philippines can be a future technological leader in Southeast Asia. And like everyone here, we know this can only be achieved with a whole-of-society approach --that is, all of us working together to build back better in the post-pandemic

tomorrow,” Lopez said at the launching of Digital Pilipinas Movement Thursday. He also cited encouraging numbers proving that the country is “built for e-commerce”. Based on the 2021 Digital Report, Lopez said the Philippines remains to be the top user of the internet and social media worldwide. He added e-commerce

adoption in the Philippines also rose to 80.2 percent this year from 70 percent in 2019 and 76 percent in 2020. “We saw this especially last year, with e-commerce coming to our rescue during the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Many online businesses filled the void left by brick-and-mortar businesses affected by the community lockdowns. Online retail, delivery services, online entertainment, digital services, telehealth, work from home arrangements, digital payments -- all of these helped us in the past

year and continue to do so until now,” Lopez said. Entrepreneurs are also registering their businesses through online platforms and prefer digital payment, the DTI chief added. Based on DTI’s Business Name Registration Next Generation System, retail trade registration currently reached 105,159 from 1,848 business name registration in January to March 2020 -- a pre-pandemic period. Registration also increased from 88,575 at the end-2020. “In 2020, more than

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he government’s bid to further push digitalization of the financial system, among others, will be closely coordinated with the private sector to fully achieve the goals for financial inclusion. In his speech during the virtual Digital Pilipinas launch on Thursday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said expertise of the private sector and its initiatives to adopt digital innovations “will help us anticipate the changes in the digital economy.” “The private sector can help us provide a more nurturing policy environment,” he said. Dominguez said having a large number of highly talented and tech-savvy young population is an advantage

for the economy. The young workforce, he said, “can provide the intellectual capital to fintech-focused investments.” “I am confident that this partnership between the private sector and the government will help the Philippines bridge the digital divide and achieve President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s goal of financial inclusion for all Filipinos,” he added. The need to hasten the government’s digitalization program was enhanced by the pandemic after the government implemented movement restrictions to address the spread of infections. Dominguez said the government did not fail to collect revenues even after

climate change by reducing carbon emission through pursuing renewable energy projects. The DOE awarded 407 contracts related to renewable energy projects from 2016 to 2020. These renewable energy contracts have a potential capacity of 23,408 megawatts. So far, 29 percent of the potential capacity was already installed, adding 7,399 MW of clean energy to the grid. These contracts also

share 33 percent of the country’s energy supply. “The government is really pushing for renewable energy as a source of power for the country. We need to improve our energy security. To do that, we have to tap the indigenous sources and renewable sources,” Cusi said. He said the DOE last year declared a moratorium on new coal power projects to further help in climate change mitigation. “The position of DOE is

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BSP’s accommodative stance DOE pushes shift to renewables to boost economic recovery during Duterte’s term: Sec. Cusi

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno has highlighted the need to keep the central bank’s accommodative stance to boost economic recovery, after citing the improvement in domestic activities as the government eases movement restrictions. In a virtual briefing for the 2021 second quarter inflation report, Diokno said average inflation in April to June, although still above the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target band, deceler-

ated to 4.3 percent from the previous three months’ 4.5 percent. He attributed this to the impact of non-monetary interventions to address domestic supply constraints on pork, among others, which was hit by the African swine fever. Diokno said this development is expected to result in a within-target average inflation rate this year, which monetary authorities forecast to be around 4 percent. He said the smaller growth contraction in the

first quarter of this year, at -4.2 percent from quarter-ago’s -8.3 percent, may be traced to the “government’s calibrated approach in mitigating the transmission of the virus.” “Higher frequency indicators of domestic demand also suggest a recovery in economic activity with the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions,” he said, but added that risks remain because of the emergence of more transmission variants of coronavirus disease 2019

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epartment of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the agency has been pursuing policies for the country to transition to renewable energy as a source of power during the Duterte administration. During the pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) forum on Climate Change Adaptation Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction Cluster Thursday, Cusi said the country adheres to its commitment to the Paris Agreement on

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ECONOMY 5

Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III says expertise of the private sector and its initiatives to adopt digital innovations“will help us anticipate the changes in the digital economy.”Presidential Photo

‘Kalabasa’ new source of hope for farmers in Agusan del Sur village Paving a sustainable path for SM’s farmer graduates

he road to achieving sustainable growth may be difficult. But once embarked on a vehicle full with reliable partners, everything will fall at the right place and at the right time. That is why the implementation of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) in Davao City runs smoothly even amidst pandemic with the help of different partners including government agencies. One of the partners is the Department of Social

Work and Development (DSWD), which committed to attain the vision --- to help uplift farmers and spur sustainable development. On July 8, the DSWD XI opened the agricultural supplies store for Sitio Bonggan Talandang Farmers Association, a group comprised with 25 members who are graduates of KSK Program of SM Foundation. The store is appropriated from the department’s sustainable livelihood

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1M subscribers seen to avail of mobile number porting service

elecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), the joint venture firm set up by three of the country’s major telco players to implement the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act, is expecting about one million subscribers to avail of its porting services at the initial stage of the law’s implementation on September 30, 2021. “Initially, we’re projecting a million. But in other countries we see about 30% of the subscribers porting out, so we will prepare for

it,” TCI general manager Melanie Manuel said at a virtual press briefing on Thursday. “We’re setting it at about a million at the initial stage,” she said. TCI is the joint venture firm formed by PLDT Inc.’s mobile unit Smart Communications, Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc., and third telco player DITO Telecommunity Corp. to serve as a clearing house for mobile number portability. It was incorporated in

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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. Farmers in the interior village of Nuevo Trabaho here are pinning their hopes for the future on the livelihood potential of the lowly kalabasa (squash). Already, a one-hectare model communal farm developed by the local electricity consumers group called Multi-sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEAC) had recently produced

some 7,000 kilos of the highly-nutritious vegetable. The farmers were encouraged to grow the crop after the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) assured them of help in getting fair market prices from local traders in neighboring Bayugan City. They have so far planted squash on at least 15 hectares of individual farms.

Melodina Pineda, MSEAC president in Nuevo Trabaho, said there are many potentials for processed squash products like flour, biscuits, candies and crunchy chips. But she added that for now they are focusing on the production of nutritious squash cooked meals for feeding programs in the daycare center in Nuevo Trabaho and neighboring villages. Arnie Arreza, ASELCO board member, said he will help the farmers in processing byproducts to add value to their produce and generate more livelihood opportunities. “The objective of the rural electrification program is not only to energize the

far-flung villages but to let them utilize electricity into economic enterprises,” Arreza said. He said the ASELCO board is closely coordinating with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association for a possible squash meal production supply deal after they learned during a meeting with top executives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development about a P10-billion unused funds for the feeding program nationwide. He said they have visited the Food Innovation Center of the Caraga State University in Butuan City where they saw some of the equipment that will be useful in pro-

M-2021-040, signed by BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier on July 16, “is to ensure that their rights as PWDs to participate fully in the social life and enjoyment of opportunities available to other citizens are upheld at all times,” according to the central bank. It said that memorandum sternly reminds financial institutions to adhere to laws and regulations against discriminatory practices toward PWDs, including but

not limited to non-acceptance of government-issued PWD identification cards for the opening of accounts and other financial transactions; turning away visually impaired persons from opening bank accounts; and requiring the visually impaired customers to open only joint “and/or” accounts. Apart from putting in place mobility ramps and the Braille system in bank premises and automated teller machines, the BSP re-

minded banks to provide express lanes for PWDs similar to those reserved for senior citizens and pregnant women within their premises. To further support the welfare of PWDs, the BSP introduced enhanced tactile marks in Philippine banknotes to aid the elderly and the visually impaired in identifying denominations in July 2020. Furthermore, the central bank said it is now explor-

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BSP reminds banks to refrain from discriminatory practices vs PWD clients

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday reminded banks and its supervised financial institutions to make their services inclusive to persons with disabilities (PWDs). In a statement, the BSP said it issued a memorandum to all its supervised financial institutions reminding them to refrain from discriminatory practices toward PWDs. The Memorandum No.

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On the Philippine government’s support to the 19 Olympic hopefuls competing in the Tokyo Olympics:

We spent PHP2 billion for the training and exposure of our athlete since 2016 to form a strong team for Tokyo. Never in the history of our country has government been this supportive of the Filipino athlete, financially. Ngayon lang nangyari ito sa pamunuan ng ating Pangulong (It happened only now under the leadership of President) Rodrigo Duterte.”

William ‘Butch’ Ramirez PSC Chairman

EDITORIAL Bacteria galore Health authorities found E. coli bacteria in the barangay water system that have caused diarrhea of hundreds of residents in Tulalian Village in the municipality of Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte.

Barangay Tulalian and Longakit Refilling Stations’ water stock, were also found to be contaminated with the E.coli bacteria, a strain that causes diarrhea/bloody diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains and cramps.

Municipal health officer Dr. June P. Lim said that the stool examination of diarrhea patients showed that 13 persons suffered cholera, a water-borne ailment.

Tests made by the PHO showed the presence of E. coli, or coliform, in three of nine water systems/stocks in the barangay.

E. coli or coliform is bacteria associated with human or animal wastes. This bacteria can also be found in improperly cooked meats and vegetables.

He said patients were positive of various bacterias such as vibrio cholerae, enterobacter cholerae, rhizobium radiobacter, aeromonas sobria, providencia alcalifaciens, escherichia coli, aeromonas sobria, klebsiella pneumoniae, among others. The laboratory results also confirmed that the diarrhea was due to amoebiasis, acute gastroenteritis secondary to E. coli infection and intestinal parasitism. Aside from the private water provider-the Tulalian Water Association, the water source from a water pump in Purok 1

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Of the nine water sources and stocks examined, only three had failed in the bacteriology examination performed by the PHO-Davao del Norte while six water refilling stations passed the said examination. Sto. Tomas Mayor Ernesto Evangelista has extended financial assistance to hospitalized patients. The LGU also resorted to water rationing.

One lesson that must be learned in the Sto. Tomas outbreak is that authorities need to be vigilant. They should be watchful and strictly monitor the water being peddled to the populace. Violators should be hailed to court and fined if found guilty of violating health rules. 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

According to Dr. Lim, they had examined the various water sources and stock in Barangay Tulalian last week. They took samples and submitted these samples to Provincial Health Office (PHO’s) Water Bacteriology laboratory for comprehensive analysis.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ENDING HIV INFECTION AMONG CHILDREN STALLED Stalled – that’s how the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and partners described the progress towards ending Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome among children, adolescents and young women as none of the targets for 2020 were met. According to the final report from the Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free initiative, the total number of children on treatment declined for the first time, despite the fact that nearly 800,000 children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not currently on treatment. It also shows that opportunities to identify infants and young children living with HIV early are being missed – more than one third of children born to mothers living with HIV were not tested. If untreated, around 50% of children living with HIV die before they reach their second birthday. “Over 20 years ago, initiatives for families and children to prevent vertical transmission and to eliminate children dying of AIDS truly kick-started what has now become our global AIDS response,” said Shannon Hader, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director. “This stemmed from an unprecedented activation of all

partners, yet, despite early and dramatic progress, despite more tools and knowledge than ever before, children are falling way behind adults and way behind our goals. “The inequalities are striking – children are nearly 40% less likely than adults to be on life-saving treatment (54% of children vs 74% of adults), and account for a disproportionate number of deaths (just 5% of all people living with HIV are children, but children account for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths). “This is about children’s right to health and healthy lives, their value in our societies. It’s time to reactivate on all fronts – we need the leadership, activism, and investments to do what’s right for kids,” Hader said. Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free is a five-year framework that began in 2015, following on from the hugely successful “Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive.” The initiative called for a super fast-track approach to ensure that every child has an HIVfree beginning, that they stay HIV-free through adolescence and that every child and adolescent living with HIV has access

to antiretroviral therapy. “The HIV community has a long history of tackling unprecedented challenges, today we need that same energy and perseverance to address the needs of the most vulnerable – our children. Leaders have the power to help us change the pace of care and should act and lead until no child living with HIV is left behind,” said Ren Minghui, Assistant Director-General of the Universal Health Coverage/ Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Division of the World Health Organization. According to the report, there was a 24% decline in new HIV infections among children from 2015 to 2020 in focus countries versus a 20% decline globally. Focus countries also achieved 89% treatment coverage for pregnant women living with HIV, compared to 85% globally, but still short of the target of 95%, and there were huge differences between countries. “While we are deeply distressed by the global pediatric HIV shortfalls, we are also encouraged by the fact that we largely have the tools we need to change this,” said Angeli Achrekar, Acting United States Global AIDS Coordinator. “So, let this report be a call to action to challenge complacency and to work

tirelessly to close the gap.” The report outlines three actions necessary to end new HIV infections among children in the focus countries. First, reach pregnant women with testing and treatment as early as possible – 66,000 new HIV infections occurred among children because their mothers did not receive treatment at all during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Second, ensure the continuity of treatment and viral suppression during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for life – 38,000 children became newly infected with HIV because their mothers were not continued in care during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Third, prevent new HIV infections among women who are pregnant and breastfeeding—35 000 new infections among children occurred because a woman became newly infected with HIV during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There has been some progress in preventing adolescent girls and young women from acquiring HIV. “The lives of the most vulnerable girls and young women hang in the balance, locked into deeply entrenched cycles of vulnerability and neglect that

must urgently be interrupted,” said Chewe Luo, United Nations Children’s Fund Chief of HIV and Associate Director of Health Programs. “We know that rapid gains can be achieved for girls and young women; what is needed is the courage to apply the solutions, and the discipline to implement these with rigor and scale,” she added. Chip Lyons, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, also said, “It is clear that ending mother-to-child transmission requires innovative approaches that support the whole woman throughout the life course, including intensified primary prevention efforts, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), access to comprehensive reproductive care, and focused attention on adolescent girls and young women.” The Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free report includes the new targets for 2025 that, if met, will propel a new era of HIV prevention and treatment for women, children and families. “This is not the time for complacency, but rather an opportunity to redouble investments to reduce and eliminate mother-to-child transmission,” Lyons said

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

POSTWAR MANAGERS OF JAPANESE LANDS For a token amount, all lands under U.S. control in the islands were turned over to the Philippines after the grant of independence. Under Republic Act No. 8, President Manuel A. Roxas, first postwar president, was authorized to enter contract and transfer former Japanese lands to the national government, and to designate an agency to handle the job. Under Executive Order No. 29, which Roxas signed on November 25, 1946, the National Abaca and Other Fibers Corp. (NAOFC), created under Commonwealth Act No. 332, was imbued with two tasks: (i) “to take over and administer properties and property rights located n or affecting properties” in Davao region and (ii) “to administer the abaca and coconut plantations formerly covered by [expired] leases to Japanese and other private parties.” In the list attached to the presidential edict, sixty-eight (68) administrators were appointed to manage the plantations that were by now under

the supervision of the Bureau of Lands. The two-page listing, inclusive of administrator (individual and corporate), plantation name, and farm assignments in terms of hectarage, are as follows: Heirs of Claro Reyes Panlilio, Inc., Daliao Plantation Co., 231 hectares (has.); Pedro Limjoco, Daliao Plantation Co., 386 has.; Pioneer’s Devt. Co., Biao Plantation Co., 568 has.; Carmen Soriano, Catalunan Agricultural Co., 121 has.; David Jacobson, Lahi River Plantation Co., 333 has., Mindanao Devt. Co., Manambulan Devt. Co., 667 has.; Oriental Devt. Co., Mindanao Agricultural & Commercial Co., 528 has.; Jose Ledesma, Bato Plantation Co., 340 has.; Ricardo Ledesma, Bato Plantation Co., 308 has.; Robert Eric Baugh, Bato Plantation Co., 280 has.; William Baugh, Bayabas Plantation Co., 310 has.; Abelardo Y. Jalandoni, Biao Plantation Co., 208 has.; Occidental Devt. Co., represented by Cesar Lagman, Guianga Plantation Co., 334 has.; Davao Gulf Devt. Co., represented by Capt. Stevens,

Guihing Plantation Co., 264 has.; Pilar D. Veloso, Matsuoka Devt. Co., 210 has.; Natividad Q. Noel, Matsuoka Devt. Co., 140 has.; Renato Locsin (later Cesar Locsin), Matsuoka Devt. Co., 130 has.; Augusto Locsin (later Cesar Locsin), Matsuoka Devt. Co., 150 has.; Salvacion D. Buyco, North Talomo Plantation Co., 58 has.; Flora Oliver, North Talomo Plantation Co., 63 has.; Candido Abrina, Panabo Plantation Co., 216 has.; Silvestre Gavina, Panabo Plantation Co., 195 has.; Sofronio Gonzalez, Sirawan Plantation Co., 149 has.; Jose Lucero, Tagum Plantation Co., 349 has.; Juan Abear, Tagum Plantation Co., 330 has.; Eduardo Torres, Talomo River Plantation Co., 292 has.; Victoriano Nuqui, Tween River Plantation Co., 130 has.; Felipe Yusuico, Tween River Plantation Co., 135 has.; L. Roscom and T. Whitehorn, Padada Agricultural Co., 180 has.; Enrique Montilla, Padada Agricultural Co., 375 has.; Emilio Camara, Padada Agricultural Co., 350 has.; Jose Timbol, Riverside Plantation Co., 267 has.;

Primo B. Carreon, South Mindanao Devt. Co., 763 has.; D.C. Santos, South Mindanao Devt. Co., 234 has.; Mariano C. Pamintuan, South Mindanao Devt. Co., 211 has.; W. Allan Wood, South Mindanao Devt. Co., 190 has.; Agapito Subido, South Mindanao Devt. Co., 182 has.; Ricardo Reyes and Ramon Sullan, South Mindanao Devt. Co., 200 has.; Ricarte Ventosa, Tagurano Plantation Co., 86 has.; Jose Torres, Tagurano Plantation Co., 280 has.; Visayan Agricultural & Devt. Co., Tagurano Plantation Co., 246 has.; Valentin H. Padilla, Pangit Plantation Co., 280 has.; Patricia S. Montemayor, Pangit Plantation Co., 274 has.; Ramon T. Yulo, Akamine Brothers Plantation Co., 81 has.; Jose Diokno, Akamine Brothers Plantation co., 138 has.; Mariano Braganza, Takunan Plantation Co., 330 has.; Felipe Zurbito & Co., Bayabas Plantation Co., 246 has.; Sergio Jalbuena, Biao Plantation Co., 208 has.; Fermin Caram, Jr., Biao Plantation Co., 85 has.; Generoso Ledesma, Guihing Plantation Co., 189 has.; Julian Montilla, Guihing

Plantation Co., 203 has.; Vicente Guinoo, Guihing Plantation Co., 302 has.; Patricio David, Lasang Plantation Co., 80 has.; Arsenio Yulo, Lasang Plantation Co., 90 has.; Anastacio Pancho, Lasang Plantation Co., 120 has.; Ramon Tabiana, Matsuoka Devt. Co., 162 has.; Benito Roces, Matsuoka Devt. Co., 85 has.; Jacinto Albarracin, Mindanao Reclamation Co., 144 has.; Mauricio Revillas, Mindanao Reclamation Co., 162 has.; Vicente Garcia, Mindanao Reclamation Co., 95 has.; Apeles H. Lopez, Talomo River Agricultural Co., 145 has.; Rosendo Hernaez, Talomo River Agricultural Co., 145 has.; Emilio Infante, Talomo River Agricultural Co., 130 has.; Alfredo Rivera, South Mindanao Agricultural Co., 200 has.; Basilio Cortez and Faustino Alcarez, Tagurano Plantation Co., 105 has.; Manuel Pineda, Tagurano Plantation Co., 131 has.; and Dorotea Esguerra, Tagurano Plantation Co., 158 has.. Overall, the total land assigned to administrators reached 15,397 hectares.

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EDGEDAVAO

LIFESTYLE

GMA NETWORK SUPERCHARGES PRIMETIME LINE-UP WITH BREAKTHROUGH FAMILY DRAMA SERIES ‘LEGAL WIVES GMA Network takes pride in its boldest and grandest offering - the family drama series Legal Wives - that will not only explore the many facets of love but will also leave viewers in awe for its stunning production and engrossingly unique story premiering on July 26.

The revolutionary series features a casting coup top-billed by no less than Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo as Ismael Makadatu, an honorable man from a well-off Mranaw family who will equally love three women out of obligation, dedication, and compassion; Alice Dixson as Amirah Alonte, the virtuous and pious daughter of a sultan and Ismael’s first wife; Andrea Torres as Diane San Luis, Isamel’s second wife who is a feisty modern Catholic woman who will go to great lengths to fight for herself and Ismael’s love; Bianca Umali as Farrah Valeandong, a smart and innocent lady who becomes Ismael’s third wife in hopes of saving her family’s reputation. Dennis, who considers this series as his primetime comeback, expresses his enthusiasm for what’s in store for the Kapuso viewers, “Napakalaki ng project na ito para palampasin. Maganda ang latag ng kuwento, magagaling din ang lahat ng kasama ko na artista. Manghihinayang ako kung hindi ito napunta sa akin. Gusto kong ibahagi at iparating sa mga manonood na bukod sa makulay na kultura ng mga Mranaw, kagigiliwan nila ang

bawat characters na siguradong kapupulutan nila ng aral.” Alice, in turn, hopes that their series would bridge Filipinos and shed some light on the culture of Muslim people, “They’re actually very loving, God-fearing people. They have the same goals and desires. They have strong family bonds. Magandang paraan itong TV show na ito para ipakita kung ano ‘yung differences at kung ano din ‘yung likenesses natin as Filipinos.” Andrea, on the other hand, reveals how different and challenging her role is in the series and how she works her way into

channeling her, “I think ang pinaka-challenge is to find that balance kasi there are so many layers to her character, napakadami niyang pagdadaanan dito. So binantayan po namin ni Direk Zig na you’ll always understand where she’s coming from and why she’s doing those things. Love is her weakness but that’s also where she’ll get strength to fight back.” Meanwhile, Bianca shares her gratitude for landing the role of Farrah and looks forward to learning more as an actress through the show, “I am very honored na ako po ay pinagkatiwalaan na mapasama sa cast

ng proyektong ito. Nakakakaba po ang makipagsabayan sa mga beteranong aktor but at the same time, natutuwa po ako na makatrabaho silang lahat.” Set in Lanao Del Sur, the story begins with a Mranaw man named Ismael (Dennis) from the affluent and noble family of Makadatu. Although a devout Muslim and a muezzin (sever of the mosque), Ismael falls for Diane (Andrea), a dentist who is part of the Catholic minority in their province, and whom he keeps from his family as she is considered a non-believer. In a sudden turn of events, Ismael gets entangled in a clan

feud which leads to his marriage with his brother’s widow, Amirah (Alice). Ismael follows the disheartened Diane in Manila and tries to woo her unbeknownst to his parents. Just when the two are starting to build a happy marriage, Ismael is met with another conflict. Upon his return to their province, his friend - who he is greatly indebted to - seeks his help in saving their family’s reputation by marrying Farrah (Bianca), her daughter who is involved in a scandal. How will Ismael’s three wives deal with each other’s socio-cultural differences along with the idea of them sharing one husband? Is the idea of a man loving more than just one woman, equally and all at the same time, really possible? Legal Wives is under the supervision of the GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, FVP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, SAVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese, and Executive Producer Shielyn Atienza. Witness the enthralling tale of Legal Wives - under the helm of esteemed director Zig Dulay - beginning July 26 after The World Between Us on GMA Network. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www. GMANetwork.com.

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9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 112 • SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021

WATCH OUT FOR

KILLER LEGS! By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Mayo Clinic

ORMER American Vice-President Dan Quayle never knew what hit him. He was promoting his memoir, “Standing Firm,” when he experienced severe shortness of breath and had trouble finishing his speeches.

He thought it was just a bad cold and didn’t bother to see a doctor. It was a bad decision. On November 27, 1994, he was brought to the emergency room at the Indiana University Medical Center. The doctor’s diagnosis: “walking pneumonia.” The 47-year-old Quayle was sent home and thought it was over. The following day, however, his breathing difficulty worsened and was admitted to the emergency room again. After further tests, doctors re-diagnosed his condition as a “pulmonary embolism.” “You’d be surprised how often a pulmonary embolism is missed, even with most skilled physicians,” Quayle said in a statement following his release. “Misdiagnosis is common. I was lucky…very lucky.” He was indeed very lucky. According to the Na-

tional Institute of Health, more than 600,000 people in the United States have a pulmonary embolism each year, and more than 60,000 of them die. Experts say that most of those who die do so within 30 to 60 minutes after symptoms start. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complication of a medical condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which a blood clot forms inside the deep veins of the lower legs, thighs, or pelvis. Although there is no single, simple cause, a DVT may be due to injury to the lining of the vein, changes in the pattern of blood flow (like compression, turbulence, and stagnation), and increased tendency for blood to clot and for that clot not to naturally dissolve again. “One out of three causes usually does not trigger a DVT and three out of

three is fortunately uncommon,” says Dr Rene De Jongh, South Asia medical director of the assistance services of International SOS in Singapore. While DVT has given much attention in the United States and Europe, such is not the case in the Philippines. “It is difficult to detect travel-related DVT because we don’t screen, and we don’t know actual risk, and (diagnosis) is less accurate in asymptomatic people,” explains Dr. Teresa B. Abola, a cardiologist with the Philippine Heart Center. This must be the reason why the public is not aware of the potential health risk of blood clots. Clotting the blood is “nature’s way of trying to prevent bleeding,” says Dr Rafael Castillo, a cardiologist and chair of the department of medicine of the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital. But when nature’s protective mechanism goes awry, there is a danger of blood clots resulting in a DVT. Health authorities claim DVT is instigated by prolonged periods of physical immobility. “If a person

is just sitting around and not moving, say, during a very long flight, he may risk himself developing a DVT,” says Dr Gary Raskob, dean of the college of public health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. How does DVT happen? It starts with blood clots forming in the veins of the legs during hours of immobility (that is, long-haul flights). When mobility resumes (for instance, once a passenger deplanes) the clots can break free of the vein, and travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism that may result in death. In a study published in Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, 87 percent of DVT cases identified occurred following either a return trip or after an outward journey involving long trips made up of sequential flights. In France, researchers from the Hospital Pasteur claim that air travelers who sit for more than five hours on planes are more likely to develop blood clots in their legs than non-travelers. At Narita hospital

near Tokyo’s International Airport, records show an average of 100 to 150 passengers are treated for DVT immediately upon arrival each year; three to five percent of those die. “Only one percent of air passengers suffers from DVT,” Dr Farrol Kahn, head of the United Kingdom-based Aviation Health Institute. “Other passengers who have predisposing factors have a higher risk of between five to six percent. About 1015 passengers on a jumbo jet (Boeing 747) could develop a DVT.” There are multiple risk factors for developing blood clots in the leg, health authorities claim. There are genetic risk factors and then superimposed on that are risk factors such as having surgery or a trauma. “It is likely that most individuals who develop a DVT during or after a long plane flight also have additional risk factors,” maintains Dr Raskob. This has been confirmed in a study which appeared in British Journal of Hematology. It concluded that the risk of DVT was only increased in long-haul travelers if one or more additional risk factors were present. According to Dr Walter Fister, whose special interest is on public health and works with the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore, the risk of DVT is greater in the following people: older persons (over 40 years of age); have had previous blood clots; with a family history of blood clots or an inherited clotting tendency; suffering from or who have had treatment for cancer; with certain blood diseases; being treated for heart failure and circulation problems; have had recent surgery especially on the hips or knees; and pregnant. Obese, smokers and tall people are also at risk. “Women who take birth control pills or undergo hormone replacement therapy are also likely to suffer from a DVT because estrogen is a risk factor for clotting,” informs Dr Raskob. Almost half the time, DVT strikes without warning. “Up to 50 percent of all DVT cases are unknown

-- most likely even higher – since most people may not experience any symptoms at all,” says Dr Fister. “Most likely lots of people get DVT without any knowledge and where the clot forms and dissolves all on its own and they are none the wiser.” In most instances, doctors misdiagnose DVT. “The symptoms and signs are very ‘non specific,’ meaning they may be caused by many different medical conditions,” explains Dr Raskob. “DVT is frequently mistaken for other conditions such as muscle strains, skin infections, heart failure, dependent edema and ruptured Baker’s cyst,” informs Dr Haizal bin Haron Kamar, associate professor in medicine and cardiology at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. In instances where symptoms do present themselves, they may include: deep muscle pain, muscular tenderness, swelling or tightness, discoloration of the affected area, and skin that feels unusually warm. “More often than not, these classical symptoms are found in only a minority of cases,” says Dr Jongh. Pulmonary embolism, DVT’s fatal complication, is also hard to diagnose. Just as the symptoms and signs of a DVT are not unique to it, the presenting or warning signs of a PE are not characteristic either, as some, many or none of the following may be evident: sweating, fainting, feeling short of breath, feeling pain or tightness in the chest, having a fast pulse, and coughing up bloodstained phlegm, among others,” says Dr Jongh. “DVT does not occur during the flight but after the flight hours or days later,” reminds Kahn. “Even two to three weeks later, anyone who experienced some symptoms should consult their doctors. They should tell them that they have been on a flight and ask to check them for possible DVT.” Symptoms alone are not the only basis for a person to be diagnosed with DVT. Dr Mark Ebell, associate medical professor of the Michigan State University, says the most commonly used diagnostic

FWATCH, P10

EDGEDAVAO

NO KIDS... FROM2 Other areas placed under GCQ with heightened restriction from July 23 until end of July, are National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Meanwhile, all incoming international travelers in all ports of entry must strictly comply with testing and quarantine protocols approved by the IATF. This is to further prevent the introduction of variants of concern to the country. The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) must identify who the close contacts in the plane/ vessel of the confirmed case and closely monitor them. Infection prevention

and control protocols must likewise be strictly followed in all quarantine and isolation facilities. The IATF also ordered the local government units (LGUs) handover must include clear transportation arrangements and quarantine accommodation. Further, LGUs are also advised to closely monitor for the appearance of any sign or symptom while arrivals are completing their quarantine and immediately conduct RT-PCR testing after detection of symptoms. In addition, health assessment must be done for all arrivals at the end of isolation or quarantine period.

July 26 despite the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. On July 12, Sara Duterte

announced that she will skip her father’s final SONA. (PNA)

The dwindling number of guerilla fronts only proves that the administration’s efforts against the rebels are effective,” Eleazar said. According to the PNP chief, this latest development would serve to motivate the police and the military to strive harder

in ending the communist insurgency. He also urged the remaining rebels to lay down their arms, return to the fold of the law and avail themselves of reintegration and livelihood programs being offered by the government.

(We are regularly monitoring the area. However, the route going inside and out is enough for passersby to encounter one another. Those who tested positive were brought to the facility while their families stayed in their houses.) The barangay shares a common border with six other barangays located downtown of the city. Its population based on the 2015 Census was 1,682. The age group with the highest integer is 20 to 24, while the lowest is 80 and above. Rep. Duterte’s office distributed more than 100 family food packs, with 10 kilos of rice and canned goods, to families and individuals at Purok 2 and Purok 3. Among the affected are barangay patrol, guard, and delivery man. “Nagsugod lang jud sa silingan nga giubo og sipon mao na lockdown ang among area diri karon. Lisod kay ang among balayronun paabotay na unya wala mi income sulod sa katorse ka adlaw tungod nakaquarantine mi,” Jenna Fe Yungot, a barangay police, said.

(It all started from the neighborhood who have coughs and colds the reason the area has been lockeddown. Now, it is difficult for us to pay our bills since we cannot work for 14 days that we are in quarantined.) Her husband Heraldo Yungot Jr., an electrician, said that they understand the health protocols of the government to ensure the safety of everyone. He is just hoping that the government will lift the lockdown sooner, not until 14 days, for them to get back to work. Guevara expressed his gratitude to the First Congressional District Office, especially to Rep. Duterte, for the immediate response to their request. He said that these relief goods are a big help to families and individuals quarantined for 14 days. The young congressman’s staff and Guevara opted to personally deliver the relief goods to the respective purok leaders to delegate the job and have the work done. The recipients expressed their gratitude after receiving the relief goods.

on climate justice,” the DOE chief added. “The Philippines is a victim (of climate change) rather than (an) initiator. But we are doing our share in reducing our carbon emission by increasing our renewable sources of energy.” New energy sources The Duterte administration has also issued policies and pushed for partnerships with other countries to achieve energy security. Earlier, the DOE said President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to lift the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea will help in finding new

sources of clean energy for the country. In a statement last week, Cusi said the continuation of oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea is one of the country’s gains from The Hague ruling in 2016. “These activities are concrete and explicit forms of the enforcement of sovereign rights consistent with our real gains in the South China Sea Arbitral Award,” he said. Moreover, the DOE also partnered with Australian and Japanese companies to pursue hydrogen as a future energy source.

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reported that P280 was automatically deducted from them every renewal, allegedly for health insurance, but there is no transparency or guideline to claim this. Instead, riders who met accidents on the road while delivering were left to deal with the injury without assistance from the company,” Librado-Morata said. On the other hand, Foodpanda explained in a statement that it 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). Foodpanda also 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 partnerships with other brands including discounts on fuel/ mobile data, insurance at a significantly lower price for the same benefits, free merchandise, among others. Librado-Morata urged both parties to attend for a dialogue initiated by DOLE 11 on July 26, 2021. “Base sa personal interview nako with riders mismo, dili tinuod ang claim sa manangement so aron mapaklaro nila sab ni dapat mutambong sila sa gipatawag na dialogue sa DOLE this July 26,” she said.

enteritis secondary to E. coli infection and intestinal parasitism. Aside from the private water provider-the Tulalian Water Association, the water source from a water pump in Purok 1 Barangay Tulalian and Longakit Refilling Stations’ water stock, were also found to be contaminated with the E.coli bacteria, a strain that causes diarrhea/ bloody diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains and cramps. According to Lim, the town’s municipal health officer (MHO), they had examined the various water sources and stock in Barangay Tulalian last week. They took samples and submitted these samples to Provincial Health Office (PHO’s) Water Bacteriology laboratory for comprehensive analysis.

Tests made by the PHO showed the presence of E. coli, or coliform, in three of nine water systems/stocks in the said barangay. Of the nine water sources and stocks examined, only three had failed in the bacteriology examination performed by the PHODavao del Norte while six water refilling stations passed the said examination. The LOval Government Unit through the leadership of Mayor Ernesto Evangelista has already extended financial assistance for hospitalized patients. Water rationing in Barangay Tulalian has continuously been implemented following the declaration of diarrhea outbreak on July 17, 2021 that left three people dead and over 80 others hospitalized in private and public hospitals.

the pandemic hit last year because the Bureau of the Internal Revenue (BIR), among others, had already started its electronic tax collections some years back. He said 90 percent of annual income tax returns were filed electronically in 2020, and it almost hit 100 percent this year. He considers this a “breakthrough” after noting that only around 10 percent

of taxpayers used the electronic tax filing system in 2015, or before the current administration reigned. These gains were achieved with the help from multilateral agencies like the World Bank (WB), other governments like South Korea and Russia, and other institutions like the United States Trade and Development Agency, he added. (PNA)

program that amounts to P375,000. “Today is a celebration of convergence. Nagpapasalamat po talaga kami sa DSWD para sa walang hanggang supporta sa SM Foundation. Noon pa man, partner na talaga tayo sa community projects and outreach,” shares Cristie Angeles, Assistant Vice Presi-

dent for Outreach Programs of SM Foundation, Inc. “Ang tindahan ng mga farmers ay isang halimbawa na kung gustong baguhin ang antas ng pamumuhay, may paraan. We hope that they will strive hard and have enough courage and faith to keep on going even when tides are down,” adds Angeles. /SM PR

ing the addition of Braille functionality to Philippine banknotes, which aims to benefit as many as 2.5 million visually impaired Filipinos. The BSP has highlighted

the importance of empowering PWDs through digital financial inclusion during the recent webinar marking the 43rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

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WATCH... FROM 9 tests for DVT include ultrasound (test blood flow through the veins), constant venography (monitoring the progress of dye injected into the bloodstream), chest x-ray/scan

(for people with breathing difficulties), arterial blood gas (to measure the amount of oxygen and other gases in the blood), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

when a crowd mobbed Hollywood actor Gerard Butler in Sparta. The flame had barely landed in Japan when the Olympics were postponed and it was put on display around the nation until the relay’s restart this March. However, almost half of the relay legs were taken off public roads or otherwise altered over coronavirus concerns, and fans

were kept away when it finally arrived in Tokyo this month. Virus concerns remain high in Japan, with Tokyo under a state of emergency as the Olympics finally start. Cases in the capital hit 1,832 on Wednesday -- the highest since January. Experts estimate the number will jump to 2,600 in early August, according to Kyodo news agency.

and Asian Games bronze medalist recently turned pro to amp up his preparations Tokyo. He is also a silver medalist in the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships.

He joins Filipino boxers Nesthy Petecio (featherweight) and Carlo Paalam (flyweight) and Irish Magno (flyweight) in their campaign to win boxing gold in the Olympics.

half of total applications for Business Name registration and other related transactions were processed within eight minutes and 83 percent within an hour. We also saw a shift in the business payment preferences of many of our applicants for Business Names, which saw 67-percent registration fees made via online payment gateways versus the traditional overthe-counter or DTI cashier method,” Lopez said. With the launching of the e-Commerce Philippines 2022 Roadmap, Lopez said this will usher the country to be a technological leader in the region. The roadmap aims to have 1 million e-commerce enterprises by 2022 from half a million last year. It also targets to develop a digitally skilled workforce to support the growing e-commerce industry. “To push this further and to fulfill the order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last year that the

long line or queue should disappear finally, DTI is initiating a GovTech project for e-commerce dubbed the ‘ECGO’,” Lopez said. He added the DTI e-Commerce Office is working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), AIM-DBI Foundation, and incubator Dado Banatao for the ECGO. The new project will tap local startups to pitch innovative government technology solutions. “To conclude, the government remains committed in its lead role in enabling the different stakeholders in the country to ensure that our people will reap the benefits of e-commerce -- including the jobs and employment created by it. But we are also confident that with everyone working together, our country can ride the wave of technology towards the future to become one of the technology leaders in the region,” he said. (PNA)

(Covid-19). Diokno thus stressed the need to keep the current monetary policy stance “in order for the economic recovery to gain m“Keeping an accommodative stance

shall also help counteract risk aversion among banks, which continues to temper lending activity despite ample liquidity in the financial system,” he added. (PNA)

January last year in compliance with the Republic Act No. 11202 or the MNP Act. The three telcos invested about P120 million to set up the interoperability for the porting in and porting out service. The telcos tapped Florida-based Syniverse Technol-

ogy as the mobile number portability service provider. The law allows mobile phone users to keep their mobile numbers even when they transfer to another service provider, or when they switch their subscription from postpaid to prepaid, or vice-versa.

cessing food products from squash. Engineer Emmanuel Galarse, ASELCO general manager, said their office will work to access government funding to enable MSEAC members to produce

more and acquire a processing plant and equipment. ASELCO said the project is a livelihood program spearheaded by the National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers Inc. – Agusan del Sur Chapter.

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General view of the Yumenoshima Archery Field, as the competition area is prepared during training. Clodagh Kilcoyne, Reuters.

No fans, fewer athletes: Olympics set for unusual opening ceremony

OKYO, Japan -- One of the strangest Olympics in history will get off to an equally unusual start when the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony takes place in front of thousands of empty seats on Friday. Just 1,000 dignitaries will be present at the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium for the traditional extravaganza, usually a time of celebration for the host nation. This time around, after a year’s pandemic delay, the Japanese public is largely locked out and distrustful of the Games, fearing an influx of infections from the

foreign visitors. The ceremony has been pared back to prevent crowding, with the parade of nations, a centrepiece of the show featuring smiling and waving athletes, dramatically reduced. Glimpses of rehearsals witnessed by Tokyo residents suggest a high-tech show including a drone display.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito will be chief among the VIPs, along with a smattering of world leaders and senior figures including US First Lady Jill Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Tokyo 2020 has had a difficult build-up and the opening ceremony is no exception, with a series of sackings of people connected with the show. The ceremony’s director, Kentaro Kobayashi, was fired on the eve of the show over a 1998 comedy sketch referencing the Holocaust. It came just three days after a composer for the ceremony stepped down following an outcry over

of fourth placer Felix Potoy of Nicaragua, who finished at 7:32.54. Potoy and Benin’s Privel Hinkati will be playing in the repechage race. The result is an auspicious start to Team Philippines’ campaign in this year’s Olympics, seen as the best chance to finally break the gold medal drought. Nievarez was in third the whole race and kept its distance from Nicaragua’s Felix Potoy to end up with a 10-second gap after the heat. Also advancing are Kjetic Borch of Norway, who had the best time in the heats with a clocking of 6:54.46,

and Arakawa Ryuta of Japan, the only other Asian who clinched a spot in the quarterfinals. Stefanos Ntouskos of Greece, Oliver Zeidler of Germany, Sverri Nielsen of Denmark, Abdelkhalek Elbana of Egypt, Trevor Jones of Canada, Bendeguz Petervari-Molnar of Hungary, Jordan Parry of New Zealand, Luca Verthein Ferreira of Brazil, Mindaugas Griskonis of Lithuania, Gennaro Alberto Di Mauro of Italy, Alvaro Torres Masias of Peru, Vladislav Yakovlev of Kazakhstan, and Onat Kazakli of Turkey also qualified in the quarterfinals. (PNA)

Pinoy rower Nievarez through to QFinals

ris Nievarez made the quarterfinal cut in the Tokyo Olympics men’s rowing single sculls event after finishing third in his heat on Friday at the Sea Forest Waterway in the Japanese capital. Nievarez clocked in at seven minutes and 22.97 seconds, making the quarterfinal cut as the top three rowers per heat will qualify to the next round. He will join Croatian Damir Martin, who topped Heat 5 at 7:09.17, and Russian Alexander Vyazovkin, who came in second at 7.14.95, in the quarterfinals on Monday. Nievarez was way ahead

past interviews in which he described abusing disabled schoolmates. The creative director for the opening and closing ceremonies, Hiroshi Sasaki, also resigned in March after suggesting a plus-size female comedian appear as a pig. The ceremony’s focal point is the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, which will conclude a tortuous torch relay that started 16 months ago and has run into several obstacles. After the flame was lit at a spectator-free ceremony in Olympia, Greece in March last year, the Greek section of the relay was scrapped

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Marcial heads straight to last 16, needs to win twice for a medal

ilipino boxer Eumir Marcial is heading to the middleweight class’ Round-of-16 even before the Tokyo Olympics has officially started. This after he earned a bye for an automatic slot to the last 16 of the Olympic boxing competitions based on his Olympic ranking in the men’s 75kg. Marcial, who will be with Fil-Japanese judoka Kiyome Watanabe as the Philippines’ flag bearers in the opening ceremony on

A TV screengrab of Pinoy rower Cris Nievarez.

Friday, sits at the top three of the men’s middleweight division. The decorated Filipino boxer is just behind Russian Gleb Bakshi (number 1) and Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak (number 2). Being in the Roundof-16 means Marcial only needs to win twice to secure at least a bronze medal. Marcial is scheduled to fight on July 29. The three-time Southeast Asian gold medalist

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VOL.14 ISSUE 112 • SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021

The Philippine swimming team of Remedy Rule and Luke Gebbie in practice before the start of competitions in the Tokyo Olympics.

GUT FEEL Ramirez: PH Olympic dream on brink of reality

OKYO -- Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Chief of Staff Marc Velasco arrived here on Thursday and expressed their readiness to cheer the country’s 19 Filipino athletes when they head to battle in the Summer Olympic Games. Ramirez, who owns the distinction as the only chairman since the PSC’s establishment in 1990 to be at the helm of the sports agency in three Olympics (Beijing 2008, Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020) said he is the “humble representative of millions of Filipinos, who wish the athletes success.” “The quadrennial meet will be under a very different circumstances, but know, that you, athletes, are not alone as millions of Filipinos back home will be glued to their screens, cheering and praying for you. Today, I am not just a sports official, I am a father, proud to see his children achieve and see that their dreams are within reach,” said Ramirez. The PSC has been with the 19 Olympians every step of their way in their Olympic journey, helping them raise their standards to world-class levels in terms of performance in the international scene. “We spent P2 billion for the training and exposure of our athlete since 2016 to form a strong team for Tokyo. Never in the history of our country has government been this supportive of the Filipino athlete, financially. Ngayon lang nangyari ito sa pamunuan ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” said Ramirez. The PSC chief also extolled the Olympians for their hard work and

perseverance during the pandemic. “Our athletes are a source of inspiration and pride. The chance to show the world your athletic excellence, a chance to make your Olympic dreams come true, at a time when sports competitions, training and qualifications, values and character were greatly challenged, a chance to show a global arena, what Filipino athletes are made of,” Ramirez said. The Philippines will be sending its second-biggest delegation since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The Olympic team includes Ernest John Obiena (athletics), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Eumir Felix Marcial (boxing), Irish Magno (boxing), Nesthy Petecio (boxing), Carlo Paalam (boxing), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Jayson Valdez (shooting), Juvic Pagunsan (golf), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo), Kristina Knott (athletics), Yuka Saso (golf), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf), Luke Gebbie (swimming) and Remedy Rule (swimming). “We are all invested in this because we all believe in the dream, now on the brink of reality. This is history unfolding before our very eyes and we get to be part of it,” said Ramirez.