Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 122 | Thursday, August 5, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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WAYWARD WEDDING

VOL.14 ISSUE 122 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 05. 2021

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A resident wades through murky water near a coastal community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde in Davao City on Wednesday. A concrete bridge is being constructed in the area, which is part of the 18.5-kilometer Davao City Coastal Road project. Edge Davao

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Wedding attendees, organizer, resort owner face charges for violating mass gathering ordinance STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 122 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 05, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte, together with US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, affixes a“Resbakuna”sticker on one of the crates containing Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as he welcomes the arrival of more than 3 million doses donated by the US government at the Bulwagang Kalayaan in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

WAYWARD WEDDING A

Pregnant NPA leader yields to gov’t troops

Wedding attendees, organizer, resort owner face charges for violating mass gathering ordinance By MAYA M. PADILLO

orty individuals including the wedding attendees, organizer, and resort owner are facing charges in violation of the mass gathering ordinance in Davao City.

Captain Rose Aguilar, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the case was filed at the Talomo Police Station against those who attended the wedding held at the Eagle’s Ridge Resort in Davao City on July 29, 2021. Aguilar said these individuals violated Republic Act No. 11332 or an Act Providing Policies and Pre-

scribing Procedures on Surveillance and Response to Notifiable Diseases, Epidemics, and Health Events of Public Health Concern in relation Davao City’s Executive Order No. 12-Series of 2021 prohibiting mass gathering in Davao City. On the other hand, Generose Tecson, head of the City Tourism Operations Office, said the resort was giv-

en a Cease and Desist Order by the Business Bureau and the event organizer, who was found to have no business license, was advised to stop engaging business. “In the first place the event organizer wala siyang business permit. Also bawal ang social events in Davao City. Ibig sabihin walang celebrations to be held in resorts or restaurants. We have guidelines for that. Alam po nila ito, even before you can hold a special event or a MICE kailangan ng acknowledgment letter from our office. Since June 7, sinara na namin ito and we also

notified yung mga dating naisyuhan ng acknowledgment letters na cancelled naming lahat because MGCQ tayo at that time and then hanggang ngayon walang inisyu na acknowledgement letters ang ating office. Our event organizers know this,” Tecson said. E.O. 12 provides that a gathering of more than 25 individuals for a single event or activity in all public places is considered a mass gathering and is prohibited except if it is for essential meetings and social events as included in the Joint Memorandum

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pregnant top leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) responsible for various atrocities in Paquibato District in Davao City surrendered to the Joint Military Forces conducting an Intelligence Operation at Sitio Lamuak, Barangay Catilacan, Pikit, North Cotabato last Sunday (August 01). In a belated report, Major Alex Mindalano, spokesman of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), identified the rebel as Ariane Jane Ochate Ramos also known as Marikit, secretary of Guerrilla Front 55 (GF55), Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. Marikit has long been under the radar of the military for her involvement in several extortion activities and armed clashes with the troops in the past. She was also affiliated with the

League of Filipino Students and Gabriela Youth. According to Mindalano, Marikit was the party wife of Rommel Tausan alias Rommel, the former commanding officer of GF 55, who died in an encounter with members of the 27th Infantry Battalion. Mindalano said Marikit is in a relationship with Daniel Bandalan alias Regoy, current commanding officer of GF55 and the father of the child she is expecting. EastMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol assured the safety and welfare of Marikit especially that she is expecting a child as troops are working with other government agencies to facilitate her needs in her upcoming delivery. “The command will help Marikit to get financial assistance and other benefits from government programs

even soldiers who were injured in separate law enforcement operations against Moro extremists in this province last week, were honored for their gallantry on Tuesday afternoon. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), pinned the wounded personnel medal for gallantry to soldiers who risked their lives and got injured during continuing operations against the lawless Bang-

samoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao’s “SPMS box”. The SPMS box is a military term referring to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (now Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona, where the BIFF operates. The awarding, held at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital here, recognized the sacrifices the soldiers have done to protect the

PRRD thanks US for donated 3M doses of Moderna vax S P resident Rodrigo Duterte thanked the United States of America (US) for a total of three million doses of Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine, vowing to prioritize “those who have least in life.” Duterte, along with some Cabinet officials, personally welcomed the

arrival of the US-donated vaccine at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Tuesday afternoon. The Moderna vaccine was coursed through the World Health Organization-COVAX facility. “It is with joy and high hopes, we welcome today the arrival of more than three million doses

of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccines from the United States of America,” he said in his speech. Aside from the vaccines, he also thanked the US for the donations of the key medical supplies and equipment and the provision of institutional support to our Covid response. “All of these have

helped, definitely will continue to help the Filipino people. Indeed, the cooperation between the Philippines and US in overcoming the pandemic highlights the strong and deep friendship between our two countries,” he said. Duterte acknowledged the “tedious” and “diffi-

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Army honors 7 wounded soldiers in Maguindanao

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EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Captain Rose Aguilar gives update on the number of apprehended health protocol violators in Davao City during General Community Quarantine (GCQ). Edge Davao

5 rebels surrender in Agusan del Norte

ive remnants of the dismantled Guerilla Front 4A of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government troops in Agusan del Norte on Friday (July 30). A belated report from Philippine Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion identified the surrenderers only as alias Alex, 34, one alias Brando, 25; alias Dave, 24; alias Sam, 19; and alias Kaduyag. They are all regular members of Dismantled Guerilla Front 4A (DGF4A) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) led by Crisanto Ligayna Alias Tazar. Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, commander of the 23rd IB, attributed the surrender of the NPA returnees to the effective joint operations of the government troops including the police. He also lauded the con-

tinuous surrender of the remnants of said dismantled Guerilla Front, adding that it is a glaring manifestation that they can no longer endure the exploitations, deceptions, and the treacherous propaganda of the armed group. One of the surrenderers, alias Brando; revealed that he went on hiatus for some time from the movement as he started to question unclear and doubtful policies. He surrendered to clear his name and pledged his support to the government. According to Paulo, the surrender is another serious blow to the ranks of communist terrorism in our Areas of Operations (AORs). “We continue to encourage the remnants of DFF-4A to abandon the armed struggle and seek freedom. The unit is ready

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Nordeco conducts skills training to consumers By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORDECO) extended skills training to member-consumer-owners (MCOs)as part of its services.

The cooperative has conducted corporate social responsibilities (CSR) and activities that aim to strengthen MCOs in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte such as the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), which gave families in Nordeco’s franchise areas, the opportunity to live a normal decent life, start small livelihood projects, and help their children in the new normal online studies. SEP is a project of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in part-

nership with 121 Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in the country that started in 2011. In the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), there are 149 remaining sitios which have yet to be energized. In Compostela Valley, 485 sitios are still up for electrification under SEP and 518 sitios in Davao de Oro. Reneboy Abrea, president of EC-Wide National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers, Inc. (NCECCO) of Nordeco, said Nordeco also conducts trainings in various barangays to be-

come electricians. “At may darating pa na mga trainings na puwede nating ibigay sa MCOs upang palakasin at i-empower sila para maging katuwang sa ating kooperatiba. Meron din kaming ginawang MCO strategic alignment training and municipal-wide cluster meeting sa Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte,” he said during the 4th online Kulokabildo sa Nordeco on Friday. Abrea added Nordeco also conducts skills training on meat processing and product production in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11). “At entrepreneurial mindsetting and market-

this number 768 are OFWs and their 43 children, 105 ROFs (non-OFWs) and their five children, and 10 diplomats who came in via Dhaka flights. Out of the 930 passengers who arrived from Dhaka and Dubai, 14 were tested positive for Covid-19. “They are all isolated already in the tent city para hiwalay sa ating mga locals. Yong flights from KL ay lalabas pa ang results nila because they came in on the 24th and nung 30th

ang RT-PCR nila so we are just waiting for the results. Yun naman second flight from Dubai after seven days from their arrivals i-swa-swab sila,” Tecson said. She also assured that there are no repatriates who tested with the Delta variant. Tecson also announced that there are two incoming flights from Dubai and KL on August 6, 2021 and Aug. 7, 2021 respectively. She said 150 to 400 passengers are expected

to arrive from Dubai while 150 from KL. She said that hotels for these incoming OFWs are already available. She said currently, there more than 1,000 rooms available and all are certified by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). “Nakaalis na ang first two batches from Dhaka and Dubai, ang naiwan na lang ang from KL and the second batch na Dubai,” she said. All international travelers quarantining in the city need to undergo reverse

ing seminar with DTI. We also encourage MCOs to get trainings on electrical installation and maintenance training para sa lahat ng barangay sa Davao de Oro amd Davao del Norte,” Abrea said. Rodrigo Sacedor, president of Southern Eastern Mindanao Electric Cooperative Association (SEMECA) and president of NCECCO-Region 11, said it is important to empower the MCOs because they are the cooperative’s partner in success. Sacedor added that when it comes to the threat of take over, no one else can help Nordeco but the MCOs, who have the authority when it comes to deci-

transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test seven days after their arrival this is based on the “test before” policy of the city government of Davao under Ordinance No. 0477-21 for inbound passengers is still applicable to passengers of repatriation flights. The said ordinance requires passengers of incoming flights to present a negative RT-PCR test result within 24 to 72 hours before departure to Davao City. By Maya M. Padillo

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462 repatriates quarantined in Davao City with 14 ‘positives’

avao City has under its quarantine procedures, 462 repatriates who returned to the Philippines on repatriation flights via Davao International Airport (DIA). They are placed at designated treatment facility in Davao City, according to the City Tourism Office. City tourism officer Generose Tecson, who is also the head of the Airport Monitoring Team, said of this 462 OFWs, 14 were tested positives and two gave birth while un-

dergoing quarantine. “Blessings may dalawang nanganak tayong OFWs dito sa Davao City, one boy and one girl,” Tecson said during the AFPPNP Southern Mindanao Press Corps online media briefing on Wednesday. Presently, there are already four flights flew in to Davao City and these came from Dhaka, Bangladesh; twice from Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The city received a total of 931 passengers and of

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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A vendor cleans and sorts out mussel outside the main building of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has announced that five coastal areas in Mindanao have remained positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit. Edge Davao

Red tide warning still up in 5 10-yr T-bond rate moves sideways coastal areas in Mindanao T

ive coastal areas in Mindanao have remained positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic ReAccording to the Shellfish Bulletin No. 23 signed Monday by Eduardo B. Gongona, BFAR national director, the areas include Balite Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur, Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte, and Murcielagos Bay (Sapang Dalaga and Baliangao) in Misamis Occidental. Other coastal waters in the country that tested pos-

itive for toxic red tide are Milagros in Masbate, coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, San Pedro Bay in Western Samar, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar. The agency warned that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from those coastal areas are not safe for human consumption. It added that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for consumption, provid-

Monte Pacific Limited told the stock exchange. The manufacturer and distributor of various products such as canned pineapples is seeking a P44-billion IPO which is slated to become the country’s second-largest next to Monde Nissin. “Amidst a surge of COVID-10 cases in the Philippines and in the region, the PSE has been highly

ed that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. The following coastal waters of Mindanao remained free from toxic red tide: Panguil Bay, Tangub City and coastal waters of Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental; Taguines Lagoon, Benoni and Mahinog in Camiguin; and coastal waters of Hinatuan, Cortez and Lingig, and Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur. Also free from toxic red tide are coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan, and Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa,

Orani, Abucay and Samal) in Manila Bay; coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, Sual and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan; coastal waters of Pampanga; Masinloc Bay in Zambales; Pagbilao Bay, Pagbilao, and coastal waters of Walay, Padre Burgos in Quezon; Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bays, Puerto Princesa City, and coastal waters of Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay in Palawan; coastal waters of Mandaon in Masbate; Juag Lagoon, Matnog in Sorsogon; coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo; coastal waters of Pilar, Panay, President Roxas, and Roxas City in Capiz;

volatile in the recent weeks, and the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the company, its shareholders and potential investors to defer the listing until conditions improve,” the disclosure said. Despite the delay, the company will continue discussions with potential investors and partners that have expressed interest

Del Monte PH delays P44-B IPO as COVID-19 infections rise anew el Monte Pacific Limited

Inc on Wednesday said it would delay the planned initial public offering of its unit Del Monte Philippines due to volatile market conditions. The surge of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines made the market “highly volatile” in recent weeks, Del

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elecommunications firm Globe Telecom Inc. has completed at least 641 new cell towers and 8,175 site upgrades in the first half of 2021. In a statement on Tuesday, Globe said these network upgrades include upgrading to 4G LTE its “obsolete” 3G network in Pangasinan, Misamis Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Bataan,

he country’s 10year Treasury bond (T-bond) rate moved sideways on Tuesday on expected steady inflation for July. The average rate of the debt paper moved to 3.914 percent, lower than the 4-percent coupon rate when it was first auctioned last July 21. The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) offered the paper for PHP35 billion and tenders amounted to PHP70.733 billion. The auction committee made a full award. “(We) continue to see bias in (the) long tenor with (a) steady inflation outlook,” National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon told journalists in a Viber message. She said BTr opened the

tap facility window during the day to re-offer the same 10-year paper for PHP7 billion. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is scheduled to report the July 2021 inflation rate on Thursday. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas forecasts this to stay within 3.9 percent to 4.7 percent. The inflation rate last June decelerated to 4.1 percent from 4.5 percent in the previous three months. The average inflation in the first half of this year stood at 4.4 percent, higher than the 2 percent to 4-percent target band of the government. Monetary authorities forecast this year’s average inflation to be at 4 percent. (PNA)

Zambales, Tarlac, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Siquijor and Guimaras. In total, 31 new installations were completed in Pangasinan; 26 in Nueva Ecija; and 16 in Iloilo. The firm has also completed 364 site upgrades in Pangasinan; 362 in Misamis Oriental; 297 in Nueva Ecija; 275 in Negros Oriental; and

183 in Iloilo. Joel Agustin, Globe SVP for program delivery, network technical group, said the completed network expansion and upgrades will improve Globe’s call, SMS, and data browsing services in these provinces. “As we promised during the early part of the year, we wanted to elevate the

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ECONOMY 5

City Tourism Operations Office head Gene Rose Tecson reiterates that resorts in Davao City are allowed to open as long as they have accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT). Edge Davao

FIRB OKs tax breaks, incentives for 3 projects worth P29 billion

he Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has approved the grant of tax incentives for a mass housing project and two cement manufacturing plants all located outside Metro Manila worth PHP29.4 billion combined. Chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the FIRB approved during its third meeting last Aug. 2 the tax incentives for a mass housing project in Iloilo with an estimated project cost of PHP1.4 billion; a proposed cement plant in Porac, Pampanga, which will cost about PHP3.1 billion; and another cement plant in Calatagan, Batangas which will cost around PHP24.9 billion. The FIRB approved the grant of a four-year income tax holiday (ITH) plus duty exemptions on importations of capital equipment and raw materials to the Iloilo housing project. The proposed Pampanga cement manufacturing plant was given a two-year ITH, five years of enhanced deductions and duty-free exemptions on importations, while the one to be built in Batangas, which will include the installation of clinkering facilities, was granted a six-year ITH, along with five years of enhanced deductions and duty exemptions on importations. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua underscored the importance of introducing new technologies in cement manufacturing to lower costs and increase the com-

petitiveness of local production when the Board approved these two projects. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said the grant of tax incentives to the Iloilo project encourages the private sector to help the government fill the gap in affordable or low-cost housing for Filipinos. Finance Assistant Secretary and FIRB Secretariat head Juvy Danofrata said the Iloilo project covers over 3,000 units classified as “economic” and “low-cost” housing, and is intended to address 1 percent of the housing backlog in Western Visayas, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Citing estimates from the Board of Investments (BOI), Danofrata said the proposed cement manufacturing plant in Pampanga is expected to save the country PHP866 million annually in import expenses, as this would help fill the cement needs of the infrastructure sector by producing this material locally using new cost-effective technologies. “The projected net benefits of the investment are driven by the locally sourced capital equipment and raw materials as well as the income taxes that the government will potentially collect from the estimated job creation of the project,” Danofrata said. The Pampanga project is expected to expand the proponent’s existing production line of 687,473 metric tons (MT) of cement per

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DTI 11 recognizes firms anew via Bagwis Award

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 once again awarded Bagwis Seals to business establishments that continue to promote consumer protection. A total of 56 business establishments were given the Bagwis Award seals during a virtual ceremony on July 29. Thirty-two of them, who were from Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental, were awarded with a gold seal. Meanwhile, seven businesses and 17 others will receive silver and bronze seals, respectively. The agency, being an advocate of consumer welfare, also makes sure that those businesses that consistently uphold the rights and welfare of the consumers are given due recognition.

These awardees have met the qualifications and standards of the Bagwis Award while practicing responsible business operation where consumers get the best value for money amidst the pandemic. DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said that the DTI - Bagwis program also encourages the setting up of a Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD), or an equivalent customer relations office inside the establishment. This will provide information to consumers and serve as a mechanism for the speedy resolution of

consumer complaints. “We want to encourage the business establishments to continuously adhere to the existing laws and guidelines and become more responsive to their customers. Being in the service sector, they have to keep up with changing business environment and respond to the needs of consumers. And this will not only benefit their clients or customers but as well as their business since they could develop more patrons,” Ambi noted. The Bagwis Award is open to supermarkets, department stores and specialty stores, appliance centers, hardware stores and DTI-accredited service and repair shops. “Bagwis” is a local term for “wing” which implies that consumers are protected

when patronizing business establishments that receive such an award. This has three categories, to wit: Bronze Seal.Compliant with fair trade laws, including the Consumer Act, Price Act, Price Tag Law, impose discounts for senior citizens, and adopt effective customer relations services and efficient store management operations. Silver Seal. Compliant with the bronze criterion and exemplify social commitment and responsibility, such as the involvement in any regular corporate social responsibility programs in the community. Gold Seal. Compliant with both the bronze and silver criteria,and established Quality Management System or ISO-certified.

ecozones. We will continue to transform challenges into opportunities so we can ceaselessly serve our Filipino people, our partners, locators, and investors,” PEZA Director General Charito Plaza said in a statement. Total economic zone investments approved from January 1 to June 30, 2021 amounted to PHP32.057 billion from last year’s approved investments worth PHP29.541 billion. These investments came

from 119 new and expansion projects and showcased a considerable growth of 5.31 percent compared to 113 in 2020. Meanwhile, the actual exports for the period of January 1 to May 31, 2021 amounted to USD24.781 billion with 1,604,877 generated employment. Compared to the same period in 2020, PEZA showcased a 23.35-percent growth for exports and an 8.58-percent increase in em-

ployment. The majority of the investments came from various countries such as Japan, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, and China. Western countries also include Germany, Austria, France, Canada, and the United States. In terms of regions in the Philippines where the investments will be located, the top-performing region is Region 4 with PHP10.010

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PEZA investment approvals up 8.52% in first half of 2021

he Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported on Tuesday an 8.52-percent increase in its approved investments for the first half of the year. “PEZA remains true to its mandate of promoting investments, creating employment, generating exports, and attaining total economic development in our country as we maintain and implement strict Covid-19 protocols and guidelines in our

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DAVAO 6 EDGE VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 122 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 05, 2021

After winning the silver medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics:

Sobrang proud at blessed ako sa nakuha ko. Lagi pong sinasabi ng mga coaches ko na hindi po ganun kadali na makatungtong dito at makakuha ng medalya. Proud and blessed po talaga ako.”

Nesthy Petecio

Olympic silver medalist from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

EDITORIAL Mobile vaccination service Mayor Sara Duterte-carpio’s decision to field a mobile anti-Covid-19 vaccination team for senior citizens is a good idea and augurs well to the city’s effort to reach herd immunity of the city police towards the end of this year. The rollout of the mobile vaccination service was discussed extensively by the city mayor last Monday. She bared that the city has only been able to vaccinate 76,472 senior citizens with their first dose. This is way below the population of senior citizens in the city which is between 200,000 and 300,000 per record of the City Social Services and Development (CSSDO). The city offices involved in the implementation of the mobile vaccination service to senior citizens have already been briefed of their new task.

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This is after finding out that many senior citizens failed to go the usual vaccination sites designated previously due to various reasons. A number of them were believed too weak to go to any of 21 vaccination centers in various districts of the city.

According to Mayor Sara, the city is targeting to vaccinate at least 1.2 million of its population by November in order to achieve herd immunity. The mobile vaccination service will help a lot in reaching this target specially if the same type of service will also be rendered to other sectors like essential workers. 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

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

The idea is for the vaccination teams to fan out to areas where senior citizens are found and inoculate them right where they live.

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!

ON GOLDEN RICE “Rice is the principal food for over 60% of mankind,” pointed out the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). It is particularly important to Asia where over half of the world’s population lives. In the Philippines, rice is the staple food, together with fish. “If we did not have rice, our deepest comfort food, we would probably feel less Filipino,” the late food columnist Doreen Fernandez once said. “One more rice, please!” This call, which rings at dinner time in all restaurants and small eateries, best sums up the eating habits of the typical Filipino to whom eating is a matter of filling up. Studies show one-half cup of rice can furnish 82 calories of energy, enough to give someone energy to walk 26 minutes. On average, Filipino consume 114-120 kilograms of rice per capita per year. That’s almost double of the world average of 65 kilograms per capita per year, according to Dr. Eufemio Rasco, Jr., former director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Rice production is among the most valuable sources of income of Filipino farmers. In fact, onethird of the arable land – 10 million hectares – is planted to rice, Dr. Rasco said. About 2.5 million families – that’s 40% of the country’s labor force – depend on rice

farming and related activities for their livelihood. The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics reports that Filipinos spend more on rice than any other food. A survey conducted by the line agency of the Department of Agriculture showed that Filipinos, especially those from low-income households, are depending solely on rice more than ever for their daily dietary energy supply and dietary protein because it remains the most affordable food in the country. Unknowingly, rice does not only help solve hunger but also “hidden hunger,” the colloquial term for micronutrient deficiency. It happens when people get enough macronutrients (such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat), but not enough micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for optimum health. In rice-consuming countries like the Philippines, lack of iron, zinc, and vitamin A are prevalent micronutrient deficiencies. “The cost of these deficiencies in terms of lives and quality of life lost is enormous, and women and children are most at risk,” the Romebased UN Food and Agriculture (FAO) said in a report. The FAO report considered the vitamin A status in the Philippines as “severe subclinical deficiency” which affected children 6 months - 5 years and pregnant

women. The National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) in 2018 showed that vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and other forms of micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a significant public health problem in PH where 16.9% of children below 5 years old and 25.8% among children in poorest households are affected. In its fight against hidden hunger, IRRI and PhilRice collaborated in conducting more studies on golden rice, which has a potential way to reduce vitamin A deficiency. Golden rice is a new type of rice that contains beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A when eaten. Rigorous research has shown that just one cup of golden rice a day could be enough to provide an adult with half their daily needs of vitamin A. The good news is: the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) has granted the biosafety permit for the commercial propagation of golden rice in the country. House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district) called it a “potential gamechanger for the rice industry in the country.” Salceda is indeed ecstatic. After all, Albay was Bicol’s best performer for its 93.7% rice sufficien-

cy record in 2014, according to the agriculture department. That year, the province was given the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Award for its rice program; it was Albay’s second outstanding award in a row, according to Philippine Star. “Rice accounts for one-fifth of the basket of goods for the poor,” he said in a press statement. “And agriculture in general accounts for 22.5% of the labor force, even though it merely contributes 8% to GDP. So, anything that raises value for the sector, such as golden rice, will make a difference.” The congressman considered the approval as a milestone. “This biosafety approval of golden rice is the first authorization for commercial propagation of genetically engineered rice in South and Southeast Asia,” he pointed out. “The uniqueness of golden rice lies in its role of bridging the agriculture and nutrition sectors to come up with innovative products that address significant public health concerns in a sustainable manner,” he added. Salceda, if you care to know, is the author of the Agricultural Biosafety Act (House Bill No. 9265). As such, he knew that the approval of the program really went through rigorous biosafety processes. The permit was issued on July 21, 2021. It will now allow the DA and PhilRice to proceed

with the production of golden rice on a commercial scale for human consumption. But before that will happen, the PhilRice will still have to seek varietal registration by the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC), which approves the registration of varieties based on consistent good agronomic field performance. “As always, we are committed to ensuring the highest quality of seed for farmers and a safe and nutritious food supply for all Filipinos,” said Dr. John C. de Leon, PhilRice executive director. According to Dr. de Leon, they will be implementing a comprehensive quality assurance and stewardship program that covers all steps in the chain from seed production to post-harvesting to marketing. Filipinos eating rice is as old as rice cultivation itself. “The history of rice cultivation in the country dates back at least 3,000 years,” wrote Dr. Gelia T. Castillo, an academician and national scientist. “The building of rice terraces came a bit later.” However, it was in 1576 that an account of rice cultivation was recorded. By 1668, someone wrote that “rice usually does not last longer than the time it takes to harvest, since the rest they pay in tribute or sell to get the cash to pay the tribute.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

LT. ROBERT A. GILLMORE, TOWN BUILDER Born on May 1, 1879, in California, U.S.A., Maj. Robert Addison Gillmore started serving the U.S. Army with a rank of private before rising to corporal, sergeant, first sergeant under Company I, 21st Infantry, and post quartermaster sergeant (1899-1908). He made a lateral entry as second lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts (1908) and later promoted to first lieutenant (1911). For exemplary performance, Lt. Gillmore was reappointed first lieutenant (1915), promoted to captain (1918) and major (1920) before retiring in August 1930. He was a lieutenant when he joined the Civil Service on June 16, 1910; he later became secretary of Maj. Henry Gilheuser, then district governor of Davao. His first major assignment was the establishment of a station in Compostela, Davao de Oro. He was given a retinue of 20 Scouts who helped him transfer the old pueblo from the confluence of Manat and

Agusan rivers to a downstream area, roughly 300 meters from the original site. The move was designed to contain tribal incursions and slave-raiding by untamed tribes in the upper section of the Agusan river and to prevent disturbances that threatened peace in the area. To his credit, Lt. Gillmore introduced town planning and carved out area along Agusan River, transforming them into well-planned villages. Aside from the streets that defined where houses were built, he also introduced sanitation, which was compulsorily. Prior to volunteering for the U.S. Army for the Philippines, Lt. Gillmore was a porter at a Kalamazoo Hotel, in the state of Michigan. While assigned in the South, his exploits included appointments as justice of the peace and deputy governor. In 1912, while on a fourmonth furlough in the U.S., the Kansas-based The Topeka State Daily Journal, in its May 25, 1912 issue, came out with an

interesting article (‘Lived With Wild Men’) about his Philippine experiences, described as “remarkable.”: To have spent two years in the wilds of Mindanao, [Lt. Gillmore was] the only white man in the district to have worked among the wild men and the cannibals of the mountains who never before had seen a white man and as a result to have organized 40 towns and villages into practically self-governing districts; to have abolished slavery and tribal warfare… Less than 14 years ago, Gillmore was a porter in a Kalamazoo hotel. Today, he is a first lieutenant of the Philippine Scouts, and deputy governor and tribal justice of the district of Davao, in Mindanao. He is the first white man ever to have remained among the wild men in that district, one other who preceded him having gone violently insane because of isolation and harrowing experiences. He speaks eight different Filipino dialects and Spanish.

Leaving friends, family, and comrades, Gillmore, two years ago, left the headquarters at Davao, and with a band of fourteen native scouts started for the interior, tramping two hundred miles through the dense tropical jungle where never white men had been before. It took fourteen days to make the trip, and even then, not all of his band of scouts could follow him, and he found it necessary to go back into the jungle, a two-day journey, to bring them with their bleeding, swollen feet, into camp which he established 200 miles from the mouth of the Agusan river. In one tribe of these wild people were baganis who must have killed and eaten the livers of half a hundred men before they could claim the title. Lieutenant Gillmore had seventy-five baganis in his district, all of whom have been disarmed. Four times a year he made trips on foot accompanied by a band of wild people two hundred miles into headquarters

for supplies and more than once he has reached the town with his feet torn and bleeding by the rough road, his shoes completely worn off his feet. He is now in the United States on a four-months’ furlough, the first vacation in six years. He will return to his wild people in September. Gen. John Pershing, then Moro Province governor, attributed Lt. Gillmore’s success as town planner and administrator to embracing “the virtues of system, diligence, and infinite listening” and teaching his men to do “model duty.” The general recalled the lieutenant’s assiduousness when he “collected 7,000 of the 30,000 residents of the [Davao] district into 30 villages and with tilled fields,” which could be replicated elsewhere. Gillmore left the military service after the war as a lieutenant colonel. He died on June 10, 1956. His remains are buried at San Francisco National Cemetery, in San Francisco, California.

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LIVING

GMA REGIONAL TV AIRS ‘REGIONAL TV NEWS’ ON GTV

FOLLOWING the clamor for fresh news from the different regions and provinces, GMA Regional TV (RTV) proudly airs its flagship news program “Regional TV News” in the morning, weekdays at 9 a.m., and on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on GMA Network’s GTV channel beginning July 26.

Regional TV News is produced by the teams behind the high-rating and award-winning newscasts GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan (North Central Luzon), GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak (Central & Eastern Visayas), GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas (Western Visayas), GMA Regional TV One Mindanao (North, Central, South Central, Western, and Southern Mindanao) and GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia (Bicol Region). Anchored by GMA RTV’s young and dynamic broadcast journalists CJ Torida, Nikko Sereno, Sedfrey Cabaluna, Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, and Jessie Cruzat, Regional TV News provides the latest and most relevant news from the different regions and provinces on the national level. Staying true to its commitment ‘Local News Matters,’ joining them in delivering the biggest and the most important happenings in key cities and provinces all over the Philippines are GMA RTV’s roster of news personalities as well as the various local news teams and stringers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering local news that matters, in sharing stories that inspire, and in enriching the lives of Filipinos in the Philippines and across the globe,” said GMA Regional TV First Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso. “This is why we take pride in this latest addition to our growing list of local TV programs—Regional TV News—a national newscast featuring the local news from all over the regions, made available to more viewers via GTV. We invite our Kapuso to join us every morning and catch the biggest and the most important news from the provinces and various cities outside Metro Manila. This latest endeavor will not be possible without your continued support of GMA

Regional TV. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng ating Kapuso na patuloy na tinatangkilik ang mga programa ng GMA RTV,” he ends. It was in 2019 when GMA RTV made its local newscasts available to more viewers nationwide through GMA Regional TV Weekend News which previously aired on GMA News TV every Saturday. This year, GMA RTV is making news from the regions available six days a week and on earlier time slots via Regional TV News. At the same time, GMA Network’s regional arm further strengthened its presence in North Central Luzon and Central and Eastern Visayas with its local channels made available in Zambales, Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan Valley, Calbayog, Bo-

rongan, and Dumaguete earlier this year. A four-time recipient of the “Best Regional TV Network” award from Platinum Stallion National Media Awards, GMA RTV continues to reach out to its viewers across the country. At the height of the pandemic last year, it rolled out its “Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels” to help families from different barangays by providing them with food packs, rice, and groceries, as well as locally produced vegetables. The campaign received an “Excellence Award” under the Communication Management Division’s Corporate Social Responsibility category at the 18th Philippine Quill Awards. Also earning a Quill award for “Excellence Award” in the

Communication Training and Education category was “Kapuso Campus Tour: The Regional Masterclass Series” which was launched in 2019 as part of the Network’s election advocacy, “Pusuan ang Totoo” in line with the national elections in 2020. And at the Gandingan 2021: The 15th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multimedia Awards, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak won the “Most DevelopmentOriented Feature” honor while GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan took home the “Most Development-Oriented Investigative Story” award. Meanwhile, GTV recently widened its coverage areas in Northern and Central Luzon and in Southern Tagalog. Residents located in Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, portions of Nueva Ecija and Ilocos Sur, as well as in Batangas and parts of Quezon Province can now expect a sharper, more vibrant, and high-quality TV viewing experience that they can enjoy while watching the colorful line-up of GTV programs. Catch Regional TV News weekdays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. on GTV. All the freshest news, events, and updates about GMA Regional TV are now available via GMA RTV’s official website www.gmaregionaltv.com and @ gmaregionaltv on YouTube. Follow GMA Regional TV on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram via @GMARegionalTV. For more updates on GMA Network, visit www.GMAnetwork.com.

PANDAMART AND FOODPANDA SHOPS INTRODUCE OPTIONS TO KEEP YOU STOCKED WITH more community quarantine restrictions back in place, going out to purchase your groceries and other essentials can be quite a hassle. Skip the lines and shop at home with great deals and free delivery promos from pandamart and foodpanda shops. Tap on the app, and choose from more than 3,000 items that your friendly foodpanda rider can deliver to your doorstep safely and conveniently! What’s more, pandamart promos add up to big savings, with daily deals of up to 70% off. August Deals include 10% off on Heat and Nom items, up to 30%

off on breakfast foods, and up to 30% off on fresh produce. There is no shopper fee and the promo code PMARTFREEDEL gets you free delivery until August 31 for a minimum order of only P499. pandamart is available until 12 midnight at Alabang, Angeles City, Antipolo, Baguio, Caloocan, Cebu City, Davao City, Las Pinas, Lipa, Mandaue City, Makati, Manila, Marikina, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, and Taguig City. On the foodpanda shops section, you can get all you need to make your meals or satisfy those cravings, along with home essentials in as fast as 20 minutes,

24/7, nationwide. Shop for your essentials from your favorite supermarkets, convenience shops, beauty, health, & wellness shops, home, gift, & electronic shops, specialty shops, and bakeries from the safety of your home. There is no shopper fee, and you can use special foodpanda Shops promo codes for discounts and deals. The SHOPSCASHLESS code gets you P50 off on online payments at all shops. SHOPSGROCERIES gets you 10% off on groceries, while FPSHOPSFINDS gets you 10% off from selected shops. For non-grocery items, tap in MORESHOPS to get 10% off from purchases.

“We want more Filipino families to stay safe, which is why we are making our convenient online shopping services really accessible for our customers,” says Daniel Marogy, foodpanda managing director. “Our efficient foodpanda riders can deliver your complete orders with little wait time, and with our promo codes and daily deals, you can easily save for your budget. So, for your mealtime ingredients and other household needs, tap mo na yan!” For more information about the foodpanda shops and pandamart services, visit foodpanda Facebook and foodpanda Instagram pages.

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“I

t is worthy to note how crucial these ecosystems are in supporting the interconnectivity of key biodiversity areas. As they link the land and the sea, mangrove systems receive nutrients and organic matter from terrestrial ecosystems, estuaries, and marine systems.”

Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, executive director of the Laguna-based ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), was referring to mangrove ecosystems. In fact, she said those words during the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem which was observed last July 26. Mangroves are found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, on the boundary between land and sea. Globally, they cover a surface of just 14.8 million hectares, or roughly equivalent to the size of Greece. Among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the mangroves are rich and diverse, “armoring communities against the cruel impacts of climate change and, at the same time, underpinning community livelihoods as well as economies,” Dr. Lim stated. The ASEAN – composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indo-

nesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – hosts 42 per cent of mangrove forests in the world, with an estimated total area of 42,914 square kilometers as of 2020. At least 47 out of the 70 known mangrove species in the world can be found in the region, according to the database of the ASEAN Clearing House Mechanism. Mangroves grow well in tropical countries, including the Philippines. But most Filipinos don’t consider mangroves – touted to be the forests in the coastal areas – as important. “Coastal forests…. are not familiar to the average Filipino due to their early loss,” wrote Jurgenne Primavera and Resurreccion Sadaba in the book, Beach Forest Species and Mangrove Associates in the Philippines. “They’ve long gone unreported in the

ENVIRONMENT

SO MUCH ADO ABOUT

MANGROVES Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

yearly Philippine Forestry Statistics.” Actually, mangroves are communities of trees in the tidal flats in coastal waters, extending inland along rivers where the water is tidal, saline, or brackish. “There are 25 to 30 species of true mangrove trees and an equal number of associated species,” says Dr. Miguel Fortes, a professor of Marine Science Institute at the College of Science of University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Mangroves are very important to marine life, says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former head of the Philippine Council for Aquatic

and Marine Research and Development. They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for fish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important fish species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milkfish), shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” a World Bank report on environment adds. “Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.” Unknowingly, man-

groves also help protect people and even properties from destruction brought about by typhoons. Moises Neil V. Seriño, assistant professor of the Department of Economics at the Visayas State University, found this out after he and co-researchers conducted a study on the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013. “Our study shows that mangrove vegetation reduced the number of deaths and damaged houses during the Yolanda incident,” Seriño said. “This property and lifesaving effects of mangrove is robust. Mangroves can protect us (our lives, livelihood and properties) from damaging effects of typhoons.” Mangroves also help in arresting the consequences of climate change. Mangroves, along with tidal marshes and seagrass meadows sequester and store substantial amounts of coastal blue carbon from the atmosphere and ocean. As such, they “are now recognized for their role in mitigating climate change,” said Ma. Josella Pangilinan

of Conservation International-Philippines. “If rainforests can store a ton of carbon per hectare, mangrove forests can store up to four times more acting as effective carbon sinks deterring global warming,” the “Times” feature said. The Science Daily further explained the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration: “The mangrove forest’s ability to store such large amounts of carbon can be attributed, in part, to the deep organic-rich soils in which it thrives. Mangrove-sediment carbon stores were on average five times larger than those typically observed in temperate, boreal and tropical terrestrial forests, on a per-unit-area basis.” Yet despite these benefits, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimated that some countries lost more than 40% of their mangroves between 1980 and 2005, often due to coastal development. This is true in the Phil-

FMANGROVES, P10

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Circular (JMC) No. 2021-001 of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Social events, as defined in the JMC No. 2021-001, refer to private gatherings to celebrate special occasions such as, but not limited to, wedding ceremonies and reception, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries,

debut, and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers. The Order also provides that for purposes of inspection on the compliance with MPHS of social events under the DOT-DTI JMC, an acknowledgment should be secured online from the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO).

and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as she starts to live a new life,” Almerol said. Almerol said he hopes that Marikit could also convince her partner, alias Regoy, to surrender peacefully so that they can start a life together with their baby, adding the command wanted Marikit to experience redemption through the government’s de-radicalization and reintegration programs. Almerol is expecting that some members of GF55 to capitulate in the coming days after the surrender of their leader as he also urged the remaining NPA members to heed the government call for them to surrender peacefully and avail of the many benefits such as financial and livelihood assistance, housing, scholarship, and others that await them through the E-CLIP. “I commend our troops who are working tirelessly day and night just to go after the Communist Terrorist Groups which have been the reason why economic growth in some Eastern Mindanao areas are slow. Indeed, persistence and determination to positively

transform our communities are the key to achieving our goal,” Almerol said. Apart from Marikit, several NPA leaders in the area of responsibilities of EastMinCom also surrendered this year including Pedro Arnado, Chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (KMP-SMRC) and National Treasurer; and Ruel Dumogan alias Regan, Commanding Officer of HQ Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), his wife DN Saritao, Platoon Medic of Platoon 1 of the same unit. Also surrendered were Marvin Magrano alias Loloy, former provincial coordinator of Bayan Muna in Sarangani Province and also the Vice-Chairman of the now defunct Guerrilla Front Tala’s Pambansa-Demokratikong Paaralan and Regional Headquarters, SMRC; Eping Iligan Salahay alias John, Commanding Officer and Milisyang Bayan of GF21C, NEMRC; Romeo Bontulan, Team Leader of Squad Abe, RHQ, SMRC; and alias Dala, a former Commanding Officer of SYP Gabon, Guerrilla Front 88.

cult” process in ensuring that the vaccines reach the people. He, however, assured that the poor will be prioritized in the vaccine rollout. “I know that it is the sentiment of America that the vaccines that will be given to the Philippines should go first to those who have least in life. Yung mga mahirap (The poor). The poor ones who cannot afford,” he said. “Rest assured that everybody will follow that directive.” Duterte also expressed hope that those who were

still hesitant to get vaccinated would be “enticed” with the Covid-19 vaccines donated by the US. Prior to the arrival of the three million Moderna vaccine doses, US also donated 3.2 million doses of the single-shot Johnson&Johnson vaccine to the Philippines. These vials were delivered in two tranches. As of August 2, over 21.2 million vaccine doses have been administered in the country while 9.3 million individuals have been fully vaccinated. (PNA)

people and serve the country. “We truly recognize their heroic acts when they put their own lives in grave danger just to protect our communities from the atrocities of terrorist groups in Central Mindanao,” Uy, also head of the Joint Task Force Central, said in a statement released

Tuesday afternoon. Since January, at least 20 soldiers running after the BIFF in Maguindanao have been injured in operations against the Islamic Statelinked terror group. Aside from medals, Uy also handed over cash assistance and food packs to the soldiers. (PNA)

during the IPO process, it said. The company also “remains committed” to listing Del Monte Philippines Inc, citing “growth and resilience” of the business. The Philippines will impose a lockdown in Metro Manila on Aug. 6 until Aug.

20 to curb the spread of COVID-19. On Tuesday, the government confirmed an additional 6,879 additional COVID-19 cases. The recent surge is worsened by the presence of the more transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant.

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to help them leave behind their lives as outlaws and experience a better life under the folds of the government,” Paulo said. The unit is also imple-

menting stringent measures to prevent the NPA rebels from recovering works and recruitment of new members amid the continued surrender.

sion-making. “Walang ibang makatulong sa Nordeco kundi ang MCOs. Atong ipadayon ang pag-organisa sa MCOs kay kung duna’y mga harassments ug corporate take over ay lalalabanan talaga natin yan through MCOs. Ang MCOs ay may Karapatan dahil sila ang may-ari ng cooperative,” he said. Reynaldo Villanueva, national chairman of NCE-

CCO, affirmed MCOs play an important role in the cooperative when it comes to corporate take over. “Just like there in Nordeco, kailangan natin silang i-empower at makasama para ipagtanggol ang ating kooperatiba para nobody will be left behind. Kailanagan magsama sama tayo para maitaguyod ang ating mga kasamahan dito sa kopperatiba,” Villanueva said.

Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan); coastal waters of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan; coastal waters of E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, and Victorias City in Negros Occidental; Tambobo and Siit Bays, Siaton, and Bais

Bay, Bais City in Negros Oriental; coastal waters of Daram Island, and Zumarraga, Cambatutay, Irong-irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar; coastal waters of Leyte, and Calubian, Carigara and Ormoc Bays, and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte; and coastal waters of Biliran Islands. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

mobile experience of our customers not only in highly-urbanized areas but also in rural areas to make it more inclusive and accessible,” Agustin said. Despite the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, he said Globe has

been “relentless” in improving its service throughout the country. He also encouraged Globe users who are still using 3G SIM cards to switch to their new 5G-ready 4G LTE SIM cards to make the most of these improved services. (PNA)

“We at DTI are very much pleased that more and more establishments have recognized the necessity to obtain the Bagwis Seal not only to help and protect the consumers and enterprises, but most importantly, the prestige it brings to their businesses. This will boost the trust and confidence of the buying public, which will redound to their economic advantage,” Ambi said, adding that the program is also a check and balance mechanism for establishments to be guided on how they

should operate while consistently conforming to government regulation, both local and international standards. To know more about the DTI–Bagwis program and the upcoming virtual recognition, the public may contact the DTI 11 Regional Office-Consumer Protection Division at telephone number (082) 224-0511 local 417 and through the email addressr11@dti.gov.ph. Clients may also contact DTI 11 by sending a message to the Facebook page DTI Region 11.DTI11/MRMS/jmm

billion, followed by Regions 7, 11, and National Capital Region. For the month of June, Plaza said the PEZA Board has approved 62 new projects. Among the 62 recently approved projects, 22 projects fall under information technology (IT) enterprises, 20 for export manufacturing enterprises, 13 for facilities, and seven for ecozone development projects. “These projects are essential especially as we continue to go back to our vibrant and booming economy,” Plaza said. As the country aims for population protection and reopening the econo-

my, Plaza is optimistic that PEZA can fulfill the last few months of 2021 with “flying colors”. “The Covid-19 pandemic cannot stop us from performing at our best and ensuring that we continuously attract more investments, generate exports, and produce jobs for millions of Filipinos even post-pandemic,” she said. PEZA continues its advocacy in promoting the creation of special economic zones, particularly in the countryside, by identifying and transforming idle lands into ecozones to help accelerate economic and employment development in the Philippines. (PR)

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MANGROVES... FROM 9 ippines. From its original area of approximately 450,000 hectares in 1918, the mangrove areas went down to 140,000 hectares in 1991. It decreased further in 1994 to 120,000 hectares, according to Dr. Carmelita I. Villamor, of the Ecosystems Research and Development (ERDB). In her paper, she summarized the culprits of mangrove denudation in the country, among which were logging for firewood, harvesting for tanbarks, and the conversion of mangroves to fishponds for milkfish and prawn culture. “In the 1950s, mangrove firewood was the preferred fuel source in coastal villages and most bakeries because of its high heating value,” Villamor reported. “But a greater volume was exported to Japan as firewood, which reportedly be-

came the source of rayon.” Large tracks of mangrove forests were lost and degraded when the government encouraged development of aquaculture to increase food production in the 1960s. Around half of the 279,000 hectares disappeared between 1961 and 1988 due to conversion into milkfish or shrimp ponds, according to other reports. Although human health has always depended on the health of the planet, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay said the importance of mangrove systems is now increasingly clear. “The world is now waking up to the importance of mangroves – and other blue carbon ecosystems, including salt marshes, seagrass beds and coastal wetlands,” she said.

more than 20 points in each of the past eight seasons with Toronto and San Antonio. He scored 21.6 per game last year and shot just under 50%. But San Antonio missed the playoffs for a second straight season after an NBA-record 22 straight appearances. DeRozan, who turns 32 on Saturday, figures to form a high-scoring trio with Olympian Zach LaVine and two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, with Ball leading a revamped backcourt. Ball, a four-year veteran who turns 24 in October, is coming off his most productive season. In his second year with the Pelicans, he averaged career highs in points (14.6 per game) and field-goal percentage (41.4) while averaging 5.7 assists. Drafted second

overall by the Lakers out of UCLA in 2017, Ball has changed his shooting mechanics since being traded to New Orleans as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. Ball hit a career-high 172 3-pointers last season while making a career-best 37.8% of his shots from deep. He agreed to a fouryear, $85 million contract with Chicago. The Bulls are sending guards Tomas Satoransky and Garrett Temple to the Pelicans. Chicago also agreed Monday to a four-year, $37 million deal with Lakers backup guard Alex Caruso. Caruso has played all four seasons in Los Angeles, averaging 5.9 points while shooting about 43%, and teamed with Ball their first two years.

Tanaka, brother of former three-division world champion Kosei Tanaka, in their August 5 semifinal. But Paalam said he’s taking it one step at a time, saying his win over Zoirov is now all behind him.

“Gawin ko yung proseso na dahan-dahan na dumating sa dulo. Hindi muna ako magsasalita,” said the Filipino, gold medal winner in the flyweight class of the 2019 Southeast Asia Games in Manila.

loob ng boxing ring,” Go said. He added: “With your unrelenting spirit, determination and competitiveness, you are one of

the beacons that keep inspiring our people, especially our youth, amid trying times. Mabuhay ka, Nesthy! Isa kang lodi!.”

year by another 898,560 MT. The two-phase project proposed in Batangas would entail higher project costs because it would start from the production of clinkers, which are the most expensive aspect of cement manufacturing, according to Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo. Citing BOI figures, Danofrata said the project’s two phases will be capable of producing a combined total of 2.5 million MT of cement per year.

Lopez said the approval of the cement manufacturing projects will help “lessen the country’s import dependence, increase our local capacity, and encourage competitiveness in the industry.” Meanwhile, Rodolfo said these projects will help mitigate against supply disruptions of cement in the overseas market and modernize the country’s industrial capacity considering that most cement plants operating here now are already 30 to 40 years old and hence, not power-efficient. (PR)

DeROZAN ... FROM 11

PAALAM ... FROM 11 SEE ... FROM 12

FIRB ... FROM 5

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Davao’s Nesthy Petecio will receive P3 million from Davao-based oil firm Phoenix.

DeRozan signs with Bulls, not Lakers

HICAGO — The Chicago Bulls made another major upgrade, acquiring high-scoring small forward DeMar DeRozan a day after adding point guard Lonzo Ball. The Bulls agreed on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) to a threeyear, $85 million contract with DeRozan as part of a sign-and-trade with San Antonio, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because teams cannot announce deals until Friday. It was not clear

what the Spurs are getting in return. The move is another sign Chicago is serious about contending in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls finished 11th in the East at 31-41, two games behind Charlotte for the final play-in spot. While they missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year, it was their first season with Arturas Karnisovas leading the front office and Billy Donovan coaching the club. A four-time All-Star, DeRozan has averaged

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Phoenix rewards Nesthy with P3M cash incentive

ollowing the Silver medal finish of boxer Nesthy Petecio at the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics Women’s Featherweight category, Phoenix Petroleum, through Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Foundation, is giving the Olympic medalist a P3 million cash incentive. “We would like to congratulate Nesthy for a job well done. As the first Filipina ever to win a boxing medal at the Olympics, this is such a great achievement, and another source

of pride for our country,” Phoenix Petroleum Senior Vice President Atty. Raymond Zorrilla said. “Phoenix is happy to support our Olympic athletes because of the honor they give to

the country, so we are glad to reward this cash incentive to Nesthy,” he added. Petecio’s win brings the country’s Tokyo 2020 Olympics medals to two, a first since the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. More Filipino Olympians are expected to win medals in the coming days. In 2018, Phoenix launched the Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the private sector, to help the country in its

Ryomei Tanaka was seen being brought out of the Kokugikan Arena in a wheelchair shortly after beating Colombian Yuberjen Herney Martinez Rivas in the quarterfinals.

he Philippines’ Carlo Paalam won’t be fooled. After clinching a semifinals match with a big win over Olympic and world champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan in their quarterfinals match, the Cagayan de Oro native said he won’t fall into a sense of complacency going to his men’s light-flyweight semifinals against Ryomei Tanaka of Japan in the Tokyo Olympics. The 23-year-old Filipino said everything is just about even between him and the hometown bet, who was seen being brought out of the Kokugikan Arena in a wheelchair shortly after beating Colombian Yuberjen Herney Martinez Rivas in the quarterfinals. “Hindi ko naman masasabi na advantage ako, kasi parehas naman kaming may kamay,” said Paalam on Tuesday when he joined

quest for an Olympic gold medal. It also supports Olympic Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz who was recently given free Phoenix fuel for life, and a P5 million cash incentive for her win. That same year, Phoenix also launched the ‘Buhayin Ang Laban Para Sa Ginto’ program that raised a P50 million donation from the Phoenix brand and its loyal customers to help Filipino athletes in their campaign to win an Olympic gold medal.

silver medalist Nesthy Petecio in a special virtual session of the Philippine Sports Association (PSA) Forum. “Nakita ko siya, ok naman siya. Nakita ko siya sa room namin.” Tanaka’s decision against Martinez Rivas was unpopular, with not a few spectators inside the arena believing the Colombian got the better end of the exchanges. The home bet was later seen on a wheelchair on the way to rhe locker room, although he emerged minutes later looking in good condition. Paalam is riding high on a rousing split decision win over Olympic and world champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan in their quarterfinals match. The upset win obviously made him the favorite against the 26-year-old

FPAALAM, P10

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Nesthy Petecio wakes up in the morning with her silver medal. Photo from Nesthy Petecio’s FB page.

SEE YOU IN PARIS

After silver in Tokyo, Petecio aims for 2024 Paris Olympics

he Dabawenya warrior in Nesthy Petecio is not sleeping Moments after settling for a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the native of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur wants more.

Said she is definitely aiming for the 2024 Paris Olympics, looking to duplicate the similar path as what weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz did in her achievement to win the gold medal. The 29-year-old Petecio said she hopes that the silver in Tokyo will eventually lead to the gold after three years. “Kaya pa po,” said Petecio on Tuesday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum via virtual conference. “Si Champ Haydee (Hidilyn), nag-silver siya sa Rio tapos dito, naggold siya. Bakit hindi ko subukan. Malay mo, sa Paris.” Inspired by Hidilyn Diaz has been an inspiration for the Philippine athletes in the Olympics, and Petecio is no exception. The Filipina featherweight reached the gold medal match only to bow to Sena Irie of Japan on Tuesday. But Petecio, the 2019

world champion, said the defeat will not hamper her goals for his boxing career including the Olympic gold medal. “Sana po, ipa-ano natin kay Lord po lahat at sikap lang po palagi,” said Petecio. Message from Sen. Bong Go Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his greetings to Petecio on social media after the Dabawenya pride clinched silver. “Congratulations to Nesthy Petecio for winning the Tokyo Olympics silver medal in Women’s Featherweight boxing! Yours is a historic win for being the first Filipina to win an Olympic medal in boxing since we joined the Olympics almost a century ago. Bilang isang kapwa mo Dabawenyo at chair ng Senate Sports Committee, malaki ang paghanga ko sa ipinakita mong gilas at tapang sa

FSEE, P10