Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 141 | Saturday, August 28, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 141 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

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A vendor sorts out native chickens from ducks, which are both placed in one pen, at the livestock area of Agdao Public Market on Friday. Edge Davao

NO ISSUES I have no rift with Mayor Sara: Sen. Go

STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 141 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

NO ISSUES

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Thursday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

I have no rift with Mayor Sara: Sen. Go By MAYA M. PADILLO

bayaan ang mga anak niya kung wala na siya sa mundong ito,” Go said. On Wednesday, Mayor Sara issued a statement reacting to an online report (Politiko) highlighting her father’s close-knit relationship to Go compared to his daughter and sons Congressman Paolo Duterte and vice mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. The report said that a “source” claimed that

Mayor Sara and “her siblings have long harbored a grudge against Go who has been the President’s gatekeeper since his days as mayor of Davao City.” However, Mayor Sara downplayed all of the “source’s” claims. “This is not true. It seems the source talking does not know me. I do not hold a grudge against Senator Go with regard to his relationship with PRRD. I am not the keeper of the President, he is allowed to have his friends as I am. Why would I be furious about the need for an appointment to see the

President, what matters is I see the President. Mababaw itong source na ito,” Mayor Sara said in a statement. It can be recalled that the President made pronouncement that he and Go will give way to Mayor Sara should she decide to run for president in the 2022 national elections. However, in a statement, Mayor Sara suggested to the President and Go to own up publicly their decision to run as a tandem If they can confirm it privately, then I do not see the reason why they cannot be candid about it to the public.

and Unity jointly approved the draft substitute bill postponing for three years the first regular BARMM elections during a virtual meeting on Thursday. The approved measure was a consolidation of House Bills 8116, 8117, 8161, 8222 and 8277. Authors of the consolidated bills are Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Ferdinand

Martin Romualdez, Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab. The bill proposes that the BARMM elections, originally scheduled on the second Monday of May 2022, would be reset to 2025. Mangudadatu, who chairs the Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation

and Unity, clarified that the provision fixing the term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) members until 2025 does not necessarily mean that whoever gets appointed would automatically enjoy their present term until the afternoon of June 30, 2025. He said the next President would be the appointing authority and would

enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go denied reports he is at odds with Presidential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

In a statement, Go, who is a long-time aide of President Rodrigo Duterte, divulged he and Mayor Sara are talking and have no issues with each other. “Kung anong pagmamahal ko sa tatay ganun din ang pagmamahal ko sa mga anak. Alam ni Pangulong Duterte yan. Nangako ako sa kanya na sasamahan ko siya habangbuhay. At isa sa mga ipinagbilin niya sa akin ay huwag ko paba-

Bill resetting BARMM elections to 2025 hurdles House panel

measure resetting to 2025 the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections initially set in 2022 has hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives. This came after the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Committee on Muslim Affairs and Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation

FBILL, P10

Duterte slams some senators’ ‘posturing’ over COA reports

resident Rodrigo Duterte chided on Thursday night the alleged “posturing” of some senators who are taking advantage of the Commission on Audit’s (COA) audit reports on several government agencies’ deficiencies in spending. In his taped Talk to the People, Duterte told Filipinos not to be swayed by the investigations by some senators who merely want to gain publicity. “Huwag ho kayong maniwala diyan sa mga imbestigasyon, imbestigasyon. Makita naman ninyo walang nangyayari puro lang, ‘We will investigate, investigate (Do not believe in investigations. Nothing happens there. They just keep saying, ‘We will investigate),’” Duterte said. The released COA’s 2020 audit report flagged deficiencies that need an explanation from several government agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH). The COA report has prompted the Senate and the House of Representatives to conduct separate hearings on the government’s use of public funds. Duterte, however, said the Senate hearings led to nothing. “Pakinggan mo ‘yung mga ibang senador diyan, mayroon talagang masabi (Listen to some senators there, that have so much to say). After an investigation, one or two or three days you’re hearing, wala na (you won’t hear anything from them),” he said. Duterte said the senators did not even come up with recommendations since all they know is “posturing.”

“Walang rekomendasyon, walang dinemanda, walang napreso. Puro postura lang, question, question. Iyan ang mahirap sa (They do not have a recommendation. No one is facing a lawsuit. No one goes to jail. It’s just all posturing. They just asked questions. That’s the problem),” he said. “‘Yung lahat na pakulo nila na hindi naman totoo at kaagad sinasakyan para lang makaporma (That’s just their gimmick and they ride on the issue for publicity even if the accusation [against several agencies] is not true).” Duterte has earlier advised COA to “reconfigure” its audit reports to avoid public perception that flagged government agencies have committed irregularities. He has also urged the state audit body to clarify in its report that the deficiencies found do not mean a state department is involved in corrupt activities. Duterte gave the advice, as he repeatedly defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III after the latter has come under fire for the DOH’s supposed deficiencies in handling the PHP67.32 billion worth of coronavirus disease 2019 response funds. Article IX-D, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that the COA “shall have the power, authority, and duty to examine, audit, and settle all acco unts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to, the Government, or any of its

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 141 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

NEWS

Senator Christopher Lawrence“Bong”Go denies reports of rift with Presidential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Go said he loves President Duterte’s children as much as he loves and respects the Chief Executive.

Penalize ‘Close contacts’ of Covid-19 positives who refuse to undergo test DPWH 11 reopens Bolton Bridge 2 to motorists

he regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) has reopened newly-repaired Bolton Bridge 2 to the motorists. DPWH regional information officer Dean Ortiz said the bridge was reopened to the motorists on August 26, 2021. Bolton Bridge 2 was temporarily closed for motorists from July 31, 2021 to August 31, 2021 for repair after cracks were detected as results

of the series of earthquakes in 2019. What was done was the removal of the concrete slab above Pier no.3 of the said bridge. “Kaning concrete slab is katong super structure nato, so ang gi-repair is kaning diaphragm diri sa baba. Mao ni ang column sa bridge, katong patunganan sa atong pavement. Mao to ang pinaka crucial na part sa atoang maintenance,” Ortiz said. DPWH has allotted

FDPWH, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he so-called close contacts of Covid-19 positives who refuse to undergo reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test will be penalized as the city government of Davao will soon enforce law for mandatory swabbing and isolation of Covid-19 positives and their close contacts. This is relation to a law “An Ordinance Providing For Mandatory Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Testing of All F1, F2, and F3 Contacts of an RT-PCR Confirmed Positive Case of Covid-19 in Davao City,” which

was approved by the City Council on August 17, 2021. Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said this will take effect after the required publication. “Ipa-igting jud nato

ang mandatory swabbing and mandatory isolation for those who are Covid-19 positive and those close contacts of Covid-19 positive. Pasado na po ang ordinance providing mandatory RT-PCR for all F1, F2, and F3 Contacts of a Confirmed Positive Case of Covid-19 has already been passed, and those who will not submit to swab test will be penalized,” she said. Schlosser added that those who received notification from DQR are covered by the said ordinance and these individuals will be monitored.

The evacuation started when the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB) clashed with the armed group in the forested areas of Lanao del Sur, the boundaries of Lanao del Norte. “The residents in one sitio were alarmed and they fled to the barangay proper,” said Col. Rey Alemania, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, which has jurisdiction over Lanao del Norte areas. Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, which has jurisdiction in

Lanao del Sur, said soldiers of the 51IB encountered the armed men on August 21, while conducting combat operations after receiving reports from the residents that unidentified men were requesting villagers to buy food for them. “It was a series of encounters from Madamba to Madalum boundaries until it reached to Tangcal-Munai areas,” he said. The last encounter lasted three hours that caused panic among the residents. Cuerpo said as a result, government forces were

able to seize the armed group’s temporary camp and recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), backpacks, and a 15-meter commercial wire believed to be used in making explosives. He added that based on intelligence report, the group is led by Abu Zacaria, a follower of the Maute group involved in the 2017 Marawi City siege. Zacaria’s members are also remnants of the Maute group. “Artillery units and the Philippine Air Force provided fire and air support to

In June this year, the City Council drafted the ordinance penalize the close contacts who refuse to undergo RT-PCR test and this also include penalties for first generation contacts or F1, second generation or F2, and third generation or F3 contacts who don’t submit themselves for swabbing. Schlosser also said that a separate ordinance penalizing business establishments not implementing the DQR scanning intended has been approved as well as

the operating troops on the ground,” a report from the 1DPAO said. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, commander of 1ID, urged residents to remain vigilant by reporting illegal or suspicious activities in their areas that disrupt peace and prosperity in their community. “We ensure the public that we will respond to their call, 24/7 to secure and protect them from any threats and to sustain the peace and progress in our area of responsibility,” Ponio said. (PNA)

FPENALIZE, P10

Lanao del Norte residents find refuge as Army, ‘Dawlah’ clash

ome 400 families or 2,000 individuals in Tangcal, Lanao del Norte fled to a safer place after Army soldiers encountered some 30 members of the ISIS-Dawlah Islamiya terrorists in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur. Report from Tangcal’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) on Thursday showed that the displaced families are from barangays Pelingkilan, Lindongan, Somiorang, and Bayabao. Half of these displaced

families sought refuge with their relatives in safer barangays while the others are staying in Madrasahs and barangay gymnasiums, which were designated by the local government unit as evacuation centers. The affected families were later advised that it is already safe to return home. Report from the Army’s 1st Infantry Division’s (1ID) Public Affairs Office (DPAO) said the military recorded 450 affected families, including those from the town of Munai, adjacent to Tangcal.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 141 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

Container vans are seen at a provate port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City. The economy’s return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels is expected late next year at the earliest, according to estimates by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Edge Davao

Over 40% of Filipino workforce needs reskilling amid automation

s industries embrace automation with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), more than 40 percent of the Filipino workforce needs reskilling and upskilling. During the Manufacturing Summit Thursday, McKinsey Singapore’s Digital Capability Centre in Asia Pacific partner and leader Alpesh Patel said jobs in the Philippines will also be impacted by the shift to automation among industries global-

he speed and scale of advancement in digital technologies are driving demand for semiconductor products, an opportunity which Philippine manufacturers can tap into. During the general membership meeting of Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) Thursday, Gaas Labs co-founder

Patel said although 17 percent of jobs will be replaced by automation, 18 percent more jobs will be created in the labor market due to automation and higher productivity, which translates to a 1 percent net effect on fu-

ture labor demand. “There can be a net positive effect on the labor in spite of automation,” he said. Among the sectors that can be highly automated include accommodation and food services, transportation and warehousing, retail trade, manufacturing, wholesale trade, and construction. “What does that mean? We will need to redesign the future of work for Industry 4.0 And how

that would look like? If we think about the Industry 4.0, it is you are digitizing role, digitizing activities that were previously purely operational,” Patel said. He said new skills that needed to be acquired are related to data science. Among sectors in the Philippines, Patel identified that manufacturing has the highest potential of automation at 61 percent.

and president John Ocampo said current global trends include artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and 5G. Ocampo said total demand for semiconductor products is expected to increase by 25 percent in 2025 driven by growth in automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, video sur-

veillance, and healthcare. He said massive growth in IoT is also seen to exceed the global population by three times in the next two years. He added that with the expansion in digital technologies particularly cloud computing, it will require bigger data storage. “Not only this will demand for memory, but also servers, CPU, and

connectivity within the data center, as well as data center to data center,” Ocampo said. Around 100 zettabytes of data stored in the cloud is expected by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. The growth of 5G, which is expected to contribute USD13 trillion to the global economy by 2035, will also drive de-

ly.

FOVER, P10

FTECH, P10

Release of funds for health care workers ensures econ recovery

n assurance of the availability of funds for the health care sector and its timely release are expected to help address investors’ concerns regarding government measures targeted to ensure the economy’s recovery, an economist said. Healthcare worker unions recently cited the possibility of strikes among their ranks while a nurses group warned of mass resignation due to delayed payment of benefits amid another surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections. “The timely disbursement of funds especially for healthcare workers/ medical front-liners would be the solution to these concerns as part of the priorities during the pandemic in view of the risks involved in fulfilling their work that is crucial for the effective handling of Covid-19 cases, as well as other medical conditions by the health care system, which is also an

important pillar to better control/manage Covid-19 local cases,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said in a reply to questions from PNA. On Wednesday, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it has released to the Department of Health (DOH) a total of PHP311.79 million for the payment of special risk allowance (SRA) of health workers from the public and private sectors. The DBM said the funds were sourced from the miscellaneous personnel benefits fund and unprogrammed appropriations under this year’s national budget. A joint circular between the DBM and DOH released last June 16, Circular No. 1, and Administrative Order No. 42 said around 20,208 public and private health workers who are directly catering to Covid-19 patients

FRELEASE, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 141 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

ECONOMY

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III listens as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Thursday night. Dominguez said the government’s debt is still manageable and he has attributed it to prudent fiscal management despite the increase in financing requirements due to the pandemic. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

NEDA chief hopes easing of restrictions by September

ocioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua hopes that community quarantine measures next month would be less restrictive to ease the impacts of lockdowns on the economy. During the Manufacturing Summit Thursday, Chua said 54 percent of the economy is currently under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) which is affecting 15.6 million workers. “We hope to move towards a less stringent quarantine in the coming weeks as we address the Delta variant… We will continue to review the economic and health data so we can move as sooner to a more relaxed quarantine to allow more people to go back to work,” he said. Chua, who is also the director general at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), added the government has been mindful of the cost of the community quarantine measures to the economy. Based on estimates of the Philippine Statistics Authority and NEDA, PHP144 billion per week was shed from the economy when National Capital Region (NCR) Plus --Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal-- was placed under ECQ. The ECQ in NCR Plus also took away jobs from 607,000 workers and affected up to 242,000 poor individuals. When the quarantine status was relaxed to

MECQ, economic losses were down to PHP73.7 billion, while jobless people decreased to 310,000 and affected a lesser number of poor at 82,000 to 123,000. More jobs and revenues were brought back to the economy under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions as economic losses further declined to PHP21.4 billion and the number of unemployed individuals eased to 90,000. “The 2021 prospects remain encouraging and our enablers include the acceleration of the vaccination program, the safe reopening of the economy while strictly adhering to the health protocols, and the full implementation of the recovery package,” Chua said. He added implementing these policies will prevent long-term scarring and productivity losses. The government eyes 4 percent to 5-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth this year and bouncing to 7 percent to 9 percent by 2022 before easing to its long-term growth rate target of 6 percent to 7 percent by 2023 and 2024. The country’s chief economist said the vaccination program against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remains on track. As of August 24, more than 31.1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in the country. (PNA)

DOF chief says gov’t’s debt still manageable D Government borrowing was set at around PHP3.07 trillion this year, while it is proposed to be around PHP2.47 trillion for next year. Dominguez said while financing requirements increased because of the virus-induced pandemic, the government is “fortunate enough” to easily access funds at low cost

because the economy kept its investment-grade credit rating. “It has not been downgraded and that allows us to access (the) credit market at a relatively low interest rate,” he said. To date, Moody’s Investors Service’s rating on the country is Baa2, a notch above minimum investment grade rating with a stable outlook, while it is ‘BBB’ with a negative outlook for Fitch Ratings and ‘BBB+’ with a stable outlook for S&P Global. In his speech, Dominguez said the interest rate on borrowings by the government to date is 100

basis points lower than in the previous administration at 4.2 percent annually. The government borrowed around PHP2.7 trillion in gross financing in 2020, and bulk or about 70 percent of this was sourced onshore. The increased borrowings brought the share of the budget gap to gross domestic product (GDP) to 7.6 percent last year, nearly doubled from the previous year. “Nevertheless, this level is still sustainable considering that we had to rapidly enlarge our health care capacity and

with a bid to increase the share of digital payments and electronic financial transactions in the country. “This ensures that our policies are attuned with international and domestic market developments and responsive to the needs of the economy amid the prevalence of e-commerce transactions,” he said. For one, the latest reform permanently allows the electronic submission of documents and the use of electronic signatures to

help clients meet the documentary requirements for foreign exchange transactions. Diokno said the circular also supports the sale of foreign exchange to support the government’s infrastructure projects, as well as funding of the peso deposit accounts for foreigners with peso receipts related to trade transactions. “These reforms are expected to facilitate FX (foreign exchange) transactions which, along with other key market reforms,

may help contribute to the country’s continued economic expansion,” he said. The central bank started liberalizing its foreign exchange policies in the 1990s to promote a market-oriented environment and help sustain the economy’s expansion. Diokno said this bid “is done by ensuring that the country foreign exchange regulatory framework remains appropriate to the needs of a dynamic and expanding economy.” (PNA)

epartment of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has attributed the government’s manageable debt service to prudent fiscal management despite the increase in financing requirements due to the pandemic.

“Primarily, our program is very manageable because it is very conservative. We only fund what is required,” he told members of the House Committee on Appropriations during the hearing for the proposed 2022 national budget, which was attended virtually by some stakeholders on Thursday.

FDOF, P10

New forex reforms to take effect Sept. 13

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) now allows banks to sell foreign exchange to Filipinos who will send the funds to their relatives overseas. In a virtual briefing on Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said this is part of the latest foreign exchange reforms, under Circular No. 1124 dated Aug. 10, 2021 and which will take effect on September 13, aimed at making sure that foreign exchange liberalization will be in line

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 141 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

In clearing the issue that he and Mayor Sara are at odds with each other:

Kung anong pagmamahal ko sa tatay ganun din ang pagmamahal ko sa mga anak. Alam ni Pangulong Duterte yan. Nangako ako sa kanya na sasamahan ko siya habangbuhay. At isa sa mga ipinagbilin niya sa akin ay huwag ko pababayaan ang mga anak niya kung wala na siya sa mundong ito.”

Sen. Bong Go

EDITORIAL Political drama From politics to a real-life telenovela is what the grapevine is brewing right now of the Duterte household and its extension. After the President’s party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) announced that President Duterte has accepted the party nomination to be its Vice Presidential candidate in tandem with Presidential bet Senator Bong Go, a mild confusion started to boil involving the President’s daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who is also pushed by several parties and groups to run in next year’s elections.

With this scenario, it would be insane if Mayor Sara will be running against Sen. Go with her father on the opposite side of the fence. We do not see that happening. That would not only be crazy but it’s also a recipe for political disaster for the Dutertes and Go. On Thursday, the President clarified that if Sara will run, he will withdraw from the elections as it would not look good. Does

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Most Dabawenyos would not want that to happen for sure.

Which means there can only be either Mayor Sara or Sen. Bong.

Mayor Sara has dismissed a grapevine report ala telenovela of a rift involving the Duterte children against Sen. Go over the apparent preference of the President to the latter over the former. Far from the truth she said. The alleged source, it appears, knew not deep enough, and didn’t dig deep enough. It’s good that Mayor Sara spoke openly to dismiss the rumor mill which might have already created a small tear from which the ugly head of politics could later dig in and rip more strands. 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

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that mean if Sara will run and the President will withdraw, will Sen. Go still pursue the Presidency? Are we seeing a Sara versus Bong in next year’s elections.

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)

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE GOOD THING ABOUT FAILURE “Just because you fail once doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything.” – American actress Marilyn Monroe ***

During the 2017 Miss Universe pageant held in Manila, the top three finalists were asked by host Steve Harvey: “Name something over the course that you failed at and tell us what you learned.” Miss France Iris Mittenaere won the coveted title for her answer. “I failed several times in my life,” she said. “When you fail, you have to be elevated and you have to keep going. If tonight I will not be the winner I am still honored that I’m still one of the three finalists. For me this is a great opportunity.” Her answer reminded me of the words of Maya Angelou, who was named one of the 30 most powerful women in American by Ladies Home Journal in 2001. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated,” the noted author and actress said. “In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.” “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly,” American senator Robert F. Kennedy (yes, the brother of American president John F. Kennedy) once said. This is best illustrated in the life of American art teacher Warren Kimble. He liked his job very much but one day, he found

himself no longer working in the school he used to teach. Rather than become bitter, he started to make and sell wooden toys, marionettes, and dollhouses to support his family. Later on, Kimble experimented with painting Vermont-inspired images – Holstein cows, farmhouses, pigs, and rabbits – on antique furniture and selling it at regional antique shows. Eight years after he lost his job teaching art, something happened. His unique art caught the attention of a vacationing couple, who licensed his work. Since then, his images have appeared on more than two million prints: T-shirts, plates, doormats, calendars, home furnishings, computer mouse pads, etc. Kimble’s experience is one that can easily be duplicated by every person who experiences a falling, a failure, or a defeat. His disappointing layoff as an art instructor was simply the prelude to a more successful and satisfying career. “He who has never failed has never tried,” Emmett LeCompte once said. Napoleon Bonaparte failed as an essay writer, William Shakespeare as a wool merchant, and Abraham Lincoln as a storekeeper. None of them gave up. They moved into other fields, tried other things for which they were better fitted, with the results we all know. “It is a rare person who doesn’t hope responsibility for his failures will fall on somebody else. It is normal to want to shift blame for out troubles. But shift-

ing isn’t easy to do. People don’t fool easily. It isn’t even easy to fool yourself. Besides, shifting the blame serves no practical ends. It means talking about troubles instead of remedies, about past problems instead of future plans,” pointed out Normal Shidle, author of Clear Writing for Easy Reading. Don’t be afraid to face failures. “I can take any group of young people any place, and teach them to be inventors, if I can get them to throw off the hazard of being afraid to fail,” Charles Kettering pointed out. “You fail because your ideas aren’t right. You should not be afraid to fail, but you should learn to fail intelligently. By that I mean, when you fail, find out why you failed, and each time you fail it will bring you up nearer to the goal.” There was this story of Florence Chadwick, who set a world record when she swam across the English Channel from France in 13 hours and 20 minutes in 1950. The following year, she swam from England to France, making history as the first woman to swim the channel from both directions. In 1952, she made a drastic move in accepting the challenge of swimming from Catalina Island to Palos Verdes, California. Although the waters were frigid and sharks trailed her, Chadwick’s resolve was shattered by something else. After 15 hours if hard swimming, she lost the will to continue and climbed aboard an escort boat – less than half a mile from shore. “It was the fog,” she an-

swered when asked by a reporter why she stopped. “If I had seen land, I could have finished. But when you can’t see your goal, you lose all sense of progress and you begin to give up.” But Chadwick didn’t give up. A few months later, she successfully swam the same route – and set a new record. “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” That popular proverb contains a great and powerful truth. Exclaimed Thomas Alva Edison to an assistant marveling at the bewildering total of his failures – 50,000 experiments for example, before he succeeded with a new storage battery: “Results? Why man, I have gotten lots of results. I now know 50,000 things that won’t work.” Not all successes started as triumphs. In fact, some success began as failure. The Apple microcomputer was turned down by both Hewlett Packard and Atari, but had first year sales of US$2.5 million. In his first year in the automobile business, Henry Ford went bankrupt. Two years later, his second company also failed. Dr. Seuss’s first children’s book was rejected by 23 publishers; the 24th publisher sold six million copies. In 1831, he failed in business. In 1832, he was defeated for the legislature. In 1833, he again failed in business. In 1834, he was elected to the Legislature. In 1838, he was defeated for Speaker; in 1840 defeated for Elector; in 1843 defeated for Congress; in 1846 elected to Congress; in 1855 defeated for

Senate; in 1856 defeated for Vice President; in 1858 defeated for Senate; in 1860 elected to President of the United States. If you have a hard time figuring out who the person was, the answer is Abraham Lincoln. “Many people fail in life because they believe in the adage: If you don’t succeed, try something else,” says Don B. Owens, Jr. “But success eludes those who follow such advice. Virtually everyone has had dreams at one time or another, especially in youth. The dreams that have come true did so because people stuck to their ambitions. They refused to be discouraged. They never let disappointment get the upper hand. Challenges only spurred them on to greater effort.” Some people fail in life because they expect too much from themselves. Everyone wants to become a star in a million. But not all of us can become stars. If you can’t be a star, be content with being a tree. If you are a tree, be sure that you are a tree that bears fruits. If cannot be a tree, then be a grass. But as a grass, make yourself the best grass of them all. “Constant effort and frequent mistakes are the stepping-stones of genius.” That was what American writer and publisher Elbert Hubbard said. Robert T. Kiyosaki believed so, too. “Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success,” wrote the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

CHANGE OR CONTINUITY “Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a government grows, liberty decreases.” - Thomas Jefferson

******* Even as Afghans are besieged by fear and cowering for safety from Taliban retribution, this ugly development does not seem to bother Filipinos who are crazily themselves battling the pandemic CoVid19 scare. The truth is that there is this nonchalance hovering above us because our countrymen are titillated by the on-coming political season. It is a paradox that the political fever is much “deadlier” than any virus we have encountered because the former is a welcomed “disease” thatn the latter. Simply because the political

bug that bites brings in entertainment rather than pain, amusement rather than sorrow, comedic relief rather than serious illness. We need to emphasize that the electorate today is contrastingly more mature and educated, more meticulous and discerning. That is why in the presidential polls In May 2022, the primordial issue to my mind would be: CHANGE OR CONTINUITY. As reports continue to pour in, the presidential wannabes of the opposition have thus far been identified as: Sen. Panfilo Lacson in tandem with Sen.Tito Sotto has already declared his candidacy; Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao (reportedly scouting for his vice-presidential partner) is reportedly interested in VP Leni Robredo; Ex-Sen. Antonio Trillanes (who is eagerly waiting to be

named standard bearer of 1Sambayan); Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is carefully studying the political circumstances as he is only on his first term as head honcho of the country’s capital city; Former senator and former speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has been making some noises but he isn’t getting anywhere. Sen. Grace Poe, though ranking high in the surveys, has not been unraveling anything yet. Last but not the least is Mayor Inday Sara who, news dispatches say, is going to be officially endorsed by PRRD himself at the proper time. Change does not exactly mean “development.” As Filipinos now regretfully realize, the ouster of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 did not translate to meaningful reforms and impactful change.

The Cory Aquino presidency embarrassingly failed even just the minimum expectations of the Filipino nation that supported EDSA People Power 1. Cumulatively, the succeeding presidencies - Ramos, Estrada, Macapagal Arroyo, Noyoy Aquino - did not do so well beyond the casual performance of their individual mandates. Until… It is so true that there is no way but to go up when you are at the bottom. Our countrymen - here and abroad - have been giving the incumbent Duterte government a high positive approval and trust rating. This is quite exceptional, if not phenomenal. Therefore, the campaign slogan for the administration candidate would be appropriately dubbed “CONTINUITY” against

the opposition’s “CHANGE.” Unless the opposition will agree among themselves to put up just one candidate and support him (her) to the hilt, there is no way I see how a fragmented group can beat the administration bet that is ranking first in the surveys. Evidently, the “Build, Build, Build” development program of the Duterte regime will be hard to approximate, much more duplicate, given that previous administrations - from Cory to Noynoy failed to fill in the felt needs of the people, especially the poor and the marginalized. Come to think of it, Juan (and Juana) dela Cruz - given the democratic choice - would never jeopardize what they are enjoying today for something that remains intangible and invisible. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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GAME CHANGER

Cotabato’s VGov Mendoza:

MAYA M. PADILLO

Beyond service A

dd Cotabato Vice Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza to the women who have gone above and beyond to serve, not just as elected officials, but also as defense officers. Mendoza is among the first batch to complete the Executive Master in National Security Administration (E-MNSA) Program of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). In order to widen her vision of the situation that relates to national security and to be intimate with the dynamics of the ground, Mendoza presented a research study (thesis) on “Assessment on Amicable Settlement as Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism for Resolving Rido Cases in the Province of Cotabato” wherein she was awarded with bronze medal. She was also awarded with honors during the Thanksgiving and Commencement Exercises at AFP Grand Stand, Camp

Aguinaldo, Quezon City on August 5, 2021. Mendoza is among the 42 graduates, composed of officials and leaders from national government

agencies, local government units, international development organizations, academe, and the private sector, who completed the program. They completed 13 months of study, which adopted blended learning involving a combination of online classes and a few in-person activities such as the national security de-

velopment study (NSDS) and pre-commission field training exercise (FTX). “We from local government units, especially from Mindanao, are indeed fortunate to have been invited to share in the narrative of national security. If, as they say, all politics is local, then security concerns likewise start in local situation and

FMENDOZA, P10

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DRINKING TOO MUCH SODA

IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

verybody loves soft drinks, including children. A soft drink typically contains carbonated water, a sweetener, and a natural or artificial flavoring. The sweetener may be a sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, a sugar substitute or some combination of these. But soft drinks are not really good for your health. In fact, those who have a penchant for drinking the sugary sodas are at risk of having health problems. A recent study carried out by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore found that a high intake of sugar sweetened beverages may be linked to an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology published the findings of the study, which looked at 3,003 African-American men and women with normal kidney function who were enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study, “a long-term study investigating risk factors for diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.” Still another earlier

study also came up with the same conclusion. The researchers examined the relationship between carbonated beverages, including soft drinks, and chronic kidney disease, using data from 465 patients with newly diagnosed chronic kidney disease and 467 community controls recruited in North Carolina between 1980 and 1982. The result of the study: “Drinking two or more soft drinks per day was associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Results were the same for regular soft drinks and artificially sweetened drinks. Non-cola carbonated beverages were not associated with chronic kidney disease.” These studies are a wake-up call for Filipinos, especially those who love to drink soft drinks. In fact, more and more Filipinos are drinking soft drinks, which contain

Additional Photos: eatthis.com and shutterstock huge amounts of sugar. A study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that Filipinos consumed 14.9 grams of sugar per capita per day from sugar-sweetened beverages alone in 2005. Ten years later, the figure increased to 21.4 grams. It’s not surprising why kidney diseases are on the rise. Kidney diseases almost always progresses to kidney failure, which will require either dialysis or transplantation to treat. One Filipino suffers chronic kidney failure every hour, according to the National Kidney Institute. Every year, more than 7,000 cases of kidney failure in the country are recorded, data from the Department of Health (DOH) shows. This puts kidney failure as the ninth leading cause of death among Filipinos today, according to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI). “(At least) 20% of Filipinos were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which measures kidney function,” wrote Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Chrisha Ane Magtubo in 2017. “Presently, there are 70,000 patients on di-

alysis and even with thousands on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, only 400 are able to undergo transplantation annually.” The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs, are important parts of the urinary system. “They are found at each side of the spine, below the rib cage of the human body,” the NKTI says. “Each kidney is as big as a fist.” The kidneys perform vital life-maintaining func-

tions as monitors and regulators of the body. “They excrete fluids when the body has an excess of them and retain the substances necessary for the body’s continuing function,” the NKTI explains. “They produce and release a variety of chemicals to keep the body healthy and filter the entire blood supply every 2 minutes, excreting waste materials through the urine.” The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, a

hormone that controls the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. They also are involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Unknowingly, health problems affecting the kidneys are becoming common compared to in the past. If you go to a street and ask an average man what medical problem they fear most, they would either mention stroke or heart attack.

FDRINKING, P10

EDGEDAVAO

Hospital for BARMM’s special area in NorCot proposed

lawmaker in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has proposed the establishment of a hospital that would serve the BARMM’s Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato province. Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, a member of the BARMM’s interim lawmaking Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), said Friday he filed BTA Bill 98 on the setting up of an initial 50-bed capacity Ustadz Hashim Salamat Memorial Hospital in Pikit, North Cotabato. “The reason why I proposed for the construction of the hospital in North Cotabato is that, currently, there is no such facility in the SGA that will serve some 200,000 Bangsamoro constituents there,” Dipatuan said. The SGA comprises the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato that opted to join the fledgling BARMM political entity

during a two-part plebiscite held in January and February 2019. In the same manner, he also filed BTA Bill 97 for the construction of the 50bed Ghazali Jaafar Memorial Hospital in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao that shares a border with North Cotabato. “The two proposed hospitals would help each other cater to the Bangsamoro people in the SGABARMM,” Dipatuan said in a statement. He added that he also filed BA Bill Nos. 100 and 101 specifically to convert the Datu Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Tawi-Tawi, and Buluan District Hospital in Maguindanao from Level I to Level II hospitals, with a 100-bed capacity. Dipatuan noted that some medical facilities in the autonomous territory had reached critical bed count due to the surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients being hospitalized lately.

have the discretion on the term of office of the appointed BTA member. Mangudadatu said the current BARMM and the national government have yet to fully deliver the goods provided in the CAB and or-

ganic law. The former threetermer Maguindanao governor believes that had it not been for the Covid-19 pandemic, the foundation of BARMM shall have been laid down perfectly. (PNA)

shall receive, on pro-rated basis, an SRA not exceeding PHP5,000 per month from Dec. 20, 2020 until June 30, 2021. “A stronger health care system would fundamentally counter the risks of lockdowns in the economy, especially when the former asks for a time out, such as in August 2020,” Ricafort said. The timely disbursement of funds allocated for the health care sector, along with the increase in the number of Filipinos who have received their Covid-19 vaccines with the aim of hitting “population protection and eventually the herd immunity threshold in the latter part of 2021 or

early 2022”, are expected “to help justify further re-opening of the economy,” he said. The increase in the number of vaccinated individuals will also provide for higher production capacity and sales/income for businesses and create more jobs which will also allow the government to collect more revenues and reduce financial assistance as risks of lockdowns are decreased, he added. “All of which are structural and sustainable solutions to many of the problems and challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic/lockdowns,” Ricafort added. (PNA)

procure sufficient doses of vaccines for our people,” Dominguez said. He said governments around the world registered higher borrowings since last year because of the pandemic but what sets the Philippines apart “is that we entered 2020 with a historic low debtto-GDP ratio of 39.6 percent.” “This means that we could better absorb additional borrowings than other countries whose debt ratios were already at 60 percent before the pandemic,” he said, referring to the international threshold of debt-to-GDP. The country’s debt-toGDP rose to 60.4 percent as of end-June 2021, but

credit raters still consider this manageable. Dominguez said the bulk of the government’s fiscal resources is used for productive spending instead of debt servicing thus, the additional loans are “beneficial to economic development rather than a burden to growth.” He also told lawmakers that the rise in government borrowings in recent years was due to higher investments in human capital and infrastructure. “Now, deficit spending, provided that your return is better than the cost of your money, is a wise thing to do,” he added. (PNA)

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subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations with original charters, and on a post-audit basis.” It is one of the three independent constitutional bodies in the country, aside from the Commission on Elections and the Civil Service Commission. No irregularities Addressing the nation anew, Duterte reassured them that the government is spending the public funds properly. “Nandito naman po kami (We are just here always). This is your regular program of government mainly to show to the people where the money is going – anong nangyari sa pera ninyo at ano ‘yung ginagawa. (what happened to the money and how that

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was spent). Importante kasi alam niyo ‘yung pera na nandiyan at alam ninyo na ginagamit sa hustong paraan (You need to know that the money was spent properly). That’s the reason for this program,” Duterte said. Duterte also told the public that he will be the “last person” to betray them. “So ako Presidente ninyo (I’m your President), you trusted me, you voted for me so that I would be the last person,ako ‘yung pinakahuling taong manloko sa inyo (to deceive you). At puwede ninyo akong – hindi na ako Presidente – patayin ninyo ako kung ako’y nagkamali o nagsisinungaling (You can kill me, once I’m no longer president, if I made a mistake or lied),” he said. (PNA)

one month of this phase to make sure that the works of the substructure are done efficiently. “Ang trabaho dili lang ang pag repair sa diaphragm. Ang trabaho gyud is pag-retrofit sa

tanang poste/columns. Ang gigamit nato ana is carbon fiber,” Ortiz said. Ortiz said this is the last phase of the rehabilitation of Bolton Bridge 2, which started in April this year. By Maya M. Padillo

a separate measure. She urged the public to strictly follow the mandatory swab testing and the establishments to follow the mandatory DQR scanning as early as now to avoid facing penalties. The SMS from DQR includes the place, date, and time where the individuals have encountered an index case. “I am actually announcing this and informing this because we are tasked to enforce this ordinance. I hope mu-follow ang tanan because

we do not want to penalize these people, and the establishment but then we are tasked to enforce this ordinance. So kung kinsa ang mo-violate, we are very sorry kay kani na ordinance is our mandate gyud ni siya ug i-enforce sa atong security cluster,” Schlosser said. The city has established swab centers in Barangay Ilang-Tibungco, Mintal Gym, Shanghai Gym in Matina Aplaya, Sta. Ana Swabtest Center, Magsaysay Park, and Davao Crocodile Park.

This is followed by transportation and storage at 55 percent, accommodation and food

services at 54 percent, agriculture at 48 percent, and retail and wholesale at 48 percent. (PNA)

mand for semiconductor products. SEIPI chairman Glenn Everett said the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has accelerated digital technologies that would impact the demand for electronics and semiconductor goods. Everett cited top technologies that are seen to be part of the future, such as online learning and digital workplace with the current distance education and work-from-home set up; telehealth as some health services are now being done through video conferencing, e-mail, telephone, or smartphone apps; contactless conveniences; AI-generated content; mixed reality, or the merging of real and virtual worlds; and electronic design automation (EDA) tools. Market for digital workplace is expected

to reach USD9 billion in 2026, with annual growth rate of 11.45 percent; online learning valuing at USD370 billion in 2026, growing annually by 8.56 percent; and telehealth, reaching to USD475.5 billion by 2026 with a growth of 26.5 percent yearly. Contactless convenience is expected to have a market value of USD5.42 trillion by 2027, growing by 20.6 percent annually; and AI-generated content or machine learning innovation is forecasted to grow by 38.6 percent every year with market size amounting to USD152 billion in 2028. Market value of mixed reality, with 83.3 percent annual growth rate, will reach USD225.7 billion in 2026; while that of EDA tools, increasing by 8.7 percent every year, will hit USD14.5 billion in 2026. (PNA)

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develops into a national concern. We commit our best efforts, in our unique dimensions, in securing peace in our communities and area of responsibilities,” Mendoza said in her message. Mendoza did not forget her classmates for inspiring and encouraging her especially during the difficult aspects of the course and her professors for their expertise in handling and guiding the pioneering executive class of the MNSA. “I am proud but at the same time humbled to belong to this elite class. We could have not made it this far without your help and we will always be inspired by your teachings as we do our share in handling national security,” she said.

Mendoza also acknowledged Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Undersecretary Gloria Mercado, General Roberto Capulong, and all the NDCP officials and staff. By joining the reserves, Mendoza broke barriers, made a difference, and became a role model for all future generations. The E-MNSA program is the only graduate-level program that offers a master’s degree covering the broad spectrum of formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies in national security administration. Established in 1963, the NDCP is the government’s highest center for education, training, and research on defense and national security.

“Many Filipinos don’t realize that developing kidney failure can be just as disabling and life-threatening,” says Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, a cardiologist at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital. “If your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work they normally do,” says the National Institute of Health in the United States. “Before dialysis was available, total kidney failure meant death,” says the US National Kidney Foundation (NKF). “Today, people with kidney failure can live because of treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplant.” According to medical experts, dialysis is a way of cleaning the blood when the kidneys can no longer do the job required from them. Dialysis gets rid of the body’s wastes, extra salt and water aside from helping control the blood pressure. Those with end stage renal disease (ESRD), dialysis is not the treatment. A kidney transplant is often the only hope for survival for these people. While the number of patients with ESRD is increasing, the number of living and deceased kidney donors remains dismally low. Dr. Enrique Ona, who used to be the director of NKTI, said that kidney transplantation is cheaper than dialysis “in the long-term.” “Moreover,” he added, “survival rates and quality of life in transplants are much better.” Transplant costs half a million pesos to one million pesos for a one-time surgery, as long as the donated organ is not rejected by the recipient’s system. “The cost of medical treatment for kidney disease is really exorbitant, beyond the reach of ordinary patients,” the NKTI points out. More often than not, people with diabetes are most likely to develop kidney problems, too. Diabetics do not automatically develop kidney disease, clarifies Dr. Luis Limchiu, head of the Adult Nephrology Department at NKTI. “Most of the disease is chronic,”

he says. “They don’t develop kidney disease in 5 years, but in 10 to 15 years.” In the Philippines, an estimated 7.3 million people have diabetes, with 3.5 million of them diagnosed and the remaining ones undiagnosed. Some health experts believe the explosion of diabetes cases in the country is partly due to drinking soft drinks. “The risk of developing diabetes is 26% higher for people who consume one or more sugary drinks every day,” wrote Markus MacGill for the website of Medical News Today. “Even switching to artificially sweetened or ‘diet’ soda containing sugar alternatives may not reduce the risk of diabetes.” A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2020 investigated relationships between the diet and health of 91,249 female nurses over 8 years. The researchers found a link between a diet with a high glycemic index (GI), or quickly digested foods and drinks that cause a spike in blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes. “The team found that people who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened drinks every day had a higher risk for diabetes than those who drank less than one a month,” wrote MacGill. Take good care of your health, doctors advice. Minimize drinking soft drinks, they urge. Better still drink water instead of those sugary drinks. The NKTI also recommends the following to protect their kidneys: • Exercise regularly. • Eat a healthy diet. • Maintain ideal body weight. • Avoid smoking. • Avoid taking medications or herbal supplements without the advice of a physician. • Consult a doctor immediately if you observe some symptoms. • Drink a lot of water and avoid excessive salt. • Have an annual physical check-up especially if with family history of hypertension, diabetes or renal failure.

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SPORTS

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in conversation after this year’s Spanish Grand Prix Emilio Morenatti/AFP/Getty Images

Verstappen eyes payback against Hamilton after losing F1 lead SEAG karate champ Lim on PSC Rise Up Shape Up

019 Southeast Asian Games karatedo gold medalist Jamie Christine Lim will banner the Saturday’s webisode of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Rise Up Shape Up this coming Saturday, August 28. Lim, a national team standout, also used to compete in the Women’s Martial Arts Festival and will share her journey and experiences which helped her to achieve where she is right now. The SEA games champion will be joined by the next generation of karatedo champions which recently won in the 7th

Women’s Martial Arts Festival at 10:30 am. Seventeen young karatekas who bagged gold in different event categories will personally share their stories and inspiration in the sport. “The PSC is in full support of the Women’s Martial Arts Festival as this contributes to strengthening the country’s excellence in sports especially highlighting women empowerment,” said Women in Sports oversight commissioner Celia H. Kiram who will also talk about and give insights on the history of karate in her K-Isport.

PA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium— Max Verstappen had a few weeks to ponder how his sizeable lead in the Formula One championship was eaten up by Lewis Hamilton in just two races. Now the Red Bull driver must focus his mind on checking the Mercedes star’s momentum, starting at this Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, where a thrilling season resumes following its mid-season break. Hamilton leads Verstappen by eight points after 11 races of a season which has produced the best wheel-to-wheel racing for years and a thorny rivalry between two gifted drivers. Hamilton clawed back a 33-point deficit but the manner of his comeback angered Verstappen. He was leading the British GP from pole position and was

sent flying off track by a risky Hamilton overtaking move at the lightning-fast Copse corner that led to a time penalty. Verstappen was unlucky in the following race at the Hungarian GP, where he was one of several drivers to go off track following a clumsy first-lap mistake by Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas. He recovered to eighth place despite driving a damaged car, but Hamilton finished second and moved ahead overall. Understandably, Verstappen may feel an-

noyed considering he leads Hamilton 5-4 in wins, 5-3 for pole positions and 4-3 for fastest laps so far. Yet, for reasons largely out of his control, he trails in the standings. “It’s a lot of freak moments which cost us a lot of points,” he said. “I will be there again, I will try my very best, and of course I hope my car is going to be competitive.” The 23-year-old Dutchman can count on huge support Sunday from orange-clad fans who will make the short trip from nearby Netherlands. Last year the stands were empty because of coronavirus regulations. “It will be cool to see so much orange in the grandstands again,” he said. “I also think it is a good place to re-set our championship fight and I’m well prepared.”

He will need to be. For Hamilton has renewed momentum as he bids for a 100th career GP win, and a record eighth F1 title to pull ahead of Michael Schumacher and stand alone among F1 greats. But Hamilton has been pushed harder than at any time since his then-Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg won the 2016 title. Red Bull’s speed allied to Verstappen’s relentless intensity have tested the resilience of a Mercedes team long used to dominating. “This has been one of the most intense F1 seasons that I can remember. The battle is far from over,” Mercedes head of motorsport Toto Wolff said. “The W12 (car) feels in a better place, after the upgrades introduced at Silverstone and an encouraging showing in Hungary.”

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John Riel Casimero (left) and Nonito Donaire (right).

Donaire reminded to honor contract to fight Casimero

ohn Riel Casimero’s promoter reminded Nonito Donaire Jr. that he has signed a fight contract to face his countryman. MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons said that, instead of chasing Japan’s Naoya Inoue, Donaire should “honor” said contract. “Nonito Donaire signed a contract,” Gibbons said in an article posted on BoxingScene. com. “Be a man! Grow some balls! Stand up! [Donaire is] not fighting Inoue. He’s got a contract [to fight Casimero]. Step up and fight us, if he wants to do a real fight.” Casimero, the WBO bantamweight champion, was supposed to figure in a title unification bout with Donaire, the WBC holder, 2 weeks ago. But the fight fell

apart due to too excessive trash talking between the two camps. Boxing: Donaire insists fight against ‘unprofessional’ Casimero is off Casimero later faced and defeated Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba via split decision. Donaire also alleged that Casimero’s camp was being dishonest regarding his enrollment in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. “We want Donaire. We signed for Donaire. If he wants to run and he wants to talk about Inoue, then so be it. Casimero’s the world champion. He’ll fight someone. He’s the champ! That’s the bottom line,” Gibbons said.