Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 144 | Wednesday, September 1, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

A group of sidewalk vendors belonging to the Badjao tribe takes a break from selling second hand shoes along Magallanes Street in Davao City on Tuesday to partake a meal shared by a kindhearted individual. Edge Davao

NOT EASY SPORTS P 8 edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

Sara reminds parents, adults to consistently observe health protocols STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his talk to the nation address at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on Monday night, debunks the ongoing senate hearing linking one of the suppliers of medical supplies during the pandemic who had ties with the government. President Duterte, while showing the document with the photo of former economic adviser Michael Yang with the owners of Pharmally International Holding Company dated on March 17, 2017 in Panacan, Davao City, expresses that Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation is not associated with Pharmally International Holding Company and Michael Yang. The President also assured that he is keen to focus on eradicating corruption until he steps down in 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Sara reminds parents, adults to Drug den dismantled consistently observe health protocols in Tagum; 5 arrested By MAYA M. PADILLO

schedule,” Mayor Sara said. The city government of Davao warned Dabawenyos against the fast-spreader Covid-19 variants namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta to follow basic health protocols. Based on the breakdown of death cases by age groups of the

Department of HealthDavao Region as of August 28, 2021, there are a total of 6,559 positive cases of Covid-19 of children and teens age from 10 years old to 19 years old and 23 deaths. As of August 30, 2021, the DOH-Davao Center for Health Development reported 646 new cases of Covid-19 in Davao Region bringing the total number of active cases to 11,773. Of these new cases, 333 were from Davao City, six from Davao de Oro, 142 from Davao del Norte, 69 from Davao del Sur, 34 from Davao Occidental,

and 62 from Davao Oriental. There were 409 recoveries reported and among these, 183 were from Davao City, seven from Davao de Oro, one from Davao del Norte, 164 from Davao del Sur, 49 from Davao Occidental, and five from Davao Oriental. There were seven death cases reported and among these, two were from Davao City, two from Davao del Sur, two from Davao de Oro, and one from Davao Oriental. All cases reported were local cases.

to the indigent including livelihood projects. The NTF-ELCAC identified 65 barangays in the province as beneficiaries of the BDP. The barangays identified the projects through community consultations on the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) facilitated by the Department of Interior and Local Government

(DILG), and provincial and local government units. These projects include 64 roads, 26 water systems, 7 electrification projects, 7 school buildings, 7 health centers, 1 evacuation center, 2 flood control, 1 slope protection, 4 street lights, 7 assistance to indigents, and 3 livelihood. The BDP, a hallmark

program of NTF ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities, has identified 822 barangays across the country benefiting from the program. The barangays are former guerilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio told parents and adults to consistently observe the minimum public health standards as cases of Covid-19 are increasing in Davao City with more virulent types hitting teenagers.

“Nagsaka ang cases.. most likely mao ning variants na gina-ingon nila mas infectious na nakaigo sa mga batanon. All the more we have a reason na kinahanglan ang mga ginikanan and mga adult consistent sa pag observe sa minimum public health standards and magpabakuna sila if there are already given

gents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the police dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested five persons in a buy-bust operation in Purok Vipatil, Barangay Magugpo West, Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Saturday afternoon (August 28). Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 spokesman Noli Dimaandal said the subject of the operation was a certain Claven Dave Tabaquin alias Dave, 34, a resident of the barangay. According to Dimaandal, Tabaquin is marked as City Target List number 23 . The suspect is the one who allegedly maintained the drug den. Tabaquin was arrested by a PDEA agent who acted

as poseur buyer for selling a piece of medium heat sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu weighing more or less one gram worth P8,000. Also arrested during the operation were drug den visitors identified as Benedict Bagsican, Rodgel Bundan, Roberto Sanaga, and Kenneth Teleron. The raiding team was able to recover 14 grams of suspected shabu estimated to be worth of P210,000, assorted drug paraphernalia, empty plastic sachets with suspected shabu residue, and the buy-bust marked money. The suspects will be facing criminal charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (AMA)

NPA-NDF). Each recipient barangay would receive P20 million for the following: 1-kilometer farm-to-market road worth P12 million; classrooms P3 million; water and sanitation systems 2 million; health station P1.5 million; and livelihood projects P1.5 million. Davao de Oro has been a stronghold of armed

NPA rebels, in fact. In 2016, 11 NPA units had been identified operating in the place. Currently, according to the provincial government, only one NPA unit remains in Davao de Oro and 800 to 900 former rebels have returned to the folds of the law resulting in an improved business competitiveness rating of the province. (AMA)

65 villages in Davao de Oro benefit from BDP projects

total of 129 projects under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-ELCAC) Barangay Development Program (BDP) have already been implemented in 65 barangays in Davao de Oro. Out of 129 projects, are infrastructure projects while the other 10 are intended for assistance

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

NEWS

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) wing headed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi expresses hope that Senator Christopher “Bong” Go would reconsider their endorsement for him to be the party’s standard bearer. Cusi, PDP-Laban President, made the remark after Go formally declined the ruling party’s endorsement to be its presidential candidate with President Rodrigo Duterte as his running mate in the 2022 national elections. Handout

Mountain bikers, motorcycle riders ruled out for rising cases in hinterlands

n official of the Department of HealthDavao Region (DOHDavao Region) said on Tuesday that the agency has not yet received a report from its contact tracing team blaming mountain bikers and motorcycle riders who engaged in leisure rides as among the reasons for the rising cases of Covid-19 in the hinterlands. Dr. Rachel Joy Pasion, unit head of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH-Davao, disclosed in a virtual presser on Tuesday that DOH-Davao Region has noticed a rising cases of Covid-19 in the far-flung barangays of Davao City. “Yun ang tinitingan namin in our contact tracing report yung mga whereabouts, ano yung mga activities but we have not come across this kind of data regarding yung mga bikers and motorcycle rides, but we will look into this, but right now no report on such those,” she said. Pasion cited the mobility and travel behavior of individuals contributed to the rising cases of Covid-19 in the hinterlands. “It’s because nakikita natin yung mga how mobile the people are right now. More than a year of battle with Covid-19, it is not really difficult to impose to them the no travel policy and stay at home, but some or most of these individuals should do these travels sa mga bukid, it’s because yun din ang pinagkikitaan nila,” said Pasion.

Pasion also attributed the rising cases to the two-week growth rates (TWGR), which computes how many cases were tallied for the last two weeks and is compared to the average daily cases two weeks prior per location. “Secondly, kaya po nakitaan namin biglaan pagtaas ng risk level sa mga bukid o itong nasa malalayong lugar its because nakaka-apekto itong two-week growth rate, yung two-week growth rate natin kino-compute natin yung two-week nila na mga cases and then the recent na two-weeks natin. In the past na twoweeks nila, na zero sila kahit na dalawa o tatlong cases lang for the recent two weeks nagiging 300 percent na two weeks growth rate yun. Yun ang mga kino-consider natin kaya kino-compare talaga natin yung two-week growth rate sa ating attack rate rin which is 100,000 population. Ilan sa mga population sa isang lugar ang posibleng magka Covid-19,” she said. Pasion said DOHDavao is also using the average daily attack rate (ADAR), which is the number of new cases in a city or province over a twoweek period, divided by the population of the city or province as parameter. “For example, in a population meron nine tayong ADAR so meaning nine out of 100,000 population ang nagkaka-Covid sa kanila. So yun ang tinitingnan natin na mga parameters,” she said.

Steady per capita income, good governance attract investors By MAYA M. PADILLO

eal estate leaders are saying Davao Region continues to outpace Manila in terms of performance especially in livable space in the real estate sector and among the factors why the region continue to attract investors are good governance and steady per capita income. Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo, president of Damosa Land Inc., (DLI), emphasized that good governance is among the things that investors would look at when going into a city. “When we embarked on our project I found that it was easy to get permit, easy to navigate the local landscape and it has made our job a lot easier. The thing that would turn off any investors is bad governance,” Lagdameo said during the General Membership Meeting of

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII) on August 27, 2021. DLI has been at the forefront of the real estate and property development industry in Mindanao. Its projects are spread in Davao Region and Mindanao that include Agriya, a mixeduse complex in Panabo City; 15-storey Damosa Diamond Tower in Damosa, Lanang; Damosa Fairlane subdivision in Damosa, Lanang; Seawind condominium in Sasa, Davao City; Damo-

sa IT Park and Microtel by Windham in Damosa, Lanang; and Anflo Industrial Park in Panabo City. David Leechiu, chief executive officer of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), cited Davao Region’s steady per capita income that would attract more investors. “Davao’s per capita income has been steady in the last 20 years and it would come to a point where Metro Davao will attract more and more investors just because of the size of the relevant per capita income in Davao and the neighboring provinces,” he said. Leechiu mentioned existing and upcoming townships that are going to be developed in the region and DLI’s developments that would change the landscape of

the region and boost investor’s confidence. “Because the new landscape will attract new investor confidence and a lot more investments doubling of investments by the once already here plus new capital. The traditional investors like Hongkong Land, JIC, CapitaLand might take a little while to invest in Mindanao,” he said. Leechiu also said that affinity towards the Muslim investors from Malaysia and Indonesia where there’s a lot more cultural affinity will also make a bigger and more immediate difference for Davao Region. LPC is a privately held professional real estate brokerage company with a mission to deliver profitable real estate solutions to its clients and partners.

in Rizal Street, Barangay Poblacion, Lupon, Davao Oriental. A report from Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 indicated the fire started at the Alkemche Bakeshop

and reached the adjacent commercial building where four establishments are located. The Lupon Municipal Police Station received the fire alarm at 9:40 p.m. and

the blaze was declared under control 5 hours later. No one was reported injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. (AMA)

Lupon fire leaves P5M in damage

t least P5 million worth of properties, including a bakeshop, went up in smoke after a commercial building was razed by fire on Saturday evening (August 28)

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

On the increasing cases among teenagers in Davao City with more virulent types of Covid-19:

Nagsaka ang cases.. most likely mao ning variants na gina-ingon nila mas infectious na nakaigo sa mga batan-on. All the more we have a reason na kinahanglan ang mga ginikanan and mga adult consistent sa pag observe sa minimum public health standards and magpabakuna sila if there are already given schedule.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL Are we ready for a Covid-risky elections? The country’s political scene is in festive mood again as the national elections of 2022 draws near. But before we even jump to the frenzy, let’s face the question: Are we ready for an elections under the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions that come with it? On Monday alone, over 22,000 new cases were reported. Given the current trend, isn’t it preposterous to think of elections when we cannot even live normal lives under the current protocols and restrictions?

Across the world, elections have been postponed and cancelled due to the pandemic. From February 2020 to August 2021, at least 79 countries and territories across the globe have decided to postpone national and subnational elections due to COVID-19, out of which at least 42 countries and territories have decided to postpone national elections and referendums. On the other hand, at least 132 countries and territories have de-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

Likewise, at least, 57 countries and territories have held elections that were initially postponed due to concerns related to COVID-19 of which at least 29 have held national elections or referendums. Given these figures, we must take into account that the countries and territories that held national elections or referendums were in a far better situation than the Philippines. Not to mention, they have advanced measures to ensure there will be no outbreak brought to fore by the holding of the elections. So are we ready to hold elections, including its accompanying campaign period, under current conditions? That, we need to settle first. 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

cided to hold national or subnational elections despite concerns related to COVID-19 of which at least 110 have held national elections or referendums.

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

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 15th Regular Session Series of 2021

Operations Office shall be reclassified into: 1. 2. 3. 4.

One(1) position of Administrative Officer IV (Administrative Officer II) SG-15; Two (2) positions of Tourism Operations Officer I SG-11; Three (3) positions of Tourist Receptionist I SG-8; One (1) position of Administrative Assistant IV (Photographer III) SG-10.

SECTION 5. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS - The minimum qualification standards for the reclassified positions shall be the following:

PRESENT: Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang - Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Nilo D. Abellera Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Alberto T. Ungab Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte - -On Official Business Councilor Jonard C. Dayap

ORDINANCE NO. 0547-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING FIVE (5) POSITIONS OF TOURIST RECEPTIONIST III SG-13 AND ONE(1) POSITION OF PHOTOGRAPHER IV SG-12 UNDER THE CITY TOURISM OPERATIONS OFFICE (CTOO) CONSISTENT WITH THE 2017 OMNIBUS RULES ON APPOINTMENTS AND OTHER HUMAN RESOURCE ACTIONS (REVISED JULY 2018) OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING FIVE (5) POSITIONS OF TOURIST RECEPTIONIST III SG-13 AND ONE(1) POSITION OF PHOTOGRAPHER IV SG-12 UNDER THE CITY TOURISM OPERATIONS OFFICE (CTOO) CONSISTENT WITH THE 2017 OMNIBUS RULES ON APPOINTMENTS AND OTHER HUMAN RESOURCE ACTIONS (REVISED JULY 2018) OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES - Presented to the Honorable Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for review and consideration, is a letter from Atty. Zuleika T. Lopez, City Administrator, requesting for the reclassification of five (5) positions of Tourist Receptionist III Salary Grade 13 and one (1) Position of Photographer IV Salary Grade 12 under the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) to the following positions: one (1) Administrative Officer IV (Administrative Officer II), Salary Grade 15, two (2) Tourism Operations Officer I, Salary Grade 11, three (3) Tourist Receptionist, I Salary Grade 8, and one (1) Administrative Assistant IV (Photographer III), Salary Grade 10 under the same office; Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 provides “Every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and selfreliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.”. Section 76 of Republic Act 7160 empowers local government units to design and implement its organizational structure and staffing pattern taking into consideration its service requirements and financial capability, subject to the minimum standards and guidelines prescribed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC); Section 12 (2), Chapter 3, Title I (A), Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 provides that the Civil Service Commission shall prescribe, amend and enforce rules and regulations for carrying into effect the provision of the Civil Service Law and other pertinent laws;

A. Minimum Qualification Standards pursuant to CSC MC No. 5, Series of 2016, and CoA Resolution No. 2013-19 for Administrative Officer IV (Administrative Officer II) Salary Grade-15 (Updated Qualification Standards for Certain Positions Per CSC and CoA Issuances): 1. 2. 3. 4.

Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; Four(4) hours of relevant training; One(1) year of relevant experience; Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility;

B. Minimum Qualification Standards for Tourism Operations Officer I SG-11: 1. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility; 2. Bachelor’s degree in tourism, business, law, economics, marketing, public administration or other related fields. C. Minimum Qualification Standards for Tourist Receptionist I SG-8: 1. Career Service (Sub-Professional) First Level Eligibility; 2. Completion of two(2) years of studies in College; 3. One (1) year of work experience and involvement in the tourism industry either in the private sector or the government; 4. Four (4) hours of relevant training. D. Minimum Qualifications Standard for Administrative Assistant IV (Photographer III) SG-10: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Career Service (Sub-Professional) First Level Eligibility; High School Graduate or Completion of relevant vocational/trade course; Two (2) years of relevant work experience; Eight (8) hours of relevant training.

SECTION 6. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Administrative Officer IV (Administrative Officer II) SG-15: 1. Assist in supervising the administrative functions of the office relative to records management, personnel administration, supply and property utilization, budgeting, janitorial services, including maintenance and repair; 2. Undertake and coordinate in the administration of fringe benefits and other employee services; 3. Undertake the dissemination of latest issuances relative to the functions of the office; and 4. Do other functions as may be directed by the Department Head. B. Tourism Operations Officer I SG-11: 1. Gather promotional materials such as sales kits, brochures provided by concerned agencies for distribution to target markets; 2. Assist in undertaking researches and prepare write-ups for promotion material productions; 3. Participate in the implementation of quarterly festivals; 4. Assist in coordinating with licensed travel agencies/tour operators for the promotion of the city as a tourist destination; 5. Assist/Coordinate with other agencies in the conduct of seminars, conferences, trainings, conventions conducted by Government Offices/Non-Government Organizations which has relation to tourism; 6. Do other related functions as may be directed by the Department Head. C. Tourist Receptionist I SG-8: 1. Act as liaison officer/tour guide by attending groups of visitors to tourist attractions, whether day trips or longer visits, and give them information and advice to make the most of their visit; 2. Ensure that visitor information and assistance counters are well-supplied with promotional materials; 3. Collect survey forms on the delivery of tourism products and services; 4. Monitor and notify the office on visitors’ arrival; 5. Attend to various visitor inquiries and requests for assistance; and 6. Do other related functions as may be directed by the Department Head. D. Administrative Assistant IV (Photographer III) SG-10: 1. Gather promotional materials such as sales kits, brochures, posters provided by concerned agencies; 2. Monitor special events and activities of the City; 3. Continuously deliver creative services in support of promotional programs; 4. Conduct pictorials of tourist spots, events, for tourism promotion materials purposes and for souvenirs; 5. Research, gather and layout data, write-ups for promotion materials production; 6. Do other related task as may be directed by the Department Head.

Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 1701009, dated June 16, 2017, published in the Philippine Star on August 2, 2017 and took effect on August 18, 2017 and circularized through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 24, s. 2017, otherwise known as the 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resources Actions ORAOHRA);

SECTION 7. APPROPRIATION – The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall appropriate the necessary funds to cover the benefits and salaries of the positions stated in the Ordinance.

Section 11 of the 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions (Revised July 2018) Nature of Appointment, states:

SECTION 8. AUTOMATIC REVIEW – The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall automatically review the Ordinance once every three (3) years after its approval or whenever the need for such review arises.

“Reclassification - A form of staffing modification and/or position classification action which is applied only when there is substantial change in the regular duties and responsibilities of the position. This may result in a change in any or all of the position attributes: position, title, level and/or salary grade. It is the generic term for changes in staff/position classification which includes upgrading, downgrading, and recategorization”;

SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE – All ordinances, resolutions, executive orders, memoranda and other issuances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 12 of the 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions allows adjustments or movement of human resource without need of issuance of an appointment.

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVITY – The ordinance shall take effect after the Sangguniang Panlungsod approves the pertinent resolution and ordinance and the city mayor signs for final approval.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – The following words, terms, phrases and acronyms shall be defined as follows:

ENACTED, on the 20th day of April 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

Reclassification

- A form of staffing modification and/or position classification action which is applied only when there is substantial change in the regular duties and responsibilities of the position. This may result in a change in any or all of the position attributes: position, title, level and/or salary grade. It is the generic term for changes in staff/position classification which includes upgrading, downgrading, and recategorization. (2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions, 2018 Revised)

ORAOHRA ORAOPA SG CSC CoA CoA AS MC Sub-professional Eligibility

- Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions - Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Personnel Actions - Salary Grade - Civil Service Commission - Commission on Audit - Commission on Audit Administration Sector - Memorandum Circular - Qualifies for any First Level Career Service Position in government such as clerical, trade, and custodial service positions which require less than four(4) years of college education

Professional Eligibility

- Qualifies not only for First level career service positions in government but also Second level career service positions such as professional, technical and scientific positions which require four(4) years of college education

CTOO Recategorization

- City Tourism Operations Office - The action or an act of assigning something to another category or classification

SECTION 4. RECLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONS UNDER CTOO - The five (5) positions of Tourist Receptionist III with Salary Grade-13 and one (1) position of Photographer IV with Salary Grade-12 under the City Tourism

SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – Any provision of this Ordinance nullified by any court of law shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof not affected by the said judicial declaration.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED: Danilo C. Dayanghirang City Councilor Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

JUN 07 APPROVED : ________________, 2021

AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING FIVE (5) POSITIONS OF TOURIST RECEPTIONIST III SG-13 AND ONE(1) POSITION OF PHOTOGRAPHER IV SG-12 UNDER THE CITY TOURISM OPERATIONS OFFICE (CTOO) CONSISTENT WITH THE 2017 OMNIBUS RULES ON APPOINTMENTS AND OTHER HUMAN RESOURCE ACTIONS (REVISED JULY 2018) OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

EDGEDAVAO Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

19th City Council 17th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Nilo D. Abellera Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Jonard C. Dayap Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte - On Official Business

ORDINANCE NO. 0576-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A LEVEL III GENERAL HOSPITAL IN DAVAO CITY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as the “DAVAO CITY HOSPITAL ORDINANCE”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It is the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all people at affordable cost. To carry out the above policy, a City Hospital is to be established to further cater to the needs of the fast-growing populace, and to reduce the dependence on the Southern Philippines Medical Center as the sole government-operated tertiary care facility within the City. The creation of the hospital also serves as the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as future outbreaks, and will provide the City with the needed manpower, facility, and experience to counter such threats in the future. SECTION 3. HOSPITAL NAME AND LOCATION - There is hereby established a 100-bed Level III Training Hospital which shall be located at a suitable location within the University of the Philippines Mindanao Campus in Bago Oshiro, Davao City which shall be known as the “Davao City Public Hospital”. SECTION 4. HOSPITAL SERVICES. As a government owned 100-bed Level III Training Hospital, and as a COVID-19 response, the Davao City Hospital, shall provide services for all kinds of illnesses, diseases, injuries or deformities. It shall provide all kinds of medical care pursuant to its classification under DOH Administrative Order No. 2012-0012 dated 18 July 2012, which governs the new classification of hospitals and other health facilities in the Philippines.

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

services; • Emergency and Outpatient Services with a Respiratory Unit, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit; • Isolation facilities and General Intensive Care Unit; • Surgical/Maternity facilities, High Risk Pregnancy Unit and Ambulatory Surgical Clinic; • Dental Clinic, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Dialysis Clinic B. As to Ancillary Services • Tertiary Clinical Laboratory with Histopathology; • Blood Bank; • 3rd level X-ray • Pharmacy The hospital shall be equipped with top-of-the-line service capabilities needed to support board certified/eligible medical specialists and other licensed physicians. It shall also function as a Medical Training Hospital, in conjunction with the University of the Philippines Mindanao. SECTION 5. CREATION OF PLANTILLA AND OTHER POSITIONS. – In order for the hospital to effectively discharge the powers and functions as mandated by this Ordinance, and provide adequate delivery of health services, plantilla positions shall be created. The opening for plantilla positions shall include qualification standards, salary grades and other particulars relevant to its workforce and the services intended, the minimum of which shall be based on the module on Revised Organizational Structure and Staffing Standards for Government Hospitals, issued by the Department of Budget and Management. Support staff and other necessary non-plantilla personnel shall also be engaged, pursuant to the provisions of Section 76 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. SECTION 6. BUDGET APPROPRIATION – The City shall appropriate the funds necessary for the construction of the Hospital. Additional funding shall also be sourced from funds allocated for the City under Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020, and the Health Facility Enhancement Program of the National Government. The budgetary requirements for personal services, maintenance and other operating expenditures and capital outlay of the same shall also be sourced from the City’s funds, subject to Section 76 of R.A. 7160. SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect. SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Ordinances, Resolutions, Executive Orders, Memoranda and Administrative Regulations or part thereof in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are thereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after approval. ENACTED, May 04, 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum. CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

JUN 07

APPROVED : ________________, 2021

ATTESTED:

The minimum services are as follows: A. As to clinical services for in-patients: • Consulting specialists in Medicine, Pediatrics, OB-GYNE, Surgery, in addition to Departmentalized Clinical Services, and teaching/training with accredited residency training program in the four (4) major clinical

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A LEVEL III GENERAL HOSPITAL IN DAVAO CITY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

Cebu Pacific announces that it has vaccinated 95 percent of its flying pilots and cabin crew against COVID-19, and is on track to inoculate all of its employees by October this year. Edge Davao

Ex-NPA rebels in Zamboanga Peninsula venture in turmeric powder production CebPac: 95% of flying crew vaccinated vs COVID-19

ebu Pacific has vaccinated 95 percent of its flying pilots and cabin crew against COVID-19, and is on track to inoculate all of its employees by October this year, the airline said on Monday. The budget carrier added that 93 percent of its total workforce have been inoculated. “The COVID Protect program is part of the Gokongwei Group’s initiative for all its business units. Through this, CEB employ-

ees receive free inoculation for themselves and their dependents, as well as its third-party workers,” the company said. The company said it has also been coordinating with various local government units to boost the progress of vaccination for its workforce. Airlines have been hit hard by the pandemic as countries and regions closed their borders to check the spread of the virus.

FCEBPAC, A4

he Philippine-Korea International Cooperative Agency (Phil-KOICA) and other government agencies have extended help to former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the Zamboanga Peninsula, who have ventured in powdered turmeric production.

Dr. Christine Yambao, a Phil-KOICA fellow, said they gave the rebel returnees P20,000 for the renovation of a space provided by the 44th Infantry Battalion (IB) for their production facility. The Department of Science and Technology – Zamboanga Sibugay provincial office extended a P400,000 grant for the purchase of equipment.

The provincial Department of Trade and Industry assisted the former NPA rebels in registering their group, the CIFAB-13 or the Community Integration Flex A, B, 13, their former guerilla front. The CIFAB-13 members are living new lives by transforming wild turmeric from the peninsula into powdered products in pouches sold at the

markets here. Yambao said the collaborative efforts among the former rebels, the government agencies and her group planted a seed of hope for the returnees in this new episode of their lives. She expressed hopes that the turmeric tea production of the former communist rebels will become the “One Town, One Product” of Bayog and Imelda municipalities, since it provides economic benefits to their communities. Cinderella Yursua and Antonino Roda, former officers of the NPA Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WM-

gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of the year may likely push the Philippine economy’s fullyear expansion to nearly 5 percent, a report said. The Market Call, the joint monthly publication of First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), said latest reports on exports, imports, manufacturing, and government spending, among others, also boost hopes for faster economic recovery in the second half of the year.

brightened” following the release of the second-quarter GDP figure, which ended the five consecutive quarters of contraction. But the report said quarter-on-quarter GDP data slipped by 1.4 percent in April to June this year while an economic hit is expected from recent lockdowns. “These lead us to think that the low side of (or slightly below) our 5-6 (percent) FY (fiscal year) projection would land us in the safe zone,” it added.

tinues to rise in the third quarter, with the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) at 50.4, lower than the 50.8 last June. An index higher than 50 indicates expansion while an index below 50 shows otherwise. Exports remain on expansion although the July year-on-year figure slowed to 17.6 percent. “However, we note that in terms of levels (of) exports (at USD6.5 billion), it greatly exceeds levels in January and February 2020, as well as those of June 2019,” the

RPC), shared that drinking turmeric helped them survived the harsh life in the jungles as they moved around the mountains of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte for decades to recruit young members. “Turmeric ang among kape sa bukid (is our coffee in the mountains),” Roda, alias Dondon, said. Roda, 53, who used to be the medical officer of the WMRPC, said he would advise their comrades to drink turmeric not only because it is abundant in the peninsula’s hinterlands than coffee but also because of its

ditures are boosted by those related to infrastructure projects, it added, and these are to be sustained ahead of the May 2022 national polls. The rate of price increases continues to post slower year-on-year print, with the July figure at 4 percent, the lowest so far this year and is now within the government’s 2 percent to 4-percent target band. “Headline inflation may not drop below 4 percent in Q3 (third quarter) because of the

FEX-NPA, A4

Palace adviser bats for limits 2021 Q2 GDP growth boosts prospects for H2 expansion ains from the posIt said overall fullThe report further report said. to movements of unvaccinated itive 11.8-percent year growth outlook “has said manufacturing conGovernment expen-

he movements of the unvaccinated must be limited for “the common good,” a palace adviser said. “Restricting full mobility of the unvaccinated is the price to pay, but this is not permanent since things can change when we get better,” said Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion. “In any angle, this is justified since this simply aims to benefit the common good,” Concepcion added in

a statement. Concepcion earlier warned against what he called the “pandemic of the unvaccinated” and pushed for allowing malls and restaurants to limit entry to only those who have been vaccinated. He said the government should consider this once “enough” Metro Manila residents have been vaccinated. The palace adviser said his proposal is backed by both big companies and small businesses.

FPALACE, A4

F2021, A4

A2 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

A market goer chooses from the different varieties of dried fish on display at a stall inside Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has announced that it projects August inflation to settle within the 4.1 to 4.9 percent range. Edge Davao

Bangko Sentral sees Aug. D inflation rate at 4.1 to 4.9%

OFBank accts. opened via digital onboarding doubles to 46,000

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Tuesday said it projects August inflation to settle within the 4.1 to 4.9 percent range. The BSP said higher prices for LPG, Meralco electricity, and key food items along with the depreciation of the peso are sources of upward price pressures during the month.

“These could be offset in part by the decline in domestic petroleum and rice prices,” the central bank said. Official inflation figures for August are set to be announced by the Phil-

ippine Statistics Authority on Sept. 7. The central bank’s forecast for August is higher than the 4 percent inflation seen in July, which was the lowest level in 7 months. Earlier this month the BSP said inflation may remain elevated in the short term before settling within the government target of 2 to 4 percent.

Inflation in 2021 could average 4.1 percent, higher than the previous forecast of 4 percent, the BSP has said in a virtual briefing. Monetary policy will remain “accommodative” to support economic recovery, the central bank said, as it kept the benchmark borrowing rate at 2 percent for the 6th straight policy meeting.

Fish production techniques to pave way for food security -- Agri dept.

he Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said efforts of the government to produce more fish through its “intensive hatcheries” will contribute to the Philippines’ food security. “(Our technologies in fish production) are stable and we are already 100 percent food sufficient,” DA Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and Fisheries Cheryl Natividad-Caballero told Philippine News Agency. She said the agency is now moving forward to have higher value addition of fish produce while

ensuring the availability of fry for aquaculture farmers. Tilapia Intensive Hatchery The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in a statement, said the agency recorded a high hatching rate of 95 percent in its second tilapia intensive hatchery in Los Baños, Laguna. “With 95 percent hatching rate and 80 percent survival of fry, the hatchery can produce around 960,000 fry in a month,” said BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona, adding that

after the successful trial, the hatchery aims to complete four rounds of hatching per month. Currently, the hatchery, which has six fry troughs and hatching jars, can produce 300,000 fry in three to five days. BFAR added that the tilapia intensive hatchery project is part of their Tilapia Commodity Program to secure a sustainable supply of fry/fingerlings. “(This successful move is another step towards the agency’s goal of helping tilapia farmers achieve ‘masaganang ani

at mataas na kita’ (bountiful harvest and high income) as envisioned by Agriculture Secretary William Dar,” Gongona said. Aside from producing high volume of quality fry and fingerlings through the application of new technologies and cost-effective methodologies, the project aims to create a model hatchery that can boost production at minimum costs, the BFAR said. Caballero mentioned that the intensive hatcheries in Laguna are only two of their many hatch-

FFISH, A4

eposit accounts opened through the Overseas Filipino Bank’s (OFBank) digital onboarding system more than doubled to nearly 46,000 as of July of 2021, compared to the number of accounts in December last year. In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) said that from January to July 2021, new deposit accounts opened through the OFBank’s Digital On-Boarding System with Artificial Intelligence (DOBSAI) totaled 25,648.

Along with the 19,887 DOBSAI accounts opened as of December 2020, the total number of deposit accounts opened with OFBank reached 45,535 as of end-July. The bank’s DOBSAI allows the real-time opening of a mobile banking deposit account on supported iPhone or Android devices. OFBank, the country’s first branchless and digital-only government bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Landbank. The Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

FOFBANK, A4

PAL to continue Hong Kong cargo flights after ban

hilippine Airlines’ flights to Hong Kong will continue to operate as scheduled but will only be carrying cargo and not passengers in compliance with Hong Kong’s ban, the airline said on Monday. PAL currently mounts to Hong Kong every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Hong Kong’s government imposed a 2-week ban on PAL flights starting Sunday, Aug. 30, after several passengers from the airline tested positive for COVID-19. The ban, which will

be in effect until Sept. 11, was imposed after 3 of 7 imported coronavirus cases confirmed in Hong Kong on Sunday were found to have come from Manila via the airline’s flight PR300, according to the South China Morning Post. In a statement, PAL however said that all three passengers (2 Filipinos and 1 Chinese national) presented negative COVID-19 test results when they checked in for their PR300 flights. “We reiterate that the top priority of Philippine

FPAL, A4

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

BIGGER PICTURE

JM TENAJA C. ANLAP

s of August 17, the Philippines has 1,755,846 cases of COVID-19. Some 1,618,808 have recovered but 30,366 people have died. Most of those who died were ordinary people but there were some celebrities like Claire dela Fuente, Nestor Torre, Jr., Joey Bautista, Heherson Alvarez, Alfredo Lim, Antonio Cuenco, Elmer Pato, Sixto Brillantes, Oscar Cruz, Lloyd Cadena, Danilo Lim, Reynaldo Umali, Celso Dayrit, Emilio Osmena, and Manuel Morato, who succumbed to the disease. These famous personalities were also reported to have been diagnosed with COVID-19: Juan Miguel Zubiri, Aquilino Pimentel, Sonny Angara, Ramon Revilla, Jr., Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Felimon Santos, Jr., Joy Belmonte, Christopher de Leon, Iza Calzado, Michael V., and Howie Severino. People who survived and recovered from COVID-19 have stories to tell. Here are some of them: JM Tenaja C. Anlap, who works at IDream-America US Immigration Office, had his bout against the virus last July. He didn’t know where he got or how he was infected. What he felt was headache, chilling, and his body was in pain. His nose was clogged and he was coughing. He also lost sense of smell. He stayed at the quarantine facility in Sta. Ana High School for 14 days. “COVID-19 is everywhere,” he said. He urged everyone to maintain proper hygiene, to always wear masks and face shields. “Stay at home and pray,” he added. Antonio B. Partoza, Jr., a Davao businessman, said he didn’t know where he got the virus as he was just staying in his farm where his itinerary is house, office and farm. All of them were negative. But then, in November last year, he lost his sense of smell and taste, a symptom that a person is infected with the virus. When he was confirmed that he was positive, he was brought to a hotel where he stayed for 10 days. “Nothing, just boredom,” he replied when asked what he felt during those times of isolation. His timely advice: “Take your vitamins. I took vitamin C, D, and zinc.” Lilet Arriaga-Tapang, who’s from Santa Rosa,

Laguna was diagnosed of COVID-198 in October 26 last year. First, there were two of them in the family until all the members were also infected. “I had a fever for two days, a sore throat and a mild cough,” she said of her symptoms. Since what she experienced were only mild symptoms, she was not brought to the hospital. She was required for a 14-day quarantine at home. Her husband, however, was brought to the hospital and was at the intensive care unit; the rest of the family were quarantined in a government isolation facility. “I didn’t suffer much physically,” she recalled. “(But) I suffered mentally and emotionally, worrying too much about my husband’s condition in the hospital as he was fighting for his life.” COVID-19 is real, she said. “The risk of getting the disease can hit anyone,” she stressed. “Be as healthy as possible to fight the virus. Stay away from crowded places. Anyone who experiences any symptoms should stay at home and isolate himself or herself. Pray hard for strength and protection.” Broadcast journalist Aljo Bendijo said he was infected while working at PTV Studio. He had fever, muscle pains, and a dry cough. Later on, he suffered from bilateral pneumonia (moderate to severe). He was isolated for 4 days in a government quarantine facility and was admitted to Lourdes Hospital in Sta. Mesa, Manila, where he stayed for 7 days. “Don’t be complacent with the virus,” he advised now. “Never smug. Never let your guard down. Follow minimum health standards. More importantly, let’s get vaccinated. That’s the only way to fight COVID-19.”

LILET ARRIAGA-TAPANG

ANTONIO B. PARTOZA, JR.,

TALES OF COVID-19

SURVIVORS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Julius C. Paler is a registered nurse. He was infected with the virus between May 5 to 9. “I still have no idea how I got it,” he admitted. “One of our church workers was confirmed positive but the doctor said that the infection may not have started from her.” Eleven of the 14 people working in the office were infected. “Actually, there were more than 20 if I included some members of the families that were confirmed positive,” he said. The symptoms he experienced were fever, head-

ache, loss of smell and taste (slight), and phlegm. “There were times I had breathing problems,” he admitted. “To think, I do exercise regularly.” Paler was not brought to the hospital though. He stayed in the quarantine facility for 11 days and six more days at home alone in his room. “Observe proper health protocols and put a premium on health,” he advised. “I’ve read that when you have comorbidities, 93% you will die of COVID-19. You have to be healthy. You need to exercise, sleep well and eat well.”

JULIUS C. PALER

Paler, who is the church pastor of DBC Life’s Centerpoint in General Santos City, urges Filipinos to get vaccinated. “Never believe in a religious leader who tries to explain this pandemic in the context of religion,” he said. Lynn B. Bautista, who’s from San Pablo City but now lives in New York City, was tested positive for COVID-19 in January 12 this year. She got it from her daughter. “My daughter admitted she forgot to wear her mask upon entering a department store two days before her January 10 wedding,” she said.

She experienced sore throat, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. “I stayed in two hospitals for 24 days. I was also confined for 7 days in a COVID rehabilitation facility hospital,” she said. When she was at the hospital, she suffered from pneumonia, hypoxia, hyponatremia, hypertension, weakness, and loss of taste and smell. “Covid-19 is very real,” she said. “A single mistake of one member of my family, two households were in-

FTALES, A4

ALJO BENDIJO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

TALES... Another BIFF rebel group surrenders in Maguindanao A nother group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) – this time an elite force commander of the BIFF-Karialan Faction and 11 of his followers, surrendered to government troops in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Monday (August 30). The surrenderers were presented by Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, and 6th Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Banaag along with the local officials of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao. Banaag said that the former extremists gave up 10 assorted high-powered firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

EX-NPA... FROMA1

“The continued surrender of the BIFF leaders and members is just a manifestation that their ranks are weakening. The sustained military operations against them resulted in the decline in membership and near destruction of their group,” Balisi said. Balisi, however, vowed to achieve victory in winning the peace that they are fighting for when the extremist groups are totally wiped out. Maj. Gen. Juvymax R Uy, commander of 6th Infantry Division, commended the concerted efforts of his troops together with other security forces of the government and the local officials of Maguindanao in facilitating the surrender of the former extremists.

health benefits. Yursua, also known as Ason, said they yielded due to the intensive military operations of the 44th IB to neutralize the WMRPC. “I had to give up. It was like giving up a past that was your life for four decades, yet hoping to have a life that could bring me back to my children,” she said in Visayan. She is proud that they are now making a living out of wild turmeric. The fall of Baste Nabong, the secretary or highest-ranking officer of the WMRPC who oversees seven guerilla fronts and one main regional guerilla unit, and the eventual surrender of Yursua and Roda brought down the communist movement in Zamboanga Sibugay, which prompted Governor Wilter Palma to declare the province as “insurgency-free.” After Yursua and Roda surrendered to the 44th IB, they received P40,000 that they used as initial capital for their turmeric

business. The soldiers also provided transportation that initially enabled them to harvest wild turmeric from the hills of Bayog, in Zamboanga del Sur, where the root crop is abundant. The former NPA rebels also received livelihood assistance from the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC). Lt. Col. Filven Noche, 44th IBA commander, vowed continuing support to the programs of NTF-ELCAC, which was created through Executive Order 70, to help former NPA rebels live normal and productive lives. “The soldiers have not failed in supporting our business venture involving turmeric tea manufacturing,” Yursua said. Noche assured that his battalion would stay responsive as professional troopers in assisting the surrenderers towards transformation. (Frencie Carreon / MindaNews)

eries scattered nationwide. “This is part of our end-to-end support system to upscale aquaculture and provide reliable sources of food fish during closed fishing season,” she added. Poor man’s fish Various fish producers and stakeholders nationwide, meanwhile, expressed concern on the recently-approved 60,000 metric tons (MT) fish importation such as the round scad or “galunggong” -- the so-called poor man’s fish, by the DA at the last quarter of the year. According to the DA, the importation was recommended by BFAR in coordination with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), and in consul-

tation with the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC) and fishing industry stakeholders due to closed fishing season in several coastal areas of the country. NFARMC and various fish producers, in a virtual press briefing on Monday, however, said that their recommendation was to only import a maximum of 30,000 MT of fish, stressing there is sufficient local production to cover projected supply shortfalls during the forthcoming closed fishing season. “We’re confident there will be enough fish when certain fishing areas are closed by yearend. Based on the projection gathered from fish farmers, the aquaculture

FISH... FROMA2

“Your exemplary performance of duty has contributed a lot in ensuring the safety of the people and putting an end to violent extremism in order to attain lasting peace and development in our area of operations,” Uy said. The former extremists are now undergoing custodial debriefing, documentation, and processing of the benefits they will receive under the AGILA-HAVEN Program of Maguindanao Province to help them have a sustainable income and to start a peaceful life with their families in mainstream society. To recall, 13 former BIFF members surrendered in President Quirino also in Maguindanao on August 6, followed

by another 10 in Shariff Aguak on August 13. A total of 28 extremists yielded to government forces separately also in August in various towns of Maguindanao. The series of surrenders followed a relentless manhunt of JTF Central Forces for several months against the remnants of BIFF and Daulah Islamiyah extremists who are on the run after a number of armed clashes with security forces. This effort is also being complemented by the Province of Maguindanao through its AGILA-HAVEN Program, urging violent extremists to return to the folds of the law and embrace a peaceful and sustainable life ahead.

Cebu Pacific had to cancel several domestic flights from Sept. 1-5 after the government extended the modified enhanced community quarantine over Metro Manila to Sept. 7.

Philippine Airlines was banned from holding passenger flights to Hong Kong for 2 weeks after 3 passengers on one of its flights later tested positive for the virus.

low base a year ago. But with crude oil prices sharply falling in August, and food prices stabilizing, it will likely go below that threshold early in Q4 (fourth quarter),” the report said. Deceleration of domestic inflation rate may result in another monetary policy easing in the coming months but the report forecasts a cut in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) instead of the key policy rates. “The good Q2 GDP print will see it happening only with negative macroeconomic data, which cannot be ruled out due to the new quarantine restrictions,” it said. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy-making Monetary Board (MB) slashed the central bank’s key policy rates by

a total of 200 basis points last year in a bid to help buoy the domestic economy from the impact of the pandemic. To date, the BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is at record-low of 2 percent. It also cut banks’ RRR by as much as 200 basis points to ensure that financial institutions would have adequate funds for lending, which is expected to boost economic activities. Meanwhile, the report cited the slower expansion in employment gains last June and this is projected to “further get smaller in July as the government imposed tighter quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila+ citing a sharp rise in infections of Covid (coronavirus disease 2019) delta variant.”

The Trade Department earlier thumbed down this proposal saying this was discriminatory, as the number of those vaccinated was still low.

The Commission on Human Rights and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines also questioned the legality of Concepcion’s proposal.

CEBPAC... FROMA1 2021... FROMA1

PALACE... FROMA1

sector will be able to fill in the expected drop in commercial fisheries production in the last quarter,” they said. The group emphasized that this time farmgate prices remain low and small producers and operators face marketing challenges as overflowing supply is currently driving low prices. Meanwhile, municipal fishers continue to contribute to fish production as municipal waters are not included during the closed season.

The group said there is huge untapped potential to boost domestic production. “Helping municipal fisherfolk and local fish producers increase their capacity and therefore contribute to production makes more economic sense rather than to continuously rely on imports. Municipal fisherfolk should be supported by providing them bigger, sturdier boats as they fish in municipal waters not covered by any fishing ban,” they said. (PNA)

FROM A3

fected. That’s why I advised now that every member of the family must follow all the necessary safety precautions to avoid infection.” Of the family members who were infected, she was the only one hospitalized. “I am the eldest and 65 years old now,” she said. “My daughter, her husband and only daughter were also infected.” Her son who attended the wedding was also infected. “Both my son and daughter-in-law had flu symptoms plus they lost the sense of smell and taste. Their threeyear-old son, who was also infected, had a fever for one day only. It was good that their two daughters were tested negative.” Jezreel (who doesn’t want to be named completely) went to Bangkok, Thailand in 2013 as a teacher. In June of this year, he was infected with the dreaded virus. “I was exposed to it through my friend who just came to my house from vacation,” he said. After he left, he experienced a headache for a day and then it was gone. But he got news that his visitor was confirmed positive for the disease. He was not brought to the hospital but was re-

quired to do the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home. He couldn’t forget what happened next. “There was a little itch in my throat and I felt that my mind would blow out since I was really worried. I have to check my tastebuds to know if I haven’t lost my sense of taste. I had to eat sugar or lemon just to make sure I could still taste them. “I had to put on my perfume so that I could check whether I still had the sense of smell,” he continued. “I did that for 5 days. I checked my temperature every hour or two depending if I felt something unusual then I really made some notes of the time and temperature myself. Jezreel was also thinking of the unthinkable. “I was imagining the possibility of dying in a foreign land. It was the worst case to happen and what if I would be cremated? I had all those thoughts since my infected friend was brought to the hospital and his brother was also positive, who was confined in the intensive care unit.” His advice now: “Limit people who want to visit you or never allow at all.” Also, he believed prevention is better than cure. “Get vaccinated,” he urged.

issued the OFBank’s digital banking license last March 25. On June 29 last year, the OFBank was launched virtually amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic as the Philippines’ first branchless and digital-centric government bank. Its approved conversion to digital bank is the first phase of the threestage licensing framework of the BSP on the establishment of new digital banks. The OFBank was created under Executive Order (EO) No. 44 that was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in September 2017, in fulfillment of the Chief Executive’s promise to put up a bank that would cater to Filipinos based overseas. This lender operated as a thrift bank before securing its digital banking license. The OF Bank is now about to complete the stage 2 post-approval requirement of a digital bank as BSP already issued on July 8, 2021 a certificate of authority to register (CAR) with the Securities and Exchange

Commission (SEC) its amended Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. Besides deposits, the digital services available to OFBank account holders include fund transfers, bill payments, and government bond purchases. The bank’s global digital reach now spans 113 countries and territories, with its clients able to access online the services of 763 merchants onboarded in its mobile application via the LinkBiz.Portal. Its digital presence covers the top 10 destinations for the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), namely Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Kuwait, Taiwan, Italy, Bahrain, and Malaysia. Merchants onboarded in OFBank’s app include 124 utility and service companies; 186 educational institutions; 277 government agencies and local government units (LGUs); 140 cooperatives/associations/foundations/corporations; 20 hospitals/ healthcare/clinics; and 16 banks, credit card companies and insurance companies. (PR)

Airlines has always been the safety and health of our passengers,” the flag carrier said. PAL said strict safety measures are in place to protect passengers throughout the journey on all its flights. “Our advanced cabin air flow systems ensure a protective air flow inflight, and each plane has onboard HEPA filters to cleanse cabin air from

bacteria and viruses. Our cabin crew who serve and assist wear full PPEs as well as face masks and shields. Every aircraft surface is also sanitized and disinfected after every flight,” PAL said. Passengers affected by the ban may rebook refund or convert their tickets into a travel voucher, PAL said. Rebooking and refund service fees are waived, the company added.

OFBANK... FROMA2

PAL... FROMA2

Rondo rejoins Lakers

Rajon Rondo is officially heading back to Los Angeles with the purple and gold.

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Bago Gallera Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2021-8-079 (2014-XI-00079) ARTHUR M. TRIPOLI, Petitioner x--------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: EMILY HOMES (CABANTIAN) with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 28, 2021. In the pertition filed on August 3, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use o the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on October 12, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation. Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. Davao City, Philippines, August 5, 2021. NONITO A LLANOS III Regional Director

Petitioner, Arthur M. Tripoli, B6 L3 P3, Arsenic St., Emily Homes, Cabantian, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo, 58 F. Inigo St., Davao City

SPORTS 7

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Bago Gallera Davao City Application for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Ordinary Regular Service. Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2021-8-728 (2015-X1-00728) ALEJANDRINO M. LEONEN, Petitioner x--------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: MATINA PANGI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on August 22, 2021. In the pertition filed on August 12, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use o the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: SASA VIA J.P. LAUREL AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 5, 2021. In the pertition filed on August 5, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this application will be heard by this Board on October 12, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation. Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence. Davao City, Philippines, August 13, 2021. NONITO A LLANOS III Regional Director

Petitioner, Alejandrino M. Leonen, #174 Sitio Bangar, Libungan, Cotabato City Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco, Balusong Ave., Matina, Davao City

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on October 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation. Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that Rondo will sign a oneyear, $2.6 million deal with the Lakers. He was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies this past weekend, less than two weeks after being traded to Memphis from the Los

our-time NBA All-Star Rajon Rondo is officially heading back to Los Angeles again. But this time, he’s joining up with the Lakers for a second stint. Angeles Clippers. Many fans are having a laugh at the Clippers’ expense given what they gave up to get him this past March. The Clippers traded star Lou Williams and two second-round draft picks for what was ultimately a 31-game loan (counting the playoffs).

Other fans are getting ready for the inevitable blowup between Rondo and newly-minted Laker Russell Westbrook. Rondo and Westbrook have had a beef with each other for over a year. They regularly call one-another out on social media – and on the court.

government of Pampanga as well as the DHVSU which will serve as the venue. READ: PBA set to resume after go-signal from Bacolor venue READ: PBA still hopes to return to Metro Manila The schedule for the next five playing dates was released Tuesday afternoon. TNT Tropang GIGA (30), one of two unbeaten teams, resumes its drive against winless Blackwa-

ter (0-4) at 12:30 p.m. San Miguel Beer (3-1) and TerraFirma (0-4) face off at 3 p.m., followed by the Meralco (4-1) and Magnolia (4-0) showdown, which wraps up the triple-header. The PBA is imposing stricter health and safety protocols, with violators facing stiff sanctions. Among the guidelines is a regular RT-PCR test every Monday, as well as antigen tests in the morning of every game day.

PBA resumes with tripleheader on Wednesday

he PBA will resume its All-Filipino Cup on Wednesday, marking its return to action with a triple-header at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. The league had been forced to stop its conference on August 3 due to the spike in COVID-19 Delta variant cases. But they received the go-signal to resume their games last week, after getting approval from the local

This application will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence. Davao City, Philippines, August 26, 2021. NONITO A LLANOS III Regional Director Petitioner, Lilibeth L. Sy, B2 L28, Don Lorenzo Subd., Sasa, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino, Rm. 202, New Borgaily Bldg., San Pedro St., Davao City

The PBA returns on Wednesday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

NOT EASY

Tough journey for PH Paralympians, says Paralympics chief

VOL.14 ISSUE 144 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2021

Dabawenyo Paralympian Ernie Gawilan with a volunteer.

OKYO – As a veteran of six straight Paralympics, including the Tokyo edition here, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo noted that each participation of Filipino para athletes in the sports fest posed unique challenges and problems. But the trials and tests that the PH campaigners faced in their build-up to and taking part in the Tokyo Paralympic Games have been the toughest of them all, according to Barredo, who, although wont to make excuses, blamed the COVID-19 pandemic as the culprit for their ordeal. From the training, qualifying for, and up to the point they actually had to compete in Tokyo, the virus has hounded the national para athletes at virtually every turn, he pointed out. “While our able-bodied national athletes had problems of their own in finding facilities to train for the Tokyo Olympics, it came doubly hard for our national para athletes,” rued Barredo. “We needed not only accessible training venues but also accessible accommodations for them. “We practically had no training in 2020 due to the pandemic because our national para athletes were forced to leave the Philsports Complex in Pasig City where they trained and had their quarters because it was

converted into a quarantine facility. We understand this reality. It is what it is.” So he was grateful that the Philippine Sports Commission was able to support and sustain them in looking for separate training bubbles for all six Paralympic-bound athletes for a month or two to do actual workouts before they were scheduled to leave for the Japanese capital. “In fairness, we have nothing to say but thank the PSC chairman Butch Ramirez for the all-out support they have given our athletes including their separate bubble training before leaving for Tokyo,” Barredo stressed. He thought that they had left their troubles behind in Manila when key members of the PH Paralympic contingent were grounded because they tested positive for the virus before leaving for Tokyo. Among them were powerlifter Achelle Guion, her coach, Antonio Taguibao, and PH squad chef de mission Francisco “Kiko” Trinidad.

But misfortune dogged the contingent to Tokyo when discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda and athletic coach Bernard Buen were infected after undergoing tests, depriving her of the chance of becoming the first visually-impaired Filipino athlete to compete in the meet for the world’s top para athletes. “I really felt sorry for her because this is a disability we share,” Barredo bared. “It would have been an inspiration to visually-impaired Filipinos that despite all of the challenges it could be done to compete in the Paralympics. It would have been

bragging rights for her for being the first.” The PPC chief disclosed that although the athlete was upset for a while “Jeanette has gotten over the issue and vowed to do her best to make it back to the 2024 Paris Paralympics. “Her plight, in a nutshell, is what the entire team has suffered. Naging problema sa atin yong participation because of COVID-19. It’s a very frustrating and upsetting situation that is out of our control.” He was proud of what swimmers Ernie Gawilan, Gary Bejino, and wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan had achieved so far despite the ad-

versities in Tokyo. “Ernie was able to improve his personal bests in his events despite the limited training while Jerrold, except for his disqualification in the men’s 400-meter finals, has also been able to improve a lot, particularly in the 1,500-meter race,” Barredo noted of the two Rio Paralympic veterans. “Gary is a bit raw this being his first Paralympics. But given more rigorous training and exposure, we expect him to do better in international competition and, hopefully, qualify for the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024,” he said.