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O2 SHORTAGE
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A hospital personnel conducts his every morning work routine of unloading empty medical oxygen tanks for refill outside Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) along Dumanlas Road in Davao City on Monday. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio bares that the city is hit by medical oxygen shortage due to the surge of Covid-19 cases. Edge Davao
Davao City faces shortage of oxygen supply: Sara
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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 155 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
A motorcycle rider gets in the way of a biker as the former waits to cross a street on the demarcated bicycle lane in Matina, Davao City on Monday. An environmental group has expressed its dismay by motorists’lack of respect for the bicycle lanes for the use of cyclists and other light mobility vehicles such as e-bikes or kick scooters. Edge Davao
A O2 SHORTAGE Davao City faces shortage
2 drug dens dismantled; P474,000-shabu seized
of oxygen supply: Sara By MAYA M. PADILLO
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mapalit,” the mayor said on Monday via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR). The mayor said the Food and Drugs Administration 11 (FDA) disclosed that one ingredient in manufacturing of oxygen has been exhausted, which may also cause the delay of manufacturers
to supply oxygen. “Adunay isa ka ingredient sa oxygen nga nahurot ug kinahanglan sila maghulat nga maka-manufacture ug usab and mao na inyuhang nakita na mga announcements of some hospitals in Davao Region nga duna sila’y mga announcement because tungod sa nagamit na ang tanan tanke tungod sa dili maka-supply dayon ang mga oxygen manufacturers,” Mayor Sara said. Last week, Southern
Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) raised the alarm of the shortage of oxygen supply via social media. Mayor Sara said so far the city is not receiving concerns of oxygen supply shortage from the private hospitals. Mayor Sara said she regularly meets the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH-Davao Re-
According to Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 director Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal the POs were formerly members of communist terrorist group (CTG) operating within the areas of Davao de Oro , Davao Oriental, and Agusan del Norte. Escobal alongside with the chief of the PNP General Guillermo Eleazar spearheaded the handover of the seed capital amounting to P50,000 to each PO beneficiaries that will help them ensure the continuous operation of the group.
The recipients include New Dalaguete Motor Driver’s Association; Kabatan-onan Nagkahiusa Para sa Kalambuan sa New Dalaguete; Mandaya Womens’ Association of Barangay Panansalan; Kaimunan Kababayen-ang Sag LUmad sa Puting Bato Association; and Bagani Workers Association. Also received the cash assistance were Kaimonan Mag-uuma Sang Lumad sa Puting Baton; Puting Bato Youth Livelihood Association; Mangayon Tilapia Growers’ Association; and
San Vicente Nursery Farmer’s Association. Escobal said the beneficiaries have expressed their undying gratitude for the support they have received since the creation of R-PSB in their community. He said the POs also expressed their unceasing commitment to maintain peace and order in their community and to help the government discard the presence of the CTGs to finally put an end to the more than five decades of oppression and deception
ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio revealed on Monday that there is shortage of oxygen supply in Davao City due to the surge of cases of Covid-19.
The mayor also bared that buying oxygen kit now requires doctor’s prescription. “Duna nata’y kakulangan sa oxygen supply in Davao City and ang pagpalit karon ug oxygen kinahanglan na ug doctor’s prescription kung duna pa man mo’y
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9 POs in Davao de Oro get cash aid from PNP
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ine People’s Organizations (POs) consisting of former members of the communist New People’s Army received financial assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a ceremony held on Saturday (September 11) at Davao de Oro. The POs had been organized by the members of the Revitalized-Pulis Sa Barangay (R-PSB) following their deployment in the province and were able to link these groups to different national agencies for assistance and support.
F9 POs, P10
nti-Narcotics operatives dismantled two suspected drug dens that led to the arrests of 14 suspects during simultaneous buy-bust operations in two separate occasions over the weekend. PDEA spokesman Noli Dimaandal said a total of 31 grams of suspected shabu with estimated value of P474,000 and assorted drug paraphernalia were confiscated by the joint elements of PDEA, police, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in two anti-illegal drug operations in the region. He said the first buy-bust operation was launched in Purok 5, Barangay Southern Davao, Panabo City where some 11 grams of shabu worth P174,000 were seized. Six drug suspects were arrested , including the alleged drug den maintainer, Dante Burgos alias Butsoy, 42 years old. According to Dimaandal,
Burgos is marked as city target list number 10. Also arrested during the said operation were drug den visitors identified as Jayson Agaustin, Mark Chester Biagcong, Jocelene Burgos, Judy Canoñero, Ruel Canoñero, and Analyn Tubo. The said suspects were caught on the act having a shabu session inside the residence of Burgos. The second drug bust operation in Purok 1-B, Barangay 76-A this city yielded some P300,000 worth of illegal drugs. The operation also resulted in the arrests of the drug den maintainer Rudy Valdez, 44 years old, Rambo Andulao, John Mark Baguinda, Joshua Demain, Kenneth Dunguran, Goljhne Dymsoy, Patrick Henry Escandor, and Jamil Abdul Rahman. Charges for violation of the Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against the arrested suspects.
8 cops injured in DavSur accident
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ix out of 8 members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 11 personnel who were injured after a patrol vehicle fell on the steep portion of Sitio Lutangan, Barangay Kapatagan, Davao del Sur on Friday afternoon (September 10) are now discharged from hospital confinement. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal said the two
other police officers are awaiting operation for sustained fractures. He said all victims are provided with medical care and support from personnel of Regional Medical and Dental Unit (RMDU) and doctors specialist from Camp Sergeant Quintin M Merecido Hospital (CSQMMH) in Buhangin in this city. Philippine National
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NEWS
Teacher, 2 others arrested for drugs
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peratives have arrested three people, including a teacher, and seized illegal drugs in intensified military and police checkpoints on a separate occasion on Friday (September 10). Task Force (TF) Davao spokesman Capt. John Louie Dema-ala identified those arrested as Jasper Amir C. Panontongan, 36, a teacher in Central Pilot School of Cotabato City, and resident of Gonzalo Javier St, Cotabato City; Chito Mc Gwynn P. Cardoza, 33 and resident of General Santos City; and Joeffrey B Jurolan, 51 of Puli, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Dema-ala said Panontongan was supposed to travel inside Davao City with his blue Toyota Avanza when busted by the authorities at the Sirawan Checkpoint in Toril. Seized from him were P15,000 worth of suspected
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shabu and drug paraphernalia. Cardoza who was onboard a black Nissan Almera traveling towards downtown was intercepted at the Lasang Checkpoint in Barangay Lasang in possession of one gram of shabu worth about P3,840. Jurolan, meanwhile, was onboard a white Toyota HiAce Van traveling towards the city when caught with an improvised glass pipe with residue of suspected shabu and other drug paraphernalia. Colonel Darren Comia, commander of TF Davao commended the troops for doing their duty with integrity coupled with zeal and dedication. Comia said the arrests of these individuals is a testament of the commitment of the security sectors in ensuring the safety and security of the city.
Actual boring of Davao tunnel mulled in late October: DPWH
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n official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Monday the actual boring of Davao twin tunnels will start third week of October this year. The Davao twin tunnels are key component of the 45.5 kilometer Davao City Bypass Road Project in Southern Mindanao. DPWH announced in its Facebook Page that the agency is now preparing the specialized equipment to work for the Davao twin tunnels. This is strengthened with DPWH Secretary Mark Villar who posted that the arrival of several equipment on site in Davao City signals a more intensified excavation activities in the next coming days for the tunnel’s north and south portal. Available on site are 56 equipment from Japan, France and Korea that includes two batching plant at the north and south portal, and several tunneling equipment such as horizontal boring machine and tools, twin header base machine/
crawler excavator, twin header attachment, erecter with shotcrete machine, drill jumbo, and tunnel ventilation and dust collector, wheel loader, truck mixers and water truck. DPWH explained that other equipment and materials, which were delayed by the unprecedented disruption to international shipping caused by Covid-19 pandemic, are expected to arrive on the tunnel site this last quarter. “Construction of access road had started first quarter of 2021. Actual boring of tunnel will start third week of October,” said DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain in a text message. Sadain reported that the first blast using drill machine to excavate two-tube mountain tunnel is targeted by last quarter of 2021. He also reported that the contractor is almost ready with their tunnel diggers as DPWH UPMO team is looking forward to the
FACTUAL, P10
General population to get jabs soon with more vax deliveries
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he government will start the inoculation of the general population once the expected 61 million doses are delivered within September and October. Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., also the chief of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, said over the weekend that the government is expecting 12 million doses Sinovac and 20 million doses of Pfizer this month. An additional 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca jab will arrive on Monday. Also set for delivery until October are 1 million doses each of Sputnik and Japan-donated AstraZeneca, 8 to 10 million doses from the COVAX Facility and 3 to 5 million doses of Moderna, according to Galvez’s report to President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday
that was aired on Saturday morning. In October, Galvez said the government will likely get 10 million doses of Sinovac, 10 million of Pfizer, 3 million doses of Moderna, a million doses of AstraZeneca, 3 to 5 million doses from the COVAX Facility, and 1.5 million doses from bilateral donations. Among the expected supplies this month are the single-dose Sputnik Light from Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute. “So we can expect now bigger volumes from COVAX. We heard that they will also deliver some AstraZeneca in the future,” Galvez said. The inoculation of health care workers, senior citizens, adults with comorbidities, economic front-liners, and indigent people started one after another in March.
An elementary teacher reports to work during the opening day of School Year 2021-2022 at Generosa Elementary School in Brgy. Talomo, Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao
City to release guidelines on home isolation set-up By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he city government of Davao is set to release guidelines for the recommended home isolation for asymptomatic and mild cases of Covid-19.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said that the city is preparing the said guidelines based on the memorandum for home isolation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Interior and Local Government 11 (DILG 11). “Mag-remind lang ko sa tanan na kaning atong home isolation dili ni siya
puwede sa mga tao na high risk or katong mga taong who are already severe or critical that kinahanglan na ug oxygen or attention ng mga doctors. Home isolation can be done only by mild and asymptomatic cases,” she said. The mayor also said that based on her discussion recently with the Department of Health-Davao
Region (DOH-Davao Region), Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and private hospitals, there is already shortage on bed spaces in the hospitals and the Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs). “It was very clear na we are on a surge because puno ang atoang mga hospitals nakita nato na there is a shortage of oxygen and ang atoang mga TTMFs as well, puno na sa bed spaces na available so base sa DOH ug DILG nga memorandum
on home isolation we are already preparing that guidelines for home isolation,” she said. The guidelines are being finalized by the health group of the Response Cluster of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force. “Naa na ang guidelines, it would only needs to be released to the public. Gibuhat na siya sa health group sa Response Cluster sa Davao City Covid-19 task Force. I-release na lang nato na siya sa public,
FCITY, P10
4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 155 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
Pedestrians gather at a makeshift stall selling“ukay-ukay”shoes and clothes along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Sunday. Edge Davao
Nearly 14K villages rise from pandemic thru DTI assistance
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Reporting to President Rodrigo Duterte over the weekend, Secretary Ramon Lopez said DTI extended livelihood training and assistance to 154,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Lopez said the DTI assists local and over-
seas workers who were displaced from their jobs amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. The Livelihood Seeding Program provides livelihood kits worth PHP5,000 to PHP10,000 while the Programa sa Pangkabu-
hayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa conducts trainings in entrepreneurship to those affected by calamities, has provided 24,000 livelihood kits, and assisted 26,930. “We teach them how to fish rather than dole out PHP10,000,” Lopez said during the Cabinet meeting and Talk to the People on Friday night and aired Saturday morning. DTI also gives access to financing arm Small Business (SB) Corp, which of-
otorists will have to pay more for petroleum products this week, as firms announced another round of price hikes to mark the third straight week of increases. In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum
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Corp. said it will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P0.40, diesel by P0.35, and kerosene by P0.15, while Petro Gazz will implement the same adjustments, excluding kerosene which it does not carry. Cleanfuel, meanwhile,
will hike both diesel and gasoline prices per liter by P0.30. The changes will take effect at 6 a.m. today, September 14, for all the firms except for Cleanfuel, which will implement the changes at 4:01 p.m. on the same day.
Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) show that year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P13.35 per liter for gasoline, P10.90 per liter for diesel, and P8.70 per liter for kerosene as of September 7, 2021.
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of people on Twitter in the Philippines purchased online in the past 6 months, Twitter-Asia Pacific Head of Research Martyn U’Ren told ANC, citing a Twitter Insights Survey. “A lot of these are be-
cause of all the constraints that we had in our everyday lives… that has sort of driven people into using online in a different way,” U’Ren said. Online buyers are also receptive to consumer reviews, comments on Twit-
ter as well as ads, he said. E-commerce, logistics and even financial services have grown exponentially during the pandemic as Filipinos stuck at home sought ways to continue their day-to-day activities despite restrictions.
ome 13,918 barangays across the country have benefitted from different livelihood programs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
fers zero-interest loans to existing MSMEs affected by the Covid-19 under its Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program. Even before the Covid-19 outbreak, SB Corp. has been rolling out low-interest loans through the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program. The P3 Program provides microloans so the intended beneficiaries will avoid loan sharks. (PNA)
Fuel prices up for 3rd straight week today
COVID constraints push Fiilipinos to buy online
estrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic are driving Twitter users in the Philippines to purchase goods online, data from the social media platform said. A total of 84 percent
IPOPHL, PCCI in search for econboosting intellectual property
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he Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) are calling for innovators to join this year’s Alfredo M. Yao (AMY) Intellectual Property (IP) Awards, an annual joint event of IPOPHL and PCCI to recognize patented and patentable technologies that can contribute to economic development. IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba said the award’s relevance is heightened today as the country scrambles to find sources for economic recovery. “Efforts to keep the wheels of innovation turning is IPOPHL’s contribution to attract investments, create jobs and build the society stronger,” Barba said in a statement Sunday. IPOPHL and the PCCI encouraged entrepreneurs, professionals, researchers and students to join either as individuals or in groups, adding non-disclosure agreements will be signed before pitching to ensure the protection of their inno-
vations. The AMY award is divided into two categories: collegiate for undergraduates and professional for post-graduate students, researchers, and individual inventors. Each level will name one winner with each to be rewarded with PHP100,000. Winners’ IP innovations will be showcased this Nov. 17 at the 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, one of the biggest annual business gatherings in the country. “Winners of the Intellectual Property Awards also get to fine-tune their innovations as part of the contest’s support mechanism,” PCCI IP committee chairman Anton Sayo said. To be eligible for the awards, the technology to be pitched to the investor-judges must have commercial potential, be able to solve an existing or potential problem of society or contribute to the development of the local community, be environmentally sound and sustainable and be patented or patentable.
VOL.14 ISSUE 155 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reports that the agency has collected P11.69 billion in tariffs from 1.74 million metric tons (MT) of rice imports from January to August, which is already 17 percent more than the minimum funding requirement for the annual Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for the following year. Edge Davao
BOC collects P11.7-B tariffs from rice imports
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he Bureau of Customs (BOC) has collected PHP11.69 billion in tariffs from 1.74 million metric tons (MT) of rice imports from January to August, which is already 17 percent more than the minimum funding requirement for the annual Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for the following year. Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said revenues from rice imports during the
Jan. 1 to Aug. 29, 2021 period came from shipments worth a combined amount of PHP35.07 bil-
lion. The BOC’s improved valuation system also raised the average value of rice imports by 4.1 percent to PHP20,188 per MT during this period from PHP19,386 per metric ton (MT) during the same timeframe last year, Guerrero said in his report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Even with a 7.6-percent drop in volume from
1.88 million MT in the Jan. 1 to Aug. 29, 2020 to 1.74 million MT in the same period this year, the revenue collected by the BOC dipped only slightly by 4.4 percent from PHP12.22 billion to PHP11.69 billion, he said. All import duties collected from rice imports beginning March 5, 2019 go to the annual PHP10-billion RCEF as provided under Repub-
lic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). The RCEF is used to finance programs that will sharpen the competitiveness of palay (rice plant) growers by providing them easy access to fertilizer, farm machinery and equipment, highyield seeds and cheap credit; and offering skills training programs on farm mechanization and modern farming tech-
niques. Annual tariff revenues from rice imports in excess of PHP10 billion shall be earmarked by the Congress -- and included in the national budget of the following year -- for financial assistance to palay farmers, titling of agricultural lands, an expanded crop insurance program on rice and crop diversification. (PR)
the People aired over the weekend, Lopez told Duterte that “it is about time to change our protocol” in terms of easing some restrictions for the vaccinated population. “We were discussing the need to have (a) different approach in terms of solving Covid-19
(coronavirus disease 2019); not just lockdowns,” he said in mixed English and Filipino. The DTI chief said under the new protocol, fully vaccinated individuals could be allowed in restricted economic activities, such as dine-in services in restaurants
and personal care services. He said this would allow safe reopening of the economy as fully vaccinated people have protection against the Covid-19. People with complete vaccines are unlikely to develop severe to criti-
cal Covid-19, he added. “These are labor intensive. These sectors, there are 2 million individuals employed in dine-in restaurants. In salons, there are around 400,000. This is nationwide,” Lopez said. The trade official said this could be pilot
tested in Metro Manila, as the National Capital Region has more than 50 percent of its eligible population for Covid-19 vaccines already got their jabs. Lopez said the guidelines for this protocol are currently being finalized. (PNA)
DTI chief endorses relaxing of protocols for fully vaxxed
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epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has endorsed tweaking of community quarantine protocols by allowing more mobility for fully vaccinated individuals. During President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to
6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
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On the shortage of oxygen supply in Davao City due to the surge of cases of Covid-19:
Duna nata’y kakulangan sa oxygen supply in Davao City and ang pagpalit karon ug oxygen kinahanglan na ug doctor’s prescription kung duna pa man mo’y mapalit.” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio
EDITORIAL The way to go With the shortage of beds in hospitals and temporary treatment facilities, the way to go is to decongest these facilities by utilizing home isolation for “mild” Covid-19 cases. By “mild” we mean those who are exhibiting no symptoms (asymptomatic) or those with mild symptoms. This is the move being prepared by the city government and, at the moment, guidelines are being set prior to its immplementation. The guidelines shall be harmonized with the memorandum for home isolation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Interior and Local Government 11 (DILG 11).
Indeed, this is a step in the right direction. Cases have overwhelmed hospitals and it is not expected to reduce in the days to come. The surge has forced health officials the city government to heighten caution. Before it could get even worse, we need to install new systems to manage the surge. Hence, the home isolation.
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While home isolation may be a more convenient mode of isolation, there is one thing people need to understand. Being isolated at home means that people need to stay at home. 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
Home isolation for people who are suspected or confirmed to have Covid-19 is appropriate in the following circumstances, if: • they are well enough to receive care at home; • they have appropriate caregivers at home; • there is a separate bedroom where they can recover without sharing an immediate space with others; • they have access to food and other necessities; • they (and anyone who lives in the same home) have access to the recommended personal protective equipment (at a minimum, gloves and mask); and • they do not live with household members who may be at increased risk of complications from Covid-19 infection (e.g. people over the age of 65, young children, pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised or who have chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions).
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 155 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
COMPETITIVE EDGE
Stay fit and fab with SURPLUS Army green athletic jacket paired with black sweat pants.
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hile staying home during the past year, many have embraced the sporting life to keep healthy, happy and fit. They’ve turned to home gyms or online fitness classes instead of heading to
the gym center; converted a part of their home into a yoga studio; biked their way to well-being through stationery bikes or cycled their way to the office; and have turned to their backyards to keep active and busy. More than that, wellness has evolved from a lifestyle choice to a new status symbol, with an increasing number of fitness buffs showcasing their healthy lifestyles in social media, posting photos of them wearing athleisure apparel for all kinds of activities. The good news is that Surplus has a new activewear collection designed for
your comfort, performance, and style, perfect for both fitness and fashion. Start your day balancing body, mind, and spirit with some yoga and meditation wearing a snug fit sports bra paired with lightweight and breathable leggings for a good range of motion. Do some cardio or strength training to boost your mood with sweat-wicking tees, gym shorts, or sweatpants. If you’re going for a quick outdoor run or bike, wear athletic jackets or hoodies to protect your skin under the sun. Make sure also to keep your belongings safe with
Workout in style with an athletic jacket, gym shorts and insulated water tumbler.
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Neon orange sports bra and black leggings will add style to your next yoga session.
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munity and follow them at Facebook and Instagram @ SurplusPH and @Surplus_ ph for more details. Say yes to yoga to improve your flexibility with a printed sports bra and lilac leggings. Available at Surplus.
Outdoor cycling must haves: bicycle suit and gulp water jug.
Workout essentials: Green crop top + blue shorts, workout jacket and rechargeable fan.
Mining companies’ ‘peace award’ highlights job security
H
inatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) and Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), are Regional Winners in the 2021 Search for Outstanding Labor-Management Cooperation Program and are now contenders for the National LMC Competition, the awardees of which will be announced on December 2021. The award is given by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) for Outstanding Labor-Management Cooperation (LMC) and Grievance Machinery (GM) for Industrial Peace, in the Regional level. NCMB honors HMC and TMC, subsidiaries of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), for exemplary dedication, support and determination in sustaining harmonious la-
bor-management relations in the workplace. Policarpo O. Asilo, President of Hinatuan Mining Labor Union-National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno (HIMLU-NAFLU-KMU), shares the excellent relationship HMC has with its Labor Union. “The Union and HMC management maintain a good and harmonious relationship by building trust and respect, with open table discussions in making decisions.” Pedro D. Urbiztondo, TMC Labor Union president, says the award is “proof of the unity and harmony between management and labor union. Through the LMC, programs and activities, and assistance are extended to employees as well as resi-
dents of neighboring communities.” With the theme – “Responsiveness and Resilience in Times of Disruption”, the 2021 Search for Outstanding LMC is a special edition recognizing organizations that have remained focused and true to the very essence of cooperation and partnership, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition highlights the commitment of NAC’s Human Resources team to job security most especially during crises. The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a negative impact in economies and employment across the globe and for a company to be able to give the sense of job security is part of the survival mechanism people
need. Job security is a big deal right now, more than ever. “If we have to have one, I’d choose and use the hashtag #walangnafirebagkusnaghire because we are proud of the sense of job security NAC provides to its employees especially during these difficult and uncertain time of the pandemic,” says Maria Elena Sierra, HR manager based at the NAC Head Office in BGC, Taguig City. Sierra says, NAC currently has 3,329 employees across the organization. Consistent in all its subsidiaries, no one was let go. As a matter of fact, despite the pandemic, the Head Office personnel at the NAC Tower now totaling 185 is actually a 14.2% increase, when 23 new hires came on board
between 2020 to 2021. Mayett Panio Ravina, HR Manager at HMC says, “minesite management did not reduce its manpower despite huge expenses incurred in responding to COVID-19 and some due to delayed shipments because of the pandemic.” Emy Tabula, HR Manager at Rio Tuba Nickel, a NAC subsidiary based in Palawan, says “RTNMC did not separate or suspend any of its workforce during the pandemic and salaries and bonuses, up to 16th month
pay, were all given as usual. We also continued with the regularization, promotion and hiring of needed employees. Currently we have 1,124 direct hires in RTNMC alone”.
time, SMB rolls with the punches with its under-thecrown INSTANT GCASH PANALO NG SAN MIGUEL BEER OKTOBERFEST. Oktoberfest excitement hits different this time around as drinkers get a chance to win instantly with up to Php100 million in GCash prizes to be given away. Starting this September, expect San Miguel to shower perfectly timed surprises that fit new normal
needs by simply buying San Miguel Beer. San Miguel offers a chance to drink and win in just five easy steps. 1) BUY any bottle of San Miguel Pale Pilsen (320ml and 1L), Red Horse Beer (330ml, 500ml, and 1L), San Mig Light (330ml), San Miguel Flavored Beer (330ml Apple, Lemon, and Lychee), Gold Eagle Beer (330ml and 1L), and San Mig Zero (330ml).
2) LOOK for the code under the crown. If there’s a code, the crown is a sure winner. 3) SCAN the promo QR Code printed on posters and posted on San Miguel Oktoberfest social media pages to open the redemption website (go.gcash.com/oktoberfest2021) 4) TYPE the GCash account number and the exact code found under the crown. 5) WIN cash rewards of as much as
Php5,000 through GCash. BUY, LOOK, SCAN, TYPE, and WIN with INSTANT GCASH PANALO NG SAN MIGUEL BEER OKTOBERFEST. Promo is available in areas where allowed from September 1, 2021 until December 31, 2021. For more promos and updates like and follow San Miguel Oktoberfest on Facebook (www.facebook. com/SanMiguelOktoberfest).
San Miguel Beer Celebrates Oktoberfest with Drink and Win Promo
T
he country’s top beer producer San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) has been delivering delight to people with its lineup of beverages. Approaching its yearly Oktoberfest celebrations, SMB serves up a different kind of delight, not just with what is inside its bottles but with what can be found under its crowns. With quarantine restrictions greatly affecting how people have a good
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ENTERTAINMENT
GMA ARTIST CENTER WELCOMES NEW GEN KAPUSO TALENTS GMA Artist Center (GMAAC), the talent arm of GMA Network, is committed to its vision of being at the forefront of discovering and honing world-class talents.
Kapuso viewers witnessed a glimpse of “Signed For Stardom,” the biggest contract signing event spearheaded by GMA Artist Center, in the hit weekend variety show - All-Out Sundays last September 5. GMAAC talents have already been recognized in various international competitions and festivals. As they progress into the ever-changing landscape of show business, they aim to produce more globally competitive artists that can impress audiences in and out the Philippines. Opening the All-Out Sundays special segment was a short glimpse of how the management has helped its existing artists wow the world in several different fields and various prestigious award-giving bodies across countries. Aside from this, an exceptional song and dance number from the AyOS barkada including GMA Artist Center talents Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, Rayver Cruz, Miguel Tanfelix, Aicelle Santos, Rita Daniela, Ken Chan, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, Jessica Villarubin, Jeremiah Tiangco, Derrick Monasterio, Sanya Lopez, Bianca Umali, and Glaiza de Castro await its newest members! Throughout the years, the GMA Artist Center is always on the lookout for projects and collaborations, both local and
Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and Head of Program Support and Concurrent Chief Risk Officer Regie C. Bautista, First Vice President for Program Management Department Jose Mari R. Abacan, First Vice President and Head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver B. Amoroso, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier-Cruz, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, international, where their artists could showcase their versatility in their chosen field of expertise. Present during the contract signing ceremony were Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Films, Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Vice President for
Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer, GMA Artist Center consultant Johnny Manahan and GMA Artist Center Senior Talent Managers Daryl Zamora, Vic Del Rosario, Tracy Garcia and Joy Marcelo. GMA Artist Center proudly sealed the contracts of various Kapuso talents in the said event namely Mark Herras, Pauline Mendoza, Ashley Ortega, Faye Lorenzo, Therese Malvar, Vaness Del Moral, Analyn Barro, Lucho Ayala, Sherilyn ReyesTan, Luane Dy, Jose Sarasola, Rain Matienzo, Martin Javier, Patricia Tumulak, Claire Castro, Alexandra Yap, Julia Pascual, Sandro Muhlach, Saviour Ramos, Lala Vinzon, Denise Barbacena, Shemee Buenaobra, Gab Yabut, Sebastian Pajarillo, Levince Sotto, Kimson Tan, Migs Villasis, Jamir Zabarte, Ashley Alcayde, Carlo San Juan, Lei Angela, Coleen Paz, Bryce Eusebio, Gabrielle Hahn, and Shanelle Agustin. This roster boasts of a variety of talents in the fields of acting, singing, dancing, and hosting, as well as showbiz royalties who are full of promising potential. Also in attendance were the artists’ co-managers - Bernard Anacta, Gertrudes Piccio, Ferdie Lapuz, Jay-Bee Ron Tañedo, Angelo Diego Castro III, Christopher Tan, Jeffrey Gonzales, Lyndon Raymund Santos, Alberto Monteras II, Ernesto Unay, Tyronne Escalante, Charlie Dy, Mark Salamat, and Rex Bellarmino. Stay updated about your favorite Kapuso shows and artists by logging on to GMANetwork. com.
SKY TREATS PH K-POP FANS THIS SEPTEMBER
K-POP fans in the Philippines are in for a treat this September as SKY brings the premieres of sought-after K-Pop specials on their favorite idols, with “BTS: Global Takeover” and “The Rise of K-Pop” on SKY Pay-Per-View starting September 17. Certified Pinoy ARMYs can look back on the humble beginnings of Jungkook, V, Suga, Jimin, RM, J-Hope, and Jin before their rise to global superstardom as the iconic K-Pop boy group BTS in “BTS: Global Takeover.” Apart from their inspiring narrative to international music suc-
cess and how they revolutionized the industry, get a closer look at their daily lives as global icons and tour the world with them while spreading joy to ARMYs worldwide in this must-watch BTS feature. Meanwhile, learn more fascinating facts on your favorite K-Pop groups, including BTS, Blackpink, iKON, EXO, VIXX, NCT, and G-idle—from their catchy tunes, sizzling hot choreographies, spectacular production numbers, highly-supportive fandoms, and their journey to make a name for themselves un-
der the limelight—in “The Rise of K-Pop.” It surely is a treat for Pinoy K-Pop fans as they can watch these back-to-back specials in the comfort of their homes on SKY Pay-Per-View, from September 17 to October 17. Watch “BTS: Global Takeover” back-to-back with “The Rise of K-Pop” commercial-free and in high-definition for only P499, with 48-hour access upon subscription. To avail, visit mysky. com.ph/skyppv or text SKY PPV <Account No.> to 23662.
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osephine knew something was happening to her husband’s one night when Fernando returned home from his office complaining that during their business meeting he kept forgetting what he wanted to say. Fernando, then 72, had worked in a manufacturing company. Although now retired, the Filipino civil engineer continued to work as a consultant and had never had serious problems remembering the fine details of his projects. His memory loss at the meeting was therefore very out of character and embarrassing for him. “He was always known for his ideas. He was straightforward and knew what he was talking about,” says Josephine. But during the meeting, she was told by her husband that he wasn’t coherent at all. “He has had memory lapses before then but this time it was significant,” she adds. As months went by, Fernando had problems recalling the names of common objects like telephone and pens. He was always mad when he couldn’t find what he wanted. “We have to do something about it,” Josephine told her children. The couple went to see a psychiatrist, who gave Fernando some tests on brain functions. When the psychiatrist found something wrong with Fernando, he referred him to a neurologist. It wasn’t until a second CT scan done the following year which confirmed that indeed Fernando had Alzheimer’s disease. “We weren’t surprised when the doctor told us,” Josephine says. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, the loss of intellectual and social abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. “Dementia occurs in people with Alzheimer’s disease because healthy brain tissue degenerates, causing a steady decline in memory and mental abilities,” ex-
plains the Department of Health (DOH) in its website. Around the world, the number of people living with dementia is growing according to a new report released by the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). WHO’s Global status report on the public health response to dementia estimates that more than 55 million people (8.1 % of women and 5.4% of men over 65 years) are living with dementia. This number is estimated to rise to 78 million by 2030 and to 139 million by 2050. Dementia affects mostly the older folks. “Improvements in lifestyle in adults in developed countries and other places have reduced incident in recent years, but total numbers with dementia are still going up because of the aging of the population,” Dr. Maria C. Carrillo, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer, was quoted as saying by SciTech Daily. The US National Institute of Aging estimates people over the age of 65 will make up 16% of the world’s population by2050 – up from 8% in 2010. In the Philippines, the estimated number of elderly (60 years and older) will more than double from 9.5 million in 2020 to 19.7 million in 2040, studies show. Right now, the extent of dementia in the Philippines has not yet been estimated, and data are lacking. But the Statista Research Department says 568,000 Filipinos are projected to have dementia by 2030. By 2050, the projected number of people with dementia will increase to approximately 1.15 million. Despite this fact, dementia is not adequately
normal aging may include weakening muscles and bones, stiffening of arteries and vessels, and some age-related memory changes that may show as: occasionally misplacing keys, struggling to find a word but remembering it later, forgetting the name of an acquaintance, and forgetting the most recent events. “Normally, knowledge and experiences built over the year, old memories and language would stay intact,” the CDC says. Dementia is caused by a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Because it is a general term, its symptoms can vary widely from person to person. More often than not, the problems associated with dementia are memory, attention, communication, reasoning judgement and problem solving, and visual perception beyond typical age-related changes in vision. Signs that may point to dementia, according to CDC, include: getting lost in a familiar neighborhood, using unusual words to refer to familiar objects, forgetting
DEMENTIA:
NO TOTAL RECALL By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
addressed. The same thing is happening around the world. “The world is failing to address dementia challenge,” the United Nations health agency declares. “Dementia robs millions of people of their memories, independence and dignity, but it also robs the rest of us of the people we know and love,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The world is failing people with dementia, and that hurts all of us.” According to Dr. Tedros, the international community agreed a clear set of targets to improve dementia care. “But targets alone are not enough,” the WHO official lamented. “We need concerted action to ensure that all people with dementia are able to live with the support and dignity they deserve.” The disability associated with dementia is a key driver of costs related to the condition. The WHO reports that the global cost of dementia was estimated to be US$ 1.3 trillion in 2019. The cost is projected to increase to US$ 1.7 trillion by 2030, or US$ 2.8 trillion if corrected for increases in care costs. Care required for people with dementia includes primary health care, specialist care, community-based services, rehabilitation, long-
by scitechdaily.com, alz.org, neofect.com
term care, and palliative care. WHO reports that in 2019, carers spent on average five hours a day providing support for daily living to the person they were caring for with dementia; 70% of that care was provided by women. “Given the financial, social and psychological stress faced by carers, access to
information, training and services, as well as social and financial support, is particularly important,” WHO points out. Contrary to common belief, dementia isn’t part of normal aging. After all, many older adults live their entire lives without developing dementia. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says
the name of a close family member or friend, forgetting old memories, and not being to complete tasks independently. Aside from Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia include: vascular dementia (caused by damage to the vessels that supply blood to your brain), Lewy body dementia (people hav-
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ing this type of dementia has lewy bodies, or abnormal balloon-like clumps of protein found in the brain), frontotemporal dementia (a group of diseases characterized by the breakdown of nerve cells and their connections in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain), and mixed dementia (a mixture of any of the above dementias). The Mayo Clinic says the risk factors for dementia are age (especially after the age 65), family history (having someone from the family puts you at greater risk of developing the condition), and down syndrome (people with this problem develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease by middle age). Those risk factors can’t be changed. Among the risk factors you can change include: diet and exercise, excessive alcohol use, car-
diovascular risk factors, depression, diabetes, smoking, air pollution, head trauma, sleep disturbances, vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, and medications that can worsen memory. Treatment of dementia depends on the underlying cause. “Neurodegenerative dementias, like Alzheimer’s disease, have no cure, though there are medications that can help protect the brain or manage symptoms such as anxiety or behavior changes,” CDC says. “Research to develop more treatment options is ongoing.” CDC says leading a healthy lifestyle – including regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining social contacts – decreases chances of developing chronic diseases and may reduce number of people with dementia.
to their tribes as well as to their communities. Davao de Oro has already organized 91 POs with members reaching 4,061. Of these 91 POs, 72 have
already obtained their Certificate of Registration from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) while others are waiting for the approval of their application. (AMA)
Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar on Saturday (September 11) visited and provided financial assistance to the victims admitted at RMDU infirmary. Escobal said, “The circumstances depicted in the field rescue of our injured personnel conducted by PNP Air Unit in Lutangan, Brgy.Kapatagan and the immediate medical response from our own nurses and doctors was a realization of how important having our own PNP hospitals or medical facilities as well as PNP choppers. Their immedi-
ate responses have saved the lives of our personnel.” According to Escobal, having the said hospital is a big help to the PNP members, especially medical expenses in private hospitals are very costly. He said the regional police headquarters is striving to continuously improve hospital facilities and capabilities to accommodate and treat more health issues of its personnel and to provide reliable and credible medical facilities to its members and other PNP members in neighboring Regions. (AMA)
commissioning of tunnelling equipment to excavate the 2.3 kilometer mountain tunnel, this after an on-site inspection and project coordination meeting with the contractors and consultants on September 12, 2021 in Davao City. Aside from the twin tunnels, the contract package also covers the construction of bridges in three locations namely Matina 1, Matina 2, and Davao River as well as a 7.9-kilometer four-lane road, two underpasses, two overpasses, 12 box culverts for waterway, and four atgrade intersection. The two tunnels will constructed using New Austrian Tunneling Method or sequential excavation method and will have a diameter of 10 meters located at the central portion of the bypass road project. The tunnel is part of the
10.7-kilometer four-lane highway under contract package 1-1 awarded to the joint venture companies of Shimizu Corporation, Ulticon Builders Inc., and Takenaka Civil Engineering and Construction Co, Ltd. The construction of the Davao City Bypass Road Project, that will begin in Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City and will end at Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City, aims to improve the transport logistics in Davao Region. The project is financed by the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Government of Japan with Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Loan Agreement Nos. PH-P261 and PH-P273 signed in June 2020. By Maya M. Padillo
sa inyuha ang positive case taas na ang chances na magtakdanay na sa sulod sa inyuhang resident,” she said. It can be recalled that the city has allowed Davao Doctor’s Hospital (DDH)
to implement its Home Care Program, which aims to augment efforts amid the surge of Covid-19 cases that continues to overwhelm the city’s healthcare facilities.
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gion), SPMC, city government of Davao, PhilHealth, private hospitals and FDA. “Mao ni ang six groups na nagaistorya didto and we regularly meet. FDA is there because they are the regulatory office for oxygen plants and oxygen suppliers and manufacturers,” she said. Shortage of oxygen supply in the city is the primary reason why the city government of Davao will be establishing its own oxygen generation plant. Mayor Sara already announced that an P11 million budget was already allocated for the oxygen plant with accessories and warehouse. The city has also ordered for the purchase of 1,000 units of oxygen tanks with regulators worth P12 million. “Lain-lain na sila na project. Kini siya is part of the use of our disaster funds and kani sila tanan is our priority right now,” she said. The mayor added that the city already requested
the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force to provide the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) resolution requesting for emergency purchase or other forms of procurement to expedite the implementation of the project. “Pero in reality sa government procurement medyo dugay-dugay gyud na and duna siya’y time period na taas. Makita na ninyo sa biyahe sa atong Covid-19 response ang crematorium took us almost a year. Ang atoang laboratory took us almost 14 months. Basta government procurement tungod sa documentary requirement and procedural requirements medyo naay taas na period of time. But allowed sa law na pwede siya papaspason mao na atong ginabuhat sa pagkakaron,” Mayor Sara said.
The mayor said the city is looking at a government-owned property in Ma-a near the slaughter-
house for the establishment of the planned oxygen plant. “Ang unang ginatan-aw nato na area is duol sa atong slaughterhouse, naay property dira government duol sa Maa road slaughterhouse. Mao na atong una ginatan-aw para diri sa oxygen plant,” she said. Mayor Sara, however, refused to give timeline for the implementation of the project due to the complicated procurement process in the government. “Knowing that the procurement process and the delays by experience nato sa government. Dili ko gusto muhatag ug target kay dili ko gusto i-extend ug
i-extend siya when the target comes and wala pa siya. But as I said, tanan na pwedeng procedure na himuon siyang mapapaspas mao nana atong ginabuhat nato karon,” she said. The mayor added that there are suppliers who already presented their cost estimates as basis for the project design. “Ang suppliers they come when they see naay projects for bidding. Pero kung cost estimate atong istoryahan, dunay mga suppliers nagpakita sa ilang cost estimate para basehan nato para sa pagbuhat sa project design para sa procurement,” she said.
nag-istorya na sila sa mga district health officers nato paunsa mag-manage ug home isolation,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara reminded that home isolation
includes household lockdown. “Ang home isolation ay naay kapares lockdown na dili puwede mugawas ang mga tao didto sa sulod because once naa na dinha
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NorthPort goes 3-for-3 after win over NLEX
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orthport went 3-of-3 in its first week of action inside the Bacolor semi-bubble, capping the amazing run with a 96-94 decision over NLEX Friday at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym. Robert Bolick matched his career high 26 points in an outstanding performance to lead the Batang Pier past the Road Warriors after earlier wins over the Blackwater Bossing and the Terrafirma Dyip. With those victories notched under interim coach Boni Tan, the Batang Pier bumped off the Road Warriors at sixth place with a 4-3 win-loss mark in the all-Filipino tourney. Suddenly, they’re even in the fight for the Top Two. NLEX, meanwhile, suffered a third straight defeat and dropped to 4-5. “Binigay lang namin ang best namin. Gusto namin manalo para sa mga coaches namin, pamilya, friends and loved ones. Sila inspiration namin,” said Bolick. “Inspirado kami maglaro. Maganda naman kasi ang lineup namin, at ayaw namin magpatalo,” Bolick added. As in their previous games, Tan, meanwhile, credited the win to team effort and the desire of the players to help him out in
the absence of coach Pido Jarencio and his staff. “It’s all team effort. At may mga assistant coaches din ako. Nandyan si Kevin Ferrer at Sean Anthony. They did a good job helping out this team na makatapos ng maayos,” Tan added. The Batang Pier sustained their romp versus the Road Warriors even with 7-1 slotman Greg Slaughter confined on the bench with a slight hip injury. They missed Slaughter’s rebounding but made up for it with hustles and key run in the third quarter. Paolo Taha, Anthony and Jamie Malonzo contributed at least 13 points each for the Batang Pier who created a big separation in the third before holding off the Road Warriors’ chase at endgame. (PBA WEBSITE) The scores: NorthPort 96 - Bolick 26, Taha 14, Anthony 14, Malonzo 13, Onwubere 9, Ferrer 8, Lanete 5, Grey 5, Elorde 2, Subido 0, Balanza 0, Doliguez 0, Faundo 0, Rike 0, Slaughter 0. NLEX 94 - Trollano 19, Alas 13, Porter 10, Semerad 10, Oftana 8, Miranda 7, Paniamogan 5, Soyud 4, Ighalo 3, McAloney 3, Ayonayon 2, Quinahan 0, Galanza 0. Quarters: 29-26, 48-45, 73-65, 96-94.
Jamie Malonzo of Northport scores against TNT’s Calvin Oftana.
Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev
Medvedev shocks Djokovic to win 2021 US Open
R
ussian tennis player Daniil Medvedev won the men’s singles title at the 2021 US Open on Sunday, beating Serbian top-seed Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Second-seed Medvedev, 25, won the final with sets of 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at New York City’s Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking advantage of a disappointing performance by 34-year-old experienced player Djokovic. This is Medvedev’s maiden Grand Slam title. During the match, Medvedev tallied 16 aces. Djokovic, meanwhile, had six. The Serbian superstar
also made 38 unforced errors compared with Medvedev’s 31. US Open runner-up Djokovic was unable to complete the calendar-year Grand Slam. He was the 2021 champion in three majors: the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. In 31 Grand Slam finals, Djokovic has won 20, including nine Australian Open, two French Open, six
Wimbledon and three US Open titles. Djokovic honored the winner after the match. “Thank you so much, guys. I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Daniil. Amazing match, amazing tournament. If there is anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it is you. So well done,” Djokovic said. “To your team, you have an amazing team. You are one of the greatest guys on the tour. We get along very well. I wish you many more Grand Slams, many more majors to follow, and I am sure you will be on this
stage again in the future,” he added. Champion Medvedev paid tribute to his opponent. “What you have achieved this year and throughout your career, for me, I have never said this before, you are the greatest tennis player in history,” he said. Medvedev was handed the US Open championship trophy. He also received USD2.5 million in prize money. Djokovic returned home with a silver plate and an award for the 2021 runner-up as well as USD1.25 million. (Anadolu)
FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN
KASPAROV WOWS ‘EM AT CHESS960 Garry Kimovich Kasparov (born April 13, 1963) is the 13th World classical chess champion from Azerbaijan who ruled the sport from 1984 until his retirement in 2005 as world #1 for a record 255 months overall. A political activist, writer and commentator, Garry has, here and there, emerged from his retirement to take part in selected prestigious tournaments competing against the world’s best. These events are however limited to Rapid and Blitz games instead of the usual long drawn out matches of the standard times (90 minutes or two hours). In the recently-concluded onthe-board Fischer Random Chess tilt dubbed: Champions’ Showdown Chess960, Garry battled the
opposition with his usual creative flair, led the 10-man, 9-round robin tourney for a while and almost snatched the crown but for a decisive slip in the final round. As a chess enthusiast, I am personally attracted to the non-traditional opening set-ups of the Fischer Random chess because it provokes a player to utilize every creative muscle in his body and mental arsenal to launch and mount offensives and counter-offensives that lead to victory. Unlike the classical game where elite players can memorize moves from 1 to 20 or more depending on what opening style White uses, Random chess - invented by the late American FIDE world champion Bobby Fischer instantly challenges your creative
prowess the moment the opening set-up is revealed. Unfortunately, the current world classical titleholder Magnus Carlsen was participating in the Norway Open (on-the-board/ OTB) Chess at the same time that Kasparov was making waves at St. Louis, MIssouri, following the conclusion of the Grand Chess Tour organized by Kasparov himself. (It might be worth mentioning that Fil-Am super GM Wesley So trounced Carlsen in the first Fischer Random Chess worldChampionships two years ago.) At any rate, as I curiously followed live the games of Kasparov, I noticed that - unless there is a chance for repetition of moves that would force a draw - most matches in Random chess were like the leg-
endary battles that are a matter of life or death. Squeezing a win in a tightly-contested rapid play (15 minutes) requires more than just mental toughness and physical will. Kasparov had two chances to win the title but pressed for time against American GM Hikaru Nakamura, he settled for a draw ( repetition) because he could not find the correct winning move in the end game. Had Kasparov clinched that particular match, he would have taken the lead with just a 9th round meeting versus France Maxime Vachier LaGrave’ where he could settle for a draw and at least tie for first. Alas, and woe to Garry, he lost miserably to a guy who was chasing to win the tournament himself.
MVL did not want to settle for half the point. Garry is 59 years old and he was fighting the young elite super GMs who had for themselves the convenience of educating themselves with computerized variations. During his heyday, Kasparov relied on available hard copies and published chess books to increase his knowledge and elevate his game to become a super GM himself, sporting a 2815 ELO. American Leinier Dominguez, formerly of Cuba, took home the winner’s trophy, with Wesley So, Sam Shankland and MVL tied for second and Kasparov placing fifth. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD THE BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
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NM James Infiesto with President Rodrigo Duterte.
NM AT LAST Infiesto finally earns NM title BY NEIL BRAVO
D
avao City’s James Infiesto formally gained his much-coveted National Master’s title from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines. The 53-year old Infiesto, an active sports leader with the Philspada Davao, received his certificate on September 8 from no less than NCFP President Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. The NM title came 34 years after the then promising woodpusher out of AAteneo de Davao University competed in the Grand Finals of the 1987 National Juniors Chess Championship. “I received a confirmation that made me sentimental and teary-eyed,” said Infiesto. That 1987 batch of 12 grand finalists produced titled players -- three GMs in Jayson Gonzales, Rogelio Barcenilla and Nelson Mariano III; 3 IMs in Idelfonso Datu, Rolando Nolte and Ronald Bancod; 2 FMs in Vince Alaan and Arlan Ferreria Cabe and two NMs in Elmer Carag and now, Infiesto. “Finally in His time. Thank GOD for this blessing,” Infiesto wrote on social media. Infiesto sent a message to this writer expressing his happiness over the milestone. “When I received it, cant explain how I feel...got sentimental. I almost forgot sino ba ang pambato ng Davao nung kabataan ko? Ang dami nang mga players na di manalo sa akin na naunang naging master, kaya sabi
kung di ako maging National Master baka pwede na maging national arbiter. That is why I take my career as arbiter seriously. Nakalimutan ko na ung una kong pangarap. Kaya when I finally have it, I cant explain how I feel... maybe GOD realized that it is time to grant my dream,” he said. Infiesto thanked NCFP President, Deputy Speaker Cong. Prospero Pichay and CEO GM Jayson Gonzales; Philspada President Michael Barredo and SG Walter Wawit Kipping Torres; Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William I. Ramirez and Commissioners Arnold G Agustin and Charles Raymond Maxey; Philippine Para Chess Team; and his friends and family. Infiesto suffered a stroke on July 20, 2011 that affected his mobility. Instead of sulking for his misfortune, he went on to move to the the para athletes division to stay competitive and became a member of the national Para Chess team. “Kala ko after that, I can’t be back on my feet. But cant let it break my spirit, I have a family to take care,” said an emotional Infiesto. “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than what you had before,” Infiesto said.