Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 176 | Friday, October 8, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 176 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2021

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HER WISH Sara wants to finish her last term as mayor

Bike enthusiasts choose from dozens of second hand bicycles from Japan in various sizes and forms on display outside a Japanese surplus store in Bo. Obrero, Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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HER WISH

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Sara wants to finish her last term as mayor By MAYA M. PADILLO

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced on her official Facebook Page that she would like to finish her last term as mayor of Davao City before taking another position. That means if she had her way, she will remain in the local government level. “Masakit din para sa aking damdamin na sana’y magpaubaya sa mga kaibigan na hindi ko maibigay ang gusto ninyo. Gusto ko po sana tapusin muna ang huli kong termino as Mayor bago ako manungkulan sa ibang position,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara said she does not need a position or to be a President to help the people. Instead, she urged the people to help each other every day. “Madami sa inyo ang nasasaktan, sumama ang loob at nawalan ng pag-asa pero puwede pa rin tayo magtulungan para sa ating bayan, di kailangan ng position, di kailangan ng tayo ay Pangu-

lo upang makatulong. Gawin natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa sa araw-araw natin na pamumuhay,” she said. Mayor Sara’s supporters sent her a message on social media after her announcement. Veronica Diego expressed her disappointment with the mayor’s decision. “Sara, paano nalang ang libo libong mga rebelde na bumalik sa gobyerno. Ano nalang uli ang mangyayari sa kanila. Lalakas uli ang mga terrorista. We need a strong and fearless leader to lead us,” she posted.

Patrick Diamante challenged the mayor that if she doesn’t want the Philippines to fall again into poverty she should run as vice president or president. “Kung ayaw ninyo po na malugmok ulit ang Pilipinas sa kahirapan at masira ang ginawa ng ama ninyo na napakarami sa bayan eh tumakbo ka na po as VP or president. Masasayang ang ginawa ni PRRD at sakripisyo kapag mga komunista/dilawan ang naupo sa national post. Sana ay pag-isipan mo ito Mayor Inday Sara,” he commented.

Massive vax drive helped in slowing down COVID-19 surge in Davao City

he Davao City COVID-19 Task Force is seeing signs the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) surge here is slowing down after rolling out a massive vaccination drive against the highly infectious virus. Dr. Michelle Schlosser, Task Force spokesperson, said during COVID-19 Alert broadcast over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Monday that the vaccination remains a big factor in stemming the spread of the infections in the communities. “We have to celebrate little achievements like this because we’re seeing a lower positivity rate. The COVID-19 Task Forcing is enforcing strategies at the ground level… to ensure medical and safety protocols are implemented,” she said.

the President mandates: NCIP DavNor

ithin the past 6 years, the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) – Davao Del Norte focused on alleviating indigenous people’s (IPs) lives by helping them cultivate and protect their ancestral domains as it has been the mandate of President Rodrigo R. Duterte (PRRD), said Atty. Joan Melo, Provincial Legal

Officer of NCIP Davao Del Norte. In a radio program today, Atty. Melo explained that NCIP’s mandate in the province is to focus on helping the IPs to nurture their ancestral lands and to preserve it from all forms of exploitation. Thus, she presented their major projects and programs which are aligned to its mandate.

Under their Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP), the IPs’ lands are now protected as ADSDPP is a five-year development plan containing their community rules, regulations on treating migrants, and entities whether government or private groups, explained Atty. Melo. NCIP – Davao Del Norte

also implemented the Integrated Ancestral Domain Development Approach (IADDA). “Kami sa NCIP, naga adopt mi ug ancestral domains at least 5 hectares tapos magsolicit ta sa mga government agencies para muhatag diha ug gamit or mga hayop parehas sa kanding, manok ug baboy.

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Group worried over surge of HIV/AIDS cases in GenSan

A To protect IPs’ ancestral lands is what FHER, P10

Schlosser said that vaccination plays an important part in the strategy of the local government to put the spread under control, apart from prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, and reintegration. As of September 25, 583,002 Davaoeños have been fully vaccinated, both with the double-dose and the single-dose vaccines, or 48.58 percent of the target 1.2 million to achieve herd immunity. “Vaccination is a big factor. Data are showing that those infected individuals are actually those unvaccinated… It goes to show that if the people are vaccinated, there’s a bigger chance that you get protected against COVID-19 and any other variants,” Schlosser added. Mayor Sara Duterte told

n advocacy group here has raised concern over the renewed surge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases here this year. Cris Lopera, executive director of gender rights and reproductive health advocate Shine Soccskargen Inc., said on Thursday they worried about the increase in confirmed cases in the city in the past several months, especially among younger individuals. He said the infections could become a major problem for the city if not immediately given prop-

er attention by concerned agencies. A report from the City Health Office’s (CHO) HIV/ AIDS Core Team showed that the confirmed cases in the city already increased to 112 as of the end of September, a significant increase from the 44 detected last year. A total of 27 new HIV/ AIDS cases were reported on July, 23 in August, and 18 in September, with the youngest involving a 15-year-old male. Most of the cases involved individuals who were engaged in “risky

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NEWS

Samantha Taliño-Santos offers a prayer with her mother, Vice Governor Emmylou “Lala”Taliño-Mendoza, before filing their certificates of candidacy (COC) in AMAS, Kidapawan City on Wednesday. Taliño-Santos is running as representative of the 3rd congressional district of Cotabato province while her mother, Taliño-Mendoza, filed her COC for governor of the province. Edge Davao

DOF preparing Davao Public Transport Modernization plan RDC 11 cites ongoing major ticket projects in Region 11

n time for the celebration of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Week, the RDC XI updated the public that big ticket infrastructure projects in the region are on stream. “Priority projects in the region still remain but there are various levels of preparedness. Some are ongoing, some are in the process of loan negotiations,” said RDC XI co-chairperson and National Economic Development Authority XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes Lim. One of the major projects prioritized by the region is the Davao Transport Modernization Project (DTMP). “We are pleased to inform that our initial implementation of the DTMP is already ongoing with the implementation of Davao City’s Interim Bus System. As you now observe buses now ply in our city routes,” Director Lim said. She also announced that a technical assistance facility amounting to 5 million USD will be provided as part of the project implementation support and ca-

pacity building specifically in the preparation and enhancement of the social development plan being prepared by the Department of Finance (DOF). “The city government of Davao has been conducting a social preparation activities enjoining the affected drivers and bus operators for the project.” The Samal Island-Davao Connector Project, on the other hand, is said to be on stream, however, procurement process has caused delays on the implementation. The NEDA official updated that the Department of Finance already submitted to the Chinese Government last April 26, 2021, an updated loan application reflecting the revised financing ratio of 90% loan and 10% local fund will be absorbed by the Philippine Government together with the relevant supporting documents. “Consequently, other preparatory activities are ongoing. We have the parcellary plan provided by the consultants of this project

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

the Duterte administration for Davao Region, includes three components: Public Transport System Improvement, Institution-

al Capacity Strengthening, and Social Development Program (SDP). “The technical assistance facility amounting to US$5 million shall be provided as part of the project preparation and capacity building specifically on the preparation and enhancement of the social development plan is now being prepared by the Department of Finance,” said Maria Lourdes Lim, regional director of NEDA. The project includes

the development of improved public transport operations that will cover the full urban area and cater for the growth in travel demand at the cities expanding edges. The project will overhaul the outdated services that provide a poor level of service in terms of coverage area, hours of operation, and passenger comfort and facilities. It will improve a city-wide bus-based public transport operating sys-

Officer Mart Dumali Sambalud bared in a public briefing that the Santo Tomas Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) noted a significant rise in the number of deaths in Santo Tomas due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. Sambalud said as of October 5, 2021, Santo Tomas has registered a total of 141 Covid-related deaths. “As per Covid-19 regulations on the management of the dead, those who die that

cannot afford cremation, especially those positive for Covid-19, would have to be buried within 24 hours,” he said. According to him, to date, 55 bodies were buried in Santa Cruz Public Cemetery from January 2021 to September 2021, making it the town’s graveyard for Covid-19 deaths. “And the surge in pandemic-related deaths has created a scarcity in the

Covid-19 section of the cemetery,” he said. Sambalud also said the IATF is now struggling to find space to bury people dying of Covid-19. He said the municipal government’s policy-making body on Covid-19 had met the Punong Barangays last September 20, 2021, to alert them of the situation. He said the LGU is planning to use its property as a

n official of the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11) disclosed on Thursday the US$5 million fund the Department of Finance (DOF) will use for the enhancement of the Social Development Plan (SDP). updates on the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP). The P18.66-billion project to be funded through official development assistance (ODA) and one of the big-ticket projects of

he Covid-19 Task Force of the local government unit (LGU) of Santo Tomas announced that the Santa Cruz Public Cemetery located in Barangay San Jose has reached its full capacity and could no longer accommodate more burials since the graves had already run up to the boundary line of the cemetery, with no space left for another Covid-19 related burial. Municipal Information

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez says the agency is eyeing to further ease restrictions for travelers, specially those were already vaccinated, to help in the recovery of the aviation industry. Presidential Photo

DTI seeks further easing of restrictions for travelers T

Petroleum price hikes minimal impact on power rates: DOE

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency is eyeing to further ease restrictions for travelers to help in the recovery of the aviation industry.

“I think right now, under our study, is to lessen the number of quarantine days for a person that will be put under quarantine, especially for the vaccinated people,” Lopez said

in a virtual press briefing Wednesday. He said this proposal is being taken up at the technical level for consideration of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Man-

agement of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) in meetings this week or next week. “The way we can help the sector, in general the travel sector, is to have some kind of reopening, easing the travel restriction as many people get vaccinated,” the trade chief added. Lopez said reducing the number of days for

quarantine will help to “resuscitate demand” for the travel sector. “Apart from all the incentives they are all entitled to, fixing the demand is part of the equation,” he said. Current IATF protocol requires fully vaccinated travelers to undergo quarantine for seven days and get tested on the fifth day. (PNA)

he recent increases in oil prices will have minimal impact on power rates, Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. said Wednesday. During the Laging Handa briefing, Erguiza said “very few” power plants in the country are fueled by oil. Most of the country’s power plants are coal-fired and run by renewable sources. “We do not have a problem (on power rates due to oil price hike) because for other sources like coal and

the renewable sources, we don’t have (supply) problem,” he said in Filipino. Erguiza added the current situation in the oil market is mostly affecting the transport sector. Oil firms on Tuesday hiked pump prices for six consecutive weeks. Year-to-date, price adjustments posted an increase of PHP16.55 per liter for gasoline, PHP15 for diesel, and PHP13 for kerosene. The DOE official said oil price increases in the past weeks were brought

CWM carries the theme “Digital Consumers: The New Normal.” This means that the celebration will focus on the digitalize way of boosting the economy through the use of online platforms. It cannot be denied that the digital world has already become increasingly relevant and indispensable for both consumers and businesses. This can be attributed to the fact that it offers a wide range of opportunities for consumers, such as finding the goods and services they need more easily and in a more convenient way. In the meantime, businesses get to enjoy its numerous benefits, such as access to consumers more easily

through theonline markets. DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said that there is a need to harness these opportunities to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive economic development. She further noted that there is an increasing need to strengthen consumer protection and competition in the digital economy. This year’s theme aims to promote consumer awareness and circulate consumer information on e-Commerce, including its benefits and disadvantages for the consumers. This also encourages dialogue and cooperation among consumers, businesses and government.

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After delays, Lufthansa pushes DTI 11 highlights protection of digital through $40-M investments in PH consumers in Consumer Welfare Month

fter delays due to the pandemic, Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) is pushing through with its USD40-million investments for its new hangar in the country. In a virtual press briefing Wednesday, LTP president and chief executive officer Elmar Lutter said the company is now constructing the Hangar 1A, which is up for completion in the first quarter of 2022. Lutter said the hangar construction alone costs USD20 million, while the other USD20-million investments for tools and auxiliary will be invested in the first half of next year. “The recent easing of travel restrictions around the world, including the

Philippines, has brought back demand. Our hangars are much again full and we have a line of customer airlines waiting to be served by our very able Filipino workforce that has spent the last two years preparing, training, and expanding their skills for this moment,” he said. LTP announced the investment plans for the new hangar in 2019, and the initial plan to start the operation was set in September last year. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has curtailed demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aircrafts. Lutter said the company downsized its workforce to

80 percent due to the impacts of the pandemic, but it will start rehiring aviation mechanics and staff soon to support the initial production and capacity of Hangar 1A. “LTP is stepping out of the darkness and we see the future now brightly,” he added. Lufthansa’s fourth hangar in the Philippines will expand LTP’s capacity by 25 percent and will create 270 jobs. It will provide base and line maintenance to commercial aircrafts, such as Airbus A320, A330, A350, and A370 as well as Boeing 777. In the same briefing, Trade Secretary Ramon

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s the country celebrates the annual Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) this October, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 has lined up several activities highlighting the protection of digital consumers. The CWM has been celebrated during the whole month of October each year more than two decades now following the signing of Presidential Decree 1098, series of 1997. This which cited DTI as the lead agency in celebrating the consumers nationwide. For this year’s celebration, the agency banners its commitment to champion consumer welfare promotion and development consistently. Thus, the 2021

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ECONOMY

Davao Light completes its new 69 kV sub-transmission line to deliver reliable electricity in Maa, Ecoland, Matina, Bangkal, and Ulas areas. The construction of the new line is from New Valencia, Tugbok (city dumpsite) to Davao Light Maa Substation. DLPC

Covid-19 vaccine booster shots funding still under negotiation Six local destinations no longer require swab tests: Cebu Pacific

ebu Pacific said Wednesday 6 local destinations under its network have simplified travel requirements by no longer requiring RT-PCR or antigen tests. Passengers bound for Cebu, Pagadian, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Tacloban and Butuan will no longer need to present negative tests for COVID-19, the airline said in a statement. “We are encouraged by the efforts of these LGUs to open up their borders and simplify travel requirements. We share the goals of the national government that we do not contribute to the spread of the virus, by implementing safe and riskbased approach to travel,” Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience Candice Iyog said. Travelers bound for Cebu must present a medical certificate stating that they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 issued within 24 hours before arrival, the carrier said.

Meanwhile, passengers going to Pagadian must present a valid government-issued ID which states their address in Pagadian City. Transiting passengers don’t need to present any requirement, Cebu Pacific said. Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Tacloban and Butuan will accept vaccination cards of fully vaccinated passengers who have completed 14 days after the second dose in a two-dose series or 14 days after getting a single-dose vaccine, it added. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Negros Occidental Travel coordination permit (TCP) from S-Pass Complete registration to StaySafe.ph Guimaras Travel coordination permit (TCP) from S-Pass Tacloban Passenger must register under the Balik Tacloban Project through www.baliktacloban.tacloban.gov.ph May present a certifica-

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pecifics of PHP45.3 billion (USD900 million) worth of loans the government plans to request from multilateral lenders to finance coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) booster shots for 2022 are still being determined.

“Still under negotiation,” Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told journalists in a Viber message on Wednesday. Dominguez on Tuesday confirmed what National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said during the Talk to the People address of the Pres-

ident on Monday night that the government is now in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank (WB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for booster shots funding. Dominguez said a PHP45.3 billion allocation has been included in the national government’s proposed 2022 National Expenditure Program (NEP)

under unprogrammed appropriations. He said the NTF, Department of Health, and DOF have initially identified multilateral and bilateral financial institutions as “possible sources of funding for this allocation.” “In fact, exploratory discussions with the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the World Bank have been initiated to help determine possible funding sources for additional vaccine requirements in 2022. We expect to execute loan agreements towards the

end of the year,” he added. Earlier, Dominguez said the government secured around PHP57.3 billion of concessional loans from ADB, WB, and AIIB for Covid-19 vaccines procurement. This forms part of the PHP88.6-billion budget for vaccine acquisition of the government to date, which is accounted for by the PHP2.5 billion from DOH budget under the 2021 national budget, PHP10 billion from Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, around PHP3.26 billion from the Covid-19 vaccination program, PHP2.8 billion from

able economic growth and prevent the spread of scam and fraud among the investing public,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said in a statement Wednesday. “We recognize the importance and continue to strive for a scam-free financial environment, which will only be possible if we work together with the public in exposing and avoiding fraudulent scheme(s),” he

said. As of October 5, the SEC has issued 87 advisories against groups and individuals who have been soliciting investments from the public without the necessary license from the Commission. A total of 126 and 50 advisories were issued in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Commission has also issued four cease-and-

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SEC urges public to become smart investors

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is calling on the public to secure their financial future by becoming smart investors, as it joins the celebration of World Investor Week from October 4 to 10. The World Investor Week is a global campaign by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) that encour-

ages securities regulators to put a spotlight on efforts to promote investor protection. This year’s theme focuses on sustainable finance and the prevention of frauds and scams. “The SEC is pleased to take part in this year’s World Investor Week, taking cues from the IOSCO’s mission to boost financial literacy in order to promote sustain-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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In explaining that PDP-Laban may support a Presidential candidate that can pursue the continuity that Filipinos want:

I can work with anyone.” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL

Grand finish

Going into the homestretch of the Duterte administration, this government continues to rake in majority approval from the people. According to the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey released on Tuesday, the Duterte administration gained positive response over its relentless fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as well as the distribution of emergency assistance to Filipinos who lost their livelihood and jobs because of the pandemic. A good rating of 59 percent of 2,400 respondents approved the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic based on Pulse Asia’s Sept. 6 to 11 poll. Sixty-four percent of the respondents also approved the government’s distribution of emergency assistance to Filipinos who lost their livelihood and jobs because of the pandemic.

It doesn’t end there. The government also obtained high approval scores when it comes to fighting criminality (74 percent), responding to the needs of calamity-stricken areas (71 percent), protecting the overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) welfare (66 percent), promoting peace in the country (64 percent), law enforcement whether influential or ordinary people (60 percent), stopping the destruction and abuse of environment (59 percent), and fighting graft and corruption in government. Another high point is the 49 percent approval on the government’s initiatives to defend the integrity of Philippine territory against foreigners, as well as to create more jobs and the 48 percent approval on the government’s move to increase the pay of workers, 41 percent were satisfied with its efforts to reduce poverty, and 37 percent lauded the steps taken to control inflation.

Compared to past Presidents, president Duterte is defying the so-called PR experts in their schools of thought. President Benigno Aquino III’s approval and trust ratings slumped to their lowest levels since 2010 amid public outrage over the Mamasapano operation, the latest Pulse Asia survey showed. From 59 percent in November 2014, his approval rating dropped to 38 percent in March 2015 while his trust rating fell from 56 percent last quarter to 36 percent this month. (March 17, 2015)

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Except for Gloria Arroyo, all Philippine presidents enjoyed excellent ratings at the beginning of their term. Cory Aquino had excellent ratings of +72 in October 1986, +69 in March 1987, and +64 in March 1988, but ended her term with an average of +35 in 1992. Fidel V. Ramos also had excellent ratings of +66 in September 1992, +69 in July 1993, and +67 in April 1994, ending his term with an average of +38 in 1998. Joseph Estrada began his abbreviated term with +60 in September 1998, +67 in March 1969, and a huge drop to +5 in March 2000. He ended his term with an average of +33. Arroyo began her presidency with a rating of +24 in March 2001, followed by +17, +18, +16 and +15 in April, May, July and September, respectively. On her second year, she got +16 in March, +4 in May, +18 in September and +6 in November 2002. But beginning her third year, she dropped in net satisfaction with an average of 0 in 2003, +11 in 2004, -25 in 2005, -16 in 2006, -9 in 2007, -33 in 2008, -35 in 2010, and an average rating of -7 in 2010 for her entire 10-year term. Her ratings during her last five years were constantly in the negative (-).

Benigno Aquino III had +60 in September and +64 in November 2010. He sustained excellent ratings during his second and third years with +67 in August 2012 and +64 in June 2013. He had an average of +53 in 2011 and +53 also in 2012, and did even better in 2013 with an average of +55. He obtained an average of +45 in 2016 for his entire 6-year term. Compared to Arroyo, Cory and Noy, President Duterte began his term with excellent ratings of +64 in September and +63 in December 2016. He followed this with excellent ratings of +63 in March and +66 in June 2017, but dropped to +48 in September. He bounced back to +58 in December 2017 and dropped to +56 in his latest ratings in March 2018. These are indications of the consistent performance of the Duterte leadership as it prepares to close out an otherwise good run at the Palace. It’s a grand finish no less.

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

In a very engaging article by Charlie Agatep published in the inquiurer.net, a former PR observed that that the more President Duterte ignores PR precepts, the more devotees he’ll gather. He wrote: “Many of his words are a mixture of threat and intimidation. They will earn no goodwill, will win no Anvil Award. Despite the President’s trampling of PR’s sacred law, his SWS approval rating stays briefly in the 70s and then swings merrily back to its longtime perch, the 80s.”

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO WHEN AIDS DOES MATTER With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the forefront now, it seems no one talks about the still-incurable human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). To think, Davao Region has had a total of 4,513 HIV/AIDS cases since 1993 – the first time the region recorded its first case – up to December 2020. The figure comes from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health (DOH). Of the 4,513 cases, the majority of the cases were from Davao City (3,312). The rest of the cases were from Davao del Norte (556), Davao del Sur (242), Davao de Oro (200), Davao Oriental (141), and Davao Occidental (62). Since 1993, about 238 people have succumbed to the disease. In Davao City, the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) is in-charge of the delivery of programs and services for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. But due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, its programs and services were greatly affected, including the treatment, care and support to people living with HIV. Speaking of pandemic, those who are HIV-positive are classified under the A3 priority group in the government’s vaccination program. But for their safety, they need to have medical clearance before they can be vaccinated, as required by the health

department. Despite limited data, available information suggests current WHO (World Health Organization) recommended COVID-19 vaccines – AstraZeneca/Oxford, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BionTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac -- are safe for people living with HIV. HIV is the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It was first reported in 1981 in the United States. “(AIDS) is a syndrome because there are a range of different symptoms which are not always found in each case,” explains Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook: A guide to the understanding of AIDS and HIV. “It is acquired because AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus which is spread from person to person through a variety of routes,” Dr. Hubley says. “This makes it different from immune deficiency from other causes such as treatment with anti-cancer drugs or immune system suppressing drugs given to persons receiving transplant operations.” In the Philippines, the first case of HIV infection was reported in January 1984. A patient infected with HIV can have the virus for many years without having any physical symptoms. When the immune system is destroyed by the virus, a person is considered to have AIDS and the weak immune

system places him or her at risk of various infections and even cancer. “Between HIV and AIDS, there is a window period of as much as five years,” Dr. Jordana P. Ramiterre, chief of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center of the Davao City Health Office, was quoted as saying by Davao media. “However, the speed HIV progresses will vary depending on age, health and background,” the website of Avert (www.avert. org) points out. HIV is spread through the exchange of body fluids with high concentration of the virus (viral load) such as cerebral fluid, amniotic fluid, blood, semen, cervical and vaginal secretions, and breastmilk. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood and blood products, shared needles, and mother-tochild. Being infected with HIV is no longer a death sentence these days. “HIV is not and should not be a death sentence anymore,” points out Dr. Louie Mar Gangcuangco, who has worked as a researcher at the Hawaii Center for AIDS. “If HIV is detected early and if the patient takes antiretrovirals early, the virus can be controlled.” However, in order to be treated, you need to know if you have HIV. And you will only find out if you undergo HIV testing. “Testing for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections is strongly advised for all people

exposed to any of the risk factors,” the WHO said in its website. “This way people learn of their own infection status and access necessary prevention and treatment services without delay.” However, all HIV testing services must follow the 5 principles recommended by WHO: consent (informed), confidentiality, counselling, correct test results, and connection (linkage to care, treatment and other services). In Davao City, there are three facilities where people can go to be tested for HIV: Southern Philippine Medical Center in Bajada, Davao Doctors Hospital in Quirino Street, and Davao Reproductive Health and Wellness Center in Emilio Jacinto Street. In Tagum City, they can go to Davao Regional Medical Center in Apokon. “Knowing your HIV status is not just a right but also a responsibility. People with HIV can live normal and productive lives as long as they take their medications and follow-up regularly with your doctor. Getting tested is not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones,” says Dr. Gangcuangco. Unlike in the past, being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence. “There’s no cure for HIV, but treatment options are much better than they were a few decades ago,” webMd.com says. “Because of medical advancements, many people now live long, active lives with HIV.

“The medicines that treat HIV are called antiretroviral drugs,” the website says. “There are more than two dozen of them, and they fall into six main types. Each drug fights the virus in your body in a slightly different way.” Research shows that a combination, or so-called “cocktail,” of drugs is the best way to control HIV and lower the chances that the virus becomes resistant to treatment. A doctor can recommend a patient to take three different medicines from two of the groups. “Which specific ones your doctor prescribes depends on what other medical conditions you have or are likely to get, how well your immune system is working, and even how many pills you want to take each day,” WebMd.com says. Once an HIV-infected person starts having treatment, he should not stop doing so. “Keep taking your HIV medications,” reiterates WebMd.com. “It’s dangerous to change how you’re taking them – or to stop altogether – if you’re unhappy with how you feel or how they affect you. That can make it easier for the HIV to become resistant to drugs and harder to treat. “Continuing treatment is the key to not only preventing the development of AIDS, but is key to maintaining a relatively normal lifestyle. It is possible, with the correct treatment, to obtain a normal life expectancy,” the website says.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DEBUNKING DATU BAGO’S PIRACY Early accounts of Datu Mama Bago, Davao’s preeminent local hero honored in a 2018 Davao City ordinance, have always associated him to slave-raiding and piracy. Most post-war narratives point to him part of those wave-riding Moro marauders who braved the open seas and inflicted untold destruction in many shoreline communities in the Visayas region. Obviously, this depiction is consistent with other stories of conquest one finds in many Moro chronicles. But the question that has not been substantially answered is: Was piracy, on a scale known before Spain conquered Davao, committed by small Moro enclaves outside the sultanates of Maguindanao and Sulu? James Francis Warren’s ‘The Sulu Zone 1768-1898’

(1985) and other seminal works on the subtleties with slave trade in Mindanao paint a clear but entirely different picture. These scholarly books debunk claims piracy, a euphemism for the slave trading, even entered the gulf of Davao. Rather, the raids launched chiefly in the western side of the archipelago and a handful of interior regions in the Visayas, originated from the sultanates. Datu Bago’s supposed involvement in piracy does not have basis in historical accounts. Though this cannot be adduced to as a denial of his possible engagement in slave-raiding, his likely participation, if any, would have been as a minor player. No account, direct or indirect, points to him as leader of a raiding party. There are several reasons why Datu Bago, as the ruler of

much of the territories within Davao Gulf, did not play a considerable role in piracy. First, the raiders on board sail-steered crafts used the much safer and least typhoon-visited South China Sea, which is on the other side of the gulf. Given that the most populated coastline communities are situated in that region, it stands to reason that this choice is accurate. Second, slave raiders from Sulu always avoided the unpredictable Pacific Ocean due to its frequent storms. Also, the route is circuitous, erratic, and devoid of substantial resources worthy of an expensive expedition. Most of the Christian villages facing the Pacific were chiefly in inner regions and dispersed in small hamlets. Unlike in the Visayas, church ornaments made from gold, silver, and gems were

essential attractive booty for the huge, raiding parties. Third, Datu Bago, even if his father was part of the Sulu sultanate’s raiding party, did not have any position in the slave-raiding hierarchy. If we go by the available accounts, he grew up in Maguindanao and moved to the gulf at the instance of his father to secure his own domain. And fourth, as ruler of the gulf, Datu Bago did not command a naval fleet or its equivalent that was capable of navigating the seas from Davao Gulf to the Visayas and back. Also, nowhere is he cited for possessing an army or a semblance of military contingent patrolling the gulf. For the most part, his family’s connection to the sultanates was the only palpable factor in his rule. Datu Bago’s name first ap-

peared in Spanish accounts only in the 1800s. Still, the chronicles simply identify him as one of two rulers of Davao, but no mention of him being associated with slave raiding. The story of his supposed involvement in the raid of Bohol is a historical fiction. Between 1800 and 1850, the year Datu Bago died, Moro supremacy in the world of piracy suffered decline. As the Europeans showed assertiveness in bringing down the sultanate of Sulu using new, powerful weapons, the Moros of Mindanao, as a last recourse, forged accords with the British, Dutch, and Spaniards. Obviously, the titans of piracy in the south found no solution to counter the alien invasions. In fine, Datu Bago’s role in piracy is basically embellished and magnified in oral tradition.

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AZUELA COVE COMMUNITY GROWS WITH NEW OFFERINGS A

yala land’s mixed-use waterside estate elevates community experience with additional retail shops. Davao’s premier lifestyle address comes to life as more shopsopen to serve the community. Azuela Cove, Ayala Land’s prime mixed-use, master planned waterside development in Davao, is emerging as one of the region’s vibrant and distinct communities with complementing offerings for living and leisure. The 25-hectare estate located along R. Castillo St. in Lanang, offers an expansive view of the Davao Gulf and Samal Island, and combines urban design with a refreshing coastal lifestyle. The estate features Ayala Land Premier residences, The Shops at Azuela with international brands and homegrown flavors, and open and green spaces for recreation and connection.

Ayala land’s mixed-use waterside estate elevates community experience with additional retail shops.

Where quality and convenience converge

Bringing convenience and a wider selection of everyday essentials to the community, G Market at Azuela Cove soft-opened last September 8. G Market at Azuela Cove will cater to Dabawenyos’ demand for fresh and deli-

cious p r o duce, quality meats and a wide selection of local and international food brands. It is the first component of G Center, a 9,000-squaremeter complex which will

also soon feature a variety of shops, services, and amenities for the customers. “The G Center in Azuela Cove is our first neighborhood store format. At the

ground floor, G Market will feature a selection of fresh produce, grocery products and a selection of worldclass offerings to cater to the needs of our customers. At the second floor, we will have a new format Gaisano Store, a highly curated department store providing for your various home and essential needs. It will feature an exclusive Xiaomi Center that will offer IOT devices, mobile, and other state of the art gadgets. Finally, we will open a complimentary row of food outlets to satisfy our customer’s cravings,” Kristine Lim, Business Unit Director for Supermarket of the DSG Sons Group explained. “Our goal whenever we expand is to become part of a vibrant and growing future hub in the city where we operate. This made Azuela Cove an easy choice for us to put our new Gaisano Center in. We have no doubt that Azuela Cove is a very

promising hub-in-development where young, vibrant communities and business centers can thrive in the near future,” Lim added. More exciting options this year

In addition to G Center, opening this year at The Shops in Azuela are Galerie Raphael for artists and art lovers, Pilates Plus Studio for fitness enthusiasts and a specialized cuisine dining option, Ramenikko Ramen House. Outdoor safe spaces for families to enjoy and the weekend Kadiwa Market also complement the balanced and holistic lifestyle

of this unique seaside setting. Azuela Cove, launched last March 2017, is a development of Aviana Development Corporation, a joint venture company of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and The Alcantara Group. ALI brings in decades of experience in creating sustainable, master planned mixed-use communities which include the Makati Central Business District, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, and Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna, while The Alcantara Group is one of the largest and most diversified Filipinoowned conglomerates in the country.

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ikit, North Cotabato resident Libai was so happy that the baby girl she delivered was healthy. She named her “Talha.” But eight months later, she observed a lump near the child’s sexual organ. She was worried and so she brought her to the hospital. After several check-ups, the doctors said Libai’s child had malignant cancer. “She’s too young to have cancer,” said the devastated mother.

Rio brought her oneyear-old son Miguel, whose stomach was swelling, to the public hospital in Amas, Kidapawan City. The doctors conducted an ultrasound and did several check-ups. Since the doctors had a hard time deciphering what was the problem with the little boy, they referred him to the Southern Philippine Medical Center in Davao City. The doctor’s diagnosis: rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of sarcoma (cancer of soft tissue). Jaclyn from Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, was only 14 when was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors advised that she should be operated on. She and her parents protested; they didn’t want her left hand to be cut. But when the pain was too much to bear, she decided to undergo the operation. For almost a year, “I was cancer-free,” she said. But in May 2014, the cancer returned. Cancer, a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body, claims millions of lives year after year. In fact, cancer is one of the leading killers around the world. It accounts for six million or 12% of deaths globally, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). In the Philippines, where an estimated 107 million

people live, over 4,700 children (aged 0 to 19 years) are expected to be diagnosed with cancer each year, with leukemia accounting for approximately 49% of childhood cancers, WHO reports. Other types of cancers that strike Filipino children are cancers that affect the brain and nervous system (9.7%), lymph nodes (9%), retina (7.5%), kidney (3.4%), and bone and soft tissues, gonadal and germ cell sites. “Deaths from childhood cancer (in the Philippines) are estimated at 1,700 each year,” the United Nations health agency deplores. In the United States, more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease – more than Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined. “Two-thirds of children treated for childhood cancer will suffer long-term effects from treatment including loss of hearing and sight, heart disease, secondary cancers, learning disabilities, infertility and more,” says the US-based St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which works closely with leading American pediatric oncologists. Two years ago, the Philippines was designated by WHO as the first focus coun-

YES, CHILDHOOD CANCERS CAN BE CURED Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO try in the Western Pacific for the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). “The country was selected because of its tremendous efforts happening on the ground where the pediatric society and the civil society have mobilized such momentum on behalf of the patients and their families,” explained Dr. Catherine Lam, WHO Collaborating Center for Childhood Cancer co-director. In a news report circulated by Philippine News Agency (PNA), Dr. Lam added that strong political commitment and foundation efforts supporting children with cancer as proven by the passage of twin health legislations – the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control (NICC) Act. Unfortunately, the Philippines is poorly equipped with dealing with the number of children with cancers. “The country has 130 hospitals treating children with cancer but only three have dedicated pediatric oncology wards, of which two are in Metro Manila and one in Davao,” said Dr. Patricia Alcasabas, president of the Philippine Society of Pediatric Oncology.

Something must be done. “Recognizing the significantly increasing burden of childhood cancer that translates to lost potential, greater inequalities and economic hardship for the entire family, the GICC seeks to achieve at least a 60% survival rate for children with cancer globally by 2030. The Philippines joins a host of nations committing to saving lives and reducing suffering.” Cancer is a rare disease among children, occurring in only one of 5,000 children every year. “The types of cancer that we see in children are different from adults,” says Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo, the head of the Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit of the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), the largest public hospital in Mindanao. “Childhood cancers are usually embryonal or deep seated and aggressive while adult cancers are epithelial in origin and can be slow growing,” Dr. Dolendo explains. Epithelial tissue, which is made up of cells closely packed and range in one or more layers, covers the whole surface of the human body. “In contrast to many

adult cancers,” The Merck Manual of Medical Information states, “cancers in children tend to be much curable. About 75% of children with cancer survive at least 5 years.” Unfortunately, in the Philippines, two-thirds of children with cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages, and abandonment of treatment is high at 80%, according to Dr. Julius A. Lecciones, executive director of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. “Although multi-disciplinary management is available and could potentially cure 80% of cases, only about 10% to 20% actually attains long-term survival,” Dr. Lecciones explains. “In our experience for many years, two-thirds of patients are in advanced stages of their cancer at the time of diagnosis. This is because childhood cancer in the Philippines is not detected early enough for cure to be possible.” In his paper, “The Global Improvement of Childhood Cancer Care in the Philippines,” Dr. Lecciones cites three obstacles to early detection and effective management of childhood cancer in the country.

These are: (1) subtle signs are not recognized promptly by frontline physicians at the primary levels of care; (2) patients and/ or parents delay medical consultations, or when diagnosed will not opt for treatment, and; (3) for those who seek medical attention, there is no appropriate cancer treatment facility in the locality, or the parents do not know where to go to seek treatment. “Due to financial reasons, those who are positively diagnosed to have cancer are not treated adequately with only one in five patients receiving gold standard treatment, mostly as paying patients,” Dr. Lecciones states. Childhood cancer isn’t just one disease. “There are over a dozen types of childhood cancer and countless subtypes, each requiring specific research to develop the best treatment for every child,” says St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Early detection is one of the best ways to beat childhood cancer. “Malignancies in children are difficult to detect because they may present similarly as other common childhood diseas-

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Chris John Nodalo appealed to the mayor to run for president as according to him she is the only leader that can continue the leadership of her father. Mayor Sara thanked all the support and trust of her supporters. “Maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta. Salamat at kahit anong mangyari kampante akong andiyan kayo. Salamat po sa kakaibang tiwalang ipinapakita niyo. Isang karangalan po ito na malaki para sa akin ang inyong suporta at lubos na tiwala,” the mayor said. In the latest survey of Pulse Asia, which was conducted on September 6 to 11, 2021, showed Mayor Sara ranked first as “the president that the people need and the president that the people can trust” followed by former senator

Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, and Senator Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao. “Nagpapasalamat si Mayor Sara sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na patuloy na nananawagan at naniniwala na si Mayor Sara ang karapatdapat na maging ating susunod na presidente. Owing to Mayor Sara’s stellar track record of performance as mayor of Davao City and her courage and conviction as a leader who always puts the people’s needs first,” said Mayor Sara’s political spokesperson Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco of Liloan, Cebu. Mayor Sara has recently filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) as mayor of Davao City for the 2022 national and local elections.

DCDR 87.5 last Monday that “Comorbidity Week 39,” covering the period between September 26 and October 2, recorded 1,253 cases. Of whom, 809 were unvaccinated and 444 vaccinated, she added. Schlosser said patients with breakthrough infections are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Data from the Department of Health (DOH)Davao showed that as of Tuesday, the Davao Region recorded 349 new cases out of 1,955 individuals tested, or a positivity rate

18%. Out of the new cases, 176 were reported in Davao City. This brought the total cases in the city to 50,743 as of Wednesday, with 7,000 active, 42,158 recovered, and 1,585 deaths. Schlosser reminded the public to continue observing the health protocols and avoid mass gatherings. “This is not intended to encourage the public to become complacent, and not to get vaccinated, not to follow health standards, avoid high risk areas, and conduct social gatherings,” she said.

Kana sya gihimo na syag farm. Kana nga farm mao nay resources nila sa mga tribu. Mao nay ilang pagkakitaan.” (We at NCIP, we adopt ancestral lands of at least 5 hectares big and we outsource funds from government agencies to put animals such as goat, chicken and pigs on it. We made it a farm. It became the sources of income and livelihood of the IPs), she stated. Furthermore, NCIP offers Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) where all

migrants, government or private entities planning to make developments in the ancestral lands must secure their consent from the NCIP first. “Government or NGO, private or unsa pa diha basta musulod sa ancestral domain, gamiton ang luna, kinahanglan mag FPIC.” (Government or non-government organizations, private or whatever they are, as long as they will enter the ancestral domains and use the lands, they must secure FPIC).

Lopez has welcomed LTP’s confidence in the Philippine aviation industry amid the ongoing global health and economic crisis. “While much of the world’s aviation industry has been paralyzed by the pandemic, we are proud to note that as we gradually ease the travel restrictions, Lufthansa Technik AG along with MacroAsia

Corporation is on its way back to normal operations with expanded capacity to accommodate the servicing needs of an increasing number of aircraft,” Lopez said. He lauded LTP for pushing through its expansion plans in the country, adding the new investment will provide support for the Philippine aviation industry.

by tighter global supply amid rising demand as economic activities peaked during the last quarter of the year. Global oil demand is around 103 million barrels per day (bpd) but supply is only at 100 million bpd, short of 3 million bpd. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) is sticking to its plan of gradual increase

in output of 400,000 bpd until April 2022 to offset its existing 5.8 million bpd production cuts. Erguiza said the government is pushing for fuel alternatives in the transport sector, particularly the use of electric vehicles. “So, the direction here is not to be dependent on oil, especially for transportation. We see to it that we have a program for the entry of electric vehicles,” he added. (PNA)

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tem, with improved and modern franchising mechanisms that ensure supply meets demand. This will be supported through traffic management improvements to prioritize bus services along with a core network of around 110 kilometers (km). The core network will form part of an integrated and system-wide operation with feeder routes covering an additional 400 route-km and associated passenger infrastructure and bus terminal facilities. The improved franchising mechanism will promote performance-based contracts, integrated fare collection systems, and streamlined

service operations. The initial implementation of the DPTMP is already ongoing with the implementation of Davao City’s Interim Bus System (IBS). “You may have observed buses now ply the inner-city routes,” Lim said. In June this year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao Region said (LTFRB-Davao) has started operating the IBS through Catalunan Grande and C.P Garcia Highway routes. Meanwhile, Lim said the city government of Davao has been conducting preparation activities enjoining the affected drivers and the bus operators for DPTMP.

mass grave in case the number of deaths increases. “That is the contingency plan. For now, we will use the public cemeteries of the barangays. Right now, the public cemetery in Barangay Balagunan is now being used as another graveyard for Covid-19 deaths. But sooner or later, the said cem-

etery may quickly run out of space to bury Covid-19 casualties. With this grim development, we call all Tomasinos to follow the minimum health protocols to prevent further spread of the virus, especially now that the Delta variant is in the municipality,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).” Lim added that as of June 25, 2021, the revised parcellary plan is still ongoing. Such plan will be the technical basis to give a headstart to the procurement to expedite the right of way and resettlement action plan implementation of the project. It was also reported that the issuance of notice of taking of affected landowners in Davao City as part of the resettlement has been ongoing as well as the appraisal of these properties

with the Landbank which was already forwarded to the DPWH Unified Project Management Office. Lim also bared that the biggest challenge on pushing for this project is the procurement process. “It involves foreign contractors and since this is funded by a loan from China, there will be a process of selection for contractors that will pursue the implementation of this project. Three Chinese construction companies will be selected, and they will undergo further evaluation,” the official said. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

sexual behaviors.” They include gays, bisexuals, men who have sex with men or MSMs, and others who engage in unprotected sex and with multiple partners. Lopera said local stakeholders, including the city government, should take another look at the situation and not just focus on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. He said the city’s HIV/ AIDS Council, which is composed of various agencies and stakeholders, last held a meeting more than two years ago. The council should be

reactivated as soon as possible to address issues and concerns regarding the rising infections and the welfare of persons living with HIV. “We should not wait for the cases to increase to 100 every month before we act on the problem,” he said in an interview. Zyrnx John Octavio, CHO-HACT nurse and counselor, earlier said they have sustained their advocacy campaigns coordination with the rural health units and other stakeholders despite the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

tion of quarantine completion with vaccination status when securing the Acceptance Letter for those traveling to Tacloban City Butuan Travel coordination permit (TCP) from S-Pass and upload a valid government-issued ID on the system Approved travel passthrough permit (TPP) from S-Pass for those traveling outside Butuan City Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei earlier said the airline is calling for consistent rules for

domestic travel as local tourism is seen to boost recovery of the sector in the fourth quarter. Gokongwei said it has been proven in other countries that RT-PCR tests requirement could be safely removed for fully vaccinated domestic travelers as long as other health protocols are observed. Both Cebu Pacific and flag carrier Philippine Airlines have called for the reduction of mandatory quarantine days for international travelers.

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es,” says the Department of Health (DOH). The health department urges parents should to have their children undergo regular medical check-up and be alerted to the following symptoms which may be associated with cancer in children: prolonged, unexplained fever or illness; unexplained pallor; increased tendency to bruise, unexplained localized pain or limping; unusual masses or swelling; frequent headaches, often with vomiting; sudden eye or visual changes; sudden or progressive weight loss. According to Dr. Dolendo, childhood cancers are also very aggressive but are very sensitive to treatment. “Overall survival for childhood leukemia is more than 90% in developed countries and almost 80% for all other cancers,” she says. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are not given much prominence. “I think childhood cancer is a significant problem among Filipinos because we have a relatively young population and children comprise 40% of our population,” Dr. Dolendo laments. “I would like to point out though that childhood cancer is still relatively uncommon accounting for only 10% of all cancers and 90% being adult cancers,” she adds.“In Mindanao, we expect about 1,000 new cases to be diagnosed every year.” Unfortunately, of the 1,000 news cases annually, only 200-250 are diagnosed and able to access treatment. As in adults, doctors use a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. “Children who survive cancer have more years than adults to develop long-term consequences of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, such as infertility, poor growth, damage to the heart, and even development of second cancers (which occurs in 3% to 12% of children who survive cancer),” the Merck manual says. “Because of these significant possible consequences and complexity of treatment, children with cancer are best treated in centers with expertise in childhood cancers,” the Merck manual points out. “Childhood cancer treat-

ment is complex and long term,” Dr. Dolendo agrees. “Our solid tumor patients go through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy when necessary. Standard treatment protocols for solid tumors span 6 months to two years of repeated visits to the hospital.” Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, for instance, are treated for two-and-a-half years. “And there are the necessary hospital admissions in between chemotherapy when patients are treated for infection, receive transfusions, or go through evaluation work ups,” Dr. Dolendo says. “There are also repeated outpatient visits for checkups and chemotherapy.” Dr. Dolendo also runs the House of Hope, which was launched in 2007 and is located inside the SPMC. “We tried to compute the total cost of treatment for all patients and we found that chemotherapy alone in the duration of our standard treatment costs more than P300,000 per patient for chemotherapy medicines alone,” Dr. Dolendo says. The aforementioned cost does not include blood products, supportive care medicines and hospitalizations. “Despite having similar diagnosis, every individual patient responds differently from other patients so the costs of care may vary with some patients admitted more than others,” Dr. Dolendo says. Unfortunately, almost 80% of their patients come in late stages of disease with many complications which further escalate the cost of care. It’s no wonder the odds of surviving childhood cancer in the country are significantly lower compared with those in industrialized countries like the United States. But since Dr. Dolendo started her work as lead pediatric oncologist at SPMC, survival rates have increased from 10% in 2004 to 50% currently. Dr. Dolendo has her own way of treating childhood cancer: she combines science with art. Her method is to care not only for the child patient, but also to support the family that surrounds the child. “We must never forget that the family is responsible for a lot of things for a child,” she reminds.

the Office of the President’s Contingency Fund, and around PHP12.7 billion from other financing sources. The government plans to inoculate around 80 to

90 percent of the country’s population by the first quarter of 2022, ahead of the national polls in May 2022, which is considered a super spreader event. (PNA)

desist orders against 15 groups and individuals, including Chiyuto Creative Wealth Documentation Facilitation Services and Royal O’ Consultancy Services, for their unauthorized investment-taking activities during the same period. Further, the SEC currently has 48 cases pending in court for violations of Republic Act 8799, or The

Securities Regulation Code (SRC). So far, a total of 187 individuals have been charged with violations of the SRC, with the SEC securing 17 judgments of convictions against 19 individuals meted with a total of imprisonment of 572 years and a total fine of PHP25 million imposed by various courts.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

No installation fees when switching to SKY Fiber SKY FIBER BACK-TO-BACK PROMOS EXTENDED UNTIL OCT. 31

KY Fiber today announced it has extended its promos for its Super Speed home internet plans that will give free installation to switchers and a P500 discount in installation fee for new subscribers or non-switchers until the end of October. This will enable subscribers to save as much as P2,000 in installation fees.

Families looking for a reliable, fast, and steady home Wi-Fi connection to meet their needs for workat-home and distance education can avail of SKY Fiber’s Unli Broadband Plan at only P1,499 per month, which provides an internet speed of up to 40Mbps. This plan includes two free WiFi Mesh units that strengthen the Wi-Fi coverage by evenly

distributing the internet signal around the house. Households that want higher speeds can choose from a variety of other SKY Fiber plans. The Unli Broadband Plans offer up to 80Mbps, 120Mbps, and 200Mbps internet speed; while the Unli Broadban er up to 30Mbps, 60Mbps, and 120Mbps intern et speed. All of these plans have two free WiFi Mesh

units included. As part of this month’s SKY Fiber Freemiums offering, subscribers also get free access to the AirConsole Hero gaming platform for six months. Families and kids can choose to play over 160 multi-player games, including some Halloween-themed ones featured on the platform. This includes a virtual creature board game

with Mega Monster Party and a team survival game against the undead with Zombie Attack. SKY Fiber plans of up to 200Mbps are available for those residing in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Cebu, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Davao. Residents in GenSan and Zamboanga can get plans with up to 120Mbps,

while those in Baguio can get plans with up to 80Mbps. Those interested to make the switch to SKY Fiber can apply via mysky.com.ph/skyfiber and present their latest nonSKY Fiber internet bill during the application. More information on the switching promo can be found at mysky.com.ph/ freeinstall.

EDGEDAVAO

PARA SPORTS

Five para sports take spotlight on PSC-PPG coaching webinar

oal ball, para-swimming, wheelchair basketball, para-athletics, and para-table tennis are taking the spotlight on the Philippine Sports Commission – Pilipinas Para Games (PPG) Para Sports Coaching Webinar series starting on Saturday.

The six-day coaching program will feature long-time coaches and expert practitioners who will impart their fundamental coaching and experiences in five para sport disciplines, in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC). “After the PSC’s successful webinar on para-athlete sensitivity, this coaching program will complement and boost the knowledge of our coaches and trainers in para-sports,” said PSC Oversight Commissioner for para-athletes Arnold Agustin. Coaching webinar for wheelchair basketball starts on October 9, followed by

goal ball on October 11, para-swimming on October 12, para-athletics on October 14, and para table tennis on October 15. Five hundred participants from mentioned para sports topics are expected to take part in the webinar series. “Participants who will be able to complete the webinar series will be awarded a certificate and commemorative event shirts,” added Agustin. Interested participants may register through the link; https://bit.ly/ParaSportsWebinar or contact pilipinasparagames@gmail.com and its official Facebook page

VOL.14 ISSUE 176 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2021

Davao’s Paralympian Ernie Gawilan.