Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 208 | Tuesday, November 16, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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NO RIPPLES

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte files his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator in the 2022 national elections on Monday. Edge Davao

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PRRD makes last minute dash for Senate, Sara keeps bid as veep STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

The city government of Davao lifts the required negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) test results for passengers arriving at Davao International Airport after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease’s (IATF-EID) placed the city under Alert level 2. Edge Davao

NO RIPPLES PRRD makes last minute dash for Senate, Sara keeps bid as veep By MAYA M. PADILLO

ovember 15 went by without the anticipated fireworks. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio stuck to her vice presidential bid, and so do presidential aspirants Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go.

About the only significant move on Monday was made by President Rodrigo Duterte himself who filed his candidacy for the Senate. When the political smoke cleared on Monday, Senator Go and former

Senator Marcos Jr., will both throw their hats for the presidency along with opposition standard bearer Vice President Leni Robredo and Senators Manny Pacquiao, Panfilo Lacson and Manila mayor Isko

Moreno. There are other wannabes, but for now, the main characters are chiefly these names. NO CHANGE OF HEART The much anticipated last day of substitution where many hoped Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will have a change of heart and run as President in 2022 elections did not happen leaving her supporters disappointed. It was contrary to her message that she will not make her supporters cry again after October 8,

2021, when she filed for reelection as mayor of Davao City. Mayor Sara’s supporters were expecting her to run for the country’s top post following her video message shared on her Facebook page on November 14, 2021. “Nag desisyon na ako na huwag tumakbong pagka pangulo ng Pilipinas. Subalit wala pa ring humpay ang inyong mga panawagan kahit na pagkalipas ng ika-walo ng Oktobre. I have

were identified as Jason Bansag Eliseo alias Rex, husband of Papasin. Others who surrendered to the 701st IB were Gilberto Garcia Colita, the commander of the WGF 18 and his other members Richard Basug Jadan; Jhon Cloyd Flores Colita; Charlie Dave Mangasdang Pichon; David Paraiso Pichon; Mike Mangasdang Pichon; Reynaldo Paraiso Pichon; and Orlando Pandili Goles. The rebels handed over their firearms such as an M16 rifle; K3 Machine Gun;

AK-47, three M16 rifles; an M203 grenade launcher; Improvised Explosive Device (IED); and other war materials. Maj. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres Jr., commander of the 10th ID expressed his gratitude to the local executives and communities that helped in achieving this feat. He also commended all the commanders and troops involved for their accomplishment. “The success of our campaign can be attributed directly to the implemen-

tation of programs by the Davao Oriental Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF – ELCAC),” Torres said. He said guerilla fronts after guerilla fronts have been dismantled not only in Davao Oriental but in the whole 10ID area of responsibility, thus paving the way for a peaceful and developed community. There were two Guerilla Fronts in Davao Oriental that had already been destroyed by the Military for the first semester of 2021.

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9 more rebels give up in Davao Oriental

ine more members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the 701st Infantry Brigade in Lupon in Davao Oriental over the weekend. Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division, said the surrenderers gave themselves up to soldiers, three days after the surrender of Jocy Villaruel Papasin alias Domai, Front Secretary of the NPA’s Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF) 18. The rebel returnees

Gov’t helps former rebel’s birth delivery

embers of the National Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) have assisted a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in giving birth to her first child at Amas Provincial Hospital in North Cotabato on November 12. Alias Tanya, 24, and her husband alias Paypay, both belong to B’laan tribe of Makilala, North Cotabato were expecting their firstborn child when they decided to surrender last October 6, 2021 to local officials realizing the kind of future of the child. Since they surrendered, the couple have actually undergone care and marital assistance from the government through the NTFELCAC. The NTF-ELCAC’s primary aim is to give better lives to former rebels or those who will surrender to the positive side of the society. According to Lt. Col.

Ezra Balagtey, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion based in Davao del Sur, the former rebels have left the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to be able to start and give their child the best life possible. Balagtey said they are provided with vitamins, nutrients, and other essentials needed for the welfare of the newly-born child. He said the government pledged to support them until the child grows strong and healthy. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of North Cotabato, paid the hospital bills and provided food packs for the couple and child. Alias Tanya expressed gratitude to the care and support since the time they surfaced. “I cannot thank you enough for all the help you have given me for my healthy pregnancy and la-

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Training commenced for IP soldiers, other newly-recruited Agila troopers

he Basic Military Training (BMT) for the 10th Infantry Agila Division’s quota for Special Enlistment composed of three hundred (300) privates formally commenced at Sgt. Demerin Grandstand, Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Brgy. Tuboran, Mawab, Davao De Oro on Monday. Among the 300 individuals, 32 are females and 268 are males. It is also noteworthy that out of the total, 109 of them are In-

digenous People. Also, the Special Enlistment form the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Classes 698 and 699 of 2021 and be expected to graduate after sixteen (16) weeks of training. Secretary Allen A. Capuyan, the chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Executive Director of the National Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), graced the

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

NEWS

Children play at the public beach in Agdao District, Davao City on Sunday (14 November 2021). Restrictions have eased due to fewer cases of COVID-19 but authorities continue to remind the public to observe health protocols. Mindanews Photo

Sara assures residents of a Merry Christmas RT PCR negative test result requirement at DIA lifted

he city government of Davao has lifted the implementation of a rule that requires arriving air passengers to submit a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result at the Davao International Airport (DIA). Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has ordered putting on hold the said requirement after Davao City was placed under alert level 2 classification. “Nag-discuss nami ganiha sa nagsulat sa ordinansa and ingon ko sa iyaha we put on hold the implementation of the ordinance in view of the alert level status nato,” Mayor Sara said. The city government released Executive Order No. 66 Series of 2021 or an order providing for the removal of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result requirement for travelers entering Davao City via land, sea, and air domestic and international following the decrease in the number of cases reported and the active vaccination rollout within Davao City. Section 1 of the EO

stated that all travelers entering Davao city by land and all arriving domestic travelers by sea and air shall no longer required to present their 24-72 hours negative RT-PCR test results. No document shall be required also for entry into Davao City, except for security checks that may be required by the AFP and PNP personnel for the purposes of anti-crime, anti- illegal drugs, and anti-terrorism operations. Section 2 mandates all passengers by international travel arriving in Davao City, including those international passengers arriving through connecting domestic flights to comply with the requirements and guidelines provided by the Inter-Agency task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID). The order will take effect from 12:01 a.m. of November 16, 2021 to January 15, 2022. In March this year, the city government of Davao has implemented City Ordinance No. 0477-21, known as “An Ordinance Providing

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

“Continuing ang atong downtrend of cases. Looking good ang mga hospitals nato. Sa pagkakaron, naa nalang isa ka hospital nga nagamit iyang isa kabuok ICU and everyone is in SPMC ay mga cases nato. I think it is safe to say that it will be a merry Christmas in Davao City,” the mayor said on Monday via Davao

City Disaster Radio (DCDR). As the number of Covid-19 cases continues to decline, the city government of Davao has designated the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) as the sole hospital to cater to Covid-19 patients. Mayor Sara reminded the people, especially those who go to malls and visi-

tors who come during the Christmas Season, to follow the guidelines under alert level 2. “Mag remind ta sa atong mga kaigsoonang Dabawenyos ug ang atoang mga bisita, segurado na that they will come because of the Christimas season nga dunay guidelines nationwide implementation of alert level 2 as November 11, 2021. I-review ni nila ug kani ang atoang sundon na guide gikan sa IATF,” she said. According to the De-

ome 100 public schools nationwide reopen to learners for limited in-person classes Monday, 20 months since they were shuttered last year due to the prevailing pandemic. In a statement, the Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the learners, teachers and personnel participating in the pilot in-person classes which will run until January next year.

“We are thankful for everyone who supported this key phase in our safe return to school advocacy, from the planning stage since 2020 to this monumental day,” it said. “We are grateful to the assistance of the Department of Health, the IATF, child health experts, local government units, international and local partners, school personnel, parents, and other stakeholders for reinforcing our shared re-

sponsibility framework in this critical undertaking.” The implementation of the pilot run coincides with the start of the second grading quarter of School Year 2021-2022. After January 31, the agency will evaluate the implementation of the program and present a report to President Rodrigo Duterte. The DepEd said it recognizes the significance of face-to-face classes in the

s cases of Covid-19 have dropped in recent days in Davao City, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio assured Dabawenyos a “merry” Christmas.

partment of Health (DOH), which decides the alert level classification per local government unit (LGU), intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed subject to the reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by the LGUs, which should not be stricter as those prescribed under Alert Level 4 and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective RIATF. Provided, that those be-

social development of the learners. In the coming months, more learners in public and private schools would be allowed to participate in faceto-face classes as Duterte has approved to increase the number of schools for the pilot run. “As we take a huge step of reintroducing face-toface classes amidst the public health situation, we are

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100 PH public schools reopen to limited in-person classes S

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

Families take advantage of eased restrictions by flocking to malls in Davao City on Sunday, 14 November 2021. A favorite activity among customers of SM City Ecoland is posing for souvenir photos, with the huge Christmas tree and other decorations as backdrop. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO C. BUENO

Apply for 13th-month pay loan, Bello tells small biz owners

icro and small enterprises that are having difficulty in giving the 13thmonth pay of their employees can apply for a government loan, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a statement on Sunday.

The Labor chief made the call as he reminded employers that the grant of 13th-month pay is mandated by law. He, however, assured establishments that are still struggling amid the reopening of the economy of the government’s support through the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp). “Let me remind the

employers that the grant of 13th-month pay is mandatory. We issued a Labor Advisory where we maintained that no exemption and no deferment will be allowed on the payment of the 13th-month pay. So, with this loan facility from SB Corporation, there is no more reason to not give the 13th-month pay,” Bello said during the ceremonial

launch of the loan program with the Department of Trade and Industry and its financing arm, SBCorp on Friday. As of Nov. 12, a total of 25 loan applications amounting to PHP5.052 million were already approved by SBCorp. Qualified borrowers are the owners of micro and small enterprises that have implemented flexible work arrangements and registered under the DOLE Establishment Reporting System as of Oct. 15, 2021. The loan program can cover up to 40 employees per establishment and

the loanable amount is at PHP12,000 per current employee. It is a zero-interest rate, no collateral loan that is payable in 12 months, inclusive of the three-month grace period. “I encourage our employers, especially yung mga nahihirapan pa (hard up firms), to avail of this facility so that they can comply with the mandate to pay our workers with what is due them, especially this Christmas season,” Bello said. Interested micro and small enterprise owners may apply at www.bayanihancares.ph. (PR)

ized public spending and investments from the foregone revenues will be detrimental to our economic recovery and long-term growth. A more equitable way to address the impact of higher fuel prices is to provide targeted support to the vulnerable groups, particularly the transportation sector, which the government has already committed to do.” The DOF estimates that

suspending all fuel excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on fuel excise will result to foregone revenues amounting to P147.1 billion or around 0.7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022. If the tax suspension covers only the fuel excise taxes and the VAT on fuel excise under Republic Act (RA) No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law,

the government is estimated to lose P119.5 billion or around 0.5 percent of GDP in the same year. While consumption will be slightly higher at an estimated incremental of 0.6 to 0.7 percentage point, growth will actually be lower by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage point, if the excise tax and VAT on it are suspended. Beltran also stressed that higher income house-

Suspension of fuel excise tax inequitable to PH recovery: DOF

epartment of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary and its Chief Economist Gil Beltran said the proposed suspension of the excise taxes on fuel will be inequitable and lead to significant revenue losses, thus threatening the country’s recovery and growth prospects. Amid calls for the government to address the recent spiral in fuel prices, Beltran said, “The unreal-

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New RE plan targets 35% share of power generation by 2030

he Philippines’ proposed National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020-2040 is setting a target of 35 percent share of renewable energy (RE) in the power generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent share by 2040. This was bared by Director Mylene C. Capongcol, OIC of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Renewable Energy Management Bureau, who in a recent online presentation acknowledged that instead of growing, the share of RE in the power generation mix has actually declined. She noted that in 2008, the year the Renewable Energy Act was passed, the share of RE was about 34 percent. Now it is down to 21 percent, or 21,609 gigawatt-hours (GWh), out of a total 101,756 GWh of power generated. The government is looking to revert the share of RE to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 under the updated NREP, Capongcol said. The NREP sets the roadmap for achieving the country’s RE goals as required by the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act, provides the framework for the development, utilization, and commercialization of RE sources, defined as resources that can be replenished regularly and are available indefinitely. These include biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, ocean energy, hydropower, and other emerging RE technologies. The Act affirms the government’s commitment to accelerate the utilization of RE resources in the country to reduce harmful emissions and achieve economic development while protecting the health and environment. The transition to RE from carbon-intensive energies has become even more urgent in light of the massive destruction being wrought by climate change and uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions not just in the country but on a global scale. Capongcol, during the webinar, said the proposed NREP will be released soon. The updated plan seeks to help attain energy security, contribute to sustainable

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

ECONOMY

A pump attendant refills a motorcycle with gasoline at a gasoline station in Matina, Davao City. Petroleum companies on Monday announced a rollback of P0.90 per liter for gasoline and P0.10 per liter for kerosene starting Tuesday. Edge Davao

Davao Region thrives with various investment opportunities: Lopez Gasoline, kerosene prices down for 2nd straight week

il firms on Monday announced a rollback in pump prices of petroleum products, marking the second straight week of price cuts. In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Seaoil Philippines Inc. said they will reduce prices per liter of gasoline by P0.90 and kerosene by P0.10, while keeping diesel

prices unchanged. Cleanfuel will implement the same changes for gasoline, but will not implement the same for kerosene which it does not carry. The changes will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, November 16 for all the firms, except for Cleanfuel which will adjust prices at 8:01 a.m. the same day.

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

Other investment opportunities in Davao Region are also found in tourism development, tourism services, transportation and logistics, support industries, technical laboratory, packaging, mineral processing, and IT-BPO (Infor-

mation Technology-Business Process Outsourcing). He also mentioned the 24 economic zones located in the Davao Region of which 17 are operating economic zones, seven proclaimed economic zones, one IT center, five IT parks, four manufacturing special ecozones, and three agro-industrial ecozones. “For the benefit of our manufacturing industry it is also worth noting that 24 economic zones are located in the Davao Region,” he

said. Davao Region also hosts three major seaports: the international port of Davao, Sasa Wharf, and Davao International Container Terminal (DICT), which can accommodate post Panamax vessels that are large vessels with a carrying capacity generally above 15,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit). “Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan of 2017 to 2022, the rural

House lawmaker said a government takeover of the Malapaya gas field is a crzy idea that would cause taxpayers to suffer another “P50 billion in public debt obligations.” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel made the remark on the heels of calls for the government to match the $460 million offered by a private firm to acquire Shell Petroleum N.V.’s 45 percent operating stake in the offshore Malampaya gas field in Palawan.

“Right now, the government is already in a sweet spot, merely collecting 60 percent of the net proceeds from Malampaya’s petroleum business, regardless of the private operator. The government is not spending anything, and is not incurring any liabilities,” Pimentel said. “There’s no point in having the government borrow and spend a lot of money to match any private party’s offer to buy Shell out,” added Pimentel, House good government and public ac-

countability vice chairperson. Several groups earlier urged lawmakers “to fully explore if the government could easily get financing” to takeover Shell’s operating stake in the gas project. “But the takeover cost is actually around $1 billion, because on top of paying $460 million to Shell, the government would have to borrow and spend another $500 million to $600 million to explore and develop additional production wells,” Pimentel warned.

rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that Davao Region is thriving with various investment opportunities in the sectors of agri-production and processing, food and non-food, export-oriented, and manufacturing. “Davao Region is known as the fruit basket of the Philippines and the region’s economy predominantly anchored at trade and agro-industry,” Lopez said during the recent Davao Investment Conference 2021 (Davao ICon 2021).

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takeover of Malampaya to cost Cebu Pacific rehiring Gov’t taxpayers P50 billion, lawmaker says retrenched cabin crew A

ow-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced it will rehire its retrenched cabin crew. The carrier had to retrench about 1,300 employees last year, as the airline industry was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. CEB spokesperson Carmina Romero said while she cannot give the exact number of flight crew among the

1,300, the airline will prioritize those who were laid off. “Cabin crew first for this. Hiring started yesterday,” she told the Philippine News Agency. Rehiring them comes as the country eases travel restrictions to more destinations, and as CEB prepares for growth and recovery. In a statement, CEB vice president for People and Admin Felix Lopez acknowledged the country’s

Covid-19 response, which he said has paved the way for “greater recovery” in the travel and aviation sectors. “This in turn has brought about an uptick in travel demand and opened opportunities for us to hire additional cabin crew to support CEB’s growth and recovery,” he said. The carrier has also announced that 100 percent of its flight crew were inoculat-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

On the declining cases of Covid-19 in Davao City:

I think it is safe to say that it will be a merry Christmas in Davao City.” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL Vax good vibes The City of Davao has intensified its pediatric vaccination campaign by rolling out a mobile vaccination program against COVID-19 for those aged 12 to 17. Mobile vaccination is a tested system that augurs well for the city’s aspiration to achieve herd immunity early, possibly before the end of this year.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the City COVID-19 task force, said the city is adding more mechanics to expand vaccination as she encouraged parents to have their children get inoculated.

She said it is not only vaccination centers which are open to cater to vaccinees. There are barangays of the city which offer vaccination to those who belong to the pediatric age group, adding that in certain barangays, vaccinees need not queue in vaccination centers becauses some barangay officials themselves are making

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Schlosser bared that members of the Davao City council and district health officials will also visit some villages to provide shots to those who are qualified for pediatric inoculation. “Naa man gud parents mahadlok ipagawas ilang mga anak, so we will bring the vaccines to their barangays para paduol sa ilaha,” the city health official said.

Parents, she said, could inquire from their barangay councils on the schedules of the mobile pediatric vaccination. They can also visit the Facebook page of the city government for a list of vaccination hubs. This is an ideal system good for our city and its goal to protect its citizens from the pandemic. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

the rounds registering the minors and administering vaccination themselves, on site.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

MORE HEALTH THREATS When it comes to climate change, no one can deny it anymore. During the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (which I attended), Dr. Simon Donner of the University of British Columbia embarked on a metaphor for climate change. “The climate is like this big ship. We are all on this big ship and the problem is once you hit the brakes it takes a long time for the ship to actually slow down and stop,” Dr. Donner told the participants. “In our case the ship is the Titanic and we are going to hit the iceberg. It is going to be almost impossible for us not to hit the iceberg at this point. What we need to do is everything we can to put the brakes on, to slow the ship down and move the iceberg a little bit. The time for emission reductions isn’t as much now as it was 20 years ago.” Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas), which

produces heat-trapping greenhouse gases. To preserve a livable climate, respected scientists from all over the world agreed that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net 0 by 2050. Oftentimes, when people talk about climate change, sea level rise, food shortage, water crisis and biodiversity extinction are mentioned. Unknowingly, climate change has also far-reaching impacts on human health and well-being. “Changing temperature and rainfall patterns impact crop yield, food and water security, and nutrition,” wrote Mariana Simoes, Elena Villalobos and Nadia Rasheed in a paper published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). “The increased frequency and intensity of extreme events can cause not only injury, but also increase the risk of water-borne diseases, diseases associated with crowding, and vector-borne diseases, as well as psychological and emotional distress related to traumatic events.” Examples of water-borne diseases are diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and cholera. Diseases associated with crowding include measles, meningitis, and acute respiratory infections.

Malaria and dengue are examples of vector-borne diseases. “(The impacts of these diseases and other health problems) will be felt especially by vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and low-income communities,” the three authors wrote. The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that climate change will cause an additional 250,000 deaths each year between 2030 and 2050, just considering risks from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. “Health impacts from climate change are exacerbated in countries where health systems already struggle to manage existing health risks, and capacity to adapt to additional climate change-related health risks is limited,” the three authors pointed out. “Without effective action, climate change is going to be larger and more difficult to deal with than we thought,” said Dr. Chris Field, who was a coordinating lead author of the report issued by the Nobel-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Health scientists pointed out that should earth’s thermostat continue to rise, human

health problems will also become more frequent and severe. “While health emergencies hit quickly, climate change is a slow-motion disaster,” reminds Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Dr. Paul Epstein, in a study entitled Human Health and Climate Change, said that a warming climate, compounded by widespread ecological changes, may be stimulating wide-scale changes in disease patterns. According to him, climate change could have an impact on health in three major ways by: (1) creating conditions conducive to outbreaks of infectious diseases; (2) increasing the potential for transmissions of vector-borne diseases and the exposure of millions of people to new diseases and health risks; and (3) hindering the future control of disease. June 23, 1988 marked the date on which climate change became an international issue. In a landmark testimony before the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Dr. James W. Hansen told the audience that “with 99% confidence” the recent sharp rise in temperatures was a result of human activity. “Global warming has

reached a level such that we can ascribe with a high degree of confidence a cause-and-effect relationship between the greenhouse effect and observed warming… In my opinion, the greenhouse effect has been detected, and it is changing our climate now,” said Hansen, then the director of National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Institute for Space Studies. Almost two-thirds of over 1.2 million people surveyed around the world by the United Nations Development Program say that climate change is a global emergency, urging greater action to address the crisis. The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is one of the most affected countries when it comes to climate change. Situated in the Ring of Fire, the country is already suffering from natural calamities like earthquakes, typhoons, floods, landslides, droughts, and volcano eruptions. Climate change will further aggravate these disasters. “We are facing the greatest environmental challenge of our generation,” states the Climate Change Commission (CCC), a government body affiliated with the Office of the President.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

LIVING IN THE PRESENT “If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.” MARK TWAIN *******

One reason I see - and cling on to - why our country seems to be moving backward instead of leaping forward is the fact that our national leaders who are supposed to direct us are still living in the past and cannot move on confidently. As has often been philosophised by noted thinkers and men of thoughts, the past is just a memory and the future is still to come. The present is what counts in our earthly life because it is the contemporary time that is in step with our daily lifestyle. The narratives that are being fed to us have remained stagnant concepts of yesterday and are not sensibly applicable to

the present circumstances that would lead favorably and positively to the growth and well-being of the nation and the people. This traditional thinking is the mindset of those who are mentally dishonest and spiritually bankrupt. They are not eager to embrace progressive and sustainable ideas that will inclusively benefit everyone because they fear they might lose their grip on their power and positions of authority. What is the present telling us now? Our socio-economic situation in the Philippines today clearly tells us that the country needs a leader with a strong political will and solomonic economic wisdom, someone who is not indebted nor beholden to anyone (to any interest group), a person who is not attached to material possessions and is fearful of God. The anomalous mis-governance from yonder years of the Spanish regime to the present

has accumulated into an abhorrent generational culture and ethical behavior that has, heretofore, described - fittingly or not - who and what the Filipino identity is made of. This is just an assumption. If we cannot live in the present global atmosphere, are we therefore backsliding, or being left out? It is not fun to watch the ongoing political circus of our time because the participants are not elite comedians who are in the class of Bob Hope and company. They are poor copycats. Living in the present demands that we are not outpaced - socio-economically - by our neighbors in the region. Living in the present means our voice is heard and our opinions listened to on the world stage. Living in the present requires that our citizens are on an even keel with other citizens of the planet. We are not identified

- and isolated or even discriminated against - by race, color and creed. Living in the present means we take to heart the vital importance of the freedoms that we enjoy and will never surrender them to political tyrants and despots. French philosopher Rene Descartes wrote: “It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.” In making our choices today, do we make good use of what is stored in between our ears so that our present is not compromised? I have yet to see - and hear - from someone who desires to lead this nation, a thought-provoking advocacy that is not grounded on motherhood statements. This is not peculiar. Our decades-long political history tells it all. None of our previous leaders and none of them in the

present time has been able to point out that pragmatism - that philosophical thought that assesses the truth or the meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application - is the better way to bring the government closer to the people. In simple layman’s terms, this pragmatic approach enables our leaders in government to provide the most logical and reasonable way of doing things, of solving our problems which are basic to our existence. A genuine blueprint of development of our national patrimony that showcases the hows and the wherefores of the present must be the major advocacy of those aspiring to lead our country and people. The present, not the future, is what confronts us. Choose well. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Thousands win instant GCash prizes with SMB Oktoberfest promotion

he country’s top beer producer San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) keeps the beer flowing and the surprises rolling throughout Oktoberfest. In place of the usual festivities, SMB serves up a different kind of delight this year with what’s inside its bottles and what can be found under its crowns. As revelers celebrate this global beer festival, SMB offers added thrills to drinkers with its INSTANT GCASH PANALO NG SAN MIGUEL BEER OKTOBERFEST under-the-crown promo. With up to Php100 million in GCash prizes to be given away, over 50,000 thousand drinkers nationwide have already won by simply enjoying their favorite bottles of San Miguel Beer and checking under its crowns. “Na-excite ako sa promo kasi baka po manalo,” says Php1,000 GCash prize winner Cherry Lou Maymiero of Pinili, Ilocos Norte. “‘Nung nalaman ko na Php1,000 ‘yung (napanalunan), masayang-masaya ako. Gagamitin namin ito pambayad ng kuryente.” Beer lovers can enjoy their favorite brews and get a chance to win instantly in just five easy steps – BUY, LOOK, SCAN, TYPE, and WIN. “Nakita ko ‘yung [poster] kung paano ang gagawin. Sinundan ko lang. Pina-

sok ko yung GCash [account number] pati yung promo code, tapos na-claim ko na yung premyo. Ayun, nanalo ako ng Php5,000. Masaya kasi makaka-inom na ulit!” says Php5,000 GCash prize winner Jhay R Cahilig of Tondo, Manila. 1) BUY any of the following San Miguel Beer in bottles – San Miguel Pale Pilsen (320ml and 1L), San Mig Light (330ml), Red Horse Beer (330ml, 500ml, and 1L), San Miguel Flavored Beer Apple, Lemon, or Lychee (330ml), San Mig Zero (330ml), and Gold Eagle Beer (330ml and 1L). 2) LOOK for a printed 8-character alphanumeric code under the crown. If there’s a code, the crown is a sure winner. 3) SCAN the QR Code printed on posters and posted on San Miguel Oktoberfest social media pages to open the GCash - Oktoberfest promo page (go.gcash. com/oktoberfest2021). 4) TYPE the GCash account number and the exact code

found under the crown and click on the reward button to claim your prize. 5) WIN cash rewards of up to Php5,000 credited real time by San Miguel Oktoberfest. Don’t throw away those crowns. Stop, look, and get ready to join the thousands of drinkers who have already won prizes by simply looking under the crowns of their favorite San Miguel Beers. “Sinubukan ko lang ‘yung promo, at totoo nga siya. Kaya nag-ipon na

ako ng mga tansan,” shares Marianie Araneta of Malate, Manila who won Php5,000 worth of GCash prizes. “Sobrang saya ko. Nagtatatalon ako sa saya!” Winners can use rewards at the nearest store accepting GCash to buy anything, including more San Miguel Beer. “Para sa mga gustong uminom ng San Miguel Beer, try lang ng try. Hindi kayo talo kasi masarap ang beer tapos magkaka-premyo pa kayo

pearances. It will stream beginning November 29 (Monday), exclusively on HBO GO, available via SKY subscription. Meanwhile, as another anniversary surprise for Pinoy Potterheads, SKY brings the magic of the early four Harry Potter films as these air for the first time on Cartoon Network every other Saturday at 8 PM, beginning November 13. Follow Harry’s entry into the wizarding world alongside companions Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on November 13, followed by his exploits against the infamous Tom Marvolo Riddle

during his second year in Hogwarts in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” on November 27. Then, join Harry and the gang in their battles against the haunting dementors as they uncover the truth behind Azkaban’s notorious prisoner in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” on December 11. And celebrate the holidays by following Harry’s pursuits for victory in the Triwizard Tournament in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” on Christmas Day, December 25. Its latter installments will also air starting early 2022 on Cartoon Network, available on SKYcable SD

channel 43 and HD channel 178 for Mega Manila subscribers, and regional via SD channel 104 and HD channel 731. Fans can also relive all of the Harry Potter magic anytime and anywhere as all of its eight movies are streaming on-demand on HBO GO via a SKY subscription for as low as P99 a month. Don’t have an HBO GO subscription or Cartoon Network in your SKYcable channel lineup? Visit mysky. com.ph for more details on how to avail. For more SKY updates, follow its official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts on @myskyupdates.

SKY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF HARRY POTTER MOVIE MAGIC WITH HOGWARTS TOURNAMENT OF HOUSES ON HBO GO

KY is bringing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to subscribers nationwide in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” via the commemorative quiz show “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses” streaming on HBO GO and the airing of the first four Harry Potter films on Cartoon Network. The brand new Wizarding World event, hosted by Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren, will showcase never-before-seen ultimate fan glory featuring countless trivia on everything Harry Potter and more special guest ap-

kung makakuha kayo ng [tansan na may code],” Cahilig shared. “Naka-inom ka na, may chance ka pa manalo!” 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). GCash - Redeem Promo Code

CARD MBA, CPMI aid victims of Typhoon Maring in Luzon

ollowing Typhoon Maring’s exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility on October 12, 2021, CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA) and CARD Pioneer Microinsurance, Inc. (CPMI) took action through its disaster response initiatives to typhoon victims in North Luzon. As of October 29, 2021, CPMI has reported 757 affected farmers from Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, and has disbursed a total of PhP 3,417,500 to 609 claims payment to policyholders in North Luzon. These farmers, who were affected by Typhoon Maring, received their claims from CPMI’s BINHI crop insurance. According to Vener Abellera, president and general manager of CaMIA, the insurance agency that distributes CPMI insurance products, BINHI is one of CPMI’s microinsurance products dedicated to CARD agri-loan borrowers, whose rice and corn crops have been devastated by the typhoon. “We acknowledge the difficulties of our farmers when typhoons arise. BINHI was designed for farmers as they are one of the most vulnerable sectors when a typhoon strikes. This protects the livelihood of our client-farmers livelihood and ensures that they can recover from the aftereffects of typhoons, the habagat, or even LPA or low-pressure areas,” Abellera said. Marilou Garcia, a rice farmer from Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, remembered how her one-hectare rice farm was flooded by Typhoon

Maring which swamped their area for three days. After the typhoon, an officer inspected the damage to her farm, validated their claims, and disbursed P10,000 from BINHI. “After submitting their requirements, I got a text message from CPMI to get our claims from a remittance center. It didn’t take a week after the validation before we got our claims. I am really grateful to CPMI for covering our losses, considering the damage to our crops and the expensive fertilizer we have bought,” Nanay Marilou said. On the other hand, CARD MBA also provides its calamity-struck members with cash assistance through the CARD MRI Disaster Relief Assistance Program or CDRAP. Among the calamities covered by the insurance are earthquake, fire, typhoon, and flood. As of October 26, 2021, the association has reported 31,307 members who were affected by Typhoon Maring. A total of P3,755,520 was disbursed to 31,296 members of CARD MBA. “Since 2006, CARD MBA has already assisted families affected by calamities through CDRAP. Alongside CPMI’s BINHI, CDRAP aims to give immediate response to our members and assure them that they can rely on us when disasters strike,” CARD MBA Jocelyn D. Dequito said. Disbursement of claims from BINHI and CDRAP is currently ongoing for those affected by Typhoon Maring in North Luzon, Typhoon Kiko in Ilocos Norte, and Typhoon Lannie in Oriental Mindoro and Eastern Samar.

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AGRITRENDS

MUCH ADO ABOUT THE STAPLE RICE Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

or thousands of years, rice (known in the science world as Oryza sativa) has been part of the human diet. Historical evidence suggests that rice may have been produced and consumed up to 10,000 years ago. “This, alongside its current global status as the world’s most important human food, makes rice production responsible for feeding more people over a longer period than any other crop,” said the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in a statement. In the Philippines, rice is the country’s staple food along with fish. “If we did not have rice, our deepest comfort food, we would probably feel less Filipino,” said the late food columnist Doreen Fernandez. On average, Filipinos consume 114-120 kilograms of rice per capita per year. That’s almost double the world average of 65 kilograms per capita per year, according to Dr. Eufemio Rasco, Jr., former director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Filipinos are indeed rice-eating people. It’s no wonder why they observe the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) every November pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 524, s.2004. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (Phil-

Rice), a line agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), is urging the public “to consume healthier rice produced by Filipino farmers in the month-long celebration, which kicked off last November 8. “The celebration raises awareness on the importance of healthier forms of rice that are locally produced such as pigmented and brown rice with the theme, ‘Be RICEponsibly healthy,’” said PhilRice, which led the celebration. According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Filipinos spend more on rice than any other food. A BAS survey showed that Filipinos, especially those from low-income households, are depending solely on rice more than ever for their daily dietary energy supply and dietary protein because it remains the most affordable food in the country. What’s in the rice? Nutritionists claim rice contains carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Most of the white rice available in the supermarket is enriched, which means it is supplemented

with iron, niacin, and thiamine. PhilRice’s Dr. Marissa V. Romero, a food scientist, said that the health benefits of rice depend on its type. “White or milled or polished rice is a good source of carbohydrates that provide the energy needed in our daily functions. It also contains 6-10% protein. Unfortunately, this kind of rice has a relatively high glycemic index (GI), which indicates a faster conversion of carbohydrates to sugars, particularly glucose,” she explained. Dr. Romero recommends the consumption of brown or unpolished rice as it has more fiber, minerals, and vitamins, particularly B vitamins. Brown rice also has a lower GI than white rice. “This type of rice is rich in nutrients because its bran is kept intact. Thus, its consumption could help prevent obesity and the onset of lifestyle diseases, as shown by some clinical studies,” she said. Stable supply “Any country in the world, if it can produce its staple locally, would do it because it’s difficult to depend on the world market for your staple’s supply,” said Dr. Frisco M. Malabanan, DA rice program consultant. Although the Philippines is basically an ag-

ricultural country, it has not been self-sufficient in rice. In fact, the country is currently the world’s major importer of rice. There are several reasons for this. Yield growth and production for the last two decades have been minimal, and at times even stagnated or declined resulting in increased importation. This is the reason why the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) was passed of 2019 (Republic Act No. 11203) which liberalizes the importation, exportation and trading of rice. It resulted in lower prices of palay and retailed rice. However, some sectors RTL is not the answer to the rice problem in the country. Planting more rice for Filipinos is an option that should have been pursued. A looming world rice supply crisis is in the offing as Vietnam, the country’s main source of rice, is starting to import rice from India. Hybrid rice To avert such a crisis, the agriculture department has targeted a hybrid rice area of an unprecedented 1.2 to 1.3 million hectares for crop year 2022 after a lull in hybrid planting as it aims to beef up food security amid the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A news report said that

at least 700 hectares of hybrid rice are being readied for the bumper dry season of 2022. That leaves around 500 to 600 hectares for the less anticipated rainy season, but still a big area compared to previous years. “For our third year now, we have aggressively pursued hybrid rice planting. That is the reason why we have been able to attain the highest level of rice production this year. With hybrid rice, you’re sure to automatically harvest an additional 1.52 metric tons per hectare versus inbred,” said Malabanan. For the record, the Philippines posted a rice harvest of 19.44 million metric tons in 2020 from 18.81 million metric tons in 2019. But there’s a hitch: the DA budget for the food security program for 2022 has yet to be assured for the hybrid rice program to sustain. “The budget of the DA for food security has yet to be approved. It’s still being discussed in the Senate,” said Malabanan. Private seed growers have committed to supply DA the needed hybrid rice seeds. They are readying the rice area particularly involving DA’s rice clustering program. The clustering program consolidates a hybrid rice area of at least 100 hectares particularly in 15

priority provinces. “We assure the government of our support for this public partnership program. It will be the key to our goal for food sufficiency and food security,” said Rice Board President Recher Ondap. “We hope to be assured of the government’s budget allocation as many farmers have started land preparation for the dry season 2022. Budgetary support should not only be for this rice clustering program but for the entire food sufficiency and resiliency program.” The Rice Board has long been supporting DA’s hybrid rice program. In particular, its private seed growers have consistently participated in the yearly National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF). It is a competition for the highest rice yield administered by DA and PhilRice. The seed companies provide the needed technical support to farmers and guide them on the proper management of their varieties. “The Rice Board adheres to this provision,” Ondap said. “In fact, seed companies are employing more technical people to better facilitate the transfer of hybrid rice technology to farmers.” As they are expected to

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thousands of supporters who cried last October 8 and I cannot find it in my heart to make them cry again on Nov. 15,” Mayor Sara said. Mayor Sara also said that after the deadline set by the Commissions on Elections (Comelec) on November 15, 2021, the offer to run for vice president became an opportunity for her to meet her supporters halfway. “It’s a way that would allow me to heed your call to serve our country and make me a stronger person and public servant. The years that lie ahead. I am here to answer your call. I appealed to all supporters to stay calm,” she said. She mentioned that the problems of PDP-Laban, which is the party of her father President Duterte and Sen. Go, are their own. “Let them resolve the issues within their party, this is all politics and this will not matter in the years to come, or even now. What we need to focus is this country’s recovery and the people’s welfare,” the mayor said. The mayor ended her message with a saying from Brahma Kumaris, “the drama of life consists of elements of both destiny and freedom of choice.” At around 4:25 in the afternoon, Mayor Sara thanked her supporters in the Comelec through her Facebook page and confirmed that she will run nationally. “I can’t be with you today because Monday and Tuesday are the days I need at the City Hall of Davao. I pray for your good health!” the mayor posted. PRRD RUNS FOR SENATE President Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for Senator under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) through his lawyer,. Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier reported that President Duterte and daughter Mayor Sara will not be vying for the same vice presidential post. NO TO BBM AND PACQUIAO President Rodrigo Duterte pronounced that he will not support the candidacy of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao in the 2022 national elections and will make his reasons public in the coming days. The BBM-Sara tandem is perceived this early as the strongest. In an interview with pro-Duterte vlogger Byron

Cristobal, known as “Banat By”, the President explained that he will reveal his reasons for not supporting Marcos and Pacquiao soon. “Manghingi lang ako ng ilang oras lang. Malaman na nila kung sino ang umikot. Hindi ako nagpapaikot. I’m just asking for a few more hours at masasabi ko na kung ano ang talagang totoo. Sa kampanya, sabihin ko bakit hindi ako puwedeng magsuporta kay Marcos. Ganoon din kay Pacquiao at sa iba,” the President said. The President vowed he will only give his support to the candidacy of his long-time aide Bong Go who will run for the presidency. BONG GO Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, meantime, reacted to presidential aspirant and former counter-insurgency task force spokesperson retired Lt. Get Antonio Parlade Jr. who claims that the former “controls the decision” of President Rodrigo Duterte. In an interview with the media, Parlade said that he cannot align with “(a) President Bong Go. I am sorry, kasama siya sa problema ng bayan natin (He’s part of the problem of our country).” President Duterte already answered that no one controls him saying he would not be the President if other people just turned him around and that he’s the only one who makes his good decisions. In a statement, Go said he has only been helping the President from his stint as executive assistant for then Mayor Duterte over two decades. He said he only helped the President to correctly implement his decisions that are good for the town as well as to the many decisions and one of them is the increase in the salary of the uniformed personnel which has improved the morale of all members of the AFP, PNP, BFP, BJMP and Coast Guard. Go said he doesn’t want to deal with Gen. Parlade because he respects him. “Sa katunayan, isa rin ako sa nagrekomenda na maging Undersecretary siya. Alam naman nila ang katotohanan. Mainit na ang pulitika. Pero hayaan natin ang taumbayan ang humusga. Katulad nga ng sinasabi ko, mas kailangan nating tutukan ang pagtulong sa kapwa natin Pilipino habang tayo ay unti-unting bumabangon mula sa krisis na ito,” he said. Go vowed to protect the legacy of President Rodrigo Duterte and the future of the Filipino people as he bats for the presidency in the upcoming May 2022 elections.

agro-industrial enterprise partnership for inclusive development popularly known as RAPID Growth Project used to trigger agro enterprise development in the rural areas. The RAPID Growth Project is almost a P5 billion project that hopes to build commercial partnerships with the micro SMEs corporations, cooperatives, and farming households that will drive agro enterprise development,” Lopez said. He also said aside from this project one of the pro-

posed projects to be implemented in the Mindanao Region is a Mindanao Agro-enterprise Development Project, which is a 100 million dollar project for a six-year implement starting the year 2023 that aims to enhance economic job opportunities in Mindanao through market-oriented agriculture value chain development. “DTI is committed to doing agribusiness and the manufacturing sector to reboot and boost the economy,” he said.

ed against Covid-19. Meanwhile, Romero said CEB will fly Bacolod from Manila with fully vaccinated passengers every Tuesday and Thursday. The move is in support of the local government of Negros Occidental’s vaccination drive.

From twice weekly, CEB will increase Bacolod flight frequencies to nine times weekly beginning November 15. Flights that are exclusively for fully vaccinated individuals are every Tuesday and Thursday, from Nov. 16, 2021 to Jan. 15, 2022. (PNA)

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bor. I did not have any regrets surrendering for I know the government today has a big heart for the people like us,” she said in vernacular. “We thank you for all of the efforts you give for us to understand the beauty of freedom and living in peace,” Tanya added. Balagtey expresses appreciation to the leaders of the

province in their unity of effort to bring peace in the province. “We are thankful to Congressman Caoagdan and Governor Catamco as they complement each other’s efforts in sustaining peace in the province particularly in attending to the need of our lost brothers and sisters returning to the folds of the law,” Balagtey said.

event as the guest of honor and speaker. “Kung babalikan ko ang nakaraan, babalik pa rin ako, kasi if there’s one thing na napakagandang experience ng isang mamamayan, ay yung e give-up niya nag kaniyang freedom for the sake of the country.” Sec Capuyan said referring to soldiery. Moreover, he also reminded the privates that it is a privilege to become a member of the Armed Forces of the Phil-

ippines (AFP) and further encouraged everyone to aspire to perform their best in their every activity. “Make it personal, that the ancestral domain be finally liberated from the lies, deception and fears created by the Communist Party for the last 50 years,” he added. During the ceremony, Secretary Capuyan was received by Colonel Consolito P Yecla, the acting Division Commander of 10ID. (PR)

low 18 years of age, and those belonging to the vulnerable population, shall be allowed access to obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices per existing labor laws, rules, and regulations. The mayor said vaccination has a big factor in the downtrend of Covid-19 cases in Davao City. “Mao na makasulti ko nga basin and dako ang chances that we will have a merry Christmas this year because of this paspas nga downtrend sa atoang Covid-19 cases and pag adjust sa atoang alert level. I think base sa makita nato sa ubang lugar nga dako

gyud kaayo nga factor niini is the vaccination because kung makahinumdum mo niagi na tuig nga wala ta’y bakuna bisan pa man ug unsaon nato ug quarantine ECQ or GCQ balik ECQ, lockdown sa tibuok syudad, mu fight back gihapon ang virus apan atong nagsugod nata ug bakuna last March hangtod karon nagpadayon ang atong vaccination kasagaran cases sa hospital ay mga unvaccinated because we’re nearly one million ang first doses makita nato nga gadaghan pud ang breakthrough sa infection sa mga unvaccinated. Okay lang na as long as they remain aysmptomatic and mild cases that they can easily manage,” she said.

For Mandatory Testing Before Entry Into Davao City Via The Davao International Airport.” Davao City was placed under alert level 2 from November 15 to 30, 2021. The Department of Health

(DOH) said the alert level scheme is designed to replace the old system of quarantine classifications that has evolved into an alphabet soup in the past two years. By Maya M. Padillo

optimistic that our Bayanihan spirit will live on to ensure the safety of involved stakeholders and the success of this pilot run,” the DepEd said. In reopening the class-

es, the department urged the public to help improve the country’s Covid-19 situation by following health protocols so that more schools nationwide safely reopen. (PNA)

holds are estimated to benefit from the suspension more than lower income households. “With the suspension of fuel excise taxes, we will lose the

improvements we made under TRAIN in making the tax system more equitable, in which those who are more financially capable pay more taxes,” Beltran said.

development, counter climate change, provide capability building, and secure inclusive growth for the country. To achieve the targets under the updated NREP 2020-

2040, she said that while there have been a number of policies, initiatives, and programs that were developed and issued since 2011, “this is not enough.”

The latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) show that yearto-date adjustments stand at

a total net increase of P20.95 per liter for gasoline, P17.50 per liter for diesel, and P15.09 per liter for kerosene.

mance was “embarrassing” and that the team lacked effort in a deciding third quarter. Dejounte Murray had a triple-double for the Spurs with 22 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Keldon Johnson scored 24 points. San Antonio lost for the fifth time in its last seven games and fell in the opener of consecutive games at Los Angeles, with a meeting against the surging

Clippers on Tuesday night. Davis scored 19 points in the first quarter on 8-of-10 shooting and had 27 points in the half. The Spurs pulled to 105103 with 2:41 remaining on a 3-pointer from Doug McDermott. The Lakers had a 7-0 run to take control, getting a 3-pointer from Anthony with 1:46 to go for a 110103 lead and a layup from Russell Westbrook for a 112-103 edge.

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churn out high yields, these hybrid rice farms should raise the country’s food self-sufficiency. They should reduce rice imports now reaching some two million metric tons annually. This program should also reduce production cost and increase the income of rice farmers. Game-changing strategies Meanwhile, rice stakeholders need to collaborate to develop game-changing strategies for the rice sector in the new normal, said Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, undersecretary for regional development of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in her speech during the Ugnay Palay: 33rd National Rice R4D e-conference. “As the government continues to develop strategies in the rice industry and put in place necessary policy reforms, we need assistance from our rice science experts who relentlessly provide sound policy recommendations to the decision makers. Collaboration among rice stakeholders is likewise important in this endeavor, particularly in implementing our development plans,” she said. According to Sombilla, the rice sector is facing many challenges especially amid the pandemic. “The sector remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We [also] have yet to overcome the long-standing issues that continue to hamper agricultural productivity such as low adoption of new and better technol-

ogies and the lack of machinery and post-harvest facilities,” she explained. She said that another challenge is effectively linking research for development (R4D) to policy formulation exercises and development planning, which will be implemented on the ground. In project implementation, Dr Rex L. Navarro, technical expert in agricultural extension, said that the provincial local government units (LGUs) play a very important role. “The [provincial LGUs] are the best implementation units because they know the situation of farmers in their locality better,” Navarro said. To empower provincial LGUs, the DA is transitioning to the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) – a strategy where provinces will serve as extension hubs that synchronize agricultural plans and programs. The DA said that efforts to strengthen the delivery of extension services to farmers are also in anticipation of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling set to take effect in January next year, which will give LGUs a bigger share from national taxes. As the country celebrates NRAM, PhilRice reminds the public to avoid wastage to help achieve rice security. The 2018 Household Food Consumption Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed that a household wastes 72% or 66.8 grams of cereal products and cereals including rice in a plate.

not lack experience and does not lack class, nor hunger, for victory. In addition, Jiménez is also returning to “The City of Gold,” Dubai, the awesome capital of the United Arab Emirates where he waged a hard-fought draw against unbeaten worldranked Nigerian warrior Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (15-0-1, 8 KO’s). Jiménez’s last combat was a year ago, a win by points over Nicaraguan Marvin Solano (24-7, 8 KO’s) in Santo Domingo. Norbelto Jimenez is nicknamed by fans in his country as “Meneito” (which means “Little Wiggle”), because he joyfully dances in the ring after scoring a win. However it is unknown if he will be dancing after his clash against Nietes. Indeed, he will be having a tough road ahead, a hard new mission against Donnie Nietes, the experienced, effective, successful Pinoy boxer, a man of slick moves, ring-smart, physical endurance and heart. Sure not an easy rumble for either of the two combatants, each of them more-than willing to score the win so as

to challenge for the 115 world title once again. The promoter for this exciting collision in “The City of Gold” is Probellum, whose president Richard Schaefer recently said: “We’re happy to welcome such an illustrious boxer like Donnie Nietes to the workforce.” “Nietes has already gained world titles in 4 divisions, making him a real legend of the game; and we are proud to now be working collectively as we glance to assist him declare world honors once more within the close future.” This hot Dec 11 event in Dubai is headlined by Nietes’s fellow Visayan world-class fighter, John Riel Casimero, defending his 118-pound world title against tough British challenger “The Baby Face Assassin” Paul Butler (33-2, 15 KO’s) of Cheshire, England. Also featured is exciting unbeaten Filipino Jayson Mama (16-0, 8 KO’s) of Gensan, challenging for the world title against British defending IBF Flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards (16-0, 4 KO’s) of London. (Philboxing.com)

Dehesa and Chris Dechavez. Pool B is an all-PBA group with Ginebra, Meralco, Terrafirma, and Sista, Rain Or Shine’s affiliate. Pool C has the other guest team, Pioneer Epoxy, and PBA squads NorthPort, San Miguel, and Cavitex, NLEX’s affiliate. International reward The champion of the rookie league could be sent abroad to join a FIBA (the international basketball federation) 3x3 club event. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 3x3 program director Ronnie Magsanoc said this is a part of the league’s mission to help the Philippines rack up enough FIBA points to directly qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

There is also a possibility that FIBA would be bringing an international event to the Philippines through the PBA 3x3’s help. Hosting an international event would also be credited as FIBA 3x3 points. Magsanoc said the PBA 3x3 is classified as an “olive” level event, equivalent to Level 4. “According to our conversation with FIBA 3x3, if they find our execution as properly managed as well as the prize money, we would be given one grade up, and we’re hopeful that we would be promoted to blue because every color category has higher points given to the individual points, teams, and the federation,” Magsanoc said in an interview. (PNA)

NIETES... FROM 11

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SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

Nietes takes on Jiménez for WBA-115 eliminator

ongest reigning Pinoy world champion Donnie Nietes is back in the ring soon.

The 4-division world champion Donnie Nietes who totes a 43-1-5, 23 KO’s record will be climbing the ring for his upcoming crucial battle against WBA world-ranked Dominican Republic 115-pounder Norbelto “Meneito” Jiménez (30-9-5, 16 KO’s) on Saturday, December 11, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to Nietes’ promoter, Probellum, the boxing promotion and media company owned by Swiss man of boxing Richard Schaefer, former Golden Boy Promotions CEO. The clash could not be more vital for the pro boxing careers of veteran master-tactician Nietes, 39, as well as for the younger, former 2-time world title challenger “Meneito” Jiménez as their 12-rounder battle is a WBA Super Flyweight Eliminator; the winner becoming mandatory challenger to one of the WBA Super Flyweight world titles. Those WBA 115-lbs world marbles currently belong to super popular Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada of Sonora, México (WBA 115 super champion), and by Mexican-American Joshua “El Professor” Franco of San Antonio, Tex-

39-year old Donnie Nietes will be climbing the ring against WBA worldranked Dominican Republic 115-pounder Norbelto “Meneito” Jiménez.

as (WBA 115 regular flyweight champion). In theory, one of these two champions might be defending against the winner of the Nietes-Jiménez rumble, and if that should happen, against who? Time will tell, and that’s why this coming Dec 11 eliminator fight must be won at all costs. Nietes, one of the most successful and beloved Filipino boxers in modern history, will be returning to Dubai after outclassing Colombian Pablo “El Trencito” Carrillo (26-8-1, 17 KO’s) last April at the plush Caesar’s Palace Dubai. Meanwhile, Jimenez, 30, currently ranked by the WBA as the #4 super flyweight in world, has been the 115-pound national champion of his Caribbean country rich in paradise beaches, the Dominican Republic. He has also been a world title challenger to former British world champion Khalid Yafai (26-1, 15 KO’s), losing by points. What’s more, some years ago, the Dominican Republic fighter scored a draw against then world champion Kohei Kono in Tokyo. Fans can be sure that “Meneito” Jiménez does

FNIETES, P10

AD has double-double as Lakers defeat Spurs L

Talen Horton-Tucker is back after recovering from thumb surgery.

OS ANGELES — Anthony Davis had 34 points and 15 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs, 114106, on Sunday (Monday, Manila time). Talen Horton-Tucker scored 17 points in his season debut for the Lakers, and Carmelo Anthony and Wayne Ellington each had 15 points. Los Angeles led by 14 points in the second half, then held on to improve to 3-3 since LeBron James was sidelined Nov. 4 because of an abdominal strain. The Lakers have won four overall games this season without James, one a 125-121 overtime victory in San Antonio on Oct. 26. Davis had the big game two days after the Lakers were humbled by 24 points in a home loss to Minnesota, with the All-Star forward saying afterward the perfor-

FAD, P10

San Miguel sends Alex Cabagnot to Terrafirma

hile the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is busy preparing for the launch of its 3x3 league, the league’s trade committee on Saturday approved a one-on-one trade between Alex Cabagnot and Simon Enciso. San Miguel traded Cabagnot to Terrafirma, making him the second member of its so-called “Death 5” to be shipped out this week. The week began with the Beermen shipping Arwind Santos to the NorthPort Batang Pier for Vic Manuel, leaving San Miguel with Marcio Lassiter, June Mar Fajardo, and Chris Ross as three of the five players who netted the team multiple PBA titles Cabagnot has been hampered by an injury, which limited him to just four games in the Philippine Cup, averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, Enciso will not get to play a single minute for Terrafirma as he was quickly shipped to SMB a month and a half after

Blackwater let him go in a late September deal. Roosevelt Adams was reportedly added to the Cabagnot-Enciso deal but the trade committee approved just the Cabagnot-Enciso swap. The 3x3 tournament will have 13 teams grouped into three pools for the inaugural leg. Following the pool draw on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, five teams, three PBA 5-on5 mainstays which formed their 3x3 affiliates, and two guest teams that stacked up their rosters with veteran presence, have been placed in Pool A for the preliminary round that begins November 20. TNT and Purefoods, which figured in the recently concluded Philippine Cup Finals won by the Tropang Giga, are in Pool A along with Limitless, Phoenix’s affiliate; Zamboanga, which is bringing in seasoned veteran Mark Cardona; and Platinum, featuring FIBA 3x3 pro circuit veterans Karl

FSAN, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021

Kai Sotto had seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block in 17 minutes of play, including the goahead drive in the final 43 seconds to break the deadlock at 72 in regulation.

KAI SHINES Kai Sotto impressive in Australia debut

ai Sotto made an impressive debut in Australia as his Adelaide 36ers team slipped past the Cairns Taipans in overtime, 9187, in the NBL Blitz preseason games on Sunday at MyState Bank Arena in Tasmania. The 19-year-old Filipino had seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block in 17 minutes of play, including the go-ahead drive in the final 43 seconds to break the deadlock at 72 in regulation. Cameron Bairstow, however, was whistled for an offensive interference on Stephen Zimmerman’s late tip that sent the game to extra time. Adelaide did enough in overtime to pull off the victory, with Daniel Johnson sparking the 8-0 run and iced the win with a layup in the final 22 seconds. Johnson paced the 36ers with 33 points, eight boards, and three assists, as Tad Dufelheimer got 14 points, five rebounds, and three steals in the

win. Still, it was a decent first game for Sotto who earned a starting five nod from coach CJ Bruton and finished with a plus-4. Of course, improvements are still to be made, from his 3-of-8 shooting from the field to the four turnovers he committed. Adelaide returns to the court in Tuesday against the Perth Wildcats as it continues its preseason buildup ahead of the Dec. 3 season opener. Zimmerman carried Cairns with 18 points and 11 rebounds, Majok Deng had 18 points and seven boards, and Tahjere Mccall got 16 points and eight rebounds in the loss.