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50K ON TARGET Davao City kicks off 3-day vaccination drive STORY ON PAGE 2
A vaccinee reacts while being inoculated with anti-Covid-19 vaccine during the National Vaccination Days kick off held at the People’s Park in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao
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Hundreds of unvaccinated Dabawenyos troop to the People’s Park during “Bayanihan Bakunahan”the National Vaccination Days launching on Monday. Edge Davao
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240 ex- NPA rebels, backers get gov’t aid
Davao City kicks off 3-day vaccination campaign By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he city government of Davao has kicked off the three-day vaccination rollout at People’s Park in celebration of the “Bayanihan Bakunahan” National Vaccination Days from November 29, 2021 to December 1, 2021.
The city government of Davao is targeting to vaccinate 50,000 individuals in the three-day nationwide vaccination event. The massive vaccination drive aims to increase vaccine coverage. Recently, the nation-
al government has lowered its target output for the three-day vaccination drive to just nine million jabs this after the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF COVID-19) and the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC)
released a statement last Saturday stating that the initial target of 15 million doses administered during the 3-day drive has been adjusted to nine million doses or three million doses administered per day. Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is hopeful that Dabawenyos will realize the importance of vaccines in their everyday lives especially with how these have created a considerable change in the city’s current situation during this
SEC warns public against 12 investment companies
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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued another set of advisories against several entities soliciting investments from the public without the necessary licenses: 1. PhLazada/PhLazada VIP/PhLazada International Trade Co Ltd. 2. PhMall/PhMall.app 3. Phillq Internation-
al Trade Co., Ltd./PHILLQ/ phillq.com 4. Danea Ruby Cardones Mayor 5. AxieCrowd Asia 6. Victorich / www.victorich.ph / Victorich Trades Company 7. Infinite Profit Asia/ Infinite Profit Asia Ltd. 8. Zigmatrade/Zigma Trade 9. Suhail Medical Cen-
ter and Suhail Medical Center Inc. 10. A+/A-Plus/A-PlusMall/ “A” Plus Investment, LLC 11. Double M Global Trading 12. S AMZ Shop/s amz shop For the complete list of advisories, you may visit https://www.sec.
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pandemic. In her message showed during the kickoff at the People’s Park, Mayor Sara said that “for almost two years now, the Covid-19 pandemic has created a massive shift in our ways of life, driving us to find the means to adapt to the current situation and how best we can find ways to recover. This year, we have been blessed with a successful breakthrough in modern medicine in the form of the Covid-19 vaccines. Since
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total of 240 members of different peoples organizations (POs) composed of former members of New People’s Army (NPA) and its supporters received a total of P2.4 million in government aid in a ceremony held at Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Davao de Oro on Friday (Nov. 26). The beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) are from 7 sitios of Brgys. Kingking and Napnapan in Pantukan. They received P300,000 each personally handed over by the town mayor Roberto M. Yugo. The SLP is a community-based capacity building program for poor, vulnerable and marginalized communities to improve their socio-economic conditions. Lt. Col. Enrique Rafael, commanding officer of Philippine Army’s 48th Infantry Battalion, thanked the local government units
and government agencies in the province for providing livelihood assistance to these POs. “These monetary grants will be utilized as seed capital for livelihood activities specially that these people belonged to Conflict-Affected Areas (CAAs) who longed for government services,” he said. Most of the recipients have surrendered to the government troops in 2020 after realizing the wrong, deceptive path they took for years reorganizing themselves as people’s organization. According to Rafael, these former rebels are now helping the government in pursuing peace and development in their areas. They also served as living testimony of the efforts to bridge the gap between government and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and bring them services that they deserved.
1002nd Infantry Brigade launched an operation in response to a tip from former rebels, which led to the recovery of a .50 caliber machine gun with ammunition, a shotgun, four grenades, and a 40mm grenade launcher ammunition in Sitio Bonglawaan, Barangay Palo 19. “This is just one of the signs which shows that the communist terrorist group (CTG) has a scarcity of man-
power as more and more of their weapons lay unattended. This is important to note because the foundation of their operations heavily depends on their men,” he added. Almerol said former rebels divulged that the recovered items belong to the NPA’s Guerrilla Front Alip of the Far South Mindanao Region (GF Alip, FSMR). “This is a huge win
Ex-rebels’ tip-off leads to recovery of more NPA weapons in SoCot
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he Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said more high-powered firearms and explosives stashed by the New People’s Army (NPA) in a small village of Tampakan, South Cotabato were recovered on Nov. 27. In a statement Sunday, Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of Eastmincom, said troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) and 10th K9 Team under the
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NEWS
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Kindergarten students attend the pilot face-to-face class at Faith International Academy of Davao City, Inc. in Marfori Heights on Monday. Edge Davao
329 Davao City Jail inmates, 2 BJMP staff register for PhilID
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ersons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) inside the Davao City Jail male dormitory got the chance to register for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). A total of 329 PDL and two more Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel registered for PhilSys on November 8, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). They are now part of the more than 40 million Filipinos who have completed the Steps 1 (demographic) and 2 (biometrics) registration for the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card or the national ID. The registration forms part of PSA’s mobile registration strategy to cover more government and private institutions toward the goal of registering at least
50 million this year. Adeline Batucan, Senior Statistical Specialist of PSA-Region 11, said in a recent interview that they have been conducting institutional registration in various agencies to help increase the rate of processed PhilSys registration. In Davao City, PSA-11 conducted registration in the offices of the National Bureau of Investigation, Civil Service Commission, and real estate firm Damosa Land, Inc. in October. The Philippine Postal Corporation will deliver their PhilID cards. Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.
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Davao City upgrades from low to minimal risk classification
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avao City has upgraded from low risk to minimal risk classification as the number of Covid-19 cases in the city continues to drop. “Good news. From low risk ang atoang numbers karon nga ginatan-aw na indicators sa Department of Health nagapakita na ug minimal risk. This (minimal) is lower classification than low risk. Mao lang pud na ang good news dinha,” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said on Monday during the Special Hour with Mayor Inday Sara Duterte via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR). However, the mayor said making people understand to continue observing the minimum public health
protocols even though the city is under alert level 2 is a struggle. “For the past two weeks it has been a struggle nga pasabton ang mga tao nga we need to continue with the minimum public health standards nga implementation nato ug kini tong mask, distancing, and frequent handwashing with soap and water,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara reminded all the Dabawenyos that if they continue to disregard the minimum public health standards particularly mask and mass gatherings, there will be a surge in the coming months. The mayor said the possible impending surge may be fueled by mass gather-
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Private school starts face-to-face classes By MAYA M. PADILLO
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private school in Davao City has started implementing face-to-face (F2F) classes on Monday and other private schools could not wait to follow. Faith International Academy of Davao City, Inc. started the implementation of face-to-face classes on November 29, 2021. So far, Faith International Academy is the only private school in Davao City that has been granted by the Department of
Education (DepEd) and approved by the Department of Health (DOH) to pilot F2F in the Davao Region. The pilot F2F was participated by 10 Kindergarten students but only nine were physically present in the classroom as one student is in Korea
and will be attending the class online. School head Alastair Walker told members of local media that the F2F will be conducted on a regular schedule of classes and will run until the pilot program ends. Walker said the school has requested DepEd 11 to pilot the F2F. He said the school complied 15 pages of requirements for them to be upgraded for F2F.
“No one is taking any chances. Some of the requirements changed and situations changed. We are very thankful for the help of DepEd,” he said. Deped 11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said the school has complied with all the requirements that include securing consent from the parents and consent from the office of the Barangay Captain. Atillo said the facili-
the Department of Education (DepEd) to halt in-person classes nationwide and shift to online learning as way to ensure that students and faculty members are safe and protected. But a recent World Bank report, “Remote Learning During COVID-19: Lessons for Today,” showed that lack of access to the internet and slow connection had adversely affected the education of Filipino schoolchildren, as it noted that nine out 10 pupils cannot read. This means that the country’s learning poverty is now at a high of 90% by August 2021, from 69.5%
before the pandemic, according to World Bank estimates. Distance learning in the Philippines only covered 20% of households with schoolchildren, it added, similar to Ethiopia, the lowest rate. “Ito na nga ang masakit at hubad na katotohanan ng remote learning na ipinilit ipatupad sa buong bansa kahit sa mga lugar na wala naman o mababa ang kaso ng COVID-19,” Escudero lamented. “Nakaka-alarma na nga ang estado ng edukasyon bago mag-pandemya, tapos nabiktima naman ang ating mga magaaral ng magulong pagpapatupad ng distance learn-
ing.”
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Chiz: Address gaps in remote learning due to lack of internet connection
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ith no end in sight yet to the coronavirus pandemic, senatorial candidate and Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero is pushing for better internet service across the country to close some gaps in distance schooling in light of a recent study which confirmed that poor or lack of connectivity had significantly hindered children’s learning ability during the pandemic. The hard and long lockdowns in the country, considered one of the most stringent in the world by far, following the coronavirus outbreak in the country in March 2020 had prompted
He cited the case of Sorsogon where more than 50% of the barangays are COVID-free, which could have been exempt from the remote learning imposed by the DepEd. Escudero, a veteran legislator, is calling for massive investments for faster internet speed and wider coverage to make connectivity accessible to more students, as he expects hybrid learning to continue for some time even with the limited face-to-face classes recently implemented by the education department. “Sa datos ng World
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In urging Dabawenyos to take part in the 3-day vaccination drive targetting 50,000 individuals:
Now that we are a few numbers away from achieving herd immunity, we are hopeful that this may contribute to an easier and more smooth-sailing transition to the new normal.” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio
EDITORIAL Not again The Philippines could lose another world-class athlete and potential Olympic medalist in pole vaulter EJ Obiena. Obiena is the subject of controversy involving him and PATAFA, the national sports association for athletics. Because the two personalities are bound by a law RA. 6847, the government’s sports agency Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) becomes a necessary party.
Petrov, coach of pole vault great Sergei Bubka, is paid 2000 euros monthly for coaching EJ. The situation is unique in that EJ does the disbursements himself, not PATAFA or PSC. Essentially, in EJ’s case the burden of administrative work was passed to an athlete instead of his association or the government. How was this even arranged given the stringent government disbursement procedures and the policy of PSC of ‘no liquidation no funding’ is in itself baffling.
EJ, who trains in Italy under the great Vasily Petrov, is the current world no. 5 in pole vault. On a good day, EJ could beat the anyone ahead of him including the no. 1. So it is safe to say, we have a potential Olympic medalist and world champion in EJ.
It’s just unfortunate that an athlete of such caliber as EJ is facing this stressful issue. We have already lost chess Super Grandmaster Wesley So to the USA and reigning US Women’s Open golf champion Yuka Saso to Japan. We cannot afford to lose EJ who has received a number of foreign passport offers.
PSC is the creation of RA 6847 and is the funding agency for elite athletes like EJ. PATAFA supervises the training of athletes like EJ who receives money from the PSC for his allowance and training.
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
GETTING TO KNOW OMICRON On November 26, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) designated the variant B.1.1.529 a “variant of concern.” It was given the name Omicron. The decision was based on the evidence presented to the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAGVE) that Omicron has several mutations that may have an impact on how it behaves, for example, on how easily it spreads or the severity of illness it causes. In his Facebook account, Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa said Omicron “came from a single individual who has HIV, that was the findings.” HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, the microorganism that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). “(Omicron) has 32 spike mutations, meaning the shape of the virus changed,” said Dr. Herbosa, who is a special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19. In comparison, the Delta variant has only 8 spike mutations. Because Omicron has 32 spike mutations, the vaccines being used in the country’s vaccination program against COVID-19 “might not be able to recognize (the new variant).” What is even alarming is
that there are “10 changes in the spike protein surface, which makes it easier to bind to our A2 receptors.” In our research, we found this bit of information: “Alpha-2 receptors are found on cells in the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is part of the nervous system that increases heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and pupil size.” A press release from WHO stated: “The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on November 24, 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9, 2021.” Right now, according to the United Nations health agency, researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron and will continue to share the findings of these studies as they become available. So far, here’s what science knows about Omi-
cron: Transmissibility: It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible (that is, more easily spread from person to person) compared to other variants, including Delta. The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, but epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors. Severity of disease: It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta. Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron. There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants. Initial reported infections were among university studies – younger individuals who tend to have more mild disease – but understanding the level of severity of the Omicron variant will take days to several weeks. All variants of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that
is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, in particular for the most vulnerable people, and thus prevention is always key. Those who had been infected with COVID-19 before should better watch out. “Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron (that is, people who have previously had COVID-19 could become re-infected more easily with Omicron), as compared to other variants of concern,” WHO said, adding that information on this matter is still limited. Effectiveness of vaccines: WHO is working with technical partners to understand the potential impact of this variant on our existing countermeasures, including vaccines. Vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease and death, including against the dominant circulating virus, Delta. Current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death. Effectiveness of current tests: The widely used PCR tests continue to detect infection, including infection with Omicron, as we have seen with other variants as well. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests, including rapid antigen detection tests.
Effectiveness of current treatments: Corticosteroids and IL6 Receptor Blockers will still be effective for managing patients with severe COVID-19. Other treatments will be assessed to see if they are still as effective given the changes to parts of the virus in the Omicron variant. As of November 28, the WHO is coordinating with a large number of researchers around the world to better understand Omicron. “Studies currently underway or underway shortly include assessments of transmissibility, severity of infection (including symptoms), performance of vaccines and diagnostic tests, and effectiveness of treatments,” the WHO said in a statement. Aside from being vaccinated, the WHO urged people to still follow recommended health protocols. “The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn.”
ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD
BOTANICAL REMINDERS OF MEXICO Apart from loanwords that have become part of the Pilipino language, Mexican botanical influence is largely a least-explored field of historical research. Many of the plants endemic to that country were introduced to the islands via the Galleon Trade (1565-1815). These are now part of the Filipino diet, used as place-names, or sources of herbal concoctions. The best place to get in close contact with Mexican botany (study of plants) is by visiting the neighborhood public market, particularly the fruits, vegetable and flowers sections where a wide array of farm produce bearing familiar names are explicitly displayed. Dropping by the busy Bankerohan Public Market on a weekend will be an engaging journey. Among the Mexican fruits Filipinos are familiar with are
the papaya (kapayas to locals, papaya in Mexico, and Carica papaya in science); pineapple (pinya, piña, Ananas comosus); soursop (guya-bano, guanbana, Annona muricata); sugar-apple (atis, cherimoya, Annona squamosa); guava (bayabas, guayaba, Psidium guajava); soapapple (sapote, zapote negro, Diospyros nigra); sapodilla (tsiko, chicosapote, Manilkara zapota). A number of vegetables we serve during meals or processed as condiments that add flavor to food come from Mexico. Among them are squash (kalabasa, calabaza, Cucurbita spp.); jocote (si-niguelas, ciruela, Spondias purpurea); mirliton (sayote, chayote, Sechium edule); lima bean (patani, frijol, Phaseolus lunatus); tomato (kamatis, tomate, Solanum lycopersicum); chili (sili, chile, Capsi-
cum spp.); and achiote (atsuete, achiote, Bixa Orellana). Moreover, an array of crops and other plants classified for other purposes have also been identified as Mexican in provenance, in-cluding corn (mais, maiz, Zea mays); cocoa tree (kakaw, cacao, The-obroma cacao); agave (maguey, maguey, Agave spp.); monkeypod (kamatsile, guamuchil, Pithecellobium dulce); calabur tree (aratiles, capulin, Muntingia calabura); frangipani (kalatsutsi, sacalasuchil, Plumeria rubra); candle bush (akapilko, arbusto de la tiña, Senna alata), and tobacco (tabako, tobaco, Nicotiana tabacum). For those engaged in planting root crops, a number of plants classified under the category has become staples of street and junk foods. Four of these Mexican crops are the
peanut (mani, caca-huate, Arachis hypogaea), potato (patatas, papa, Solanum tuberosum), sweet potato (kamote, camote, Ipomoea batata), and cassava (ka-moteng kahoy, mandioca, Manihot esculenta). You can also add to the list the other Mexican plants that for the past three centuries have become part of the country’s botanical landscape, namely: the anil (anyil añil, Indigofera suffruticosa), sap-panwood (palo Colorado, palo brasil, Paubrasilia echinata), marvel of Peru (alas kuwatro, maravilla, Mirabilis jalapa), and yellow cos-mos (cosmos, chochopali, Cosmos sulphureus). For Davao residents in the sixties, the most famous swimming destination in the Agdao area was Ipil beach, which got its name after the lead tree (ipil-ipil) or wild tamarind, which
is scientifically known as Leucaena leucocephala. In case you have forgotten, the term tiyangge, an alternate for the Spanish mercado, is also a corruption of the Mexican tianguis, defined as ‘an open-air market or bazaar that is traditionally held on certain market days in a town or city neighborhood in Mexico and Central America.’ The loanword, a synonym of pa-lenque, another Mexican term, originated from tiyānquiztli in standard Nahuatl, the Aztec Empire language. Moreover, the tree marigold (Tithonia diversifolia), is commonly identified as the Mexican sunflower while the Britton’s Petunia (Ruellia simplex) is dubbed as the Mexican Bluebell. Both flower va-rieties, now cultured in backyard gardens throughout the archi-pelago, also came from Mexico.
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its availability, we have wasted no time in immediately rolling them out to the different sectors in our community as we recognize its critical role in the protection of our people from Covid-19.” The mayor also encouraged every Dabawenyo to get vaccinated and reminded them to continue practicing the minimum public health standards wherever they go. “Now that we are a few numbers away from achieving herd immunity, we are hopeful that this may contribute to an easier and more smooth-sailing transition to the new normal,” the mayor said. Mayor Sara expressed her gratitude to the
Dabawenyos for their continuous support of the city’s vaccination drive and to the medical frontliners for always heeding the call to health and public service. “On behalf of the City Government of Davao, I would like to extend my greetings to the attendees of today’s National Vaccination Day Celebration Kick-Off Program, “Bayanihan Bakunahan”, and likewise express my gratitude to the Davao City Task Force on Covid-19 Vaccine Cluster for this initiative,” the mayor said. Meanwhile, the city-controlled vaccination sites will simultaneously hold inoculation activities all over the city
for the people of Eastern Mindanao. I salute the troops for their very timely action and as well as the former rebels for their bravery in sharing information that is crucial to the success of Eastmincom,” he added. Eastmincom previously reported that former rebels had expressed willingness to work with the military troops in pursuing the remaining NPA members and locating their stashed weapons in Eastern Mindanao by sharing information with intelligence value. “These former rebels previously said their bitter and unfair experience in the hands of their CTG leaders made them determined to help the government in dismantling the remaining strongholds of CTGs and in pursuing peace and development in the country
so that no more Filipinos will be taken advantage of by the communist terrorist leaders,” Almerol said. He added that they continue to foster ties with former rebels and ensure that they avail of the benefits accorded to them by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The Anti-Terrorism Council has formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)
ties of the school are also more than ready for implementation. “They (Faith) secured shared responsibilities because this is not only the responsibility of the school but the responsibility of all concerned,” he said. At the school’s gate, the students underwent body temperature checking, washed their hands with soap and water, and stepped on a foot bath before they entered their classroom. Atillo said Deped 11 will be providing a checklist for the school to be followed. “We will do conduct constant visits, double-checking, and would like to ensure that these things are followed,” he said. Meanwhile, other private schools in Davao City expressed intention to conduct F2F classes.
“Walker said there are schools who already communicated with them. They want to have a benchmark with this school because they wanted to know how the school has gotten the approval. To us the department is very good news for all of us because the intent is to expand the implementation of the pilot modality which is face to face,” Atillo said. Atillo is hopeful that the five schools in Davao City recommended for the possible F2F in the city namely Dalagdag National High School, G. Tajo National High School, Saloy National High School, Mabuhay Elementary School now Victor Bernal Integrated School with Kindergarten in Barangay Mabuhay, and Gumitan Elementary School can start implementing the F2F classes.
The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.
It also seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. (PNA)
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gov.ph/investors-education-and-information/advisories/ PhLazada/PhLazada VIP/PhLazada International Trade Co Ltd. appears to be a self-service order placement platform for all international e-commerce companies, supporting mainstream e-commerce platform such as Shoppee, Lazada, Amazon and Ebay. Accordingly, one can invest in PhLazada/PhLazada VIP/PhLazada International Trade Co. Ltd. by registering first, then you can choose from any of the six (6) VIP Plans with corresponding task which are, VIP1, worth Php1,000.00 (5 task), VIP2, worth Php3,600.00(15 task), VIP3, worth Php8,000.00(30 task), VIP4, worth Php20,000.00 (40 task), VIP5, worth Php40,000.00 (85 task) and VIP6 worth Php88,000.00 (120 task). The investor can earn Php50.00 to Php3,600.00 daily or up to Php1,500.00 to PHP108,000.00 monthly depending on what plan they get. However, Lazada e-services Philippines, Inc., in a letter to the Commission dated 15 November 2021, certified that it is NOT connected nor associated with PhLazada/ PhLazada VIP/PhLazada International Trade Co Ltd. PhMall/PhMall.app offers six (6) VIP Plans with corresponding 20 daily grabbing orders, VIP1, worth Php100.00 (free upon signing), VIP2, worth Php1,000.00, VIP3, worth Php5,000.00, VIP4, worth Php30,000.00, VIP5, worth Php80,000.00 and VIP6 worth Php200,000.00. Accordingly, investors can earn Php320.00 to Php240,000.00 monthly depending on what plan they get. They can earn from direct order rebate 10%, and 5% for indirect order rebate and invitation rewards from Php100.00 to Php200,00.00. Investors can also earn from shared bank financial (wealth management expert) from 1.00% for 7-day period of purchase and up to 5.00% for 180-day period of pur-
chase. Phillq International Trade Co., Ltd./PHILLQ/ phillq.com (https://phillq. com/#/) also claims to be a self-service order placement platform for all international E-Commerce Companies, supporting mainstream e-commerce platform such as Shopee, Lazada, Amazon and Ebay. As posted on its website, investors can join by registering first, then they can choose from any of the six (6) VIP Plans with corresponding tasks: VIP1, worth Php1,000.00, VIP2, worth Php3,500.00, VIP3, worth Php8,000.00, VIP4, worth Php20,000.00, VIP5, worth Php40,000.00 and VIP6 worth Php88,000.00, accordingly. The investors can earn Php1,500.00 to Php106,000.00 monthly depending on what VIP plan they get. An investor can also earn from direct order rebate 10%, and 5% for indirect order rebate. The membership is good for one (1) year. Danea Ruby Cardones Solmayor is engaged in clothing business under DTI-registered business name, Danea Clothing Wholesaling, and other trade names such as Mane Overruns, Must Have Online Shop, Mane Investments, and Mane Emergency Loans. She lures potential investors with great return of investment evidenced by written investment contracts. Specifically, under the Normal Exclusive Investment Scheme, an initial investment of Php25,000.00 guarantees a total return of Php30,000.00 (20%); Php100,000.00 promised a total return of Php150,000.00 (50%) with a lock in period of one month and expected weekly return of investment. Moreover, a Normal Initial Investment of Php25,000.00 guarantees Php27,500.00 (10%); Php100,000.00 to Php125,000.00 (25%) return of investment in one week. Axie Crowd Asia promises that investment shall earn 50% in just a matter of
ing, not distancing, waning effect of vaccine and the new Covid-19 variant Omicron variant. “Importante na naa gihapon emphasis na magsuot ug mask ug paglikay sa daghan tao,” Mayor Sara said. Meanwhile, Omicron, which was first reported in South Africa on November 4, 2021, is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant that has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs (variant of concerns). National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr. was reported to look into the possibility of bringing back the controversial face shield policy, which Presi-
dent Rodrigo Duterte lifted recently. The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has announced last Sunday to ban inbound travelers from seven more countries amid the threat of Omicron. The national government also identified additional countries in addition to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique, the “red list” namely Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy. The ban is effective from November 28, 2021, until December 15, 2021. The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) ordered that only Filipinos returning to the country via repatriation flights may be allowed entry, subject to prevailing protocols for “red list” countries.
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fifteen (15) days. Presently, the entity has a special program where an investment shall earn seven times (7x) within a period of ninety (90) days plus other incentives. In addition, a 15% referral commission shall be given to investor who were able to recruit another to join into the scheme. Victorich / www. victorich.ph / Victorich Trades Company is enticing the public to be “co-producers” of its program by purchasing a package for a minimum of Php500 inclusive of 1 pc. Peppermint Essential Oil and 1 pc. Lavender Essential Oil with 30% profit in 30 days Infinite Profit Asia, headed by a certain Billy Ford Andrada, a.k.a., “Kazumi Shimizu,” is advertising that its company is an innovative investment platform that allows investor to earn up to 8% daily income. It also promises earnings of 6% -8% daily income or 180% return in 30 days. Z i g m a t ra d e / Z i g m a Trade offers 50% return of investment every 5 days within 30 days or a total Profit of 300% in 30 days. The minimum investment per slot is Php500.00 with no maximum limit. Further, it also has a Direct Referral Bonus of 3%. A member shall only need to invest, wait, and earn without having to do anything. Suhail Medical Center and Suhail Medical Center Inc. is enticing the public to be a co-owner of Suhail Medical Center for a promise of enjoying a lifetime revenue. It was further reported that a capital contribution of Php1,060,000 entitles a co-owner for 1 seat or half a seat for a contribution of Php550,000. In the same FB Page, Suhail Medical Center promises their co-owners the following: Guaranteed income, Revenue based on performance (quarterly), Free laboratories and check-ups for the co-owners and their next of kin, and a lifetime income. As posted on A+/APLUS/A-PLUS-MALL/“A” Plus Investment, LLC.’s website and Facebook Page, investors can join by registering first, then
they can choose from any of the three (3) VIP Levels which are, VIP 1, worth Php800.00, VIP 2, worth Php5,700.00 and VIP 3, worth Php35,000.00 accordingly. Investors can earn 10% commission for direct referral, 5% commission for indirect referral and 2% commission for subordinate. Investors can also earn through invitation rewards amounting to Php50.0 up to Php25,000.00 depending on how many they have invited who availed of the said levels. Double M Global Trading is offering investments to the public with a minimum amount worth Php500and promises earnings of 300% of their investment in 15 days. Investors also have the chance to earn more through the following: 1. 20% commission through Direct Referral Bonus (DRB); 2. 1% unlilevel commission from 2nd level up to 10th level; and 3. 0.55 unilevel commission from 11th level up to 15th level A payout of 50%, 100% and 150% payout will be earned every 5 days for a total of 300% subject for 10% withdrawal maintenance deduction. S AMZ Shop/s amz shop is enticing the public, through social media platform or through its own independent website (https://metrokf.com/ index/user/login.html), to invest in said entity. As posted on its website, investors can join by registering first, then they can choose from any of the six (6) Levels with corresponding tasks: Level 1 worth Php200.00, Level 2 worth Php500.00, Level 3 worth Php1,000.00, Level 4 worth Php5,000.00, Level 5 worth Php10,000.00 and Level 6 worth Php500,000.00accordingly. Investors can earn100% or double their money after completing the tasks. Investors can also earn from 16% first level agency commission, 8% 2nd level agency commission and 4% for third level agency commission. And lastly, investors need to recruit 10 investors to complete the task.
Bank, mga 26.9 porsyento lamang ng mga estudyante ang may access sa internet sa bansa. Paano naman ang mahigit na 70 porsyento na wala na ngang gadget, wala na ngang internet at paminsa-minsan ay walang kuryente sa kanilang mga kabahayan? Pababayaan na lamang ba natin silang maging mangmang?” said Escudero, who is seeking a fresh sixyear mandate in the coming national elections. As of January 2021, the country is now in sixth place in mobile internet speed among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Globally, the country moved up to 86th spot in the mobile internet speed rankings in the same period, a marked improvement from its 111th rank in 2020.
Average download rate in th Philippines improved to 38.12 megabits per second (Mbps) last October from previous month’s 35.03 Mbps, or an 8.82% improvement for mobile internet speed, according to Ookla Speedtest Global Index. However, fixed broadband speed slightly dipped to 71.08 Mbps from 71.85 Mbps during the same period. “Even as we enter the new normal, expect that distance learning modalities will be here for some time,” Escudero said. “Kaya kailangang mag-invest talaga sa internet connectivity para sa blended future distance learning ng ating mga estudyante. Huwag naman nating iwanan ang mga kabataan,” the former senator said.
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A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
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Cargo vessels are docked at a private port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City. Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) bared that exports have risen from a 50-percent plunge in April 2020 to an 18-percent year-on-year increase up to September this year, marking the seventh consecutive month of improved performance. Edge Davao
Exporters group says digital technology key to recovery
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he Philippine export industry is recovering from the pandemic’s impact and is expected to further grow as economies open worldwide while stakeholders embark on a digitalization and business continuity program.
The lowering of the alert levels toward the full re-opening of the economy, coupled with fast-tracking of the vaccination program, are critical interventions to help achieve our recovery and growth targets, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) chair George Barcelon said during the Pilipinas Conference, held virtually on November 22 to 26. Barcelon said exports have risen from a 50-per-
cent plunge in April 2020 to an 18-percent year-on-year increase up to September this year, marking the seventh consecutive month of improved performance. He said electronics is expected to continue to be the biggest dollar-earner, with industrial, medical, automotive, and telecom electronics products as growth drivers. With the sector’s continued recovery, Barcelon said the export industry group
is implementing the Future-Ready (P30) program using two strategies: technology and closer collaboration with partners. The program features five components -- the AI-powered Philexport portal, business continuity plan, The Road to FIRe (Fourth Industrial Revolution) Project, Thematic Clusters, and Export Connect. The portal features relevant information, business matching, online transactions with Philexport, and promotion and marketing, among others. Members with no website or who wish to have an expanded virtual presence may use the portal as a mi-
crosite or as a template for their own portal, Barcelon added. Through the second component of the P30 program, Barcelon said they hope to assist interested members to transition to the FIRe. “At Philexport, we have also started the digitization of files and (are) now moving to the development of systems that will support the portal and our online operations. We also intend to share these templates with our BSOs (business support organizations) and company members,” he said, adding that the business continuity plan covers physical and infrastructure.
7432, as amended, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The tax provision states “the grant of a minimum 10% discount relative to the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by the public utilities and exemption from the value added tax: Provided, that the individual meters for the foregoing utilities are registered in the name
of the senior citizen residing therein: Provided, further, that the monthly consumption does not exceed 150 kwh of electricity and 30 cubic meters of water.” “Provided furthermore, that the privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein and that the registered senior citizen continues to live within the household address.”
The Department of Finance (DOF), however, raised concerns on the proposed measure, noting that this could lead to abuses by some households. “First, the proposal may be inconsistent with the objectives of the TRAIN Law to improve the efficiency of the VAT system as it adds exemptions to a specific group of individuals,” DOF’s Lyonel Tanganco said.
House panel OKs higher discount for senior citizens’ electricity, water bills
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he House Ways and Means Committee approved the tax provisions of the measure which seeks to increase the rate of discount being granted to senior citizens on their monthly electric and water consumptions. The substitute bill to House Bills 1903 and 3040 was approved during a panel meeting on Monday. It seeks to amend for the purpose Republic Act
WTO’s conference postponed due to new Covid-19 variant
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ue to the emergence of the new Omicron variant and the latest Swiss government’s travel restrictions, the highly anticipated 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland was indefinitely postponed. The Ministerial Conference is expected to tackle several key trade and investment issues necessary to enhance international trade rules and address the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Among the expected outcome of the conference would be the conclusion of the Fisheries Subsidies negotiation and Ministerial decisions or statements on trade and public health including access to vaccines and medicines, e-commerce, investment facilitation, and services domestic regulations. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Philippines has been fully engaging and was looking forward to the said conference to secure its national interest amidst shared
global challenges including on the pandemic. However, he said he fully understands and agrees with the postponement, considering the tightened travel restrictions imposed by the Swiss government and the health risk for the delegates, posed by the new Covid-19 variant Omicron. Among the issues that the Philippines will be pushing are decisions on trade and health initiatives that would make vaccines and therapeutics more inclusive, and the conclusion of fisheries subsidies negotiation. “Access to safe, effective affordable and high-quality diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines has been a consistent policy advocated by President Duterte, Foreign Secretary Locsin and DTI across all fora such as in the recent meetings of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and in bilateral engagements, and a concrete decision at the WTO forum on trade and health would have been a milestone in addressing this objective,” Lopez said
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ECONOMY A2
Mall goers buy Christmas decorations at the atrium of a mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City less than a month before Christmas Day. Edge Davao
Pinoy salary increases to be lower than Asia Pacific average in 2022 P PLDT, Smart block 19K mobile numbers linked to digital pyramiding schemes
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LDT Inc. and its mobile subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. have blocked thousands of mobile numbers connected to digital pyramiding schemes this month alone, the group announced Sunday. According to the group, its teams have blocked 19,000 mobile numbers and 5,693 user access to sites connected to the scheme reportedly orchestrated by a global syndicate, and uncovered over 100 domains involved in the ongoing SMS spam scheme. “The cybercriminals have mischievously capitalized the high unemployment rate in this pandemic to make money,” PLDT and Smart Cyber Security Operations chief of Information Security Angel Redoble said in an emailed statement. “To avoid falling victim [to] financial loss, we urge the public to delete, block, and not click such too-goodto-be-true job offers,” he elaborated. The latest report comes after the National Privacy Commission (NPC) reported that an organized international or global syndicate is behind the influx of random spam text messages. The scheme involves sending unsolicited but
enticing messages such as jobs with high salaries from unknown numbers, which could then lead to an elaborate online phishing scam where the target mobile users fall victim to fraud. The PLDT group last week said it is blocking mobile numbers and IP addresses due to the recent spike in spam and text messages, and it has found that the spam text messages were from registered users of the online messaging platform WhatsApp. “PLDT and Smart recognize how crucial data privacy has become, and we have convened with various sectors regarding the matter—a recognition that this issue requires a multisectoral approach,” said PLDT and Smart chief data privacy officer Leah Jimenez. “We assure the government agencies and other sectors that PLDT and Smart will take an active role in protecting Filipinos against cybercrime by strengthening our cybersecurity reinforcements,” she added. For its part, the NPC said it has already summoned the data protection officers of telecommunications firms, online shopping applications, and banks to report on their spam prevention measures.
rojected salary increases in the Philippines for next year will be lower than the regional average in Asia Pacific, according to a recent poll conducted by asset management firm Mercer. Mercer’s latest Total Remuneration Survey (TRS) found that the median pay increase in the country is expected at 5% next year, with increases across all industries. However, this is lower than APAC’s projected median salary increase of 5.4%, reflecting the divergence in pay progression between emerging and developed economies. Other peers in the region are expected to report higher salary increments of as high as 9% in Pakistan, and as low as 2.3% in Japan.
In the Philippines, the High Tech industry is expected to record the highest improvement in the median salary from 5% to 5.8%, followed by Retail and Wholesale up 0.7% to 6%, and Consumer Goods up 0.2% to 5.2%. The highest salary increases are expected in the energy, life sciences, retail and wholesale, and shared services sectors which expect increases of 6% next year, while the lowest increases are in the chemical, manufacturing, and non-financial services sectors.
“Talent in the High Tech space is in demand and it is no surprise that companies in the sector continue to boost salaries to hold on to their people,” said Mercer’s Career Business Leader for Philippines Floriza Molon. “The salary increments for industries that are dependent on consumer spending like retail and wholesale and consumer goods, show that consumer spending is on the uptrend as the Filipino economy continues its path toward recovery,” she added. Two in five Philippine employers said they had no plans of changing their headcount, while many have reported cuts in spending by skipping overtime wages, implementing shorter work weeks, and layoffs. “We see companies exercising greater prudence
around recruitment in the short term, with their immediate priority being keeping their businesses afloat. This has had material impact on the economy as jobs may not be created fast enough to satisfy the demand,” said Molon. “More Filipinos are not earning enough even if they hang on to their jobs, and are therefore on the hunt for more work. Until the pandemic situation stabilizes and granular lockdowns are lifted, jobs and livelihoods in the country will continue to be affected,” she added. The latest data available from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicates that there were 4.25 million jobless Filipinos in September, reflecting an unemployment rate of 8.9% — the highest rate since January this year.
vious generation aircraft and consumes as little as 1.4 liters per seat per 100 kilometers, “burning less fuel and emitting less carbon,” Cebu Pacific said. “We believe that growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive and should in fact be inclusive if we want to work towards the greater good. This is why we will always choose the greener options – increased aircraft efficiency,
reduced noise and carbon emissions, to ensure that more low fares will be available for every Juan,” Cebu Pacific chief strategy officer Alex Reyes. The airline said it is on track to have an all-Neo fleet by 2027. The aircraft’s exterior noise footprint is also nearly 60 percent less, Cebu Pacific said. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine.
Airbus Asia-Pacific president Anand Stanley said the A330neo is the first aircraft in the world certified to comply with ICAO’s (International Civil Aviation Organization) CO2 emission standards beyond 2028. “The airline will benefit from the aircraft’s stepchange in performance and economics, while maintaining passenger comfort and lowest operating costs,” Stanley said.
CebPac receives 1st Airbus A330neo
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ebu Pacific said it has received its first Airbus A330neo as part of its goal of becoming the “greenest airline” in Asia. In a statement, the country’s largest airline said the 459-seater Airbus A33neo (New Engine Option) could carry more travelers in a single flight resulting in the lowest carbon footprint per passenger. The plane also uses 25 percent less fuel than pre-
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COMPETITIVE EDGE
VOL.14 ISSUE 220 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021
Getaway deals include studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units at Aeon Towers.
‘Ber’ to remember holiday getaway at Aeon Towers
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t’s that BER to remember. November is about to end, but December beckons and the exciting Holiday Getaway Deals from Aeon Towers on the ‘ber’ months continues.
Staying at Aeon Towers for a weekend away comes with all the benefits of a holiday, without even leaving the Davao metro area. Aeon Towers is the perfect spot for a mini staycation to reconnect with friends, family or your special someone. Many Dabawenyos have never spent time re-discovering themselves and family away from their own space at home. The Aeon Towers staycation experience gives you that mush needed “me” or “us” time. Aeon Towers is an iconic landmark towering in the heart of Metro Davao’s business district along J.P. Laurel Avenue. It is a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and soon a hotel component to
be operated by a 5-star international hotelier making Aeon Towers the next big destination in the city. Some of its condo units are now turned over to homeowners who are enjoying a luxurious and smart lifestyle experience they invested in. For the month of November, Aeon Towers offered packages worth P2,999 for a Studio unit and P3,499 for a 1-bedroom unit. These offerings come with amazing inclusions like complimentary breakfast for two, onetime minibar consumption, and access to Club Aeon amenities like the pool and gym at the 6th floor of the tower. Also available are 2-bedroom suites for four persons. Payments may be easily made through cash, online bank transfers, or GCash. Reservations may be made through the Facebook page of Aeon Towers Staycation Units or through mobile nos. 09685758518 and 09266858413.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots 10 for 15 in 33 minutes of action. PHOTO: AP
P2-M awaits MPBL Invitational champ
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huge early Christmas gift awaits the champion of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational. Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas announced on Friday night that he would be giving away PHP2 million to the team that will win it all in the short tournament from December 11 to 23. MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes believes the huge pot money at stake should give the teams another reason to go all-out. “That’s added motivation to those who are involved in the organization, especially the players, dahil papunta na rin sa Pasko eh (because Christmas is nearing),” the Philippine Basketball Association legend said. The other two podium finishers will also not be leaving the pre-Yuletide event empty-handed.
The second placer will receive PHP500,000, while the third placer will take home PHP250,000. Balanced field The announcement happened during the group draw for the elimination round of the MPBL Invitational at the Crowne Plaza Grand Ballroom in Pasig. The 22 participating teams were divided into four groups of varying numbers of clubs. Groups A and D will have six teams each. Western Visayas-based teams Iloilo United Royals, Bacolod All-Star Ballers, and newcomers Negros Muscovados have all been drawn to Group A to be joined by Luzon-based clubs Bacoor City Strikers, Pasig Realtors, and the Caloocan team now known as the Excellence. The other six-team group, Group D, will have Manila, Rizal, Imus, GenSan, Mindoro, and Bulacan in it.
Bucks beat Pacers for seventh straight win I NDIANAPOLIS — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and 13 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks extended their winning streak to seven, routing the Indiana Pacers, 118-100, on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time).
The Bucks led by five at halftime and pulled away with a 39-27 third quarter. Guard Jrue Holiday scored 11 of his 23 points in the quarter. “We’re playing together and everybody is contributing,” Holiday said. “It’s been fun.” Much like the surging Bucks, who improved to 13-8, Holiday has been hot in averaging 19.7 points in
the last four victories. He also had nine assists and seven rebounds against Indiana. “Being able to go through the things we went through last year was huge,” Holiday said of winning the NBA title. “We know we can make a run at any time.” Bobby Portis scored 15 points, Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton each
had 14, and Indianapolis native George Hill added 13 for the Bucks. “We didn’t have enough in the tank tonight,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “We just had a very difficult night.” Caris LeVert led the Pacers with a season-high 23 points. Malcolm Brogdon had 16. “They’re the champions,” said the Pacers’ Justin Holiday. “It’s going to be a tough game against them every time.” In reference to multiple reports that the Bucks have signed veteran center DeMarcus Cousins, coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged a lack of depth
at center because Brook Lopez has played only one game due to a back injury. “When you look at the depth chart and look at how we’re subbing, depth at the big position is something that we could use,” Budenholzer said. TIP-INS Bucks: Extended series winning streak against Pacers to six games ... Antetokounmpo has led the team in scoring in 17 games and in rebounding in 16 games. Pacers: After a season-high 12 assists Friday night in a home win over Toronto, Brogdon had just two. ... Domantas Sabonis scored a season-low four points on 1-of-8 shooting.
The lead was just two after a Cuba basket by Jasiel Rivero with 34 seconds remaining. The US didn’t call a timeout, and Thomas kept the ball in his hands for the entirety of what became the biggest possession of the game for the Americans. The two-time NBA AllStar — who averaged 29 points for the Boston Celtics in 2016-17 and spent a considerable amount of time battling injuries since — waited for a screen, used it and connected from near the top of the key for a 93-88 lead. “We have prepared for those moments,” US coach Jim Boylen said. “We were organized. And he made a huge play.” Thomas — an NBA free agent with hopes of getting back into the league — last
appeared on the national team in February, starting two games during qualifying for the AmeriCup. He led the team with 14 points per game in those contests, with the US defeating the Bahamas and Mexico. He was in the NBA briefly last season, averaging 7.7 points in three games with New Orleans. “For me, personally, the ultimate goal is to get back in the NBA,” Thomas said. “But I just love playing the game of basketball. So, obviously, at some point, if the NBA isn’t an option I’ve got to look at options overseas. But I’m in love with the game. No matter where I’m playing, I have no pride whatsoever. I love competing and I love playing against the best players in the world.”
Thomas’ clutch trey lifts USA past Cuba in Fiba qualifying
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Isaiah Thomas and the US squad survive a huge scare. PHOTO: FIBA.BASKETBALL
HIHUAHUA, Mexico — Isaiah Thomas made sure USA Basketball’s road to the 2023 Fiba World Cup didn’t begin with a major upset. Thomas scored 21 points, including a sealing 3-pointer with 13.3 seconds left, and the Americans erased a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Cuba, 95-90, on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) in their World Cup qualifying opener. “It’s an honor and a privilege to put USA on your chest,” the 32-year-old Thomas said. “So, anytime USA Basketball comes calling, I’m always going to be for it. We have a great group of guys, a great coaching staff and it was fun to be out there. It was a great game. It was a tough game for us.”
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The Philippines’world no. 5 pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
EJ, Patafa and PSC
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he trio sporting these initials are not siblings nor blood relatives. They are related because that’s the way it was fixed by law (RA 6847 that created the Philippine Sports Commission). EJ is Enest John Obiena, the Pinoy Tokyo Olympian pole vaulter who is rated number 5 in the world. His training here and abroad is funded by the PSC and supervised by Patafa.. Patafa stands for the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, the NSA (national sports association) under which EJ belongs to. Patafa is an NGO which, like all NSAs, receives financial assistance from the government (taxpayers’ money). PSC is the government sports agency that takes care of the overall administrative needs of national athletes (including funding) and parlays the grassroots program nationwide where potential athletes for the national team are discovered and identified. Recently, EJ, who stays in Italy for most of the year and competes in prestigious European tournaments against the best to stay in shape and prepare for the Olympics, was accused of how should you call it - delaying the payments for the salary of his foreign coach Vasily Petrov who is paid 2,000 euros monthly. Just to simplify, I watched EJ interviewed on socmed about his dilemma.
And he hinted about retiring if the allegations against him - embezzlement or theft - are not withdrawn and the Patafa offers an apology. You see, if this allegation were not leaked to the press, the problem could have been solved peacefully and without fanfare. Petrov has since admitted that EJ has paid him his salary in three tranches - on Nov. 3, 4 and 5. So, he has kept quiet and has refrained from making any more statements. There are three main concerns that are in focus here. First, EJ sadly remarked that he should not be tasked with the administrative burden of paying the salaries of his team (coach et al) and preparing the accounting paperwork which takes a lot of his time, I agree. Ideally, national athletes should have nothing to do with the administrative burdens that the NSAs and the PSC are incumbent upon them. This should be clear to all. Second, this is regretful but EJ cannot escape from the fact that he accepted this arrangement because it paved the way for his smooth training stint and participation in the Eu-
ropean circuit. Petrov, a world-renowned maker of pole vault champions, stays in Europe the whole year round. Third, I am sorry to say that while Patafa and the PSC dutifully fulfilled their task to support their athletes’ training, they are also equally guilty of acquiescing to the awkward arrangement instead of directly making the payments to Petrov, which is a COA requirement. EJ may have - again regretfully - committed forgivable mistakes not of his own liking. But, for all intents and purposes, this should not lead to an irreparable verdict where a lose-lose and vexing catch 22 situation can result. EJ, I heard, is being offered passports by countries interested to adopt him as their own. The harm has been done because the press voraciously feasted on what I thought was a minor internal spat - not rift nor conflict - that could have been quietly resolved without hurting anyone’s ego. The PSC should save the day. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yaho.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
