Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 230 | Saturday, December 11, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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COMMUNITY SPIRIT ‘Bayanihan’ pushes Davao City to 23rd in cities with herd immunity STORY ON PAGE 2

A public utility jeepney traverses along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Friday. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has allowed PUVs to increase their seating capacity from 60 percent to 70 percent. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 230 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

The city government of Davao starts to deliver bags of groceries to members of Indigenous People communities for “Pahalipay sa Pasko” in some remote barangays in Paquibato, Marilog, Calinan, Tugbok, and Toril Districts. The Pahalipay sa Pasko is a yearly gift giving activity of the City Government of Davao. CIO

COMMUNITY SPIRIT R

Religious groups cite unification efforts to end Covid-19 pandemic

‘Bayanihan’ pushes Davao City to 23rd in cities with herd immunity By MAYA M. PADILLO

avao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser cited the ‘bayanihan’ spirit of Dabawenyos as the reason why Davao City ranked 23rd among cities nationwide that have achieved herd immunity.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced 23 highly urbanized cities including Davao City that have reached herd immunity against Covid-19. As of December 6,

2021 Davao City has administered the first dose of vaccines to 1,171,050 Dabawenyos and 1,009,021 Dabawenyos for the second dose. “Shoutout to the private and public sectors tanan

ta nagtinabangay. That is very good news for the city that deserve a clap and a stomp for the city and the people who helped para ma-achieve nato na. Ang sikreto sa Davao City maong naka-achieve ta ug herd immunity even isa ta sa pinakadaghan ug population is because naa ang spirit of “bayanihan” dinhi sa Davao City. It is not just because tungod sa local government but we have had help from the private

sector,” Schlosser said. She also said that the city has good leaders and a mayor who is always on top of every activity in terms of Covid-19 management, which contributed to the city achieving herd immunity. “We have a vice mayor and councilors also na gina-mobilize ang mga tao and barangay leaders. It helps to have a task force kay it’s a collaborative na

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RT-PCR test for unvaxxed employees, now required in DavNor - Dr. Lacerona

he Provincial Government of Davao Del Norte has adopted the implementation of the National Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), to require RTPCR test results from unvaccinated government or private employees, every 14 days before entering their respective workplaces start-

ing on December 1, 2021. Dr. Alfredo Lacerona, the Provincial Health Officer of Davao Del Norte, clarified during the recent episode of Kapihan sa DavNor, that the national IATF already issued a new guideline requiring on-site unvaccinated workers, to produce with their own expense, a negative Reverse transcription PCR (RTPCR) test results every 14

days starting on December 1, 2021. “Naa nay issuance ang atong national IATF nga kadtong naa sa government employee or bisan gane sa private companies nga kadtong mga employee na wala pa nabakunahan dili sila pasudlon sa opisina or ginarequire sila na every 14 days magpaswab ilahang gasto,” (Our national IATF

already issued a guideline mandating government offices or even private companies with unvaccinated employees to deny them of entry to their respective offices unless they could produce RT-PCR test results every 14 days), Dr. Lacerona explained. Dr. Lacerona also weighed the impact of re-

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eligious leaders from the Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant converged Monday to continue discussing efforts to unify religious groups in supporting the nation end the transmission of the COVID19. Fr. Pete Lamata, parish priest of La Verna St. Francis of Assisi, cited the many ways that the catholic church exerted ways to support the call of Pope Francis to help address the pandemic. “With the inspiration of the government, we encourage them to be vaccinated. Here in Davao, Archbishop Romulo Valles has been organizing vaccination activities in catholic schools and in parishes,” Fr. Lamata said. The catholic religious

group, he bared, has been in constant collaboration with the City Health Office of Davao. “Our efforts can also be seen in our educational formulation, through our homilies as inspired by the Pope and the Archbishop,” Lamata added. Highlighted in the church homilies is the message on “ Mask, Distansya, Hugas, Bakuna”. Said messaging was reiterated every time to bring forth to the attention of people the importance of strictly following the minimum public health standards (MPHS). The churches, according to Brokenshire College and Hospital Chaplain Rev. Haniel Taganas, are one of the institutions that responded immediately and positively

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2 DavOr towns start serving 6-14 age bracket for nat’l ID

hilippine Identification (PhilID) or national ID registration centers in the municipalities of Manay and Cateel in Davao Oriental are now catering to children aged six years to 14 years. The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) teams in the two municipalities advised the public to bring the necessary documents for the registration of children under these age brackets, including birth certificates authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or local civil registrar.

All minors should also have adult companions. “We would like to let all residents in the towns of Manay and Cateel that children aged six to 14 years old can now register for the national ID,” the PhilSys team posted on November 18. The city of Mati and the municipalities of Cateel, Baganga, Manay, Lupon, and Governor Generoso started accepting PhilID applicants in July. In a recent post, the Mati City PSA-Based PhilSys Fixed Registration Center

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EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

An elderly Dabawenyo receives vaccine against Covid-19 during‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’National Vaccination Days at People’s Park in Davao City. Davao City has been ranked 23rd among cities nationwide that already achieved herd immunity, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Edge Davao

US scientist speaks up on cutting of Philippine Eagle nesting areas Cotabateños given TUPAD aid through Lala Mendoza, TUCP

he TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers beneficiaries from the First District of North Cotabato cannot contain their happiness as they received their assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the initiative of TUCP Partylist Representative Raymond Mendoza and implemented to the province through the office of Vice Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza. The beneficiaries are composed of displaced workers from different business sectors across all towns of Cotabato Province, who were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In return, they expressed their heartfelt gratitude to VG Mendoza for collaborating the initiative with DOLE and TUCP. Meanwhile, the TUPAD beneficiaries of New Alimodian, Matalam, who also extended their sincere appreciation to Vice Gov. Mendoza; Miss Samantha Santos; TUCP Partylist Cong. Mendoza and DOLE, conducted a clean up drive

in their neighborhoods not only to render work as an exhange for their assistance but also to give back to the community after chosen as benefactors. This latest provision of TUPAD aid for North Cotabato was made possible after Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III approved the allocation for the 11,135 beneficiaries. The program, which aims to address the lack of opportunities for displaced workers to earn due to the ongoing pandemic, will give beneficiaries temporary jobs to help them earn. They will only be required to work at least 4 hours a day for 10 days at a rate of P336 per day. TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed. VG Mendoza, a compassionate leader, is exerting all her effort to help those in

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

he first scientist to breed the American bald Eagle has spoken up about the issuance of cutting permits in nesting areas of the Philippine Eagle.

James Grier, professor emeritus of the Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University Fargo, USA, shared his thoughts on the issue through an open letter addressed to Bagani Fidel A. Evasco, regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 11). Grier said he recently learned of the issuing of

a permit to harvest oldgrowth trees for commercial purposes near a long-established, productive, and well-studied (including him in the early stages) Philippine Eagle nesting territory in Mounts Makabol-Alikoson Conservation Area (MMACA) in Brgy. Salaysay. “That area should be left in its natural state to the full-

est extent possible, including leaving old and even fallen trees naturally in place,” the letter said. Grier, who had firsthand experience with the Philippine Eagle and was among the first to travel to and help study the nesting eagles at Brgy. Salaysay following reports by residents as well as helped develop the captive breeding techniques for the species and was the “midwife” present for the hatching of Pag-asa in 1992; informed Evasco that he had seen (and signed)

the petition to cancel the tree-cutting permit at Salaysay, along with other documents with the specific and detailed reasons for canceling the permit. “I will not repeat those details and reasoning here since others have already stated them. Suffice it to say, I and my wife agree 100 percent with the reasons and are fully in support of canceling the cutting permit,” it said. He is referring to the petition spearheaded by

complished herd immunity in Davao City for the first dose of anti-Covid-19 vaccination. The Drug-Free Workplace Program and mandatory drug testing are being offered by the city government to business establishments with 10 or more employees as the requirement for business permit

renewal. The city government of Davao recently issued an advisory calling all private business establishments and business owners in Davao City employing 10 or more employees for their compliance to the City Ordinance No. 0506-13 and the Executive Order No. 32 Series of 2018 of the Imple-

menting Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “DrugFree Workplace Program and the Conduct Of Mandatory Random Drug Testing” as a requirement in the acquisition and renewal of business permits for business establishments employing 10 or more starting 2020.

FUS, P10

Cadac resumes monitoring of Drug-Free Workplace program

he City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac) has resumed the monitoring on the compliance by private establishments on the Drug-Free Workplace (DFW) program in Davao City. Ronald Rivera, technical adviser of the Cadac, told Edge Davao DFW has resumed following the ac-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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MV Starlite Saturn of Starlite Ferries has made its maiden voyage on Wednesday evening (from Cebu to Nasipit Port in Agusan del Norte and will return to its port of origin Thursday night, adding a new sea transport service in the Caraga Region. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

Gov’t protocols enough to ‘ward off’ Omicron, local carriers say T Philippine Airlines (PAL) spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a public briefing on Thursday. She also noted that passengers should also monitor the travel requirements so their flights will not be delayed. Villaluna said Omicron has no impact or threat yet on both inbound and outbound international flights of the PAL.

“In fact, we have many passengers. Out of the 4,000 passenger arrival cap, (PAL) carries 1,000 a day,” she said. PAL’s outbound international flights have an average of 70 percent load factor. Cebu Pacific (CEB) spokesperson Carmina Romero, on the other hand, said the Omicron variant might have an impact on travel confidence, but not as disturbing as when the industry feared the Delta variant. “At this point, it’s too early to tell whether it will disrupt everyone’s plans for the holidays, but (CEB) continues to hope for the

best while preparing for the worst. We remain agile in our response, as we have been since the start of the pandemic. We will proceed as planned for now as we continue to be cautiously optimistic in weathering this situation,” she told the Philippine News Agency. Romero added there has been a major improvement as there are more vaccinated people now, and there are vaccination and booster drives by every local government unit (LGU). “The main difference is that Omicron emerged when almost 90 percent of NCR’s target population have been vaccinated and

pacity of producers to meet demand because of labor shortages and limited mobility brought about by the pandemic. He added those businesses that heavily rely on global supply chains for production inputs are experiencing delays in delivery, diminishing supply of raw materials, and higher input prices.

Global supply chain issues also include backlogs in shipping ports, power shortages, and reimposition of lockdowns. The central bank chief added that the emergence of the Omicron variant may further prolong the supply chain disruptions as some governments are closing their borders to mitigate the spread of the new strain

of the virus. “Amid a challenging global economic environment, the BSP shall continue to be vigilant in monitoring the potential inflationary risks that may arise from supply shortages while providing the appropriate policy support to help ensure a sustainable path to economic recovery,”

hree of the major local carriers said the Covid-19 Omicron variant is not yet affecting airline operations, adding the government is doing the necessary measures to prevent it from entering the country. “We can say that the country is ready. The IATF and aviation stakeholders work together in creating measures and protocol revisions when necessary. If the (Omicron) variant enters the country, then there will be an additional adjustment. We believe that the existing protocols in quarantine, testing, and arrival procedures are enough to ward off the variant,”

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BSP remains vigilant against global supply chain challenges

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank continues to be on the lookout for developments in the global supply chain as it may impact the county’s inflation. In his press conference Thursday, Diokno said current disruptions in the global supply chain are mainly driven by the weaker ca-

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ARTA chief’s exit plan: Fast-track improvement in gov’t services

nti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) director general Jeremiah Belgica said his ‘exit plan’ -- as the Duterte administration will finish its term next year -- is to accelerate reforms to improve government services. “The exit plan is to create more momentum for us,” Belgica said during the Ease of Doing Business Summit in Quezon City Thursday. He added that despite being a young agency, the ARTA has issued policies and rolled out reforms that will make transacting with the government easier. One of the key reforms of the agency is fast-tracking the release of permits and licenses for telecommunications towers which now helped the Philippines improve its internet speed. Belgica said the government was able to release more than 33,000 permits and licenses in a year for telco towers from around 6,000 annually before. ARTA, along with other government agencies, also signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on Poles, Underground Fiber

Ducts, and Cable Laying to expedite the rollout of telco infrastructure and service projects, leading to faster internet connectivity. The ARTA chief added that these policies have led to the increase in the country’s ranking in Ookla’s speedtest, wherein the Philippines’ internet speed ranking went up to 67th place in October this year from 111th in January. Belgica also highlighted streamlining and automating government services that will enable citizens to transact with the government in the comfort of their homes. Under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Service Act of 2018 or the EODB law, local government units (LGUs) are mandated to establish an electronic Business-One-Stop-Shop (e-BOSS). Through the e-BOSS, LGUs will be able to automate permitting and licensing systems by using the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (IBPLS) software developed by the Department of Information and Communi-

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ECONOMY

A market goer buys dressed chicken from one of the stalls inside Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City. The South Korean government has cleared two poultry farms from the Philippines to export chicken meat. Edge Davao

SoKor clears two PH poultry farms to export chicken meat FDI net inflows at $7.3B in first 3 quarters: BSP

espite the lingering concerns on the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign direct investment (FDI) yielded net inflows for the first nine months of the year, surpassing the central bank’s target for the entire 2021, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed Friday. The central bank defines FDI as an investment by a non-resident or foreign direct investor in a resident enterprise or an investment made by a non-resident subsidiary or associate in its resident direct investor. FDI can be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings. Central bank figures showed the FDI net inflows for the January to September period stood at $7.3 billion, up 43.8% from the $5.1 billion worth of net inflows posted in the same period in 2020. The year-to-date FDI net inflows has exceeded the BSP’s target of $7 billion worth of net inflows for the entire year. In a Viber group mes-

sage, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno told reporters that the central bank is revising its full-year FDI net inflows target. “The revised number will be announced next week, if not sooner,” he said. The higher January to September net FDI inflows was mainly on account of the 78.6% increase in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments to $5.3 billion from $3 billion last year, according to the BSP. Net investments in debt instruments consist mainly of inter-company borrowing or lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries in the Philippines. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings reached $865 million, up by 12.3% from the $770 million yearon-year. Foreigners’ net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings - declined by 15.7% to $1.1 billion from $1.3 billion in January to September 2020 period. “Net investments in eq-

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In a letter to Agriculture Secretary William Dar dated November 24, 2021, Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul attaché Maria Alilia Maghirang told the Agriculture chief that the Korean government accredited

Carino and Sons Agri-Development Inc. (CASADI) based in Batangas and LDP Farms Corp. located in La Union for exports of chicken meat to Korea. “CASADI and LDP Farms may commence their exports of chicken

meat products to Korea, effective 23 November 2021,” Maghirang said. She added that chicken meat products refer to all chilled or frozen meat, bone, fat, skin, and tendon that are derived from chicken. The clearance given to two Philippine poultry farms to export chicken meat to Korea came months after the East Asian country lifted in August the suspension on the entry of

espite the World Bank announcement on the discontinuation of its Doing Business Report, the Philippines will pursue reforms in ease of doing business. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said the country will now have a “localized version of the Doing Business Report” of the World Bank by launching the Philippine Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Reporting System. “We believe that what the World Bank has been doing is good for the country’s competitiveness rank-

ing,” ARTA deputy director general Ernesto Perez said during the EODB Summit in Quezon City Thursday. Perez said the Philippine EODB Reporting System will adopt World Bank’s previous Doing Business Report methodology including the 10 indicators—Starting a Business, Dealing with Construction Permits, Getting Electricity, Registering Property, Getting Credit, Protecting Minority Investors, Paying Taxes, Trading Across Borders, Enforcing Contracts, and Resolving Insolvency.

“We will apply it locally to the Philippine situation. From the 10 indicators, we will choose those we need immediately like Starting a Business, Getting Electricity, and (Dealing with) Construction Permit,” he told the Philippine News Agency. Perez added that the Philippine EODB Reporting System will adopt the World Bank methodology by phase, but initially apply the aforementioned three indicators as well as Trading Across Borders and Registering Property. The scope of the lo-

he South Korean government has cleared two poultry farms from the Philippines to export chicken meat to the East Asian country.

poultry and pet birds from the Philippines. Last year, Korea suspended the entry of poultry and pet birds from the Philippines, following the H5 avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the country. The DA in January said the country was declared avian influenza-free by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), after resolving the outbreaks in Pampanga and Rizal.

calized EODB survey will be expanded to other key metropolitan areas aside from Quezon City, which is the country’s focus for the World Bank’s Doing Business Report. The ARTA official said the Philippines has prepared 102 reform initiatives and 23 data corrections for the World Bank’s Doing Business Report for next year before it was halted in September this year. The most numbers of eforms were in Dealing with Construction Permits

PH poised to continue ease of doing business reforms D

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 230 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

On President Rodrigo Duterte’s policy to first and foremost serve the people and protect the interests of the country:

He stuck by that from the beginning of his term as President and the administration of President Duterte has always stuck with that – a friend to all, enemy to none.”

Sec. Karlo Nograles

Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary

EDITORIAL Traffic means numbers The 2022 elections is about to become a territorial debate.

As early as this time, supporters of the administration and opposition are exchanging barbs based on the local governance records of candidates. For example, the opposition is attacking the Duterte administration and its allies, including the presidential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who is the runningmate of former Senator Bongbong Marcos, by despising Davao City.

The other day in the aftermath of the massive crowds that lined up the route of the Bongbong-Sara caravan, supporters of other candidates can only heave sour grapes. The outpouring expression of support by the mammoth throng only spells the political stock of this tandem come the 2022 polls. It is obvious to the naked eye. This is the team to beat. Given that, how does one counter?

The problem with some self-proclaimed political experts is that they turn to other things to find a weakness, a chink in the armor so to speak that actually is either non-existent or a weak argument. They instead

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The argument is not only weak but puffy, ready to crumble anytime like.

The elections is not about Davao City vs NCR. It’s not about Davao City vs Manila, QC or even Naga City. Traffic is universal. Even the world’s most urbanized cities--New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Sydney, London all deal with the same problem. It is not Davao’s very own. Traffic is the byproduct of progress, oftentimes even the yardstick to development. Traffic is the twin sister of good business and strong economy. There will be always a traffic during rush hours. Even the smallest of cities where trikes, not taxis are the means of public transport, suffer from traffic congestion. So why peddle a very flimsy argument?

The elections of 2022 will only become territorial in terms of numbers. And yes, the more traffic there is, the more votes there are. 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

blamed Sara for the traffic and attributed to what they claim as the weakness of her administration in failing to solve Davao’s traffic problems and bringing the same woes to Manila.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO TACIO SERAFICA D. J. WEIS THINK ON CORNER THESE! IBP DAVAO

TOWARDS A SAFER CHRISTMAS SEASON Last December 6, the Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with five other government agencies virtually launched the annual holiday campaign with the theme: “Ligtas Christmas sa Healthy Pilipinas.” Among its partners are the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The campaign aims to guide the public on easy and doable ways to safely celebrate the holiday season. The campaign focuses on three main behaviors to keep Filipinos healthy amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For one, the campaign reminds the public to continuously practice the minimum public health standards: wearing face masks, physical distancing, washing hands with soap and water or alcohol, and avoid places with too many people. While there has been a decreasing number of

COVID-19 cases in the country, Filipinos are advised not to let their guards down and prioritize the health and safety of their families by practicing the minimum public health standards. “Patuloy nating isulong at obserbahan ang mga health protocols sa ating mga aktibidad ngayong kapaskuhan,” urged Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. For another, the campaign also suggests to Filipinos to choose healthier options during feasts and similar activities. This can be done through food moderation, consumption of well-balanced and nutrient-rich foods, avoidance of harmful intake of alcohol, and cessation of cigarette smoking and vaping. Finally, the campaign also restricts the use of fireworks. This is done to prevent fireworks-related injuries. It can only be accomplished by avoiding its use and being prepared for accidents. In 1992, Republic Act 7183 – an act regulating the sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and pyrotech-

nic devices and also known as Firecrackers Law – was passed. To continue the gains of the country in preventing firework-related Injuries, the health department reminds the public to use safer alternatives to firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices by participating in community fireworks displays and by using other noise and light producing devices such as sound systems, light emitting devices, percussion instruments, pans, tambourines, and bells. During the virtual launch, DILG’s Supt. Warlito Daus enjoins the local government units across the country to implement the Oplan: Iwas Paputok campaign and to intensify the dissemination of information from their local government offices up to the community level. For his part, PNP’s Police Major General Jesus Cambay informs the public of the prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices such as: piccolo, watusi, judas belt, whistle bomb, goodbye earth, super lolo, and atomic big triangulo.

DTI Assistant Director Ferdinand Manfoste said that fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are being regulated. He explained how to decipher legal from illegal devices. Every year after Christmas celebration, TV shows all over the country always report the victims of firecrackers. This ranges from slight burns to blown off fingers to death. Some of those who ignore those wounds may end up having tetanus. Tetanus is an illness caused by tetanus bacteria, which thrive and live in soil, saliva, dust and manure. The bacteria can enter the body through a cut or burn. The infection is characterized by locking of the jaw, making it difficult for the patient to open his mouth and swallow. When this happens, the patient can die from suffocation. BFP’s Supt. Analee Atienza of BFP reminds the public to aim for a fire-free holiday by knowing fire prevention and safety tips to prevent fire accidents and casualties. It must be recalled that

more than three dozen people were killed when a fire broke out at a shopping mall in Davao City a day before Christmas in 2017. Most of those who died were call center agents. Another unforgettable event happened in Bansalan, Davao del Sur in December 2009. An unidentified man threw a lighted cigarette butt in one of the stalls. Some of the firecrackers were lit; it soon spread to other stalls. There were smokes all over. Some pyrotechnic materials were so affected that soon they were flying towards the stores selling clothes and school supplies. Before long, a big fire happened. Meanwhile, Thony Dizon of the EcoWaste Coalition pushes for the advocacy of safe toys for kids. He mentions the importance of choosing and buying the right kind of toys to ensure children’s safety and health, citing the requirements of RA 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act. Hope everyone will be safe as we celebrate this Christmas season this year.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MACAPAGAL’S 1963 DAVAO TOUR In the annals of presidential visits, rarely has the chief executive been known to stay for days in a region. At a time when plane travel is easily available, usually the President hops from one province to another and within a day or two he flies home to his official residence in Malacañan. That is the case in September 1963 when Diosdado P. Macapagal, the country’s ninth president, toured Davao Province for four days, starting his barnstorming tour at Davao Oriental, on the eleventh and flew to Manila from Davao City on the fourteenth. The President first-day itineraries brought him to the towns of Cateel, Baganga, and Caraga before arriving late that afternoon in Manay on board the RPS Soliman by negotiating the coastal waters of the Pacific. In reaching the shores

to greet well-wishers, he had to take a whaleboat. At Cateel, he was met by Sen. Gaudencio Antonino and local officials led by logger Lorenzo Sarmiento, who was running as official Liberal Party gubernatorial bet in Davao. From there, the party proceeded to Davao City and then Malalag to proclaim Sarmiento before a grand assembly. On the second day, Macapagal traveled to Malita where he addressed a political rally before returning to Malalag, dropping by Jose Abad Santos town where he inducted on board the Navy destroyer escort mayor John Joyce, a Nacionalista, as new LP recruit. The event was witnessed by public works secretary Brigido Valencia, Sen. Antonino, deputy budget commissioner Amable Aguiluz, and other Davao leaders. From Malalag, he motored

to Davao City with whistle stops, taking lunch in the residence of health undersecretary Rodolfo Caños in Digos City and merienda, in the residence of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, mayor Dominador Bendigo. Dinner for the night was scheduled at the residence of Sarmiento where the presidential couple spent the night. That evening, he addressed a political rally in the city accompanied by Valencia and Sen. Antonino, and endorsed Sarmiento and Carmelo L. Porras as LP gubernatorial and mayoral candidates, respectively. September 13, the third day of the tour, was a heavy one. Macapagal graced the third out-of-town Common Man’s Day in the city, which was attended by a crowd of 3,187 and received the general public at the expansive PTA stadium with problems about

lands as the primary matter. According to official account, Macapagal also attended to ‘requests for release of funds for school buildings, installation and repairs of artesian wells, hospitalization and medical assistance, and early disposal of pending criminal and administrative cases.’ In his final day, he took off for Manila from Davao City on board the presidential Fokker Friendship plane accompanied by the First Lady Eva Macaraeg and secretary Valencia, a long-time Davao resident. The original plan was for the President and his party to take the Philippine Navy destroyer-escort RPS Rajah Soliman a day earlier but was advised not to fly given that it was the thirteenth day of the month, a number associated with superstition. He slept at the residence of Valencia where he

also took his breakfast before motoring to the city’s Francisco Bangoy Airport. This was not Macapagal’s first visit to Davao City. On September 9, 1962, while billeted at his Vinta room in Davao Insular Hotel, he received a stream of callers as part of his program to regionalize Malacañang and bring the government closer to the people. He also met groups composed of provincial and city officials, and business and civic leaders. The following day, the President welcomed and inducted the new LP recruits, visited Mati City where he crowned the fiesta queen, ate breakfast at the extensive orange farm of Manila Daily Bulletin publisher Hans Menzi, and sailed to Aguinaldo pearl farm. On September 11, the President and the First Lady flew to Manila on board the presidential plane.

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EVENT

Department of Tourism-XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan, Dusit Davao Hotel Manager Christoph Kuch, City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson, Davao Tourism Association President Gatchi Gatchalian and Philippine Eagle Foundation Exec. Director Dennis Salvador light Dusit Davao’s Blue and Gold Christmas Tree.

A BLUE AND GOLD CHRISTMAS AT DUSIT

Dusit Davao Executive Chef Alex Destriza carves up a 6-hour roasted Wagyu Steamboat at the Madayaw Café.

In stark contrast from last year’s gloom, Durianburg’s 2021 Christmas season is looking up with many of the city’s establishments lighting up and spreading some muchneeded Christmas cheer. Last November 18, dusitD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence Davao kicked off the holidays through its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Attended by key industry partners, media friends, and the Dusit Team, the night was filled with meaningful pursuits and much catching-up. Carrying the theme of hopeful holidays and delightful stays, dusitD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence Davao embraces the promise of better days for everyone. From the property’s bright blue and gold decor, delightful cocktails, and scrumptious canapés, it is clear that Dusit Davao embraces its uniquely Thai company culture of graciousness and warm hospitality from the heart.

In his welcome message, Hotel Manager Christoph Kuch welcomed everyone with a dash of inspiration and a light of hope for Davao’s hospitality industry. “We are a young property, but we have managed to remain open. We believe that’s always been because of hope, hope always prevails. Now, as we slowly bounce back, trust that we will strive to be of service to you the best we can. The holiday season is an excit-

ing time, and we have been preparing to give you exactly that.” This was followed by the Christmas messages of Department of Tourism-XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan and City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson, highlighting the value of having to intimately and safely celebrate again. Both messages resonated among the invited guests and Dusit Davao’s Team who look forward to happier times ahead. In the introduction of this year’s holiday partner, MarCom Manager Faith Dimaano said, “Talking about standing tall amidst challenges, the inspiration for this year’s holiday partnership rooted from a common perspective – passion and commitment. The Philippine Eagle Foundation has been instrumental in the biggest of ways in raising awareness in the conservation mission and educating communities. It has been immensely affected during the pandemic, but has remained steadfast in its mission and vision.”

HM Christoph Kuch and PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador seal the holiday partnership in supporting the conservation mission of the foundation. Dimaano shared that Dusit Davao is supporting the Fruits for Feathers fundraiser, sharing the wonderful artworks of Davao artists to their guests. There will also be displays of Philippine Eagle Foudation merchandise at dusitD2 and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort starting this December. Delightful holiday getaways With the holiday season already here, a weekend staycation may be what one needs to stretch that need to travel safely. Top of the list of offerings is the Dusit Thani at Lubi Plantation’s Holidays at Lubi. From December 20, 2021 to January 10, 2022, one can book a stay at the world-class resort. The package includes an overnight stay with set breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and other complimentary treats. Rates start at Php 21,000 net per stay. For New Year’s Eve, Dusit brings in Pop-Latin Band Arriba for a Copacabana Countdown Party

at the Pavilion Tent. This famous band has performed for high-end events in the country, offering sultry and upbeat sound of Latin music. From salsa, samba to popular songs infused with pop Latin and authentic Latin experience plus a colorful firework display, it assures everyone will have the best of times. Rates start at Php 51,514 net per stay. Back in the city, dusitD2’s Holidays at Dusit room package starts at Php 6,998 net per stay, including discounts in the outlets and Dusit Gourmet treats. For Dusit Thani Residence, a three-night stay awaits with rates starting at Php 18,898 net per stay. This begins on November 19, 2021 to January 10, 2022. Christmas Eve Packages are also offered, with a generous dinner spread and Christmas brunch included. For dusitD2, it requires an overnight stay starting at Php 10,488 net per stay. For Dusit Thani Residence, it starts at Php 17,500 net for a mini-

mum of two nights. The same starting rates apply for New Year stays in the respective properties. Delightful dining for the holidays Already a popular destination for food lovers, Dusit Davao is offering a delectable dining experience for Christmas and New Year, with all four restaurant outlets of dusitD2 offering something special on its roster of promotions. Madayaw Cafés Yuletide Eats includes a Christmas and New Year’s Eve Feast at Php 1,400 net per person, plus a Christmas Brunch (Php 1,200 net per person) and Dinner (Php 1,400 net per person) on December 25 and 26. For the 1st and 2nd of January, a brunch and dinner offer are also up. Benjarong Davao has a Holiday Thai Feast at Php 1,800 net per person, available from 11 AM to 9 PM. For those who want a Holiday Thai Set, it’s available at Php 2,000 net per person from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Both offers are up on December 24, 25, 31, 2021 and January 1, 2022. From the preview diner I had during the Christmas Tree Lighting Party, guests can expect a truly gastronomic feast prepared by Dusit’s culinary team headed buy Executive Chef Alex Destriza. Appreciating food is not the exclusive realm of adults, as Dusit Davao offers a Gingerbread House Workshop for aspiring kiddie chefs. Dusit’s pastry team will host this activity on December 19th, 3 PM, at Php 800 net per person. For gift ideas and party platters, Dusit Gourmet has the Holiday Hampers starting at Php 2,800 net per set. Platters To Go includes mouthwatering dishes like the holiday turkey, holiday ham, cakes and pastries. These will require prior reservations. There is certainly much to hope for this holiday season and with the many offerings from Dusit, we can share some joy and happiness around.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 230 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

SAVING THE COUNTRY’S NATURAL HERITAGE By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

DENR

n December 2018, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conducted a 160-trapping day using the state-ofthe-art camera traps installed in the buffer zone of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental. In a report released in April the following year, at least three of the country’s endemic animals were spotted in the area: three Philippine warty pigs (Sus philippensis), two Philippine deer (Cevus mariannus), and three Philippine macaques (Macaca fascicularis philippensis). Both the Philippine warty pigs and Philippine deer are listed as “vulnerable” species, according to the DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-15’s establishment of List of Threatened Species and their categories pursuant to Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Act. They are considered “vulnerable” as their population is already declining. The Philippine macaques, on the other hand, are in the list of Other Threatened Species, which means they are prone to extinction due to its small population. “The presence and absence of these species indicate the status of our forest and other habitats,” said Clint Michael Cleofe, ecosystems management specialist 1 of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary and Provincial

Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Davao Oriental. Mount Hamiguitan is a UNESCO (United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Heritage Park. The mountain range – which has a protected forest area of approximately 2,000 hectares – “showcases terrestrial habitats at different elevations that provide critical habitats for the globally threatened and endemic flora and fauna species,” says the official website of the Province of Davao Oriental. Davao Oriental is one of the “megadivese” yet “hotspot” focal areas in the country. “The province contains a high proportion of unique biodiversity and at the same time, it has become a hotspot because its forest and other natural areas, with their unique plants and animals, are being lost at a fast rate,” observed Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss, principal advisor of the German Development Cooperation

that funded a biodiversity conservation program in the province. Biological diversity Biodiversity – coined from biological diversity – is most often thought of as the variety of organisms on earth. Yet it also includes two other factors: ecological diversity (the variety of ecosystems and ecological communities) and genetic diversity (the range of genetic differences found within and between species). “All three aspects are crucial for the success and development of life on earth,” explains People and the Planet, a group raising environmental concerns based in London. “Since environmental conditions at every level are constantly changing, only diversity can ensure that some individuals and species will be able to adapt to the changes.” Species declines and extinctions have always been a natural part of that process, but there is something disturbingly different about the current extinction patterns. “Like the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, humanity now finds itself in the midst of a mass extinction: a global evolutionary convulsion with few parallels in the entire history of life,” wrote John Tuxill and Chris Bright, authors of Losing Strand in the Web of Life. “But unlike

the dinosaurs, we are not simply the contemporaries of a mass extinction – we are the reason for it.” Unearthing new species The Philippines is the world’s second largest archipelago country after Indonesia. It comprises more than 7,100 islands covering 297,179 square kilometers in the westernmost Pacific Ocean. The country, for instance, has 400 out of 500 coral species known in the world. “Every time we go in the water, someone discovers something that’s never been seen before,” said Dr. Terrence Gosliner, dean of science and research collections at the California Academy of Sciences who headed the 2011 Philippine Biodiversity Expedition. Dr. Gosliner believed that the biodiversity in the Philippines remains relatively unknown. He’s not alone; many scientists think that many new species remain to be discovered in the country. At the time when Ramon Paje was the environment secretary, about 270 wildlife species were discovered in the country within the last 25 years. “These endemic species are our living jewels. They are irreplaceable and unique components of our awesome environmental heritage,” he pointed out. The Biodiversity Man-

agement Bureau (BMB), a line agency of DENR, has included in its list of new discoveries 29 new species of rodents found across the country; three species of bats from Mindoro and Abra; four bird species from Cagayan, Cebu and Camiguin; and 44 reptile and 29 amphibian species from Luzon, Negros-Panay, Greater Mindanao and Sulu. More than 160 plant species have also been discovered, including varieties of the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia. The Philippines ranks fifth in the world in terms of number of plant species and hosts about five per cent of the world’s flora. On the verge “The Philippines, owing to its rich islands and water formations, has been home to some of the rarest and beautiful creatures for generations,” said Land Bank of the Philippines in its 2013

Calendar. “Over the years, a treasure trove of endemic animals and plants has been discovered by local and foreign scientists, clearly signifying our natural landscape as one of the world’s most formidable hotspots for biodiversity.” The Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), of which the Philippines is a signatory, has listed several wildlife species in the country that are rare, threatened, or endangered. Among these are the Philippine eagle (the country’s bird icon), tamaraw, calamian deer, Palawan bearcat, Mindanao gymure, Philippine tarsier, Panay flying fox, Cebu black shama, Philippine cockatoo, bungang ipot, tagbak, and Sander’s glocacia. “A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines

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EDGEDAVAO

COMMUNITY... FROM2

siya sa mga ideas sa katawhan which makes it good because many brains are better than one. Very generous ang atoang private sector in terms of help sa logistics and human resource,” she said. Schlosser also praised the doctors and health care workers who extended their services wherein some are voluntary. Meanwhile, other cities

that have achieved herd immunity are Baguio City, Angeles City, Iloilo City, LapuLapu City, Mandaue City, San Juan City, Mandaluyong City, Pateros, Marikina City, Taguig City, Pasay City, Las Piñas City, Parañaque City, Manila City, Muntinlupa City, Makati City, Valenzuela City, Quezon City, Navotas City, Pasig City, Malabon City, and Caloocan City.

porting for duty unvaccinated against employees’ freedom not to get inoculated. “Actually na-issue na siya kay wala kuno silay katungod nga mudili pero mas dako man ang kadautan nga mahitabo kung sila ang manakod didto sa ilang mga ka-opisina kay lage dali sila matakdan kay wala man silay bakuna,” (It was also criticized for taking away employees’ choice, but the risk they bring to their coworkers is destructive since they are more susceptible to the illness for not being vaccinated), his statement reads. As a response to the national mandate, Dr. Lacerona said that the same measures were taken by the provincial govern-

ment already. “Diri pod sa atoang probinsya naa nay nigawas nga bago nga memo sa atoang probinsa nga kadtong mga empleyado nga wala nagpabakuna, ingon ana gihapon ang himoon nga every 14 days sila nga magpa RT-PCR,” (Here in our province, a new memo has come out mandating those employees who have not been vaccinated,to produce their own RT-PCR every 14 days), he added. The new guideline was mentioned by the Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque during the Laging Handa Public briefing on November 12, 2021. (PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda/ Ezri M. Coda, Jr.)

need including the displaced

program that puts others first including employees, customers, and even vendors.

Section 11 of the IIR mandated the Business Bureau not to grant and renew any business permit for business establishments employing 10 or more employees unless issued and declared compliant by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Effective January last year, establishments with 10 or more employees are required to present documents such as attendance to the Drug-Free Workplace Orientation/Training, Certification of Compliance Conduct of Mandatory Random Drug Testing from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and formation of DrugFree Workplace Policy and Three-Year Drug Abuse Prevention Plan upon renewal and registration of their business.

“We relaxed the monitoring of the drug-free workplace program kay pandemic man. Karon magbalik na kay may herd immunity naman ta sa city,” Rivera said. He said the compliance will also help revive the city’s economy. He also said that the assessment team training is also ongoing by the service providers like Ateneo de Davao University (Addu), University of the Immaculate Concepcion (UIC), and University of Mindanao (UM). Rivera added that the monitoring of the drug-free workplace among city hall employees has also resumed. “The city hall employees are mandated under the said executive order,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

inoculation drives are ongoing in the provinces. These figures do not include yet the individuals who were vaccinated during the National Vaccination Drive from November 29 to December 1. There are now more fully vaccinated individuals, so the situation is different compared to six months ago,” she continued. For AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan, adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is important. “We hope this (Omicron)

will not impact the demand for air travel during the holidays. For now, we shall closely monitor the situation and will be in constant consultation with health experts,” he told the PNA. As a proactive measure, AirAsia Philippines has been encouraging all its fully vaccinated ground and flight crew to take the booster shots when available. “A number have already registered with our LGU partners to make sure we put an added layer of protection not only for our people but most importantly for our guests,” Dailisan said. (PNA)

uity capital declined as placements contracted by 8.1% to $1.5 billion (from $1.6 billion) and withdrawals rose by 30.7% to $337 million (from $258 million),” the BSP said. The central bank noted that bulk of the equity capital placements originated from Singapore, Japan, the United States, and the Netherlands. “These were invested mostly in the manufacturing; financial and insurance; electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning; and real estate industries,” it said.

Sought for comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said that accelerated vaccination versus the COVID-19 in the country towards population protection and eventually herd immunity that led to the significant reduction in new COVID-19 local cases to 17-month lows since July 2020 helped justify further re-opening of the economy towards greater normalcy and helped attract more foreign investments into the country.

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RELIGIOUS... FROM2 to the call of the government to follow health protocols. “Even if it was painful on our part for churches to close down for the in-person worship of parisioners, we heed to the call,” Rev. Taganas said. Churches in Davao, he said, seriously observed the health protocols such as seat arrangement, maximum capacity, and the common practices that churchgoers usually practice such as handshake. Rev. Taganas also mentioned that the church has also given comfort to families who lost their relatives due to the COVID19. “We recognize the role

of doctors, healthworkers in this pandemic. The church, on our own way, has contributed as well when the families needed comfort, prayers, and advices.” Meanwhile, the religious leaders also suggested to the government to involve the participation of the religious sector especially in coming up with policies and in decision making. “In their decisions, there are spiritual and moral concerns that we may be able to help as representatives of the sector,” Fr. Lamata stressed. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

the Interfacing Development

Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), ECOTENEO, Save Macabol Initiative, and Students’ Environmental Alliance of Davao, and PEF that conducted an online signature campaign against the cutting of the 121 native trees in Mounts Macabol and Alikoson Conservation Area (MMACA). Grier stated in his letter that he would recommend the area be considered a candidate for a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, which according to him would be beneficial not only for the eagles, habitat, other species, and watershed, but also for the people and communities in the area economically. “It could further highlight Davao on the world map in a very favorable manner,” it said. He mentioned in his letter that the Philippine Eagle is not only a treasured species locally and for your country but also for the whole world. He has long considered the Philippine eagle to be the “Hope Diamond” among birds in general and eagles in particular. “It is the reason the first Philippine eagle to be bred in captivity was named “Pag asa”. You have one of the best national birds in the world! Unfortunately, it also is the rarest and most endangered eagle in the world. It is a living treasure of the world that needs all the care and proper attention possible,” he said. He also mentioned that the Philippine Eagle has attracted much interest internationally for decades, including from the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh up to the recent fulllength feature documentary “Bird of Prey”, which after being shown to thousands in the Phil-

ippines and across the world, is now available for anyone at no cost on youtube. “I am writing as a person with a life-long, scientific interest in eagles, a member of the global, international community from the US, and an adviser to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the foundation’s precursors, and the DENR (and its precursors) nationally and locally since 1977. I have visited the Philippines many times through the years to work with PEF, DENR, and several of the country’s universities, particularly UPLB,” it said. Grier’s studies of eagles began with the American bald eagle in Canada in 1959 as a teenager, continued throughout undergraduate and graduate university years, and through his career as a university professor, teacher, and scientist up to the present. His wife, Joyce, joined efforts in the Philippines starting with several months in Mindanao and Luzon in 1991 and numerous trips thereafter. She also has experience and skills working with eagles and assisted with the rearing of Pag-asa. Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed support to the calls of the environmental groups in Davao City concerning their calls for the stoppage of the cutting down of century-old trees in Marilog. On the other hand, in a public statement, Evasco stated that DENR 11 will endeavor to coordinate with the city government of Davao to validate and clarify if A and D (agricultural) areas and titled properties of Sitio Falcata, Barangay Salaysay are covered on the declared conservation area as a follow-up action for this issue. Write to EDGE DAVAO EDITORIAL

Diokno said. The BSP added that as the country remains in the early stage of recovery, impacts of the global supply chain disruptions to domestic prices “appears limited as indicated by the path of underlying inflation”. In November, inflation

rate fell for third consecutive months at 4.2 percent. Despite the inflation rate last month exceeded the government target of 2 to 4 percent, the BSP remains optimistic that average inflation will fall within the government’s target as supply-side issues diminish. (PNA)

cations Technology. Belgica said as of Sept. 30, some 917 LGUs are utilizing the system.

ARTA targets to automate all 1,600 LGUs before the end of the Duterte administration. (PNA)

with 44, followed by Starting a Business and Trading Across Borders with 15 each, Enforcing Contracts with 10, Getting Credit with six, Registering Property with five, Getting Electricity with four, Paying Taxes with two, and one reform initiative on Protecting Minority Investors. On the other hand, the

23 data corrections involved Dealing with Construction Permits, Getting Electricity, Protecting Minority Investors, Resolving Insolvency, and Registering Property. If the World Bank pursued its Doing Business Report for next year, Perez said these reforms and data corrections made by the Philippines will

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was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” deplored Dr. Lee Talbot, a wellknown ecologist and geographer. “The Philippines is one of the most threatened in the world. The rate of extinction of species is 1,000 times the natural rate because of man-made activities,” said then DENR Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio. “It is a crisis. We are the hottest of the hot spots.” Deforestation The threats to the country’s once lush and diverse wildlife are many. But the primary culprit is the loss of its natural habitat, particularly the tropical rainforests. More than 30 years ago, about 10.9 million hectares of land area were covered by forest, according to the DENR. In 2003, the forest cover dwindled to about 7.11 million hectares. “Yearly, it is estimated that 100,000 hectares of Philippine forest are destroyed continuously, limiting its production capacity and weakening its environmental and socio-cultural functions,” the environment department deplored. “Shifting cultivation, timber extraction, mining and continuing conversion of forest to other land uses are still experienced despite the government’s continued efforts to protect, conserve and rehabilitate the forest,” the DENR added. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports that a pair of Philippine eagles needs at least 7,000 to 13,000 hectares of forests as a nesting territory. “With the forest, the species cannot survive over the long term,” said Dennis Salvador, the executive director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. “Without the forest, not only the Philippine eagle will go extinct, but so will the dreams and aspirations of millions of marginal income families who rely on the forest to survive.” Protection “Protection of biodiversity should be one of the top priorities of any meaningful strategy to safeguard the world’s biological heritage,” suggests John C. Ryan, author of Life Support: Conserving Biological Diversity. As Dr. James Kirchner, an American professor of earth and planetary science at University of California, puts it: “The planet would be biologically depleted for millions of years, with consequences extending not only beyond the lives of our children’s children, but beyond the likely lifespan of the entire human species.” But there is still a glimmer of hope.

“Humans, after all, are not dinosaurs,” Tuxill and Bright write. “We can change. Even in the midst of the mass extinction, we still largely control our destiny, but only if we act now. The fate of untold numbers of species depends on it. And so does the fate of our children, in ways we can barely begin to conceive.” Environmental laws In the Philippines, several environmental laws that protect these natural heritages have been passed. Unfortunately, these laws are not reinforced due to internal conflicts over policy direction and jurisdiction as well as a general lack of technical knowledge and political will, surmised Atty. Jose A. Canivel, Executive Director of the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation. “Lawmakers, decision makers, policy makers have shown little interest in biodiversity conservation, because there is little knowledge, and with little knowledge there is very little value attached,” Canivel said. But, “of all the global problems that confront us, (loss of biodiversity) is the one that is moving the most rapidly and the one that will have the most serious consequences,” deplored Dr. Peter Raven, director of Missouri Botanical Gardens in the United States. Saving biodiversity Saving biodiversity, however, is very expensive: an estimated $300 billion a year. But that’s worth it. “Biodiversity is the basis of everything we do in agriculture, everything we do in health,” Brazilian Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, the chief of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity told Reuters. “So the development of new vaccines, the development of new cultured varieties of plants is based on biodiversity, genetic resources. “If we lose biodiversity,” he pointed out, “we lose the options for future development in these areas.” The Philippines should heed that warning. “Our country is remarkably rich in biodiversity, from coral reefs to forests, rivers and lakes. Conservation of these resources is most critical to species survival, stable ecosystems and economic development in the Philippines and the world as well,” said Professor Perry S. Ong, who was director of the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology at the time of death in 2019. But “saving a species is more than a simple matter of putting it in a cage or pot,” Paje reminded. “It requires us to protect or rebuild its habitat, as well as the balance it keeps in relation to other species lower and higher in the food chain or web of life.”

isode on Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. Puzon will be joined by Karen Tanchanco-Caballero, President of the Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Federation Inc., and the Deputy Secretary-General of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Nerza del Rosario-Manalas-

tas, former Philippine Dragonboat national team co-captain, Marry Ann Crisostomo, Far Eastern University wellness and recreation specialist, and Dr. Ligaya Gina Sarmiento, Director of the Sports Development and Management Office of Tarlac State University.

leapfrog its position between ranks 60th and 70th. In the 2020 report, the Philippines climbed 29 notches to 95th place from 124th in 2019. “Investors look at our competitiveness ranking in their decision to invest in the country or not. Because investors would like their

investments to be protected and once they come in, that their return of investments is secured. We want to provide a healthy business environment that will generate more employment opportunities, improve our country-wide development, and of course our inclusive growth,” Perez said. (PNA)

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SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

Mark Magsayo is finally fighting for a world title. PHOTO: AP

Magsayo gets title shot

nbeaten Filipino prospect Mark Magsayo is finally getting a crack at the world title.

Magsayo earned a shot at the WBC featherweight title of Gary Russell Jr. as the mandatory challenger in their January 22 fight next year. MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons confirmed the bout on Thursday, which serves as Magsayo’s first attempt at a world crown. Magsayo, 26 and holder

of a perfect 23-0 record (16 KOs), positioned himself as the top contender for the 126-pound title Russel owned since 2015 following his fearless 10th round knockout of Mexican Julio Ceja in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas welterweight title match last August. The Filipino rose from a fifth-round knockdown to

stop Ceja five rounds later with a solid right that shut the lights out of the game Mexican. Magsayo has been based in Los Angeles since last year and actively fought three times despite the pandemic. The same can’t be said of the 33-year-old Russell who has not climbed the ring since February of 2020 when he scored a unanimous decision against Tugstsoqt Nyambayar of Mongolia.

The fight was the fifth title defense of the Washington-born American, who won the WBC crown six years ago with a fourth round TKO of Mexican Jhonny Gonzalez in Las Vegas. A southpaw, Russell holds a record of 31-1 with 18 KOs. The only loss of his career was a majority decision against Vasiliy Lomachenko for the vacant WBO featherweight championship at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Terrafirma still threatened to get the lead back after Juami Tiongson scored four straight points to cut the lead down to just two, 100-98, with 16 seconds left, but Paul Harris gave Phoenix some breathing room after knocking down two free throws to up the lead back to four, 102-98. Cabagnot still showed that he is one of PBA’s main clutch guys today after scoring on a layup that brought the Dyip back to within two. Cabagnot even had a chance at forcing overtime after Harris settled for a split from the free-throw line with two seconds left, but missed a desperation shot from long range at the final horn. Harris led the Fuel Masters with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists. Jason Perkins and Chris Banchero each added 18 points, while Matthew Wright got 17 markers, 10 assists, six boards, and two

steals. Antonio Hester fired 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting, 16 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block to lead the Dyip. Tiongson added 20 points, three caroms, one dime, and one swipe, while Cabagnot finished with 12 markers, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal in his Terrafirma debut. Justin Melton was cleared to play on Thursday after getting his first coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine shot earlier this week but was not fielded in. Meanwhile, Rain Or Shine added more woes to Blackwater to begin its stint in the PBA Governors’ Cup with a 92-79 win. The Elasto Painters completely turned the tides in the third quarter just when many thought the Bossing were about to finally score a win after a league record 18 straight losses dating back to last year. The new-look Blackwa-

ter squad led by new coach Ariel Vanguardia looked to be finally snapping its skid after jumping to a 24-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. But ROS somehow got its bearings going in the second quarter and unleashed a 31-12 third quarter to pull away for good. In his first game against his former team, Henry Walker led the Elasto Painters with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks. Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon each added 16 points. Rashawn McCarthy put up 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in his Blackwater debut. Barkley Eboña and Baser Amer each added 14 points with the former also grabbing 11 rebounds for the double-double even as Jaylen Bond had his double-double with 13 markers and 11 boards. (PNA)

Phoenix rallies to beat Terrafirma

hoenix banked on a huge fourth-quarter rally to walk away with a 103-100 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Despite squandering a hot start, the Fuel Masters finished strong and stole the win from the Dyip, who thought a solid second quarter would be enough. Phoenix sizzled early on and scored 30 points in the first quarter, but Terrafirma went on a 27-12 second quarter to enter halftime up by 10, 52-42. The Dyip swelled their lead to as high as 17, 6750, with less than seven minutes left in the third, and appeared groomed to score a win for the first time with new combo guard Alex Cabagnot. However, the Fuel Masters unleashed a 23-4 run midway into the fourth quarter to retake the lead, 100-94, with 2:14 to go.

Obstacle Course Racing in PSC’s Rise Up webisode

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) puts the spotlight on obstacle course racing – now a competitive sport being played globally – in a dedicated episode of Rise Up Shape Up streamed on December 11. The special webisode titled “No Obstacle is Unbeatable,” will be headlined by coaches and sports development specialists to expound on obstacle course racing as a competitive sport and deepen our insights on how sports can help people overcome life’s obstacles. “Competing means you have to beat and win over opponents. It is a lesson that we can apply to real-world obstacles. We need to overcome and survive

obstacles in life to come out strong and win in life,” PSC Women in Sports oversight Commissioner Celia Kiram said. The value of sports goes beyond making athletes and sports enthusiasts stronger in body, it also applies to the mind and spirit. “We needed sports to show us how we can be strong physically, mentally, and emotionally to conquer hurdles and problems,” Kiram pointed out, who will also share a brief and interesting trivia on OCR in “K-Isport” segment. Coach Patricia Puzon currently serves as the founding director and coach of MAC’s CrankIt Tennis Academy (MCTA) in Australia will open the ep-

FOBSTACLE, P10

Phoenix import Paul Harris grabs the rebound. PBA

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 230 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

BAD START The Azkals played the aggressor but Singapore’s defense held on.

Azkals fall to Singapore in AFF Suzuki Cup

he Philippine Azkals started their campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup on a sour note after falling, 1-2, to Singapore on Wednesday night at the Singapore National Stadium.

A quick offensive swing from Singapore was all it needed to take all three points against an Azkals squad that seemingly had control in the early goings of the second half. Singapore first scored in the 61st minute when skipper Hariss Harun headed the ball in off a corner kick. Faris Ramli made it 2-0 in the 63rd minute after another set-piece header. Amin Nazari kept the Azkals’ hopes alive after scoring in the 69th minute from a corner as well. The Azkals played the aggressor the rest of the way, but Singapore’s defense held on. With the win, Singapore moved to the top of Group A with six points. The Azkals, on the other hand, are in fourth place due to a superior goal difference over Timor Leste, which lost earlier Wednesday to Myanmar. (PNA)