Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 233 | Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

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HIGHS AND BYES Sara to recap accomplishments in farewell SOCA STORY ON PAGE 2

A man, who is an expert in breeding and artificial semen reproduction of catfish locally known as ‘pantat’, extracts the brain of a catfish that he will use to reproduce fresh fish semens for a grower in Banga, South Cotabato on Tuesday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with his alter egos and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong”Go after holding a meeting with them at the Malacañang Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

HIGHS AND BYES T

Administration to stand neutral, PRRD on next year’s elections

Sara to recap accomplishments in farewell SOCA

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ayor Sara Z. Duterte will deliver her State of the City Address (SOCA) on December 20, 2021 highlighting her 10-priority focus areas and bidding goodbye to Dabawenyos.

Expect a long SOCA, which is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and delivered online. According to her office, the first draft alone is already at 54 pages mostly a recap of her SOCA in 2016 and her accomplishment report until December 2021.

Mayor Sara will also deliver her valedictory or “goodbyes” to the Dabawenyos.

“Ang SOCA sa pagka-karon ang first draft nila already at 54 pages,it would be a recap of 2016 to December 2021. It will focus on our banner of security and development sa atoang Biyaheng DO30. We are journeying towards security and development and

we are focusing on the 10 priority focus areas. Kung unsa to ang akong previous SOCA updating on our 10 priority focus areas mao pud na siya before this time apil na nato ang gikan 2016.

Medyo taas taas gyud siya and apil na pud didto ang valedictory or goodbyes for the Dabawenyos, ” Mayor Sara said.

The 10 priority focus areas of her government are poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, solid waste management, education, health, agriculture, tourism, transportation planning and traffic management, peace and order, and disaster risk reduction and mitigation.

In September 2017,

Mayor Sara reported the accomplishments of “Byaheng DO30”, a three-year initiative of 30 doable and meaningful projects since her assumption to office in 2016.

She also cited some of her accomplishments in the social services program, such as the medical assistance under the Lingap sa Mahirap project, medical assistance which has benefited indigents; improvement of city shelters for abused women, elderly, children in conflict with the law, mentally-challenged children.

For vulnerable sectors, Mayor Sara highlighted the improvement made on the Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) Balay Dangupan which earned the First Level Standards on August 2, 2016; Co Su Gian Home for the Aged and Abandoned Elderly with a Second Lev-

el Standards on August 3, 2016; Paginhawaan DropIn Center for Abandoned and Neglected Street Children; Sidlakan for Victims of Domestic Violence; Lingap Center for Mentally-Challenged Children; BahayPag-asa for Children in Conflict with the Law; and, Quick Response Team for Children’s Concerns.

Her administration also launched the Kean Gabriel Hotline 0908 818 4444 which is the city’s child abuse reporting number.

In 2018, Mayor Sara had put the marching orders of gainful employment, decent housing, educated and healthy children, being able to eat three meals a day, and safe and secure Dabawenyos.

Among the highlights of Byaheng DO30 were the accomplishments of Mayor Sara in education, such as

at 1,760 kilometers east of Mindanao as of 11 a.m.

Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the tropical cyclone is expected to enter the country by Tuesday evening (December 14) and will be named “Odette.”

The weather disturbance has maximum sustained winds of 55 km per

hour (kph) and a gustiness of 70 kph.

Erma Suyo, chief of the PDRRMC of Agusan del Norte, told Philippine News Agency Monday that all local DRRMOs in the province took part during the preparatory meeting.

“In the meeting, we identified our needs during emergencies and the prepositioning of equipment, manpower, and the food packs,” Suyo said.

She added that the agencies involved during the preparatory meeting were the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

“The provincial engineering office also took part in the preparatory activity and has identified areas where the provincial equipment will be prepositioned starting Tuesday,” Suyo said.

FHIGHS, P6

Agusan del Norte braces for ‘Odette’

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he provincial government of Agusan del Norte convened on Monday its Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) to prepare for the possible impact of an incoming weather disturbance in the province.

The weather condition, which has developed into a tropical depression (TD), is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility

he Duterte administration will stand “neutral” during the May 2022 national and local elections, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday.

In a prerecorded Talk to the People, he made this assurance while giving a recap of his participation in the Summit for Democracy organized by the United States (US) from Dec. 9 to 10.

“This early, I’d like to just – magbigay lang ng payo (I will just give advice) that when it comes to the elections, government, the administration will stand neutral. Neither for or against kami, kalaban o kasama sa partido (We will neither be for or against, opponents or allies in the party), we will participate in the exercise of that right,” he said.

Duterte did not elaborate what he meant by “neutral”, but vowed to ensure that the upcoming polls would be peaceful.

“We will see to it that there will be no terrorism, vote buying, at (and) intimidation and everything that would put a hindrance to an honest election,” he added.

In his speech during the Summit for Democracy on Friday, Duterte said even as work continues in the remaining months of his term, his administration will ensure “honest, peaceful, credible, and free elections.”

Highest honor to turn over power He said as he steps down in June 2022, it will be his “highest honor” to turn over the reins of power to my successor knowing that he did his “best” to serve the Filipino people.

Duterte reiterated the Philippines’ proud distinc-

tion as the first-ever republic and oldest democracy in Asia, noting that it remains a “vibrant democracy” and “an open and diverse society” to this day.

He added that while the country’s democracy is “far from perfect”, it continues to be a “work in progress.”

“I am proud to be at this Summit for Democracy to tell you about the Philippine experience. Philippine democracy is indeed a work in progress. But the Filipino is free. The Philippines is free,” he said.

‘Good friends’ Meanwhile, Duterte reiterated that he continues to regard China as a “good friend” even if some do not share his sentiments.

“I’d like to remind everybody that when everything was down for us, it was China…for whatever really is masabi nila (they say) about the relations of the Philippines and China, I would maintain that we are good friends and they were the first one to give us the vaccines,” he said.

He, however, clarified that the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea would not be compromised, even if China is the country’s friend.

“Iyong issue diyan sa West Philippine Sea ibang issue ‘yan at ibang issue itong pagkakaibigan natin sa kanila (Our friendship with them is one issue, but the issue there in the West Philippine Sea is different issue),” he added.

During the Summit for Democracy, more than half of the countries in the world, including the Philippines, were invited while the rest were left out.

Some of the countries that were left out include China, Russia, Hungary, Egypt, and Turkey. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

NEWS

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio hopes the next local administration would continue using the Safe Davao Quick Response (DQR) system for future“ayuda”from the government to Dabawenyos. Edge Davao

HNP urges support “up to finish line” for BBM-Sara

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he Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP) urged supporters of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to stay with the team “up to the finish line.”

This followed after Mayor Sara, who is the chairperson of HNP, emerged as the top pick among the vice-presidential aspirants in the latest Publicus Asia, Inc. survey, which was released on Monday. The same survey also showed Marcos as the leading preferred presidential candidate.

Mayor Sara has dominated the Pahayag Quarter 4 survey areas, with 54.8 percent of the 1,500 respondents randomly sampled choosing her as their preferred vice-presidential candidate. In Mindanao, 78.6 percent of the respondents preferred the presidential daughter as their vice-president.

Marcos was also picked by 51.9 percent of the respondents as their preferred presidential candidate.

Publicus conducted the survey from November 16 to 18, 2021 followed by the fourth-quarter survey from December 6 to 10, 2021.

In a statement, HNP Secretary-General Anthony del Rosario is grateful for the thousands of groups supporting the candidacy of the party chairperson and her presidential candidate, BBM. He also said the survey results “are humbling, and at the same time, encouraging.”

“We would like to

thank every Filipino who is supporting the vice-presidential candidacy of our chairperson, Mayor Inday Sara, and BBM, her presidential candidate. We are urging everyone to continue with your support and join our cause up to the finish line,” the statement said.

Del Rosario also stated that the results show that the BBM-Sara UniTeam continues to capture the hearts of the Filipino people.

“But most importantly, it leads the party and all the organizations supporting the UniTeam to focus more on the pressing challenges that we are facing today -such as recovery from the impact of the pandemic,” it said.

Trailing Marcos Jr. in the said survey were Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo with 20.2 percent; Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso with 7.9 percent; Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go with 3.9 percent; Panfilo “Ping” Lacson with 3.4 percent; Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao with 2.3 percent; and the former presidential spokesperson Ernesto “Ernie” Abella with 0.5 percent.

The Pahayag End-ofthe-Year survey is an independent and non-commissioned poll done by Publicus Asia Inc. covering December 3 to 9, 2020. The nationwide survey comprised of 1500 respondents drawn from a research panel of approximately 100,000 Filipinos maintained by a Singapore-based firm. By Maya M. Padillo

City to prioritize fully vaccinated vendors

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he city government of Davao will prioritize fully vaccinated vendors to rent in government-owned public markets next year.

“I-prioritize ang fully vaccinated vendors,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday during the Special Hours with Mayor Inday Sara Duterte via Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

Mayor Sara said the city government has been implementing this policy since the rollout of the city’s vaccination program. She said it is one of the tasks assigned by the

City Economic Enterprise.

“Sa markets nato, kadtong mga renters nato sa atoang public markets kadtong owned by the government, only we have that target nga ma-vaccinate sila tanan. When nag-rollout ta sa atoang vaccination program isa na sa task nga gi-assign sa atoang City Economic Enterprise. So almost all of the city government-owned markets are

more than 90 percent na sila sa vaccination nila, although, wala pa sa ilaha naka 100 percent vaccinated,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara said the city is now targeting to fully vaccinate all vendors of the government-owned public markets in Davao City.

“Katong mga renters sa atoang public markets only owned by the city government we have that target na ma-vaccinate sila tanan,” she said.

Meanwhile, the city government is eyeing to inoculate 37,973 individ-

uals in the second edition of the “Bayanihan Bakunahan” from December 15 to 17, 2021.

It is the goal of the city to vaccinate 12,658 individuals per day to contribute to the national government’s 8,420,958- three-day target or 2,806,986 per day.

The city government will focus the second “Bayanihan Bakunahan” on the senior citizens or Priority A2 and poor population or Priority A5.

Mayor Sara is optimistic that through the said

tabato, will lead the special body.

On Dec. 10, three unidentified men (not two as earlier reported) stabbed to death siblings Crizzle Gwynn, 18, and her younger brother, inside their house in Barangay Bagontapay around 2 p.m.

Another girl, the victims’ visiting cousin, managed to hide in a small room in the house and locked herself in after witnessing the commotion between the two victims and the attackers.

“She was able to post on social media asking for

help,” Mamon said.

He said the SITG intends to speed up the resolution of the crime through the corroboration of evidence and statements of potential witnesses.

The survivor is now under the care of the municipal social welfare office.

“We are set to dig down on the case to give justice to the victims and their family,” Mamon said.

On Saturday, the town council with M’lang Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol as presiding officer, and Mayor Pip Limbungan of adjacent Tulunan town offered a re-

ward of PHP200,000 and PHP50,000, respectively, to get the persons behind the attack.

M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado has also vowed to give a reward of a still unspecified amount for the arrest of the perpetrators.

Piñol said he has also requested the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a separate probe on the case.

All three officials have strongly condemned the incident and wanted the culprits to be arrested soonest. (PNA)

FCITY, P6

Special task group to probe Maguad siblings’ slay in NoCot

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uthorities formed Monday a special investigation task group (SITG) to look deeper into the killing of the two young siblings in Barangay Bagontapay here on Dec. 10.

In an interview, Lt. Realan Manon, town police chief, said the SITG is composed of investigators from the police provincial office, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – North Cotabato, the Scene of the Crime Operatives, and the local police.

Lt. Mary Grace Clua, the head of the CIDG-North Co-

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

On withdrawing his Certificate of Candidacy for President:

As a matter of principle, wala na po ako sa karerang ito [presidential race].

Mayroon po akong isang salita. Desidido na ako. Matagal na po akong desidido.

Talagang nagre-resist ang aking puso’t isipan. Nandito po ako para magserbisyo, mahal na mahal ko po ang kapwa ko Pilipino.”

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go

EDITORIAL Christmas bonanza Senior citizens, or Filipinos who have reached the age of 60 years and retired from employment, are a lucky lot. Tens of thousands of civilian pensioners nationwide have started receiving from the Social Security System (SSS) and Government System Insurance System (GSIS) bonuses in the form of 13th month pay, while retirees from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are expecting from the AFP Pension and Gratuity Management Center (AFP PGMC).huge differentials as a result of the increases in salary granted by the Duterte administration during the last five years.

Meanwhile, in Davao City, the local government unit

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Even the dead or dying will benefit from the compassion shown by the LGU. We are not joking in this one. Days ago, the Davao City Council approved an ordinance doubling the burial assistance for World War II veterans from P10,000 to P20,000.

The fiscal bonanza is a demonstration of the current generation’s respect for members.of the old generation and a recognition of the elderlies’ good service to the nation.

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

(LGU) has now begun releasing cash gifts in varying amounts to all senior citizens, whether still healthy, differently able or with co-morbidities.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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

SUICIDE IS REAL It is somewhat unlikely talk about suicide as Christmas is coming. It is the time of the year when people are happy and looking forward to meeting their loved ones.

It is also the time when parties and merrymaking are plentiful.

Well, it is for these reasons why suicide is common during the month of December. There are those who are alone and far from their families.

There are also those who still cannot move on when their beloved has found another one.

Suicide is real. It should not be taken lightly. If you know someone who is telling that he or she may commit suicide, the fact is that he or she may do it. Ending one’s life is not a joke, after all.

In Davao Region, suicide ideation (also known as suicidal thought) is increasing among young people. In fact, the region ranked third in the country of having youth considering suicide as a way out of all the troubles they are facing.

“Between 2002 and 2013, the proportion of youth who ever thought of committing suicide increased in Region XI, which goes against the declining pattern at the national level,” said Prof. Grace T. Cruz, of the Demographic Re-

search and Development Foundation, who conducted a study of the risk behavior of young people in Southern Mindanao.

Based on the said research, it was found that Davao Region registered the third highest (after Caraga and Region VII) percentage of youth who ever thought of committing suicide (12.3%).

At the time the study was conducted, there were 903,278 youth ages 15-24. This figure constituted about 5% of the country’s total youth population.

Dr. Agnes Sampulna, the regional director of Population Commission Region XI, said there are several reasons why young people commit suicide but mostly due to family problems and quarrel with their partners or lovers.

Dr. Sampulna pointed out that young people who have suicidal thoughts “have lower self-esteem, lower life satisfaction, and les happy than those who did not think of ending their lives.”

This is indeed very alarming.

One of the reasons why Filipinos commit suicide is due to depression. A few years back, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) listed 4.5 million

depressed people in the country, considered to be “the highest incidence of depression in Southeast Asia.”

Only one-third of these depressed people seek professional help, the Department of Health reports. Besides, it is hard to detect depression among Filipinos. “People confuse depression for normal sadness,” Dr. Randy Dellosa, a psychiatrist, was quoted as saying.

Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain.

It’s more than just a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days. It’s a kind of feeling that does not go away. They persist and interfere with a person’s everyday life.

The US National Institute of Mental Health have identified the following as symptoms of depression: sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, change in weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.

“After anxiety, depression is the most common mental health disorder,” notes The Merck Manual of Medical Information. Statistics show that 10% of people who see

their doctors for what they think is a physical problem are actually experiencing depression.

“People who become depressed typically do so in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, although depression can begin at almost any age,” the Merck manual points out. “Depression affects a number of children and adolescents.”

The University of Maryland Medical Center says causes of depression are not fully known.

However, some experts believe that depression is most likely due to a combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors.

Studies have found that close relatives of patients with depression are two to six times more likely to develop the condition than individuals without a family history. On the other hand, the basic biologic causes of depression are strongly linked to abnormalities in the delivery of certain key neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain).

Many prescription drugs can affect brain chemicals and trigger depression. These medications include certain types of drugs used for acne, high blood pressure, contraception, Parkinson’s disease, in-

flammation, gastrointestinal relief, and other conditions.

While no one really knows what causes depression, there are foods that can trigger depression.

Take the case of high fructose corn syrup – or any processed sugar – which reacts negatively with serotonin — the happy hormone and excessive amounts in the body is also known to decrease energy and leave a person feeling fatigued.

Eating foods high in sodium may also lead to depression, health experts claim. Some studies claim that too much salt leaves a person feeling bloated and lifeless, plus it throws off the neurological system which can lead to depression. The American Heart Association recommends 1,500 milligrams or less per day.

Some people believe that alcohol can help them forget sad moments of their lives. But that’s not true. Alcohol is a depressant and that’s all there is to it. The more alcohol they drink, the more they need – which will leave them feeling extremely depressed over time.

“If you’re going to drink, we suggest limiting yourself to one or two drinks on occasion to prevent depression from sinking in,” one doctor suggests.

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

AN EVENING WITH CHITO GASCON, VOLTES V AND HUMAN RIGHTS International Human Rights Day in the Philippines was celebrated this year in the Philippines without the presence of human rights icon Chito Gascon.

December 10 each year is known as Human Rights Day, the very day when, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Declaration set out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all of us, everywhere around the world, are entitled. It guarantees our rights without distinction of nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status.

At the time of his untimely demise on October 9, 2021 due to COVID19 at the age of 57, he was the chairman of the constitutional body Commission on Human Rights (CHR) having been appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2015 .

I entered UP in 1987 when Chito just served his term as Chairperson of the UP Diliman Student Council from 1985 to 1986.

He led his fellow students in active-non-violent protest actions, which contributed to and culminated in the People Power Revolution and the ouster of Marcos in

1986.

Chito belong to Nagkaisang Tugon (TUGON), the perennial rival of our group Sandigan Para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan (SAMASA) as major student political parties during my UP student days in the 1980s and 1990s. His wife, Melissa Mercado, is from SAMASA. SAMASA and TUGON were established when students’ movement was at its peak to defend their democratic rights to organize inside and even outside campus grounds.

The campus molded us to fight for the causes we believe in; trained us for the skills we need to communicate ideas and rally others to effect changes in society.

The UP student activism has taught us the vision of service to the people, which Chito has passionately pursued until his death.

Later, Gascon represented the youth as the youngest delegate to the 1986 Constitutional Convention, which prepared the 1987 Philippine Constitution. He then served as the youngest member of the 8th Congress from 1990 to 1992.

Chito finished his law degree from UP College of Law in 1996, which is also my batch l celebrating its silver jubilee this year.

Chito was part of the team that won the country’s first ever

Jessup International Cup in 1995 held in New York. They were not allowed by the team coach to bring any notes with them, not even index cards, during the debates. The judges were impressed because they looked confident, and they were the only team that argued based on knowledge Chito faced challenges as CHR head ensuring the promotion, protection, and preservation of human rights enshrined in the Constitution. He endured Duterte’s threats and ridicule as the CHR monitored the government’s bloody war on drugs.

The last time I had a face to face encounter with Chito was during the Japanese robots exhibition in May 2018 by fellow SAMASA Toym Imao at the UP Diliman Library.

Toym’s exhibit showed simplistic childish grudge, the deprivation to kids born in the 1970s of freedom to watch a show we love.

From June 4, 1977 to March 25, 1978, we eagerly await the robot cartoon series everyday at 6:00pm: Mekanda on Monday, Daimos on Tuesday, Mazinger Z on Wednesday, UFO Grendizer on Thursday, and finally Voltes V on Friday.

The Japanese cartoons are inseparable from the discussion on martial law and the Marcos re-

gime as these series carry the notions of revolution and resistance.

Voltes V was about an alien race of horned humans from the planet Boazania out to conquer Earth. It was up to Voltes V to defeat the Boazanians’ giant robots, known as beast fighters, sent to destroy the planet.

Boazania was also under dictatorial rule from a despotic emperor, who faced an uprising from Boazanians who were discriminated against and enslaved simply because they had no horns.

In 1978, shortly before the series finale, Marcos issued a directive banning Voltes V and other similarly-themed anime series due to concerns about “excessive violence.”

It was believed that the series were taken off the air due to their revolutionary undertones.

In 2012, Marcos’ son Bongbong defended his father’s decision to ban Voltes V, stating that parents before were worried about the excessive violence in the show, so Marcos pulled the robot-based animated series from television to appease their demands.

The villain characters from Planet Boazania symbolized how the government tried to control the freedom of Filipinos

in the past and the ensuing human rights violations.

The popular line associated with Voltes V, “Let’s Volt In”, is timely and appropriate with the return of the Marcoses in Philippine politics.

(Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices.

For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

Members of the Zamboanga City Market Vendors Association march along Jaldon Street in Zamboanga City on Sunday, 12 December 2021, to express support for the candidacies of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for President and Davao City mayor Sara Duterte for Vice President. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

ADB approves $250-M loan to boost PH vaccine supply

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protect its citizens and save lives, especially with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants,” ADB Principal Social Sector Specialist for Southeast Asia Sakiko Tanaka said.

“Vaccination will allow the health system to better manage the effects of the virus and will help sustain

economic recovery. It is key to the country’s full recovery from the pandemic,” Tanaka added.

The ADB said the project called the Second Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 under the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (HEAL2) Additional Financing, will be co-financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The ADB said it had also helped finance up-

grades of laboratories and the construction of isolation facilities in the country.

The government aims to inoculate 70 percent of the population by the end of the year. It also recently initiated booster shots for the eligible sector.

In November, the country started vaccinating children aged 12 to 17.

At least 39.5 million have been fully vaccinated as of Dec. 8.

ed guests to ensure that their requirements are complete before proceeding to the airport, and always check if your destination requires certain documents prior to entry.

Cebu Pacific also encouraged guests flying out of select domestic destinations such as Manila, Davao, General Santos, Bohol, Iloilo, and Zamboanga to self-tag their check-in luggage prior to proceeding to counters for the bag drop.

The carrier also said passengers are only allowed to bring only one

hand carry item on board, which must not exceed 7 kilograms in weight and with a dimension of up to 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm.

Passengers are also advised to continue adhering to the minimum health security measures, and update contact details on their bookings to ensure that reminders are received in a timely manner.

Cebu Pacific’s domestic network currently covers 33 destinations, on top of 12 international destinations. Its fleet covers 74 aircraft, includ-

ing two dedicated ATR freighters.

Cebu Pacific started to gradually resume its international flights in August, after suspensions due to international restrictions.

Commercial air travel to and from Metro Manila was restricted from March 2020 and only resumed in June last year, after the easing of the community quarantine.

Cebu Air Inc. in May secured some $250 million from the issuance of convertible bonds to private equity investors.

he Asian Development Bank said Monday it approved a $250 million (P12.5 billion) loan to help boost the vaccine supply in the Philippines.

The assistance will cover the government’s purchase of about 40 million additional doses of COVID-19 jabs for eligible children and booster shots for adults, the lender said in a statement.

“ADB is supporting the government’s drive to provide vaccines to

CebPac urges passengers to be at airport 3-4 hours ahead of flight

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udget carrier Cebu Pacific reminded passengers to proceed to the airport at least three hours before departure for domestic flights, and four hours for international flights amid the holiday season.

“As air travel begins to pick-up, Cebu Pacific and CebGo remind all passengers to allot ample time for security inspection, check-in, bag drop, and other pre-departure requirements,” the carrier said in an advisory.

In the same advisory, the carrier remind-

BFAR targets completion of 32 hatcheries in 2022

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he Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) commits to complete 32 more multi-species hatcheries next year.

This, as DA-BFAR aims to boost aquaculture production by providing local sources of fry.

“Our goal is to build end-to-end support system for aquaculture and promote commercial fish farming to provide diversified sources of food fish and income,” DA Undersecretary for Fisheries Cheryl Marie Caballero told the Philippine News Agency.

Before 2021 ends, DABFAR will complete one multi-species hatchery and three mangrove crab nurseries in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Catanduanes.

Under the Legislated Hatcheries Program, 37 hatcheries and aquaculture facilities under 27 Republic Acts are set to be established nationwide.

The program is in parallel with one of the key strategies of Secretary William Dar’s “OneDA Reform Agenda” which seeks

to modernize the agri-fisheries sector through infrastructure investments.

On Monday, DA-BFAR unveiled a new legislated hatchery in compliance with Republic Act 10945, or the Act Establishing a Multi-Species Marine Hatchery in the Municipality of Perez, Province of Quezon.

The completion of the Phase 1 construction of the hatchery amounted to PHP20 million while an additional PHP15 million will be spent for initial operation and maintenance of the current facility towards the Phase 2 construction.

Located in Barangay Villamanzano Sur, the aquaculture facility is the first legislated hatchery projected to produce 25 million bangus (milkfish) fry annually.

Designed in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center – Aquaculture Department, the infrastructure currently covers 1,500 square meters of the total 4,800 square meters of land allocated for the project, set-

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ECONOMY A2

A pump attendant refills a vehicle with diesel at a gasoline station in Digos, Davao del Sur on Tuesday. Oil firms have implemented an increase in fuel prices starting Tuesday. Edge Davao

DOF chief confident of resolution of bank account hacking attacks D O Oil companies set price hike today

il prices will increase again after six straight weeks of rollbacks after a rebound of world oil prices as fears over the Omicron variant subside.

In separate advisories, Caltex, Cleanufel, Petro Gazz, PTT Philippines, Seaoil, and Shell announced they will increase diesel prices

by PHP1.35 per liter and PHP1.60 per liter for gasoline.

Caltex, Seaoil, and Shell will also increase the prices of kerosene by PHP1.20 per liter.

Other players are expected to follow suit.

Since November 2, oil firms slashed diesel prices

by PHP5.40 per liter and

PHP5.55 per liter for kerosene.

Gasoline prices started to go down on November 9 with a total price rollback amounting to PHP6.25 per liter.

Year-to-date adjustments of pump prices resulted in a net increase of PHP15.70 per liter for gasoline, PHP13.05 per liter for diesel, and PHP10.49 per liter for kerosene.

Meanwhile, world oil prices rebounded last week, recording the biggest weekly gain since August.

According to industry experts, negative sentiments over the new coronavirus disease 2019 strain are subsiding. (PNA)

GCash partners with BPI for new investment offerings

M

obile e-wallet service GCash has partnered with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to offer clients with two fresh investment funds with an aggressive risk appetite for as low as P50.

In a statement, GCash said users can now invest in BPI Investment Management Inc.’s ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, and the Philippine Stock Index Fund under GInvest.

GInvest users can start investing in the ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund— a dollar-denominated feeder fund whose target fund is managed by BlackRock —with as low as P1,000.

The feeder fund invests at least 90% of its assets into a single collective scheme, with investments including equities and equity-related securities to guarantee div-

FGCASH, A3

epartment of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III is optimistic that regulators and the banks that have clients who reported experiencing hacking attacks on their accounts in recent days are taking appropriate actions to address the issue.

In a Viber message to journalists, Dominguez said he is “very aware of the complaints of many depositors” and have raised the issue to officials of concerned banks as well as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) “as early as two weeks ago.”

“I am confident that they are all taking the appropriate actions on a timely basis to protect the banks’ clients and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.

Dominguez also disclosed that “as early as 18

months ago, all the government financial institutions embarked upon a program to strengthen all their cybersecurity defenses in anticipation of precisely this type of criminal activity.”

Over the weekend, clients of the Sy-led Banco de Oro posted on social media that they are having problems accessing their accounts online while some claimed unauthorized transactions.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said monetary authorities were mon-

itoring the developments and are “in close coordination” with BDO as well as the Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank) “to ensure that remedial measures are being undertaken.”

“BSP will do everything to ensure the safety and integrity of the financial system as well as the protection of financial consumers,” he said.

This, as some depositors claim that proceeds of the unauthorized transactions were deposited to Unionbank accounts. (PNA)

rose 22 percent to 18,251 units from 14,955 in October.

Passenger car segment grew by 7.59 percent to 8,205 units from October’s sales of 7,626 units.

Year-on-year, industry sales rose 14.2 percent from 23,162 units in November 2020.

“Surpassing our last year’s sales performance gives the industry a renewed hope that recovery is underway as restrictions started easing, and economic activities have resumed at improved levels,” CAMPI president Atty.

Rommel Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez said the industry and vehicle buy-

ers have embraced the shift to online sales and marketing, in which these activities will continue in the future.

“This has become a viable strategy for the automotive industry to meet the needs of our stakeholders,” he said.

Meanwhile, local assemblers’ sales from January to November 2021 increased by 22.7 percent to 240,642 units from 196,197 units in the same period a year ago.

Passenger car sales for the past 11 months went up by 26.2 percent to 76,813 units from 60,857 units last year.

Commercial vehicle

sales jumped 21 percent to 163,829 units this year from 135,340 units in the same period in 2020.

Commercial vehicles comprised 68 percent of the market and the remaining 32 percent were passenger cars. “(T)he industry remains cautious and on guard at the same time on the uncertainties brought by the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) mutations, which hopefully will not undermine our recovery,” Gutierrez added.

Market leaders for the past 11 months were Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Suzuki, and Nissan, respectively.

(PNA)

Local auto assemblers’ sales up 17.2% in Nov.

S

ales of the local automotive industry increased by 17.2 percent month-on-month in November 2021 to 26,456 units from 22,581 units sold in October.

In a statement Monday, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) are optimistic that the industry’s recovery is on track after posting double-digit growth last month as the majority of areas in the country were placed under Alert Level 2.

Commercial vehicle sales fueled the industry growth last month as sales

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VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

CSC issues advisory enjoining volunteers for 2nd round of ‘Bayanihan Bakunahan’

T

he Civil Service Commission issued an advisory calling for volunteers from the government sector for the Second Round of “Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination” on 15 to 17 December 2021 Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11525 and Proclamation No. 1253 dated 24 November 2021.

In support of the second round of the government mass vaccination program and in celebration of the National Volunteer Month, the Commission enjoins all government agencies and their officials and employees, irrespective of position, rank, and status, to volunteer. Volunteers

shall be considered on official business and in the performance of their functions and shall be entitled to official travel allowances and other related expenses subject to the availability of funds and pertinent accounting, auditing and budgeting rules and regulations.

The Department of

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and their loss can affect marine and terrestrial biodiversity much more widely,” pointed out Beth Polidoro, who led the first-ever global assessment on the conservation status of mangroves.

Mangroves are very important to marine life, says Dr. Rafael Guerrero III, former director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD). They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for fish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important fish species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milkfish), shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” a World Bank report on environment added. “Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.”

Coral reefs on the brink On land, the ecosystem that supports the greatest number of plant and animal species is the rainforest. In the sea, it’s the coral reef. But unlike their counterparts, coral reefs have not been given much importance by people since they could not be seen.

“When trees are cut and human beings are affected as a result of flash floods, people rallied against deforestation,” explained Dr. Bernhard Riegel, associate director of the National Coral Reef Institute in the United States. “But like forests, coral reefs are also suffering the same magnitude of destruction.”

“One of the greatest natural treasures, (cor-

al reefs) are habitats for rare species, including some 488 species of corals, 971 species of benthic algae, and 2,000 species of fish,” explains Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines. “A single reef may contain 3,000 species of corals, fish, and shellfish.”

Studies have shown that a single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life. As fishing grounds, they are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit area as the open sea.

The Philippines has the distinction of being home to more than 400 of the 700 coral reefs known to man. Unfortunately, most of these reefs are in a sad state of destruction.

Unless something is done soon to stop their destruction, fish production may to collapse.

It seems to be happening in Davao City already.

But no one seems to feel it yet. In the past, Bago Aplaya used to be a haven of fish in the city. “When I was still younger,” 53-year-old Ronnie Estrera recalled, “we used to catch a lot of fish. But it’s the case anymore today.”

“We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, was quoted as saying.

Neglected seagrasses Seagrasses receive little attention like coral reefs. But like mangroves, they act as a buffer to winds and provide habitats and shelter for many invertebrates and fishes.

They also serve as filters to sewage, reducing the

Health (DOH) will be needing volunteers to participate as health screeners, vaccinators, post-vaccination monitors, registration personnel, encoders, data consolidators, and health educators.

Last November 29 to December 3, the National Government through the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in cooperation with the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, conducted the first round of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination” which successfully vaccinated near-

ly ten (10) million Filipinos against COVID-19.

The ongoing mass vaccination program of the government aims to reach 70% population protection in all localities.

Thus, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the NTF Against COVID-19 scheduled a second round of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination” on 15 to 17 December 2021 especially in provinces with the highest unvaccinated rates particularly for the A1 and A5 populations.

(PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

effects of pollution on coral reefs and mangroves.

Seagrasses are said to be the “last frontier” of the country’s basic marine needs. Unfortunately, they are being destroyed at a very alarming rate.

“In spite of the ecological and economic value of seagrasses, between 30% to 50% of the seagrass beds have been lost due to industrial development, ports, and recreation in the last 50 years,” deplored Dr. Lim. Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, the country’s foremost expert on seagrasses, echoed the same concern.

“Despite their high biodiversity and abundance, seagrass habitats are still poorly understood in our country,” he said. “Hence, it appears only marginally useful when, in fact, the ecosystem plays significant economic and ecological roles.”

The Philippines has 18 species of seagrasses thriving along its coasts.

This makes the Philippines as having the second highest species of seagrasses around the world. Western Australia leads — with more than 30 species of seagrasses.

Seagrasses provide food and shelter for many organisms, and are a nursery ground for commercially important prawn and fish species.

The high primary production rates of seagrasses are closely linked to the high production rates of associated fisheries.

Among the diversified species found in the seagrass beds are fishes, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels and snails. Shrimps spend the early stages of their lives in seagrass areas. Large animals like sea cow (dugong) and green sea turtles graze extensively in seagrass

beds.

Seahorses, a tourist attraction and of medicinal value, reside in seagrass beds. A study done in five seagrass sites in the country identified a total of 1,384 individuals and 55 species from 25 fish families.

Climate change Aside from the destruction of the primary fishery sanctuaries of coastal ecosystem, climate change has also been cited by fishery experts as another important factor affecting fisheries. “The level of impacts varies widely and depends on attributes of the species as well as on their regional specificity,” said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Changes in ocean circulation, the UN-sponsored body explained, may lead to the loss of certain populations or the establishment of new ones.

Among those fishes that will be greatly affected with climate change are the pelagic fish stocks.

They exhibit unique spatial and temporal distribution patterns related to their bioclimatic niche.

“Climate changes and associated shifts in primary and secondary production have therefore impacted on the distribution range, migratory habits and stock size of many marine fish species,” climefish.eu explains.

Take the case of tuna.

Some years back, the General Santos City tried to break the previous record of the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest display of tuna at its landing port. Although they failed to make it, they discovered something more alarming: the fish caught were getting

Mati City LGU gives out bonuses to employees

I

t is indeed a Merry Christmas for the 3,275 employees of the City of Mati LGU as Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat announced on Monday the bonuses that the regular and job order employees of the city would receive.

For the regular employees, a Collective Negotiation Agreement bonus of P25,000 each will be given, along with additional bonus of the same amount. A performance-based bonus will also be given to employees of offices that were able to comply with the needed requirements.

For the job orders, each will receive P15,000 as bonus. There are a total of 2,709 job order employees in the City of Mati LGU of which 2,162 are under the executive while 547 are under the

legislative.

For the regular employees, there are a total of 566 individuals of which 15 are holding elective positions, 35 are casuals, 40 are co-terminous, 3 are temporary, and 473 are permanent.

Last 2020, the job order employees also received the same amount of P15,000 as their Christmas bonus under the administration of Mayor Michelle Rabat.

Mayor Michelle thanked all employees of the city for their cooperation and hardwork despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. She said that it is but proper to reward the employees for continuing to serve the public despite the threat from the virus. (CIO MATI)

idends.

Users can also invest in the Philippine Stock Index Fund—which tracks the performance of the local stock barometer—with a buy order for as low as P50.

The latest funds bring GInvest’s fund offerings to seven, along with the Money Market Fund, the Philippine Total Return Bond Fund, the Philippine Smart Equity Index Fund, the Global Technology Feeder Fund, and the Global Consumer Trends

Fund.

GCash is operated by Globe Fintech Innovations Inc., as part of the portfolio of 917Ventures, the corporate incubator of Globe Telecom Inc. The firm in August said it was looking to offer cryptocurrency trading services on its platform soon,with the firm now in the process of identifying a partner.

Shares in Globe Telecom Inc. closed Monday up P34.00 or 1.01% to P3,400 apiece.

ting aside areas for future expansion for the culture of other alternate species such as crabs and shrimps.

DA-BFAR also shared in a statement that the project provides a training facility for students, individuals, or groups interested in putting up bangus hatcheries for their livelihood.

“Having a new source of fry within the province offers a number of benefits for the local aquaculture community such as

lower cost of fry, which also means lower operating capital for the fish farmers, the emergence of more nurseries and grow-out areas in the province, more revenue to the local government unit, and more opportunities for employment in the community,” the agency said.

The hatchery in Perez is one of the 10 targeted legislated hatcheries in the Fourth District of Quezon. (PNA)

smaller.

In the past, fishermen used to catch tuna fish as heavy as 60-70 kilograms. But these days, the biggest they had caught weighed only 35-40 kilograms. “That’s concrete evidence that the fish are getting smaller,” said the spokesperson of the Alliance of Tuna Handline Operators.

A research, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, found out that climate is causing tuna to migrate, which could spell catastrophe for those who depend on them. “If ocean warming continues at current rates, the tuna catch… is expected to decline by an average of 20% by 2050,” the study said.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

ENVIRONMENT

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DEGRADED COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

CAUSE FISH CATCH DECLINE Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

n the 1950s, the average fish catch in the Philippines was “more than 10 kilograms a day.” It went down to “less than 5 kilograms a day” in the 1990s due to decades of overfishing, catching of juvenile fish, and use of illegal fishing methods, according to Jimely Flores, senior marine scientist of Oceana Philippines.

Those causes cited are rampant and transparent.

But the main culprits are actually rapid population growth and government neglect in preserving the life-sustaining coastal ecosystem since the postwar years.

The Philippines is currently home to 111,661,829 Filipinos, based on projections of

the latest United Nations data. Each day, about 5,000 Filipinos are added daily to the current population.

Meanwhile, the coastal zones of the country encompass approximately 17,000 kilometers of coastline.

It includes: mangrove forests, tidal flats, estuaries, island ecosystems, coral reefs

and beaches.

Vanishing mangroves In 1980, the Philippines was among 10 countries with the largest mangrove areas in Asia. At that time, it had 146,000 hectares of mangrove forests. By 1988, however, the area went down to 38,000 hectares.

The country had some 500,000 hectares of mangroves in 1920.

“All over the country, whatever coastal province you visit, you see the same plight – desolate stretches of shoreline completely stripped of mangrove cover and now totally exposed to the pounding of ocean’s waves,” commented a Filipino environmentalist.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

reported that most of the remaining vegetated mangrove areas in the country today are second-growth, containing other than the original species.

Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, who was then the director of DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, said its agency has identified 42 species of mangroves in the country.

None of them are facing extinction yet. But the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is considering of putting 11 out of 70 mangrove species assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

“Mangroves form one of the most important tropical habitats that support many species,

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6

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19TH CITY COUNCIL 34TH REGULAR SESSION SERIES OF 2021

service for REPEAT OFFENDERS of any of the prohibited acts mentioned under Section 44 paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (12), and (16); For the purpose of determining repeat offenders under this section, the prohibited acts mentioned under Section 44 paragraphs 1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (12), and (16) are classified as a single class of violation.

FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (Php5,000.00) for every violation of Section 44 paragraphs (10), (11), (13), (14) and (15); The violator shall make known his/her availment of the “NO CONTEST PROVISION” within SEVEN (7) working days from issuance of the Citation ticket.

PRESENT: COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR COUNCILOR

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VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

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

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. - TEMPORARY PRESIDING OFFICER RALPH O. ABELLA NILO D. ABELLERA MARIA BELEN S. ACOSTA BAI HUNDRA CASSANDRA DOMINIQUE N. ADVINCULA WILBERTO E. AL-AG DANTE L. APOSTOL SR. CONRADO C. BALURAN JESSICA M. BONGUYAN LOUIE JOHN J. BONGUYAN PILAR C. BRAGA AUGUSTO JAVIER G. CAMPOS III DANILO C. DAYANGHIRANG JONARD C. DAYAP EDGAR R. IBUYAN SR. PAMELA A. LIBRADO-MORATA DIOSDADO ANGELO JUNIOR R. MAHIPUS JAFFAR U. MAROHOMSALIC BONIFACIO E. MILITAR MYRNA G. L’DALODO-ORTIZ ANTOINETTE G. PRINCIPE-CASTRODES J. MELCHOR B. QUITAIN JR. ALBERTO T. UNGAB MARY JOSELLE D. VILLAFUERTE JESUS JOSEPH P. ZOZOBRADO III

ABSENT: VICE MAYOR SEBASTIAN Z. DUTERTE COUNCILOR RICHLYN N. JUSTOL-BAGUILOD

- ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS - ON DOMESTIC EMERGENCY LEAVE

ORDINANCE NO. 0706-21 Series of 2021

CENRO shall provide the procedure for the availment and compliance of the “NO CONTEST PROVISION” and may allow the Barangay to monitor compliance with the voluntary community service.

The City Treasurer is hereby authorized to receive the amount under this Ordinance.

In case the violator opts to voluntarily render community service, he/she may be assigned to a community service including, but not limited to, clean up activity, greening and tree planting activity, solid waste management activity, wastewater management activity, or Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) service.

A monthly report of violations of this Ordinance, including a copy of official receipts for payments or certificates of completion for community service issued in relation to this Ordinance shall be furnished to the City Legal Office.

Any qualified person who successfully avails of the “NO CONTEST PROVISION” and had complied with the provisions hereof shall be exempted from liability for violation of this Ordinance.

SECTION 4. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Ordinances, resolutions, rules or regulations which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVITY - The provisions of this Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication.

ENACTED, on the 14th day of September 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

Certified Corred:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY ORDINANCE NO. 0361-10, SERIES OF 2010 INTRODUCING A “NO CONTEST PROVISION” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as “An Ordinance Amending City Ordinance No. 0361-10, Series of 2010, Introducing a “No Contest Provision” and for Other Purposes”.

ATTESTED:

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/ray

APPROVED : ________________, 2021

SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. SECTIONS 45 and 48 of City Ordinance No. 036110, Series of 2010, are hereby amended to read as follows: A. Section 45. PENALTIES. a) Any person who violates Sec. 44 pars. (1), (2), (3) and (16), shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and/or community service for not less than one (1) day to not more than fifteen (15) days, at the discretion of the court; b) Any person who violates Sec. 44 pars. (4), (5), (6) and (7), shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not less than one (1) day but not more than fifteen (15) days, at the discretion of the court; c) Any person who violates Sec. 44 pars. (8), (9) and (12), shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than Three Thousand (P3,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not less than fifteen (15) days but not more than six (6) months, at the discretion of the court; d) Any person who violates Sec. 44 pars. (10, (11), (13), (14) and (15), shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month but not more than six (6) months, at the discretion of the court; If the violation of this Ordinance be deemed to have been committed by a corporation, partnership, or other juridical entity duly recognized in accordance with law, the chief executive officer, president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer-in-charge, if known, shall be liable for the commission of the offense penalized under this Ordinance.

In addition to the penalty provided for above, business permits of establishments shall be suspended or cancelled by the City Mayor.

B. Section 48. CITATION TICKET. A citation ticket shall be issued to violators of the provisions of this Ordinance.

The citation ticket shall state, among others, the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed, and the corresponding fine or penalty, including the substance and the options under the “No Contest Provision” of this Ordinance.

SECTION 3. NO CONTEST PROVISION. City Ordinance No. 0361-10, Series of 2010 is further amended to include a new Section 48-A to read as follows: Section 48-A. NO CONTEST PROVISION. – Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance who does not wish to contest the citation and shall voluntarily pay the following amount or in case of inability to pay the amount, is willing to voluntarily render community service and, in either case, attend the orientation detailing the provisions of this Ordinance, such person may be allowed to pay the following amount with the City Treasurer or render community service as settlement for the citation; FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php500.00) or FOUR (4) working hours of community service for FIRST TIME OFFENDERS of any of the prohibited acts mentioned under Section 44 paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (12), and (16); ONE THOUSAND PESOS (Php1,000.00) or EIGHT (8) working hours of community

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the Pagbabago Project on Education campaign for poorest and underprivileged elementary pupils to make education their way out of poverty, expanded the scholarship platforms under the Educational Benefit System Unit (“EBSU”), constructed 116 classrooms across all levels and sites, successfully hosted the Davao Regional Athletic Association (“DAVRAA”) attended by 7,300 athletes.

In her SOCA in 2019, Mayor Sara nudged the national government agencies to get three major projects moving by acting on the review of documents and giving final approval.

She cited the pending construction of the Davao-Samal Bridge, a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility, and the rollout of the High Priority Bus Sys-

tem (HPBS).

The planned WTE will be implemented with assistance from the Japanese government and Davao’s sister city Kitakyushu in Japan — the local government has already purchased a property for the facility’s site. It is programmed as one of the long-term solid waste management solutions for the city.

The longstanding Davao-Samal bridge, meanwhile, was already announced as a priority project in 2017 by the national government.

She also vowed to make the city debt-free by 2022, the end of her current three-year term.

In 2020, Mayor Sara inspired the Dabawenyos with the statement “we will not break” in her 25-minute recorded SOCA.

While waiting for a vaccine to control the spread, the mayor implemented protocols such as staying at home, wearing a mask, frequent handwashing and observing social/ physical distancing to reduce the risk of transmission.

She also shared the highlights of the city’s Covid-19 response: the city’s testing capacity currently at approximately 1,200 tests per day; support for the establishment of two private laboratories and the completion of Los Amigos Davao Laboratory funded from the Bayanihan Heal as One-Act. Other salient points mentioned in her SOCA centered on infrastructure projects, drugs and terrorism, Food Relief Response, Work for Davao Cash for Work, educational assistance grant, and Peace 911.

vaccination activity, the city will be able to achieve 100 percent of the target individuals to reach the 1.2 million population protection.

“We are supposed to be at 9,000 (vaccinees) per day para mahuman nato ang mga first doses by Dec 31, 2021.

But I think with the next Bayanihan Bakunahan kadtong National Vaccination nato sa COVID-19, we can

add more, maybe ma-achieve nato ang 100 percent sa first dose,” the mayor said.

Based on the report of the city’s vaccination cluster, as of December 10, 2021, the city has already administered the first dose to 1,191,694 of 91.68 percent and the second dose to 1,046,084 individuals or 80.47 percent.

The city aims to administer close to 1.3 million doses

of anti-Covid-19 vaccines before the year ends.

Part 2 of the “Bayanihan Bakunahan” or the National Vaccination Days aims to vaccinate more Filipinos to attain population protection in the country. The national government was able to inoculate 7,628, 432 Filipinos during the first three-day vaccination campaign held from November 29, 2021 to December 1, 2021.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

7

Rockets fight back from 19 points down to beat Hawks A

TLANTA — Eric Gordon scored 32 points, D.J. Augustin added 22 and the Houston Rockets handed the Atlanta Hawks their fifth straight home loss, rallying from 19 points down for a 132-126 victory Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).

Houston won on the road for only the second time this season, overcoming a 41-point performance

by Trae Young.

The Rockets trailed most of the game and were down 101-88 heading to the final quarter.

But Augustin hit a 3-pointer with 3:31 remaining that gave Houston its first lead, 121-119, since the opening quarter.

David Nwaba set up the basket by stealing a pass from Young.

After Clint Capela missed a pair of free throws, Gordon scored on a drive to the basket. He tacked on a 3 pointer that made it 126121.

Young connected on a 3 of his own with 23.9 seconds remaining, cutting the Houston lead to 126-124. But the Rockets, the worst free-throw shooting team in the league, knocked down four straight from the line

to seal the victory.

Seven players scored in double figures for Houston, which has won eight of 10 since a 15-game losing streak.

“This was a great way for this team to show growth. We were down the whole game, but different guys stepped up,” Gordon said. “When multiple guys are doing that, you always give yourself a chance to win.”

The Hawks scored a season-high 69 points in the first half, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Rockets.

Houston outscored the Hawks 44-25 in the final period, hitting 16 of 25 shots — including 8 of 11 from 3-point range.

It’s been quite a turnaround for the rebuilding Rockets, who started the season 1-16.

“It doesn’t matter who’s on the floor for us,” Augustin said. “Everybody is

Jae’Sean Tate goes 6 for 11 in 24 minutes of action. PHOTO: AP ready for their opportunity.”

Coming into the season with high hopes after a surprising run to the Eastern Conference final, the Hawks keep breaking down in the fourth quarter.

They have lost five of their last seven — all at home — to slip to 13-14 on the season. All five of those defeats have been by single digits.

“We scored enough to win tonight,” Young said.

“We just didn’t get enough stops. We’ve got to figure it out.”

Young, who also had nine assists, was essentially a one-man team. He hit 14 of 22 shots, including five 3-pointers.

John Collins added 14 points for the Hawks and no one else had more than

12. Capela did have 16 rebounds, but the Hawks were outrebounded 4540.

NWABA STEPS UP The Rockets got a big contribution from Nwaba, who scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds, doled out three assists and had that big steal in 11 1/2 minutes.

Nwaba has played

sparingly in recent weeks, including a stretch of six straight games in which he never left the bench.

But he was a big key to the comeback. The Rockets outscored the Hawks by 17 points while he was on the court.

“I’m the guy who brings energy,” Nwaba said. “I think I showcased that tonight.”

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 233 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

PINOY RING SHOW Donnie Nietes could only manage a draw against Dominican Republic’s Norbelto Jimenez after 10 rounds.

6 Filipino fighters in 5 international fights in one day

O

n a day featuring six Filipino boxers fighting on the world stage for three world title fights, Nonito Donaire and Marlon Tapales came up big time.

The others just fell short.

The veteran Donaire and upcoming Tapales saved what should have been a rare opportunity to showcase Filipino boxing to the world in a single day by both impressively winning their scheduled important fights in the USA as those slated on the same date in Dubai produced frustrating results.

December 11, Saturday in the USA and the United Arab Emirates and Sunday, December 12 in the Philippines promised to highlight the best of Filipino boxing internationally as five major bouts, three for the world championships involving four Filipino fighters were on tap in Dubai and Carson City, California.

But the fight cards in Dubai

promoted by Probellum in which three Filipinos namely Johnriel Casimero and Jayson Mama, both supposedly figuring in world title bouts and former multi division titlist Donnie Nietes in a world title eliminator, did not live up to high expectations.

Casimero was a no show as early as the official weigh in the day before, victim allegedly of a viral gastritis. Mama proved still too raw in his first overseas fight and world title crack, losing dismally to defending IBF flyweight titlist Sunny Edwards by 12 round unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Nietes could only drew with Dominican Republic’s Norbelto Jimenez after 10 rounds.

Johnriel was supposed to make

a third defense of his WBO world bantamweight crown against former IBF titlist Paul Butler but was forced to scratch out due to the sudden stomach viral infection.

The organizers tried to salvage the scheduled bout by bringing in another former titleholder, the old and jaded Joseph Agbeko supposedly to fight Butler for the interim world championship. But the WBO refused to strip Casimero without due process while Butler reportedly wanted no part in the charade, insisting that he wanted to fight for the regular title. However, Casimero is still in danger of being defrocked outside of the ring if his camp failed to substantiate the claim of medical emergency.

There’s no excuse for Mama.

Sunny Edwards, younger brother of Casimero past victim, Charlie, was simply too good for him, delivering a master class boxing clinic over 12 rounds.

Maybe affected by the Casimero caper, ‘Ahas’ Nietes went all out to produce another impressive win in only his second comeback fight since 2019 but the size and rough housing, abetted by the referee, of the younger Jimenez affected his performance. Two of the judges split their cards between Nietes and Jimenez both by two points margin, while the third ruled it a draw. Nietes thus successfully retained his WBO international super flyweight belt but his readiness for another go at the World title at 115 lbs was rendered doubtful.

The fighter who impressed in Dubai, going by media reports, was huge Uzbekistan heavyweight Bakhofir Jalolov who stamped his own readiness for big time pro boxing by knocking out his opponent with his first real blow in the very first round.

With comebacking Ukranian former undisputed lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko fighting and winning convincingly over ex IBF titlist Richard Commey a few hours later on the same day, it appeared the day was already ruined for Philippine boxing to still shine through.

But then came the Carson City fight promotion pitting ex WBO bantamweight ruler Marlon Tapales against high ranking Japanese contender Hiroaki Teshigawara in a 10 round world super bantamweight title eliminator as main support bout underneath the main event 12 round All-Filipino bout between Nonito Donaire and Reymart Gaballo for the WBC bantamweight championship.

Tapales, with a disappointing world title eliminator TKO loss to another Japanese Ryosuke Iwasa in 2019 still hounding him, proved that he would not be denied this time as he tore into Teshigawara from the opening bell.

Tapales drops Teshigawara.

Initially, it appeared that it would be a long night for Marlon as the taller Teshigawara seemed to essay Iwasa’s strategy of long range punching, even landing a hard straight as Tapales stood toe to toe. But then, Tapales, also known as the Maranding Nightmare, connected with a sweeping left hook to the side of the face which he quickly followed up with a right cross to the jaw that sent the Japanese down on his back to the canvas.

Teshigawara took the mandatory eight count and the fight continued until another ponderous 1-2 combination sent him on all fours near the end of the first round. The bell saved the Japanese from a possible opening round KO. When the bell for the second round rang, it appeared that Teshigawara had not fully recovered from the shellacking he took in the first as he unsteadily got out of his corner.

Tapales quickly capitalised and decked him hard with another left hook. The referee immediately stopped the contest only six seconds after the bell opening the second round rang.

As the winner, Tapales earned the right to face Uzbekistan unified WBA-IBF champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev by first quarter of 2022. Akhmadaliev had previously defended against Tapales conqueror Iwasa, winning by middle round

TKO in a fight in Uzbekistan that experts agreed was stopped by the referee too soon.

But what really got the attention of fight fans and experts was the main event bout between Donaire and the then still undefeated interim belt holder Gaballo which was very competitive from the opening round.

Despite giving some inches in height and years in experience to Nonito, Gaballo proved to be a deserving challenger by trading blows with the champion, paying Nonito in kind whenever Donaire landed a shot or combination for the first three rounds.

Gaballo remained game and cagey when the fourth round started and the fans, the live spectators at the Dignity Health Sports Park were beginning to expect more of the same action as the two, especially Gaballo looked they could take whatever one could dish out.

Donaire throws a jab at Gaballo.

Then suddenly, after seeing the opening, Donaire lashed out with a combination to the body that took the wind out of Gaballo, sending him prostrate to the canvas.

As the referee tolled the count, Gaballo momentarily appeared to get to his feet but after a while sagged back down to prostrate position where he was counted out.

Nonito knelt down to his fallen compatriot and offered to help him up all the while uttering some comforting and encouraging words Donaire retained his regular WBC belt, his first defense of the crown he won earlier by knockout over African Frenchman Nordine Oubaali. But he was into a tough fight against Gaballo who had previously fought and defeated ex IBF titlist Emmanuel Rodriguez for the WBC interim belt.

Nonito, the oldest world bantamweight champion in history and now on his third tenure as titlist at 118 lbs. is targeting a rematch versus Japan’s Naoya Inoue for 3/4 of the world belts at the loaded bantamweight division. (philboxing.com)