Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 235 | Friday, December 17, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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PEACEFUL MISA First of midnight masses generally peaceful as security units monitor Davao City’s 38 churches STORY ON PAGE 2

A parish priest leads the celebration of a mass during the first day of Misa de Gallo at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal, Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with Ireland Ambassador William John Carlos during a short audience with the President after the presentation of credentials at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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6 more Reds yield, relinquish 14 firearms to EastMinCom Units

First of midnight masses generally peaceful as security units monitor Davao City’s 38 churches By MAYA M. PADILLO

members of other security and safety cluster of Davao City to provide security and enforce the basic health protocols in the 38 churches during the

first day of Misa de Gallo on December 16, 2021. He also said that an estimate of 17, 594 Catholics faithful attended the first day in various churches that include Sacred Heart Church, Sta. Ana Church, Fatima Church, Redemptorist Church, Assumption Church, St. Jude Church, San Pedro Cathedral, St. Francis of

Assisi Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Holy Spirit Adoration Convent and St. Francis River Chapel, Holy Infant of Jesus Christ Shrine, Ascension Parish (GSIS), San Lorenzo Parish, San Isidro Labrador, San Miguel Parish Church, St. Joseph Parish Church, St. Mary’s Parish Church, St. John the

budget,” Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a statement. Nograles said the Palace considers next year’s budget “vital” to support the country’s Covid-19 resilience initiatives and to sustain socioeconomic recovery efforts. “We are grateful to our partners in the Legislature for ensuring that the Duterte administration’s last fullyear budget will sustain the legacy of real change for fu-

ture generations,” he added. He also reassured the public that next year’s budget will be allocated for programs, projects, and services that will benefit all Filipinos. “As we await its transmittal to the Office of the President, we reiterate our commitment to utilizing our people’s hard-earned money to properly implement programs, projects, and services effectively and efficiently during the remainder of the President’s

term of office,” he added. On Wednesday, the Senate ratified the report containing the reconciled version of the proposed 2022 national budget agreed upon by both houses of Congress through a bicameral conference committee. The House of Representatives ratified the report in its plenary session in the afternoon on the same day. Senate Finance Committee chair Sonny Angara said the 2022 GAB would

avao City Police Office (DCPO) director Colonel Kirby John Kraft reported that the first day of Misa de Gallo in the city was generally peaceful with no reported untoward incidents. Kraft told Edge Davao that DCPO deployed 486 personnel supported by 97 troop members of Task Force Davao, 180 barangay tanods, and 403

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Palace thanks Congress for speedy ratification of 2022 nat’l budget

alacañang on Thursday thanked Congress for the “expeditious” ratification of the proposed PHP5.024 trillion national budget for 2022. This, after the House of Representatives and the Senate separately ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the 2022 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). “The Palace thanks Congress for working overtime to expeditiously ratify the proposed 2022 national

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ix more communist terrorists yielded and relinquished 14 firearms to the different military units of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) through the leadership of Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, on December 10, 12, and 13, respectively. Out of the six surrenderers, two communist terrorists who belong to Platoon Andoy of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) identified as Todong Balite Manlologpis alias Borjack, Commanding Officer, and Magno Colot Maas alias Richard, Squad Leader of Segunda, Platun Andoy, capitulated to the troops of 1003rd Brigade’s (Bde) 56th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 27th IB at Sitio Bagang, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod on December 13, 2021. Manlologpis and Maas also revealed the location of an arms cache in the same area, leading the troops to recover eight high-powered firearms consisting of four M16 rifles, a Bushmaster M16 rifle, a Colt M653 rifle, and two M14 rifles. Another two communist terrorists belonging to SRGU, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5, SMRC) identified as Kimkim Balite alias Tambutso, Squad Leader of Platoon Basil, and Hazel Samson alias Kat, Logistic Officer, also surrendered to 1003rd Bde’s 89th IB and an Intel unit and gave up an M16 rifle in Barangay Bulalang, San Fernando, Bukidnon on December 12, 2021.

On the same date, another combined troops from the 1003rd Bde’s 56th IB and 89th IB also recovered three firearms composed of a Bushmaster M16 rifle, a CZ 858 Tactical-4V rifle, and an M1 Carbine rifle from SRGU, SRC5, SMRC at Sitio Sinegawan, Barangay Sto. Domingo, San Fernando, Bukidnon through information disclosed by a former rebel. The 1003rd Bde reported that due to the success of their operations in the last five months, it has brought down the strength of SRC5, SMRC, and Platoon Bagsik from 80 communist terrorists to only nine active members as of press time. The Brigade was able to get these figures through the insight of former rebel Arian Jane Ramos alias Marikit, the former Secretary of Guerrilla Front 55. “With this remaining number of their members, the SRGU, SRC5 of SMRC is as good as dismantled. It is impossible for them to continue to operate with only a few men, that is why I urge the remaining members of CTG’s to surrender peacefully to the government instead of wasting their time and energy in hiding,” LtGen. Almerol said. Meanwhile, another two rebels belonging to the Loader Platoon, SRC2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) identified as Alambo Coguit Balamban alias Jeric of Abe, Squad 1 and Janjan Ahing Ganansya alias Jekjek of Baking, Squad 2 also

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

NEWS

Worried over the impact of Typhoon “Odette,”Siargao residents seek shelter at the newly built Siargao Sports Complex Wednesday night (15 December 2021). MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

Piñol worried over ‘little concern’ by government on fertilizer prices DavOr’s anti-drug abuse efforts get Gold Performance Award

he Provincial Government of Davao Oriental was awarded the Gold Performance Award by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its efforts against drug abuse in the province. During the 2021 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award held virtually on December 10, 2021, DILG conferred the said award to the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental for its 2019 and 2020 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) performance audited earlier this year. Few of the programs initiated by the provincial government of Davao Oriental are the Lihok Nagkahiusang Lumulupyo Kontra Droga (United Residents’ Actions Against Illegal Drugs), Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs, Aftercare Programs, the establishment of the first provincial-run drug reformation center namely Balay Silangan: Bagong Bahay Para sa Bagong Buhay, and Project Tulay. The program “Lihok Nagkahiusang Lumulupyo Kontra Droga” (United Residents’

Actions Against Illegal Drugs) works with the communities and other concerned stakeholders in implementing projects and programs against drug abuses. More than 8,000 drug surrenderees also graduated from the empowered community-Based rehabilitation and aftercare programs since 2016. In 2018, the Balay Silangan: Bagong Bahay Para sa Bagong Buhay rehabilitation center was established by the provincial government which was considered as the first government-run drug rehabilitation center. Also, persons involved in the drug trade identified and have surrendered to the government were given new chances of living a life with decent jobs and livelihoods through Project Tulay. The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has been consistent since 2016 in its efforts against drug abuses which also made them a consistent awardee from 2017-2020. (PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda/Ezri M. Coda, Jr. with reports from PIO - Davao Oriental)

By MAYA M. PADILLO

seems to be very little concern, except for a few press releases, on this issue simply because not many people understand the negative impact of this problem on food supply and prices,” Piñol said. He said that In the Philippines, the price of a bag of

urea has tripled from P800 to P2,700 per bag today. “This will have a great negative impact on food production as it would increase the cost of production which in turn will lead to higher food prices,” he said. In 2019, during his term as secretary of Agriculture Piñol unveiled a national fertilizer program in a rollover system to make Filipino farmers competitive as pushed for by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Under the program, the government shall provide farmers with fertilizers which they will pay later. To support the project, the government will also provide farmers with a solar-powered irrigation system that can irrigate thousands of hectares of farmland. Farmers who have been identified and validated will be issued a Juan Magsasaka Identification Card, which the farmer will use in claiming fertilizer supply.

meters per hour and gustiness of up to 185 km/h. Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) issued a red warning level to Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro as of 11 a.m. of December 16 and advised the communities to immediately respond as “Odette” might cause severe flooding in flood-prone areas and near river channels as well as landslides in landslide-prone areas.

Orange warning level was imposed to Davao City and Davao del Norte and advised the communities to prepare for flooding in low-lying areas and near river channels and the threat of landslides in landslide-prone areas. Light to moderate with at times heavy rains was experienced in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and nearby areas. The RDRRMC also advised the public and the disaster risk reduction

and management council concerned to take appropriate actions and monitor the weather condition. Meanwhile, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Lanao del Sur while orange warning to Misamis Occidental, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and North Cotabato were placed under red warning

enatorial aspirant and former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol expressed concern about the skyrocketing prices of inorganic fertilizer which is not only happening in the Philippines but all over the world.

Piñol issued this statement following the news on international media Reuters wherein farmers have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the unprecedented increase in fertilizer prices. “Back here in the Philippines, however, there

‘Odette’ brings heavy rainfall to Davao Region T

yphoon “Odette” whipped some provinces in Davao Region with heavy rainfall hours before its forecasted landfall in Caraga Region and Eastern Visayas on Thursday evening. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its December 16, 5 am bulletin reported that “Odette” is gaining strength as it has sustained winds of 150 kilo-

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

On the skyrocketing prices of inorganic fertilizer in the Philippines and the global market:

This will have a great negative impact on food production as it would increase the cost of production which in turn will lead to higher food prices.” Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol

Senatorial aspirant and former Agriculture Secretary

EDITORIAL No reason for complacency Davao City’s number of new COVID-19 cases daily is down to 100. Some 30 of Davao City’s 182 barangays have been lauded for logging high percentages of fully vaccinated residents. The above developments augur well for Davao City’s battle against the pandemic.

However, these do not presage a better future wherein it would be okay for citizens to drop their guards against infection by the coronavirus.

For contrary developments have also occurred, like the fact that the Philippines has already detected two

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In fact, Philippine authorities have now included eight more in the “red list” of countries wherein travel to the Philippines and vice-versa is restricted due to Omicron variant. The eight are Andorra, France, Monaco, Northern Marianas Islands, Reunion, San Marino, South Africa and Switzerland. They joined Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique. Let’s learn the hard lesson of these countries which were hit by a recurrence of COVID-19 cases after their citizens became complacent, thinking their countries were already out of the woods. 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

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cases of infection by the Omicron variant.

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VANTAGE POINTS

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

HOLLYWOOD TRIVIA Hollywood is the film capital of the world. Many of the studios of the film industry in the United States are founded in the neighborhood in the central region of Los Angeles, California: Columbia Pictures, Disney, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, and Universal Pictures. Its name has come to be a shorthand reference not only for the US film industry but also the people – movie stars, directors, scriptwriters, and the like – associated with anything on film and television. In 1923, a large sign reading HOLLYWOODLAND was erected in the Hollywood Hills to advertise real estate developers Woodruff’s and Shoults’ housing development. In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce entered a contract with the city of Los Angeles to repair and rebuild the sign. The agreement stipulated that LAND be removed to spell HOLLYWOOD so the sign would now refer to the district, rather than the housing development. Now, here are some facts – odd, trivial, fascinating and otherwise – you might want to know about Hollywood. All the information contained here were taken from the book, Empire Movie Miscellany: Hundreds of Amazing Filmic Facts: Let’s start with the real unique names of some stars:

Alphonse d’Abbruzzo (Alan Alda), Jennifer Anastassakis (Jennifer Aniston), Jose Antonio Dominguez Bandera (Antonio Banderas), Tadie Khan (Yul Brynner), Mark Vincent (Vien Diesel), Goldie Jean Studiendghawn (Goldie Hawn), Julie Ann Smith (Julianne Moore), and Walter Bruce Willison (Bruce Willis). The less words in a movie title, the better. But there are movies whose titles are a kilometer long. Consider the following: “Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh-eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 1: In Shocking 2-D.” Here are more: “The Heart of a Lady as Pure as a Full Moon Over the Place of Medical Salvation,” “The Incredibly Strange Creatures who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-up Zombies,” “The Englishman who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain,” “I Could Never Have Sex with a Man who had so Little Regard for my Husband,” and “Who is Harry Kellerman and Why is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” Some famous movie stars appeared in some movies but they were never credited in their appearances. Consider the following: Kenneth Branagh

in Swing Kids, Sean Connery in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Matt Damon in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Glenda Jackson in The Boy Friend, Shirley MacLaine in Ocean’s Eleven, Madonna in Die Another Day, and Jack Nicholson in Broadcast News. Just for the record: The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) is the first feature film ever made. Running for 85 hours, The Cure for Insomnia (1987) is the longest film ever made. William Beaudine, who made 182 pictures between 1922 and 1965, is the most prolific director. The largest number of extras – about 300,000 of them – happened in 1982 when the film Gandhi was made. The most kissed dispatched in one film is Don Juan performed by John Barrymore, who kissed 127 women. These movie stars are actually Canadians and not Americans: Dan Aykroyd, James Cameron, Jim Carrey, Rae Dawn Chong, Lolita Davidovich, Michael J. Fox, Margot Kidder, Rick Moranis, Mary Pickford, William Shatner, and Donald Sutherland. How did some of those movie stars die? James Dean died of a car accident in 1955; so did Janet Gaynor (1982), Grace Kelly (1982), Jayne Mansfield (1967), and Tom Mix (1940).

The following died of plane crashes: Leslie Howard (1943), Carole Lombard (1942), Audie Murphy (1971), Ricky Nelson (1986) and Aaliyah (2001). Award-winning actors Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn appeared in several movies together. Although they were living as husband and wife, they were never married. Their films together: 1942’s Woman of the Year, 1942’s Keeper of the Flame, 1945’s Without Love, 1947’s The Sea of Grass, 1948’s State of the Union, 1949’s Adam’s Rib, 1952’s Pat and Mike, 1957’s Desk Set, and 1967’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. The following tied the nuptial knot after meeting at work: Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger in The Marrying Man (1991), Warren Beatty and Annette Bening in Bugsy (1991), Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in To Have and Have Not (1944), Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra (1963), Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in Days of Thunder (1990), Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis in The Fly (1986), Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson in Volunteers (1985), and Kate Winslet and James Threapleton in Hideous Kinky (1998). Do you want to know the intelligence quotient (IQ) of your favorite stars? Here they are: Jodie Foster (132), Nicole

Kidman (132), Steve Martin (135), Arnold Schwarzenegger (135), Geena Davis (140), Madonna (140), Sharon Stone (154), Sylvester Stallone (160), Quentin Tarantino (160), and James Woods (160). Education never fails, so goes a saying. But there are some stars who never finished school: Brigitte Bardot, Drew Barrymore, Ellen Burstyn, Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, Jim Carrey, Cher, Sean Connery, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, Bo Derek, Robert Downey, Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Cary Grnt, Gene Hackman, and Sophia Loren. Here are more: Rob Lowe, Dean Martin, Lee Marvin, Steve McQueen, Demi Moore, Roger Moore, Olivia Newton-John, Peter O’Toole, Al Pacino, Anthony Quinn, Keanu Reeves, Charlie Sheen, Frank Sinatra, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, and Peter Ustinov. We have our own fears. Hollywood stars are no exception. Here are the stars and their phobias: Woody Allen (showers with drains in the middle), Drew Barrymore (insomnia and claustrophobia), Kim Basinger (agoraphobia), Chevy Chase (snakes), Cher, Whoopi Goldberg and Liv Ullman (flying), Katharine Hepburn (fire), Robert Mitchum (crowds), Steven Spielberg (elevators), and Billy Bob Thornton (antiques).

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

WHEN MABINI TOWN FELL IN NPA HANDS January 1983 will always remain a red-letter date for the people of Mabini, Davao de Oro, particularly those who witnessed the incident when the entire town fell under the control of New People’s Army, the armed unit of the communist insurgents. Though the town’s capture lasted only a day, the episode, launched by a rebel commander identified in the press as ‘James,’ got international treatment, and was discussed in a book published a year later. The incident was believed to be a black-eye for Col. Dionisio Tan-Gatue, then Philippine Constabulary (PC) commander for region 11. The raid was pronounced as swift and precise. In an article (‘Communist rebels in Southern Philippines’) written by Paul Quinn-Judge, which came out in the May 17, 1983 issue of The Christian Sci-

ence Monitor, James recounted: ‘The night before the attack we had to move over 100 men to the outskirts of the town and keep them there undetected. We couldn’t do that without local support. And local people helped plan the raid. Bus drivers going in and out of town helped with intelligence—we even had sympathizers in the local government.’ The town, for years, had been the milieu of many actions against the rebels. As part of the government operations, the military introduced ‘hamletting,’ described as a ‘closely controlled settlement designed to deprive guerrillas of their mass base’ that was copied from Vietnam. But Fred Poole and Max Vanzi, in ‘Revolution in the Philippines: The United States in a Hall of Cracked Mirrors’ (1984), citing state reports, the

rebel contingent that assaulted the town was bigger; some 200 insurgents participated in a raid, stating the town was detained ‘for a full day just to demonstrate the NPA’s growing power.’ Due to the debacle, the general that handled ‘intelligence operations in the area, Ignacio de la Paz, suffered a heart seizure and died.’ Manila sources attributed the demise to the chastisement he got from President Ferdinand E. Marcos in Malacañan for failing to stop the raid. According to Commander James, the rebel guerrillas under him ‘disarmed the paramilitary Philippine Constabulary, capturing 45 rifles, held political meetings, and then left without clashes or losses,’ calling the successful raid as ‘a good example of growing popular support for the NPA.’ After

the town was taken over, the insurgents retreated to the hilly section of the town and waited for three weeks for government reinforcements to arrive. Quinn-Judge, who described James as a Communist Party front secretary who handled several ambush operations prior to the takeover of Mabini, wrote: ‘He has overall political and military responsibility for activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) in one part of eastern Mindanao. He is 37, with longish, well-tended hair and is dressed in the modern Filipino national dress of blue jeans, sports shirt, and running shoes. He comes from a peasant family but went to an agricultural college, where he presumably picked up his workable English. He started his political activities in the late 1960s with the Federation

of Free Farmers, an agrarian reform movement that left a lasting impression on Philippine politics. Some federation leaders are now in the government. Others are in prison on subversion charges.’ According to James, he joined the underground movement in 1972, initially focusing his energies on political activities before turning to forming military actions against the state forces. He related that his first ambush mission was a success; eight rifles were captured in the raid. Some insurgent stories claim the firearms confiscated in raids were used by cadres in training recruits. In later years, with enough resources through ‘revolutionary taxes,’ the rebel armories started to display brand-new weapons, including those seized from the military.

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announces that the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) is adding a new pillar in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for next year. Edge Davao

More Pinoys saving money for retirement, BSP says

he value of Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contributions grew 62 percent in September as more Filipinos set aside money for retirement savings, the central bank said Thursday. The total hit P237 million in September compared to the same period last year, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed. “The noted increase may be attributed to the

BSP and partner providers’ promotion of the retirement savings program for Filipino families, especially those working abroad,” the BSP said in a statement. As of the third quarter, there were a total of 4,001

PERA contributors, where 2,827 are full time employees, 590 are self-employed and 584 are overseas Filipino workers, the BSP said. “We continue to actively promote financial security and encourage more Filipinos to plan for retirement and set aside funds for their sunset years through PERA,” said BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno. The BSP has been actively promoting PERA, or the voluntary retirement savings program which is

meant to supplement the existing retirement benefit offered by the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and private employers. The BSP said anyone with a Tax Identification Number can be a PERA contributor. PERA contributors who have reached 55 years old and have invested in PERA for at least 5 years can redeem their investments taxfree.

of innovation. They have played a crucial role in keeping societies functional in times of quarantines or lockdowns. The same technologies would be needed as we restart the economy and prepare for the post-crisis future,” he said Tuesday. CMCI is an annual ranking of cities and municipalities in the country that tracks the competitiveness of local government units, gauging their economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and

resiliency. “We emphasize the importance of the innovation pillar as LGUs (local government units) are starting to focus now on strengthening their own innovation policies and programs and finding ways on how new technologies could be used to address issues pertaining to business registrations, permits, productivity or financial deepening,” Lopez said. The DTI chief added that innovation would help LGUs to expand their local

economies. During the Inclusive Innovation Conference 2021 Wednesday, Lopez underscored the message of President Rodrigo Duterte on innovation as the country’s growth driver in the coming years. “As President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said earlier this year, ‘Innovation is our big push. This will keep our country on the growth path for decades to come’,” he said. Data from the Anti-Red

PH competitiveness index adds innovation as new pillar: DTI

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has announced that the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) is adding a new pillar in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for next year. Lopez said the Council has introduced the innovation pillar this year and will be included as the fifth pillar in the scoring and ranking for next year’s CMCI. “Now more than ever, we realize the importance

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DOF chief optimistic 2021 GDP to hit revised target

mprovements in the country’s healthcare system, among others, are expected to further solidify the domestic economy’s recovery and boost its capacity to hit the revised target of between 5 percent to 5.5 percent. In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said domestic output, which averaged at 4.9 percent in the first three quarters this year, “has exceeded our expectations in 2021.” “So there’s a greater likelihood that our full year growth will hit the revised target of our GDP (gross domestic product) growth ranging from 5 to 5.5 percent this year,” he said. During the same briefing, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said growth in the third quarter of this year alone reached nearly 7 percent. Dominguez thus was hopeful about hitting the full-year target. “Backed by (a) stronger healthcare system and the massive rollout of the vaccination program, we

will solidify our recovery by reopening the economy,” he said. Dominguez said movement restrictions, at least in the national capital, are expected to ease to Alert Level 1 by January 2022. To avert long term productivity losses and restore more employment, he said the country will resume face-to-face schooling most likely in January 2022, increase public transport capacity for all types of transport to 100 percent, and relax restrictions. “Next year, we are confident that we will reach our GDP growth target of 7 to 9 percent as the numbers are now all in our favor. This growth target is higher than our pre-pandemic growth rate of an average of 6 percent,” he added. Asked for his thoughts on the possibility of a 7-percent domestic output in the last quarter of this year, Dominguez did not directly give an answer but said: “People have told me that it’s very difficult to get seats in restaurants now. People are going out

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ECONOMY A2

The One Town, One Product (OTOP) PH Hub in Jorge Town, Davao de Oro opens its doors in October this year to serve as another marketing vehicle for local entrepreneurs. To date, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 already has already established seven OTOP PH Hubs throughout Davao Region.DTI11

DTI 11 vows to strengthen marketing interventions for local entreps further World Bank unveils $93 billion boost to fund poorest nations

he World Bank’s fund to help the world’s poorest nations got a $93 billion injection of cash to help scale up aid for pandemic recovery and other programs, the institution announced Wednesday. It was the biggest replenishment ever for the International Development Association (IDA), which provides grants for 74 countries, most of which are in Africa, the Washington-based development lender said.

The package includes $23.5 billion of contributions from 48 high- and middle-income countries as well as financing raised in the capital markets and the World Bank’s own contributions, according to a statement. “Today’s generous commitment by our partners is a critical step toward supporting poor countries in their efforts to recover from the COVID-19 crisis,” World Bank President David

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 has vowed to strengthen further its various initiatives in marketing the products of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the region. The agency has been implementing technology-based and innovation-driven interventions even before the global health crisis changed the way things were used to be done. However, when the government put in place many restrictions to limit the movement of people and address the

surge of COVID-19 cases, adjustments have to be made. The regional and provincial offices of DTI, particularly their respective trade promotion officers, were trained to conduct and facilitate the participation of local MSMEs in physical trade shows. These included local, na-

tional, and international trade events. With the new guidelines, though, the much-needed shift has to be embraced. Almost everything has to be done online. DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said there have been changes in the conduct of trade fairs to continue with their commitment to widening the market of local MSMEs. The virtual trade and marketing events have helped them in intensifying the promotion of Davao-made products.

tate-owned Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOCEC) has withheld its consent for the divestment of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.’s (SPEX) shares in the Malampaya gas field to Dennis Uy’s group. In a Senate hearing on Wednesday, PNOC-EC President and Chief Executive Officer Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez said the firm has decided not to give its consent to the transaction. “As of 13 December

2021, PNOC-EC has officially communicated [to] SPEX that PNOC-EC is officially withholding its consent to the transaction,” he told senators in a hearing with the Committee on Energy. To recall, Dutch petroleum giant SPEX in May said it signed a share purchase agreement with Dennis Uy’s Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd. for 100% of its stake in the Malampaya gas field. SPEX holds a 45% operating interest in the Malampaya gas field, with

the base consideration for the sale reported at $380 million, with additional payments of up to $80 million between 2022 to 2024 contingent on asset performance and commodity prices. Briguez said it will be up to SPEX to decide on the next steps following the withdrawal of its consent, and declined to elaborate on the matter as it has yet to substantiate its findings. “Out of respect and deference to the other parties we beg the com-

“In 2021, we facilitated the inclusion of our MSMEs and their products in 24 trade fairs, which helped them corner new markets and generate additional sales,” Ambi said, The products featured in these virtual trade fairs were processed food (cacao, coffee, banana, mango, condiments, and fruits and nuts) and wearable and homestyle (fashion accessories, gifts, decors, and furniture and fixtures). These were part of the 11 pro-

mittee’s understanding not to disclose the reasons behind our decision as of the moment because our other partners and our stockholders has to be informed first,” he said. “Right now, I think we are still into the process wherein the operator of the service contract that is SPEX might communicate to us and ask clarification on it or maybe ask clarification on our giving of no consent, withholding of our consent so that’s where we are right

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PNOC-EC withdraws consent to divestment of Jollibee Group opens Shell’s Malampaya stake to Dennis Uy’s group Chowking store in NJ S

omegrown fastfood giant Jollibee Group on Wednesday said Chowing USA opened its first store in the US East Coast in New Jersey state. In a statement, Jollibee Group said the latest store opening is part of its aggressive expansion plans in North America. The Chowking store is located in Jersey City —the second-most populous metropolis in the

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New Jersey state with a thriving Filipino community. “The opening of the Jersey City store is key in our progress as this marks Chowking’s first entry in the East Coast. Jersey City is home to a large Filipino population making it a natural area of expansion for Chowking,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, president of Jollibee Group North Ameri-

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VOL.14 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

NEW... LANDBANK scales up BIR’s push for digital tax payments

tate-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) expressed its continuous support for the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) tax collection modernization efforts, as the Bureau launched a renewed campaign to enhance taxpayer services to be more accessible, secure, and convenient. Alongside the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other financial institutions, LANDBANK joined the BIR’s “Taxpayer FIRST” initiative, which stands for Fast, Innovative, Reliable, Secure, and Technology-driven developments to drive better tax administration. Prior to the campaign launch on 10 December

2021, LANDBANK has already been providing taxpayers with a safe, reliable, and efficient online payment solution to conveniently pay their taxes through its Link.BizPortal facility. “The LANDBANK Link.BizPortal fits BIR’s ‘Taxpayer FIRST’ campaign as it offers fast payment transactions; provides an innovative and cashless solution; roundthe-clock reliability and accessibility; secure and real-time processing; and the latest technology to facilitate transactions via computers and mobile devices,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C Borromeo. The Link.BizPortal allows customers to pay tax liabilities online via the BIR or LANDBANK

websites, thereby eliminating the need to wait in line at BIR regional and district offices. The Bank also underscored the sustained increase in the usage of the Link.BizPortal for tax payments, from recording 6,466 transactions in 2017 to 399,597 in 2020. For the first 10 months of 2021, the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal has successfully facilitated 530,546 tax payment transactions amounting to P1.3 billion, representing increases of 65% and 78%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Aside from tax payments, the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal also allows individuals and institutional customers to

vincial, three regional, eight national, and two international trade fairs. To prepare the MSMEs for the trade fairs and to widen their markets, DTI 11 has been providing them with other necessary interventions as well. These include the intensive product development package, as well as, the onboarding digital training activities. “With our product development package, we expose the MSMEs to activities and programs that will upgrade or enhance the quality of their products, including the packaging and labels. By doing so, their chances of widening their market get higher,” Ambi said. When it comes to the onboarding training activities, the regional trade official shared that the participating entrepreneurs are equipped in the area of digitalization. There are topics on developing their digital payment system, online marketing, and in making their digital presence felt. “We want them to maximize the opportunities in the digital world; that’s why we have been embracing innovation. We never stop looking for strategies to help them improve their competitiveness and platforms where they can sell their products,” she continued.

Ambi revealed that amid the opportunities that digitalization offers, there are also challenges that DTI 11 and the MSMEs have to contend with. She said that it is more difficult to close a deal or transaction in virtual trade fairs because buyers want to see first the actual products before finalizing an order. This is a limitation that they would like to address for future trade events. “We have seen a decline in the amount of sales we generated this year through trade fairs. In the past, when things were normal, it was easier to convince potential buyers to do business with the MSMEs. We even brought in institutional buyers from Metro Manila and abroad to ensure that our participants would have the chance to supply regular orders,” she narrated, adding that things have changed a lot lately. For next year, virtual trade fairs will still be done but these will be side-by-side with the physical product showcase and selling venues. “We are optimistic about finding innovative ways to make our marketing interventions more effective and efficient for our MSMEs to maximize and optimize the expected benefits,” she concluded.DTI11/JMM

ca-Philippine Brands. Opening day sales were unprecedented as it was the highest one-day sale of a Chowking store in the US, according to Jollibee Group. Customers lined up

for hours to taste their Chowking favorites, it said. Chowking USA opened its first store in the US in 1995. The Jersey City store is now the 16th Chowking store in the region.

now,” he added. Should the sale of Shell’s Malampaya stake to Malampaya Energy push through, Uy’s group will gain 90% control of the gas field, after it earlier bought out the 45% stake of Chevron Philippines. For its part, Shell said it has already received the letter from PNOC-EC, but it is still awaiting the details on the basis of the consent withdrawal, which Briguez said may be later divulged in an executive session. “Of course we are very disappointed at the outcome of the decision of PNOC-EC. However, we will continue to engage with them to find out if there is anything we can do to address the concerns that might have led them to this decision,” SPEX managing counsel Kiril Caral said in the same hearing. “Without the consent of PNOC-EC, we will not be able to proceed with completion at the moment,” he added. Caral said representatives of both PNOC-EC and SPEX will first have to meet and discuss the reasons for the basis of the decision, and this will dictate the steps to be taken. “I would not go beyond that at this point until we have clearer picture of the reasons behind the action taken by the board of PNOC-EC,” he said. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi also said that without the consent, there may be nothing to evaluate for the agency. “Of course they have to go through that process. Now what are we going to evaluate? That’s what I think that has also been

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pay for various products and services online for over 800 enrolled partner-merchants nationwide. From January to October 2021, the Link. BizPortal has facilitated a total of 3.26 million transactions worth P8.38 billion, for 90% and 22% growth rates year-onyear, respectively. The upsurge is consistent across LANDBANK’s major electronic channels, which have collectively recorded a 54% rise in value, totaling an unprecedented P1.88 trillion. LANDBANK’s digital banking platforms promote efficient payment systems in support of the National Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative.

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the issue before when we said that we are not evaluating because we don’t have the necessary documents, so we’ll await for that,” he explained. Dennis Uy was one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s top contributors during the 2016 campaign with P30 million in contributions, while his wife Cherylyn contributed P1 million, based on GMA Research. Cusi has maintained that the buy-in of Uy’s business into the Malampaya consortium was not a midnight deal, as he said the transaction is beyond the department’s purview. He has also filed libel cases against several news organizations that reported on his and Uy’s facing graft complaints involving the Malampaya transaction. Meanwhile, Committee on Energy Chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the PNOC-EC decision, noting that it will benefit the future generations. “The decision you made is a decision that will protect the Filipino interest and a decision that will protect the next generations to come because this asset is not only an asset of present concern but an asset of future concerns,” he said. “I laud and commend the decision of the PNOCEC board for putting the interests of the Filipino people first and foremost, so I commend and am in support of that decision, and definitely that decision will not be put to waste because we recognize that the decision was made in order to protect our country,” he added.

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In addition, SALT farms provide decent income to farmers who follow the system. Now, if only those Mount Apo farmers will only follow the contour method of farming, they can plant cabbage and other high-value crops as long as they want. Besides, there is always a ready market for cabbage as it has an impressive nutrient profile. Cabbage is known in the science world as Brassica oleracea. Aside from cabbage, the Brassica genus comprises various other leafy vegetable cultivars including broccoli, Brussel sprouts, garden cress, cauliflower, collard greens, mustard, turnips and bok choy to name a few. Most Filipinos know only of green cabbage but red and purple cabbages also exist. The leaves can be smooth or crinkled. The shape of its head can be classified in three groups: ballhead, conical, and large drumhead. One good thing about cabbage is that they are not easily rotten unlike other vegetables. In conditions under 32 degrees Fahrenheit with 95% relative humidity, cabbage may keep for as long as 5 months. Cabbage is commonly eaten as a vegetable. In some instances, however, people use the leaves for stomach pain, excess stomach acid, and stomach and intestinal ulcers. It is also used to treat asthma and morning sickness. In some instances, breast-feeding women, according to rxlist.com, apply cabbage leaves and cabbage leaf extracts to their breasts to relieve swelling and pain. Cabbage contains protein, fiber, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium,

and magnesium. It also contains small amounts of other micronutrients, including vitamin A, iron and riboflavin. Cabbage is packed with vitamin C and vitamin K. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C serves many important roles in the body. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. It likewise helps the body absorb non-heme iron. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. As such, it protects “the body from damage caused by free radicals, which has been associated with many chronic diseases, including cancer,” writes healthline.com’s Jillian Kubala. Cabbage is a terrific source of vitamin K1, delivering 85% of the recommended daily amount in a single cup (89 grams). One of its main functions is to act as a cofactor for enzymes that are responsible for clotting the blood. “Without vitamin K, the blood would lose its ability to clot properly, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding,” Kubala writes. Because of its high vitamin K content, cabbage may interact with blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin). The US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables to help maintain strong cognitive function with age. “Memory and alertness levels can be improved with good nutrition,” verywellfit.com states. “The nutrients in cabbage help optimize blood flow to the brain. Cabbage is beneficial for people of all ages who want to stay sharp.”

Tape Authority showed that as of September 30 this year, 917 out of 1,600 LGUs are using the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (IBPLS) software developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

The IBPLS aims to help LGUs to automate their permitting and licensing systems for ease in transacting with the government. “Let us all continue to promote excellence and competitiveness through innovation,” Lopez said. (PNA)

but I didn’t know.” Beltran said the October 2021 figure for the manufacturing sector alone rose by 24.7 percent. “So because we have

further opened the markets, I think the growth rate will be sustained,” he said. Asked if a 7 percent growth is doable, Beltran said: “It’s doable.” (PNA)

Malpass said. The IDA fund is replenished every three years, but because of the pandemic, the latest cash injection was pulled forward by a year and will be in place through June 2025. The World Bank said the funds will help coun-

tries better prepare for future crises, including pandemics, financial shocks and natural disasters. While the funds will support countries globally, resources are increasingly going to Africa, which will receive about 70 percent of the funding.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

abbage is one of the most popular vegetables in the market due to its affordability, local availability and nutritional aspects. It grows mostly in places where there is long, cool weather like Benguet and Mountain Province.

The Cordillera Autonomous Region is the top producer with 20.51 thousand metric tons or 81.1% to the country’s total output from April to June this year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Central Visayas and Ilocos Region followed with 5.0% and 3.4%, respectively. In Davao Region, cabbage can be grown in Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak (at 9,692 feet). It is now part of the Mount Apo National Park, which was established in 1936. It features numerous peaks, valleys, falls, lakes and hot springs. It’s only in recent years that farmers learned that cabbage can be grown at Mount Apo’s rolling hills.

Today, it is a common sight to see commercial gardens of cabbage, carrots and potatoes at the foot of the iconic mountain. Some environmental groups find this development alarming as Mount Apo is now devoid of its forest cover. Trees were being cut to give way to commercial gardens of high-value crops. As a result, some parts of the mountain are now bald, which are visible even from the highway. The Davao-based Kapwa Upliftment Foundation, Inc. sounded the alarm as early as 2019. “(Mount Apo) is now bald and what we see these days are gardens of cabbage, potatoes and car-

AGRITRENDS

On a clear cool day, cabbage farmers in Atok, Benguet are busy harvesting their vegetables. Photos by Rhoy Cobilla)

NEW HOPE FOR CABBAGE FARMERS OF MOUNT APO By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Rhoy Cobilla

rots,” said Miraflor Joy Austria, Kapwa project coordinator. When he was still the secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Emmanuel Piñol attended the launch of the potato project in the area. When asked about the problem, the former agriculture chief said that it was alright to plant cabbage as long as farmers followed the contour method of

farming. “Dapat repolyo-cacao-kape to balance lang,” Austria quoted Piñol as saying. “Hindi naman natin maalis ang mga repolyo growers kasi may mga laborers na doon na dependent na sa mga pananim.” The contour method of farming Piñol cited is actually the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), which the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in barangay Kinuskusan of Bansalan, Davao del Sur developed. “When you plant vegetable crops like cabbage in sloping areas, the biggest problem you encounter is soil erosion,” explains Jethro P. Adang, MBRLC director. “Soil erosion is minimal when there is a forest cover. The leaves of the trees stabilize the impact of the raindrops.” Now, if trees are cut and the land is planted to vegetable crops, then the topsoil – considered the primary resource in farming – is eroded when there is heavy rain. “Without topsoil, farming is not sustainable,” Adang says. But soil erosion can be

curtailed by planting two hedgerows of different nitrogen fixing species like kakawate, ipil-ipil, flemingia and rensonii. “We are following the principle of the rice terraces in Ifugao,” Adang says. “But instead of rocks, we plant shrubs. The eroded topsoil is gathered in the foot of these shrubs. This means the topsoil is not eroded but transferred in the lower portion. As years go by, the area becomes flattened. The result: natural terraces.” In SALT, the crops are planted in between the hedgerows. “We recommend cutting the hedgerows every month or so in order not to shade the crops,” Adang says. “The cuttings are not thrown anywhere but placed at the foot of the crops and serve as mulching mate-

rials. Once the cuttings are rotten, they become fertilizer to the crops as the leaves are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.” To make SALT farms sustainable, permanent crops are planted every third or fourth strip. Recommended permanent crops are cacao, coffee, and black pepper (which uses live kakawate as trellis). For encouraging international utilization of SALT and other sustainable farming systems of MBRLC, former director Harold Ray Watson earned the Ramon Magsaysay Award for international understanding in 1985. Watson was hailed for helping stop soil erosion in the uplands by promoting the SALT systems.

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EDGEDAVAO

NOTICE OF AUCTION The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below. Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magpahigayon ug subasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong iskedyul nga nakasulat sa ubos. BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO: Sasa Maa Sandawa Matina

June 01 June 30, 2021

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION December 27, 2021 (Mon.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, VGM Bldg., Km. 11 Sasa, Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT

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allot PHP188.3 billion for the Department of Health (DOH) including PHP22.99 billion for its Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) and PHP21 billion to help hospitals across the country. Congress also allocated close to PHP3 billion to fund the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act that would grant

full medical scholarships in state universities and colleges (SUCs) in a bid to address the shortage of doctors in the country. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign the measure before December 31 to ensure the government does not operate on a reenacted budget. (PNA)

surrendered and gave up their firearms composed of an M16 rifle and a Cal. 45 pistol to 1001st Bde’s 60th IB at Camp Morgia, Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte on December 10, 2021. LtGen. Almerol praised the troops’ “unparalleled dedication to ending the local communist armed conflict by 2022” and as well as the former rebels’ continued support to the military’s operations by disclosing vital information with intel value. “Our troops have demonstrated through these accomplishments their dauntless actions to confront the Communist Terrorist Group for the benefit of the many Filipinos residing in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas who deserve to live a peaceful life in the safety of

their communities,” LtGen. Almerol said. The EastMinCom Commander added that the surrenderers had made the right decision to yield peacefully instead of continuing to resist government forces which only brings pain, suffering, and death. “To the remaining communist terrorists, may you emulate the example set by your former comrades who already chose the path of peace under the care of the government. Do not let this Christmas season pass without making the decision to surrender because surely, in 2022, the military will only become more relentless in its pursuit of peace and development as part of the goal to end the local communist armed conflict next year,” LtGen. Almerol stressed. (PR-EMC AFP)

The Albirex fell to their worst slump of 16 consecutive losses while Susanoo went up to 13-6. Ravena’s 28 pts not enough to save Shiga Kiefer Ravena scored 28 points in his attempt to help lift the Shiga Lakestars past Osaka Evessa in the Japan B.League. But the Lakerstars still fell to an 87-78 defeat to

Osaka at the Ookini Arena. It was Shiga’s 11th straight defeat in 19 games. Ravena was most potent in the third quarter where he scored 12 markers. But he was limited to just 3 points in the payoff period. Osaka improved to 9-10. Thirdy Ravena and SanEn also sustained a defeat when they fought Hiroshima.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

10 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

en demoralized communist New People’s Army guerrillas have surrendered to the military in Palimbang town of Sultan Kudarat province, an Army official here said Thursday. “The surrenderers wanted to start life anew by living peacefully,” said Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander and concurrent chief of the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC). The NPA batch yielded on Wednesday afternoon to security forces in Palimbang town. The rebels also turned in nine assorted firearms and ammunition during their surrender to the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB) in the area.

Uy lauded the decision of the former NPA rebels to abandon the communist organization and choose a peaceful life with their families and with the community. “Our efforts to defeat the NPA have been relentless. Along with the local government units, non-government, and civil society organizations, we have sustained the call for the misguided rebels to surrender and return to the folds of the law,” Uy said. “At the same time the security forces had sustained our focused military operation targeting the communist rebels who refused to work with the government and continues to threaten the

communities,” he added. The military declined to reveal the identifies of the NPA surrenderers for security reasons. Lt. Col. Allan Van Estrera, the 37IB commander, said the rebels turned in an M203 rifle, an M16 rifle, a Browning automatic rifle, three M1 Garand rifles, two Springfield rifles with scopes, and one M79 grenade launcher. Col. Ali Luis Macawaris Jr, deputy commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade whose unit has operational control over the area, said the surrenderers belonged to the weakened Daguma Front, Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region operating in the tri-boundaries

of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani provinces. More than 100 NPAs have surrendered to the government this year through the JTFC. The Communist Part of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973. (PNA)

games. “It’s just the nature of what we’re doing. “We’re playing excellent basketball. We’re playing above everybody’s standards, playing together as a team. We’re doing everything we need to do to win, and it’s working. I think we’re surprising a lot of people.” The element of surprise, however, is fading. With every double-digit win — Cleveland’s last eight victo-

ries have each been by at least 11 points — and whether at home or on the road, this group of Cavaliers, who have bought in to coach J.B. Bickerstaff ’s philosophies, is gaining confidence along with some well-earned respect across the league. “This is not a flash in the pan, what they’re doing,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said before the Cavs beat his team for the second time in 11 days.

Baptist Church, St. James Apostle, St. Francis Xavier Parish, San Roque Parish Church, and Sto. Rosario Parish Church. Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded Dabawenyos that the city government will be implementing the same policy last year for the Misa de Gallo. “Humana na gimit-

ingan sa atoang security cluster regarding sa policy on Simbang Gabi. It’s the same thing what we’ve done in our Simbang Gabi last year ang importante dinha distancing, face mask, and availability of handwashing facilities or pagdala sa mga tao sa kaugalingon nilang alcohol,” Mayor Sara said.

level. Light to moderate rains was experienced over Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Also on Thursday, DOST-Pagasa issued a Tropical Cyclone Advisory on Severe Tropical Storm “Odette” that intensified further as it endangered the Bucas Grande-Siargao Islands and Dinagat Islands. As of 10 a.m., the center of the eye of Typhoon “Odette” was located at

175 km East of Surigao City in Surigao del Norte based on all available data including those from Hinatuan Doppler Weather Radar. Tropical cyclone wind signals (TCWS) was in effect in Mindanao particularly in the northern portion of Agusan del Norte (Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay and Cabadbaran City), and the northern portion of Surigao del Sur (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes and Tandag City).

“They are committed to an identity, and J.B. has done a great job building that defensively. “That’s key because when you’re having an off-night shooting, you always have something you can bank on defensively.” Defense. Defense? Yep, like a team pulled from the scrapbook of the NBA’s past, the Cavs are relying on their defense to win. That’s not to say they don’t value offense or lack scorers, but everything starts for Cleveland on the defensive end. The Cavs entered Tuesday’s action allowing 101.9 points per game, second in the league to Golden State. Monday was the 12th time this season they’ve held an opponent under 100 points. Bickerstaff has found something with a starting lineup featuring the 7-foot Mobley, 6-11 Allen and 7-foot Lauri Markkanen, a group of tall ballers some Cavs fans have taken to calling “Tower City,” after one of the city’s downtown areas. “That size is causing trouble for teams in the way that we defend and how hard we play as well,” said Kevin Love, who after all his ups and downs with Cleveland is the lone player left from the James-led 2016 championship team. “That is definitely gaining us respect around the league.” Mobley’s impact can’t be overstated in speeding the Cavs’ turnaround. The No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, Mobley plays like a 10-year veteran and he’s only

getting better. He’s averaging 13.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks, was named the league’s top rookie for October and November and is the clear frontrunner for rookie of the year honors. He has changed the Cavs’ identity. It’s no coincidence they went 0-4 while he was out with an elbow sprain. “He’s special,” said 31-year-old guard Ricky Rubio, whose steadiness, leadership and mentoring of Darius Garand since arriving in a trade this summer has also hastened Cleveland’s stunning reversal. “Really mature for his age. He knows how to play the game the right way.” There is something else about the Cavs, who lost leading scorer Collin Sexton to a season-ending knee injury last month. They’re sharing the ball, and the glory. On any given night, there’s a different scoring leader. Cleveland has seven players averaging in double figures, and on Monday it was Love’s turn to shine as he poured in 23 points — all after halftime. The 33-year-old is playing with renewed joy after being slowed by injuries the past two seasons. Love has embraced his role coming off the bench, yet another sign of this teams’ willingness to sacrifice. “We really celebrate each other,” he said. “You don’t get this often. We have something that is bigger than ourselves, and that has given us all hope that we can make something special happen here. We feel it.”

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SPORTS

Mobbed by his teammates, Austin Reaves went 5 for 6 from beyond the arc. PHOTO: AP

Reaves triple at buzzer lifts Lakers to OT win over Mavs Parks leads Nagoya past Mikawa

ay Parks and Nagoya crushed Mikawa, 82-65, in the Japan B.League at Wing Arena on Wednesday. Parks had 13 points, including three triples, to go with his 3 rebounds and 2 assists. He also got 2 steals for the Diamond Dolphins’ 12th victory against 7 defeats. It was Nagoya’s third straight victory. They will next meet Dwight Ramos and Toyama

at Dolphin’s Arena. Ramos and the Grousers, meanwhile, won over Matt Aquino and the Shinshu Brave Warriors. Ramos had 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Aquino, for his part, got 10 points and 3 rebounds. Ealsewhere in Japan, Kobe Paras was again held scoreless during Niigata Albirex BB’s humiliating 90-59 defeat to Shimane Susanoo Magic.

LEVELAND — The Cavaliers’ plan, crafted last summer by the team’s front office and coaching staff, called for growth this season. Not this much. Not this soon, anyway. It was supposed to be another year of rebuilding, of developing the team’s core of young, talented players, of improving chemistry. And if things bounced their way, maybe they could earn a spot in the NBA’s Play-In tournament.

Well, circumstances have changed. Big time. A 22-win, tough-towatch team last season and forecast by the experts and Las Vegas oddsmakers to be only slightly better than that, Cleveland is 17-12 and currently holding the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference. Didn’t see the turnaround coming, did you? No one did. In this stunning start, the Cavs have dominated teams with a defensive

FPARKS, P6

ALLAS — Rookie Austin Reaves swished a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer in overtime and give the Los Angeles Lakers a 107-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

Reaves’ basket, his fifth from behind the arc, was the only Lakers basket in overtime scored by someone other than the team’s Big Three. LeBron James scored 24 points, Russell Westbrook added 23 and Anthony Davis had his sixth double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds after missing two games with a sore left knee. Jalen Brunson scored 25 points and Kristaps Por-

Cavs turn into unlikely playoff contenders C

charge led by 20-year-old rookie forward Evan Mobley, who is altering shots as well as the trajectory of a franchise that has longed to break free from LeBron James’ grip. “I don’t think people are going to say this, but I think everybody is a little surprised,” Cavs center Jarrett Allen said with a little hesitation following the 105-94 win over the Miami Heat, Cleveland’s fourth straight victory and eighth in 10

FCAVS, P6

zingis had his eighth double-double this season with 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Mavericks, who played their third straight game without All-Star guard Luka Doncic. A 3-pointer by Westbrook gave the Lakers a 104-101 lead with 23.5 seconds left in overtime. Maxi Kleber tied the score with 15.2 to play when he banked in a shot from 25 feet. James for 4 of 9 on

3-pointers, including a 35foot swish near the midcourt logo in the third period. Three Lakers were missing after entering the NBA’s COVID-19 protocol: center Dwight Howard, forward Talen Horton-Tucker and guard Malik Monk. LA STAFFING ISSUES Other members of the Lakers’ traveling party who entered the virus protocol included assistant coach Phil Handy and TV play-by-play announcer Bill Macdonald. Assistant coach David Fizdale missed the game for what the team called personal reasons unrelated to COVID. TIP-INS

Lakers: Wayne Ellington made his third start of the season and scored nine points in 38 minutes, including the 3-pointer that sent the game into overtime. … Davis played 14 first-half minutes with four points, five rebounds, five turnovers and three fouls. Mavericks: Doncic will also miss Dallas’ next game on Sunday at Minnesota. … Dallas outscored Los Angeles 14-0 on second-quarter points in the paint with Brunson going 6 for 7. … Willie Cauley-Stein missed his 10th consecutive game for personal reasons. Sterling Brown missed his sixth straight game with a foot injury.

Rookie Evan Mobley has become the defensive anchor of the resurgent Cavs. PHOTO: AP

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

LANDBANK, CDA lead financial trainings to help small co-ops recover I

n partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is holding financial literacy trainings to small and micro cooperatives from unbanked and underserved municipalities to aid their recovery under the new normal.

Through the Financial Inclusion Through Cooperatives (FIT-Coop) Program, LANDBANK is capacitating small and micro cooperatives to enhance their business operations while linking them to appropriate government agencies for the improvement of their services. For the first 10 months of the year, LANDBANK—through the LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI)—has conducted nine financial literacy trainings for 18 cooperatives with 193 members from nine unbanked municipalities nationwide. “Technical assistance forms part of LANDBANK’s holistic support in service of small and micro cooperatives, especially in unbanked and underserved areas in the country. Together with the CDA, we are focused on building the resiliency of our partner-cooperatives to spur economic activity and fast-track our collective recovery,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Through the FIT-COOP Program, LANDBANK and CDA also conducted an online survey early this year to identify the specific training needs and challenges faced by small and micro cooperatives in their daily operations. Results from Central Visayas and Caraga regions showed that recurring constraints for cooperatives include slow internet access, lack of potable water systems, and difficult road conditions, among others. To help address these issues, the results of the survey were coordinated with appropriate government agencies for possible development interventions and support.