Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 247 | Friday, January 7, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 247 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

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NOT ENOUGH City requests allocation for other vaccine brands for booster rollout STORY ON PAGE 2

Seized high powered firearms are presented by the authorities in this undated photo. The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) has announced that the gun ban for the 2022 elections will start on January 9. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 247 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte is praised and thanked by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera for the provision of immediate response to towns badly hit by Typhoon Odette in December last year. Presidential Photo

NOT ENOUGH City requests allocation for other vaccine brands for booster rollout By MAYA M. PADILLO

he city government of Davao is asking allocation for other vaccine brands to cater to more Dabawenyos in the booster rollout.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said currently the city is administering Sinovac and Astrazeneca vaccines for the ongoing booster rollout. However, there are some Dabawenyos who prefer Pfizer and Moderna vaccine brands for their booster dose.

“Majority of our bakuna are Sinovac and Astrazeneca kay mao man ni ang pinakauna na gigamit nato na brands na gihatag nato sa atong frontliners and senior citizens. But rest assured na the good mayor and the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force and vaccination cluster are working out ang pag-request ug allocation

para sa laing brands (vaccines) because we wanted to cater those people na gusto ug heterologous or mix booster.Gina-trabaho na na makuha nato ang allocation para sa laing brands,” Schlosser said. The homologous dose is the administration of a vaccine from the same brand used to complete the primary vaccine series while the heterologous dose uses a vaccine from a different brand. Schlosser said the city

is eyeing to intensify the booster rollout with the arrival of the other vaccine brands which is expected early next week. “We are hoping na muabot ang allocation next week or early next week para magpadayon ug mupaspas ang booster rollout. Gitagaan ang tao karon ug choice for efficacy and safety. Ang uban gusto ug mix kay based on study medyo naay gamay na pagtaas sa protection ang mix vac-

has downloaded two separate funds directly to the different local government units (LGUs) in the province amounting to PHP53.4 million and PHP154.5 million. “The DBM downloaded the funds to the different LGUs starting last Dec. 29, 2021. The funds are intended for disaster response, rehabilitation, and recovery of towns, and the provision

of assistance to the affected residents by Typhoon Odette,” Corvera said. The funding, he added, will allow the LGUs in the province to provide immediate and appropriate interventions in their localities and to the affected residents. The PHP53.4 million was released through the Local Budget Circular No. 140 dated December 28,

2021, of the DBM that set the guideline on the release and utilization of financial assistance to LGUs affected by Odette. The other funding, the PHP154.5 million, was downloaded through Local Budget Circular No. 141 of the DBM that will provide PHP1,000 to a maximum amount of P5,000 per family affected by Odette.

FNOT, P10

Agusan del Norte guv thanks PRRD for assistance to Odette-hit towns

gusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera is thanking President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the national government for the provision of immediate response to towns badly hit by Typhoon Odette in December last year. In a message sent to Philippine News Agency Wednesday, Corvera said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

FAGUSAN, P10

31 Lanao Sur, Marawi coops get movable rice mills, generator sets

ooperatives from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City received a total of PHP37.2 million worth of post-harvest facilities that were procured under the 2020 Special Development Fund of Member of Parliament (MP) Diamila Disimban-Ramos in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM). These were turned over in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Public WorksBARMM Tennis Court, Matampay, Marawi City last December 22, Ramos said in a news release on Thursday. A total of 31 pieces of equipment which includes movable mini rice mills with Destoner and 13.5 KVA Generator Sets are set to benefit the 31 qualified ⁶⁶cooperatives. In addition, the Special Development Fund is in line with the Bangsamoro Organic Law which states that the government will allocate funds worth PHP5 billion per year for 10 years with a total of PHP50 billion for “Rebuilding, Rehabilitation, and Development of the Conflict-affected areas of the Bangsamoro region”. In her opening remarks Ramos explained the legitimate intention of the project. “Kaya itong ating proyekto ay sinikap po natin dahil naniniwala po tayo na sa development ng isanglugar especially sa isang conflict-affected areas ay bukod sa infrastructure development ay dapat sabay na umaangat ang kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan nito. At Alhamdulillah, ito po ay naaprubahan dahil ang konsepto din po na ito ay nakapaloob sa Bangsamoro Development Plan o

BDP na siyang maga-articulate ng socio-economic development plan ng BARMM sa taong 2020-2022 (We have pursued this project because we believe that in the development of an area especially in conflict-affected areas, apart from infrastructure development, the livelihood of its people must also improve. And Alhamdulillah, this has been approved because this concept is also included in the Bangsamoro Development Plan or BDP which will articulate the socio-economic development plan of BARMM in the year 20202022),” she said. “Nai-propose po natin na maglagay ng provision dito sa Plan ng post-harvest facilities dahil bukod sa ang ating rehiyon ay may malawak na lupain na pwedeng pagsakahan, nilalayon po nito na bigyang oportunidad at kabuhayan ang ating mga magsasakang Bangsamoro kaagapay sa kanilang pag-asenso at pag-unlad bilang isang matatag at progresibong komunidad sa rehiyong Bangsamoro (We have proposed to put a provision of post-harvest facilities in the Plan because apart from the fact that our region has vast arable land, it also aims to provide livelihood opportunities to our Bangsamoro farmers to advance a developing, stable and progressive community in the Bangsamoro region),” she added. Ramos also expressed her fervent appreciation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Alhadj Ebrahim for their untiring service to the Bangsamoro people by advancing the establishment of self-governance through moral gover-

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 247 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

Dabawenyos troop to People’s Park in Davao City on Thursday to get booster shots as the number of Covid-19 cases in the city has increased after the holidays. Edge Davao

Gun ban for 2022 polls starts on January 9

Reimposition of ‘test before travel’ for domestic passengers mulled

he city government of Davao is considering the reimplementation of the “test before travel” policy for domestic passengers arriving at Davao International Airport (DIA) amid the threat of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. “Together with the health and response cluster napag-usapan na namo if there is a need to implement it again. Kung kinahanglan i-suggest gyud sa Covid Task Force. We are entertaining the idea of bringing back the said executive order but we have to marry the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) alert level or katong dati nato na mga measures to combat the surge,” said Dr. Mi-

chelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force. In November last year, the city government scrapped the mandatory reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test requirement for domestic travelers who wish to enter Davao City through Executive Order (EO) No. 66 of the lifting of the RTPCR. However, international passengers are still required to comply with such requirements. “Ang atoa lang karon kasi under IATF alert level 2 walay local and interzonal limitations mao na free magsulod ang different LGUs dinhi sa atoa,”

he City of Mati LGU has purchased three new 6-wheeler dump trucks. The new dump trucks cost P6,495,000 each for a total of P19,485,000. The heavy equipment were supplied by the Avantrac Heavy Machinery Inc. who won thru competitive

bidding. The trucks were ordered last year and were recently delivered to the City Government. The new dump trucks will form part of the City of Mati LGU’s motorpool to be utilized by the different departments and offices of the city that may need them. (CIO MATI)

FREIMPOSITION, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) announced on Thursday that the gun ban for the upcoming elections will begin on January 9, 2022.

“Sa January 9 gun ban na bawal na maglabas ng kanilang baril ang mga pulis. Sa aming mga kapulisan only uniformed personnel ang allowed na magdala,” said Police Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of PRO 11. Gultiano reminded the police to be in proper uniform when carrying a gun but when in civilian attire they must conceal their firearms. “Hindi kasi dapat i-deprive ang pulis ng kanilang baril pero kung naka display ang baril they should be in uniform,” she said. Gultiano said check-

points will be put up also. For civilians, application for a permit to carry firearms outside the residence is suspended from period of January 9, 2022 until June 6, 2022. Meanwhile, Gultiano said the PRO 11 is now preparing for the deployment of the Police Security and Protection Task Force (PSPTF) for the upcoming elections. The PSPTF is composed of the different units of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Among its tasks are monitoring guns for hire and private armed groups which could be used in

perpetrating election-related violence and continuous monitoring on the number of security personnel allowed per authorized individual to avoid the formation of the private armed groups. “Isa sa mga tinitingnan nito ay ang security detail ng mga kandidato ng election. Dito din bina-validate kung if there is a need ba talaga na ma-secure yan (candidate). Pero ang may authority na magbigay ng license kung bibigyan ng security ang isang kandidato is the Comelec so they have to apply for that. Tinitingnan din ng task force ang potential na mga creation ng private armed group and i-evaluate yung mga areas kung saan ma-con-

sider na hot spots para mabigyan ng security,” Gultiano said. The creation of the task force was directed under Executive Order (EO) 98 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. Under EO 98, it is prohibited for any member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide security detail to any civilian office and officials, other than those enumerated in section 2 of said EO, without authority from the Secretary of National Defense. The activation of PSPTF is PRO 11’s initiative to be in control of its personnel’s deployment which would only be granted to authorized persons.

Mati LGU purchase additional 3 dump trucks T

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 247 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

Market goers choose from the different food snacks on display at a stall inside Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City. Edge Davao

No need to cap paracetamol, flu drugs purchase amid supply woes

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said Wednesday manufacturers of paracetamol and flu medicines have recommended not to put a cap on the purchase of these drugs amid tight supplies, particularly in Metro Manila and some provinces. “The manufacturer suggested yesterday that there is no need to put a cap because they can supply and the drugstores would be able to put their quantity limits when they detect (an) unnecessary bulk purchase,” Lopez told reporters in a text message. He said they have called

on pharmaceutical firms and drugstores to speed up the replenishment of paracetamol and other flu medicines, noting that the tight supply situation was mainly due to the timing of deliveries. In a radio interview with DZMM, Lopez said the pharmaceutical companies and drugstores were not

expecting the jump in demand for paracetamol and flu medicines after New Year, thus supplies of these drugs were in normal inventory. He said there is no shortage of paracetamol and other flu drugs. Pharmaceutical firm Unilab assured DTI that it would expedite deliveries this week amid the increase in demand for these medicines, Lopez added. “For Watsons, they have started (delivering) already, and Watsons said they will distribute to their branches today. For Mercury (Drug), they will start delivering tomorrow, Thursday, instead

Non-monetary measures needed vs. impact of ‘Odette’ on prices

he effective implementation of non-monetary measures to address the impact of Typhoon Odette on the supply of necessities is the key to thwarting its effect on domestic prices, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday. “As with previous episodes of natural disasters, the effective implementation of non-monetary government intervention

measures to ensure adequate domestic food supply must be sustained in order to mitigate potential supply-side pressures on inflation,” he told journalists in a Viber message. The government disbursed cash assistance to families in areas affected by “Odette”, aside from food packs. Diokno said the impact of the typhoon, which ravaged parts of Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central

Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga in the latter part of last year, “will likely result in a temporary uptick in the prices of food items and other necessities over the near term.” He thus believes that inflation for this and next year will stay near the government’s 2-4 percent target band. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on

FNON-MONETARY, P10

of this coming Saturday,” he said. In the same radio interview, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) vice president Jannette Jakosalem also confirmed there is no shortage in supplies of paracetamol and flu medicines. She said pharmaceutical firms would be able to replenish the supplies in Metro Manila in two to three days. Both Lopez and Jakosalem urged consumers not to hoard these kinds of medicines and limit their purchases based on their needs. (PNA)

Post-Christmas holiday liquidity drives TDF demand; rates down

ustained high domestic liquidity situation in the country, especially after the Christmas holidays, continues to drive demand for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) term deposit facility (TDF), rates of which declined on Wednesday. Data released by the central bank showed higher offerings for both the seven-day and 14-day TDF this week at PHP180 billion and

PHP250 billion, respectively. These are PHP10 billion and PHP20 billion higher than the offer volume for the one-week and two-week tenor, respectively, during the last auction on Dec. 29, 2021. The auction committee made full awards for both tenors. Tenders for the oneweek facility reached PHP280.34 billion, resulting in a bid coverage ratio

central banker in the world for his efforts to help stimulate economic recovery and growth for the Philippines amid the COVID-19 crisis, the BSP said. “I am truly honored to be named The Banker’s Global Central Banker of the Year. This award recognizes the effort we at the BSP have put forth over this past year— amid extraordinary challenges,” Diokno said.

Diokno’s recognition as the best central banker in the world by The Banker is the first for the Philippines, the central bank added. Besides the award from The Banker, Diokno is also the “Asia-Pacific Central Banker of the Year 2022.” “While the entire world has been affected by the pandemic, the BSP has implemented policy re-

F’CHRISTMAS, P10

BSP’s Diokno named as top global central banker

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno has been named as ‘Global Central Banker of the Year 2022’ by an international banking magazine owned by the Financial Times, the BSP said on Wednesday. The Banker—an influential international monthly banking, finance, and business magazine—recognized Diokno as the best

FBSP’S, P10

EDGEDAVAO

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ECONOMY 5

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno is named as ‘Global Central Banker of the Year 2022’ by an international banking magazine owned by the Financial Times. Handout

PH social security institutions mount digitalization programs HK bans some inbound flights including from PH

ong Kong announced a two-week ban on incoming flights from eight countries, including the United States and Britain, and tightened restrictions on Wednesday as authorities feared a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections. The restrictions were announced as health authorities scoured the city for the contacts of a COVID-19 patient, some of whom had been aboard a Royal Caribbean ship that was ordered to cut short its “cruise to nowhere” and return to port. Incoming flights from Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Britain and the United States, including interchanges, would be banned from Jan. 8 to Jan 21, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam told reporters. Lam said the government would ban indoor dining after 6.00 pm from Friday, and close swimming pools, sports centres, bars and clubs, museums, and other venues for at least two weeks. Future cruise journeys would be cancelled. “We’re yet to see a fifth wave yet, but we’re on the verge,” Lam said. Hong Kong recorded 38 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, but only

one was a local community transmission, while the rest were people who had returned to the city and tested positive during quarantine. The global finance hub has stuck to a zero-tolerance strategy by largely isolating itself from the world and enforcing a draconian and costly quarantine regime. On Dec. 31, a streak of three months without community cases ended with the first local transmission of the Omicron variant. Since then, authorities have scrambled to track down and test hundreds of people who had been in contact with a handful of Omicron patients. One patient, however, had no known links, raising fears of a large outbreak. “We are worried there may be silent transmission chains in the community,” Lam said. Lam said the government would not suspend classes for the time being “for the benefit of children”. In response to the outbreak fears, Standard Chartered Plc has started operating in split teams in Hong Kong, a bank spokesperson said. DANCING CLUSTER The latest contact trac-

FHK, P10

he country’s social security institutions continue to digitalize their respective systems, which include allowing the electronic filing of benefit claims and application of loans, in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to further streamline and rev up the delivery of frontline services to the public, especially amid the lingering coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis. In separate reports to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) said they have accelerated the implementation of their digital transformation initiatives, especially during the pandemic, to ensure the unhampered delivery of their services despite the restrictions imposed during community quarantines. Both institutions have also put in place information technology (IT) tools to keep their systems safe from data breaches and other forms of cyber attacks and threats.

Dominguez had earlier instructed agencies attached to the Department of Finance (DOF) and the government financial institutions (GFIs) to institutionalize a cybersecurity program through a cost-effective shared defense strategy. The GSIS is the technical lead for the insurance cluster in this shared cyber defense project. On improving frontline services, GSIS has shifted to the online filing of all loans and claims since the early part of 2020 to help curb the spread of Covid-19. It also launched the online Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation

(APIR) requirement in 2021 to protect pensioners from contracting the virus and ensure the continuous receipt of their pension. Instead of personally appearing onsite, pensioners may activate their status using Zoom, Viber, Skype, and Facebook messenger. The SSS, for its part, has also shifted to online the filing of claims for retirement benefits, unemployment benefit insurance, the sickness benefit reimbursement for employers, maternity benefit, maternity benefit reimbursement for employers, and funeral benefits for member-claimants and employer’s submission of employee, as well as the sickness notification and maternity notification of employees. Salary and calamity loan applications are also done online with the SSS, along with the renewal of pension loans. This online filing of loan applications has proven beneficial for employees as their applications are

lion pesos. Despite the pandemic, the Port has been exceeding its annual target. In 2020, it had surpassed its revenue collection target of 24.66 Billion pesos. Interestingly, for the month of December 2021, the said Port had also ex-

ceeded its monthly revenue target by +5.14% with a total revenue collection of 3.27 Billion pesos against its 3.11 Billion pesos target. BOC Davao District Collector, Atty. Erastus Sandino B. Austria said that the positive revenue collection can be attributed to the

processed in real-time, the SSS said. The registration of new SSS members to obtain an SS number can also be done online with the option to upload the required supporting documents. for those with Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) cards and email addresses. Changes in the member’s personal data that require simple corrections can also be filed online. Benefit claims are now released to the designated disbursement account of the SSS member or pensioner, whether it be through electronic wallets, cash payment outlets, PESONet, or the Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) QuickCard. The SSS Mobile App was launched in April 2018 and can be accessed by members and employers using their My.SSS account user ID and password. The SSS App’s enhanced version was made available for downloading in the App Markets on May

improved valuation, intensified enforcement operations, and the government’s efforts in ensuring the unhampered movement of goods both domestically and internally amid the pandemic situation. (PRBOC Davao)

FPH, P10

BOC-Davao exceeds 2021 annual target

he Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao has exceeded its annual target for the year 2021 after having collected 37.99 Billion pesos in duties and taxes or +2.00% against its assigned target of 37.24 Billion pesos, posting a surplus of 735.35 Mil-

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 247 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

On the importance of booster shots for protection against the anticipated surge of Covid-19 cases and the threat of the Omicron variant:

Naa gyud study na vaccines work even with the new variant. Also, with booster shot, naa ta’y added na protection of 25 folds more.” Dr. Michelle Schlosser

Spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force

EDITORIAL No paracetamol shortage It is good to know that there is no shortage of medicines for flu-like symptoms. Yes, despite the widespread rumors that drugstores have run out of meds applicable to symptoms associated with COVID-19. Still, there is need by the police and other agencies to intensify monitoring of activities to check that indeed there is enough supply if only to be sure that unscrupulous businessmen will not take advantage of the situation.

On the other hand, the Philippine National Police must continue to be vigilant in enforcing compliance of health protocols because we all know that defiance of simple health

EDGEDAVAO

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Another matter that enforcers should not be complacent about is the imposition of quarantine requirements on passengers and tourists coming from abroad like what the Filipina who came from the United States who violated quarantine regulations by skipping a mandatory five-day isolation. As a result a number of people she interacted with were later found infected with the virus. More “poblacion girls” and their accomplices should be charged in court in order to deliver the message that the authorities mean business. 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

protocols is the culprit behind the sudden surge of COVID-19 cases nationwide immediately after the Yuletide season.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

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

ON BECOMING A WRITER Almost always, when I meet people and they know that I am a journalist, they usually ask the hackneyed question: “So, how did you become a writer?” I don’t want to become a broken record but I have to explain it again – and again and again. Well, when I was still in high school, I discovered that I had this knack for writing. Of course, anyone who can write – including my classmates – can be considered a writer. But writing well is a different matter. Every time our English teacher would give us something to write for our formal theme, I wrote it differently. I didn’t know why then but I wanted to be unique. Upon reading them, my classmates would tell me that my writings were incorrect since they were very dissimilar to the examples our teacher had given us. When our teacher learned about it, she explained to our class the reason. “His writing is very different from the rest of you because he is writing in his own style,” she said. She then gave a lecture on what style means. However, my biggest “break” was when the same teacher asked me to write an essay which would be submitted to a regional essay writing contest. “Why me?” I inquired. “I am still a junior student

and I am sure there are good contenders from the senior level.” But my teacher was adamant; she had already made up her mind: me or no one else. After too much coaxing, I finally relented. Although I failed to win in the contest (my very first!), it inspired me to become a writer. I did it by honing my skill. Not content, I enrolled in a correspondence school. This was when I was in college. I started writing for Mod, a national magazine. Fortunately, my short piece was accepted. When it came out, my mother bought several copies. As for myself, I couldn’t believe seeing my byline finally printed in a national publication. Although I received several rejection slips after that, I never thought of stopping what I had already started. Just like a wounded soldier, I kept on writing. Until I found the so-called “gold” at the end of the rainbow – this was when I started writing for the Ramon Magsaysay-awarded Press Foundation of Asia. So much for that. A reporter, trying to track down the wellspring of the creative process, asked American writer, novelist and playwright Edna Ferber on why she writes. Her reply was once startling and satisfying: “Because it is less ago-

nizing to write than not to write.” “The only important thing a writer needs is a subject,” American theater critic Brooks Atkinson said. “What the reader hungers after is not accomplished craftsmanship nor even correct grammar but a frank report of the things a writer has done, seen, and thought. None of these can be learned in the library or classroom. They have to be learned in the unsheltered world of living where we get slivers of the truth beaten into their heads.” “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light,” advises Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-born American newspaper publisher. Historian and author Barbara W. Tuchman has the same recommendation: “No writing comes alive unless the writer sees across his desk a reader, and searches constantly for the word or phrase which will carry the image he wants the reader to see, and arouse the emotion he wants him to feel. Without the consciousness of a live reader, what a man writes will die on his page.” When writing, never be content with what you have written. Read it again and again. Revise

while reading. And then revise again. English novelist Margery Allingham admitted that she writes every paragraph four times: “Once to get my meaning down, once to put in anything I have left out, once to take out anything that seems unnecessary, and once to make the whole thing sound as if I have only just thought of it.” According to Frank E. McElroy, to write what you want to say in a way that can be understood by other people is not easy. “It takes real effort,” the established author said. “Do your writing in four bite-size portions. Doing one of these at a time makes your writing easier and your results more effective.” McElroy suggests four steps: (1) Define your purpose and learn your subject; (2) Organize your material in the light of your readers’ abilities and interests; (3) Write to best express yourself (and your ideas); and (4) Edit and polish your writing so that it is easy to read, is easy to understand, and is good English. The Writer’s Digest School in Cincinnati, Ohio shares the following 20 rules for good writing: Prefer the plain word to the fancy, the familiar word to the unfamiliar, nouns and verbs to adjectives and adverbs. Better still prefer

picture nouns and action verbs. Prefer the simple sentence to the complicated. Never use a long word when a short one will do as well. Master the simple declarative sentence. Put the words you want to emphasize at the beginning or end of your sentence. Use the active voice. Put statements in a positive form. Vary your sentence length. Use short paragraphs; vary the length of the paragraph. Cut needless words, sentences, and paragraphs. Use plain, conversational language. Write like you talk. Avoid imitation; write in your natural style. Write clearly. Avoid gobbledygook and jargon. Write to be understood, not to impress. Communicate with understanding. Revise and rewrite. Improvement is always possible. Just a reminder, though: “Being a writer is a solitary vocation. Occasionally, letters or phone calls provide evidence that someone out there is reacting – usually in vehement disagreement. But it is exceedingly difficult for a writer who does not also teach to experience a continuum of face-toface challenge and response to his ideas. You shoot an arrow and most of the time you have no way of knowing what impact it had, if any.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

FAITH IN GOD, FAITH IN OURSELVES “He that can have patience can have what he will.” - BENJAMIN FRANKLIN *******

Alarmingly, 2022 opened with a bang. No pun intended. Just as soon as Metro Manila and major parts of the country were beginning to enjoy the benefits of Alert Level 2, a new surge in infection cases all but suddenly exploded in our face. Records of the Omicron variant of Covid19 show that countries in Europe and the continental US are again besieged by the disease. The relaxed rules in business, travel and tourism have most probably contributed to the upsurge because such confidence makes people assume they are already safe and secure. The public announcements from DOH and the IATF that declared a downshift to Alert Level

3 (From Jan. 3-15) has torn to shreds that confidence. As the only Christian nation in this part of the world, pardon me if I say that our spiritual upbringing and the way we live may have something to do with the suffering this country is going through. Pardon me - again - if I say that our spiritual leaders may be amiss in the pursuit of their spiritual and pastoral responsibilities. This can be construed as a sweeping statement of the state of spiritual affairs in this country but it cannot be helped. Why? Because as you now see and observe they - Catholic bishops, priests, pastors of Protestant and evangelical churches - are engaged in political calisthenics which are a great departure from their sworn religious and moral oaths. Need I mention who? We cannot solve our prob-

lems by ourselves. AS MORTAL BEINGS, WE ARE SUBJECT TO ERR. We have to seek God. Read 2 Chronicles chapter 7 verse 14. The world is in search of healing. But no healing is going to come if we totally ignore the presence of God in our lives. Human solutions to human problems are only palliative. They are the so-called temporary, band-aid remedies to problems that become maladies, pandemic and deathly critical. Even if we had so many Einsteins and a galore of geniuses in our government, we shall always be haunted by how deep our faith is in our God. I may be sounding religious but who do we run to when awful things are happening and our leaders and government resources are now discovered to be incapable of and inadequate in preventing and solving them? Be informed that there is

already a “shadow war” going on in the Middle East - between Israel and Iran. The latter has been employing its proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Gaza and elsewhere near the former to terrorize this tiny nation biblically chosen by God as His. While Iran has publicly announced its hatred of Israel and has pledged to erase the latter from the face of the China is already showing its true colors not only in Southeast Asia but also in areas bordering it like Pakistan and Afghanistan. We need to recognize the harsh reality that the battle is already spiritual in nature. We cannot fight nor resist external imperialistic aggression by ourselves, whether economically, militarily or diplomatically. We are a very small, distant voice shouting our voices hoarse in the wilderness. Politics has been indiscrimi-

nately polarizing our nation. Our people are behaving immaturely because they have long been led to believe that our national leaders in politics and appointed government officials can bail us comfortably out of the rut our country is in. Even our spiritual leaders have failed us. Very unfortunate. Yeah, we are an unfortunate people. It is my strong belief that Filipinos in totality are themselves to blame. We have completely succumbed to our material instincts. It is not too late though. The Scripture in Matthew 6:33 reminds us: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Lean not on our own human understanding. Try God. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

BDO FORMS BUSINESS ALLIANCE WITH JAPAN’S RESONA BANK GROUP

DO Unibank has entered into a business alliance with Japan’s fourth largest bank Resona Bank Group (Resona) that would allow it to tap and support the banking needs of RBG’s clients operating in the Philippines. The agreement was formalized via a memorandum of understanding effective Dec. 21, 2021. Resona is the fourth largest universal city bank with full-line trust and real estate capabilities in Japan. Its strong customer base is centered primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kansai area, where economic activity and population are concentrated. Its business alliance deal with BDO will be participated in by Resona’s affiliated banks, namely, Resona Bank Ltd., Saitama Resona Bank Ltd., Kansai Mirai Bank Ltd., and Minato Bank Ltd. Resona is the latest in the list of Japanese finan-

cial institutions that has partnered with BDO given the local bank’s strong position in the Philippine banking sector. For BDO, the partnership with Resona can potentially increase its support to Japanese companies doing business in the country, particularly those located in various industrial zones. The country’s largest bank by total assets, loans, deposits, trust funds and capitalization, to date, BDO has a reputable Japan Desk dedicated to support Japanese companies operating in the country, as well as help provide the bank requirements of Japanese clients.

SSS calls out to members; be vigilant against fixers and scammers

he Social Security System (SSS) is reminding all members and employers to protect their personal information and be vigilant against fixers and scammers following the increasing reports on fraud incidents. “We are deeply concerned with the increasing number of fraud victims who are mostly our members. That’s why we constantly remind them not to patronize these individuals. Never share your SS Number, My.SSS login credentials and other personal information with individuals who claim to be SSS employees because these will be compromised and used in illegal activities,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said. SSS further warns the public against joining Facebook Groups, offering assistance on various online transactions for a fee. SSS offers free services and doesn’t charge from its members except for Unified Multi-purpose ID Card (UMID) replacement.

These groups are considered illegal and unauthorized as they could be data mining accounts used to extract an individual’s personal information. “We also reiterate that SSS shall not be held accountable for any transactions once the member is found to have connived with the fixer. This act is considered a violation R.A. No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 as well as R.A. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Hence, we strongly advise our members to coordinate with legitimate SSS branch personnel only. Aside from that, E-centers are also available in SSS branches where they can be assisted by our member service representatives. We also made our My.SSS Portal and SSS Mobile App user-friendly which they can easily navigate and proceed with their online transactions.” added Ignacio. As part of SSS’ initiatives to curb these illegal activities, social media

posts and accounts were taken down in coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group. This is an ongoing operation since these accounts are evident in social media accounts. Sending your complaints will provide notable information which will help the authorities to track them. Rest assured that the SSS shall penalize these fixers/scammers to protect the interests of our members and employers.” Ignacio concluded. Concerned citizens and victims may report fixers/scammers to the Special Investigation Department (SID) through email fid@sss.gov.ph and telephone number (02) 8924-7370. For accurate information and updates on SSS programs and benefits, visit and follow SSS on Facebook and YouTube at “Philippine Social Security System,” Instagram at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” join its Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates,” or visit the uSSSapTayo Portal at https:// crms.sss.gov.ph/.

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AGRICULTURE

Tilapia is now the country’s second most popular fish -- after bangus. But production is declining and it’s bad news for Filipinos. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla)

FARMEDTILAPIA

armed tilapia production in the Philippines is declining, says a fishery expert who made tilapia as the country’s second most popular fish after bangus.

Although there was a 240% increase in tilapia production from 2001 to 2011, there was only 7% increase from 2007 to 2016, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). In the BFAR’s Road Map for the Tilapia Industry (2014-2016), a 3% increase in production per year was projected. But statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that there was a 0% increase in the production of the same period. Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, cited those figures in paper that was published in Philippine Journal of Science. “What is happening to our farmed tilapia industry?” wondered Dr. Guerrero, who is now an academician with the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). To find what went wrong, Dr. Guerrero conducted a survey among 55 tilapia farmers (who raised tilapia in ponds, cages, and/ or pens) and hatchery operators from Luzon (69%)

and Mindanao (31%). “Of the 55 respondents, 38 (72%) said that their tilapia production decreased by 52.4% on the average in the last five years,” Dr. Guerrero reported of the result of the study, which was supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Socioeconomic, technological, institutional, and climatic factors that could cause the decline in farmed tilapia production were presented in a structured questionnaire. According to Dr. Guerrero, the major factors identified by the farmers were high water temperature (68%), lack of government assistance (58%), poor breed of tilapia (48%), high cost of production (46%), and lack of capital (44%). To address these problems/constraints, the following measures/actions were recommended by the study: High water temperature: The shading of ponds with silver straw net and aquatic plants can help reduce sunlight penetration and lower water temperature especially during the “hot months” (March to

PRODUCTION DECLINING By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Rhoy Cobilla

April). Dr. Guerrero reported that using the next with 40% shading, the fry production of Nile tilapia in freshwater breeding ponds increased by 77% compared to that in the non-shaded pond. On the other hand, the growth of black-chin tilapia was better compared to that of the control in the freshwater pond with 24% shading provided by the floating water lettuce. Lack of government assistance: Extension and technical services are direly needed by the tilapia farmers. The extension workers of local government units (tasked by law to deliver such services) should be well-trained and adequately supported. Poor breed of tilapia: There is a lack of government-accredited tilapia hatcheries in the country for the production of “quality fry and fingerlings” for dissemination to farmers. More tilapia hatcheries should be put up especially in Mindanao with government support. High cost of production: The cost of commercial feeds used for intensive

culture of tilapia in ponds and cages constitutes 60%-80% of the total cost of production. The substitution of imported feed ingredients like soybean meal with locally available copra meal can reduce the cost of feeding. Lack of capital: Soft or interest-free loans should be provided to tilapia farmers particularly for expansion in areas with high growth potential production in brackishwater ponds, mariculture parks and freshwater ponds in Mindanao, and establishment of accredited hatcheries. Most of the farmed tilapia in Mindanao are concentrated in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato. Mindanao contributed about 6% of the total farmed tilapia production with most of the produced coming from Luzon (92%). Visayas contributed a measly 2%. “With the abundant freshwater resources in Mindanao and the high demand for tilapia, further growth of the industry is seen in the tapped lakes and irrigated areas in the

country’s second largest island which has a growing population,” Dr. Guerrero said. Of the 23 major lakes in the Philippines, 19 are found in Mindanao. The major lakes with tilapia culture are found in Lake Sebu (South Cotabato) and Lake Buluan (Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat). Tilapia is not native to the Philippines. In the 1950s, Deogracias Villadolid, of the then Bureau of Fisheries (now known as BFAR), brought some breeding stocks of tilapia from Thailand into the country. Calling it a “miracle fish,” the bureau wanted it to be raised in backyard ponds nationwide. Unfortunately, it never materialized. Tilapia’s high reproduction rate, which was a good trait, resulted

in overcrowded ponds and stunted fish. As a result, many Filipinos became disappointed over its performance. The cause of overcrowding was simple. Pond-reared tilapia, with a natural ratio of 50% male and 50% female, mature in 60 days. They breed frequently, often every 30 days. “Female tilapias may spawn from 100 to thousands of eggs, depending on its size,” the Iloilo-based Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) reports. At such growth rate, there was more fish in the pond and competition for food escalated. With reduced nutrition, the best attainable market size for tilapia at that time after four months was only 150

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cines. Pero homologous or heterologous man, same effect of protection gihapon,” she said. Schlosser reminded Dabawenyos to take booster shots for protection against the anticipated surge of Covid-19 cases and the threat of the Omicron variant. “Naa gyud study na vaccines work even with the new variant. Also, with

booster shot, naa ta’y added na protection of 25 folds more and with the booster dose we are protected against severe and critical diseases therefore kung naa kay booster shots dako kaayo ug chance na dili ka makakuha ug severe ug critical type of Covid-19 since we are anticipating for the arrival of omicron which is milder but the spread is exponential,” she said.

The 10 municipalities in the province that received the assistance include Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago, and Tubay.

Funds were also released to the city governments of Cabadbaran and Butuan. “The people of Agusan del Norte is truly grateful to President Duterte and the national government,” Corvera said. (PNA)

nance. Meanwhile, actor Robinhood “Abdul Azis” Padilla also graced the ceremony and personally congratulated Ramos and her Office’s partner agencies for the success of the procurement of Mini Rice Mill Set under her 2020 SDF. “Matagal na po kaming magkasama ni Sister Jam at ngayon ay lubos akong nagagalak dahil unti-unti na pong natutupad ang aming mga aspirasyon at pangarap para sa Bangsamoro katulad na lang po itong programang ito na makakatulong sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayang magsasaka (Sister Jam and I have been comrades for a long time and now I am very happy because our aspirations and dreams for the Bangsamoro are gradually being fulfilled just like this program that will help the livelihood of our fellow farmers),” Padilla said. Furthermore, Deputy Chief Minister Aleem Ali Solaiman, who also graced the event, said this program is

proof that the government’s funds are allocated to rightful projects and programs that will meet the needs of the Bangsamoro people. Also in attendance in the momentous event are MP Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar, MP Marjanie Mimbantas, CDA Asec. Pendatun Disimban, BARMM Regional Prosecutor Atty. Rohairah Lao, Mr. Abdul Malik Hidalgo, MAFAR SDS Focal Ms. Ghalia Darping and her inspection team, Representatives of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, MPW District Engr. Abolkhair Langilao, PD Atty. Khalid Ansano, BTA Lanao del Sur Satellite Office and other guests. Meanwhile, after a thorough inspection and demonstration of the equipment, the office of Ramos spearheaded the actual distribution of the post-harvest facilities to the 31 beneficiaries coming from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City on December 31. (PR)

30, 2021. Members can apply for a salary loan application, generate and view contribution Payment Reference Number (PRN); pay for their contributions using PayMaya, GCash, credit/debit cards, and BPI; view their posted contribution payments, salary loan status and balance and other services. Employers can view their posted contribution and loan payments, view the status of employees’ benefits applied, download pre-generated contributions PRN, and update their employer contact information. Through the SSS mobile app, members and employers are provided with a more convenient way to transact with SSS without the hassle of queueing at the branches and enable them to access their SSS records using their mobile devices. The SSS has also set up its ExpreSSS e-Learning (ExSSSeL) portal to enable users to learn about the pension fund’s programs

and updates. Complementing this platform is its Customer Relationship Management System or uSSSap Tayo Portal, which allows members to access all relevant information about products and services, including frequently asked questions about the SSS, and to lodge queries, concerns, or complaints. The GSIS, on the other hand, has made available its Touch mobile app since last year to allow members to view their membership data, premium, and loans payments, service records, and membership service profiles. In its report, the GSIS said the Touch app will be enhanced before the end of the year to allow members and pensioners to apply for loans and perform tentative computations and check on the status of their applications. The Touch app will also allow members to file life and retirement claims with the capability to do tentative computations.

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Schlosser said. A group of doctors here is also supporting the reimplementation of the “test before travel” policy especially now that cases of Covid-19 are rising again. Meanwhile, Mayor

Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday said the reimposition of the RT-PCR requirement is no longer discussed as the city government wants more people to travel particularly in Davao City. Bty Maya M. Padillo

of 1.5575. The average rate of this tenor declined to 1.7371 percent from 1.7428 percent in the previous auction. Total bids for the two-week TDF amounted to PHP451.889 billion, bringing the bid coverage ratio to 1.8076. This tenor’s average rate slipped to 1.7760 percent from 1.8011 percent previously. In a statement, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said results of the TDF auction

this week “are in line with the expectation of normalization in cash demand as excess liquidity in the financial system gradually returns to the BSP’s deposit facilities.” “The higher demand for the longer tenor further supports the view that financial system liquidity is very ample. Looking ahead, the BSP’s monetary operations will remain guided by its assessment of the latest liquidity conditions and market developments,” he added. (PNA)

Wednesday reported further deceleration of domestic inflation rate in the last month of 2021 to 3.5 percent from month-ago’s 4.2 percent, bringing the 12-month average to 4.5 percent. BSP’s December 2021 inflation forecast ranges from 3.5 to 4.3 percent. Diokno said monetary authorities “will have to include the typhoon’s impact into its projections once firm estimates become available.”

“At the same time, the implementation of reconstruction efforts and rehabilitation programs in areas damaged by the storm will be essential to support economic recovery and prevent job losses,” he said. He added the central bank “stands ready to maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance to support the economy’s recovery while guarding against any emerging risks to its price and financial stability objectives.” (PNA)

sponses to enable the Philippines to adapt to new ways of working, doing business, and living. Looking ahead, alongside my colleagues at the BSP, I will continue to work toward a stronger, more technologically savvy, more inclusive, and more sustainable Philippine economy,” said Diokno.

The BSP has kept its benchmark rate at a record low 2 percent since November 2020, and said that monetary policy will remain accommodative to support economic recovery. Other central banks meanwhile have raised rates as economic recovery accelerated and inflation began to rise.

ing campaign was sparked by a patient who danced with some 20 friends in a central park on New Year’s Eve. Two of the fellow dancers, one of whom was a domestic helper, came up positive in preliminary tests. The helper’s employer and eight other of her close contacts then went on a cruise on Jan. 2. As part of its coronavirus restrictions, Hong Kong has restricted cruises to short trips in nearby waters, with ships asked to operate at reduced capacity and to only allow vaccinated passengers who test negative for the virus. The “Spectrum of the Seas” ship, which returned a day early, had about 2,500 passengers and 1,200 staff on board. The nine close contact passengers tested negative for the virus so far, authorities said. “Spectrum of the Seas is taking appropriate measures under guidelines by the Department of Health,” Royal Caribbean told Reu-

ters in a statement. The nine close contacts were sent to a quarantine centre, while the rest of the passengers and staff will have to undergo several tests, the government said. Additionally, people who have been to dozens of places across Hong Kong around the same time as the close contacts of recent patients have been issued compulsory testing notices, the government said in a separate statement. Victoria Park, in downtown Hong Kong, the newly opened M+ modern art museum, ferry piers, restaurants, stores, clinics were among the places listed. Gabriel Leung, University of Hong Kong dean of medicine and a government adviser, told public broadcaster RTHK there were probably “five-to-10 invisible transmission chains” in the city. “There’s no time to waste,” Leung said. “We need circuit-breaker measures.”

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grams. “Tilapias are very prolific,” Dr. Guerrero said. Generally, tilapias spawn in shallow portions of lakes, rivers or ponds. In breeding, the male builds nests on the bottom to attract females. The nests are round and shallow, about 20-25 centimeters wide. “The male waits for the female partner in the nests,” SEAFDEC reveals. “After a brief courtship (to last a few hours), eggs are spawned by the female and fertilized by milt from the male. The female then gathers the fertilized eggs in its mouth to incubate them. The egg hatch after three days. Spawning can occur as often as twice a month during the year if conditions warrant.” Studies have shown that the male tilapia grows faster and bigger than the female tilapia. The logical choice was to grow all male tilapias. But could male tilapias be selected and separated from the females? Was it physically possible to select the fish for stocking in the ponds? Yes, it could be done – through manual sexing. In manual sexing, the male is distinguished from the female tilapia by looking at an organ called the urogenital papilla, which is found near the anus of the fish. There are two openings in the female fish and only one in the male fish. “Manual sexing is cumbersome and time-consuming,” DOST said. “Sometimes, the openings are not easy to see. The technique is only 80% accurate because of human error. Another disadvantage is that you can only sex fish when

they are 3 months old. By then, they are almost fully grown.” Dr. Guerrero, who has devoted more than three decades of his life to laboratory and applied science, knew that there was a more practical, effective and economical method of solving the problem. After almost two years of research, he was able to convert all tilapias in a pond to male. For his laudable work, he is regarded as the “Father of Tilapia Sex Reversal.” In 2004, he was conferred the Mgr. Jan D. F. Heine Memorial Award by the International Tilapia Foundation for his study. As a result of his work, tilapia has gained popularity among Filipinos who cooked the fish in different ways: either grilled or fried. Tilapia can also be made into a sinigang (a sour soup using tamarind, santol, guava or calamansi as a base) and paksiw (similar to sinigang but uses only vinegar). Tilapia has replaced galunggong (scad) as the poor man’s fish. Nutritionist claim that 100 grams of tilapia provides approximately 93 calories, with one gram of fat (0.5 grams saturated), 55 milligrams of cholesterol, 37 grams of sodium,0.5 milligram of iron, 19.5 grams of protein, and 90 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is the second staple food of Filipinos, after rice. On the average, every Filipino consumes 98.6 grams of fish and fish products each day, a study of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology showed. – ###

PATAFA, EJ, the POC and all the parties who wish to stoke the fire of this mad issue to stop. You have all publicly recognized the PSC and asked us to help resolve the issue, please listen to us on this simple request. Stop issuing public statements and come to the table with us to discuss this matter,” Ramirez said. Two lawmakers, Congressman Eric Martinez and Senator Pia Cayetano, were among the latest to

issue their takes on the PATAFA-Obiena row. Martinez on Tuesday said Obiena, whom he called “the future of Philippine athletics,” should not be treated like what PATAFA did to him. Meanwhile, Cayetano later in the day said she is “beyond disgusted with the latest actions and statements of PATAFA’s Philip Juico, who is single-handedly killing the Filipino athletes.” (PNA)

The POC, in turn, declared PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico persona non grata and called for the election of a new president last December 28. “Ito yung panahon sana na ibinibigay natin ang buong suporta sa ating mga atletang itinuturing din natin bilang mga bagong bayani. Sa kabila ng kasalukuyang pandemya at iba’t ibang krisis na ating pilit malampasan, inaasahan nating makapagbigay sana ng inspirasyon sila sa ating mga mamamayan,” continued Go. “Pero, imbes na suklian natin ng pasasalamat, naiipit sila dahil sa bagay na dapat internal na inaayos at hindi kailangang

humantong sa tanggalan sa pambansang kupunan,” he said. Meanwhile, as part of his vision of supporting promising young athletes who do not have the resources to pursue their dreams, Go earlier authored and co-sponsored the National Academy of Sports bill in the Senate which was enacted into Republic Act No. 11470 in 2020. The measure establishes the NAS System and its Main Campus in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The NAS is a government-run academy that offers quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos.

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SPORTS 11

Jordan Clarkson and the Jazz have not lost on the road since November. PHOTO: AP

Jazz stretch road streak to 10 with victory at Nuggets PSC receives disinfectants from Interworld Enterprises

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) received 400 liters of disinfection chemicals donation from the Interworld Enterprises today at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. The 20 containers of Nobac Urban organic-based deodorizer disinfectant with 20 liters each were officially received by PSC Engineering staff Daniel Espino to be used for the disinfection of PSC facilities specifically the main administrative building inside RMSC and in PhilSports Complex in Pasig. PSC Executive Director

Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. said that the PSC is always grateful for the support from good friends and colleagues from the private sector. The donated disinfectants are especially helpful now as the agency doubles their disinfection schedule in light of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. Since the pandemic started, the PSC management has regularly conducted disinfection activities after office hours every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and on weekends to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the health and safety of their employees and staff.

ENVER — Bojan Bogdanovic scored a season-high 36 points and the Utah Jazz stretched their road winning streak to 10 games by beating the Denver Nuggets, 115-109, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time). Rudy Gay had 18 points and Donovan Mitchell added 17 for the Jazz, who have not lost on the road since a 107-100 setback at Orlando on Nov. 7. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists for his 64th career triple-double. Monte Morris and Will Barton added 20 points apiece.

the NBA’s health and safety protocols. … C Hassan Whiteside missed a third consecutive game because of a concussion. … C Rudy Gobert was held out with left shoulder inflammation. … F Eric Paschall rejoined the team after missing the previous four games to tend to personal matters. Nuggets: C Vlatko Cancar is out indefinitely after breaking his right foot during Monday’s loss at Dallas. … Denver coach Michael Malone remains sidelined because of health and safety protocols, along with F Jeff Green and F Zeke Nnaji.

which is said to be the primary cause of his beef with PATAFA. “EJ has given his partial liquidation report and the documents are now being examined and verified. This is a good step. Do not allow anyone to use those against you by getting it done. Finalize your liquidation and then you can focus on the other concerns,” Ramirez said. “We demand for EJ to immediately finish his liquidation of accounts so that we can continue to support

him.” The PSC also called on PATAFA “to reconsider their declaration of dropping EJ from their rolls”. “Provide him an appeal mechanism and not to execute their decision immediately,” Ramirez added, also pertaining to the threats of filing estafa complaints against Obiena, the Asian pole vault record holder. The PSC also called on the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to drop its initial call to declare

PATAFA chief Popoy Juico persona non grata “on the premise of promoting peace in elite sports”. He said the PSC board also asked the POC “to bridge the two parties as the mother organization of both”. Ramirez asked all the parties involved and even those who plan to chime in to refrain from making further statements from hereon. “We demand for the

PSC lays down demands to resolve PATAFA-Obiena row

T Interworld Enterprises donated 400 liters of Nobac Urban disinfectant to the PSC which were officially received by PSC Engineering staff Daniel Espino (right) today at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila.

Up by one at halftime, the Jazz led by 13 in the third quarter and took an 88-78 lead into the fourth. Denver fought back to within 94-91 on a 3-pointer by Morris off a feed from Jokic, but Bogdanovic had a layup and Royce O’Neale and Jordan Clarkson hit 3-pointers around a pair of free throws by Barton as Utah built a nine-point lead

with just over six minutes remaining. Denver again pulled within striking distance on a dunk by Jokic that narrowed the deficit to 113109 with 44.3 seconds to play, but Bogdanovic made a pair of free throws in the final moments and the Nuggets failed to score again. The Jazz led 57-56 at halftime, fueled by Bogdanovic, who had 19 points in the first two quarters. TIP-INS Jazz: Bogdanovic’s previous season high was 27 points against Philadelphia on Nov. 16. … F Joe Ingles was ruled out after entering

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has laid down some requests to the camps involved in the tension between the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and pole vault star Ernest John “EJ” Obiena. In a statement on Wednesday, PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said the PSC board called on Obiena to complete the liquidation of his payments to his coach Vitaly Petrov,

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Senator Bong Go specifically expressed disappointment over the decision of the Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association to drop pole vaulter and Tokyo Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena from its National Training Pool of Athletes.

FOCUS ON EXCELLENCE

Sen. Bong Go tells sports officials: ‘let athletes focus on bringing glory to the country’

enator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his concern that instead of promoting the welfare of national athletes and helping them focus on their training for upcoming international competitions, they are being dragged into issues that should have been resolved amicably by sports officials and organizations tasked to fulfill such functions on behalf of these athletes. “Trabaho ninyo na tulungan sila. Iresolba at ibigay mga pangangailangan nila. Pagaanin ang pinapasan nila. Hindi para ipitin at mas pahirapan pa sila!,” Go remarked towards concerned officials and organizations mandated to help national athletes. Go specifically expressed disappointment over the decision of the Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association to drop pole vaulter and Tokyo Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena from its National Training Pool of Athletes. “Yung national athletes natin ang focus niyan ay magbigay ng panalo at dangal sa pamilya at sa bansa. Nagpapakahirap yan para maghanda at maging mahusay sa kanyang larangan,” Go shared. “Huwag natin ipaproblema sa kanila yung mga isyu na pwede naman pagtulungan ng mga opisyales, mga organisasyon, at mga propesyunal na inatasang suportahan ang Philippine team. Kaya nga nandito tayo para tulungan sila. Hindi para dagdagan pa ang iniisip nila,” Go expressed. On Tuesday, January 4, the PATAFA announced its intent to file a criminal complaint for estafa against the world’s number six pole-vaulter for alleged non-payment of coaching fees to his coach, Vitaly Petrov, and falsification of liquidation documents. The move has been widely criticized by national athletics bodies and the public alike. PATAFA also terminated the services of and is set to file a com-

plaint against Petrov for allegedly violating the World Athletics Integrity Code of Conduct as well as declare Obiena’s adviser James Lafferty a persona non grata. “I am disappointed that these issues are taking the attention away from the support and praise that should be given to worldclass and promising pole vaulter EJ Obiena,” Go expressed. As the country’s pride, he has the weight of a whole nation on his shoulders. The least we can do is unburden him with these issues,” Go said. As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go emphasized that he has seen the struggles and difficulties athletes have to endure especially amid an ongoing pandemic. Unless the matter is resolved, Go warned that the Senate would launch an investigation to determine whether or not there were lapses on the part of the government or the athletics body. “I urge PATAFA, POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) and PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) to resolve the matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, I will be compelled to call for a legislative inquiry to find out if there are lapses and excesses on their part,” vowed the senator. In an earlier statement, the PSC urged PATAFA to reconsider its decision to drop the athlete. It had previously offered to serve as mediator between the two sides.

FFOCUS, P10