Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 253 | Saturday, January 15, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 253 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022

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COMMUNITY ACTION Residents dismantle Salugpongan school in Compostela, Davao de Oro STORY ON PAGE 2

A boy jumps over a traffic cone placed by the City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (CTTMO) replicating a tradional Filipino game called “luksong tinik” along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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Governor Edwin Jubahib announces that he is placing the entire Davao del Norte under alert level 3 from January 14 to 31, 2022 due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the province. Edge Davao

COMMUNITY ACTION F

Covid 19, Omicron: Biggest threats to security- Gonzales

Residents dismantle Salugpongan school in Compostela, Davao de Oro By MAYA M. PADILLO

he residents of a community in Sitio Cambudlot, Brgy. San Miguel, Compostela, Davao de Oro destroyed the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center on January 14, 2022, which for them is the symbol of communist institution in their area.

Barangay captain Joel Balili of San Miguel said the school has become a symbol of the New People’s Army (NPA) and should be replaced with a school accredited by the

Department of Education (DepEd). “Angay nato ni siya i-demolish aron pulihan ug DepEd run school na muhatag ug edukasyon sa atong mga anak,” he said

Balili said this is what the community dreamed of. “Ang gipangandoy sa katawhan niabot na. Giduol ang mga programa sa gobyerno sa atoa. Kaniadto dunay presensya sa laing sekta diri,” Balili said. The dismantling of the school was supported by Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, municipal government of Compostela Valley and the

provincial government of Davao de Oro. “Pasalamat ta sa kasundaluhan ug kapulisan sa effort sa pag attain sa peace diri sa atong barangay,” Balili said. In November 2019, The Department of Education-Region 11 (DepEd-11) has ordered the closure of private schools owned and operated by the Salugpongan Ta Tana Ilgkanogon Com-

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ormer Defense Secretary Norberto B. Gonzales alleged that the Covid- 19 virus and its latest mutation, Omicron, together with all other variants that may evolve in time, constitute the biggest threat to the country’s national security. While the man on the street equates national security with the defense of our country’s territories, Gonzales said that national security involves all aspects of our lives. Food security. Health security. Job security. Securing the education of our children, the care of our elderly. The safety of our front liners, teachers, soldiers, farmers, fisher folk and employees and employers alike. Gonzales, a presidential aspirant in the May 2022 elections, said the entire Philippines witnessed how the pandemic cost us our

security in all these aspects The cost in lives alone cannot even be quantified. With the Omicron variant’s arrival in the Philippines, the number of new cases jumped to record highs. In truth, after the vaccination of a good number of the population, the country let its guard down, which in part allowed the bearers of this more transmissible virus to sneak in and infect others. Unfortunately, corruption played a role on how some personalities were able to skip the mandatory quarantine, enabling them to party while transmitting the virus to the many who came in contact with them. One after the other, the results of the contagion manifested: medicines are in short supply in drugstores; the food supply

eyed as the possible motive in the bombing of Mindanao Star bus on Tuesday that killed a 5-year-old boy and injured six others, including other children aged 5-months-old and 3-yearold in Aleosan, North Cotabato. On Thursday, police personnel have been placed on heightened alert status after a joint Army-police checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion was subjected to twin grenade attacks on

Wednesday night. “All our police forces, including military and force multipliers, are on double alert status,” Tayong said. “Nobody was hurt in the twin grenade attacks that came at past 8 p.m.” he added. Tayong clarified that the murder on Wednesday morning of Samsudin P. Masulot, a councilman of remote Barangay Gokutan, was not related to the police

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SEC-Davao unit warns public NorCot cops on heightened alert vs. illegal investment firms against lawlessness, terrorism

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued another set of advisories against several entities soliciting investments from the public without the necessary licenses. The SEC Davao Extension Office has verified the existence of: 1. UP-Mass Innovative Marketing Corporation/UMIM Corporation 2. Cryptostakers/

Crypto-stakers.com 3. Walletpays/WalletPays 4. Paidtunes 5. PawisngPinoy online Investment 6. Kaizen Unlimited Philippines 7. Tunegaga/TuneGaga 8. Outrace “Play to Earn” 9. Trust Legacy International/Trust Legacy International/ Trust Legacy

International Community Ph For the complete list of advisories, you may visit https://www.sec. gov.ph/investors-education-and-information/advisories/ UP-Mass Innovative Marketing Corporation/ UMIM Corporation entices the public to invest online or through the internet to become a member thereof

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olice authorities have intensified their campaign against lawlessness and terrorism here and nearby towns after separate attacks in the towns of Aleosan and Pikit earlier this week. Lt. Col. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, said Thursday maximum safety measures are in place to prevent similar attacks in the province. Tayong said extortion is

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EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

Hundreds of members-consumers of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) join the peace rally of the Coalition Against Privatization of Electric Cooperatives (CAPECs) and the National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers (NCECCO) Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro Chapter, Inc. against House Bill 10554 in Tagum City on Friday. Edge Davao

Coalition holds rally against Davao Light firm’s takeover No cases of Omicron variant in DavNor yet

he Provincial Health Officer of Davao Del Norte Dr. Alfredo Lacerona said in an interview that no cases of Omicron variant were recorded in the province yet. While the province has no medical equipment to identify the Omicron variant yet, Dr. Lacerona ensured that the Department of Health (DOH) - Davao Region always updates every area of new cases of these new variants of concerns in the region. Davao Del Norte logged 94 active cases of COVID-19 virus as of January 11, 2022, according to Dr. Lacerona in a radio guesting with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Davao Del Norte today (January 12) with no cases of Omicron variants yet. He said that most active cases in the Province of Davao Del Norte recently are asymptomatic while others display only mild symptoms of the virus. Dr. Lacerona attributed this situation to the

rising vaccination rate in the province. Despite being vaccinated, he reminded the province’s citizens to still follow the minimum health standards still because the vaccine will not spare them from contracting the virus. He further corrected the misconception that getting vaccinated automatically means not getting the virus. He said that even if a person is vaccinated, there are still possibilities to get the virus. The vaccines will only protect us from getting severe complications of the virus leading to death, he added. Meanwhile, he said that residents of Davao Del Norte traveling from abroad might take their mandatory quarantine at their homes for 14 days provided that they have no symptoms upon arrival. Furthermore, residents with symptoms must be isolated in des-

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Coalition Against Privatization of Electric Cooperatives (CAPECs) and the National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers (NCECCO) Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro Chapter, Inc. was slated to hold a peace rally and caravan against the planned take over of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) in Tagum City on January 14, 2022. The rally aims to cause awareness on the passage of House Bill 10554, which expands the franchise of Davao Light and Power Company to the Cities of Samal and Tagum, and the

Municipalities of Talaingod, Asuncion, Kapalong, San Isidro, New Corella, Davao del Norte, and the Municipality of Maco, Davao de Oro which are all in the franchise coverage area of the Northern

Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco). The activity also aims to show opposition on the passage of the said House Bill and to strengthen the cooperatives’ requestto the lawmakers to junk the bill. “Kaning kalihukan karon against privatization of electric cooperatives pero gilangkuban sa batan-ong sector na member-consumers pud. Nagkauyon kami na ipasibaw sa malinawon na pamaagi ang among sentimyento sa pagprotekta sa cooperative mismo ug Ang ser-

bisyong electrisidad diri sa duha ka probinsiya, sa Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, lakip ang isla sa Samal,” said Ariel Perote, secretary of CAPECs in an interview. According to Perote no one else can provide better service in terms of providing electricity to the people of the province but the electric cooperatives. “Ang balaod gaingon nga kinahangoan walay lain nga private entity na electric companies nga mu take over dinha sa

by the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO). This is in line with the Department Order (DO) 2022-001 released by the Department of Transportation (DOTR) on January 13, 2022 which is “Limiting Public Transportation Access to Vaccinated Population In the National Capital

Region Under Alert Level 3 or Higher.” With this, public transportation by air, land, and sea will be allowing only fully vaccinated persons into and out of the National Capital Region (NCR) and travelers are required to present proof of vaccination upon buying tickets or

upon check-in. The CTOO stated that the city is waiting for advice for the implementation of the same DO from DOTR. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reiterated on Wednesday that there will be no reimplementation of

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City to defer ‘no requirements’ for travelers entering Davao City

he city government of Davao’s “no restrictions/no requirements” for travelers entering Davao City by air, land, and sea will be deferred until the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and its attached agencies issue guidelines and protocols, according to an advisory

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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A street vendor displays knock off shirts at the sidewalk along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

Pharma firm eyes ‘fill and finish’ operation for new Covid-19 vax PH peso to get hit from T Fed rate normalization he Philippine economy is expected to return to its 6 to 7-percent growth trajectory in 2022 after nearly two years of grappling with the pandemic despite the threat of the Omicron variant, according to the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group. Local pharmaceutical firm Lloyd Laboratories Inc. (LLI) is eyeing a “fill and finish” operation for a new Chinese vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that is still undergoing clinical trials. In a virtual media interview Thursday, LLI medical consultant Dr. Antonio Ligsay said the company has

partnered with Livzon Biotech’s Livzon Mabpharm, Inc. for the phase three clinical trial of the V-01, a code name for the recombinant vaccine against Covid-19. Ligsay said the interim analysis will be concluded by the end of this month. “Hopefully, our results will be good towards the end of the month, and if it’s

good, then we will apply for EUA (emergency use authorization),” he added. Ligsay said V-01’s phases one and two were conducted in China and the third phase was conducted in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Russia with a total of 21,500 respondents. The Philippines has the largest number of subjects in the clinical trial with a total of 12,000 individuals, Ligsay said. “The vaccine is (a) fusion protein which is very immunogenic,” he said, adding that this vaccine helps the body to produce an immune response. Ligsay said this vaccine

is easier and faster to manufacture and can be produced in billion doses “in just (a) short time”. “Currently, Lloyd Laboratories has a small laboratory which is capable of the local filling of pre-filled syringes which might be a potential use for the vaccine of local filling,” LLI business development director Christopher Bamba said. In a “fill and finish” operation, the vaccine is manufactured outside the country. This means its operation will involve filling vials or syringes with vaccine and finishing the packaging process here for distribution. (PNA)

to improve their access to financing opportunities needed for commercial production. “Since market potential and commercial viability are very important considerations, we hope to consequently provide the necessary funding support to shepherd the projects of Filipino inventors from the drawing board to actual implementation and even production,’’ Herbosa said. DBP is the fifth-largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic

sectors of the economy –infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development. FIS is a non-government organization of Filipino inventors who hold patents for their works and innovations in the Philippines and overseas. Its members include professionals and entrepreneurs who espouse the development of indigenous technology. Herbosa said DBP is presently crafting a bridging program to assist the

most outstanding Filipino inventors through aid or grants that will encourage innovative projects for critical sectors such as agriculture, health care, and the environment. He said DBP is open to exploring other means of support to Filipino inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs and to help fast-track the incubation of more local ideas, concepts, and initiatives. ‘’We will continue to encourage the development of relevant technologies and

DBP forges ties with Filipino inventors

tate-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has forged a partnership with the Filipino Inventors Society, Inc. (FIS) to provide more focused support for the development of viable local projects and indigenous technologies, a top official said. DBP president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Herbosa said the bank would provide capacity-building programs in financial and operational management to Filipino inventors and scientists

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n analyst has forecast the Philippine peso’s 2022 performance to be driven by changes in the Federal Reserve’s policy rates instead of trade developments, just like what happened last year. In a report released on Thursday, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said the local currency, which was able to touch the 50-level to the dollar mid-trade this week, and the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) would likely be affected more this year by monetary policy normalization in the US. He said another surge in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, which during the day logged a record-high 34,021 new cases, contributes to the delay in the domestic economy’s recovery. Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, Mapa said the balance of trade in goods, which is the difference between the value of exports and imports over a certain period, in November 2021 showed a record -USD4.706 billion.

Despite this, he said, the peso “held relatively firm while (the) GIR was only drawn down slightly.” “This suggests that unlike (in) 2021, the fate of the peso (and the GIR) may be driven less in part by trade developments and more by external factors related to the imminent normalization of the Federal Reserve,” he added. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported during the day the country’s end-December 2021 foreign reserves, which totaled USD108.89 billion, based on preliminary data. This level jumped from USD107.72 billion in the previous month and is equivalent to 10.3 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. Last year’s foreign reserves were, however, lower than the USD110.12 billion in 2020. Mapa said the GIR, on the other hand, has “remained at relatively healthy levels, both from a current and historical perspective.” “Despite stark depreci-

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ECONOMY 5

Residents take advantage of the heavy traffic due to a road construction near their community to peddle food snacks to motorists along the Davao-Gen. Santos highway. Edge Davao

BSP confident of 2022 growth target despite Covid-19 surge DA eyes adlai, strawberry as emerging crops for NorMin

he Department of Agriculture Region 10 (DA-10) has seen a potential in adlai and strawberry as emerging crops in Northern Mindanao that can be sold in mainstream markets in the future. During a media forum on Thursday, DA-10 Technical Director Carlota Madriaga said adlai, also referred by indigenous peoples as “agglay,” is easy to produce even through organic production technology, and it grows in any places regardless of climate and soil conditions, “In the time of the pandemic (when it started in 2020), we have established the Adlai Development Program where we train farmers in planting adlai, and help them in the processing and marketing of products,” he said. As part of Executive Order 70 through the “whole of nation approach,” DA-10 introduced adlai farming to former rebels who surrendered and received help from the government. One example was the former rebels in Impasugong, Bukidnon, under the supervision of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, where more than 25 farmers availed themselves of the “Arms-to-Farms” program.

The program aims to provide agriculture-based livelihood opportunities for former rebels while they temporarily live inside the military camp. Since its implementation, the former rebels were able to harvest root crops, adlai, and corn with PHP200,000 in annual sales. In the blog of Maria Perrine, pastry chef based in Bukidnon, she described adlai as an “ancient heirloom grain cultivated throughout Asia, indigenous to the Philippines, and is an alternative staple food with many healing properties.” She said adlai is known as Asia’s barley or more commonly referred to as “Chinese Pearl Barley,” or Job’s Tears. This unique grain has a slightly nutty flavor and has a texture anywhere from al dente pasta to fluffy rice depending on its preparation. Strawberries in MisOcc Meanwhile, Madriaga also highlighted the strawberry farming in the town of Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental. “Because of agri-tourism, strawberry production has become a good potential (for bulk production),” she said. Madriaga said growing

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he Davao Region has continued to promote enterprise-based innovation in a bid to produce more resilient and responsive entrepreneurs. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Thursday he is confident the country could still achieve its growth target of 7 to 9 percent this year despite the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. The new omicron variant appears to be “mild and less lethal” and the outbreak occurred early in the year, Diokno said in an event organized by the Management Association of

the Philippines. On Thursday, the Philippines reported its highest daily confirmed infections of 34,021. Diokno also assured top business executives that the country’s banking system remains sound and capable of withstanding the prevailing challenges brought about by the pandemic as well as inflation and shifting international monetary policies.

The country has adequate cash buffers for external shocks, manageable bad debt levels, slowing inflation and rising bank lending, he said. Total gross international reserves (GIR) level, for example, rose to $108.8 billion as of the end of December, equivalent to 10.3 months worth of import of goods and services and 8.8 times the country’s short term external debt, BSP data showed. Meanwhile, MAP president Alfredo Pascual said the current surge “threatens to set back” the coun-

try’s recovery. “Any increase in mobility restrictions can cause undue hardship once more for the business sector and the workers who could lose their jobs,” Pascual said. “COVID infection concerns of customers and workers alike have affected businesses adversely, and many companies have closed down and gone bankrupt,” he added. He said the expected unemployment range for 2022 is between 7 to 9 percent or 3 times the pre-pandemic level of 2.2 percent in 2019.

In Caraga, nearly onethird of the region’s entire workforce, totaling 363,000, was affected, ILO said. The assessment found out that Odette has affected mostly the vulnerable, ILO said. ILO also said almost 38 percent or 839,000 of the total affected workers are women. Young people and older workers are also among those hardest hit, it added. Prior to the typhoon,

about 3 in 5 of these women mostly worked in low-paying jobs such as agriculture, wholesale, retail trade or domestic work, it added. “It is heart-breaking to see how Typhoon Odette has affected already vulnerable workers with limited capacity to earn, less income security, and lack of social protection,” ILO Country Office for the Philippines Enterprise Development Specialist Hideki Kagohashi said.

“A human centered recovery is vital, one which places decent work and sustainable livelihoods at the heart of efforts to build back better,” Kagohashi added. ILO said it would conduct field assessment and mobilize resources to start rebuilding efforts, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment. Typhoon Odette is the strongest typhoon to hit the country in 2021.

2.2 million workers in PH hit by Odette: ILO A

t least 2.2 million workers remain directly affected one month since typhoon Odette battered through the southern part of the Philippines, the International Labor Organization said Friday. Among the hardest hit regions were Western Visayas with 672,000 affected workforce, Eastern Visayas with 343,000 and Central Visayas with 643,000, according to ILO’s rapid assessment.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On building permanent, safe homes for residents in danger zones, not just permanent evacuation sites:

“Saksi naman ang lahat na sa kada panahon ng tag-ulan at lalo na kung may malalakas na bagyo, nagkukumahog tayong iligtas ang mga kababayan natin na nakatira sa mga baybayin at peligrosong lugar. Mailigtas man natin sila, sira at giba naman ang kanilang kabahayan at ibang ari-arian,”according to Escudero, who headed the Senate Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources in the 15th Congress. “Sa pagbibigay ng tuldok sa ganitong mga eksena at pangitain tuwing may bagyo, hindi lamang dapat nakatuon ang pansin sa pagtatayo ng permanenteng evacuation center. Mas importante at higit na kailangan ng mga taong nasa baybayin at delikadong lugar ang permanente, matatag at ligtas na tirahan kung saan sila rin ay may ikabubuhay.

Chiz Escudero

Sorsogon Gov. and former senator

EDITORIAL COVID-19 and scammers If there are human beings who seem to compete with the notoriety of COVID-19… it is scammers.

The scammers have gypped thousands of people of billions of pesos of their hard-earned money even before the advent of the pandemic through illegal investment schemes. Of late, no less than officials of Davao City, particularly Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte warned the public against individuals soliciting fundings for the approaching 2022 elections. Vice Mayor Baste complained in his Facebook ac-

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Whatever the modus operandi or style of scam, law enforcers ought to run after these scumbags and throw them behind bars. These despicable individuals are so notorious, they are not afraid to victimize even the most powerful person in the country. There ought to be a law raising the penalty of this crime. 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

count on January 9, that certain individuals are using his name and his father, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in proposed financial assistance or business proposals.

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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COMPETITIVE EDGE

LANDBANK, Barili LGU sign P200M loan for modern public market

BARILI, Cebu – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Municipal Government of Barili recently inked a P200-million loan agreement to finance the construction of a modern public market that will support the livelihood of agricultural producers in the municipality. The LANDBANK loan will be used to replace the existing dilapidated public market with a new infrastructure that will be divided into three major structures. Two buildings will accommodate the dry goods section, while another building will house vegetables, fruits, and wet goods such as meat and fish. There will also be a covered parking area on the second floor. The new public market is expected to benefit 5,222 farmers and 1,900 fishers in the area with a more conducive and spacious venue to sell their produce. “LANDBANK fully supports initiatives that promote the growth

and development of local entrepreneurs and agri-producers. We are one with our local government partners in ramping-up efforts towards serving their constituents and building stronger and more resilient local economies,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo. Barili Mayor Julieto N. Flores is banking on the new public market to boost economic activity and attract more investments in the 2 nd class Municipality, as more business establishments recover from the impact of COVID-19. “We will demolish the old Barili public market and construct the modern public market within one year, and we thank LANDBANK for supporting our plans and programs for the development of our Municipality as we recover from the pandemic,” said Barili Mayor Flores. In 2019, LANDBANK also financed the construction of the Man-

Barili Mayor Julieto N. Flores (2 nd from left), Barili Vice Mayor Luisito L. Ponsica (4 th from left), Barili Municipal Treasurer Gamaliel S. Riconalla (1 st from left) and LANDBANK Cebu South Lending Center Head, Vice President Allan R. Bisnar (3 rd from left) sign a P200-million loan agreement to put-up a modern municipal public market. talongon Livestock Auction Market for the traders in the locality, as well as from the neighboring provinces of Negros Oriental and Leyte.

The Mantalongon Livestock Auction Market is currently the biggest livestock auction market in Cebu and the whole of Visayas.

because the charging is free. This also aids them in their recovery),” Barangay Ermita Captain Mark Miral said. Normally, e-trike drivers would pay P250 to charge their vehicles for three to four hours, which would last them a day. CPPC’s e-trike charging station can accommodate up to four vehicles at a given time. E-trikes are among the primary modes of

transportation around the Carbon Market in Cebu City and its nearby communities, giving locals an income-generating livelihood while helping in mobility within the public market. CPPC will continue to offer its free charging station until about 50 percent of Ermita’s households will be energized. As of January 10, Brgy. Ermita estimates that only three out of the nine sitios in the

AboitizPower unit offers free charging to Cebu e-trike operators As efforts to restore power supply in most parts of Metro Cebu continue, AboitizPower subsidiary Cebu Private Power Corporation (CPPC) provided free charging to e-trike operators in Cebu City’s Barangay Ermita, its host community, to aid them in their livelihood. CPPC’s free charging for electric tricycles or e-trikes started last December 23 in the after-

math of Typhoon Odette and has since been used for a total of 344 charging cycles by around 80 drivers as of 6 a.m. Friday, January 14. “Mas makatabang kini sa panginabuhian sa atong mga driver tungod kay dili na makuhaan ang ilang income kay libre man ang charging. Sa kani nga pamaagi, mas mapadali ilang recovery (This really helps the livelihood of our drivers income-wise

Electric tricycle drivers wait to have their vehicles charged at the facility of Cebu Private Power Corp. (CPPC) in Brgy. Ermita, Cebu City.

LANDBANK continues to extend necessary credit assistance to local government units (LGUs) to spur recovery and inclusive economic develop-

ment in the countryside. As of November 2021, LANDBANK has extended P63.96 billion in outstanding loans to LGUs nationwide.

CPPC operates and manages an oil-fired power plant located in the heart of Cebu City, embedded within the franchise area of Visayan Electric Company, and has the unique capability to deliver power directly to the distribution utility’s circuits and its customers. area have been energized. CPPC’s free charging initiative was launched after the company met with the barangay’s officials and found that what the Ermita community needed during the typhoon’s aftermath was a charging station for e-trikes. Ermita, CPPC’s host community, has scarce sources for charging stations, CPPC’s free charging station gives e-trike owners much-needed access to electricity and more income opportunities as they no longer have to pay for charging fees in the meantime. To recall, CPPC went online last Dec. 18 to serve Visayan Electric, helping the distribution utility prioritize the energization of hospitals, water providers, and other vital institutions in Cebu City. CPPC was the first source of power in Cebu since the main transmission lines were down and

power was not flowing into the city from generation facilities. When CPPC was operated, power was sent to the area of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, the largest government-owned hospital and vaccine storage facility in the city. Because CPPC is embedded in the utility’s franchise area, the power it produces does not pass through transmission lines but rather goes straight to the circuits and customers of Visayan Electric. Aside from providing free charging, CPPC also delivered 2,000 10-liter bottles of distilled water worth P250,000 to the northern Cebu municipality of Liloan last December 29 as part of its post-calamity Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. CPPC continues to extend more help through its CSR efforts to typhoon-hit areas in Cebu.

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EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

ONE CLASS ACT Nicole Hao Bian – Ledesma talks about navigating an academic career and how the pandemic is reshaping education. the meetings—from matters about academic and curriculum to accounting, audit, human resources, quality assurance, and even building and maintenance. Eventually, I introduced some innovations to improve our school operations.”

NICOLE NIÑA HAO BIAN – LEDESMA is an icon in the business community and academic sphere. This smart, stylish, and pretty lady is the Chief Operating Officer of the Joji Ilagan International Schools (also known as JIB), which owns and manages the following: Joji Ilagan College of Business and Tourism, Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHef), The International Management School, JIB International School of Hotel and Tourism Management in General Santos City, and Stockbridge American International School in Davao and General Santos. You also see her at the forefront of various tourism and economic forums—taking part in Davao City’s continuous progress and post-pandemic recovery and paving the way for a wealth of opportunities for future graduates. Nicole explains, “Being involved in various business and trade organizations also allows me to share the work that I do, meet entrepreneurs and leaders from other industries, and discover best practices I can bring into our company.” “As a leader, educator, and businesswoman, I learned how important it is to evolve constantly. You have to step out of your comfort zone and industry and be multifaceted. In our case, as educators, we go beyond the four walls of the school so we won’t get stuck in our bubble. We stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the business community and the global arena and learn from other industries. By doing so, we are preparing students to succeed beyond the corners of the school and make informed business decisions.” Learning the ropes The love for learning is ingrained in Nicole. She credits her mother, Joji Ilagan Bian—a cham-

Stepping into a leadership role As Chief Operating Officer, carrying out the company’s mission to provide high-quality education, Nicole takes the lead in planning and executing strategies. “My priority areas are innovations in curriculum, instruction and classroom management; strengthening international partnerships and industry linkages; establishing quality assurance systems; and obtaining national and international accreditations.” “Our school prepares students to have global knowledge and develop their competencies, personality, and

Nicole Hao Bian - Ledesma. pion of education and founder of othJIB—for inspiring her to find her ers passion and live purposefully. Nicole “I knew I wanted to become a with her husband businesswoman like my mom. As Josef and a child, I played dress-up in her daughter closet. I would wear her blazer and Cheska. pair it up with a pencil-cut skirt, a scarf, and high heels. Growing up, she would always bring me to her to reach their work. I remember running in the ambitions.” hallways of the old JIB building Nicole firmly believes in Anda Street and exchanging that passion can only take one pleasantries with her colleagues, so far and that she needs to put staff, and even some of her stuin hard work to succeed in her dents. Back then, my mom’s career chosen field. “I began teaching a seemed so exciting to me as she course on Personality Developalways met with different kinds ment to kids, teens, and corporate of people, traveled, and looked clients as early as my college days. fabulous every day.” I also took post-graduate educa“It was only in high school and tion and professional training. college when I truly understood Add to that a series of on-the-job what it meant to be in business training at the JIB school durand be an educator. During family ing my summer and semestral dinners, my mom’s eyes would breaks. My immersion in the always light up when she would company included mentorship share with us a typical day in programs and meetings with my school—from connecting with mom, her colleagues, and staff.” teachers and students to meeting This young COO finished a contemporaries and partners in Master of Arts degree in Internathe industry. She would talk about tional Hospitality Management in how she was able to help a stuSwitzerland. “After which, I went dent or community by giving free back to Davao and formally joined trainings. It was during those our company. I was given freemoments when I realized how a hand to be involved in all departcareer in the academe would allow ments to learn the ins and outs of me to share myself and empower running a school. I sat through all

confidence to succeed beyond school and as they enter the hospitality and tourism industry. As a business, we ensure our systems and processes are exemplary through quality assurance measures and external accreditations. We also make sure that we remain relevant to the times by having international partners and linkages.” Nicole is currently taking the Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management program with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Bridging the distance The education system evolved dramatically at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels, schools invested in educational technology and deployed distance learning programs using various formats

and online platforms. Nicole played a significant role in helping their schools navigate the new normal. She kept the team abreast of the latest advancements during this pivotal stage in education—all while adjusting to her new role as wife and mom. “Our schools, from K12 to college levels, were quick to shift to online learning. We invested in technology and systems needed to ensure students will still get the most out of their educational experiences. Teachers were immediately given proper equipment and professional development sessions to handle online classes efficiently. Moreover, we enhanced our internal and external processes and shifted to contactless transactions.” Nicole is optimistic about the future and stresses the need to adapt and keep up with the needs and demands of the times. “The education landscape will never be the same again. We have seen how students were able to thrive and continue learning online. So, we will still have flexible learning options even after the pandemic. Schools need to strengthen their student development programs and give importance to socioemotional development.” “Education, from now on, will be borderless, and students can study in international schools in the comfort of their homes. They can learn from professors across the globe and network with other international students through an online format. The world will become the student’s classroom. There will also be a demand for short courses or micro-credentials. These ‘stackable’ micro certificates will allow one to be proficient in a specific competency and be employable after.” Fulfilling moments Nicole’s list of credentials and achievements is nothing short of impressive. Asked what makes her work more rewarding, she answers, “It’s when I meet any of our JIB alumni during my travels or visits to restaurants and hotels, and they share with me their success stories. It is always so humbling and nice to hear how our school helped them reach their dreams and become managers and leaders in the industry. I also find fulfillment in seeing my colleagues challenge themselves and achieve what seemed to be a difficult task. I am constantly training our staff to become leaders in their respective departments.”

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VOL.14 ISSUE 253 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022

GAME CHANGER

DISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF MAGNAGA WATERS BEACH RESORT Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

e left the Ecoland Bus Terminal at around 4 in the morning. As the bus stopped in every station – Panabo, Carmen, Tagum, Maco and Mabini – we arrived at Pantukan, Davao de Oro at about seven o’clock.

We followed the road going to its receiving area. However, we stopped when we saw the signage: Magnaga Waters Beach Resort, where we had our picture taken for a souvenir. At the receiving area, we were welcomed by a beautiful lady, who was expecting us as the resort’s general manager, Angelie Perez, already told her of our coming. She accompanied us to the room where we were billeted but along the way, she met the food and beverage manager, who guided us during our brief stay at the resort. He asked whether we wanted to eat our breakfast first before proceeding to our room. That’s a good idea, I told him. We went to the restaurant beside the beautiful infinity pool and selected what we wanted to eat from the menu he had given us. I preferred the Filipino meal while my companion picked the English meal. Since it will take a while before our meals would be ready, we decid-

ed to bring our backpacks to our executive room, as he called it. An air-conditioned room good only for two people, it has a bathtub, toilet and shower, television with cable, wi-fi connection, mini bar, and bath amenities. Also good for two people is its standard room, which has the same amenities as the executive room but without the bathtub and mini-bar. The quad room has the same facilities as that of a standard room but it can accommodate four persons. If there are eight of you, a family room is the best choice. Prices for all of these rooms range from as low as P3,300 to as high as P11,300. Aside from room, the price also includes breakfast, infinity pool access and resort entrance fee. Check-in time is at 2 pm and check-out time is 12 noon. Magnaga Waters Beach Resort, which sits on a 12 hectare beachfront, was established in 1998. “Its 500-meter shoreline,

wide expanse of green foliage and open spaces and unique architectural designs incorporating local materials makes the resort truly one of a kind,” said its website. People who come to the resort agree. “This resort is best for family bonding,” says one guest. “Good place to relax when

you want to be away from city life,” comments another. “The place was private and we had good memories to remember,” raved another guest, a retiree. The resort is ideal for team building and other outdoor activities. Couples who are planning to have a beach wedding, then this is the place to be. In fact, the resort can recommend the perfect romantic venue for the wedding; you can exchange “I do’s” ei-

ther during the sunrise or sunset. The resort has wide parking spots, too, for vehicles. With wide open spaces, guests and visitors can walk under the acacia trees with cool breeze air. In some instances, you can walk under the trees – which are actually called raintree – as their leaves fall over your body. The beach cottages are open from 7 in the morning up to 5 in the after-

noon. But the resort’s main attraction is its 25-meter infinity pool, the very first in Davao de Oro. It features a 500-meter lap foot (five feet deep) and kiddie pool (2-3 feet deep). It is open from 6 am to 8 pm for those who stay at the resort but for day guests, it’s open for them from 9 am up to 8 pm. Infinity pools are among the most beautiful creations of human beings on earth. Now, if you stay at the resort you can have a limitless view of the ocean and watch that breathtaking sunset. The Camia Restaurant is very near the pool so there’s no worry if you get hungry while having fun under the sun. It has a jacuzzi and outdoor shower as well. There are lockers, baths and toilets, which are just a walk away from the pool. Let’s talk about food.

Its breakfast has three choices: English, Filipino and Arroz a la Cuba. English breakfast is composed of two eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown, grilled tomato, toast, fruit in season, coffee or hot chocolate. Filipino breakfast has egg, ham, chorizo, cucumber and tomato, bread, garlic rice, fruits in season, coffee or hot chocolate. Arroz a la Cuba has ground pork with sunny side up egg and 2 slices of fried banana (saba). The restaurant also offers pizza: seafood, cheese, meat supreme, Hawaiian, and spicy pepperoni. It has three choices of salad: green salad, summer shrimp, or eggplant. The following viands are available: stuffed camaron rebosado, kinilaw, tuna/pork sisig, fried chicken, seafood pancit canton, beef caldereta,

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munity Learning Center Inc. due to several violations of the schools supposedly catering to children of indigenous people (IP) communities. An ad-hoc fact-finding committee reported that the Salugpongan does not comply with the curriculum standards set by the DepEd, brought students away

from their home without the parents’ consent, and its teachers are not licensed. The resolution also noted that Salugpongan schools have been operating within the ancestral domain of IP communities without obtaining the requirements set by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

stands in peril; alert levels imposed renew the people’s anxiety, and limitations on travel impact not only people but farm produce and other goods that must be transported. Jobs must revert to WFH again; businesses will likely contract. As the cases of Covid spiral up, the health care system is in danger again of being overwhelmed, he said. He alleged that the present leadership is not equipped with the expertise needed to safeguard the Philippines’ national security. In the next batch of

possible leaders, the choices should be limited to the ones who are steeped in experience, knowhow and effectivity honed by years in the field. National security is at the core of his skills set, it is his forte, strength, capability. Recognized by experts as one of the Philippines’ top peace negotiators to date, he also served as National Security Adviser and Director General, under three administrations and presidents -from Cory Aquino to Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

raid in the same village that left six persons dead and the recovery of 440 stolen motorcycles and high powered guns on Dec. 29, 2021. A gunman flagged down the motorbike of Masulot in Barangay Balatican at 9 a.m. and shot him with a .45-caliber pistol. Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, Soccsksargen region police director, denied allegations in the social media that Masulot has helped facilitate the recent police operation in Barangay Gokutan. “That was a wrongful accusation,” he said. Tagum said Masulot was an advocate of peace and de-

velopment program in the village and was commended several times by government and non-government organizations for his dedication. “Kagawad Masulot is one of the prime movers of peace in Gokutan, Pikit, but he was ruthlessly killed by the desperate criminals to continue their nefarious activities,” he said. The North Cotabato police office has asked the public, especially the passengers, to help prevent bombings by alerting police or the bus driver should they notice something unusual inside the public transport vehicle. (PNA)

daan nga franchise areas particularly sa Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco),” he said. It can be recalled that Nordeco formerly Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative or Daneco strongly opposed the passage of House Bill No. 10554, which was approved on November 29, 2021 by the Legislative Franchise Committee of the 18th Congress. In a statement, Nordeco stated that a power rate increase is inevitable. On the power rate, distribution charges should be compared and not the total bill as the other charges are only passed through costs paid or re-

mitted to the generation suppliers, transmission provider, and the government. Meanwhile, the peace rally kicked-off with a mass at QACS Seminary followed by a peace walk from QACS Seminary up to the Provincial Capitol of Davao del Norte. CAPECs are composed of diverse sectors of religious, academia, civic organizations, the basic sector and individuals united and concerned for the social interest and welfare to enjoy a fair and honest service to the people through a cooperative and not in the business and profit of private companies.

ignated isolation facilities prepared by their local government units. Dr. Lacerona expressed his gratitude to the frontline workers and the local chief executives in various LGUs for the fast implementation of vaccination drives in the province. LGUs took ex-

tra miles in conducting their vaccination drives by offering mobile vaccinations, providing incentives to vaccinated residents, and ensuring that information is widely disseminated among their constituents. (PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda/ Ezri M. Coda, Jr.)

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with a guaranteed return of 10% every month or 120% per annum with no limit to invest. Accordingly, a member shall only need to invest, wait, and earn without having to do anything. Further, it has come to the attention of the Commission that purportedly, UPMass Innovative Marketing Corporation/UMIM Corporation has acquired MassDrop and MDM Ventures Corporation and those who invested with the two corporations are being offered 3 options under the “transition” program. Cryptostakers/Crypto-Stakers.com, which is being operated through persons using the pseudonym “Mark Jorrel Chavez”, “Marc Je Hofilena”, “Imalyn Espinosa”, “Lovely Sheymandani”, “Danilyn Corpuz”, “Hanilyn Arce Daquioag”, “Carina C.”, and “Esmeralda R.”, is enticing the public to invest with a minimum amount of one thousand pesos (Php1,000.00) with a promise of an eight percent (8%) daily payout for 25 days or one hundred percent (100%) return of investment in 25 days. An investor can also earn thru direct referral of investors. Walletpays/WalletPays is a mobile application that can be downloaded in Google Play Store. According to its website (https://m.walletpays.app/register), Walletpays/WalletPays “let’s you earn by completing daily task such as data entry, campaigns and video ads. But, first, you should register and verify your account. You will then proceed to complete the presented tasks daily and the amount automatically credited to your account. You will be able to withdraw when your balance reaches the minimum threshold according to Terms and Conditions.” Paidtunes is a mobile application that can be downloaded from Google Play Store. Initially, subscribers need to register through the app or through their website at www.paidtunes.com, choose their desired package, then they can start earning by watching videos and listening to music while rating them. PAWISNGPINOY ONLINE INVESTMENT is offering a number of investment packages and promos ranging from two thousand pesos (Php2,000.00) to fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00) promising guaranteed lucrative passive returns of 205-267% for five or six days’ term and other bonuses with little or no risk. KAIZEN UNLIMITED PHILIPPINES As posted online, KAIZEN is offering investments, allegedly to be traded in cryptocurrencies, where investors need only to invest an amount of at least 10 US$ or equivalent to Php500.00 and shall earn daily profit

equivalent to 3.5% daily for a total of 50 day sor for a total earnings of 175% in just a matter of 50 days. TUNEGAGA/TuneGaga is a mobile application that can be downloaded in Google Play Store. According to the creator of the said mobile application, TUNEGAGA/TuneGaga is a great way for music fans to earn extra income listening to music. It pays its users every week through various payment methods apparently supported in over 180 countries. Allegedly, investors can earn from Php2,055.25 up to Php151,381.35 monthly depending on the subscription plan they availed of. Investors can also earn from referral bonus up to $120or 5%of the subscription amount/plan. Based on reports and information gathered by the Commission, the people behind BCPAY FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY, INC. (BCPAYINC.), namely, FREDOLINE “FRED” BRUNO and VICTOR “TROY” DENIA, together with MARCO MENDOZA, ARVANN CARIAGA, JOHNRU CADAG, MARK MARI, and CLYDE SANTOS are now doing business under the name OUTRACE “Play to Earn” and are again soliciting investments in the Philippines without the necessary license and/or authority from the Commission. Apparently, OUTRACE “Play to Earn” promises desirous earnings for its players and OUTRACE $ORE ($ORE) token holders alike by acquiring its in-game Non Fungible Tokens or NFTs on pre-sale and purchasing $ORE beforehand through Initial Coin Offering (ICO) at a significantly low price on the pretext that both will considerably increase in value once the $ORE is listed on public exchanges. TRUST LEGACY INTERNATIONAL/TRUST LEGACY INTERNATION/ TRUST LEGACY INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY PH claims to be an automatic online investment platform engaged in Bitcoin Trading with its so-called “BITCOIN DOUBLER” and “DAILY BITCOIN” program where, depending on the amount of investment ranging from $20 up to $20,000, it guarantees 200% revenue after 35 or 100 days or an amount ranging from $40 up to $40,000.00. It declares that it is based in Finland and was founded on January 2021. However, investigation disclosed that investors are instructed to deposit their money in an account under UNIONBANK and GCASH of a certain John Paul Atos, a.k.a ”Mentor John” and to register in its www.trustlegacyintl.com which was now changed to https://trustlegacyintl. net/acct/. We are reminding the public to exercise caution when dealing with individuals or groups soliciting investments for and on their behalf.

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products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or decrease in potency,” explained Sherunda Lister, of the Office of Communications at US Food and Drug Administration. “Improper storage can also contribute to decreased effectiveness in medicines that have not reached their posted expiration date.” Since durian is one of the most favorite fruits of Dabawenyos, there are some questions whether eating too much of it can

cause your blood pressure to go up? This question is answered in “Does eating durian really cause hypertension?” (August 23). “Eating durian does not trigger your blood pressure to spike.” That’s according to Dr. Bernard Chiew, a noted cardiologist at the Davao Doctors Hospital. Dr. Chiew, one of the top heart specialists in Davao, said there’s no evidence that shows durian can cause the blood pressure to increase when eating durian.

Chinese beef stew, chicken curry, chicken cordon bleu, dinuguan (with rice), pork humba, lechon kawali, baby back ribs, sweet and sour fish, and beef picadillo. For our lunch, we ordered Seafood Platter (composed of fresh kinilaw, grilled tuna fish, steamed shrimps, calamares, and steamed rice). It is good for 5-6 people. But you can also order the Hayahay Platter (good for 3-4 persons): fried garlic tilapia, lechon kawali, fried chicken, and steamed rice. Drinks could be cold or hot. Cold drinks (in glass or pitcher) include cucumber lemonade, pink lemonade, house blend iced tea, strawberry red iced tea, and fresh calamansi juice. Hot choco-

late or honey calamansi may be ordered for its hot drinks. Drip coffee serving includes arabica, barako, French vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel. You may also avail its fresh fruit shakes: ripe mango, green mango, watermelon, durian, mango cucumber, and avocado. On weekends, you can avail the food the resort offers. On Saturdays, it has Beach Barbecue, an evening buffet that serves Korean barbecue, kimchi, classic pork barbecue and seafood, among others. Sundays are reserved for Lunch Buffet, an “eat all you can” of salad, appetizers, pizza and pasta, and seafood. Lunch hours are from 11 am up to 2 in the afternoon. Reservations are highly recommended.

the “test before travel” policy to domestic travelers in Davao City as such policy does not outweigh the economic inconvenience it will bring to the passengers, to the airlines, and the economy of the city.

On November 16, 2021 the city government of Davao lifted the Reverse transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) requirement for inbound domestic travelers. By Maya M. Padillo

meaningful solutions to local problems, in support of the Philippine Develop-

ment Plan and the country’s Sustainable Development Goals,” he added. (PR)

ation pressure on the local currency throughout the year, the central bank has managed to maintain a very decent stash of ammunition to stave off any speculative attack on the currency,” he said. While the peso remains relatively firm against the US dollar, Mapa said this may not be the case for the peso for this year as the BSP bids to keep its accommodative policy stance amid the looming Fed rate hikes. “A policy rate hike by

the likes of Jerome Powell, coupled with a pause from the Philippines, may foment a substantial change in the tides, which could leave the currency exposed to (a) financial a(nd) commensurate wave of financial outflows,” he said. Mapa said this situation “may invite speculative pressure on the peso, which (BSP Governor Benjamin) Diokno believes will stay within the government’s FX (foreign exchange) assumption range of 53 on the topside.”

strawberries in the said town was an exploratory endeavor as part of the Special Area for Agricultural for Development, and later the town is known for its “strawberry hills.” “Before, the farmers only plant highland crops,

they can grow them because of the cold weather since the town was situated at the foot of Mount Malindang,” she said. DA-10 joins the central office in observing Food Conservation Month in January. (PNA)

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11 HEALTH DAVAO EDGE EDGE DAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 253 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022

MEMORABLE HEALTH

STORIES OF 2021 Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

2021 was not just another year. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was still with us. But it was not as terrifying compared to the previous year, people were still in a quandary. The good thing, however, was that vaccination was already done in most parts of the country. So much so that as most people were vaccinated, the number of those infected – including those who died – were decreasing. People started to go out. But still people were observing the health protocols: wearing face masks, washing their hands with soap and water or alcohol, and physical distancing. Now, let me go back in time. There were different health stories I had written during the year: Topping the list was the revelation of Dr. Teofredo “Doc Ted” Esguerra, an advisory council member at the International Disaster Response Network. In “Portrait of a COVID-19 Survivor” (September 17), he shared his experience on how he survived the ordeal. Even if he was a doctor, he was not spared being infected by the SARS-CoV-2, the

coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and called so because it is a distant relative of severe acute respiratory syndrome virus. “Ang COVID ay grabe ‘yung tama sa katawan, hirap na hirap akong huminga dahil ang ubo ko ay walang katapusan,” Doc Ted revealed. “Hindi ka pa nakakabawi ng hangin, uubo na ulit. Parang mas masarap pa na mamatay ka na lang kasing sobrang hirap.” There was no way of stopping his dry cough, which brought his oxygen saturation down. “It was so agonizing that I was hooked on supplemental oxygen 24/7,” he admitted. “How COVID-19 can be curtailed” (October 1) was another memorable piece. It took me some time to write the story since I waited for the answers from my sources. But the good thing was that they answered on time. On vaccination, Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, special adviser of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, replied: “Vaccination protects people from severe illness and death. Because vaccinated persons have a shorter

illness and lowest viral load, there seems to be some level of transmission blocking as well.” On handwashing, Dr. Francis Lagudas, a doctor who works in a government hospital in Sarangani Province, shared this thought: “Our hands are the main pathways of germ transmission in taking care of our sick patients. As such, hand washing plays an important role in preventing the

spread of any infection like COVID-19.” On wearing a face mask, Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, who was also a COVID-19 patient, explained: “Intuitively and through science, one can find enough reason to continue wearing face masks to curb the transmission of COVID-19.” On physical distancing, Dr. Jun R. Ruiz, a gastroenterologist with The Medical City, said: “The

practice of social and physical distancing slows down the spread of the virus by stopping the chains of transmission. Thus, it is a must to maintain at least one-meter physical distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of infection, especially when they speak, cough, or sneeze.” On staying at home, Dr. Paolo Dilera, an internal medicine physician whose clinic is in Metro Davao Medical and Research Center, stated: “Staying at home is important as it lessens our exposure and decreases the chance of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2.” One bad thing about COVID-19 was that other diseases were neglected. Take the case of tuberculosis (TB) which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), killed more than a million. “TB deaths have increased for the first time in a decade as a direct result of COVID-19 pandemic,” the UN health agency admitted. In “TB in the time of COVID-19 pandemic” (November 12), the Department of Health reported that about 75 Filipinos die from TB each day – that’s about 3 people per hour. “Tuberculosis remains the biggest killer in the world,” the Davao Doctors Hospital said in its website. “The Philippines ranks 8th in the world and third in the Western Pacific Region in terms of the burden of TB.” Another health problem that was neglected was diabetes (“Diabetes: How you can live a normal life,” October 14). An estimated 7.3 million Filipinos have diabetes. Every 6 seconds, one person dies of diabetes. This is

the reason why the country is touted as a “diabetes hotspot.” Speaking of diabetes, a Filipino inventor has developed wound patches specifically for people with diabetes. It’s called Vitro Engineered Restorative Microcellulose Absorbent Covering (VERMAC). It was featured in “Low-cost yet effective wound patch for people with diabetes” (May 1). VERMAC was originally developed to treat people with burn injuries. But now it can also be applied for diabetics having wounds to heal faster and better. “Because of the result of narrowed blood vessels, diabetic wound healing is impaired because there is less oxygen that reaches the wound that results in slow healing,” said a statement from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Another good news from the DOST is that it has developed herbal capsules that may treat the dreaded dengue fever. That was the gist of the feature, “Herbal capsules vs. dengue may soon be available” (September 10). “Once proven safe and effective, the herbal capsule will be the first definitive treatment for dengue,” said the DOST in a statement. “It could pave the way for use in cases showing warning signs and even in severe types.” Because of COVID-19, most people don’t go out and prefer to stay home. Now, are the drugs they bought in the past still alright? This question is answered in the feature, “Are expired drugs still safe to take?” (April 20). “Expired medical

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12 SPORTS

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Djokovic faces deportation as Australia visa cancelled again N ovak Djokovic faces deportation again after the Australian government revoked his visa for a second time, the latest twist in the ongoing saga over whether the No. 1-ranked tennis player will be allowed to compete in the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated for COVID-19.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said on Friday he used his ministerial discretion to cancel the 34-year-old Serb’s visa on public interest grounds — just three days before play begins at the Australian Open, where Djokovic has won a record nine of his 20 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic’s lawyers were expected to appeal at the Federal Circuit and Family Court, which they already successfully did last week on procedural grounds after his visa was first canceled when he landed at a Melbourne airport. Deportation from Australia usually leads to a three-year ban on returning to the country. That would make Djokovic 37 the next time he would be allowed to compete at the Australian Open. Hawke said he canceled the visa on “health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.” His statement added that Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government “is firmly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Morrison welcomed Djokovic’s pending deportation, saying Australia had achieved one of the lowest pandemic death rates, strongest economies and highest vaccination rates in the world. “This pandemic has been incredibly difficult for every Australian but we have stuck together and saved lives and livelihoods. ... Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected,” Morrison said in a statement. “This is what the Minister is doing in taking this action today.” Everyone at the Australian Open — including players, their support teams and spectators — is required to be vaccinated for the illness caused by the coronavirus. Djokovic is not inoculated and had sought a medical exemption on the grounds that he had COVID-19 in December. That exemption was approved by the Victoria state government and Tennis Australia, apparently allowing him to obtain a visa to trav-

el. But the Australian Border Force rejected the exemption and canceled his visa when he landed in Melbourne on Jan. 5. Djokovic spent four nights in an immigration detention hotel before a judge on Monday overturned that decision. That ruling allowed Djokovic to move freely around Australia and he has been practicing at Melbourne Park to prepare to play in a tournament he has won each of the past three years. Djokovic has held practice sessions every day since he was released from detention, posting a photo on social media late Monday of himself with his team on Rod Laver Arena. He had a scheduled mid-afternoon practice booked for Friday on the tournament’s main show court, but switched his times to start and finish early. Media started gathering at the vehicular entry to the building where Djokovic was reported to be meeting with his lawyers after the minister’s decision was handed down. With his legal situation still in limbo, Djokovic was placed in the tournament bracket in Thursday’s draw, slated to face Miomir Kecmanovic in an all-Serbian matchup in the first round. Melbourne-based immigration lawyer Kian Bone said Djokovic’s lawyers face an “extremely difficult” task to get court orders over the weekend to allow their client to play next week. Speaking hours before Hawke’s decision was announced, Bone said: “If you left it any later than he has done now, I think from a strategic standpoint, he’s really hamstringing Djokovic’s legal team, in terms of what sort of options or remedies he could obtain.” Djokovic’s lawyers would need to go before a duty judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court, or a higher judge of the Federal Court, to get two urgent orders. One order would be an injunction preventing his deportation, such as what he won in court last week. The second would force Hawke to grant Djokovic a visa to play.

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Novak Djokovic has his Australia visa cancelled again on Friday.