Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 257 : Thursday, January 20, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL.14 ISSUE 257 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

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IT’S A SURGE Active cases of Covid-19 in Davao City breaches 1,000

STORY ON PAGE 2 A fisherman from a coastal community in Brgy. 23-C Isla Verde repaints his motorized fishing boat with hundreds of concrete blocks in the background, which will be used for the Davao Coastal Road project. First Congressional District of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte said he will prioritize this year the completion of Davao Coastal Road and bypass road projects. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 257 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

IT’S A SURGE Active cases of Covid-19 in

The city government of Davao targets to administer 24,000 to 27,000 booster shots daily to add another layer of protection for Dabawenyos amid the COVID-19 surge that the city is currently experiencing. Edge Davao

Davao City breaches 1,000 By MAYA M. PADILLO

er said on Wednesday in Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR). However, despite the high number of active cases, Schlosser said iso-

lation facilities and hospitals in Davao City are not overwhelmed with patients. As of January 16, 2022 hotels identified as multiple-use hotels (MUH) for quarantine are at moderate risk or about 50 percent to 60 percent occupancy rate; school isolation facilities are at low risk or 20 percent usage; other isolation facilities such

as Davao International Airport (DIA) Van City and the isolation facility in Malagos, Calina are at 45 percent to 50 percent occupancy rate. Schlosser also said that the hospital is not very full yet as there is still enough bed capacity. “Pero ang atoang hospital dili pa pud

tial plans did not include Mati because it is far off the path. But through further studies and thoughtful considerations it was decided that Mati be included. Big boost to our development and economy.” She thanked all lawmakers who made this dream come true. Back on March 25,

2021, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 8930, “An Act Creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA), Defining Its Powers and Functions, and Providing Funds Therefor”. Its principal author is Rep. Isidro T. Ungab of Davao City’s Third District. Yesterday, January 18,

2022, the Senate approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8930 seeking the creation of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA), with 23 affirmative votes, no negative votes and no abstentions. Sen. Francis Tolentino, chairman of the Senate lo-

anifestation of a Covid-19 surge can now be seen as Davao City recorded 1,787 active cases as of January 16, 2022, according to Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force.

“Layo kaayo ug deperensya katong nilabay na mga weeks especially tong December during the Holidays pero gi-expect na nato ni,” Schloss-

FSURGE, P10

Davao Region reaches 80% vaccination rate

he Davao Region has so far vaccinated 80.8% of the target herd immunity or at least 70% of its target population. The Regional Vaccination Operation Center, in a meeting today, reported that 3,037,198 with at least one dose have been vaccinated. Said number is considered a significant reduction from the region’s target population of 5,371,254. The Davao Region has also reached 70.1% of the target for individuals receiving the second dose. So far, based on the same target population there are still 722,680 individuals who have yet to be vaccinated or 19.2% of the target population. “ We thank all our partners, for helping us achieve

FMATI, P10

FDAVAO, P10

GenSan starts ‘no vax card, no entry’ policy

Mati Mayor Rabat welcomes A approval of MDDA bill by Senate ity of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat welcomed the unanimous passage of the bill creating the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority in the Senate wherein the City of Mati is among the annex LGUs. In a statement, Mayor Michelle Rabat said “ God really answers prayers. Ini-

this number of vaccinated individuals. However, we still have many unvaccinated in the region. Davao City, which leads in the vaccine utilization region-wide, has already vaccinated 98.5% or 1,280,296 individuals for the first dose while 92.6% or 1,203,453 individuals with complete vaccination. The City is still looking for the 19,598 unvaccinated. Davao de Oro is also working out to find and vaccinate the 171,139 unvaccinated individuals; Davao del Norte is yet to vaccinate 155,429 individuals; Davao del Sur to vaccinate 175,514 individuals; Davao Occidental with 95,948 individuals; while Davao Oriental still has to vaccinate

uthorities here have started implementing the “no vaccination card, no entry” policy for all persons entering establishments in the city. Under Executive Order (EO) 1 Series of 2022, the barangay and Philippine National Police would be asking for vaccination certificates or vaccination cards on coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) upon entry into the establishments. The policy started January 17 as stated on the EO issued by Mayor Ronnel Rivera and a copy of which

was released to the media on Tuesday. According to Barangay Calumpang chairperson Ryan Dupalco, he and his colleagues at the city’s 26 barangays are now implementing the new policy. The measure is being imposed to prevent a further increase in Covid-19 infections in the city that is currently under Alert level 3 as recommended by the national Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases from January 16 to 31, 2022. Based on the latest

FGENSAN, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 257 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

NEWS

Former Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Emmanuel Piñol paid a courtesy call on Secretary Maria Belen Acosta on Tuesday. Sec. Acosta commended the swift action taken by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the heavy siltation of the Mapagda River, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. Photo courtesy of MinDA

Completion of coastal, bypass roads among priorities of Cong. Pulong NTF ELCAC should be institutionalized to sustain gains, says PRO 11 chief

he National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict has to be institutionalized into law for the next national administration to adopt it and sustain the delivery of services to communities. Police General Filmore Escobal of Regional Police Office 11 pitched this call for concrete policy support of the next administration to uphold the principle of “good governance” that has been noted to have paved the way for programs and services of the government to reach far-flung communities. “So very clear ang mensahe ng ating mga kapatid na itong conflict na ‘to will be ended by good governance, by delivering the needs of communities,” he said in the press conference this morning that was hooked with Tagged: Debunking Lies, Telling the Truth nationally aired through Sonshine Media Network Inc (SMNI) and livestreamed through the Facebook pages of the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the Philippine Information Agency. Escobal noted the revelation of former New Peoples Army (NPA) commanders and front committee officials who said that they substantially lost mass base support as they had left their allegiance to the

communist movement and eventually sought government assistance. “From the responses of our FRs it is very clear that what they saw in the communities na dumating ang services ng ating gobyerno; dumating ang tulong, ang development, and secondary lang ang effort na pag-surender dahil wala na silang masa. And the reason why wala na silang masa dahil ang services of government have reached the communities,” Escobal said. On the same occasion, Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib pointed out the need to provide substantial budget in rolling out Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to end the more than 50-year Philippine communist insurgency. Jubahib also wanted to see satisfaction in addressing community issues rooted on poverty and absence of means of livelihood. “Kailangan din ang mga former rebels magkakaroon ng sapat na supporta para sa kanilang pangkabuhayan, pati na ang mga communities na nangangailangan ng livelihood; dahil sa kahirapan, marami ang na-recruit ng mga NPA. (There should be enough livelihood support for former rebels and even those communities needing livelihood opportunities; due

FNTF ELCAC, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

ongressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte of First Congressional District of Davao City vowed to prioritize the completion of the coastal and bypass road projects if he wins another mandate. “Kung tagaan pa ug higayon sa mga taga unang distrito ipadayon nato tong mga proyekto na wala pa nahuman sama sa coastal road labi na karon na gitanggalan ug budget sa bicameral ug P2.8 billion. Atong paningkamutan na mahuman ang coastal road kay importante kaayo na

sa syudad sa Davao para mabawasan ang atoang traffic labi na sa sentro. Kung makadaug mao ang atong priority: coastal road ug access roads, bypass para muluag ang sentro sa Davao,” Duterte said in an interview. In October last year, a Public Works Department

official announced that about 42% of the 18.2-kilometer Davao coastal road project is planned to be inaugurated by March this year. The initial 7.62-km segment that will be opened stretches from Bago Aplaya in the southwestern part of the city to Times Beach. The remaining half of the coastal highway leads towards R. Castillo Street in Davao City’s central area. Construction for one of its major components, the Bucana Bridge, is expected to start within the first quar-

ter of this year. The Davao coastal road will provide an alternative route to the Pan-Philippine Highway in the southern part of the city, which has been experiencing heavy traffic congestion. It will also serve as a diversion road for inter-provincial and regional transport movements. Meanwhile, excavation works for the tunnel, which is part of the 10.7 kilometers Contract Package I-1 of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DC-

mediate call for halt of operations by the Provincial Government and the subsequent release of Cease and Desist Order by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 11 (MGB 11) to a mining company whose siltation pond overflowed to the Mapagba River. “This particular incident of siltation and spill from a mining operation indicate early signs of environmental degradation and could severely affect our river systems and coastal areas if left unchecked,” it said. It also stated that while the minerals industry continues to be cited as among

the country’s economic drivers, some industry practices need thorough review, and operations require close monitoring to prevent pollution and contamination, distortion of ecological balance, and damage to water systems. “Economic development and environmental protection should go hand in hand. They should not cancel each other. Sustainable growth is the way to go,” it said. Meanwhile, on its Facebook Page, DENR-11 posted that it has issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO), Notice of Violation (NOV), and a show-cause order on

January 17, 2022 to Riverbend Consolidated Mining Corporation/Arc Nickel Resources, Inc. (ANRI) located in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, the company involved in the recent siltation incident. DENR-11 stated that the potential source of siltation and discoloration along said rivers was attributed to the active mining activity of the said company based on the initial investigation and assessment of DENR11’s Composite Team from DENR-XI Regional Office, Mines and Geosciences Bureau 11 (MGB-11), Environmental Management

FCOMPLETION, P10

New MinDA chief commends swift action on siltation incident

ewly-installed chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta commended the swift action taken by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the heavy siltation of the Mapagda River, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental and discoloration of downstream Pintatagan and Maputi portions and the coastal water on January 14, 2022. In a statement issued on January 19, Acosta stated that MinDA lauded the im-

FNEW, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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A vendor peels off a papaya at his customized mobile store along Chavez Street in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

Congress approves bill regulating coop banks

he House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 9541 which provides for the registration, regulation and operation of cooperative banks.

According to its congressional fact sheet, HB 9541 provides for the establishment, management, and regulation of cooperative banks under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as primary regulator, conformably with

and conduit bank for government lending programs, and participating in government allocation programs

the provisions of the General Banking Law of 2000. The same fact sheet says it expands the membership of cooperative banks by opening up the sector to foreign cooperatives, provided that such foreign cooperatives may

not own more than forty percent (40%) of the total outstanding voting shares of a cooperative bank. It also authorizes cooperative banks to engage in a wide range of financial services such as extending credit, deposit taking, discounting and rediscounting, correspondent banking, dealing in debt securities, acting as collection agent, dealing in foreign exchange transactions, acting as government depository

strong investment leads —both foreign and domestic, and with the reforms that we are anticipating to still be passed in the next months, we are confident of hitting PHP1 trillion in BOI approved investments this year,” Lopez said in a statement Tuesday. In BOI alone, foreign investments increased to PHP151.8 billion in 2021, higher by 218 percent than the 2020 figure. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also reported that FDI in the coun-

try for January to October 2021 period rose 48 percent to USD8.1 billion from the same period in 2020. Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the BOI missed its 2021 investment approval target due to stricter travel protocols globally amid the surge brought by Delta variant. “Because of the global surge in the Delta variant and now with the emergence of the Omicron variant, these resulted in global setbacks in economic re-

covery, which then translated to the implementation of stricter protocols in the country. We were hit hard during the second quarter and the early part of the third quarter last year,” Rodolfo said. The BOI fell short of its PHP905-billion target investment approvals last year, as total approved investments, including Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) approvals, only amounted to PHP655.4 billion, according to BOI’s data.

geared towards the promotion of financial inclusion. It also authorizes cooperative banks to invest in equities of allied undertakings such as banks, financial institutions and non-bank financial intermediaries; warehousing and other post-harvest facilities; distribution of farm implements and equipment; transportation of ag-

FCONGRESS, P10

BOI sets P1-T investment approval target for 2022

he Board of Investments (BOI) is confident of hitting the PHP1-trillion mark investment approvals this year after the setbacks that happened in 2021 due to the pandemic. Trade Secretary and BOI chair Ramon Lopez is optimistic about the outlook following the improvements in foreign investments in the country. “Buoyed by 2021 FDI (foreign direct investments) results as well as the healthy pipeline of

Oil prices hit seven-year high over Mideast tensions, supply woes

il prices climbed to their highest level in the last seven years on Tuesday on supply woes after an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebel group on Abu Dhabi, and supply disruptions from the inability of some OPEC+ countries in meeting their monthly quotas. International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $87.50 per barrel at 0636 GMT for a 1.18-percent increase after closing the previous session at $86.48 a barrel. American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $84.55 per barrel at the same time for a 1.50-percent rise after trade in the previous session ended at $83.30 a barrel. Both benchmarks have soared by more than $1 over rising tension in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after three fuel tanker trucks exploded in the industrial Musaf-

fah area in the capital Abu Dhabi earlier on Monday. A fire also broke out at a construction site at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Houthi rebels said they carried out a military operation “deep in the UAE,” without giving further details. The UAE said it reserves the right to respond to the Houthi attack, vowing it will not go unpunished. The Emirates is a member of a Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2015. Higher prices have also been supported by shrinking supply, as some member countries of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) are struggling to meet their monthly production levels, with less oil pumped than the planned 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). (Anadolu)

VOL.14 ISSUE 257 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

SAFETY SEAL. A barbershop inside one of Davao City’s major malls is among the recipients of the Safety Seal in 2021. DTI 11

DTI 11 continues MPHS monitoring, urges firms to get Safety Seal cert T

BSP working with Odette-affected banks for restoration of full ops

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday it is closely coordinating with banks in the Visayas region affected by Typhoon Odette regarding the resumption of their full operations. “To fast-track their return to full operations, affected banks are working with utility companies and other web service providers,” the BSP said in a statement. “The banking community in affected areas looks forward to the immediate full restoration of utility and internet services that will enable the resumption of banking operations,” it added. The central bank said that in the interim, affected banks have reported to the BSP that they have adopted shortened banking hours following power, telecom-

munication, and internet disruptions caused by the typhoon. “In view of this, the BSP also advises residents and consumers in these areas to adopt e-banking and digital payment services when possible and transact in banks and branch-lite units located in nearby areas where services are fully operational,” it said. Odette caused widespread devastation in the provinces along its path, among them Cebu and Bohol in Visayas. The death toll due to Odette reached 406, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its situation report on Tuesday. Sixty-five individuals remain missing, while 1,265 were injured. Meanwhile, 2,335,757 families were affected in 11 regions and 38 provinces.

With the anticipated rise in the Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, the agency reiterated its call for strict compliance with the set guidelines on how to lessen the possibility of spreading the virus, especially in closed spaces. Along this line, DTI 11 emphasized that even with the Alert Level 3 classification of some parts of the region from January 14 to 31, this will not stop its team from visiting businesses, particularly those that are applying for a Safety Seal. The Safety Seal Certification program is an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) directive that aims to ensure that public places have been strictly complying with

MPHS and other related protocols and requirements to operate safely. Under the IATF Resolution No. 87 s. 2020, DTI, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Health (DOH), are directed to put in place standards for business operation during the pandemic. Each of these government agencies covers various business types when it comes to Safety Seal issuance. The DTI, for example, is responsible for the application and monitoring of the following: 1) groceries, supermarkets, and membership shopping

clubs; 2) convenience stores; 3) construction supply/hardware stores; 4) outlets of logistics service providers; 5) barbershops and salons; and 6) service and repair shops. Further to the Safety Seal certification requirements, the concerned government offices issued Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 21-01 series of 2021. Through this program, the StaySafe.ph online platform was adopted as the official contact tracing application in monitoring the compliance of establishments with the health protocols. DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi explained that consumers are assured that a Safety Seal-certified establishment is compliant with the requirements that will help protect them. “By applying for and getting the Safety Seal, the establishments are

workers are earning less because of shortened work hours or arrangements to lessen working days, Bello added. “Pakiusap, (we’re) urging them to be more compassionate and give their

workers additional paid leaves,” he said. “Our labor advisory is only urging employers to give their workers additional paid leaves. Di namin sila inuutusan (we did not order them).”

The labor chief reiterated that employers cannot terminate workers who refuse to get vaccinated. “There’s no legal basis,” he said. The Philippines has so far fully vaccinated

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 reminds all business establishments to continuously follow the minimum public health standards (MPHS) while urging everyone to get a Safety Seal certification.

assuring consumers and stakeholders that the government has inspected them and that they have been found to be compliant with the minimum public health standards,” the regional trade official said. In 2021, DTI 11 received a total of 165 Safety Seal applications, through its six provincial offices. Of this number, 101 were approved: Davao City had 63 approved applications; Davao Oriental, 17; Davao del Sur, nine; Davao del Norte, six; Davao Occidental, four; and Davao de Oro, two. The majority of the establishments approved by DTI were convenience stores, groceries, supermarkets and shopping clubs, construction supply/hardware stores, and barbershops/salons. Meanwhile, seven were service and repair shops and one outlet of a logistics service company.

55.6 million individuals, while 59 million have received an initial dose and 5.13 million booster shots have been administered as of Monday, according to Department of Health data.

Employers to give COVID-stricken workers more paid leave credits

he Department of Labor and Employment on Wednesday urged employers to give their COVID-stricken workers more paid leave credits. Labor Secretary Silves-

tre Bello made the appeal as some 11,500 workers were displaced after Metro Manila was escalated to Alert Level 3 until the end of the month to curb virus infections. Some 20,000 other

“

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the swift action taken by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the heavy siltation of the Mapagda River, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental and discoloration of downstream Pintatagan and Maputi portions and the coastal water on January 14, 2022:

Economic development and environmental protection should go hand in hand. They should not cancel each other. Sustainable growth is the way to go.” Secretary Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta

EDITORIAL Signs of exhaustion? She will be liberal.

That’s the specific description Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio used in her latest advisory on Covid-19 management under Davao City’s Alert Level 3 status.

Mayor Sara instructed the Covid-19 Task Force on the liberal implementation under Alert Level 3 including no closures of establishments but emphasized the wearing of face mask, social distancing, and booster vaccination campaign. By “liberal” she meant it’s all up to people to make choices on how they move about indicating that the city cannot go “close-open and vice versa” on restrictions. Are these signs of exasperation?

Leaving the decision on movement of people to themselves could be a very risky proposition. In most parts of the world where the

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While it is people’s choice not to be vaccinated, it is also the government’s responsibility to protect its people and resources. Most of those being treated in public hospitals are non-vaccinated. Enormous amount of government funds are spent for them. Isn’t that unfair for those who are vaccinated?

It is not for the government to force on people to make decisions to get vaccinated because at the end of the day, it is an exercise of a right--the freedom to choose. However, it comes with accompanying implications. And the government, in the face of the very exhausting tug of war, can only do one thing and that is to preserve its resources to those responsible enough to support the campaign for everyone’s safety. 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

threat of the fast-infecting Omicron variant is also wreaking havoc, the government stand is to impose checks on proof of vaccination. Absence of that means a lesser enjoyment of life. The reason is simple, the government is spending so much on vaccination for everyone’s safety and yet others remain adamant and stand tough on their choice not to get the shots.

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

WHEN YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE GOES UP Everybody has – and needs – blood pressure. Without it, blood can’t circulate through the body, giving vital organs the oxygen and food they need. Under normal conditions, our heart beats about 60 to 80 times a minute. Our blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when our heart relaxes between beats. Like the air pressure in tires, our blood pressure can change from minute to minute. The pressure in tires depends on the temperature and whether you’re driving. Our blood pressure changes with posture, exercise, sleeping, or even the level of our arm when the blood pressure is measured. A booklet from a blood pressure monitor gives this information: “Your level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of the brain and adjusts to a variety of situations through feedback from the nervous system. To adjust blood pressure, the strength and frequency of the heart, as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered. Blood vessel width is affected by fine muscles in the blood vessel walls.” A blood pressure measurement has two numbers: (1) the higher (systolic) number rep-

resents the pressure when the heart contracts and (2) the lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. The systolic pressure is always stated first, and the diastolic pressure second. For example, a blood pressure of 120/80 is stated as “120 over 80.” The systolic is 120; the diastolic is 80. “When you’re sitting at rest, your blood pressure should be lower than 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to be considered normal,” informs the book, To Your Health: A Guide to Heart-Smart Living, published by the American Heart Association. “A blood pressure reading equal to or higher than140/90 is considered high. Therefore, if your systolic pressure is 130 to 139 or if your diastolic pressure is 85 to 89, it should be watched carefully.” Just recently, I was admitted to a hospital. On my second day, the nurse was alarmed when my blood pressure shot up to 150/110. Ten minutes later, she checked my blood pressure again and it was still the same measurement. “Poor diet, lack of exercise, heavy-duty weight training, even innocuous-sounding activities such as public speaking can

make your blood pressure leap,” notes The Doctors Book of Home Remedies. “But when your blood pressure goes up and stays up, that’s cause for concern.” One in four Filipino adults has high blood pressure or hypertension, according to a national survey. Half of those people who reach the age of 60 are most likely to have hypertension, warns Dr. Willie T. Ong, author of Doctors’ Health Tips and Home Remedies. “High blood pressure, if uncontrolled, can be a deadly disease,” points out Dr. Ong, an internist and cardiologist. “It’s unfortunate that many people do not take the necessary steps to control it.” In 95% of patients, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown. “We call this primary or essential hypertension,” explains Dr. Ong. “In these patients, we can still treat and control hypertension by addressing some of the risk factors involved. The risk factors we can still change include being overweight, cigarette smoking, high salt consumption, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol intake, and use of oral contraceptives.” In the remaining 5%, the high blood pressure is due to a specific disease such as kidney

disease, illegal drug use, hyperactive thyroid or a tumor. “We call these cases as secondary hypertension,” Dr. Ong says. Doctors, however, don’t differentiate between primary and secondary hypertension, because some secondary causes can be completely cured if the main culprit is being addressed. “One clue that we are dealing with secondary hypertension is when a young apparently individual suddenly develops very high blood pressure.” Dr. Julian Whitaker, author of Reversing Hypertension: A Vital New Program to Prevent, Treat and Reduce High Blood Pressure, wrote: “Secondary hypertension is serious business, but its underlying causes can often be corrected. Don’t forget that it accounts for only 5-10% of all cases of hypertension.” Dr. Ong also talks about the “white coat hypertension,” which happens when a patient is at a doctor’s clinic and his blood pressure goes up. But when he is back at his home, the blood pressure goes back to normal. “We label these cases as ‘white coat hypertension,’ which means that the patient’s blood pressure shoots up upon seeing the doctor’s white coat,” Dr. Ong says. “No treatment is given to

such patients except reassurance and occasional monitoring of the blood pressure.” If the blood pressure is not controlled and lowered down to normal levels, a person may likely end up having a heart attack. “Hypertension hurts the heart by pushing it to the limits,” Dr. Whitaker wrote. “Years of overexertion cause the heart to become weak and damaged – the pump just wears out.” Hypertension is the leading risk factor for heart attack. Medical science claims that 50% of all heart attack patients die before reaching the hospital. But studies show that the sooner the patient is brought to the hospital, the better are the chances of survival. “A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that carries oxygen to the heart muscle is blocked because of clogged arteries,” Dr. Ong explains. “The heart muscle cannot survive with poor oxygen supply and begins to die.” Hypertension is also the primary factor in stroke, the second leading cause of death in the Philippines after heart attack. “One in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime,” deplores Dr. Romulo Esagunde, a neurosurgeon and board member of the Philippine Society of Ultrasound in Clinical Medicine Inc.

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

MANGKUKULAM AND LIBEL Lilia Cuntapay, dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Horror Movies”, was specially mentioned in a “mangkukulam” story during one of our Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) lectures. With her long white hair and scary old lady appearance, our lecturer cited Cuntapay in describing one of the parties involved in a legal case where the accused called the complainant a “mangkukulam.” Cuntapay rose to fame for her role in the 1991 horror movie “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” She died in 2016 at the age of 81 due to a spinal cord illness. The dispute narrated by our lecturer came close to the 1966 Supreme Court case of People vs Sario (G.R. Nos. L-20754-20759) where informations charging the crime of oral defamation were filed against four accused for allegedly having called complainant a “mangkukulam.” The accused also attributed to her the death through witchcraft of three persons. They added that complainant inherited her power of witchcraft from her father and that she had probably bequeathed it to her child.

According to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code, the public and malicious imputation of a crime, or a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstances tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead, is libelous. The issue was whether the statements attributed to accused may be considered libelous imputations. The Supreme Court explained that a “mangkukulam” is a witch, or one who practices witchcraft as the term is derived from the Filipino word “kulam” which means “witchcraft, sorcery” while “mang” is “a prefix used to express oneself in or assumption of”. The English term “witch” is one who practices the black art, or magic; one regarded as possessing supernatural or magical power by compact with an evil spirit, especially with the devil; a sorcerer or sorceress. “Witchcraft” is the practice or art of witches; the practice of black magic; sorcery; enchant-

ments; intercourse with evil spirits; also an instance of such practice. “Sorcery” is the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits, especially for divining; divination by black magic; necromancy witchcraft. The Supreme Court stressed that the word “mangkukulam” is undoubtedly an epithet of “opprobrium”. To say that complainant is a witch and sorceress, the Supreme Court said, is to impute to her a vice, condition or status that is dishonorable and contemptible since it accuses her of having employed the black art; of possessing supernatural power by reason of a covenant with evil spirits; and of having trafficked with the devil. According to the lower court, to call another a “mangkukulam” or “witch” is not a malicious imputation because nobody believes anymore in witches and witchcraft in this modern age. The Supreme Court , however, pointed out that the truth of the statements are open to question since the very declarations made by the accused attest to the

contrary. In any event, the imputed vice or defect need not be real or existing in order that the imputation may be punishable; and imaginary vice or defect is sufficient. While belief in the existence of witches may have become passe, the terms “mangkukulam” and “witch” have accepted meanings from which it is clear that they are terms of derision, and for one to be so labelled is to be an object of contempt, even of odium. The complainant was also called an “aswang,” which is defined as an injurious and evil character believed to be capable of assuming various and different forms, especially that of a dog, and harassing usually in the depth of night women who are about to give birth”. The term, like “mangkukulam,” is an offensive and malicious one. The order of dismissal appealed from was set aside, and the cases returned to the lower court for further proceedings. Kulam is also featured in the anime Trese that touched upon the country’s rich folklore. It is

the story of a mandirigmang-babaylan who assists the Metro Manila police in solving supernatural crimes. The country’s supernatural folklore is incredibly diverse and varies from region to region. Kulam is black magic that specifically targets people who have committed a wrong. The mangkukulam either harms an effigy to cause corresponding harm to the victim, or physically “sends” objects into the victim’s body. The methods are activated by chants, spells, or symbols. All members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) are required to complete every three (3) years at least thirty-six (36) hours of MCLE activities. This is to ensure that keep abreast with law and jurisprudence, maintain the ethics of the profession and enhance the standards of the practice of law. ( Peyups is the monicker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

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More Dreams, Zero Dropouts The number of young people, who were left with no choice but to drop out of school, reached more than five million for the academic year 20212022. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has gravely affected the education of the Filipino youth today. The lack of tools such as mobile phones and load to access learning materials can be seen as one of the major setbacks experienced by children today. Now, parents search far and wide for means to let their children continue reaching their dreams. Nanay Maria Lina R. Habana is one of them. Nanay Maria is a mother to five children, one of whom is Ma. Angela, who is in Grade 7 and is studying in Bula National High School in Camarines Sur. According to Nanay Maria, one thing that will make her happy is to witness Ma. Angela achieve her own dream of becoming a teacher. Fortunately, with Ma. Angela’s perseverance and knack for learning, she became a consistent honor student from the time she stepped Grade 1 to Grade 6. Ma. Angela’s potential became Nanay Maria and her husband’s inspiration to work hard

for their children, not only to fill their basic needs, but to support their individual dreams. The Habanas are known to be hardworking. Nanay Maria buys and sells vegetables and other goods, while her husband works in a vulcanizing shop in Manila to get by with their daily expenses. However, education is a different matter altogether. With huge educational expenses left and right, financial assistance is needed to support their family altogether. CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank that supports marginalized communities with access to financial products, services, and other social development programs, became Nanay Maria’s partner in their journey to reach their goals in life. In her 12 years of being a CARD Bank client, she has availed the Zero Dropout Program of CARD several times to support the education of Ma. Angela. The Zero Dropout Program is an educational loan product of CARD MRI that supports students’ education in elementary, high school, and senior high school. Offered exclusively to CARD MRI clients with children or relatives who want to con-

tinue studying, this loan has a maximum amount of PhP 10,000 for junior and senior high school. This is applicable to students like Ma. Angela who is currently in junior high school. The financial aid that the Habanas received for Ma. Angela’s schooling eliminated the anxiety Nanay Maria had towards the education of her children, especially during a time when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Philippines’ educational system. Now, Ma. Angela is in Grade 7. Even with schools closed and a threat of dropping out of school looming over the students’ heads, this does not weaken Nanay Maria’s faith in pursuing her and Ma. Angela’s dreams. For Nanay Maria and millions of other CARD clients, here is to more dreams and zero dropouts. Ma. Angela is just one of the 1,235,768 beneficiaries of the Zero Dropout Program of CARD MRI as of December 2021. To know more about CARD’s educational loan, message CARD MRI at @ CARDMRIOfficial or visit any CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), CARD Bank, CARD SME Bank, or CARD MRI RIZAL BANK branches or unit offices near you!

What’s money got to do with Mental Health? Here’s how banks can help employers empower, improve their employees’ financial well-being

Manila, Philippines – December 28, 2021 – Have you ever heard of ‘financial stress?’ According to experts, this condition refers to that state of anxiety or emotional tension related to money, debt, and expenses. Money, in fact, is one of the most universal sources of stress. In workplaces, financial stress has been found as one of the main concerns that employees around the world contend with every day. With responsibilities to pay off bills, expenses, unexpected circumstances, and even debts, it’s challenging to not worry about finances all the time, especially if a person does not have savings. In a recent report, Visa revealed that 84% of 1,000 employees are troubled by their finances while working. This situation affects their health, well-being, and productiveness, as stated by 68% of that study’s surveyed individuals. Employees in the Philippines share this same experience. According to a study by Backbase, at least 51% of 100 surveyed Filipinos said that they’re currently worried about the state of their finances. It also revealed that the Philippines is the leading country when it comes to financial stress in the Asia-Pacific, indicating that 7 in 10 Filipinos find it challenging

to manage their debts. In most cases, people caught up in these situations resort to borrowing money from their family, friends, or external lenders with interest rates. Another option is to ask for an advance or ‘bale’ from their employers, especially since traditionally, employees receive their salary twice a month on two separate dates. Helping navigate through the never normal Two years into the pandemic, things became even more challenging for employees due to some limitations, particularly in mobility. Amid these radical changes, banks have been fast-tracking their digital transformation initiatives to improve their mobile and online banking platforms. This move enables customers to transact digitally, like paying utilities and other bills, without the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. It shows how banks continuously innovate their services to assist their customers in managing their wealth while caring for their well-being. And as the pandemic reinforces that health is essential to people in the never normal, it also creates an opportunity for banks to help employers in empowering their employees and address the factors that can affect their

overall welfare. For instance, there’s a concept that is now fast becoming a global trend that financial institutions can offer as part of their service offerings. This concept is called Earned Wage Access (EWA), a solution that started in the United States but is now seen around the world, enabling employees to access their salary before payday and release their already earned salary with just a click of a button. EWA can be integrated and offered by banks to their corporate accounts so employers can incorporate it as a benefit for their employees. In 2022, this white-labeled solution will now be available in the Philippines. Thanks to PayKey, a fintech company based in Israel, which will start offering this solution to leading banks next year. Through EWA, employees can now access their already earned salaries at any time to pay for their current expenses. It works in simple ways. As a standalone app offered by PayKey for banks, employees can easily see their earned salaries to date. Then, if they want to have an advance on their wages,’ they can just request it through EWA. The requested amount will be transferred to the employee’s bank account as soon as it is approved.

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ALTERNATIVES TO TOBACCO MAY HELP SMOKERS QUIT? By HENRYLITO D. TACIO courtesy of iStock, and wikiwand.com

moking is hazardous to your health! Smokers are more likely than smokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, according to the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Citing some studies, CDC says smoking increases the risk for coronary heart disease and stroke by 2 to 4 times. It also increases the risk of developing cancer by 25 times for men and 24.7 times for women. “Smoking causes diminished overall health, increased absenteeism from work, and increased health care utilization and cost,” the CDC points out.

With all these health problems smokers face, they have all the reasons to kick the habit. Three out of four Filipino smokers, studies show, want to quit smoking. But doing so is a difficult task. Out of 15.9 million smokers in the country, only about 640,000 were able to quit smoking, the latest data released by Philippine Statistics Authority showed. Two medical experts are

in agreement that smokers who cannot stop smoking really need help – or else they may not be able to kick the addictive vice. “Smokers may be rightfully considered as victims of an addictive disease, and those who cannot quit remain part of the health equation of every nation, just as much as the healthy non-smokers,” says Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, a cardiologist and lifetime member of the Philippine Medical Association and Philippine Heart Association. “They actually need more understanding, more attention, and more care from their physicians, who should aim for a treatment

goal of at least partially protecting them from the cardiovascular and other health hazards of cigarette addiction,” explained Dr. Castillo, a professor in cardiovascular medicine. In order for them to reduce the health hazards brought about by smoking, these smokers should be given some interventions they can lean on until they will be able to quit smoking altogether. “Like many other interventions in daily life – seat belts in cars, motorcycle helmets, safe needle exchange in drug addiction, to cite a few – (smokers should have some alternatives to tobacco which can) reduce health

harms linked to smoking,” says Professor Tikki Elka Pangestu, former director of the research policy and cooperation at the World Health Organization (WHO). Both medical experts call this as tobacco harm reduction (THR). “(It) is a strategy to mitigate the health risk in smokers who use conventional cigarettes,” Dr. Castillo explains. “Complete smoking cessation is still the primary goal but since this cannot be achieved in the far bigger majority of smokers we describe as recalcitrant, then a pragmatic middle-ground alternative should be offered to them.” One such strategy is the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vape. “E-cigarettes are way less harmful than cigarettes and they can and do help smokers switch if they can quit,” Dr. David Abrams, a New York University professor of social and behavioral sciences in the College of Global Public Health told CBS This Morning Tony Dokoupil. Prof. Pangetsu reported that in the United Kingdom, between 20,000 to 30,000 smokers quit each year when they switch to e-cigarettes. “In countries where these products are available, cigarette sales are falling dramatically,” he said. Another is the use of heated tobacco products

(HTPs). Like the vapes, HTPs do not burn tobacco. “As such, they are much less harmful,” Prof. Pangestu said, adding that these devices reduce as much as 9095% of the harmful toxins which are released when a smoker lights and burns a cigarette. By using e-cigarettes and HTPs, smokers breathed “significantly reduced levels” of the toxins released by tobacco that cause chronic diseases like carbon monoxide, tar, and harmful chemicals (benzene, arsenic and formaldehyde, to name a few). A review of data from 11 studies with over 2,600 people showed that most of those who switched from cigarettes to HTPs “had lower levels of exposure to harmful chemicals than those who kept smoking.” In a report published in The Conversation, the American researchers who conducted the review noted: “The lower exposure was found across a number of harmful substances linked to cancers, heart disease, and respiratory problems. This means it is possible that switching from cigarettes to heated tobacco could reduce the odds of developing these diseases.” Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses which

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puno kaayo, naa man ta’y enough bed capacity pero kung magpadayon ug taas ang cases dako gyud ang chance na mapuno but again ang DOH naay ginatugtan na mag home isolate pero they have to meet with the criteria,” she said. Schlosser admitted that some health care workers in some of the city’s vaccination hubs were also infected with the virus. As a backup plan, the city government has replaced them with new manpower as not to disrupt the vaccination rollout. “We already foresee this, when there is a surge naa ta gina expect na even ang atoang health care workers maapektuhan. We have

vaccination sites na apektado. Pero good thing about this is naa ta’y back up plan ug isa ato is ilisdan nato ug mga manpower ang mga apektado na vaccination hubs na limpyo ug walay contamination. We have already been doing that. Dili ma worry ang mga tao na magpabakuna,” she said. Schlosser also confirmed that as of this writing there is no omicron detected yet in Davao City. “Pero naghatag nata ug specimens for Whole Genome Sequencing and we are just waiting,” she said. She said it will take three weeks to one month after the WGS will yield results.

105,061 individuals. As of January 16, the region also reported the administration of 196,750 doses of booster shots for qualified individuals. The RVOC emphasized that there are enough vaccines due for delivery and administration. Current inventory of vaccines due for delivery are Sinovac, Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J. The J&J vaccines are tar-

geted to be administered on senior citizens and individuals residing in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) as it only requires one dose for full vaccination. The government also intensifies its communication and demand generation activities to reach and convince the unvaccinated senior citizens and other members of the Priority A2. (PIA XI/FGMacapagat)

cal government committee and sponsor of the bill in the Senate, said the MDDA’s establishment will “institutionalize rapid urbanization” in the Davao region “through strategic and viable reforms directed primarily towards regional cooperation and economic growth.” Both Lower House and Senate versions institutionalized the policy on national dispersion through regional agglomeration to revitalize large cities and eventually stir them to expand its physical area for planning, as espoused in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS). The MDDA shall have jurisdiction over the core LGUs, namely, cities of

Panabo, Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal (IGACoS) in Davao del Norte; Digos in Davao del Sur; and highly urbanized City of Davao; and the municipalities of Carmen in Davao del Norte, and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. The City of Mati in Davao Oriental, and the municipalities of Maco in Davao de Oro, and Malita in Davao Occidental are meanwhile its annex LGUs. The bill is one of the initiatives of the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Committee (MDDCC), a special committee under the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI, is under the leadership of Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (CIO MATI)

ricultural products, leasing, Automated Teller Machine network operations, public transportation, and financial technology. The fact sheet also lists the following mandates: Prescribes limitations on the lending authority of a cooperative bank by imposing on private borrowings a ceiling of twenty-five percent (25%) of its unimpaired capital and surplus.Authorizes the conversion of funds collected and administered by the Cooperative Development Authority under P.D. 175 as capital, for purposes of augmenting the capitalization of qualified cooperative banks. Provides for escheat proceedings for the funds of Samahang Nayon (SNs) and Municipal Katipunan ng mga Samahang Nayon (MKSNs) which hold shares in cooperative banks should they fail to convert into cooperatives

within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act.

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Grants incentives and privileges to cooperative banks including, among others, exemption from all national and local taxes, fees and charges as provided under the Cooperative Code and related laws, subject to certain conditions; exemption from publication requirements on foreclosed lands, and; exemption from maximum landholding limits under existing agrarian laws. Grants unto cooperative banks accredited as Rural Financial Institutions (RFls) under Republic Act No. 10000 (“Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009”) unrestricted branching rights, automatic eligibility with government

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monitoring of the local Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19, the city has 57 new Covid-19 infections as of January 17, raising the current number of active Covid-19 cases to 487. The city has a cumu-

lative total of 14, 810 Covid-19 confirmed cases with 13,752 recoveries since the pandemic started in March 2020. The number of deaths related to the virus stands at 571. (PNA)

BCP), started in November last year. Tagged the first-ever long-distance mountain tunnel in the Philippines designed by Japanese experts to have better seismic resiliency the 2.3-kilometer two-tube mountain tunnel aims to improve transport logistics and mitigate vehicular traffic congestion in Davao City. Apart from the com-

pletion of the coastal and road access, Duterte also said that programs under Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) will also continue. “Ang Programa nato sa Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) nga tabang sa mga barangay captains ug officials nga madirekta atong serbisyo kanila ato ng ipadayon. Daghan pa ko ug plano pero muagi pa man ta ug election,” he said

to deprivation some were recruited by the NPAs),” Jubahib said noting that recruits of NPAs joined the insurgency movement hoping to find relief of their dissatisfaction with the government, but only to find frustration driving them to go back to the folds of the law. On the other hand, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division commander Major General Ernesto C. Torres pegged his call for policy support from the next administration on focus for development of geographically isolated and depressed areas (GIDAs) especially those which have yet to experience and benefit from government services. He also pointed out the need to formulate programs that would serve as vehicles for local and national

governments to deliver the needed projects and services as promised to them. “Para matuloy-tuloy again yong (so as to continue the) redemption, rehabilitation and re-integration back to the mainstream. Those two things for me are essential policy support we need from the next admin,” General Torres said. For his part, Lt General Greg Almerol commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) was hopeful that the next administration would become supportive of the program on ending local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) having seen the substantial outcome through the whole of nation approach strategy of converging services to reach and serve NPA influenced areas. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

Bureau (EMB-11) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Lupon that was conducted last January 15, 2022. DENR 11 reported that based on the investigation, the heavy and continuous rain last January 13 to 14, 2022 pushed overburden materials that contributed to the overflowing of silt pond, draining towards the said river. In a statement given by

DENR-11Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco, the company was ordered to immediately address the issue, and the implementation of which shall be subject to strict monitoring. “Our legal team is also evaluating further action with regards to any of the violations and we will assure a strict implementation of the environmental laws. Penalties and fines are also being considered,” it said.

agencies providing agriculture-related risk mitigation services such as the Philippine Guarantee Corporation and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, priority status as credit delivery partners or conduits for government-directed agricultural programs, free participation in capacity building activities in agricultural lending such as study tours, best practices exposure, and technology transfer among ASEAN member States and in other fora of international cooperation. The fact sheet says the bill seeks to foster the creation and growth of cooperatives as a vehi-

cle for the promotion of self-reliance, communal unity, and the attainment of economic development and social justice; to encourage the private sector to engage in the formation and organization of cooperatives in order to create an atmosphere conducive to the growth and development of these cooperatives; to encourage thrift and savings mobilization for purposes of sustainable economic development among cooperatives and their members; and to regulate the activities of cooperative banks to ensure sound, stable, sustainable and efficient operations, and to protect public interest.

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Dr. Castillo and his research group at the CardioMetabolic Research Unit (CaMeRU) of the FAME Leaders Academy confirmed the aforementioned findings. “(Our study showed) there is an improvement in some cardiovascular risk factor parameters such as less increase in heart rate, higher high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) and less constriction of arteries,” Dr. Castillo says. “Another study also showed significantly reduced harmful elements commonly obtained by conventional cigarette smoking.” Unfortunately, there is no data yet that will prove HTPs could help smokers quit smoking – as studies require a longer time period for these to be conducted. But based on modeling techniques and considering the beneficial effects of THR with alternative tobacco products, Dr. Castillo believes “millions will be quitting cigarette smoking and scores of thousands of lives will be saved annually with reduction of smoking-related complications.” The American researchers – Harry Tattan-Birch, Jamie Brown and Jamie Hartmann-Boyce – have the same conclusion. “We know that most of the harmful effects of cigarettes – which kill half of all regular smokers – come from inhaling toxic chemicals made by burning tobacco,” they wrote. As HTPs are designed to avoid burning tobacco, the researchers said they’d expect HTPs to pose a lower risk. “HTPs could benefit public health if they reduce risk and help people stop smoking normal cigarettes, without attracting people who would otherwise avoid tobacco entirely,” they stressed. Recently, the Philippine Senate passed a bill that would legalize and regulate vaping and HTPs. It likewise eliminated the authority of the Food and Drug Administration over these products. The Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act (SB 2239) was approved by a vote of 19-2, with two senators abstaining. All these recent developments are taken into consideration by Prof. Pangestu and Dr. Castillo. “These regulations are badly needed to facilitate wider use and access to these products to those smokers who want to quit,” Prof. Pangestu said. “Regulation through legislation is crucial to make sure the use of HTPs and e-cigarettes redound to the benefit of public health,” Dr. Castillo says, adding that violations should be clearly defined and there should be corresponding penalties. Under- and over-regulation will not be good, he adds. The alternative tobacco products (ATPs) should not be made available to

non-smokers, pregnant women, and most especially to young people. “The main targets are smokers who want to quit but, unfortunately, it has also become a fashionable trend among youth,” Prof. Pangestu cautioned. In the Philippines, recent studies showed four in 10 students reported ever smoking cigarettes. Approximately one in 8 students who had smoked cigarettes reported smoking their first cigarette before age 10. “These ATPs should be off-limits to the youth and those who are currently not smoking,” Dr. Castillo points out. “ATPs should also be subjected to appropriate sin taxes so it’s beyond the financial reach of the youth. ATPs should not be allowed to be promoted or advertised.” Dr. Castillo also urges health officials to prevent the youth from joining the ranks of smokers. “The evil of smoking must be included in the curriculum of elementary and high school,” he suggests. “Teaching by example is also very important. Children tend to follow what they see their parents do. Smoking parents should refrain from letting their highly impressionable small children see them smoke.” Dr. Castillo believes the battle against smoking is a long fight. “It may be a Pollyannic or blindly optimistic goal to completely eradicate cigarette smoking with ATPs, but even just a 10% reduction in smokers annually can go a long way in saving lives,” he says. Prof. Pangestu that ATPs should be promoted along with other options. “We need to see vape and HTPs as a complement to other available options such as education, quit lines, counseling and education and nicotine replacement therapies (such as nicotine patches, gum, and nasal sprays among others).” Quitting smoking may be a herculean task but it can be beaten. And doing so can have several health benefits. “It’s never too late to give up smoking,” Dr. Castillo reiterates. “Some benefits like breathing more freely, less shortness of breath and less fast heart rates and increased blood pressure on exertion can be obtained in a matter of days or few weeks after cessation.” Other changes in the heart, lungs and arteries, he says, may take a longer time to improve but at least the deterioration is already slowed down. “There may be permanent damage in some long standing smokers that may no longer be reversible but the risk of developing complications subsequently like stroke and heart attack is significantly reduced after giving up cigarette smoking,” Dr. Castillo assures.

bounds. Gary Payton II, who has overcome his own challenge with dyslexia, greeted and hosted youth and their families supported by the

grassroots group Decoding Dyslexia California. Before his warmup routine, Payton high-fived the kids, posed for photos and offered words of encouragement.

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SPORTS

Chris Banchero’s contract with Phoenix is expiring at the end of January.

Phoenix wants to keep Banchero

avao-based PBA franchise Phoenix Petroleum expressed interest on keeping Chris Banchero’s services as negotiations for a new contract with the Fil-Italian guard got rolling. Team manager Paolo Bugia confirmed talks with the 32-year-old veteran are already in the works, but refused to further elaborate on the matter. “Right now, we are currently in talks with him regarding his contract extension,” said Bugia on Tuesday. “For now, yun lang muna ang masasabi ko.” Banchero is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent once his contract expires

at the end of the month, being a member of the 2014 rookie draft that was privileged to be the first recipient of the new rule that was the brainchild of the former late league Chairman Ely Capacio. But Banchero appears to be keeping his cards close to his chest on whether he would exercise his rights for unrestricted free agency just like what his two batch mates in Rodney Brondial and John Pinto earlier

AN FRANCISCO — Klay Thompson scored 21 points, Stephen Curry had 18, and the Golden State Warriors returned from a tough trip to beat the Detroit Pistons, 102-86, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time). Curry, back after a onegame absence, shot 6 for 11 with four 3-pointers and added eight assists. He fell on his right hand during a win at Chicago on Friday, then missed Sunday’s 119-99 loss at Minnesota. Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points for a Warriors team happy to be home for an extended stretch after having lost five of seven, including three of four on the road.

Thompson — Curry’s Splash Brother who was cheered by the Chase Center crowd every time he subbed back into the game — missed his initial two shots before connecting from deep in his second home game since returning from two devastating injuries and surgeries that cost him more than 2 1/2 years. Golden State made six of its first nine 3-pointers to build a 33-22 lead after the opening quarter. Isaiah Stewart had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Pistons in another lopsided defeat after a 135-108 home loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

did.

Brondial went to San Miguel while Pinto took his act to Barangay Ginebra despite the two players receiving contract extensions from their previous mother teams in Alaska and Meralco. “Yung desisyon niya gusto niya medyo tahimik lang, ayaw niya yung masyadong may ingay. Para pag lumabas, yung OK na nakapirma na siya, nakapag-decide na siya,” said a person close to Banchero. The same source added the No. 5 pick overall by Alaska in the draft eight years ago, definitely wants his next contract to be the best for himself. “Nasa prime si Chris. So

Warriors trip Pistons as Splash Brothers wax hot S

Detroit reserve Rodney McGruder scored a season-high 19 points with four 3-pointers. Draymond Green sat out for a fifth straight game with a left calf injury caused by a hurt disk in his lower back. The Warriors are being cautious with the do-everything veteran. “They are doing plenty of rehab and he is making improvements every day,” coach Steve Kerr said. “We’ll re-evaluate in two weeks.” Rookie Jonathan Kuminga earned a starting nod in Green’s place and finished with 12 points and 10 re-

FWARRIORS, P10

itong next contract, ito na dapat yung best in his career,” the same person said, who nonetheless, added the ball is definitely in Phoenix’s court, being the current mother team of Banchero. A product of Seattle Pacific, Banchero suited up for the Aces for five seasons before being traded to Magnolia for the pair of Brondial and Robbie Herndon. He played for two seasons with the Hotshots, but found himself on the move prior to the start of the PBA 46th season when Magnolia dealt him together with two draft picks to Phoenix for Calvin Abueva and a 2021 first-round pick.

KAT lifts Wolves over Knicks N EW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns converted a go-ahead three-point play with 29 seconds left and the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the New York Knicks, 112-110, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time). The Knicks got a strong game from Kemba Walker in his return from a nine-game absence with a sore left knee and nursed a lead for most of the fourth quarter. But the Timberwolves rallied and then held on when Alec Burks missed a 3-pointer that would have won it for New York. Anthony Edwards scored 21 points and Towns had 20 for the Wolves, who won for the sixth time in eight games to level their record at 22-22. D’Angelo Russell added 17 points. Evan Fournier scored 27 points and Julius Randle had 21 for the Knicks, who lost for

Klay Thompson scored 21 points, Stephen Curry had 18

the second straight day and dipped back below .500 at 2223. Walker scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half. The Knicks were protecting one-point leads when Walker made 3-pointers with 5:27 and 4:36 remaining, and his third straight made it 107-102 with 3:41 to play. But the Wolves didn’t allow another basket and got the ball back for the pivotal possession after an instant replay review overturned a call and ruled the ball out of bounds off the Knicks with 48 seconds left. Towns made a strong move and score while being fouled by Randle, making it 111-109. Randle was fouled on the other end but made only one free throw, leaving Minnesota ahead by one. Patrick Beverley made one free throw with 19 seconds left and that was it for the scoring.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 257 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

The 39-year-old Nonito Donaire shocked the world last May by knocking out Nordine Oubaali to become the oldest reigning world bantamweight champion.

YEAR’S BEST

PBC names Donaire Fighter of the Year

remier Boxing Champions (PBC) has named Filipino pugilist Nonito Donaire as its Fighter of the Year for 2021. Following a fan voting through its social media channels, the 39-year-old Donaire, who shocked the world last May by knocking out Nordine Oubaali to become the oldest reigning world bantamweight champion, edged Stephen Fulton, Gervonta Davis, and David Benavidez for the said honor. According to PBC, Donaire got a massive 47.6 percent of the total votes conducted through Twitter and YouTube. Donaire successfully defended his WBC bantamweight belt against fellow Filipino Reymark Gaballo last month and is now 42-6 in his career with 28 knockouts. PBC, organized by renowned boxing manager Al Haymon, has successfully held live boxing events on national television, including Donaire’s historic bout against Oubaali. (PNA)