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A street vendor shows dried fish she is selling to market goers at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao
NO RIOTS ALLOWED Coastal Road is for exercises, leisure, no riots: Mayor Sara
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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 270 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says there are discussions on how many more antiviral drug Molnupiravir will the city procure. Molnupiravir can be used to treat adults with Covid-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk of developing severe Covid-19. Edge Davao
NO RIOTS ALLOWED Coastal Road is for exercises, leisure, no riots: Mayor Sara By MAYA M. PADILLO
M
ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded Dabawenyos of the activities allowed on the newly-opened Bago Aplaya-Talomo section of the Davao City Coastal Road. These are exercises like walking, biking, playing, jogging, and skating.
She emphasized riot is not among them. This was after a riot in-
volving teenagers was reported at the coastal road. “Identified na nato ang
allowed activities sa coastal road: walking, biking, playing, jogging, exercising, and skating. Wala’y allowed activity na riot dinha,” she said. The mayor reminded that the coastal road was initially open to provide Dabawenyos additional open-air area to hang out.
he Police Regional Office in the Davao Region (PRO-11) announced on Wednesday the number of cities and municipalities under the region’s election watchlist areas. In a statement, the PRO11 said as part of Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10481, which
mandates placing some areas in the country under Comelec control, they have identified areas under the Davao City Police Office as “election areas of no security concern.” Across the region, identified areas of concern included a city and eight municipalities in Davao del Sur; a municipality in
Davao Occidental; three municipalities in Davao del Norte; a municipality in Davao Oriental; and 11 municipalities in Davao de Oro. Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, PRO-11 director, said they are also considering seven municipalities as areas of concern or those that have suspected
“Napansin nato nga kadaghanan magtapok na sa Shrine Hills, sa Langub, and we wanted another area for everyone. Since wala paman gigamit ang coastal road for motor vehicles, we talked with DPWH to open it for everyone,” she said.
election-related incidents (ERIs) in the last two elections. He said they have categorized one city and 17 municipalities under election areas of immediate concern, or those who in addition to the presence of ERIs are affected by armed threats from the New People’s Army. (PNA)
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PRO-11 identifies elections watchlist areas in Region 11 T
SoCot officials cry foul over DOH-12’s closure of bldg eyed as isolation facility
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outh Cotabato officials cried foul Wednesday over the Department of Health (DOH)-Region 12’s decision to close down a national government-funded hospital building that is being eyed by the province as an isolation center for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said DOH-12 personnel padlocked the three-story nursing building within the Soccsksargen General Hospital (SGH) compound in Barangay Dajay, Surallah town hours before the scheduled dry run for the facility on Tuesday. He said the move deprived the local health sector of a decent facility to manage COVID-19 patients amid the ongoing surge of cases in the area. “We are now short of hospital beds and medical equipment for the treatment of our COVID-19 patients. We might be forced to put them in tents outside our hospital because of this,” the governor said. Tamayo and other provincial officials decided last week to temporarily “take-
over” and utilize the SGH as isolation center despite the ongoing transition for its full transfer to the DOH. He said they will use the facility to isolate and treat mild to moderate COVID-19 patients and to decongest the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) in Koronadal City. The facility, which is under the operation and control of the provincial government, was designated as a regional hospital for Soccsksargen through Republic Act 11102 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Oct. 26, 2018. Its main building was converted by the province in April 2020 into a dedicated treatment facility for moderate to severe COVID-19 patients, with an initial capacity of 20 beds and a complete intensive care unit setup, including a ventilator. But its operation was suspended as confirmed cases and hospital admissions decreased from October to December last year. Dr. Conrado Braña, the designated supervisor of public hospitals in the prov-
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NEWS
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Officers of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) patrol the streets of Davao City on bicycles on Wednesday (2 February 2022). These police officers usually issue citation tickets to those who are caught not wearing face masks in public places. Mindanews Photo
City gov’t targets to cover all vaccine eligible Dabawenyos City wants to buy more antiviral drug Molnupiravir
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he city government of Davao is mulling on procuring more antiviral drug molnupiravir to boost treatment for mild and moderate Covid-19 diseases. “There will be a discussion on how many more ang atoang i-procure para aning tambal na ginagamit sa pagkakaron specifically for Covid-19,” said Mayor Sara Duter-
te-Carpio. The city government of Davao has started procuring and distributing Molnupiravir to Covid-19 referral hospitals in the city. The drug can be used to treat adults with Covid-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk of develop-
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By MAYA M. PADILLO
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ith more vaccinated Dabawenyos now protected against Covid-19, the city government of Davao now wants to vaccinate all Dabawenyos eligible for jabs. Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said as of February 2, 2022 the city is at 96 percent to 97 percent in achieving population protection, however, if possible, the city wants to cover the total population eligible for the
vaccine. Schlosser said from the original target of 1.3 million herd immunity, the city government is now targeting to inoculate 1.8 million Dabawenyos. She added that as of January 28, 2022 the city has already achieved 1,237,182 herd
TF Bantay Karne confiscates P82K worth of illegal meat T he City of Mati’s Task Force Bantay Karne has confiscated 292.2 kilos of meat/ carcasses during their routine inspection in several stores, malls, and meat shops in the city. In a report by the City Veterinary Services Office, TF Bantay Karne, along with the National
Meat Inspection Services XI enforcement team, made rounds in the city on Wednesday, February 2. The team confiscated 194 kilos of spoiled pork meat amounting to P68,870; 30.1 kilos of chicken meat worth P5,538.04;
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immunity. “We are targeting the entire population of Davao City. Last time we targeted 1.3 million population and as the moment naka abot nata ug 1, 237, 182 and continue na siya gataas. We will be basing our vaccination target sa atoang total population which is 1.8 million for Davao City,” she said. Schlosser said that the city may have achieved in its anti-Covid vaccination activities, however, it is not enough.
“We still need to have the booster doses to avoid not just the infection but the severity of the disease,” Schlosser said. Meanwhile, Schlosser confirmed the continued downtrend of Covid-19 cases in the city, however, reminded the people not to be complacent. “Although we will see this [downtrend] a good sign ipaabot gihapon nato sa mga tao that we will have to be very vigilant sa pag-fol-
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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
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Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar says this year marks the start of massive production of Golden Rice seeds, particularly in the vitamin A-deficient provinces, to utilize and promote biotechnology in the country. Edge Davao
Boosting support for farmers, biz needed as PH enters trade deals S upport for local farmers and businesses should be strengthened as the country opens itself to more free trade deals like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a former cabinet member and senatorial aspirant said.
In a statement Wednesday, senatorial bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro expressed his support to the country’s participation in free trade agreements (FTAs) like the RCEP, but assistance for domestic sectors, particularly
agriculture sector, should be bolstered. “Free trade agreements like the RCEP provide a larger playing field full of new opportunities for our Filipino enterprises, including those in the agriculture
Massive production of ‘Golden Rice’ seeds to start this year
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o utilize and promote biotechnology in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said this year marks the start of massive production of Golden Rice seeds, particularly in the vitamin A-deficient provinces. DA Secretary William Dar said the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) will map out programs for the massive production of Golden Rice seeds and production of Golden Rice in its pioneer provinces. “On the policy front,
the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) has adopted a unified policy for the varietal registration of all genetically modified crops, which paves the way for a streamlined deployment timeline for Golden Rice,” Dar said during the Healthier Rice Project Team and Advisory Committee (HRAC) meeting. As a member of the National Nutrition Council, DA will pursue the inclusion of Golden Rice as one of the recommended interventions
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sector. As FTAs cut tariffs and duties, this enables Filipino products to become competitive in other markets,” he said. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with support from other government agencies and industry groups, has been pushing for the concurrence of the RCEP deal in the Senate. Teodoro encouraged local enterprises to tap opportunities in international
markets through FTAs, but this would be possible with adequate government support. “(But) this would be possible if programs to boost competitiveness, capacity building, and productivity of our local industries will be institutionalized,” he added. Teodoro said the government should help in developing smart agriculture as well as research and development to increase
farmers’ productivity and improve agricultural produce. He also supports building more farm-to-market roads to lower logistics costs in delivering farm produce to markets. Teodoro said this would allay fears of local farmers that they would not be able to compete with the influx of cheaper imported goods. He added there is also the need to boost the “buy
local” campaign, with the government initiating support to domestic products by patronizing Philippine-made products. Programs to integrate local farmers and businesses to the global value chain will also help the country maximize benefits of FTAs and other preferential trade deals, he said. “The solution is through consultation and close coordination,” Teodoro said. (PNA)
international satellite systems,” PCCI said in a statement Wednesday. PCCI president George Barcelon said this initiative would help those in remote areas to tap opportunities and services using digital technology, especially during the pandemic. Under the partnership, PCCI and DICT will choose six areas across the country for the pilot run of the internet via satellite project. “As we transition out of the pandemic, remote work
and internet-enabled services in education, health, trade and supply chain management, and even government services could remain to be the norm where possible. In this regard, we need to scale up our digital infrastructure,” Barcelon said. He added that with the country’s topography, “internet over satellite is one of the best and fastest ways for us to leapfrog into the future of digital connectivity”.
Barcelon said this satellite project should benefit micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local government units, public schools, and local clinics, among others. The PCCI chief added this internet via satellite can help attract investments to develop these remote areas. PCCI Information Committee chair Perry Ferrer said it is critical to provide accessible and reliable in-
PCCI collaborates with DICT for satellite broadband connectivity
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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to pilot test satellite broadband connectivity that will provide internet connection in remote areas. “It is for this reason that PCCI championed the signing of Executive Order 127 in 2021. (The) said EO amended EO 467 of 1997 to remove the franchise requirement in the access of
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ECONOMY 5
Chainsaw operator Loloy Escuyos, of Barangay Maasin in Pilar town, suddenly finds his work lucrative these days as he is now in high demand with the thousands of fallen coconut and other trees that need clearing after super typhoon “Odette” wreaked havoc in Siargao Island. He charges 800 pesos to cut each fallen coconut tree into pieces of lumber of whatever sizes the owner wants, and earns anywhere from 3,500 to 4,000 pesos a day. He is photographed amid a coconut plantation in Pilar on Tuesday (1 February 2022). MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO
DOT: PH ready to welcome fully vaxxed foreign tourists Omicron, Typhoon Odette stall PH manufacturing growth in January
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he performance of the local manufacturing sector has stalled at the start of the year due to the Omicron variant surge after the holidays and the impact of Typhoon Odette, London-based information and analytics firm IHS Markit reported Wednesday. In its Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for January 2022, the country recorded a score of 50, or a no-change in the performance of the sector. The PMI for January 2022 fell from 51.8 last December. “The latest PMI data revealed an unfortunate start to the year for the Philippines manufacturing sector, with the surge in case numbers and Typhoon Odette hitting large parts of the nation,” IHS Markit economist Shreeya Patel said. Patel said both domestic and international demand slowed down last month, as well as manufacturers’ ability to produce goods. “Material shortages and delivery delays were
also prominent, continuing pressure on vendor performance,” she said. Despite the record-high Covid-19 cases this month, the IHS Markit survey reported that job shedding slowed down in one of its softest paces amid the pandemic. To recall, even Metro Manila and other nearby provinces were reverted to Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 31, most of the sectors remained open but only with lower operating capacity. Patel added that price pressures for manufacturers started to ease last month, but they were looking into increasing selling prices at a quicker rate in a bid to secure profits. “Whilst the full impact of the typhoon and the Omicron variant are unknown, it’s clear production will certainly be impacted in the coming months as companies adapt once again. Firms will hope for a quick recovery and remain prepared through advance ordering strategies,” Patel added. (PNA)
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he country’s tourism industry is ready to welcome fully vaccinated international travelers on February 10, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the sector had been preparing for this development ever since the borders were closed in 2020. Two years into the pandemic, she added that most tourism workers have received vaccination against the coronavirus.
“While this will be the first time the Philippines is opening its doors for foreign leisure travelers since the start of the pandemic, the tourism industry has prepared for this development for close to two years,” she said in a text message. “We look forward to welcoming our foreign visitors
once again especially with Metro Manila, the country’s main international gateway, placed under Alert Level 2.” The official added that health and safety protocols would remain in place to prevent the transmission of the virus. “Tourism workers have been vaccinated and the observance of health and safety protocols at every destination remains to be a priority. The DOT will be focusing its efforts on the visa-free countries under EO 408 that are identified
as our key, strategic, and opportunity markets,” she said. The Philippines will allow fully vaccinated international tourists from visa-free countries, beginning February 10, provided that they present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. To date, a total of 157 countries enjoy visa-free entry privileges to the Philippines, including some of its top tourist markets such
Tuguegarao. Cebu Pacific said other requirements may include vaccination certificate, vaccination card, government-issued ID, travel permits from S-Pass, confirmed accommodations, and registration to specific contact tracing applications. Butuan and Cagayan de Oro require fully vaccinated travelers to simply upload their vaccination status via S-Pass, it said. Fully vaccinated passengers arriving at Legazpi airport must report to
their LGUs for symptoms screening and profiling, the airline said. It added that the Traze app must also be downloaded. Clark, meanwhile, requires travelers to present a valid ID and any travel document required by the local government unit (LGU). Cebu Province, LapuLapu City, and Davao do not require arriving fully vaccinated guests to present any travel documents for entry. A person is consid-
ered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, or after receiving a single-dose vaccine. “This is a welcome development, and we appreciate the various LGUs’ efforts to further ease travel for everyJuan, especially for fully vaccinated individuals. This will jumpstart the return of tourists and pave the way for the recovery of the local tourism industry, which we are also ready to support with a ramp-
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CebPac: 19 domestic destinations no longer require swab test for fully vaxxed passengers
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udget carrier Cebu Pacific on Thursday announced there are 19 domestic destinations in its network that have opened for leisure travel and no longer require swab tests for fully vaccinated individuals. The destinations include Bohol, Boracay, Butuan, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu (Cebu City and Mandaue City), Clark, Maguindanao Province, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Legazpi, Manila, Naga, Ozamiz, San Jose, Tacloban, and
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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
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In stressing that vaccines are safe, effective and the best tool at one’s disposal to be protected from the virus:
Let us put a stop to this pandemic. Magpabakuna na po sa pinakamalapit na vaccination site. Huwag kayong matakot dahil ang bakuna ang tanging susi o solusyon para makabalik na tayong lahat sa ating normal na pamumuhay.”
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go
Chair of the Senate Committee on Health
EDITORIAL NORDECO, a sad story Dabawenyos old enough to be conscious of the various kinds of public service like potable water system, electricity and irrigation systems should be familiar with the impressive story of the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DANECO), recently renamed North Davao Electric Cooperative or NORDECO.
DANECO was among the hundreds of electric utilities established by the Philippine government in an effort to establish rural electrification in the 60’s and 70’s led then by Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez, the one and only politician from Mindanao to hold the second highest elective position in the country.
The venerable congressman Lorenzo S. Sarmiento, the man behind the division of the undivided Davao Province into 3, was also hands on in the creation of DANECO. One day, he talked to two rising politicians of the new-created Davao del Norte province in the persons of Montevista Mayor Jose Amacio and Panabo Mayor Gregorio Dujali and asked them who would like to leave politics and become the general manager of the new electric cooperative instead. Mayor Amacio, the poor boy from Calinan, Davao City, chose to manage DANECO, while mayor Dujali interposed no obligation as he had his eyes fixed on becoming the province’s governor someday. True enough, Dujali was later elected provincial governor many times, while Amacio became a multi-awarded GM and DANECO, a multi-awarded electric
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Fast forward to 2022, the country’s legislature approved NORDECO’s franchise transferred to privately-owned Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. Anyare? To borrow the colloquial Tagalog version of “Ano ang nangyari?” (What happened?)
It is alleged by elected officials of Davao del Norte and mucipalities, including the cities of Tagum and Samal that NORDECO’s service had deteriorated through the years.
Despite NORDECO’s poor service, it is accused of imposing an electric rate higher than in Davao City, Davao Light’s main franchise area. While a few people for sentimental reason want to retain NORDECO’s service, most Dabawenyos want a change. This is not the end of this story though. We foresee a long court battle ahead. However, there is always a middle ground, wherein NORDECO will not lose everything and end its other glorious history sadly.
The leaders of Davao del Norte and maybe Davao de Oro who happened to be in opposite sides of the political fence will hopefully realize that there is a happy solution somewhere. 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
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LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ
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VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
UNSUNG HEROES OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) considers wetlands as “the unsung heroes of the climate crisis.” The reason: wetlands store more carbon than any other ecosystem, with peatlands alone storing twice as much as all the world’s forests. Inland wetland ecosystems absorb excess water and help prevent floods and drought, something critical to help communities adapt to a changing climate. As Leticia Carvalho, UNEP Principal Coordinator for Marine and Freshwater, puts it: healthy wetlands “punch above their weight in terms of benefits.” Last February 2, the international community observed World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about wetlands. This year’s theme was: “Wetlands Action for People and Nature.” February 2 marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971.
The 2022 theme “underscores the significance of our concerted actions in conserving our natural resources like wetlands,” explains the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB). “It’s an appeal to invest financial, human and political capital to save the world’s wetlands from disappearing and to restore those we have degraded. “Wetlands play important roles like storing clean water for our use, providing a home for nature, keeping us safe from floods and storms,” adds ERDB, a line agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “Therefore, we should do our part to conserve and protect our wetlands.” UNEP says this year’s celebration serves as an urgent call to act and to invest financial, human and political capital, “to save the world’s wetlands from disappearing altogether - and to restore those areas already lost.” A broad definition of wet-
lands includes ecosystems such as lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps, coral reefs, and many others; but also, human-made artificial sites such as fish ponds or reservoirs. “Though they cover only around 6% per cent of the Earth’s land surface, 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in them,” UNEP states. Teeming with different species, wetlands are also a key ally in the fight to stop biodiversity loss. It has been observed that over 140,000, including 55% of all fish, rely on freshwater habitats for their survival. In the Philippines, the wetlands harbor a rich variety of plant and animal life estimated at 1,616 species of flora and 3,308 species of fauna. Found in coastal and marine habitats are 4,951 species of marine plants and animals. Coral reefs are by far the most diverse with 3,967 species. Seagrass beds follow with 481 species and then mangroves with 370
species. “Freshwater species are important to local ecosystems, provide sources of food and income to humans, and are key to flood and erosion control,” UNEP says. Despite this important contribution, wetland species are going extinct more rapidly than terrestrial or marine species, with almost a third of all freshwater biodiversity facing extinction. Wetlands are also vital for human well-being and security. “More than a billion people across the world depend on them for their livelihoods, about one in eight people on Earth,” UNEP stresses. In a statement released during the World Wetlands Day, Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim cited a joint study in 2014 which pointed out that the net benefits from the development of portions of the Manila Bay is greater if there is added ecosystem rehabilitation integrated into the plan. At the Climate Change Conference last year, as the
call for zero net emissions were raised, “the critical role of wetlands as among the nature-based solutions was underscored along with urgent actions such as mobilizing finance for the conservation of these vital ecosystems,” said Dr. Lim, who is the executive director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. But despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests and are Earth’s most threatened ecosystem. “In just 50 years - since 1970 – 35% of the world’s wetlands have evaporated,” UNEP deplores. Human activities that have fueled this sad state of wetlands include agriculture, construction, pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of resources; together with invasive species upsetting the balance and climate change. Some 85% of wetlands present in 1700, were lost by 2000, many drained to make way for development, farming or other “productive” uses.
ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD
DAVAO’S FIRST CONSULATE Hands down, Japan owns the distinction as the first country to open a consulate in Davao region, a mere few years before the Re-public of China, now Taiwan, launched its socio-economic initia-tives that eventually prospered into the opening also of an ambas-sy or diplomatic mission. Opened in 1920, the first Japanese consulate was an offshoot of the growing Japanese migrant population drawn to the region. Many of them worked as hands in hemp plantations but later, fol-lowing the new business prospects arising from the enormous demand for hemp in the world market, Japanese investments started to dilute the chiefly U.S.-funded industry. Japanese control of the local abaca industry sooner or later earned the old town an appellation of ‘Little Tokyo.’ With
a consu-late that facilitated the ironing out of contentious migration issues and trade kinks via diplomatic channels, Japanese migration fur-ther expanded. Just before the war broke out in 1941, Davao was already home to roughly 20,000 Japanese. The mission also handled included the routine job of issuing passports to Japanese nationals and the consular services extended in important commercial ports. It also played a role in the export of surplus Japanese goods to foreign markets like the Philippines. In Davao, the popularity of Japanese goods and merchandise was a factor, though small, in the opening of the consulate. Its most difficult role, though, was during the Commonwealth when the ownership of plantations tilled by the Japanese was ex-amined under
the 1935 Constitution. Though the Quezon admin-istration took a safer and more diplomatic route in addressing the agrarian issue, the problem was later overtaken by events after the Japanese bombing of Davao on December 8, 1941. It took a decade and a half before diplomatic ties between the country and Japan returned to normal in 1956. A major factor in the warming of relations was the Quirino dispensation’s stance to grant amnesty to Japanese criminals. With Japan zealously attend-ing to her reparation promises to rebuild the country ruined by war, things started to become congenial for both countries. The return of Japan’s consular office in Davao did not transpire until 1974 during the Marcos regime. Amid the turmoil during the dictatorship, Japan focused its efforts on ex-
tending overseas de-velopment assistance to the Davao region and firmed up its socio-economic ties with the city. Forty-four years since the mission’s reopening, Japan elevated the legation to a consulate-general, which was installed on Febru-ary 10, 2018, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in the city. The event, hosted by Koji Haneda, Japanese envoy to the country, and consul general Yoshiaki Miwa, was attended by over 400 guests from various sectors of society. Highlighting the gathering was Japan’s minister for foreign af-fairs Taro Kono, who flew from Japan to attend the rites and hold bilateral consultations with key government officials. He delivered a message delving into Japan’s promise thrust of providing more business opportunities to the country and standing by in support of the
peace in Mindanao. He also led the Kagamibiraki (sake-barrel breaking ceremony), a traditional Japanese celebratory rite. Among those who showed up to grace the installation by repre-senting the Philippine government included executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., finance secretary Carlos Dominguez III, national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon, presidential peace process adviser Carlito Galvez, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Philippine envoy to Japan Jose Laurel V, and Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. On January 1, 2019, the mission was officially converted to a full-fledged consulate general. This upgraded status has been deemed ‘a concrete proof of the commitment of Japan by putting a premium on its relationship.’
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EDGEDAVAO LIFESTYLE
SAY ‘MADAYAW!’ TO
IT’S TIME to say “madayaw” (good day!) again to homegrown The Royal Mandaya Hotel (TRMH) as it reopened its doors on January 31, 2022 after the pandemic shutdown.
Dubbed “Your Home in Davao City”, TRMH is ready to cater to the needs not only of the millennials but all types of travelers who are looking for a comfortable, efficient, convenient, and true royal staycation in the heart of Davao City. “We took time in thinking if we should reopen given the uncertainty of this pandemic, but we thought about the hotel and its potential. We also thought of our staff who’s been there throughout this pandemic
and never left our side,” said Inna Melissa Escandor, executive vice president of TRMH. TRMH promises an unforgettable stay as guests will surely enjoy every single element of the hotel from the comfort of Royal Mandaya suites, hearty breakfast menu to the warm and gracious service that makes everyone feel at home. On its reopening, guests can relive the hotel’s heartfelt hospitality and elegance, while relaxing in the charming rooms in the eight-story Tower 2. “We’re reopening 60 rooms in Tower 2. Guests will have access to the newly renovated pool, gym (on scheduled visits), wifi, cable tv,” Escandor said. The excitement does not end there as guests will discover pleasing gastronomic surprises as TRMH formulates unique fusions to make their stay more delightful. Summer vibe is coming and hotel patron will have a chance to bask in its turquoise pool waters and savor the Caribbean feel with the newly renovated cabana. There are a lot of reasons why the hotel ticks. Among them is the 183-room
TRMH is considered one of the city’s iconic places as President Rodrigo Duterte used it as his headquarters during the 2016 elections. As a caring host, TRMH
provides a safety kit for the well-being of its guests and takes stringent measures by ensuring the cleaning and disinfection of all operating facilities and guest rooms at all times. While keeping in line with the minimum health standards, face masks are still mandatory inside the hotel. Now as travelers started going out from their hiatus, TRMH is preparing a warm welcome for its guests by offering promotional room rates for its guests amid the reopening. “We are going to be fully positive with this re-opening. Armed with gear that will take this pandemic, head-on. This is also a beam of hope for our family, the establishment, and our team as well as to our guests who makes it possible for us to open our doors again,” Escandor said.
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GAME CHANGER
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JESON F. DELFINADO:
BASKETBALL IS HIS PASSION By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
J
courtesy of Jeson Delfinado
eson Flores Delfinado is the third child of Patrecio Raul Perez Delfinado and Maria Fe Roselita Flores. Regine and Martin came ahead of him while Patrick and James followed him. He was born on October 13, 1994 in Davao City. His childhood dream was to play at the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and be part of a national team. He sees himself playing with and against some of his basketball idols. More importantly, he wants his life to be an inspiration to other kids who dream of becoming a basketball player like him. Let’s go back in time first. Jeson spent his elementary years at the Brokenshire College. After graduation, he attended Far Eastern University (FEU), where he finished high school. He graduated in 2018 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Business Management) at the FEU. Jeson started playing with balls when he was
still a kid. He was still 10 years old when he joined the football team. But he was more interested with what his brother, Martin, was doing: basketball. “I enjoyed watching my kuya playing basketball. I usually accompanied him while he was training for Milo Best. Ako ang water boy, taga dala ng mga gamit n’ya, at taga kuha ng kanyang milo drinks,” he admitted. He really liked what his big brother was doing. “Makulit akong bata,” he said. So, he asked his brother to teach him how to play basketball. When his kuya had a practice at school, he joined them. When they got home after training at school, he wouldn’t tell his father that he was tired because he still had to train at
night some techniques on martial arts. “My father supported my kuya in becoming a basketball player but not me,” he said, saying that the father saw Martin’s future in basketball. But not Jeson’s. “Our father wanted me to become a soldier after finishing high school and that was the reason why he hired a trainer on taekwondo and arnis for me.” Although he didn’t abhor becoming a soldier, what he really wanted was to become a basketball player like his kuya. His persistence paid off. When he was in fourth grade, he was finally playing basketball for the school team. But still, his father didn’t support him. For instance, if his father bought new shoes for Martin, he won’t buy new shoes for Jeson. “Kahit malaki ang paa ng kuya ko, iyong lumang shoes n’ya ang ginagamit ko
para lang makapaglaro ako.” After graduating from elementary at the Brokenshire College, he decided to be enrolled at the Holy Child College of Davao, where he was already training since he was in fifth grade together with his older brother. Although he was already playing basketball for the freshmen team, his father still supported Martin. “If my kuya had a championship game, all family members were required to watch the game,” he said. But when Jeson also had such an event, it wasn’t compulsory: they had the option not to watch. Then something happened during the summer when he was already 16. The sophomore team had won several basketball tournaments and they were given awards that summer. During the recognition day, there was one player who told them that the Far East-
ern University (FEU) was having a try-out. Jeson was excited and told his parents about it. But at that time, there was a problem. They were having a problem financially. He was given an exact amount – fare from the house to the venue gym and then back home. The try-out was supposed to be at three in the afternoon but he
went earlier. When he arrived at the place, he was surprised the venue was still closed. When he asked the security guard, he was told there was no schedule for such a tryout at the gym. He was completely devastated. (He found out later that he was given false information so that he could
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Mayor Sara has a reminder for the Dabawenyos who want to visit the coastal but are afraid of Covid-19 infection due to the number of people crowding there right now. “Don’t worry because as usual sa sugod ingon ana man na ang tanang mga tao magtapok didto kung unsay uso. We expect that it will taper down and die down in the coming weeks diha sa coastal road,” the mayor said. The Bago Aplaya-Talo-
mo section of the Davao City Coastal Road has been attracting large crowds violating physical distancing protocols since it opened on January 22, 2022. it is open from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Motorized vehicles are not allowed to access the road. The five-kilometer Bago Aplaya-Talomo section is the first phase of the 18.50-kilometer Davao City Coastal Road project.
ing severe Covid-19. Recently, the City Information Office (CIO) posted photos of City Health
Office (CHO) head, Dr. Ashley Lopez, handing over to Dr. Ricardo Audan, chief of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Molnupiravir capsules. The city government has procured a total of 2,000 bottles of the Mulnopiravir, of which 1,000 were allocated to SPMC while the remaining bottles would
go to the city’s temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMFs). “The instruction to the health group is make it (Molnupiravir) available to patients who are indicated by doctors na kinahanglan nila ning tambal for COVID-19, whether naa sila sa private or naa sila sa TTMF or naa sila sa home isolation, because we do not know kung kanus-a pa ni mahuman ning pandemic,” Mayor Sara said. By Maya M. Padillo
ince, said they were baffled by the DOH-12’s decision to padlock and prohibit the use of the nursing building. He said they decided to use the newly completed structure due to the ongoing renovation of the hospital’s main building. “Our team was actually scheduled to hold a dry run for the operationalization of the COVID-19 Center but was surprised that it was padlocked,” he said. Braña claimed the local government is authorized to use the SGH to manage COVID-19 patients after being issued by the DOH-Regulations, Licensing and Enforcement Division (RLED) in November last year with a license-to-operate as a community isolation unit (CIU). As of Wednesday, the SCPH has 106 COVID-19 patients, way beyond the 30-bed capacity of its dedicated ward. Braña, who is also the SCPH chief, said such number does not include patients who came out positive in rapid antigen test and waiting for confirmatory reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR testing. The Integrated Provincial Health Office reported a total of 886 active COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, increasing by nearly 2,000 percent from the 44 cases on Jan. 4. Dr. Sulpicio Henry Legaspi, DOH-12 assistant director, clarified in a virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon that they did not receive any official communication from the provincial government re-
garding the use of the nursing building. He said they padlocked the structure since it is being used as a quarantine facility by 10 of their personnel who tested positive for COVID-19. DOH-12 has 143 employees assigned at the SGH since last year as part of the ongoing transition process. He said the move was also aimed to secure over P50-million worth of medical and laboratory equipment set up inside the building, which was only turned over recently to the agency by the Department of Public Works and Highways. “We can’t allow them to use the building since it was not yet inspected by RLED and not included in the certification to operate as CIU,” Legaspi said. But he said they are willing to operate the SGH, including the new building, as an isolation facility “even starting tomorrow” if it will be turned over by the local government. DOH-12 has been pushing for the full turnover of the hospital in the last two years but it was stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the delayed transition process, which was supposed to end in October last year. The provincial government has not yet signed the usufruct agreement with the agency and required the payment of around P150 million as reimbursement for its investments into the facility to finalize the transfer. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)
low sa minimum public health standards,” she said. Schlosser said that the number of cases will still depend on compliance with the minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and frequent washing of hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. “Para sa atoa in City Health Office, we will not be very confident kasi anytime pwede mutaas ang cases,” she said. She continue to encourage the people to get two doses of
the anti-Covid vaccines and a booster shot as an additional layer of protection against the risk of Covid-19. Schlosser also said that the prediction on the continuation of the surge until March still stands and could still happen. “The surge is not yet over because as of the moment the positivity rate in Davao City is at 32 percent although, we can see a downtrending of cases we can never be too confident. Makaingon lang ta nga wala nay surge if ang atong positivity rate is five percent below,” she said.
and 68.1 kilos of “hotdog processed meat” amount-
tion certificate, while others were given reminders on meat safety. A scalding drum was also confiscated at the old slaughterhouse along Liberty, Barangay Central. The confiscated meat/ carcasses were immediately condemned and buried at the City Slaughterhouse Condemnation Facility in Sitio Sudlon, Brgy. Central. (CIO MATI)
ternet services in the underserved and unserved areas. Ferrer added internet services should also be made affordable especially for those who have significantly lower purchasing power than those in urban areas. Data from DICT’s 2019
National ICT Household Survey showed that among the barangays in the Philippines, 88 percent do not have access to free Wi-Fi, 60 percent do not have telecommunications towers, and 70 percent do not have fiber optic cables. (PNA)
as South Korea, Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States and Germany. On the matter of preparing the destinations, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) chief-operating-officer Ma. Anthonette Velasco-Allones last Monday said the country has established 79 tourism circuits, consisting of travel-ready places in different regions. “It is safe to say that they are ready. They are more than ready,” she said, adding that the TPB is also working with the DOT-National Capital Region to “refresh” visitor arrival areas in Metro Manila. The government is also eyeing to further streamline travel rules in destinations to make travel more convenient, especially for foreign tourists. Tourism Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking said the DOT, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units will be meeting to discuss the subject. Optimistic
With the Philippines finally reopening its gates to leisure travelers, Velasco-Allones expressed optimism about the Philippines’ tourism industry in 2022. “Our outlook for the tourism industry in 2022 is actually quite optimistic. Imagine the first major global summit will happen in the Philippines in April,” she said, referring to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit. She added that the government would continue to promote and develop the Philippines as a top international MICE destination. “The DOT and TPB teams are actually preparing for the MICE global campaign to be formally launched this year, wala tayong (we don’t have this) global MICE campaign in the past so this is something that is new,” she said. Aside from the WTTC Global Summit, one of the events slated in the coming months is the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
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ing to P8,172. The amount of confiscated meat totals to P82,580.40. One particular meat shop was caught selling meat that are already on the early stage of deterioration in violation of the City Ordinance No. 71 series of 2011 and Republic Act 10536. One meat shop was selling without a meat inspec-
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in the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, which currently includes
the study of biofortification in its revised research agenda. “On the research and development front, we have poured extensive resources into the new facilities of the Crop Biotechnology Center in DA-PhilRice, where the Golden Rice Program office and other ongoing biotech crop research activities will be housed,” Dar said. Dar said biotechnology is a “powerful tool of science to feed the future”. “The stance of the DA is clear: biotechnology is a pillar of our ‘OneDA approach’ to ensuring agricultural productivity, sustainability, economic growth, and nutri-
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up in flight frequencies as needed,” said Xander Lao, chief commercial officer at Cebu Pacific. As the situation remains fluid, travel guidelines may change, the airline said. Travelers must always check with the LGU of their destination for updates on travel requirements, it added. Cebu Pacific said the travel guidelines and requirements for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
tional security,” he said. He said the biosafety approval of Golden Rice for commercial propagation firmly cements the Philippines’ leadership in agriculture biotechnology in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) region. Dar said the department welcomes its role as a pioneer in the deployment and commercialization of the first rice variety of genetically modified (GM) for nutritional improvement. He added that DA will be needing capacity assistance and funding resources to move their basic knowledge’s from institutions such as International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to strategic research partners. (PNA) individuals, as well as for children, may be accessed via bit.ly/CEBTravelRequirements. The airline said it operates with 100% fully vaccinated active flying crew. “Our pilots and cabin crew undergo regular antigen testing (Test Before Duty) before they are assigned to operate flights,” it said. Cebu Pacific added it has already started its booster program to ensure the continued safety of its employees and passengers.
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also in high spirits heading into the semifinal, having pulled off a 1-0 upset of Aus-
tralia in the quarters, thanks to a sensational goal by skipper Ji So-yun in the 88th minute.
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not join the try-out.) When he returned home early, his sister was surprised. He told him the reason. The story would have ended there but that summer, a coach asked him to be involved in a summer clinic as a coach. The summer training usually started at 1 and ended at 4. After that, he would join the practice of college students from 4 pm until 7 in the evening or until 10 pm. “My mindset was really to further improve my skills in basketball,” he reasoned out on why he joined the practice of being a college basketball player. During one of his practices, his father watched him. It so happened that he was sitting beside another father who told him that the FEU coach – who conducted a try-out – was looking for Jeson. His father was completely flabbergasted. After all, Jeson wasn’t able to join the try-out. The person, who was also a coach, told Jeson’s father that the try-out was just a formality to watch some players who had potential. What the FEU coach really wanted was to meet Jeson during the try-out. Jeson’s father got hold of the number of the FEU coach and called him that night. The coach told him that he wanted to get Jeson for FEU. If they were really interested, the coach would buy him a ticket and for his son to bring them to Manila. He would also pick them at the airport. When Jeson learned that he was considered, he was again excited. But he was still adamant. However, his father told him to accept the offer as everything was free. After seeking guidance from the Lord, he came to Manila accompanied by his mother who also decided to work there as a teacher. “Actually, I accepted the offer for the sake of my family,” he said. At that time, the family was really hardup financially. His younger brothers – Patrick and James – were already attending public schools, which he never experienced. And so that was the start of his career. When he graduated from FEU Fern, it was the first time when the said school became champion at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). There were so many universities that offered him scholarships but settled with FEU nonetheless. He spent five years in college since there were some units that he failed to take as he played basketball for the FEU Tamaraws. Instead of going straight to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after graduation, he believed he wasn’t ready yet. “May doubt pa ako sa sarili ko,” he told spin.ph’s Gerry Ramos. “That led him to take his act to the PBA D-League, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and other minor leagues just to further hone his skills and boost his confidence.”
In the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft, he wanted to join but he figured in an accident. Then, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic happened in 2020. Like most Filipinos, he had a hard time. “Half of 2020, I was in survival mode in Manila,” he admitted. “There was no basketball, no opportunities whatsoever. In order for me to survive, I became a delivery rider since I have a motor. That was my source of income during that time.” He experienced waking up at 5:30 in the morning and eating 4-5 cups of rice. “I didn’t eat lunch because I was already on the road delivering something for people,” he recalled. “I did all those because I wanted to survive. In fact, I didn’t go home during Christmas time.” Looking back, he questioned himself about his future. So, he returned home to ponder what God has really prepared for him. He thought basketball was not for him and so he decided he would use the college degree he had taken. But fate intervened. “One of the coaches in Manila called me and brought me back to play basketball,” he recalls. The said coach let him played for Nueva Ecija Bespren in Filbasket, where he became known as Mr. Energy Guy. Then, he finally tried for the PBA Rookie Draft. Although there was a huge number of rookies who applied, he was one of the five former FEU cagers who was selected. “After years of desperation and what ifs, with almost two years of hopelessness and doubts,” he wrote in his Facebook account. “Years of hard work to survive. Years of encouragement to continue.” Jeson thanked God for allowing him to keep the fire burning and the desire of making it in the big league. “Thank you, Lord,” he said, “for bringing me back to my love, my career, and my happiness.” The Davao cager quoted the Bible which said, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declared the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Check Jeremiah 29:11 for that. But right now, due to a pandemic, his status is classified as “unrestricted free agent.” It means any team can give him an opportunity to play with. “I am planning to get an open door to play on any PBA teams,” he admits. “Formally, when you get to sign a PBA contract, it matters how long the contract is, so it depends if it’s one conference, one to two years contract, and that’s the time you will have a chance to play at PBA,” Jeson explains. He returned home to his family last December and he went back to Manila on the third of February as his coach had called him. He may not be joining a team yet but he is looking for an open door. He is staying ready “when the moment comes,” he says.
scored at least 27 points in the last three of those four games. Avery Bradley scored 11 points for the Lakers, while Dwight Howard had 10 points with seven re-
bounds. Anthony had eight rebounds of his own. CJ McCollum scored 15 points, while Robert Covington added 13 rebounds as the Blazers had a 24-1 advantage in points off turnovers.
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Nets guard James Harden had another lackadaisical night.
Koreans expect tough match vs Pinays
K
orea Republic veteran Cho So-hyun vowed that they will not be complacent when they take on the Philippines in the semifinal of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Thursday afternoon in Pune, India. Ranked 18th in the world by FIFA, South Korea is the odds-on favorite to advance to the tournament final against the 64thranked Filipinas, who have been the surprise of the competition so far. With Australian coach Alen Stajcic calling the shots, the Philippines progressed to the final four after a thrilling victory against Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinal, where
they won, 4-3, in a penalty shootout. In the group stages, they booked a 1-0 win against Thailand and a 6-0 rout of Indonesia, and were competitive against Australia before losing, 0-4. “Every match is becoming more difficult to play,” said the 33-year-old Cho, who plays club football for Tottenham Hotspur in England’s Women Super League (WSL). “It’s a tournament, every match counts, so it’s important that we avoid being complacent,” she added. “Obviously right now, facing the Philippines, we are watching the games, we’re preparing well.” The South Koreans are
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Nets suffer 6th straight defeat
T
he Brooklyn Nets lost to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in their sixth consecutive NBA defeat that ended 112-101. Nic Claxton tried to rally the Nets with his 23 points and 11 rebounds but James Harden’s poor game and the absence of Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, and LaMarcus Aldridge hit Brooklyn hard at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
Harden played with only four points and 12 assists, while Kyrie Irving was unable to leave a mark with 14 points. On a right-hand strain that Harden recently suffered, Nets coach Steve Nash said: “I think he’s feeling less (hand) irritation.”
“So, the inflammation has come down. Therefore, the irritation is much better, and he feels like he’s functioning well, so we’re very hopeful,” he added. The Brooklyn Nets are sixth with 29 wins and 22 losses in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Sacramento Kings placed 13th with 19 wins and 34 losses in the Western table. Other results: Indiana
Pacers - Orlando Magic: 118-119; Philadelphia 76ers - Washington Wizards: 103106; Boston Celtics - Charlotte Hornets: 113-107; New York Knicks - Memphis Grizzlies: 108-120; Houston Rockets - Cleveland Cavaliers: 115-104; Dallas Mavericks - Oklahoma City Thunder: 114-120; Utah Jazz - Denver Nuggets: 108104; and Los Angeles Lakers - Portland Trail Blazers: 9994. (Anadolu)
scored 30 points and Anfernee Simons added 19 as the Trail Blazers lost their third consecutive game and fell for the fifth time in their last six contests. Portland is now 8-9 without star guard Damian Lillard, who is out after having abdominal surgery. Jusuf Nurkic scored 16 points with 13 rebounds as the Trail Blazers went 1-3 on a four-game road trip and now head home for the next five games. The Lakers started fast, leading by as many as 13 in the second quarter, but the Blazers had a 32-20 advantage over the final 9:23 of the first half to trail just 54-53 at the break. Portland entered the
fourth quarter with a 7572 advantage before the Lakers opened the period on an 8-2 run to lead 80-76. But Portland tied the game 89-all after a 3-pointer by Powell with 2:44 remaining. Davis put the Lakers ahead for good 91-89 on a step-back jumper with 2:24 remaining and went on a personal 6-0 run to put Los Angeles up 95-89 with 52 seconds remaining. The Lakers didn’t score a point off a turnover until Davis made a free throw with 2:07 remaining. Davis was playing in just his fourth game since returning after more than a month away because of a knee injury. He has
AD, Melo lead Lakers past Blazers A
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) controls the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters.
nthony Davis scored 30 points with 15 rebounds and Carmelo Anthony added 24 points as the Los Angeles Lakers ended a three-game losing streak with a 99-94 victory Wednesday over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers. Russell Westbrook scored nine points with 13 assists and 10 rebounds as the Lakers won after going 2-4 on a sixgame trip. The trip, which began Jan. 21, was played exclusively against Eastern Conference teams. All three defeats in the losing streak came without LeBron James, who remained out with swelling in his left knee. Norman Powell
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FLYING THE FLAG Asa Miller will march with the flag in the parade of nations that highlights Friday’s opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Lone Winter Olympics PH entry proud to carry the flag
A
sa Miller will carry the country’s colors for the second time in a row in the parade of nations that highlights Friday’s opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. “I’m extremely excited the first time, it was one of the best moments of my life,” Miller said on Thursday after another day of training at the National Alpine Skiing Centre atop Xiaohaituo Mountain. “And I can’t wait to do it for the second time.” Joining the 21-year-old alpine skier in the parade are Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation head Jim Palomar and Chef de Mission Bones Floro. Tolentino and POC head of legal Billy Sumagui arrived here on Tuesday to support Miller’s second Winter Games. The Portland-based alpine skier is the country’s sole representative in these Games unlike in Pyeongchang 2018 when figure skater Michael Martinez vied in his second consecutive Olympics. “It feels great that it’s real now,” Miller said. “And it feels great to be in China again—the Olympic spirit and the culture all over the place, as well as the other athletes—they’re very fun and motivating.” A then 14-year-old Miller was involved in an exchange student program in Beijing in 2014 making him quite familiar with the Chinese culture. Athletes from 91 countries will be marching during the parade of nations with the Philippines entering the massive and grand venue—the National Stadium, also known as “The Bird’s Nest”—in Beijing at No. 69. The ceremony starts at 8 p.m. (Manila and Beijing time) and is expected to last for one hour and 40 minutes. As in every major interna-
tional sports competition, the program is kept under wraps until it begins, although three-time Academy Award nominee Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in the same venue, described the ceremony as “simple, safe and splendid.” The show will feature 3,000 performers, most of which are teenagers. Chinese women’s The theme for the 2008 Games showcased China and its 5,000-year history to the world, but Zhang said “things will be a lot different” this time. Miller and co. will leave the Yanqing Athletes Village around noon on Friday for the two-hour bus ride to “The Birds’ Nest.” The 5-foot-8 Miller, who’s gotten bigger and stronger than 2018, is competing in men’s giant slalom on February 13 and slalom three days later. “I hope to do better this time around, I was really, really proud the last time and I’m prouder and more motivated this time,” he said. A total of 2,781 athletes are vying in 15 disciplines on the Winter Olympics program with events in curling and luge starting two days ahead of the opening ceremony on Wednesday and freestyle skiing, ice hockey and ski jumping commencing on Thursday. The team event in figure skating opens on Friday. The Games—spread out in three major venues in Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou—end on February 20. It wasn’t immediately known how many spectators will be allowed at the 80,000-seat National Stadium for the opening ceremony. (PR)