Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 283 | Saturday, February 19, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 283 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022

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Davao City deploys personnel to issue citation ticket to face mask violators STORY ON PAGE 2

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Campaign posters of a party list are tacked on trees along Doña Pilar Avenue in Sasa, Davao City. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has warned candidates in the May 9 elections and their supporters not to tack or nail campaign materials on trees. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 283 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022

A healthcare worker administers a dose of booster shot to a vaccinee at the People’s Park in Davao City. The Davao City COVID-19 Task Force reiterated the need for Dabawenyos to avail of COVID-19 booster shots as the city now targets to vaccinate the total population of over 1.8 million. Edge Davao

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SEC advances crackdown on illegal online lending

Davao City deploys personnel to issue citation ticket to face mask violators By MAYA M. PADILLO

ask violators beware. The city government of Davao has deployed 226 newly-deputized personnel and will start issuing citation tickets to all violators of face mask requirement at public places.

These deputized individuals were from various offices of the city government of Davao, Response Cluster of Covid-19 Task Force, and City Health Office

(CHO) who have completed a two-day training on the enforcement of Davao City Ordinance 0307-20 or the Mandatory Wearing of Face Mask at Public Places.

The newly-deputized personnel will be deployed in the city streets and offices of the city government to enforce the ordinance, including the issuance of the citation tickets with a penalty of P500 to violators. “I believed yes (deployment) because they already finished their face-to-face training. To make sure na implement and follow the

here are approximately 400 pairs of Philippine Eagle left in the forest of Mt. Apo and other forested areas in Southeastern Mindanao, according to Jimbea Lucino, culture-based conservation manager of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. She said they encourage forest guarding to preserve the Philippine Eagle which has reached critically-endangered status.

She attributed losing the eagles to the degradation of the environment, particularly the forests which serve as habitat for eagles and other wildlife. Lucino said only few can be seen in the forest and in the breeding center. She observed that a Philippine Eagle is territorial with 4,000 to 10,000 hectares of domain. Lucino admitted that due to the deforestation, the territory

of Philippine Eagles also reduces tremendously. She revealed that in the time of the pandemic, more or less ten Philippine Eagles have been turned over for the care at the breeding center after they are found to be trapped in the forest. “The Philippine Eagle has a nature to look for food in the forest and walking is one of its traits, that is why, it is not far that often they are trapped,” Lucino said.

minimum health standards, we have deputized personnel. Apart from the police personnel, naa ta’y mga members sa response cluster that are deputized to help and maghatag ug citation tickets to violators,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson for the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force. A deputized personnel

Lucino bared that often the traps were set up by the Indigenous Peoples for food while outsiders also set up traps for leisure or commercial reasons. She said it is urgent to educate everyone on the need to protect the Philippine Eagle. Lucino added that losing the eagle’s habitat leads eventually to losing the Eagle, the trees, the forest and clean water for

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400 pairs of Phil Eagle left T

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is moving forward its crackdown on unauthorized and abusive online lending activities, starting this year’s campaign with several individuals operating unregistered online lending applications. In a joint operation on February 12, the combined forces of the SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) successfully implemented a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data in Cashtrees Lending Corporation’s office in Pasig City. The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 issued the search warrant against Cashtrees Lending for misuse of device penalized under Section 4(a)(5) (i)(ii) of Republic Act No. 10275, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in operating unregistered online lending applications in violation of Republic Act No. 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act (LCRA). The onsite digital forensic examination on the seized devices showed that the employees of Cashtrees Lending operated online lending applications such as Happylend, Rush Loan, Easy Money, Good Pocket, Dummy Loan, Lucky Star, Swipe Cash, 365 Cash, Home Peso, Mega Loan, Treecash and Goldpeso.

Cashtrees Lending is registered as a corporation and holds a certificate of authority to operate as a lending company. It operates registered online lending platforms such as Happylend, Creditcash and Cashmore. However, majority of the online lending applications operated by Cashtrees Lending were unregistered. These include Goodpocket, Easymoney, 365 Cash and Rushloan, which have been the subject of cease and desist orders issued by the Commission. Following the digital forensic examination, the PNP-ACG arrested 46 employees, including the manager of Cashtrees Lending for violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the LCRA. On February 13, the SEC-EIPD and PNP-ACG filed with the Department of Justice an inquest complaint against the arrested employees of Cashtrees Lending for violating Section 4(a)(5)(i)(ii) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the LCRA in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The SEC has been receiving numerous complaints against online lending applications (OLAs) for various violations of the LCRA and for abusive debt collection practices in violation of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of

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EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

Assistant secretary Romeo M. Montenegro, executive director of the coordinating agency of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) bares that a new player will start serving the Davao-General Santos-Bitung roll-on, roll-off (RORO) route and is expected to serve the route regularly. Edge Davao

Davao-GenSan-Bitung roll-on, roll-off (RORO) has new player Drug den raid in Mati City nets No. 2 in provincial target list

he agents of Davao Oriental Provincial Office of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XI Davao, together with Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office and Mati City Police Station, conducted a buy-bust operation that resulted to the dismantling of a drug den and the arrest of suspected drug den maintainers on February 16, 2022 at Nazareno Street, Barangay Central, Mati City, Davao Oriental. The subjects of the operation identified as Gian Alexis Flores, 31 years old, married, Real Estate Agent, Number 2 in the Provincial Target List (PTL) and Kristoffer Aliezon @ Openg, 41 years old, married and both residents of the said place were arrested for selling one (1) piece heat sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as “shabu” worth Php. 1,000 to PDEA Agent who acted as poseur buyer. During the operation, a drug den visitor identified

as Norwin Liguez was present and caught in the act using illegal drugs inside the said drug den was also arrested. Eleven (11) pieces heat sealed transparent plastic sachets with suspected shabu in different sizes weighing more or less eleven (11) grams with a street value of Php. 165,000, assorted drug paraphernalia and the Php. 1,000 buy-bust marked money were also seized during the operation. The suspects will be charged for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) Section 6 (Maintenance of a Drug Den), Section 7 (Employees and Visitors of a Den), 13 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs During Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings,) and Section 14 (Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and Other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs During Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings), Article II of Republic Act 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PR/PDEA XI)

By MAYA M. PADILLO

new player will start serving the Davao-General Santos-Bitung rollon, roll-off (RORO) route and is expected to serve the route regularly. Undersecretary Romeo M. Montenegro, executive director of the coordinating agency of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said the shipping company will make a public announcement soon. “There is also another player, which is hoping to a make a public announce-

ment soon to serve the Davao-GenSan-Bitung connectivity as well. Naa lang sila’y gina-finalize,” he said. Montenegro said the interest of this new player shows that the market and the commodities have always been there and the only thing missing for the route are ships that would

be able to serve regularly. “That is what we hope later on sa vessel that will be deployed to serve its route and eventually mag pick up siya and eventually maging regular na route,” he said. The said route is currently facing a challenge on the availability of the ship after it was relaunched on April 30, 2017 with President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo leading the event,

ecretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) clarified that the agency will not overstep the decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 (DENR 11) over alleged mining activities reportedly polluting the Mapagda River in Banaybanay,

Davao Oriental. A team from DENR 11 is conducting an investigation and assessment of the areas to evaluate the cause of the heavy siltation and discoloration of Mapagda River after heavy rains occurred for more than 12 hours from noon of January 13 to January 14, 2022. “We cannot overstep

in the mandate of DENR and Bureau of Mines. They have a set of regulations and processes to follow. May investigation, warning, kung hindi ma-comply ang mga recommendations nila, closure kung kailangan i-close,” Acosta said in a virtual presser. Acosta said MinDA will only step in the rehabilita-

in the hope to strengthen trade between the two countries. During the launch, it used the 500-TEU M/V Super Shuttle RORO 12 of Philippine company Asian Marine Transport Corp. but was put on hold for lack of demand. “Ang dako na challenge was that when it was launched in 2017 dako kaayo ang vessel na gigamit for that. It was a 500 TEU/

tion and recovery especially livelihood for those who will be unemployed in case the mining company will stop its operations. “We will not get ahead kasi wala pang sinasabi ang DENR so antayin natin ang final results ng investigations and if they said you have to comply with the mit-

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MinDA will not overstep DENR over Davao Oriental situation S

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno says baseline inflation forecasts until next year have increased relative to the board’s projection last December due to higher domestic food inflation and upticks in global oil prices, but figures remained within the government’s 2-4 percent target band. Edge Davao

BSP exec downplays 2nd round effects on inflation

onstruction companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are “very interested” to participate in the ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program despite the term of President Rodrigo Duterte will end mid-2022. Monetary authorities have revised upwards the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) inflation forecasts for this year and next year due to supply-side factors, but a central bank official discounted any second-round effects. The central bank’s average inflation forecast for

2022 has been hiked to 3.7 percent from 3.4 percent last December, while the 2023 figure was changed from 3.2 percent to 3.3 percent. The projections for both years remain within the government’s 2-4 percent target band until 2024. In a virtual briefing on

Thursday, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said inflation dynamics are driven by few commodities. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data show that inflation in January 2022 slowed to 3 percent from the previous month’s 3.2 percent, both of which have been based on 2018 prices. Dakila said around 55.6 percent of the items included in the consumer price index (CPI) basket posted an inflation rate of below 2 percent, while 21 percent registered an inflation rate

of above 4 percent. “So given that situation, we can say that there is really limited evidence for second-round effects now actually having a play on how inflation is evolving,” he said. Second-round effects are brought about by price shocks, such as higher oil prices, resulting in an increase in fare and energy prices. The rate of price increases breached the government’s 2-4 percent target in February 2021 after

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Over 3K free skill training slots available for unemployed, out-of-school youth

ver 3,000 unemployed and out-ofschool youth will have a bigger chance at landing a job now that multiple organizations and firms have inked an agreement to provide free skills training worth almost P43 million under YouthWorks PH. YouthWorks PH is a P1.7-billion workforce development project of the United States Agency for

International Development and the Philippine Business for Education. It aims to provide work-based training opportunities for unemployed youth ages 18-30 years old. It was launched in 2018. Citing studies, PBEd Board of Trustees chairman Ramon Del Rosario Jr. said over 2 million skilled jobs are “expected to be left unfilled if there are no signif-

icant reforms in education and training of workers”. “The long-standing problem of job-skill mismatch continues to impair our efforts towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Without proper and relevant training, we will be left with weak foundation,” Del Rosario said. He said the “youth are linked” to training institutions to learn the skills they

need so they land meaningful jobs in the future. “Without sufficient skills training, youth from marginalized communities are faced with a host of challenges that impede their well-being and which have long-lasting consequences on their ability to lead productive lives,” Del Rosario said. “We must provide Fili-

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Food firm starts big pivot to renewable energy use

push towards a “net zero” goal and support for the country’s commitment to cut total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have propelled a food firm to source its electricity needs from power producers that use renewable sources. Universal Robina Corp., one of the country’s largest food firms, has signed an

agreement with MPower/ Vantage, Bacman, and First Gen to supply at least 18 of its facilities in Luzon and two more in the Visayas with geothermal, solar and hydro energy. These include factories in Pasig, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, Antipolo and Bulacan, as well as facilities in Cebu and Negros Occi-

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BSP keeps key rates steady amid higher inflation outlook

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy-making Monetary Board (MB) maintained anew Thursday the central bank’s key policy rates given the manageable inflation projections for the next two years. Thus, the overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate was still at a record-low 2 percent, the overnight deposit rate was at 1.5 percent, and the overnight lending rate was at 2.5 per-

cent. In a virtual briefing, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said baseline inflation forecasts until next year have increased relative to the board’s projection last December due to higher domestic food inflation and upticks in global oil prices, but figures remained within the government’s 2-4 percent target band. The latest average inflation projection is 3.7 percent

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EDGEDAVAO

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ECONOMY

Tuna from General Santos City are sold at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is inviting foreign investors to look for opportunities in the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector, particularly tuna. Edge Davao

More foreign investors urged to tap PH agri, fisheries sector PH eyeing free trade deal with UAE —DTI

he Philippines is aiming to forge a comprehensive partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates, banking on its trade relations with the Middle Eastern country, the Department of Trade and Industry said Friday. “The proposed comprehensive economic partner-

ship agreement with the UAE is envisioned to cover the usual elements of an FTA (free trade agreement) and other areas of emerging interests,” the DTI said in a statement. Philippines’ interests include fresh and processed fruit, seafood, food

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) is inviting foreign investors to look for opportunities in the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector, particularly tuna. “We are proud exporters of tuna. We send this high-quality fish from General Santos City in Mindanao to the various parts of the world like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan -- their sashimi are from the Philippines,” DA spokesperson Noel Reyes said in a virtual press briefing on Thursday.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar is participating at the five-day Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire (Gulfood) at Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates until Thursday to take on the global stage in promoting the country’s agricultural products. “The fisheries sector

also presents advantageous business ventures with Philippine waters stocked with unlimited fish supplies, and aquaculture as an emerging and promising industry,” Dar in his presentation in Dubai. Dar said there is a “wealth of investment opportunities” in the sustainable management of tuna in the Philippines, as well as the construction of post-harvest and processing facilities for the local marine fisheries.

Ranking second in the world in terms of value, Dar said seaweeds generate big returns even with small investments. The DA has already bagged a deal with Baladna Qatar Public Shareholding Company for the establishment of a USD500-million integrated dairy facility here. Apart from the fisheries and dairy sector, Dar also bannered Philippine fruit crops -- carabao mango, pineapple, and banana. (PNA)

Unit and received here on Thursday. Meanwhile, the value of merchandise trade rose to 28.2 percent for exports and 27.3 percent for imports, driven by higher costs of fuel and manufactured products. The update highlights that the reasons for this surge are the combined effect of a rebound in economic activity, marked by a spike in demand as well as a low base, since trade contracted in the last couple of years. Adding to that, supply shocks led to higher shipping and storage costs that

fed into the prices of exports and imports. APEC’s trade expanded in a broad range of manufactured goods, including iron and steel, chemicals, machineries, clothing, and footwear, while trade in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-related goods, such as pharmaceuticals and telecommunications equipment, has remained strong. “To sustain the recovery, member economies should remain united in their response and their priorities; that in the immediate period, we must ensure that peo-

PH, UK reaffirm commitment APEC posts double-digit growth in trade despite disruptions for stronger economic ties

he Philippines and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to boost economic partnership, especially in terms of investments. In a statement Thursday, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy Richard Graham made a courtesy call to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez last February 16 to exchange updates on economic developments of the two countries and put forward interests for future cooperation. During the meeting, Lopez highlighted that sustainable development is one

of the key priority areas of the Philippines for trade and investment, which UK businesses can look into. These include investments in renewable energy, manufacturing of electric vehicles, and green metals. From the UK side, Graham said British enterprises are interested in exploring opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, creative industry, and digitalization. Graham also welcomed the passage of key economic bills, such as the Retail Trade Liberalization law, as well as the Foreign Investment Act

and the Public Service Act that are waiting for the President’s signing. He added these legislations will help to attract more UK investments to the Philippines. “(T)hey lauded the major economic reforms and other programs (that) we are doing that will certainly encourage those who have indicated interest before to reconsider investing in key sectors (in) the Philippines, like in telecommunications and logistics, as it will now allow greater foreign investor equity participation,” Lopez said in a Viber message to reporters.

he Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, home to half of the world’s trade, posted double-digit growth both in trade volume and value during the January-September 2021 period, according to an update of the APEC Policy Support Unit report. The volume of APEC’s merchandise exports and imports increased by 14 percent and 16 percent respectively as compared to the same period last year, when these were in the negative zone, said a written statement issued by the APEC Policy Support

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the move by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to push for the implementation of big-ticket projects for Mindanao, particularly the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) and the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project, to the new administration:

It will be the main agenda of MinDA to push for these big-ticket projects like the Mindanao Railway and Davao- Samal bridge and others.” Secretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson

EDITORIAL Crackdown Lowly “sari-sari” stores cannot operate like drugstores as it is against the law. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) says so.

The DILG has called on local governments to approve ordinances banning the sale of medicines by “sari-sari” stores nationwide. The agency made the move after receiving complaints about the proliferation of retail stores selling fake medicines. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año also ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest persons operating stores selling medicines without license. The DILG chief said local government units should pro-

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The crackdown ordered by Año came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported to President Duterte about the rampant problem. Año should see to it that the crackdown will bear results like violators arrested and charged in court. As of this writing almost 200 violations have been listed by the FDA and reported to the President. 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

tect the health and general welfare of their constituents. “We therefore urge LGUs to ensure that sari-sari stores within their jurisdictions are not selling any medicine because under the law they are not authorized to do so,” Año was quoted as saying by national daily newspapers yesterday.

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

VOL.14 ISSUE 283 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE! The period from sunrise to noon is called morning. Although there are no exact times when morning begins, it usually ends at noon. What most people don’t know is that the modern English words “morning” and “tomorrow” came from Middle English morwening, which developed into morwen, then morwe and eventually morrow. Unlike some other languages, English has separate terms for “morning” and “tomorrow,” despite their common root. “For some, the word morning may refer to the period immediately following waking up, irrespective of the current time of day,” Wikipedia states. “This modern sense of morning is due largely to the worldwide spread of electricity, and the independence from natural light sources.” As for me, morning starts by the time I wake up from bed. Generally, I don’t stand immediately. Instead, I sit in one corner of my bed and wait for some moments. Some doctors told me

not to stand up right away after waking up or else I may experience vertigo. So that some moments are spent in prayer. Before going to bed, I usually pray. So, when I wake up, I also pray. I thank God for protecting me while I was sleeping. In addition, praying that He will also protect me during the day when I will be working or going somewhere. In everything, the Bible tells us, give thanks. What’s your ritual when you wake in the morning? “Every morning, I wake up saying, ‘I’m still alive, a miracle,’” said Canadian actor Jim Carrey. “And so, I keep on pushing.” Japanese artist Yoko Ono suggests, “Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” Steve Jobs had the same ritual. “For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself, ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been,

‘No,’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something,” he said. American actor Bruce Willis (of Die Hard series) wakes up laughing in the morning. “Yes, I wake up in the morning and there I am just laughing my head off,” he admits. Ernie Banks has a different view: “When I wake up in the morning, I feel like a billionaire without paying taxes.” Award-winning film director Francis Ford Coppola (the man behind The Godfather trilogy) says he likes to work in the morning. “I like to sometimes go to a place where I’m alone where I’m not going to get a phone call early that hurts my feelings, because once my feelings are hurt, I’m dead in the water.” Lemony Snicket considers morning as an important time of the day, “because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.” Richard Whately has the view: “Lose an hour in the morning, and you will spend all day looking for it.”

“Waking up early, connecting with nature, and having my quiet time are priorities to me,” said Danette May, “and they are non-negotiable.” Whitney Johnson shares this thought: “Mornings are so precious because it’s when I’m most productive. For me, thirty minutes at 5:30 am is equivalent to at least an hour at 3:00 pm.” “For many years, my morning routine was a result of how other people expected me to show up,” said Amber Rae. “I was overwhelmed and off-center because I was ignoring the messages my body was sending me.” “Starting my day with exercise gives me a big mood and energy boost throughout the day and makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something right off the bat,” said Jake Knapp. Monica Baldwin has this to say: “The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the 24 hours. No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you pos-

sess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always doesn’t, matters not a jot. The possibility is always there.” There are those who wake up feeling being loved and to be with someone they love the most. “Let me wake up next to you, have coffee in the morning and wander through the city with your hand in mine, and I’ll be happy for the rest of my little life,” said Charlotte Eriksson. “Morning without you is a dwindled dawn,” Emily Dickinson wrote. Nicholas Sparks scribbled: “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever.” Finally, here’s a thought from two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks: “When the sun came up… I couldn’t tell where heaven stopped and the Earth began.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

PROFILING DATU BAGO’S DOMAIN By going through the standard historical narratives, mainly dependent on oral tradition, missionary chronicles, and official accounts, the common thread that prominently attracts attention is the claim that Datu Bago, Davao’s legislated Moro hero, was ruler of the entire gulf. There are loopholes in this assertion that need to be revisited, especially the facets related to his regime, such as the size of his domain, the extent of his control as ‘ruler of the gulf,’ which implies domination over the entire bay, and the status of adjacent Moro enclaves in relation to his authority. These aspects can provide us a better appreciation of Datu Bago’s leadership during the Spanish-led invasion despite the scarcity of information about him. Most local historians agree

the conquest of Datu Bago’s domain took roughly three months, i.e., from April to June 1848. Against a 70 or so invaders and a compliment of indigenous fighters from Samal, the Moro chieftain’s forces were not really facing a huge unit except that the invaders were superiorly equipped in terms of weaponry. Between the time the attack was launched and the period the datu’s Bankerohan territory fell in disarray, there’s nary an account telling he got direct support during the battle from adjacent areas that were supposedly his vassals. This observation raises a question as to his true hold of the place as ‘ruler of the gulf.’ Why did Datu Bago not call on the relatives of his Kalagan second wife to help secure his turf? Bringing in reinforcements from Tagum via the tributaries linking Bincungan

to Davao River would have defended the fort at Bankerohan longer. Even the Moro districts in the north, especially Lasang, which is a few leagues from the Davao River delta, failed to timely link with him. Worse, the Moros of Darong, instead of reinforcing the beleaguered Datu Bago forces from the sea, were content to wait in ambush the invading troops doing mopping operations after the Moro chieftain had fled to Lapanday following the fall of his fortress at Pag-asa and Madapo heights in the hands of Don Jose Oyanguren’s troops. Now come the questions: Was Datu Bago really the ‘ruler of the gulf’ or was he just one of the numerous fiefs along the coastline of the bay? Why did he fail to enlist the support of the Moros living adjacent to his domain? How was his relationship with other Moro enclaves

near his domain and those in the north and south sections of the bay? What is known, though, is that during the Spanish-led invasion, intra-tribal conflict was a real issue, and the discord between the tribes and Moros, in part due to incursions in indigenous settlements, created uncertainty for the Moros in extending aid to the besieged chieftain. Another angle for the failed help might be due to fear the reinforcement would be waylaid by tribal warriors supportive of the invasion. Against an occupying team that was far more superior in weaponry to them, the Moros was practical enough not to be drawn into a conflict that was blamed on the miscalculation of Datu Ongay, who torched the trading ship ‘San Rufo’ at Pakiputan Strait, in the waters where ferry boats

navigate in reaching Samal Island. Moreover, it is unusual why during the invasion no forces from the Maguindanao sultanate, where Datu Bago had close ties, showed up to reinforce from the sea. Maybe the Moro leader was confident he could contain the attacks only to find out belatedly that he was already a lost cause and there was no more time to dispatch an emissary to seek help from the governing sultan. There is still much to understand how Datu Bago was viewed by his peers during that time. Though he was one of two influential Moro gulf rulers at the turn of the 19th century, his control of the bay had greatly been affected by the lack of support from patrons after the foreigners managed to sign friendly trade covenants with the ruling sultanates.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Phoenix gives free LIMITLESS coupons for love month

Phoenix launched the ‘Thank You 4 The Love’ promo on Valentine’s Day via FB Live in celebration of the fourth anniversary of the Phoenix PULSE Technology fuel additive. In celebration of love month and the anniversary of the launch of its fuel additive product, homegrown petroleum company and the country’s third largest oil brand Phoenix Petroleum is giving away free coupons for loyal customers who are active LIMITLESS app members. For the whole month of February, registered LIMITLESS users will get free coupons from Phoenix fuels, Phoenix SUPER LPG, FamilyMart, or Autoworx Plus for valid transactions as a part of the brand’s ‘Thank You 4 The Love’ promo. “It has been four years since we launched our Phoenix PULSE Technology, and since then, we have been giving motorists access to an innovative formulation that gives vehicles enhanced power and acceleration at no additional cost. This promo commemorates that landmark year, and celebrates the loyalty of our customers all these years,” Phoenix Petroleum President Henry Albert Fadullon said. Officially launched

through a Facebook Live done on the evening of Valentine’s Day, the ‘Thank You 4 The Love’ promo is open to all registered LIMITLESS members. Two Php 100 fuel coupons await those who purchase a minimum of Php 1,000 worth of Phoenix fuel vouchers, while an additional Php 100 fuel coupon will be given to those who purchase Phoenix SUPER LPG vouchers via the app. Meanwhile, users who will buy Php 1,000 worth of FamilyMart vouchers or Php 3,000 worth of Autoworx vouchers will get a free Cherry Blossom Doughnut or free anti-bacterial service coupons, respectively. The free coupons are valid and accepted for redemption at 347 participating stations nationwide. In 2018, Phoenix Petroleum launched Phoenix PULSE Technology, a fuel additive with advanced cleaning and protection properties for enhanced power and acceleration. It is made with cutting-edge fuel technology by world-class fuel experts, exclusively for Phoenix Petroleum. The additive is blended in all Phoenix fuels, and is offered at no additional cost for motorists. Since then, the brand has celebrated every anniversary by offering promos and discounts to customers.

AboitizPower moves IT infrastructure to the cloud

AboitizPower distribution utilities, which serve around 1 million customers nationwide, migrated their enterprise and legacy systems from on-premise servers to the Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing platform of tech company Amazon

Inc. This innovation provided the company with increased system reliability and scalability, reduced operating costs, and better customer service. “Due to the increasing dependence of our business on IT systems, there is now a greater need

to ensure that AboitizPower is equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to our customer’s needs,” said Lemuel Quilos, AboitizPower Vice President for IT. This digitalization initiative improved each distribution utility’s performance in batch pro-

AboitizPower delivers its Digital Transformation Strategy as more businesses shift to the cloud for improved performance, scalability, and reliability.

cessing, extraction and generation of operational and analytical reports, and resiliency during unplanned system outages. “AboitizPower embraces innovation as a key enabler to the growth and success of our businesses. We are constantly on the lookout for ways to maximize the latest technologies and digital trends to enhance our operations and customer service,” said Anton Mari G. Perdices, Chief Operating Officer of the AboitizPower Distribution Group. Quilos added that fully migrated and optimized systems will reduce the processing time for most vital back-end processes like bill extraction and payment posting by up to 50%. This ultimately leads to the prompt servicing of customers and further streamlining of the MobileAP- a mobile app launched by AboitizPower in 2020, which lets its users check current and previous bills, see power consumption charts, and manage multiple accounts.

As of February 15, 2022, the cloud migration project is at 91% completion with Balamban and Lima EnerZones in Cebu and Batangas having successfully completed their migration activities. These two units are the last ones among the AboitizPower distribution utilities including Visayan Electric, Davao Light, Cotabato Light, and the Subic and Mactan EnerZones to go live. Enterprise systems including Asset Management, GIS/mapping, and other legacy systems are scheduled to move up to the cloud soon, following the migration of all customer service-related applications and the project is set to conclude by April of 2022. To ensure the swift and careful migration of data to the cloud, most of the project activities were performed by internal resources in collaboration with AWS and the AWS ProServe Team. The joint efforts of the IT and operations teams are also instrumental in

completing the project at the soonest possible time. “This project has helped AboitizPower be in the forefront of IT innovation in the Philippine power sector, through the adoption of cloud computing capabilities,” Quilos said. The move to cloud computing is an essential part of the company’s digital transformation journey under AboitizPower’s Digital Transformation Strategy or DigitaLeap program. Through DigitaLeap, AboitizPower is able to integrate technological advances across all its business units with a long-term outlook for technology management and consolidation of technology direction on data. AboitizPower continues to deliver worldclass products and services to its customers and stakeholders, and be an enabler for economic growth by incorporating digitalization and innovation at the core of its strategies

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FILIPINO YOUTHS GET HIGH ERRONEOUSLY

ADDICTION (CANU.GOV.GY)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“D

rug abuse has ruined many lives,” declares Dr. Willie T. Ong, a vice-presidential aspirant and an internist-cardiologist. “The threat of illegal drugs is real and it’s closer than we think. In the Philippines, the drug abuse situation has actually increased over the years.” Drug abuse spares no one: famous and notorious, beautiful and ugly, employed or jobless, young and old, rich and poor. Health experts claim illegal drugs, which are highly addictive and outlawed substances, can easily destroy a whole generation. In fact, many cases of heinous crimes in the country are committed because the suspects are high on those illegal drugs. A technical brief from the World Health Organization of the United Nations said that the dependence and chronic usage of amphetamine-type stimulants is associated with psychosis and causes cognitive impairment, aggression and violence.

The choice to use illegal drugs for the first time is usually voluntary. More often than not, young people are the most vulnerable to the temptation and evils of these prohibited drugs. Projections made by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the country will have have 32.7 million Filipinos aged 14 and below in the coming years. It must be recalled that in 2008, the Philippine media reported the arrest of 11 high-school students who were caught doing a pot session in Quezon City. Most of the arrested students came from the ranks of “financially-distressed families.” As the students could not afford to conduct “the

DRUGS (SHUTTERSTOCK.COM)

pot session in a luxurious hotel or a mansion-like residence or condominium in one of the metropolitan areas’ premier locations that some scions of well-to-do families reportedly do on a regular basis,” they held it only in a “vacant lot.” A drug is defined as “any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, relief, treatment or prevention of disease or intended to affect the structure or function of the body.” A simpler but workable definition of a drug is any chemical substance that affects the body and its processes. “By law, drugs are divided into two categories:

prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Prescription drugs – those considered safe for use only under medical supervision – may be dispensed only with a prescription from a licensed professional with governmental privileges to prescribe.” Non-prescription drugs, on the other hand, are those considered safe for use without any medical supervision (like aspirin, for instance). Oftentimes, these drugs are sold overthe counter. To some people, the word “drug” means a sub-

ILLEGAL DRUGS (RECOVERYFIRST.ORG)

stance that alters the brain’s function in ways considered pleasurable – a mind-altering substance. These are what the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) as “dangerous drugs” or “illegal drugs.” “Drug abuse exists when a person continually uses a drug other than its intended purpose,” the DDB explains in its website. “This continued use can lead to drug dependence, a state of physical and psychological dependence or both on a dangerous drug.” Ecstasy is one of the prohibited drugs in the Philippines along with methamphetamine (also known as shabu), marijuana (can-

nabis), cocaine (crack), heroin, (smack), and LSD (acid or hippie). “All illegal drugs have immediate physical effects, and they also hinder psychological and emotional development, especially among young people,” says the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). A report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) which said that the country “remains an attractive (illegal) drug market” in Asia and even described the Philippines as “a transshipment point for the region.” This is the reason, said a

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can call the attention of a person not wearing a face mask, inform the person of the violation, then issue a citation ticket. Schlosser reminded the public to always observe the wearing of face masks because people cannot identify these deputized individuals because

they are not wearing a uniform. “Sa public, be careful because dili ni sila in uniform. You might be mingling with them. Bantay- bantay and always follow the minimum public health standards, especially the wearing of face mask,” she said.

the people. “It is actually an education for all from ridge to reef for us to discern the connection

of the Philippine Eagle to the healthy environment,” Lucino said. (PIA XI/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

2019, which provides for the Prohibition on Unfair Debt Collection Practices of Financing Companies and Lending Companies. In response, the Commission created a task force to handle complaints involving online lending operators and to take the appropriate measures to stop lending companies and their operators from engaging in abusive practices and activities. The task force closely coordinates with other law enforcement agencies such as the PNP-ACG and the National Bureau of Investigation to crack down on illegal online lending applications. The SEC regularly monitors lending and financing companies for their compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, as it seeks to protect borrowers from abusive, unethical, and illegal lenders. To date, the Commission

has canceled the licenses of 36 financing/lending companies due to various violations of applicable rules and regulations. It has also revoked the certificate of registration of a total of 2,081 lending companies for their failure to secure the requisite certificate of authority, pursuant to the LCRA. In total, 72 online lending applications have been ordered to cease operations for lack of authority to operate as a lending or financing company. In addition, the SEC has secured the convictions of 74 individuals for violation of the LCRA. To see the list of licensed lending and financing companies and their registration status, please visit the Lending and Financing Companies corner on the SEC website at https://www.sec.gov.ph/ lending-companies-and-financing-companies-2/lending-companies-and-financing-companies/. (PR/SEC)

accelerating to 4.1 percent. It declined to 3.7 percent in June and July, but surged to 4.4 percent last August before slowing down again and posting a 3.2 percent rate last December. The average inflation last year stood at 3.9 percent, higher than the previous year’s 2.4 percent. Authorities attributed

higher inflation to supply issues on fish and pork due to the impact of the African swine fever and the surge in global oil prices. Dakila said these factors are best addressed by non-monetary policy measures, which the government is implementing through higher importation of fish and pork as well as fuel subsidies.

dental. “One of our focus areas is climate action. Under climate action, URC is gearing towards net zero by 2050. We aim for a low-carbon economy by optimizing the use of renewable energy amongst other tools

to reduce the impact of GHG emissions,” URC chief sustainability officer David Lim said in a statement. Lim said the goal is to “have all our plants utilize electricity from 100 percent renewable energy by 2025.”

products, beverages, electronics, appliances, machinery, personal care goods, iron and steel, wood, cement, chemicals, automotive and automotive parts, ships and aircraft, textile and garments, footwear, and leather, according to the Trade department. Also, the DTI noted a potential FTA with UAE “may serve to provide for greater market access for goods and services, enhance investment flows, and ensure more opportunities for economic and technical cooperation.” “The Philippines recognizes UAE as a valuable trade

partner, given that UAE ranked 23rd among the Philippines’ overall trading partners in 2020 and is its 21st largest export market and 26th largest import supplier,” the agency said. UAE is the Philippines’ largest export market in the Gulf Cooperation Council, with exports to UAE comprising 58.26% of total Philippine exports to the region. In terms of investments, UAE ranked 17th among the Philippines’ investment partners in 2019, with around 87% of investments going into manufacturing.

3-pointer extended the advantage to 116-112 with 3:56 remaining. But the 76ers scored the next eight points to pull back ahead for good in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break. Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton missed a 3-pointer with about nine seconds left.

The Bucks had one final chance after Philadelphia’s Furkan Korkmaz lost the ball out of bounds with 2.3 seconds left. After Embiid fouled Antetokounmpo to force one more inbounds pass with 1.1 seconds left, Middleton missed a desperation 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

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500- footer capacity na vessel and that route was supposed to be having a market demand of initially at most 100. Sobra ra kadako ang barko gigamit and later on wala dayon naka take over,” Montenegro said. He said the Davao-GensanBitung route is still existing and serving a special chartered basis only. “Naa gihapon ang DavaoGenSan-Bitung every once in a while gina-serve gihapon na siya na route on a chartered basis lang,” he said. Montenegro said with MinDA’s continuing discussion with

some of the shipping players, Reefer Express Lines, a Filipino-owned company has started deploying vessels to serve the routes in the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area). “So Davao to Bitung and sometimes gina-serve pud niya ang other areas particularly Malaysia Labuan and route to Vietnam and in return from Vietnam naa siya dala either rice or semento bound for Mindanao. And during sa times na kinahanglan siya muhapit sa BIMP-EAGA focused areas gina serve niya ni,” he explained.

igating measures. Inaabangan yan ng MinDA but not to overstep the mandate of other government agencies,” she said. DENR 11 posted on its Facebook Page 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 DENR-11’s Composite Team from DENR-11 Regional Office, Mines and Geosciences Bureau 11 (MGB-11), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-11) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)

Lupon that was conducted last January 15, 2022. “I was actually there nagkaroon kami ng aerial reconnaissance because of that incident at nakita namin mula sa taas hanggang sa pagbaba hanggang sa umabot sa may bukana. Nakita natin kung saan galing yung discoloration at ano ang cause. Meron talagang mga lupa doon na nag bar down that is why nagkaroon ng siltation or discoloration,” Acosta said. Acosta emphasized that MinDA has always been at the forefront of sustainable development. “Nakalagay yan sa mndate ng MinDA na first” do no harm”-puwede tayong umunlad at puwede tayong mag progress pero unang una huwag natin ipapahamak ang kalikasan that is why we are going for sustainable development. Kinakalampag natin yung mga ahensiya na puwedeng tumulong para umunlad ang Mindanao pero hindi sila under sa MinDA,” she said. By Maya M. Padillo

pino youth with all opportunities possible to maximize their potential,” added Ryan Washburn, USAID Philippines Mission director. The private companies and institutions that signed the deal were Asiapro Multi-purpose Cooperative, Blogapalooza, Green-

cars Mindanao Corporation, Crossroads Training Institute, Universidad de Manila, Luljetta’s Place, Alrose Group, HOUSE Foundation and Messy Bessy. Some of the new partners said they need more skilled people.

for 2022 while 3.3 percent for 2023. These were previously at 3.4 percent for this year and 3.2 percent for next year. Diokno cited the recovery of the domestic economy as the government continues to ease movement restrictions and strengthen its vaccination drive against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). But he said the growth outlook is partly hampered by the elevated global commodity prices, geopolitical tensions

overseas, and uneven pace of vaccination in other countries. “Looking ahead, given the stronger signs of recovery in output growth and labor market conditions and improvements in domestic financial markets, the BSP will continue to carefully develop its plans for the eventual normalization of its extraordinary liquidity measures when conditions warrant, in keeping with our price and financial stability mandates,” he added.

ple are healthy, so that economies can recover, reopen, and rebuild,” director of the APEC Policy Support Unit Denis Hew said. “Central to this is the free and rapid flow of medical supplies across borders to expand vaccination coverage, on which members agreed early last year,” he said. In terms of the trade in services, the update cited a rebound

in APEC’s commercial services by 11.1 percent for exports and 9.2 percent for imports in the first three quarters of 2021. The increase in shipping rates boosted the performance of transport services, which grew by 26.8 percent, while strong consumer demand pushed goods-related services to grow by 10.7 percent during the first to third quarters of 2021.

which the team finished third place. The impressive finish set up the Aces’ title run in the Third Conference when Cone finally resolved his issues with BCAP and returned to the coaching staff. Expressing his commiserations, Reyes added, “My heart goes out to Fred [Uytengsu] and all the management, players, and coaches of Alaska. It is

a part of life.” Despite the Aces’ impending departure from the league after 35 seasons, Reyes remains optimistic that the PBA will remain strong despite losing one of its modern-day strongholds. “I’m pretty sure with the guidance of the board and the leadership of Commissioner Willie [Marcial], we will overcome it,” Reyes said. (PNA)

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CNN news report, why banned substances are easy to find in the country. “Street value of drugs in the country is among the cheapest in the region,” the report stated. In 2012, the Philippines was singled out to have “the highest abuse rate for shabu” in East Asia, according to the United Nations World Drug Report, which was posted on the website of the US Embassy in Manila. A Philippine Daily Inquirer report said that “2.1 percent of Filipinos aged 16 to 64 were using shabu,” and “domestic consumption of methamphetamine and marijuana continued to be the main drug threats in the Philippines.” Even in small amounts, illegal drugs can create big problems, according to the booklet, The Truth About Drugs. “It is not always possible to predict how a drug will affect the user – or the user’s life,” it says. Drug use can cause, the booklet claims, damage to health, trouble with the law, financial hardship, and social difficulties. “While the specific physical and psychological effects of drug use disorder tend to vary based on the particular substance involved, the general effects of a substance use disorder involving any drug can be devastating,” explains the medicinenet.com. “I never thought that I would be addicted to Ecstasy,” 17-year-old Megan told veteran journalist Ellen Tordesillas. “I never thought I’d end up how I am today, on the verge of manic depression, a disease which changes the way you live forever. My parents never knew and they still don’t. “I’ve lost so much weight and have major kidney problems. I was in the hospital for days… Drugs may take away the pain you feel inside, but they leave devastation in your body that will haunt you for life. I wish I would have known before I dove headfirst into a concrete pool.” More than a health issue, drug users often end up with serious problems. Aside from those mentioned earlier, he may figure in a car accident (drugs can impair driving ability and make the driver less concerned about safety), commit crimes (robbery is often the only way to support an expensive habit), and build up tolerance (when users need more and more of a drug to get the same effect, they increase their risk of an overdose, which result in death). But the question is: Why do some young people turn to drugs? There are many factors, but using illegal drugs stems from simple and complex reasons: Curiosity: “We see drug use glamorized in our favorite television shows and movies,” explain ardurecoverycenter. com. “We hear our favorite artists sing about drug usage and reckless partying, normalizing it. Most children grow up with their parents telling them to avoid drugs. Since teenagers are impressionable, and most of them go through a rebellious phase, some begin to experiment with drugs recreationally.” “Some young people think experimenting with drugs is harmless,” The Truth About Drugs says. “It is not. Any time you use drugs, you raise your risk of physical injury. And there’s no telling how soon you could become addicted.” Peer pressure: “If your friend group consists of people who abuse drugs, you may feel like you need to do the same to fit in; this is why parents worry so much about who their kids spend time with. When a malleable teenager feels excluded, they may find themselves partaking in questionable activi-

ties just to fit in,” ardurecoverycenter.com says. There are complex reasons, too, like escapism, self-medication, and doctor’s orders. Escapism: There are those who try to escape feelings of loneliness or from family problems. “But using drugs cuts you off from other people,” The Truth About Drugs says. “The drug user ends up feeling more isolated and alone than before. Once the user is hooked, drugs become more important than anything else, including friendship and family.” Self-medication: Some people with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder try to self-medicate themselves. Without supervision from a health care professional, they may end up taking more than what is required. Substance abuse typically worsens a person’s conditions. Doctor’s orders: Prescriptions, particularly opioid painkillers, are often given to patients after an injury or surgery. Once they extend the use of such prescribed drugs, they become dependent. “Some people trick themselves into believing that they’re still hurting from their injuries, even if they healed months ago,” ardurecoverycenter.com says. Once a patient runs out of their prescription drugs, they may turn to illegal ones to fill the void. And it’s only a matter of time that a person becomes addicted to drugs. Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. But drug addiction is a different story. “Addiction is when you can stop,” explains webMD. com. “Not when it puts your health in danger. Not when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you and your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.” The DDB gives these signs of someone being addicted to drugs: asks to be left alone a lot, always tired (or makes it as an excuse to be left alone), careless and often becomes involved in accidents, implicated in a lot of fights, sudden change in appearance and conduct (red or puffy eyes, weight changes, constant complaints of headaches or stomachaches, shaking, incessant cough, brown stains on fingertips, stumbling, or a constant runny nose), loss of interest in

hobbies or sports, exhibits poor judgment, and finds it difficult to concentrate. “If you suspect that a friend is using drugs, talk to him or her,” the DDB suggests. “Let your friend know that you care. Talk to your parents, teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult. Offer to go with your friend to his parents or a counselor for help.” Help someone who is addicted to drugs. “Drug addiction is considered a disease and needs comprehensive and prolonged treatment,” Dr. Ong reminds. “After being rehabilitated, the drug abuser should still be closely monitored so that he or she will not relapse again into using drugs.” A word of advice: don’t ever try to attempt to experiment with illegal drugs. Here’s a final thought from The Truth About Drugs: “It doesn’t take months or years to become addicted to a drug. And once you are addicted, it can be extremely difficult and painful to stop.”

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SPORTS

Marcus Morris hacks Dennis Schroder. PHOTO: AP

Morris flaunts offense in Clippers rout of Rockets

Chot ‘deeply saddened’ by Alaska’s impending PBA exit

oach Chot Reyes could not help but be saddened following the news that Alaska will be leaving the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after the Governors’ Cup. After all, his career as a coach after playing collegiate basketball for Ateneo during the early ‘80s began with the Alaska franchise. “I started my PBA career as an assistant coach in Alaska, and I’m deeply saddened by the turn of events, but I guess—like I said when I told my players today—that’s life. We really can’t tell,” Reyes said on Wednesday night, hours after the Aces’ shocking an-

nouncement. The Tropang Giga had a scheduled game against the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City where the former won, 96-81. There was even a time when Reyes handled Alaska on an interim basis when the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines barred American coach Tim Cone from gaffing the team in 1991 due to a violation in the Labor Code. Reyes was given the coaching chores for the team formerly known as the Milkmen in the 1991 PBA Philippine Cup, in

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Joel Embiid challenges the defense of Giannis Antetokounmpo. PHOTO: AP

OS ANGELES — Marcus Morris Sr. scored 27 points and Luke Kennard added 25 as the Los Angeles Clippers sped to a 17-point lead in the first half and beat the Houston Rockets 142-111 Thursday night (Friday, Manila time) in the final game before the NBA’s All-Star break. cap

Clippers vs Rockets re-

Terance Mann scored 20 points as the Clippers won for the third time in four games. Los Angeles shot 51.4% (18 of 35) from 3-point range, and had a 5035 rebounding advantage. Kennard went 8 of 9 from 3-point range. Jalen Green had 21 points and Jae’Sean Tate added 19 for the Rockets, who lost their seventh straight game and for the 11th time in 12 games. Christian Wood and Josh

Christopher scored 13 points apiece for Houston, which appeared to run out of energy one night after nearly pulling off a road upset over the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers had their first double-digit lead of the game at 24-14, with 5:46 remaining in the first quarter. They led by 17 at 54-37 with 6:54 remaining in the first half and were up 71-59 at the break. Los Angeles shot 58% (29 of 50) from the field in the first half and 63.2% (12 of 19) from 3-point range

in the opening 24 minutes. The Clippers finished at 54.9% from the field. The blowout widened in the third quarter as the Clippers reached the 100-point mark on a Kennard 3-pointer with 1:01 remaining in the period, and took a 107-79 lead into the fourth quarter. Reggie Jackson had 12 points and a season-high 14 assists for the Clippers. Ivica Zubac had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Amir Coffey and Isaiah Hartenstein each scored 13 points. Hartenstein and Mann added eight rebounds. Dennis Schroder had nine points and nine assists in his third game (second start) with Houston after arriving in a trade last week with the Boston Celtics. TIP-INS Rockets: After playing

38 minutes Wednesday at Phoenix, G Eric Gordon was inactive with a sore right groin. … G Kevin Porter Jr. missed his second-consecutive game with an undisclosed illness. … Wood returned to the starting lineup after missing Friday’s game with an undisclosed illness. Clippers: The starting lineup of Nicolas Batum, Morris, Zubac, Mann and Jackson improved to 4-1 on the season. … In Kennard’s last game before Saturday’s 3-point contest, he went 6 of 7 from long distance in the first half. … Semi Ojeleye, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks last week, scored his first seven points for the Clippers … The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Patrick Beverley was sitting courtside wearing a Zubac Clippers jersey in honor of his former teammate.

with a 10-footer with 2:32 left. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Bucks. Philadelphia played without James Harden, who hasn’t made his 76ers debut since coming over in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets last week. The 10-

time All-Star and 2018 MVP hasn’t played since Feb. 2 due to an injured left hamstring. After trailing by 15 early in the third quarter, the Bucks clawed back and took their first lead since the second period on Jrue Holiday’s 3-pointer with 5:47 left. Antetokounmpo’s

Embiid drops 42 as Sixers rip Bucks

ILWAUKEE — Joel Embiid had 42 points, 14 rebounds and five assists and the Philadelphia 76ers regrouped after squandering a 15-point lead to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-120 on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time). Embiid put the 76ers ahead for good at 117-116

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The Pinay booters are set to miss Chandler McDaniel. PHOTO: AFC

BIG BLOW

Malditas’ McDaniel out for at least 6 months due to ACL injury

hilippine National Women’s Team star striker Chandler McDaniel will be out for seven to eight months after suffering an ACL tear in her right knee. McDaniel’s father Clint confirmed the news to pinoyfootball.com after she got injured in their semifinal match against South Korea in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. McDaniel thus will miss the Southeast Asian Games in May in Hanoi, and the AFF Women’s Championship in July in Manila due to the injury. “We will get the top surgeon and then she will have a pro-level rehab after surgery. It was hard blow for her but she is tough. She had a hip labral tear and

surgery in 2019 and came back strong,” said the elder McDaniel. McDaniel has been walking with crutches during her stay in the Philippines following the successful AFC campaign where the country clinched a spot in the Fifa Women’s World Cup. The striker was a key player in the Asian Cup campaign. She scored the lone goal in their match against Thailand, 1-0, their first win against their Southeast Asian neighbor in 13 matches.