Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 288 | Frinday, February 25, 2022

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

f

EVERY FOUR SECONDS, ONE PERSON DIES DUE TO INEQUALITY BIGGER PICTURE P 9

EASING UP

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

Davao City Covid-19 TF aims for Alert Level 1 STORY ON PAGE 2

A sales attendant arranges handcrafted bags made from eco-friendly materials at one of the kiosks in the ongoing Sustainability Exhibit of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at SM City Davao’s Annex Event Center on Thursday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

EASING UP Davao City Covid-19 TF

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force says it is aiming for the city to be placed under Alert Level 1 beginning March 1, 2022 as Covid-19 cases in Davao City continues to decline. Edge Davao

aims for Alert Level 1

By MAYA M. PADILLO

A

s Covid-19 cases in Davao City continues to decline, Davao City Covid-19 Task Force wants the city to be placed under Alert Level 1 beginning March 1, 2022.

“On behalf of the task force, we are aiming for that. It is good for the economy, good for the people,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the

Covid-19 Task Force.

However, she said even if the city will be placed under Alert Level 1, Dabawenyos should not forget to observe the Minimum Public

Health Standards (MPHS).

“I-remind nato kanunay sa katawhan is kahit na mag alert level 1 ta dili nato pabayaan ang pinaka epektibo na ways to protect ourselves from the infection which is the MPHS. Based on experience for two years and data followed by our vaccine protected ta from

the severity of the disease.

It’s a combination of both,” she said.

Schlosser reported that as of February 20, 2022 Davao City already reached the positivity rate of 5 percent, which means that the positivity rate, which refers to the percentage of all

Davao de Oro leaps to 11th in nat’l competitive ranking

D

avao de Oro jumped 16 notches higher to rank 11th among 76 provinces in the National Competitiveness Index 2021.

According to the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Davao de Oro placed 27th in 2020 with a score of 38.5470.

The webpage underscored that the provincial rankings are based on population and income weighted average of the overall scores of cities and municipalities under a province.

In the region, Davao de Oro remains second in the Over-all Most Competitive Province that was presented on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, during the 5th Davao Region Competitiveness Awarding.

yet’: BARMM chief minister

T

he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have not yet endorsed any presidential candidate for the forthcoming May 9 national and local polls.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim issued the statement during the #LagingHandaPH program of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCCO) hosted by Undersecretary Rocky Ignacio on Wednesday morning.

“As of today, BARMM

has no official anointed presidential candidate,” Ebrahim, also the MILF chairman, said.

“We have not decided as of yet who among the presidential aspirants we are going to endorse but we are inviting all the presidential candidates to come and

visit us so they can present their platform of government before us,” he added.

Since the BARMM transition period was extended by the national government until 2025, there will be no elections for regional officials in reference to the

FNO, P10

FDAVAO, P10

BBM, Sara meet with sugar industry leaders in NegOcc

L ‘No anointed bet for president FEASING, P10

In his speech, Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said that the province has seen and turned the pandemic brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 into openings, and opportunities.

“By working harder and striving for development, we raise the living conditions of our people,” the governor added.

In the municipal level, Laak gained the recognition of the most improved local government unit for the first and second class municipalities in the national level.

According to the competitiveness index, Laak leap from 446th place in 2020 to 41st in 2021 among 508 first and second class

eaders of the sugar industry based in Negros Occidental, the country’s top sugar producing province, presented various issues and concerns to presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as part of their campaign sortie in this city on Wednesday.

Hours before their grand rally held at the Reclamation Area, the UniTeam duo, together with former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, met with sugar producers led

by United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) president Manuel Lamata and Asociacion de Agricultores de La Carlota y Pontevedra Inc. (AALCPI) president Roberto Cuenca at the Stonehill Suites here.

Currently, the two groups are leading the protest of what they call the ill-timed Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Sugar Order No. 3, allowing the importation of 200,000 metric tons of refined sugar for industrial users starting March 1, which is still the peak of milling season.

FBBM, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

NEWS

3

A personnel of Davao Auxiliary reminds the people queueing outside the National Bureu of Investigation 11 (NBI 11) along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Thursday to keep their distance from each other. Edge Davao

DOST, SM launch exhibit series on sustainability, resilience 2,207 children receive Covid-19 vaccines

A

total of 2,207 children aged 5 to 11 have been vaccinated during the hospital rollout for the pediatric vaccination, Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, reported on Thursday.

On February 14, 2022 Davao City piloted the rollout of the pediatric Covid-19 vaccination in three hospitals namely Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH), the DMSF Hospitals, and on February 16, 2022 at the Seamen’s Hospital.

“We are glad to inform the public na naging successful ang atoang hospital rollout for the pediatric vaccination for 5 to 11 years old. We have vaccinated 2,207 na mga kabatan-onan and I will have to give thanks to SPMC, DMSF, Seamen Hospital and Davao Doctors Hospital,” Schlosser said.

The 5 to 11 years old pediatric population is categorized as pediatric A3 with

comorbidities and the rest of the pediatric population (without comorbidities).

Meanwhile, the city government of Davao rolled out its pediatric vaccination drive for 5 to 11 years old in three special jab sites on February 21, 2022.

The city government assigned the anti-Covid pediatric vaccination drive to the Davao City Recreation Center (formerly Almendras Gym), San Roque Elementary School, and Vicente Hizon Elementary School.

“So far, ubay-ubay na ang atoang nabakunahan but we are still encouraging the parents na mag adto sa vaccination hubs for 5 to 11 years old,” Schlosser said.

Schlosser said the city is also eyeing to open district vaccination hubs for 5 to 11 years old next week.

She reminded that before going to the vax sites, parents must register their children for DQR, bring identification or birth certificates for proof of their

FCHILDREN, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

S

M Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched a series of exhibits focusing on the sustainability and disaster resilience especially those related to addressing climate change at The Annex Event Center in SM City Davao on Thursday.

Dubbed “Connecting today to tomorrow,” the exhibit, which will run from February 24 to March 6, 2022 at SM City Davao’s Annex Event Center and

March 7 to 20, 2022 at the second level of the mall, will feature sustainability and resilience initiatives of SM Prime Holdings and DOST. “Our major challenge

now is climate change and a solid scientific consensus supports the idea that climate change causes typhoons to occur more frequently and contributes to stronger storms. For us here in the Philippines, which is considered to be one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters globally, this is very alarming,” said Oliver John R. Tiu, vice president of SM Supermalls for Mindanao Operations, in his speech during the

launch.

“As one of the country’s leading and trusted integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings takes its responsibility to the environment and community seriously. While we underscore the importance of ensuring livelihood, business continuity and economic prosperity, it is equally – if not, more importantly – that efforts to protect the environment are in place,”

running CTG lairs as “transformation from terrorism to tourism.”

Interviewed after the Change of Command Ceremony yesterday at Camp Manuel Yan based in the Municipality of Mawab, Davao de Oro he said “we would like to sustain that thru the whole of nation approach particularly in the security sector to establish the integrated territorial defense system”.

He cited the importance of stakeholders involvement in establishing a territorial defense system over cleared and neutralized areas to guard the gains of peace and development efforts, and the military operations that defeated the CTGs. “Sa ngayon ay nararamdamn na po natin yong pagdagsa ng mga turista dito sa ating lugar dahil nga po malaki ang nagiging improvement natin sa security.

(We now have felt the influx of tourists in our areas due to great improvement in security.),” he said.

“Makikita na ang lugar kagaya ng Talaingodd (Davao del Norte); Paquibato (Davao City) na dati ay medyo alanganin ang mga tao na pumunta, na ngayon ay napakarami na pong mga turista na pumupunta (We are seeing places like Talaingod, Paquibato where previ-

FDOST, P10

Sustained tourism dev’t seen in areas cleared of insurgency, says Army chief

S

ustaining tourism interest is the way to go for areas which have been cleared from influence of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

Outgoing commander of the Philippine Army 10th Inf “Agila” Division, Lt General Ernesto C. Torres believes that Davao Region areas cleared from insurgency can be fully transformed into tourism areas, thus he has tagged successes in over-

FSUSTAINED, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

Oliver John R. Tiu (right) , vice president of SM Supermalls for Mindanao Operations and Anthony Sales, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology 11 (DOST 11) lead the launching of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and DOST’s Sustainability Exhibit at SM City Davao’s Annex Event Center on Thursday. Edge Davao

PH food companies sell $23.6M in Dubai’s expo

P

hilippine food companies that participated in the Gulfood 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates closed the fourday expo with initial sales amounting to USD23.6 million, or around PHP1.2 billion.

In a statement Wednesday, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said the value is expected to increase as local food firms had business-to-business

matching activities at the Gulfood 2022.

According to CITEM, this is the country’s 17th participation in the Gulfood and the largest delegation so far.

Forty-eight Filipino food firms were part of the delegation, with nine of them having physical presence during the four-day expo and 39 showcased their products online.

“The Philippines is a great sourcing destination for food products because of its diverse agricultural landscapes and rich gastronomy. Especially with this pandemic, the demand

DTI sees minimal impact on PH trade amid Ukraine-Russia crisis

D

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said possible disruption on the country’s trade with Ukraine and Russia will be minimal amid the crisis between the two nations.

“Having it studied, offhand, (has) less direct impact given our small trade with Ukraine, only around

USD200 million,” Lopez told reporters in a Viber message.

He said that despite the crisis, nothing has changed in trade with Russia, which is 10 times larger than the country’s trade with Ukraine.

Lopez cited that top merchandise trade with Ukraine and Russia include wheat, oil, iron and

steel, electronics, and agricultural products.

“But its disruption in the prices and supply chain of oil and key commodities like wheat, iron ore, and the high degree of uncertainties if such (a) crisis worsens are the factors that can impact global recovery efforts,” the DTI chief added.

for healthy and halal-certified food products is high, and the country is poised to be a leader in this category,” CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan said.

Gulfood is one of the biggest food and hospitality industry expositions in the world mostly participated by businesses that would like to strengthen their presence in the Mid-

dle East and Africa.

“Our promotion of Philippine food to UAE and other countries does not end with our participation in Gulfood.

We are continuously promoting our export products 24/7, anytime, anywhere through IFEXConnect.com, our B2B (business-to-business) platform for food exporters, and FOODPhilippines.

com, our leads generation and promotion platform for Filipino food,” she said.

Suaco-Juan said these websites allowed Filipino enterprises to widen their reach and boost their engagement across the globe.

“Buyers and food enthusiasts who want to know more about Philippine food are welcome to check out our platforms,” she added. (PNA)

Romero who is pushing for measures that will reduce or suspend excise taxes on petroleum prices.

“Wala pong indication pa in terms of pronouncement from the President to that effect ‘no,” Nograles said.

(There is no indication of the pronouncement from the President to that effect.)

Nograles said the House of Representatives

and the Senate should be on the same page first.

“Again, you need the House of Representatives and the Senate together, they need to reach out to each other,” Nograles said.

“And then of course, mag-communicate kay Pangulong Duterte. But as of the moment wala pa pong indication with regard to that, iyang panawagan na iyan,” he added.

Palace says no sign from PRRD on call for special session to suspend fuel excise tax

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte is not yet considering calling for a special session in Congress which will allow lawmakers to take action on bills seeking to address unabated increase in oil prices, the Palace said Tuesday.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles was responding to the call of House Deputy Speaker and 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Michael

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

ECONOMY

5

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III discusses economic matters while President Rodrigo Duterte listens during a meeting at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila in this undated photo.

Dominguez said the next administration will inherit a slew of President Duterte’s “hard-won” reforms. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DOF chief: Next admin to inherit Duterte’s ‘hard-won’ reforms Landbank OK’d P2.1B loans for jeepney modernization in 2021

T

he Land Bank of the Philippines said Wednesday it has approved loans amounting to P2.11 billion last year to aid public transport operators purchase modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

In a statement, Landbank said the amount of loans were approved from January to December 2021 and assisted 78 public transport operators purchase 810 brandnew modern PUJs. The state-owned lender said the loans were approved under its SPEEDPUV or Special Package for Environment-Friendly and Efficiently-Driven Public Utility Vehicles loan program.

The SPEED-PUV loans approved last year were 177% higher than the P1.19-billion in loans approved for the same program in 2020.

In total, Landbank has green-lighted a total of P3.79 billion in loans for the purchase of 1,619 modern jeepneys under the SPEED-PUV program since its launch in 2019.

“The SPEED-PUV Pro-

gram forms part of Landbank’s continued partnership with the national government to advance the country’s transport system, help protect the environment, and enhance the overall riding experience of the public,” said Landbank president and CEO Cecilia Borromeo.

The SPEED-PUV Program, in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), offers affordable financing to public transport cooperatives or corporations with DOTr-assigned routes, in shifting to more energy-efficient, environment-friendly, convenient, and safer vehicles in support of the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Eligible borrowers for the SPEED PUV Program may loan up to 95% of the PUJ’s total cost at an interest rate of 6% per annum, payable based on cash flow but not to exceed a maximum of seven years.

D

epartment of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the next administration will inherit a slew of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “hard-won” reforms, which include several economic liberalization measures to help fuel the Philippines’ resurgence in the years ahead.

These reforms include the Duterte administration’s comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP), the flagship “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure modernization, “sin” tax reform, rice tariffication, a national identification (ID) system and the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) law, among others, he

said.

Dominguez also cited the three economic liberalization bills recently approved by Congress that aim to boost the competitiveness of industries, create more jobs, promote the affordability and quality of consumer goods, and accelerate growth.

These are the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), which has been enacted; and the respective amendments to Foreign Investments Act (FIA) and the Public Service Act (PSA), which are expected to be signed into law by the President soon.

“Let me emphasize that the Philippine economy faces exciting times ahead. We have risen from an economic downturn and opened the door to rapid expansion. Our enterprises are ready to compete with the best in the world. Our people

are ready to work hard to progress,” Dominguez told the newly inducted officers and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

“For our part, we promise you that President Duterte’s economic team will persevere until the last hour of this administration. We are confident that we will leave public office with the basic groundwork for continued and rapid growth in place. The next president will inherit many hard-won reforms that will boost our economic resurgence,” he added.

the Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services, or the EODB law.

Under the 3-7-20 rule, all government agencies shall process simple transactions within three working days, seven working days for complex transactions, and 20 days for highly technical transactions.

Belgica said those transactions that were not completed according to the prescribed period are deemed to be backlogs.

The implementing rules and regulations of the EODB law also man-

date heads of agencies to implement a zero backlog program in delivering fast, efficient, convenient service to the public, the ARTA chief added.

“In order to meet a zero backlog provision, ARTA did come up with several tools and strategies and even projects to help government agencies implement their own zero backlog policy,” Belgica said.

He cited that some of these initiatives include the Central Business Portal, electronic Business OneStop Shop (e-BOSS), TradeNET, Philippine Business Regulations Information

System, and Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System.

As of February 11, Belgica said some 8,507 applications were automatically approved and renewed.

On the other hand, about 500 cases were filed against government officials and employees and even local chief executives as they failed to comply with the RA 11032, he said.

Belgica added the ARTA has pending 450 cases ready to be filed against those public offices which do not adhere to the EODB law. (PNA)

ARTA pushes for zero backlog policy

T

he Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is pushing for a zero backlog policy in national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) ensuring that all transactions with public offices have been delivered within the prescribed period.

During the virtual press briefing of the Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs Wednesday, ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica reminded NGAs and LGUs to follow the “3-7-20” rule under

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

On the partnership of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to launch a series of exhibits focusing on the sustainability and disaster resilience:

Our major challenge now is climate change and a solid scientific consensus supports the idea that climate change causes typhoons to occur more frequently and contributes to stronger storms. For us here in the Philippines, which is considered to be one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters globally, this is very alarming.”

Oliver John R. Tiu, SM Supermalls, Vice president for Mindanao Operations

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FOREST GONE If Filipinos will not watch it, the country might be devoid of its forest cover soon.

At the fifth ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna in 2016, Rodel Castro was quoted as saying: “There’s only a little time left. Your generation will inherit this problem (on climate change) and it is, indeed, your generation that will have to wrestle and seek solutions to this problem.”

“We have lost most of our forest of old over the past 50 years and, along with them, many of the ecological services they provide,” deplores Peter Walpole, executive director of the Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC).

In 1934, forests comprised more than half (54%) of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares. In 2010, the forest cover had gone down to 23% or about 6.8 million hectares, according to a report compiled by the Senate Economic Planning Office (SEPO).

Based on the 2010 satellite images released by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA),

open forests accounted for 68% (4.595 million hectares) of the country’s total forest cover, 28% are closed forests while the rest are mangroves.

Most of the remaining mangroves can be found in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Caraga Region has the highest total forest cover in Mindanao, with 683,112 hectares.

Davao Region is closely trailed with 428,716 hectares. The rest of the regions: Northern Mindanao (377,858 hectares), ARMM (301,894 hectares), and Zamboanga Peninsula (176,918 hectares).

“Where have all our forests gone?” asked Jethro P. Adang, director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC). “Why are we losing our trees at a very fast rate?”

Some experts believe logging operations, legal and otherwise, are mowing down the country’s remaining forest cover. Over the past 50 years, 400 logging companies operated in the country, reports the Environmental Science for Social Change.

The Rev. Peter Walpole, a Jesuit priest who heads the environmental group, said the

Philippines “trusted” logging companies to cut down trees and manage the forest. “But they did a very bad job,” he decried. “That started the problem that we have now.”

Environmentalist and wildlife photographer Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, in an article he wrote for a national daily, reported that when Ferdinand Marcos came to power, “serious deforestation began.”

Before Marcos became president, there were only 58 companies issued with timber licenses; it swelled to 412 during his presidency. “Forests were decimated at an astonishing rate of 300,000 hectares per year,” Tan deplores.

In 1989, the government imposed a lumber export ban in an effort to save the country’s forests from uncontrolled illegal logging. The following year, the ban was quietly lifted, but was reinstated after loud criticism.

But despite this, logging continues. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the lead agency responsible for the country’s natural resources and ecosystems, is virtually powerless against logging.

Aside from logging, other causes of deforestation in the Philippines are forest fires, slash-and-burn farming (locally known as kaingin), mining operations, geothermal explorations, dam construction and operation; and land development projects such as construction of subdivision, industrial estates, and commercial sites.

Volcanic eruptions have also devastated some of the country’s forests. Ditto for typhoons, which have devastated considerable hectares of forest cover.

Look what Yolanda and Odette had done.

The country’s surging population – currently totaled 86.6 million – has also contributed to the problem. At least a fourth of the total population live in the upland areas, where most trees are located.

“They (the uplanders) denude forests and turn them into kaingin farms,” wrote Vicente Tirol in a report for the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. “When the thin topsoil of the mountain slopes can no longer support their crops, they move on, denuding more forests.”

As a consequence of the

continuous removal of forest cover, particularly those in the uplands, the Philippines now experienced different environmental problems.

“Most of these were not seen in such intensity and magnitude before our time,” Adang deplored. “The signs cry out for immediate, nationwide attention.”

Among the serious consequences of the continuous removal of forest cover are soil erosion and water shortage.

Siltation, caused by erosion, shortens the productive life spans of dams and reservoirs.

Deforestation also threatens the country’s wildlife resources. “At the rate our forests are depleted, many wildlife species may no longer be there when we need them,” argued Samuel Penafiel, former director of the DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

Deforestation has also altered the climatic condition in the country. Periods of drought have become more common and extensive in the dry season while floods have prevailed in the rainy months.

Where have all our forests gone?

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

SARANGANI, CARAGA AS PLACENAMES Adjacent to the Davao region, or Southern Mindanao, there exist two recognizable placenames used as official titles of a province and a region, namely Sarangani (created under Republic Act 7228) and Caraga (constituted under Republic Act 7901), respectively.

Geographically, Sarangani also refers to a municipality of Davao Occidental while Caraga denotes a town in Davao Oriental created sometime in 1609.

Under RA 7228, Sarangani Province embraces the towns of Alabel, Glan, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, Malungon, and Kiamba, former lands of the province of South Cotabato.

The Caraga Region, on the other hand, which is in the northeastern sector of Mindanao, consists of the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao

del Norte, and Dinagat Islands, and the cities of Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao, and Tandag.

Caraga as placename dates to the early Spanish period. It was applied, according to historian Fr. Peter Schreurs, MSC, in ‘Caraga Antigua’ (19789), “to one continuous region from approximately Gingoog and Butuan via Surigao down to eastern Davao.” He argues, however, the term was most likely used exclusively for the region directly facing the Pacific given that the survivors of Magellan’s crew failed to reach Butuan after they lost in the battle of Mactan.

There are two ‘schools of thought’ as to how ‘Caraga’ originated. First, it could have come from the ‘Calagan’ cited in Venetian chronicler Antonio Pigafetta’s account of the Magellan voyage, and second, it

refers to the Kalagan or Kagan (Hispanized orthography of Cagan) tribe.

Anthropologist Emmanuel Nabayra, in ‘Cosmology of the Mandaya’ (2014) explains that Caraga principally refers to a river and the people living near it, chiefly the precolonial Mandayas who alternately called themselves by that name.

“The Kalagan,” he explains, “must have derived their ethnic name from the same Austronesian root word, karagan.

The words kagayan, karayan, and karagan are metastasized versions of the same Austronesian word, which means ‘river’” and that “the Mandaya in upper Caraga River Valley or Cagan Valley identify their river Kallagan, and refer to themselves as Mangallagan, or simply Kallagan.” He also noted that double L (‘ll’) in Mandaya is pronounced

among the Mansakas as R, from which the word Caragan has evolved.

The Mandaya tribe, then and now, is dispersed in many coastal areas of the eastern seaboard of Mindanao, places that are now under the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. This coheres with Fr. Schreurs’ hypothesis.

Sarangani, meanwhile, originally referred to the general area surrounding the bay of Sarangani, which includes the cluster of islands with the same name. Etymologically, it is attributed to two theories: (i) ‘salangane,’ the swiftlet, an avian species that is the source of the expensive edible bird’s nest and (ii) a Sangil loanword for ‘sarang-ine,’ which means “this is our territory’ or “we stop here.” (A pound of bird’s nest

cost over US$4,500.)

The earliest mentions of Sarangani (misspelled as Sarangan) were on a 1554 woodcut and 1563 copperplate made by Venetian cartographer Giovanni Battista (1885-1557). It was a Dutch territory by 1682 and slave center and gunrunning hub in 1862, during the postDavao conquest.

Though Sarangani is a precolonial appellation with a strong historical foundation, the town that bears its name was only created under Presidential Decree 1550 on June 11, 1978, fifty-seven years after the territory was formed as a municipal district, then known as Batulaki, the place where the remnants of the Magellan crew sought shelter on October 26, 1521, after they met a tempest on their way to the Spice Islands in Indonesia.

8

DAVAO EDGEDAVAO EDGE

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

AboitizPower breaks ground for second solar venture, to create ‘brighter future’ for Pangasinan AboitizPower team members plant a narra tree sapling on the site in Cayanga, Bugallon, Pangasinan province where the company’s 94-MW peak solar power plant will soon rise. The sturdy and durable narra, considered as the Philippines’ national tree, also symbolizes AboitizPower’s strong resolve to contribute to a more reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable power system for the country.

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) on Thursday held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for its 94-MW peak solar power project in Pangasinan, an undertaking seen to create a “brighter future” for the province.

Pangasinan Governor Amado I. Espino III welcomed AboitizPower’s multi-billion-peso project, saying that this significant investment in sustainable power generation will help address the country’s need for more and cleaner energy sources to fuel the nation’s growth.

“Today marks a milestone in Pangasinan as we break new grounds to provide a safe and brighter future for our province and for our fellow Filipinos. This starts our tie-up to provide safe and renewable electric power to our people while protecting the environment

for the next generations to enjoy,” Gov. Espino said in his message of support during the virtual event.

AboitizPower, through a special-purpose vehicle wholly owned by subsidiary Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI), in December last year awarded to JGC Philippines, Inc. the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the project, with a total investment of ₱4.5 billion.

“Cayanga Solar is a very significant project for us at ARI. This marks the beginning of our exciting journey ahead — growing our renewable energy portfolio over the next 10 years to accelerate the Philippine energy transition to more environmentally sustainable sources,” ARI Executive Director David J. Smith said.

The project will soon rise on a 196-hectare site in Barangay Cayanga, about 13 kilometers southwest of the province’s capital. This will be the company’s second solar facility after its 59MW peak solar plant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Construction is set to begin on the project immediately and is targeted to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2022.

JGC had completed the site investigation works and the results were used

for the ongoing detailed engineering and design of the facilities. Temporary facilities are being erected and completion of the access road going to the plant is currently underway.

Once completed, the power plant is expected to produce about 147 million kWh of clean energy annually or equivalent to the yearly power consumption of 60,000 average Filipino homes.

The majority of the facility’s capacity will be contracted for retail electricity supply, which can help

bring cleaner and more sustainable energy to power consumers across the country.

“In our partnership with you, the Department of Energy (DOE) hopes that other companies and individuals will follow and do their advocacy for renewable energy and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. The groundbreaking of this solar farm proves that solar energy is technically and economically competitive and could deliver clean and green energy, helping our nation to mitigate climate change impacts through the reduction of carbon footprints by offsetting the energy produced by these fossil fuels,” DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said.

AboitizPower is also looking to develop other renewable energy projects in the region, particularly wind and solar, with tendering on the 167-megawatt peak Laoag solar project in Aguilar, Pangasinan ongoing, and having already erected two met masts in the municipality back in February 2021 as well as two more in Bugallon in September 2021. Met mast

refers to the structure where measuring equipment used for gathering resource data such as temperature, wind speed, and wind direction, among others, is installed to estimate energy production and understand the suitability of the site.

AboitizPower’s 10year growth strategy aims to contribute to a more reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable power system for the country. With a projected investment of around ₱190 billion, the company is looking to grow its Cleanergy capacity to 4,600 MW, which will make up 50 percent of its total generation portfolio of 9,200 MW by 2030.

About AboitizPower AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services.

It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

The company is one of the largest power pro-

Member-investors could also earn discounts of up to 30% for every purchase of NWorld products, referral bonuses, and an additional P25,000 when they meet the 25 pairs of recruits.

The scheme involves the sale and offer of securities to the public in the form of investment contracts, whereby a person invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to expect profits primarily from the efforts of others, according to the SEC.

Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code (SRC), provides that securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution within the Philippines, without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the SEC. “NWorld is unlawfully engaged in the sale and/or offer of unregistered securities in the form of investment contract, because it has no license to carry out the same,” the Commission En Banc held.

While AlphanetWorld

ducers in the Philippines with a balanced portfolio of assets located across the country. It is a major producer of Cleanergy, the company’s brand for clean and renewable energy with several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities. It also has thermal power plants in its generation portfolio to support the country’s baseload and peak energy demands.

The company also owns distribution utilities that operate in highgrowth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the country’s second and third largest private utilities.

AboitizPower, together with its partners, is the Philippines’ largest owner and operator of renewable energy based on installed capacity. In the next 10 years, the company will significantly expand its Cleanergy portfolio, in support of the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy in the country.

AboitizPower will build an additional 3,700 MW of renewable energy, growing its existing Cleanergy capacity threefold by 2030.

SEC stops Alphaworld’s Illegal investment scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered AlphanetWorld Corporation, which has been doing business under the name NWorld, to stop soliciting investments from the public without the necessary license.

In an order issued February 23, the Commission En Banc directed AlphanetWorld to immediately cease and desist from engaging in the unlawful or unauthorized solicitation, offer and/or sale of securities until the requisite registration statement has

been duly filed with and approved by the SEC. AlphanetWorld President Juluis Allan C. Nolasco and its directors, stockholders, officers, representatives, salesmen, solicitors, agents, uplines, enablers and influencers were also ordered to cease their internet presence in connection with their investment scheme.

The SEC likewise directed the company from transacting any business involving funds in its depository banks and from transferring, disposing,

or conveying any related assets to ensure the preservation of the assets for the benefit of affected investors.

The SEC issued the cease and desist order after finding that AlphanetWorld has been selling and/or offering investment packages priced from P4,750 to P19,000 in exchange for NWorld products and a guaranteed monthly return of up to P127,000. Business transactions are supposedly made through the company’s official webpage.

is a duly registered corporation, it has never secured a secondary license from the Commission as issuer of securities or broker dealer nor registered any securities for public offering pursuant to the SRC. “[T]he Commission holds that the act of NWorld in selling/offering unregistered securities operates as a fraud to the public which, if unrestrained, will likely cause grave or irreparable injury or prejudice to the investing public,” the order read.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

BIGGER PICTURE

9

POOR PEOPLE ABOUND

EVERY FOUR SECONDS, ONE PERSON DIES DUE TO INEQUALITY

POOR PEOPLE ABOUND

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

t may be unthinkable but inequality kills one person every four seconds.

This “highly conservative measure” comes from a confederation of 21 member organizations and affiliates, representing a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice.

“Inequality is deadly. It contributes to the deaths of at least 21,300 people each day,” says Oxfam International, which works across regions in about 70 countries, with thousands of partners, allies, and supporting communities.

The International Encyclopedia of Human Geography refers to inequality as “the phenomenon of unequal and/or unjust distribution of resources

and opportunities among members of a given society.”

Baher Kamal, who wrote a report for Inter Press Service based on the Oxfam International report, said that those deaths are caused by hunger, lack of access to healthcare, climate crisis, and gender-based violence.

“Climate change is happening now,” Oxfam International said, citing destructive weather, rising

ANOTHER FACE OF POVERTY

seas, unprecedented fires and historic famines as proof. “It is one of the most harmful drivers of worsening hunger, migration, poverty and inequality all over the world.”

Last year, “the world saw a record $50 billion worth of damages from extreme weather disasters exacerbated by climate change, pushing nearly 16 million people in 15 countries to crisis levels of hunger.”

Oxfam International said the number of climate-related disasters has tripled in 30 years, with currently one extreme weather event recorded per week. In the Philippines, for instance, super typhoon Odette ravaged islands and coastal communities in the east and flooded towns and cities across the country a week before Christmas.

Since 2000, the United Nations estimates that 1.23 million people have died and 4.2 billion have been affected by droughts, floods and wildfires.

“The climate crisis affects us all, but it doesn’t affect us equally,” Oxfam International pointed out.

“The richest 1% of people in the world, about 63 million people, are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution as

RECYCLING OUT OF POVERTY

the 3.1 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity.”

Yet, it’s the poor and marginalized communities who are affected by the impacts of droughts, floods, wildfires and storms. All those cause “unpredictable growing seasons, crop failures, and sharp increases in food prices.”

Oxfam International said that people in lowand lower-middle-income countries are around five times more likely than people in high-income countries to be displaced by sudden extreme weather disasters.

Inequality is not an abstract issue, Oxfam Inter-

national stressed. “It has devastating, real-world consequences,” it said, citing the case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as an example. “(Inequality) has made COVID-19 pandemic deadlier, more prolonged and more damaging,” Oxfam International said. “It is rigged into our economic systems and is tearing our societies apart.”

COVID-19 was first reported in 2019 and it has persisted until now. “Over the past two years, people have died when they contracted an infectious disease because they did not get vaccines in time,” the report stated. “They have died

of other illnesses because they could not afford private care. They have died of hunger because they could not afford to buy food.”

While these people died, “the richest people in the world got richer than ever and some of the largest companies made unprecedented profits.” Oxfam International said that a new billionaire has been created every 26 hours since the pandemic started.

“Inequality disproportionately affects the vast majority of people living in poverty, women and girls, and racialized and marginalized groups,” the Oxfam International said. “It is

FEVERY, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO EASING... FROM2

tests that came out positive, is now within the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) recommendation for opening economies.

“That is very good news.

Let us celebrate small successes like this. Unta magpadayon and this would remain kung consistent pud ang mga Dabawenyos sa ilahang pagka disiplinado ug padayon sa ilang kooperasyon sa mga lakang sa gobyerno labi na sa vaccination rollout and Covid-19 management in line with the Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment, and Reintegration (PDITR) strategies.

Meanwhile, based on the Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of February 23, 2022 the Department of Health (DOH)- Davao Center for Health Development reported 85 new cases of

Covid-19 in Davao Region bringing the total number of active cases to 2,781.

Of these 85 new cases, 32 were from Davao City; 16 were from Davao de Oro; 22 were from Davao del Norte; seven were from Davao del Sur; two were from Davao Occidental; and six were from Davao Oriental.

There were 271 recoveries reported of which 116 were from Davao City; four were from Davao de Oro; 28 were from Davao del Norte; four were from Davao del Sur; 112 were from Davao Occidental; and seven from Davao Oriental.

There were eight death cases reported with one new case from Davao del Sur; four from Davao del Norte; two late reports from Davao Occidental; and one new case from Davao Oriental.

municipalities nationwide.

The rankings of cities and municipalities, according to the website, are based on the sum of their scores on Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resiliency.

In the regional level, Laak is the fifth Over-all Most Competitive first and second class municipalities, third in Infrastructure, and sixth in Resiliency.

Meanwhile, Compostela and Nabunturan topped the Over-all Most Com-

petitive first and second class municipalities in the region.

The other municipalities that are in the Top Ten Most Competitive first and second class municipalities are Maco, Maragusan, and Monkayo.

In the third and fourth class municipalities, Montevista and Mabini ranked 4th and 5th Over-All Most Competitive Municipalities respectively in the Regional Competitiveness Index. (PIAXI/ Michael L. Uy)

region’s first regular parliamentary polls.

“BARMM as a parliamentary form of government is not included in this year’s election because the transition period is extended until 2025,” he said.

However, he said, the BARMM will be participating actively in the local elections through its political party -- the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

“So we have candidates for local positions from provincial down to municipal levels,” he said.

Ebrahim told the #LagingHandPH program that the peace and order situation in the region remained stable although there were

some “noises” that may affect the conduct of the balloting.

But Ebrahim said there is no strong evidence as of yet that isolated violent incidents happening in the region are election-related.

“We are in close coordination with the Philippine National Police in the BARMM as far as preparation for the elections is concerned,” Ebrahim said.

At the regional governance level, Ebrahim said he was in the process of reorganizing his official family after the national government extended the term of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the region’s provisional lawmaking body, until 2025.

children’s age, and proof of relationship with the kids because parents or guard-

ians need to sign consent for the vaccination. By Maya M. Padillo

ouslypeoplewerehesitant togo,butnowanumberof touristsaregoingto),”he said.

Healsotooknoteofthe DavaodeOrowhereanumberofareashaveattracted tourists due to endowed nature’sbeauty,fairweather,andahostofhospitable community folks.

He anchored his faith thatDavaoRegioncanstep upeffortsofturninginsurgency hotbed areas into tourismsitefollowingBohol which he cited as a “template”ofthistypeoftrans-

formation.

He revealed that he madeastudysubmittedas arequirementtoAFPCommand and General Staff CourseontransformingBoholintotouristdestination havingovercometheinsurgency problem.

“ItworkedinBoholand Iamverycertainthatitwill workalsoinDavaoRegion andtheadjacentregions,”he saidashecalledonunified effortstorealizethevision ofestablishtourismhubsin whatusedtobelairsofinsurgents.

DAVAO... FROM2

NO... FROM 2

CHILDREN... FROM 3

SUSTAINED... FROM 3

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

DOST... FROM3

Tiu said.

He said SM Prime Holdings’ programs on sustainability and resilience are anchored on key pillars such as energy efficiency, water resource management, waste management, biodiversity, supporting communities and disaster risk reduction.

The company has also able to pursue initiatives that promote solid waste management such as Trash to Cash and Electronic Waste Collection wherein plastic wastes that will be collected from Plastic Waste Collection in SM City Davao will be recycled to turn into useful products like chairs, tables, and blocks with the help of its partner, Plastic Credit Exchange.

The company also conducted tree planting programs in Suawan and Upper Kibalang, which span 44 hectares in combined property size, in Marilog District as part of SM’s Grow a Million Trees Project, which do not only involve planting of trees, but also create job opportunities to its partner communities.

Meanwhile, Anthony Sales, regional director of DOST 11, said the exhibit aims to encourage Dabawenyos to be proactive in seeking solutions for the growing challenges being faced today.

Sales cited some programs of DOST that aims to educate and empower communities that include the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive De-

velopment (GRIND).

SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs in adopting technological innovations.

It aims to enhance operational efficiency, and boost productivity and competitiveness.

GRIND Program provides opportunities to stimulate overall growth of the country by utilizing community-led solutions geared towards sustainable development. The DOST is taking the lead towards fostering an innovation culture starting in the communities.

“DOST 11 as an agile and proactive organization strives to provide excellent public service, inspire and transform communities through science, education, engineering, technology and innovation for the inclusive and sustainable development of Mindanao through our flagship programs,” he said.

Sales added that DOST’s RND (research and development) and innovation output programs and projects are employed as setting tools and solutions to build a resilient community of SMEs and grassroots communities.

SM Prime holdings is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities with the development of malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers. It goes beyond mall development and management through its units and subsidiaries.

“What I’m asking is, during your time can we transfer the sugar industry to Office of the President (OP),” Cuenca told Marcos during the dialogue, prompting the presidential candidate to ask, “Why would that be to your advantage?”

Cuenca said during the time of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the sugar industry was under the OP, and it was when they were exporting instead of importing sugar.

“With this plan, maybe

it needs a little more refinement, but if we are under the OP, then we go directly (to the President) we don’t have to go through the Department of Agriculture,” he added.

Cuenca noted that of the more than 10,000 members of AALCPI, some 90 percent are farmers who are agrarian reform beneficiaries.

“We need to protect them. Now, the beneficiaries are experiencing the high price of inputs,” he said.

places where he’s had the most success in his past,” Bickerstaff said of LeVert.

“I think we have a great understanding of how we can get it done. The next thing becomes actually going out and doing it.”

It’s not yet known when LeVert injured his foot.

While they’ll be without Garland and LeVert, the Cavs could have forward Lauri Markkanen back against the Pistons after he missed 11 games with a severely sprained right ankle suffered on Jan. 22.

Markkanen, who is in his first season with Cleveland, practiced Wednesday and the Cavs will see how it responds before deciding if he’ll play.

When Markkanen is available, Bickerstaff can play a “tall ball” lineup with rookie forward Evan Mobley (6-foot-11) and All-Star center Jarrett Allen (6-10).

Markkanen’s injury looked more serious when he went down and he’s excited to get back on the floor.

“I’ve rolled my ankle before, I know how it feels,” he said. “But this felt different, so I was a little disappointed when it happened.

I think it hurt more than my previous ankle sprains, so I thought it was going to be more significant. But when I did the imaging and found out what it was, it was a relief that I might not miss as much time as I thought.”

BBM... FROM 2

GARLAND... FROM 11

EVERY... FROM 9

now prolonging the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a sharp increase in poverty around the world.”

The United Nations defines inequality as “the state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.” As such, it is “a concept very much at the heart of social justice theories.”

More often than not, inequality is prone to confusion in public debate as it tends to mean different things to different people.

“Many authors distinguish ‘economic inequality,’ mostly meaning ‘income inequality,’ ‘monetary inequality,’ or more broadly, inequality in ‘living conditions,’” UN explains. “Others further distinguish a rightsbased, legalistic approach to inequality – inequality of rights and associated obligations (that is, when people are not equal before the law, or when people have unequal political power).”

Indeed, inequality comes in different forms and one of these is social inequality, which has five systems: wealth inequality, treatment and responsibility inequality, political inequality, life inequality, and membership inequality.

“Political inequality is the difference brought about by the ability to access governmental resources which therefore have no civic equality,” Wikipedia explains. “In treatment and responsibility differences, some people benefit more and can quickly receive more privileges than others. In working stations, some are given more responsibilities and hence better compensation and more benefits than the rest even when equally qualified.

“Membership inequality is the number of members in a family, nation or faith. Life inequality is brought about by the disparity of opportunities which, if present, improve a person’s life quality. Finally, income and wealth inequality is the disparity due to what an individual can earn on a daily basis contributing to their total revenue either monthly or yearly.”

The Oxfam International report said that the climate crisis – from extreme

weather to terrible hunger – worsens the inequalities that keep people in poverty.

“It hits hardest the people who are least responsible for the problem, and least resourced to protect themselves from the impacts,” it deplored.

Oxfam International considered inequality as “deadly for the future of our world.” It said: “The extreme concentration of money, power, and influence of a few at the very top has pernicious effects on the rest of us. We all suffer from a heating planet when rich countries fail to address the effects of their responsibility for an estimated 92% of all excess historic emissions.”

“We are at a tipping point to prevent an irreversible climate catastrophe and the failure to act now will lead to even greater costs later,” Oxfam International surmised. “It will cost the lives and livelihoods of millions of people if we sit by to watch the inaction of those who pollute most.”

Meanwhile, “poverty has become an accepted way of life, even in such a temporary state of affluence and this attitude can even be transmitted generation after generation” in the Philippines, Manuel B. Garcia and Leovigildo O. Militante wrote in Social Problems.

A report from the Asian Development Bank entitled, Poverty in the Philippines: Causes, Constraints and Opportunities, gave a clearer view on what causes poverty in the country.

These are: low to moderate economic growth for the past 40 years; low growth elasticity of poverty reduction; weakness in employment generation and the quality of job generated; failure to fully develop the agriculture sector; high inflation during crisis periods; and high levels of population growth.

There are more: high and persistent levels of inequality (income and assets), which dampen the positive impacts of economic expansion; and recurrent shocks and exposure to risks such as economic crisis, conflicts, natural disasters, and “environmental poverty.”

ble to play at the senior levels,” she added.

Ramos, also the captain of the Edward Magallona-led squad at the 1981 AFC Women’s Championship, said the national sports associations (NSAs) should emphasize local development.

The outspoken but purpose-driven daughter of former President Fidel V. Ramos also hopes that the foreign-based talents of the national team can find time to visit the countryside and share their talents.

“Napag-usapan nga maganda itong mga nangyari sa women’s football team natin, lalo na nandyan na sila sa FIFA Women’s World Cup. Napakalaking achieve-

ments yun. Pero sana itong mga foreign-based national players natin dalhin sa mga probinsya para magturo. Mas maganda ang magiging connection nila sa ating mga bata. Right now, ang nangyayari babalik na sila sa mga bansa nila (They said what happened in women’s football is good, especially thay they qualified in FIFA Women’s World Cup. That’s a great achievement. But our foreign-based national players should be brought to the province to teach football.

They will have connection to children. Right now, what will happen is they will return to their countries) if they are based in US or Europe,” she said. (PR)

BIG... FROM 12

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

SPORTS

11

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant’s warm-up shirt sold for over USD275,000 (PHP14 million) at an auction.

Bryant’s warm-up shirt sold for $277,200 at auction

A

basketball fan on Wednesday bought former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant’s warm-up shirt for over USD275,000 (PHP14 million) at an auction.

“Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers shooting shirt from his legendary 2006 81-point game achieves $277,200. The shirt was acquired by David Kohler, owner of the largest known private collection of Lakers memorabilia Lakers Shrine and President of SCP Auc-

tions,” UK’s famous auction house Sotheby’s said on Twitter.

Sotheby’s said on its website that Kohler also got Kobe’s “One-of-One” 81 Point NFT (non-fungible tokens) that was designed

by Karvin Cheung.

A five-time NBA cham-

pion, Bryant, who died in a 2020 helicopter crash, scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in a 2006 game to make history.

This is still the second greatest scoring performance in a single NBA

game after Wilt Chamberlain had tallied 100 points against the New York Knicks in 1962.

Called the Black Mamba, Bryant was a Lakers loyal as he spent his entire career with the same fran-

chise.

The 18-time NBA AllStar won five NBA titles with the Lakers in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010.

Separately, Bryant helped the US national team win two Olympic gold

medals in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, and retired from the game in 2016.

He died in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna on Jan. 26, 2020.

Bryant was 41. (Anadolu)

LEVELAND — The Cavaliers are coming back from the AllStar break at less than full strength.

All-Star guard Darius Garland will miss Cleveland’s game Thursday night (Friday, Manila time) at Detroit with a back issue that has slowed him for weeks while newly acquired guard Caris LeVert is sidelined with a sprained right foot.

Garland sat out five games with lower back soreness prior to last week’s All-Star stoppage.

The 22-year-old took part in All-Star Weekend activities, scoring 13 points in Team LeBron’s win Sunday.

Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff did not mention anything about Garland or LeVert’s status following Wednesday’s practice.

The Cavs have had to

overcome injuries all season — leading scorer Collin Sexton and guard Ricky Rubio were lost for the year with knee injuries — and are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference at 3523.

LeVert has played in four games since the Cavs acquired him a trade with Indiana before the deadline, averaging 13.3 points and 3.8 assists.

He’s made one start with Cleveland and Bickerstaff has been toying with the idea of having LeVert in his opening lineup. He’s also figuring out how the 6-foot-6 scorer fits in best to Cleveland’s offensive schemes.

“We sat down and had some conversations about where he’s comfortable, where he likes the ball,

Garland, LeVert to miss Cavs game vs Pistons with injuries C

Darius Garland is set to miss action for his mother club after playing in the All-Star Game. PHOTO: AP

FGARLAND, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

The Philippine Women’s National Football Team.

BIG DIFFERENCE Fil-foreign players add dynamism to sports: ex-POC chief

T

here’s absolutely nothing wrong with the presence of Filipino-foreign players in the national women’s football team which made history by advancing to the 2023 FIFA World Cup next year.

In fact, the entry of these foreign-bred, foreign-trained Filipino players with dual citizenship made a big difference in the sporting scene.

Philippine Ladies Football Association (PLFA) founding president Cristy Ramos is one of the staunch advocates of this new trend in sports.

“I think it made the big difference not only in women’s football, but in all sports. It’s very positive.

It does add some dynamism to sports,” Ramos said during her special appearance recently at the “Sports On Air” program via Zoom.

“We are able to take advantage of the talents from abroad. Hindi lang naman sa sports pero even sa Miss Universe at ibang (Not only in sports but even in Miss Universe and other) beauty pageants,” said Ramos, who also served as the only female president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) from 1996 to 1999.

“Ngayon legally, pwede na magkaroon ng Fil-foreigners. Ang proof lang ay kailangan ng (Now, legally, Fil-foreigners are allowed.

They just need to present proof), Philippine passport for those living abroad, and when they come here, they can still retain their foreign citizenship. Ganun din naman ginagawa ng ibang bansa, like sa France, Germany or Africa. Maraming players ang mixed ang heritage or parentage (Other

countries like France, Germany or Africa also do the same. They have many players with mixed heritage or percentage),” she added.

Continue grassroots sports development Ramos, however, reminded fellow sports officials to continue their grassroots sports development program and discover and train new talents.

“Pero nakalulungkot din na (But it’s sad also that) some sports officials now overly rely on foreign-based talents for shortcuts instead of looking for from talents in the countryside,” said Ramos, who served as skipper of the national women’s football team from 1980 to 1986.

With over 100 million population in the country, she said sports officials need not look for talents abroad.

“Pumunta lang tayo sa mga probinsya, (Just go the provinces) develop the young talents we have, nourish them and give them good training hanggang tumanda (until they become mature),” she said.

“So while I’m saying there’s nothing wrong in getting talented Fil-foreign players, gusto ko pa din suportahan natin yun mga homegrowns. Alagaan natin (I want also to support our homegrowns.

Nurture them) from elementary, high school at college hanggang maging (until they become) eligi-

FBIG, P10