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President Rodrigo Duterte confers with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go during a gathering held at Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City. Three months before the President end his term, Go shared his realization in politics that when you come in, you will have overwhelming number of friends who will offer to help carry your things but when its time to step down, you alone will carry whatever you have. Edge Davao
HNP wants VP candidate to be investigated for his knowledge in illegal drug trade in Davao City
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VOL.14 ISSUE 310 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022
Vice presidential bet Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s regional political party Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP) is requesting for an investigation into the extent of fellow vice presidential candidate Walden Bello’s knowledge and involvement in the illegal drug trade in Davao City after the latter claimed during a debate that the city is a trading center of illegal drugs in the South. Edge Davao
WHAT DOES BELLO KNOW? HNP wants VP candidate to be investigated for 362 schools in Davao Region his knowledge in illegal drug trade in Davao City open for F2F classes: Atillo By MAYA M. PADILLO
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egional political party Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP) has requested for an investigation into the extent of Vice Presidential candidate Walden Bello’s alleged knowledge and involvement in the illegal drug trade in Davao City.
This after Bello claimed during the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-sponsored Vice Presidential debates on March 19, 2022 that Davao City is a trading center of illegal drugs in the South. In a statement issued on
March 21, 2022, HNP stated that it’s apparent that Bello holds information about the illegal drugs in Davao City but deliberately kept it from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
HNP took Bello’s claims seriously as a regional political party with incumbent elected official members who want to strengthen the coordination with law enforcement agencies fighting the proliferation of prohibited drugs. “It can be said that Mr. Bello is a narcopolitician in a way that he withheld information crucial in the government’s anti-drug campaign. As a vice presidential candidate in a narcopolitics, as someone who knowingly and purposely
refused to disclose information or cooperate with the authorities, Mr. Bello has just presented himself as a danger to peace and order and a threat to the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the government,” it said. On March 7, 2022, former Davao City Information officer Jefry Tupas has filed a P10 million cyber libel case against Bello following his online interview that circulated on social media that Tupas “was nabbed at a beach party where she and
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ach week, more and more schools get the approval to start limited face to face learning. As of March 21, there are now 362 schools in the region which have started to receive students for face to face classes. Department of Education (DepEd) XI spokesperson Jenelito Atillo announced in the One Davao Virtual Presser that the DepEd is giving the schools the volition to work on their own pace in the pro-
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percent-complete. In an interview over 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio, she noted that construction works are ongoing for the building’s interiors. It is the first regional museum of the NMP, which is based in Metro Manila, she said. Of the total budget, she
said P100 million came from the Office of the President and the other half from the budget of the NMP. She said the management of the NMP is already in the planning phase on what artefacts or artworks will be featured at the museum here. “It is expected that it’s going to be the same as the
national museum in Manila – it’s not only local history but also national history (that will be displayed),” she said. She said the museum will charge visitors no entrance fees. Called the “National Museum of the Philippines in Davao City,” the structure, located within the People’s
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Mati City is COVID-19 free for the third time
Davao City’s P200-M national A museum facility to open in Dec he P200-million, five-story gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in Davao City will open this December, an official said Monday. Winnie Rose G. Bulig, Museo Dabawenyo head, said that the structure inspired by durian, Mindanao’s iconic fruit, is now 75
cess of applying for the face to face classes. “We don’t want to impose to the schools but we want them to really make sure that they are ready and compliant to the guidelines we’ve set before giving them the permit to hold face to face classes”, said Atillo. There are 2,669 schools in the entire region which includes private schools. Of this number, only 362 schools were tagged ready
s of March 20, 2022, the City of Mati is back to zero active COVID-19 case after the recovery of its last active case, MC-3771. This is the third time that the City Government of Mati returned to zero active cases of COVID-19 since March 2020. As of today, the City of Mati recorded a total of 3,937 cases of COVID-19. The 3,815 of these have fully recovered and 122 individuals died of complications.
Despite having zero cases as of today, the City Government of Mati continues to remind its residents to follow the minimum public health standards and the regulations under the City Ordinance 427 or the “Disiplina Panahon sa Pandemya Ordinance.” The Mati Incident Management Team also encourages those unvaccinated individuals to get their vaccines as soon as possible from the vaccination teams. As of March 19, 2022,
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NEWS
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Unilever Philippines account managers Shai Calaba and Kathleen Suarez sign on the Go Green board to cement their commitment and partnership with NCCC during the relaunch of Plastic SWAPapremyo held at NCCC Supermarket over the weekend. Photo courtesy of NCCC
Bong Go shares lessons in politics three months before PRRD’s exit Piñol seeks better solution for agri, economic recovery
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enatorial aspirant Emmanuel Piñol said Tuesday that despite all of the Presidential contenders in the May 2022 elections have understood the need to be done to steer the Philippine economy back to recovery after being challenged by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, he also wanted them to present an outright solution to the problem. “I would call that understanding the 4Ws - What, When, Where, Why - to confront the crisis and initiate the recovery. There is, however, a more difficult question which needs to be answered - how,” he said. The statement came after the presidential candidates answered their position particularly on the agri sector during the debate hosted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on March 19. Most of the presidential candidates underscored that the country needs to strengthen its agriculture sector and fast-track its support to small businesses to hasten economic recovery from the pandemic. Piñol said they have presented clear support on agriculture, essentially on
food production, jobs creation and boost the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which are basically involved in food processing and value-adding of agricultural products. “Our prospective leaders possess the realization and awareness of the problem but the ‘how to’ will have to come from people who have a profound understanding of the strategies to achieve the goal of developing agriculture and fisheries or food production and boost the processing and manufacturing sector,” he said. He said finding the solutions to the country’s problem on agriculture and economic recovery is one of his top priorities. “Honestly and modesty aside, this is where I could be of help. As a member of the Senate, I could help by introducing legislation and setting policies which would enable agricultural growth which in the process would assure our country of food sufficiency and create jobs,” Piñol assured. As he accepted the challenge on his senatorial bid, he vowed to seek agricultural reforms that would
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termino. Hindi naman ako tumakbo at nanahimik lang ako dito sa tabi, kung paano ako makatulong sa kanya na maayos yung pag-uwi niya,” Go said. On February 7, 2022 the President announced during his recorded talk to the people that he is set to leave Malacañan Palace by March, three months before his term ends.
“So nag-iimpake na nga ako eh. Iyong iba pinadala ko na sa —‘yung madala sa — ‘yung madala sa barko, binarko ko. The small things ‘yung mga, ‘yung mga tokens, mga ano, mga bronze na… Iyon ang inuna ko ‘yung mga mabigat,” the President said. Go said the hardest in politics is packing your belongings and go home after your term. “Noong papasok ka pa, maraming bubuhat at tutulong sa iyo or nagpre-presenta na tutulong, pero pag palabas ka na mag-isa ka na bubuhatin ang mga gamit mo papalabas. That’s is re-
ality. That is politics and reality of life na papalabas ka na talaga,” he said. Go, who is a former close aide of the President, promised he would never leave the President and will stay at his side even after he steps down. “Hindi ko iiwanan si Presidente. Pinangako ko yan sa kanya. Ang samahan namin ay hindi lamang sa politika kundi personal. Sasamahan ko siya habang buhay dahil mahal ko siya. Wala ako sa kinarooonan ko ngayon kundi dahil sa kanya,” he said. Go added that he is con-
“We welcome and commend this initiative as we continue to promote programs geared towards the sustainable growth and development of Davao City. We are proud of your commitment to protecting the environment by promoting eco-friendly practices in your business operations and among your patrons,” Duterte said in his message during the relaunch on March 19, 2022. NCCC Supermarket partnered with Unilever Philippines for the Plastic SWAPapremyo, as part of its Go Green advocacy of
promoting a sustainable lifestyle to its shoppers. It is a city-wide sustainability push to reduce plastic waste by driving up the collection of plastic bottles and sachets for proper processing through Winder Recycling. First launched in 2019, SWAPapremyo calls on households to continue the habit of segregating and cleaning their empty plastic waste. SWAPapremyo participants will get Surf and Breeze sachets for every 1 kilo of plastic waste that they will bring to the Parking Area of NCCC Mall VP. Plastic collections will then
be provided to Winder Recycling to transform plastic waste into benches and other store fixtures. This year’s SWAPapremyo is aiming to amass 15,000 kg of used flexible plastic starting May until December 2022. NCCC supermarket has partnered with Winder Recycling Company Davao, which will convert the used plastics into school chairs for a beneficiary school in the area. Meanwhile, Unilever ensures that the partnership can help drive its global Clean Future commitments
enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go shared to Davao media his realizations in politics as he braces for the looming exit of President Rodrigo Duterte in June this year.
Go, who shied away from the public eye after his withdrawal for Presidency last year, assured that he is just helping the President prepare his things and ensures he gets home in Davao City safely. “Nandito lang ako at tinutulungan ko si Pangulong Duterte, nagwa-wind up na po siya ibig sabihin patapos na ang kanyang
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VM Baste commends NCCC’s ‘green’ campaign
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ice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte commended NCCC Supermarket for the successful relaunch of Plastic SWAPapremyo which aims to reduce plastic wastes in Davao City. Duterte said the Go Green Campaign reinforces Davao City’s ongoing efforts to reduce waste in the city especially the use of single-use plastics and it may encourage more organizations to push for green initiatives and solutions so we can all together create a sustainable future for every Dabawenyo.
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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 310 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022
President Rodrigo Duterte signs a law amending the Public Service Act and effectively allowing 100% foreign ownership of public services such as telecommunications and railways, among others. Edge Davao
PRRD signs into law measure amending Public Service Act
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Under the amended PSA, the telecommunications, railways, expressways, airports, and shipping industries will be considered public services, allowing up to 100 percent foreign ownership in these sectors. Duterte also led the ceremonial presentation of
newly enacted laws namely RA 11647 which amends the Foreign Investments Act; RA 11650, which ensures inclusive education for learners with disabilities; and RA 11648, which increases the age for determining statutory rape from 12 to 16-years-old. In his speech, he thanked Congress for the timely ratification of the amended PSA, noting that it will aid the country in leading the path towards economic recovery amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “I believe that through this law, the easing out of
foreign equity restrictions will attract more global investors, modernize several sectors of public service and improve the delivery of essential services,” Duterte said. He said the amended PSA and amended Foreign Investments Act will both help stimulate the economy, especially for local businesses. “It is also expected to generate more jobs for Filipinos, improve basic services for Filipino consumers, and allow for the exchange of skills and tech-
prices will remain expensive as long as there is no ceasefire and de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine. In a Laging Handa public briefing on Monday, Energy Undersecretary Gerardo Erquiza said that aside from the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, other factors are behind the volatility of oil prices. He noted that the current COVID-19 surge in China, as well as the recent
magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Japan, may have also had a hand in the major oil price rollback. “Ang China, nag-worsen ‘yung pandemic at nagkaroon ng mga lockdowns. So ‘yung mga economic activities sa China, medyo bumaba … Sa Japan, nagka-earthquake, tumakbo ‘yung dalawang refinery doon,” Erquiza said. [The pandemic wors-
ened in China which resulted in new lockdowns. So economic activity weakened in China. There was an earthquake in Japan, the 2 refineries there are now running.] “Naging maganda nga last week, although ‘yung balita natin, medyo wala pong nangyayari, so we do not know how this will affect now this coming week,
resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday signed into law a measure amending the Public Service Act (PSA), allowing up to 100 percent foreign ownership of public services in the country.
Republic Act (RA) No. 11659 or “An Act Amending Commonwealth Act No. 146 otherwise known as the Public Service Act” as amended was signed by Duterte in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace in the presence of lawmakers and other officials.
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Experts say continuous oil price rollbacks not certain
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et another massive oil price rollback may or may not continue in the coming days, because the global oil price market is “very volatile,” experts said. Regina Capital managing director Luis Limlingan, in an interview on Monday, said the current geopolitical scene is a factor. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) economist Jun Neri, meanwhile, said oil
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PCC flags Grab for unreleased P19.3-million refund to users
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he Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) on Monday said transportation network firm Grab has not yet released some PHP19.3 million worth of refund to eligible subscribers as a form of penalty due to its previous competition violations. The PCC said of the total PHP25.45 million refund since 2019, Grab has released PHP6.15 million, or only 24 percent, as of June 15, 2021. In 2018, the PCC penalized Grab a total of PHP63.7 million for violating its voluntary commitments following its acquisition of Uber’s operation in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Grab then has vowed to ensure not to undertake unreasonable pricing after merging with its biggest competitor here. However, extraordinary pricing deviations were observed following the transaction, prompting the PCC to penalize the ride-hailing app operator. “The penalties are in the form of a refund to remind Grab that every pricing or booking violation commit-
ted against passengers shall be paid back to passengers. Grab should immediately release the refunds and continue to adhere to its commitments,” PCC chair Arsenio Balisacan said. The anti-trust body ordered Grab to issue a refund worth PHP5.05 million in November 2019, PHP14.15 million in December 2019, and PHP6.25 million in October 2020. The PCC also found out that the ride-hailing app requires additional steps for its users to claim the refund, which contributed to the low disbursement of the refund. The agency said the refund should be automatically reflected on users’ GrabPay Wallet “without requiring any act from the users to claim the amount”. “The PCC remains steadfast in monitoring Grab’s commitments to temper the firm’s dominance in the ride-hailing market. These measures are in place to prevent Grab from exercising monopolistic behavior due to its unchallenged market power,” Bal-
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DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi (2nd from left) leads the officials and employees of the provincial government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during Davao del Norte’s provincial competitiveness awarding. (CMCI)
LGUs recognized in DTI-DavNor’s first CMCI Prov’l Level awarding T
Return to workplaces to pumpprime economy: Big biz groups
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ome of the country’s biggest business groups and companies have expressed their support to the government’s push for employees to return to their workplaces as this will pump-prime the economy, which has yet to get back from the pre-pandemic level. “We now look forward to heightened business activity which will benefit the entire nation and spur its return to economic wellness. The path to recovery, we aver, begins with the presence in the business and commercial centers of our country’s workers,” the multi-sectoral group from various industries said in a statement Monday. The statement was signed by top executives of Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Association, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Go Negosyo, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Constructors Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Resto Ph. It was also signed by executives from big firms including Ayala Land Inc.,
Megaworld, Robinsons Land Corp., and SM Prime Holdings Inc. The private sector said the high vaccination rate in Metro Manila and low coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases nationwide should provide confidence in returning to workplaces. Minimum public health protocols are also in place to provide protection in contracting the virus. The multi-sectoral group cited that following the boost in vaccination rates since November 2021, mall foot traffic hit a high of 63 percent of its pre-Covid level, while fast food traffic reached 78 percent of its 2019 level. On the other hand, the Metro Rail Transit recorded 243,845 daily passengers, or 69 percent of the ridership level before the pandemic. “Economic momentum has been established and we are now within easier reach of the prosperity we all enjoyed in 2019. We encourage the public to now venture out of their homes while still maintaining safety protocols,” they added. The business groups and big firms said displaced industries during the pandemic can be restored once
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he Department of Trade Industry (DTI) office here finally commenced its first-ever provincial competitiveness awarding among the local government units (LGUs) in the province. From 2020 until 2021, the province of Davao del Norte placed second in the Overall Competitiveness Award of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Regional Competitiveness Summit-National Level. These awards reflected the good performance of the three component cities and eight municipalities of the province. With this feat, the DTIDavao del Norte provincial office, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, orga-
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he City Government of Davao is pushing for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) tourism as one of its lynchpin for recovery and growth. During her last State of the City Address outgoing Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said they have activated the Davao City MICE Strategic Masterplan which will guide the local government and the hospitality industry in improving MICE programs, strategy and infrastructure. “As a major MICE destination in the country we are
nized the 1st CMCI Provincial Level Awarding on March 16 at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex Gym, Mankilam, Tagum City. The giving of recognitions was based on the CMCI ranking by the Competitiveness Bureau. This was after the 2021 CMCI Regional Competitiveness Summit National Awarding held virtually in December last year and the Davao Region CMCI Regional Awarding last month. The provincial awardees were the following: The provincial govern-
ment of Davao del Norte received the Excellence Award for being Consistent Top 2 in the National Level (2020-2021) as the Overall Most Competitive Province. Also, the city government of Tagum City received the same award for being Consistent Top 3 in the National Level (2020-2021) as Overall Most Competitive City and recognized for contributing more than half of the Provincial Competitiveness Index. Under the Component Cities category, 1st place was awarded to Tagum City, while 2nd and 3rd go to the cities of Panabo and Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), respectively. Under the 1st Class Municipalities, Carmen landed in 1st place,
while Kapalong is 2nd, and Santo Tomas ranked 3rd. For 2nd Class Municipalities, New Corella and Talaingod got the 1st, 2nd spot, respectively. On the other hand, for Most Improved Awards, for component cities, IGaCoS bagged 1st place. In the 1st Class Municipalities level, Santo Tomas got the 1st spot and Asuncion for the 2nd spot. The event also gave recognition to those who have shown great efforts in boosting their local competitiveness through the special awards. For the Perseverance Award category, San Isidro ranked 1st and B.E. Dujali ranked 2nd. While Carmen was also given a Star
confident that we are able to once again achieve our pre-pandemic tourist arrivals of more than two million per year and generate 39 billion pesos in estimated tourism receipts,” the Mayor said in her SOCA. Also during her address the Mayor bared the construction of the Davao City MICE building which will be constructed at the City Government compound beside Peoples Park. “This will house several meeting rooms, auditoriums and theater and an events center,” Mayor Dute-
rte-Carpio said. But the program generating interest among MICE players in the city is the eventual adoption of a MICE Masterplan The MICE Masterplan created by the University of Sto Tomas College of Tourism and Hospitality Management was turned over to the City of Davao on March 4. An orientation workshop about the masterplan followed on March 5. Among the strategic recommendations from the masterplan include; To establish a govern-
ment bureau that will oversee the MICE industry; To expand integrated/ mixed use tourism complexes with large scale work in key areas equipped with latest technology; To create a unique brand that aims to appeal its target market; To professionalize MICE organizers; To increase Davao City’s visibility; and To strengthen Davao City’s MICE analytics. The MICE strategic masterplan contains a four-
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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
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On Vice Presidential candidate Walden Bello’s allegations that Davao City is the trading center of illegal drugs in the South:
It can be said that Mr. Bello is a narcopolitician in a way that he withheld information crucial in the government’s anti-drug campaign. As a vice presidential candidate in a narcopolitics, as someone who knowingly and purposely refused to disclose information or cooperate with the authorities, Mr. Bello has just presented himself as a danger to peace and order and a threat to the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the government.” Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP)
EDITORIAL National museum in Davao Before the year ends, another first will wow local residents and visitors in Davao City. It is the five story gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines, now 75 percent completed, which will open in December. The tall structure will cost P200 million.
Located within the People’s Park compound, Ms Bulig said the gallery will showcase art works of famous visual artists and the histories of the Philippines, Mindanao and Davao.
The cost of construction is jointly shouldered by the NMP and the Office of the President.
There is no doubt that the museum will be another landmark that Dabawenyos will be mighty proud of.
According to Museo Dabawenyo head Winnie Rose G. Bulig, it is the first ever regional museum of the NMP.
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VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
WHY DO MEN CHEAT? Recently, I was reading an article which appeared in Esquire. The article was written by a married man, who didn’t want to be identified because of an obvious reason: he cheats. “At home, I am attentive to the needs of my marriage. It is a kind of test, and men need tests. Fidelity is a test that pits a man against his own instincts, urges him to ignore his opportunities, to muffle any sense of expansion. Getting married rotates the average guy away from everything he has known about himself up to that point. And some guys pass the test. They do,” he wrote. “And I love listening to their shit,” he continued. “Consider the ‘I love my wife’ routine, which certain moralistic nimrods unspool in front of me over cocktails again and again. I never jump in. I do not bite. You don’t fight men over stuff like this. I love my wife, too, but it’s nobody’s business how I deal with that love.” He considered his local life as “clean.” He isn’t like those other men who professed to love their wives but do other nasty things like going into the bars or watching porn movies. “I am more focused than they are,” he wrote. “Stronger and better suited to what is near me -- my family, my wife, my job.
In some ways, that’s because I don’t hesitate to cheat.” Now, that caught my attention. “If you cheat, you must believe this much: that fated love is a lie, and monogamous love a deception,” he explained. “If you cheat, these two sentiments are your guiding light. Doesn’t mean you’re incapable of love, doesn’t mean you don’t want what love -- or even marriage -- can offer. It’s just a paradox. You have what you believe, and it is never a lie. You train your sentiment to fit inside the lie. Your rules fit right inside that sentiment.” Man, they say, is polygamous by nature. That’s why they cheat. “Some men may argue that, as men, it is their biological imperative (or right) to have sex with as many women as possible,” explains Robert Weiss, author of several books, including Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men and Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction. “In their opinion, they need to spread their seed and propagate the race because, apparently, they (and they alone) sit atop the Darwinian sexual food chain,” Weiss contends. “I hear this and similar excuses constantly in my practice. Rather than debating the nature of ‘be-
ing male’ with such clients… I remind them that when a man makes a vow of monogamy to a spouse or significant other, and then breaks that vow, he is in violation of a relationship contract.” So, again, why do men cheat? Marriage counselor M. Gary Neuman surveyed 200 cheating and non-cheating husbands to get at the real reasons behind men’s infidelity. It served as the basis for his new book, The Truth About Cheating. According to his study, 48% of men rated emotional dissatisfaction as the primary reason they cheated. This bit of information was highlighted in an article which appeared in Redbook. The article said: So much for the myth that for men, cheating is all about sex: Only 8 percent of men said that sexual dissatisfaction was the main factor in their infidelity. It quoted Neuman as saying: “Our culture tells us that all men need to be happy is sex,” Neuman says. “But men are emotionally driven beings too. They want their wives to show them that they’re appreciated, and they want women to understand how hard they’re trying to get things right.” According to the article, men don’t know how to do this.
Men are less likely than women to express these feelings, so you won’t always know when your guy is in need of a little affirmation, it said. “Most men consider it unmanly to ask for a pat on the back, which is why their emotional needs are often overlooked,” Neuman says. “But you can create a marital culture of appreciation and thoughtfulness -- and once you set the tone, he’s likely to match it.” “That’s the reason why men cheat,” points out Eppy Gochangco Halili, a clinical psychologist and former psychology professor at the Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University. “Men are humans. They feel. They can feel tired that they are the working horse. They are capable of being sensitive but don’t even know it.” Halili shared the story of Paul, a 15-year-old boy who underwent a therapy session. “I feel so betrayed by her,” he told his therapist. “I thought she loved me. We had sex. I never felt as much love from someone. Now, she’s gone. She just left with no reason. I will never allow another girl to come this close to me again.” Halili explained the relevance of the story on cheating. “He doesn’t express his feelings
much because society tells him he can’t be dramatic. He just solved the problem by not being close to anyone anymore. The world has created another future cheating husband. This young man was sensitive and loving. But his earliest experience of love was accompanied by betrayal.” The reasons I pointed out there are far from complete. If you think your partner is cheating on you, then dig some more. But what I stated above is already an idea as to how you can help your partner beat cheating. By the way, the Newman study found out that 66% of cheating men report feeling guilt during the affair. Also, 68% of cheaters never dreamed they’d be unfaithful, and almost all of them wished they hadn’t done it. One thing is clear: guilt isn’t enough to stop a man from cheating. “Men are good at compartmentalizing feelings,” Neuman explains. “They can hold on to their emotions and deal with them later.” The Redbook article has this to say: “So even if your husband swears he would never cheat, don’t assume it can’t happen. It’s important for both of you to take steps toward creating the marriage you want.”
ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD
BAYAN INTRAMURALS IN 1985 No different from today’s partisan squabbles, Bagong Alyan-sang Makabayan-Mindanao (BAYAN-Mindanao), in 1985 in Da-vao region was wracked with dissent. Central to the discord was the line-up of probable candidates for Davao City’s mayoral slate in the next local elections. BAYAN-Mindanao, a militant group, met on July 14, 1985, in Cagayan de Oro for a consultation assembly attended by opposi-tion representatives from all over Mindanao. Five names from allied political parties were chosen as likely of-ficial opposition bets, namely: Zafiro L. Respicio, then a PDP-Laban assemblyman; former Davao City mayor Luis T. Santos; Silvestre Bello III, a Mindanao Alliance (MA) member and son-in-law of Santos; Proculo Fuentes, a labor leader
with the MA; and former 1971 Constitutional Convention delegate Dominador Car-rillo, also an MA stalwart. Except for Santos, the four prospects were lawyers. The United Nationalist Democratic Organization was part of the alliance but failed to land a slot in the list because Fuentes op-posed the inclusion of former Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Davao chapter president Prospero C. Nograles, a nominee of Bello. In a statement, Fuentes disowned Nograles as a real opposition, saying he was a “Trojan horse planted in the opposition camp by the KBL (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan).” The reason for the defiance was unclear. What was publicly known then was the link of long-time Davao City councilor Antonio S. Castillo, uncle of Nograles, to the Co-
juangco bloc, a known Marcos clique. The consultation took up three important agendas, namely: (i) a recommendation for a united elector strategy; (ii) a precampaign strategy that focuses on propaganda, village meetings, formation of slates, dialogue with political parties, and use of tri-media; (iii) and creation of a committee to handle logistics accumulation and disbursement. Oddly enough, during December 29, 1984, meeting of the oppo-sition’s Convenor’s Group, with Respicio as a mouthpiece, Nograles was invited. Among the attendees of the gathering were Soledad Duterte, mother of President Rodrigo R. Duterte; Davao City councilor Dominador B. Zuño, Jr; activist-lawyer Newton Sancho, brother of 1971 Queen
of the Pacific Nelia Sancho; Nograles, Bello, and Carrillo. During the get-together, the group also agreed to visit the polit-ical prisoners at the Philippine Constabulary barracks (now Camp Domingo Leonor), in the city which at the time included activist Karl Gaspar, now a Redemptorist religious; Joel Maglungsod, later Anakpawis party-list representative; Juliet de Vera, wife of New People’s Army (NPA) commander Benjamin de Vera; Fr. Eduardo Tizon, a Catholic priest; and labor leader Dominador Montera. In the same meeting, Respicio issued a statement, which ap-peared in the December 30, 1994, edition of People’s Daily Forum, saying the unabated killing of civilians and military servicemen has remained unchecked as manifested by the “several headless bodies of ci-
vilians… found along the highways and streets… felled down with bullets [from] unknown assassins.” He predicted that sooner or later “Davao City will be a micro-cosm of (violence in) the country five years from now,” adding the prevalent peace and order conundrum has forced the city residents to “living dangerously.” In the end, the multi-party opposition bloc backed Respicio as an official mayoral bet against OIC-vice-mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who was endorsed by the local Nacionalista Party faction led by Davao City mayor Elias B. Lopez. Duterte was the replacement of his mother Soledad, wife of former Davao governor Vicente G. Duterte, who turned down the offers to run for mayor due to her advanced age and personal disinterest.
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COMPETITIVE EDGE
Aeon Luxe
March Open House treats for buyers Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. (ALPI) marked the month of March, being the Araw ng Davao month, as a festive month for condo buyers as it staged another Open House on March 18 2022 at the Aeon Towers. Limited time offers such as massive discounts and raffle prizes highlighted the March madness event. ALPI’s discounted offer to clients for a condo unit Aeon Towers and Aeon Bleu also came with a chance to win additional prizes via spin-a-wheel—Gift Certif-
icate worth Php2,000 of food and beverages at Club Aeon, Gift Certificate worth Php2,000 of services at Les Beaute Spa, gift packs and small appliances. Aeon Towers currently offers the Rent-to-Own Program for interested condo buyers who wish to acquire a unit in this premium development but on a monthly rental basis. Existing and new condo owners may also avail Early Move-in promo for as low as Php500,000* if they wish to transfer to their unit as
soon as possible. Aeon Bleu on the other hand, offers less Php15,000 per sqm discount for two-bedroom units in Tower 1 and 2. The open house event was held from 1pm to 5pm at the 2nd Floor Aeon Luxe Showroom Office, Aeon Towers, Bajada. Clients and agents followed the necessary health protocols while in the area during the event. To get the latest offers from Aeon Luxe, message www.facebook.com/AeonLuxeOfficial or get in touch with Business Unit Heads.
Third largest electric distribution utility in the Philippines and AboitizPower subsidiary, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. was commended by the City Government of Davao as one of the 2021 top ten
business taxpayers of the city during the recently held Pasidungog: Garbo sa Davao, an awards ceremony in celebration of the 85th Araw ng Dabaw. The plaque of recognition was received by Davao
Light’s President and COO Engr. Rodger S. Velasco. The company was also given a Certificate of Appreciation as recognition for its contribution to the programs and growth of Davao City for the year 2021.
Davao Light was awarded as the top taxpayer by the City Gov’t of Davao
SSS reminds delinquent employers of deadline to avail of contribution penalty condonation program Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Michael G. Regino today reminded delinquent employers that the deadline for application for its Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program 2 (PRRP 2), a social security contribution penalty condonation program for business and household employers, will be on May 19, 2022. “We encourage qualified employers to avail of the PRRP 2 early so that they can avoid the inconveniences of last-minute filing and face the risk of missing the opportunity,” Regino said. “This will not only enable delinquent employers to regain their good standing with the SSS but will also prevent the further accrual of penalties on their pastdue social security contributions. It will also help their employees avail benefits and loans,” he added. The PRRP 2, launched last November 19, 2021, covers past-due social security contributions for the months of March 2020 to the present time. Regino said those qualified to avail of the program are employers who are delinquent in the payment of their contributions for the said period and whose financial positions demonstrate a clear inability to pay their assessed delinquency charges due to economic crisis, serious business losses or financial reverses, natural calamity or man-made disaster without fault on their part.
“By availing of the program, the employers will be able to settle their delinquencies for the said period through one of two payment methods, both with the condonation of accrued penalties,” Regino added. The first payment method is through the full payment of the total assessed contribution delinquency within 15 calendar days from the receipt of Notice of Approval by the SSS, while the second is through installment payments for a period of four to 24 months, depending on the employer’s total amount of delinquency. A down payment of at least five percent of the amount of principal delinquency is required under the installment payment method. It also has an interest rate of six percent per annum. To apply for the PRRP 2, employers must submit an Application Form, together with the proposed mode of payment and supporting documents, to the SSS branch or the Large Accounts Department (LAD), whichever has jurisdiction over their account. Employers may refer to this link for the complete list of required documents https://bit.ly/ SSSCI2021-015. Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions and penalties are not covered under the PRRP2, however, the payment of EC contributions and penalties is also a requirement for application to
the program. Pending cases or final judgment of employers involving the collection of contributions and/or penalties incurred from the applicable month of March 2020 and onwards may be withdrawn upon the approval of their PRRP 2 application, without prejudice to its revival or refiling. Those with judgments that have acquired finality, however, are no longer covered by the program. If an employer has a pending or approved proposal under the Installment Payment Scheme Program, or pending application under the program for acceptance of properties offered through Dacion en Pago but decides to apply for the PRRP 2, his/her application to the former two will be considered withdrawn or canceled upon the approval of his/her application to the latter. Meanwhile, employers who are subject to the Warrants of Distraint, Levy, and/or Garnishment (WDLG) processes and procedures for delinquencies incurred for the month of March 2020 to the present may still avail of the PRRP 2, except where a WDLG has already been issued. Under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, if an employer fails to pay contributions to the SSS as prescribed, it will incur a penalty of two percent per month from the date the contribution falls due until paid.
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The TB bacteria usually attacks the lungs, but TB can attack any part of the body (Shutterstock).
W (TB).
hat do Manuel L. Quezon and Rene Reqeiustas have in common? Both died of tuberculosis
Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth established under the American tutelage in 1935, was in the United States when he was diagnosed with TB. On August 1, 1944, he died from the disease at Saranac Lake, New York. Forty-nine years later, on July 24, 1993, Requiestas died at the age of 36 in Quezon City of TB and other complications brought about by heavy smoking and drinking. The comedian was known for the following films: Cheeta-eh: Ganda Lalaki (1991), Alyas Batman en Robin (1993) and Salawahan (1979). Despite advanced knowledge in science and recent discovery of sophisticated drug regimes, TB is still very much around. “TB remains the biggest killer in the world,” says the Davao Doctors Hospital in its website, ddh.com.ph. “The Philippines ranks 8th in the world and third in the Western Pacific Region in terms of the burden of TB. It is the 6th cause of morbidity and mortality in our country with an estimated 270,000 cases detected every year.” The Department of Health (DOH) said about 75 Filipinos die from TB each day – that’s about 3 people per hour. This is no wonder the Philippines is joining the international community in observing World TB Day on March 24. The annual event, which commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of
the bacillus that causes TB, is a day to educate the public about the impact of TB around the world. “Each person with active TB can spread the disease to 10 other Filipinos each year! This is alarming since there are between 200,000 and 600,000 Filipinos with active TB. Multiply this by 10, and just imagine how much TB is being spread yearly,” deplores Dr. Willie T. Ong, who writes a regular column for a national daily. “Tuberculosis is perhaps the greatest killer of all time,” wrote Dr. Frank Ryan, author of Tuberculosis: The Greatest Story Never Told. “Tuberculosis rose slowly, silently, seeping into the homes of millions, like an ageless miasma. Once arrived, TB stayed (and became) a stealthy predator.” The tenacious TB bacillus has preyed on people since antiquity. TB-induced skeletal deformities point to the disease’s existence as early as 8000 BC. “Year after year, century after century, it tightened its relentless grip, worsening with wars and famines that reduced people’s resistance, infecting virtually everyone but inexplicably sparing some while destroying others,” wrote Dr. Ryan in his book. Dr. Ong, who co-authored the book with his wife, Dr. Liza Ong, Doctors’ Health Tips and Home Remedies, defines TB as “an infection caused by bacteria that usually affects the lungs.” These bacteria, called “Mycobacterium tu-
TUBERCULOSIS:
STEALTHY PREDATOR By HENRYLITO D. TACIO courtesy of Shutterstock, MSF Ireland, and CDC
The most common medications to treat TB include Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide (MSF Ireland).
berculosis,” can transfer to another person through tiny droplets spread by coughing and sneezing. This is how the TB attacks the lungs: Airborne TB bacteria (bacilli) are inhaled into lungs’ small tubes. Macrophages, a kind of defensive cell, attack the particles, killing or surrounding them. Other immune cells surround particles in hard lumps called tubercles, making bacilli harmless. If the body’s immune
system weakens, bacilli can escape from the tubercle. Weakened immune system can’t neutralize the bacilli. They multiply and penetrate blood vessels, spreading diseases throughout the body. In the Philippines, TB is common among high-risk groups such as the elderly, urban poor, smokers and those with compromised immune systems such as people living with HIV, malnutrition and diabetes. In the past, TB was con-
The Stop TB poster describes how TB is spread and the difference between latent TB infection and TB disease (CDC).
sidered the world’s deadliest disease. Then, in 1944, 21-year-old “Patricia” with progressive, far-advanced pulmonary TB received the first injection of streptomycin. She improved dramatically during the ensuing five months and was discharged in 1947. She was evaluat-
ed in 1954 and found to be healthy and the happy mother of three children. “This injection began the age of modern anti-TB treatment and led - until recently - to dramatic reductions in TB in industrialized countries,” the Ge-
FTUBERCULOSIS, P10
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her friends were snorting 1.5 million worth of drugs on November 6, 2021. The issue of Tupas was brought up by Bello after Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio did not attend the vice presidential debate hosted by CNN Philippines. In his FB post, Bello also cited Mayor Sara’s political spokesperson Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco’s statement stating that “Mayor Sara does not need to participate in the debates because in the five years since [her becoming Mayor] in 2016, Davao City has received 118 awards,
citations, and recognitions.” Bello posted some questions including why is it that: “Davao City has become the drug smuggling center of the South, it being an open secret that the drug trade is controlled by a Duterte family member?” and “Mayor Duterte’s Press Information Officer Jefry Tupas was nabbed at a beach party where she and her friends were snorting P1.5 million worth of drugs on November 6, 2021? Her excuse that she did not know she was sheltering a drug dealer is not credible.
for face to face. In the DepEd’s assessment on these schools, Atillo shared that students and teachers are happy to finally physically report to class after almost three years of just staying at home while learning thru the various alternative learning modalities. It was the desire of the teachers, he said, to be able to extend teaching directly and outright instead of facing all other barriers when they adopted the alternative teaching modalities. “ For our students, they can finally interact and socialize with their classmates. We do no see hesitation from the side of the students. Rather, there are parents who are still hesitant to allow their kids to physically report to class. And we respect their de-
cision by the issuance of a parent’s consent as a requirement for the face to face classes.” The DepEd clarified that face to face classes will immediately be suspended once the community is declared under Alert Level 3. This means that all other alternative learning modalities will be activated. Schools allowed to hold face to face classes are also following a progressive implementation of the said policy. “It means that expansion of the grade levels covered to offer face to face classes will depend on the assessment of the principal. The principal will ascertain the readiness and preparedness of the school.” (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)
Park compound, will feature artworks of famous visual artists and the history of the Philippines. In her last State of the City Address last March 17, Mayor Sara Duterte said the local government is “honored that the National Museum of the Philippines chose to build a national museum in Davao City.”
The City Planning and Development Office said in a statement that the museum will be another landmark of the city with its futuristic durian-inspired exterior design. It will showcase the rich and vibrant local and national history of the country, it noted. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
there are 97,659 residents of Mati City who were vaccinated. 88,887 of these were fully vaccinated and 8,772
individuals were partially vaccinated. (PIA XI / Ezri Coda Jr. with reports from CIO - Mati)
tinuously working behind the scene. “Hindi ako nawala, nagta-trabaho pa rin ako, nasa likod lang ako dahil ang importante nakapag- serbisyo pa rin tayo dahil nahirapan
na ako sa pulitika. Ang hirap pagsabayin ng pulitika and public service. Itinuring ko ang aking sarili as public servant but not as a politician,” he said.
including using eco-friendly ingredients in its products, as well as using less plastic in packaging. Unilever Philippines account managers Shai
Calaba and Kathleen Suarez cemented the partnership by signing on the Go Green commitment board. By Maya M. Padillo
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improve the lives of farmers as well as give food security to the Filipinos. Piñol who served as Agriculture Secretary from June 30, 2016, to Aug. 5, 2019, and as Chairman of the Mindanao Develop-
ment Authority from Aug. 5, 2019, to Oct. 5, 2021, also aim to turn the Philippines into a major producer in Agriculture and Fisheries and at the same time create better income and job opportunities for the Filipinos.
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nology with the country’s foreign partners,” he added. RA 11647 or the amended Foreign Investments Act relaxes restrictions on foreign investments by allowing foreign investors to invest in a local enterprise up to 100 percent of its capital. Meanwhile, Duterte said RA 11650 attests to the administration’s commitment to provide “inclusive, accessible, and quality” education in the country, especially for learners with disabilities. “The establishments of formal school systems, including the implementation of alternative delivery modes, and at least one Inclusive Learning Resource Center in all cities and municipalities will surely make learning fun and accessible to the differently abled,” he said. He described RA 11648 as an “important” law meant to fulfill his promise of a “safer” country for all Filipinos, especially the
youth. “The enactment of the policy increasing the age for statutory rape demonstrates the administration’s dedication in building safer communities for its people by providing [protection] for the children, among others,” he added. Duterte said it is not enough to just amend and sign laws, noting that the government must ensure that these are fully and efficiently implemented by all concerned agencies. “As my term will soon come to a close, I challenge all of you—our leaders both at the national and local levels as well as all civil servants who are involved in governance —to work together in ensuring that we strictly uphold the rule of law. Let us all be vigilant and make sure that no one is above the law and that no Filipino will be left behind as we move forward to a much better Philippines,” he said.
isacan added. Due to the remaining competition concerns, the PCC said Grab’s commitments were updated and monitoring was extended until next year. “Through the years, the commitment measures are meant to be temporary in disciplining Grab while waiting for the market to
mature with new major players. A more permanent pro-competition solution here is to open the market to more transport network companies that can truly rival Grab on the same level,” the PCC chief added. The PCC has ordered Grab to fully release the remaining refund by April 22. (PNA)
‘yung presyo ng krudo,” he added. [Things were OK last week, but now we were told nothing much has happened, so we do not know how this will affect oil prices this coming week.] But Erquiza clarified that because of oil deregulation in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) cannot predict the movement of oil prices. “Ang pwede naming gawin ho is talagang i-monitor po ang implementation na ito [oil price adjustment], at hiligan ng isang amendment sa batas na unbundling po ng presyo… gusto naming makita kung bakit ganoon ang presyo,” Erquiz
added. [What we can do now is to monitor the implementation of oil price adjustments, and to call for an amendment in the law to unbundle oil prices. We want to see the reasons behind oil price movements.] Last Tuesday, the House Committee on Energy on Tuesday approved a bill to amend the oil deregulation law, with the approved measure seeking to “unbundle” the price oil. Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo earlier said that with unbundling, there will be transparency among oil companies whenever they adjust their prices.
Award for being consistently Top 1 in the Region for Resiliency Pillar (2020-2021). DTI-Davao del Norte provincial director Romeo L. Castañaga shared that for two consecutive years, these LGUs have proven that they are successful in the implementation of their initiatives to improve their competitiveness. “We organize the 1st CMCI Provincial Awarding primarily to give due recognition and commendation to our local chief executives and CMCI Teams in the province
for their active participation as well as consistently topping the national, regional CMCI ranking,” Castañaga said. The goal of continual improvement is one of the motivating factors for the province to strive for excellence in the five competitiveness pillars, namely: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation. These contribute to the achievement of inclusive growth and income opportunities for all.
employees return to the business centers as it fuels confidence among enterprises. The statement said the pandemic has affected 423,075 workers in the con-
struction industry; 464,841 in the accommodation and food services sector; 492,067 transportation and storage workers; and 1.1 million tourism workers.
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neva-based World Health Organization (WHO) points out. TB can either be latent or active. In latent TB conditions, the TB bacteria have already infected the patient’s body, yet they are still in their inactive state. There are no signs and symptoms and it is not contagious. If you are diagnosed with active TB, then you must absolutely take anti-TB medicines. “There are no ifs and buts,” Dr. Ong says. “It’s for your own good and for the good of the people around you. If you don’t take the medications, then you will be infecting an average of 10 persons in a year, including your loved ones and children.” According to Dr. Ong, the treatment for TB is a bit more complicated compared to ordinary infections “since it will take approximately 6 months to completely eradicate the bacteria.” In cases where the infection is serious, it may take about 9 months of treatment. Only a doctor can give you a correct treatment so you better see one. “Never self-medicate,” Dr. Ong reminds. “This is the worst thing you can do. It will only strengthen the bacteria inside you and make you resistant in one tablet.” Dr. Ong suggests that those who are undergoing treatment stay at home during the first 3 weeks of treatment. “Don’t go to school, work or come in close contact with people,” he says. “Your saliva and phlegm can infect others.” He also recommends that they wear a face mask during the first 3 weeks of treatment. “Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough, sneeze or laugh too hard,” Dr. Ong urges. “Then throw the tissue away in a sealed container.” As a sort of reminder, all TB medications must be taken one hour before meals. “It is ideal not to break the dose of the drug,” Dr. Ong reminds. The patient needs to see his doctor to undergo blood tests to check for possible liver side effects of the drugs taken. Side effects aren’t common but some TB medicines can occasionally be
harmful to the liver, he says. In addition, the color of the urine will change from yellow to orange. But don’t worry; the change of color is “a normal reaction to the treatment course.” Dr. Ong suggests that you need to consult your doctor once you experience any of the following: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetites, yellowing of the skin, or fever of more than three days. The most important thing: “Complete the 6- to 9-month course of your medicines,” Dr. Ong declares. “Do not stop your medicines without your doctor’s permission. Doing so will cause the TB bacteria to mutate and come back in a stronger and more virulent form.” In 2011, the WHO regional office reported that about 10,600 Filipinos have multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). By 2015, MDTTB cases went to 15,000. Health experts say “treatment outcomes for MDR-TB are typically worse than those for patients with drug sensitive TB, in significant part due to the length of treatment and the potential for adverse effects from second-line medications.” There is still much to be done. “Many factors still need to be addressed such as reducing the stigma of TB patients, and increasing the public’s awareness of the disease, especially the need for treatment,” Dr. Ong points out. “Some infected TB patients still refuse treatment and continue to pose a danger to people around them.” The international community wants to end TB from this planet by 2030. After all, TB is preventable and curable. But in the Philippines, the number of people with TB continues to increase every year. “Ending TB requires concerted action by all sectors and all care providers,” the WHO points out. “Everyone has a role to play in ending TB – individuals, communities, businesses, governments, societies. Everyone must join the race to end TB by 2030.” Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. It’s time to ensure that no one dies of TB anymore. –
six assists in the opening period as Washington shot 16 of 24 overall, boosted by reserves who scored 15 of the Wizards’ 39 points. Opening the second period with an 11-2 burst capped by a Corey Kispert 3-pointer, the Wizards led 50-28. Porzingis talled four points and assisted on the Kispert 3 during that rally,
and Washington eventually extended its lead to 54-31 before Houston finally responded. Green was the linchpin of a 15-3 run that cut the deficit to 57-46, and his 3 off the glass just before the buzzer answered a Wizards surge and pulled Houston to within 63-51 at the break.
stage action plan, namely: Professionalization and the formalization of the Davao City MICE industry; Setting and finalizing the strategic directions of the MICE bureau; Developing tools and
plans to ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and control measures; and Expansion of Davao City MICE vision to become the preferred destination and provider in the ASEAN region.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James scores during the third of the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, USA, 08 February 2022. File photo. Etienne Laurent, EPA-EFE.
LeBron’s triple-double leads Lakers over Cavs
L
eBron James erupted for a game-high 38 points along with 11 rebounds and 12 assists to power the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-120 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.
James, who played for the Cavs for 11 seasons, was 17 of 29 from the field. He came into Monday’s game second in the league in scoring at 29.8 per game in a virtual three-way tie with Philadelphia Joel Embiid and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Lakers finished 2-2
on their four-game road trip. Russell Westbrook contributed 20 points and 11 assists for the Lakers, while D.J. Augustin had 20 points off the bench. Augustin didn’t miss a shot from the field (7 of 7) or the 3-point line (6 of 6), as the Lakers shot a season-high 56.4
percent from the field. Guard Darius Garland was sensational with 29 points and a game-high 16 assists for the Cavs, who were 3-2 in their just-concluded five-game homestand. Garland has scored 20 or more points in 14 of his last 15 games. Malik Monk and Stanley Johnson each tallied 12 points while Austin Reaves had 11 points, six assists and five rebounds. All five Cleveland starters scored in double figures, as
Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and nine rebounds and Lamar Stevens 16 points. Evan Mobley and reserve Caris LeVert chipped in 13 points apiece while Isaac Okoro scored 12. Stevens’ putback with 5.5 seconds left handed Cleveland a 97-96 lead after three quarters. However, the Lakers left the Cavaliers in their dust in the fourth. Mobley inadvertently kicked James in the chin with about 10:41 to play in the first half. That seemed
the game on a 6-0 only to fall behind as many as 14 in the first quarter. Markkanen’s 3-pointer capped a 12-1 run by the Cavs, handed them a 12-7 lead with 7:17 remaining in the opening period. Cleveland’s scoring spurt shortly grew to 31-11. Augustin came off the bench and scored 11 points to keep the Lakers in the game and trail by just seven points after one quarter, 3528. Garland had seven points and four assists for the Cavs.
five assists for the Rockets, who shot 20 of 39 from behind the arc. Eric Gordon scored 15 points and Dennis Schroder tallied eight points, four rebounds and five assists and was instrumental in a 16-0 run bridging the third and fourth frames for Houston, which took its first lead at 86-83 on a Garrison Mathews 3 with 11:01 left. Kristaps Porzingis paced the Wizards with 22 points and 13 rebounds while Rui Hachimura added 16 points and eight boards. Raul Neto posted a season-high 10 assists for Washington. Wood scored 13 points
during one critical run in the third period, recording two dunks and three 3-pointers including one with 3:39 left that cut the Wizards’ lead to 77-76. Washington found a measure of stability and stretched its margin back to seven points, but Green closed the period with a steal and layup plus an alley-oop dunk assisted by Schroder that sparked Houston again. The Wizards were ablaze in the first quarter, with Hachimura, Porzingis and Daniel Gafford combining for 22 points on 9-for11 shooting. Neto recorded
Rockets overcome 23-point deficit to defeat Wizards
C Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood (L) scores during the third quarter of the NBA game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, USA, 17 February 2022. File photo. Etienne Laurent, EPA-EFE
to light a fire under James. James had 21 points to propel the Lakers to a 67-62 advantage at halftime. The Lakers outscored Cleveland in the second quarter, 3927. Augustin had 17 points in the first half and was 5 of 5 from the 3-point line. Garland had 17 points and five assists in the first half for the Cavs. Carmelo Anthony’s baseline jumper with 7:06 left in the first half allowed the Lakers to regain the lead, 46-45, after starting
hristian Wood scored 30 of his career-high 39 points in the second half as the Houston Rockets erased a 23-point deficit to beat the visiting Washington Wizards 115-97 on Monday. Wood finished 14 of 18 overall and 8 of 9 on 3-pointers to help the Rockets snap a five-game losing skid. He scored 15 points in the third quarter and 15 more in the fourth, making all four of his 3-point attempts to send the partisan home crowd into a tizzy. Wood also had 10 rebounds. Jalen Green added 17 points, six rebounds and
FROCKETS, P10
12 SPORTS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 310 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022
LBC Ronda Pilipinas successfully completed its 11th edition this weekend.
BACK TO THE SOUTH Ronda Pilipinas set to return to Visayas, Mindanao
B
AGUIO CITY — After successfully staging its 11th edition recently, the LBC Ronda Pilipinas will go back to the Visayas and Mindanao in 2023. “We are happy to announce that there will be an LBC Ronda Pilipinas next year and LBC is looking at Visayas and Mindanao as venues,” said the race’s executive project director Bernadette Guerrero during the awarding ceremony hosted by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong Sunday here. The announcement meant the annual cycling spectacle, considered the biggest and richest in the country today with 13 teams and a prize pool worth P3.5 million, including P1 million to the individual champion, will return to Mindanao for the first time since it held a five-stage leg in Butuan to Cagayan de Oro six years ago. Ronda also held its race in the Visayas in 2019 — a five-stage, UCI-sanctioned event from Iloilo to Antique that was topped by former Tour de France veteran Francisco Mancebo of Spain. And now Ronda is coming back to both. Meanwhile, newly crowned
Ronda king Ronald Lomotos of Navy Standard Insurance vowed to work extra hard to repeat as champion and join a company of two-time Ronda winners Santy Barnachea (2011 and 2015) Jan Paul Morales (2016-2017). “I will do my best to prove myself worthy again next year, I will train hard for it,” said the 27-year-old Lomotos. The proud son of San Felipe, Zambales pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in Ronda history in topping this year’s 10-stage race that opened in Sorsogon and concluded here. Navy Standard Insurance secured its eighth team championship. The squad is composed of runner-up and King of the Mountain Ronald Oranza, third placer El Joshua Carino, and fourth placer and Best Rookie and Under-23 awardee Jeremy Lizardo. “The key is training hard and staying disciplined. If we keep that mindset, we’ll have a chance to win again next year,” said Navy coach Reinhard Gorantes.