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NOT CONCERNED Bello unbothered by persona non grata declaration of Davao City Council STORY ON PAGE 2
A blacksmith sharpens a newly-made long knife locally known as “lagaraw” using an electric grinding wheel inside an establishment that manufactures different kinds of knives in Bugac, Ma-a, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 311 • THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, inspects the train as he rides from Shaw Boulevard Station to Santolan Station following the completion ceremony of the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 rehabilitation project at the Shaw Boulevard Station in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
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400 solar lights to light up 32 Ata Manobo communities
Bello unbothered by persona non grata declaration of Davao City Council By MAYA M. PADILLO
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The City Council of Davao has passed a resolution that said “Bello’s persistent attacks will debilitate Davao City’s economic
recovery efforts, especially in promoting the city’s tourism and investment opportunities to the local and international scene, and ul-
timately reflect Davao City’s reputable governance in general.” A persona non grata declaration is more commonly issued by entire countries and bars a person entry into its borders. “I am unconcerned and unbothered by the decision of local Davao elites to declare me as persona non grata. I consider ordinary people in Davao to be far more important than those privileged few who have sold their souls to the Dutertes,” Bello said in a state-
he communist movement has been able to “infiltrate” various political parties led by a presidential aspirant, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday. Duterte made the revelation in his prerecorded Talk to the People aired
Tuesday morning on PTV-4. While he refused to name the presidential candidate, Duterte said the political parties working with communist terrorists come from the opposition. “At this time, I am not ready to mention the names or name but may-
roon tayong mga partido (we have parties) headed by someone running for the presidency and yet they are also playing into the hands of the communists mismo. I think they have been infiltrated,” Duterte said. He warned the public to stay wary of the possible
artido Lakas ng Masa vice presidential bet Walden Bello said he is “unconcerned” and “unbothered” to be tagged persona non grata by the Davao City Council on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, following his claims that the city is the drug center of the South in the recent Commission on Elections’ vice presidential debate last Sunday.
ment that he shared on his Twitter account. Bello also stated that in his talk with workers, farmers, professionals in Davao City revealed an immense dissatisfaction with the corruption and hypocrisy of the city’s dynasty. It can be recalled that Bello has challenged Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to a debate. “I reiterate: if the coward Mayor Sara is confident about her track record, she should show up to debate
coalition between the communist and the opposition. He gave the warning, as he admitted that he is “worried” over the alleged alliance of the opposition with the communist party. “Inuudyok ko lahat na huwag kayong sumali
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Political parties ‘infiltrated’ by communists: Duterte T
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ore than 30 Ata Manobo indigenous peoples (IP) communities in the municipality of Talaingod will soon be lighted up with the 400 units of solar lights donated by the Jose V. Ongpin Foundation Inc, coursed through the 1003rd Inf. Brigade of the Philippine Army. In an interview with the media, 1003rd Inf Bde commander, Brig General Consolito Yecla called the project as “Suga para sa Katawhan” (Light for the People) providing lighting facility for 32 IP communities along the 27.2 kilometer-stretch of man-made, hand and shovel road locally known among the Ata-Manobo IPs as “panpan”. Some 15 units were made functional during the ceremonial light up at twilight yesterday at Sitio Nasilaban in Brgy Palma Gil in the presence of some tribal leaders and villagers. Addressing some tribal leaders and IP members during the light up ceremony, Yecla said that the road and the solar lights might not be the solution to all the concerns of the IP communities long been under the influence of the communist terrorist group. “Itong suga ug panpan, di nato masulti nga ito na yong maka solve sa lahat ng problema ninyo (This light and road, would not solve all your problems), he said while emphasizing possibilities were made to light up far-flung IP communities and to open up new trails connecting sitios. “So kung kaya nating
bigyan ng kalsada, kaya nating bigyan ng ligjhts, kaya din nating mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan yong ating mga pamilya at mga anak (So if we can provide roads and can provide lights, we can also provide bright future for our families and children),” he pitched the challenge. Yecla set the timeline of installing all the 400 solar lights of 300 watts within one month with the assistance of IP community members and elements of the 56th Infantry Battalion based in the Municipality of Talaingod. He was banking on the IP community key leaders and barangay officials to safeguard the installed solar lights. In his testimony during the light up rites, Palma Gil Brgy Kagawad Intot Juan profusely thanked the military, the police and the JV Ongpin Foundation for the solar lights. He shared the feeling of being responsible of taking care of the solar lights and other projects of the government, citing these as the roots of their long time aspired progress for their communities. “Kitang mga katawhan diri, nanghinaut ko nga ampingan jud nato ni. Tabangan jud nato ni. Kining gihatag sa ato sa gobyerno, Kinahanglan ato jud ning atimanon. (We residents here, I am hoping that we will take care what have been given us by the government. We will help this),” he said. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)
EDGEDAVAO
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NEWS
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Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay hopes that UCCP Haran in Davao City will no longer operate as “fake” evacuation center for the “bakwit” indigenous people (IP), who are allegedly being used by the New People’s Army (NPA). Edge Davao
Backpacks, jackets barred as Roxas Night Market re-opens 22 drug reformists graduate from DavOr’s Balay Silangan
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nother batch of drug reformists composed of 22 individuals graduated yesterday from the 21-day intensive Rural-Based Treatment for Outpatient Rehabilitation Program in Davao Oriental. The drug reformists conducted their rehabilitation process at the “Balay Silangan: Bagong Bahay Para sa Bagong Buhay,” situated at Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan, in the City of Mati which is run by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental. These individuals were apprehended by the law
enforcement authorities after using or possessing illegal drugs who availed of the plea-bargaining program afterward. As a sanction to their case, they were instead enrolled to a short-term residential treatment called Rural-Based treatment (RBT) at the Balay Silangan. The program’s approach includes evidence-based engagements and structured activities which are cost and time efficient, conducive to continuous monitoring. After the said 21-day
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Davao Region to hold Special Vax Days on March 29 to 31
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ollowing the gains of the recently held National Vaccination Day IV, the Davao Region is set to hold the Special Vaccination Days on March 29, 30, and 31. This time, the vaccination program is targeting to cover the primary and booster doses of 18 years old and above individuals as well as primary doses of 12 years old. The strategy employed for this Special Vaccination
is “ Tutok and Suyod Barangay”, focusing the target unvaccinated population in every barangay. To ensure for a high turn-out of vaccination, municipalities will identify the top 3 to 5 barangays with the highest unvaccinated population. The vaccination teams may proceed to neighboring barangay once done with identified barangay. The 18 years old and
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By MAYA M. PADILLO
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tion with the vendors na swerte na unang maka-display sa night market. Naisa isa na nato sila ug hopefully mag-abide sila sa atoang mga guidelines,” he said during the AFP-PNP media briefing on Wednesday. Among the guidelines to be observed in the reopening of the Roxas Night Market include one entrance-one exit and no backpacks and no wearing of jacket.
“No backpacks and no jacket policy will continue as part of our security measures at gated pa rin ang night market,” Sumagaysay said. The vendors are also reminded to keep their food clean, fingernails cut, and to always wear hairnet. Health cards will be distributed to them by the City Health Office (CHO). “There are security personnel based on the guidelines natin kasi ang Roxas Night Market naging icon na rin yan for us and foreign tourists so dapat ma-sustain ug ma-maintain nato ang peace and order and clean-
liness sa area,” Sumagaysay said. Sumagaysay added that PSSCC, which will oversee the operation of the Roxas Night Market, has tapped other government agencies also based on their mandate such as City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) for the traffic flow in the area; City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for the cleanliness of the area; Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for the peace and order, and Task Force Davao for anti-terrorism acts. “We are also inviting
as Jong Monzon, a former leader in Haran. Haran center inside the UCCP compound in Fr. Selga St. has been serving as a temporary shelter for displaced IPs from various Davao Region provinces and other parts of Mindanao since 2015. However, authorities accused the center of harboring communist NPA rebels and of allegedly serving as a training and recruitment ground for the
communist rebel movement. Its closure was also among the plans of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in 2020. “Included siya sa mga plans kay nakita ug nahibaw-an na ang kanang center dili maayo ang purpose. Tan-awon lang nato. Hopefully, tan-awon sa management sa Haran na instead magiging destructive siya sa atong society ug
sa peace and development dapat dili na siya mautro ug kung unsa man ang intension ana na center dapat for the common good and for the people unta. Mao na ang ilang asikasuhon. Unta mag bag-o tanan ang operation sa Haran. Hopefully maging open siya sa mga tao. Hopefully dili na mag-operate sama sa dati ang Haran kay sa tinuod lang dako siya na perwisyo sa katilingban,”
oxas Night Market is back The popular after hours nightly commercial event officially returns today, (Thursday) March 24, 2022.
Retired Police Lt. Colonel Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) said there are 56 vendors for the food section, 65 vendors for RTW/accessories, and 100 therapists selected through raffling for the reopening. He added that all the vendors are fully vaccinated while some have their booster shots already. “Yesterday (March 22) nagkaroon mi ug orienta-
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Sumagaysay hopes Haran ceases operating as ‘fake’ evacuation center
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etired Police Lt. Colonel Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) is hopeful that UCCP Haran in Davao City will no longer operate as “fake” evacuation center for the so-called “bakwit” indigenous people (IP), who are allegedly being used by the New People’s Army (NPA) following the surrender of Christony Jun Latiban Monzon known
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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 311 • THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
Bikers spend the afternoon of Tuesday (22 March 2022) at the Kaamulan Park in Malaybalay City. The park remains the most popular spot for local residents as well as for visitors. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO
DBM releases P7-B for PUV service contracting program
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he Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PHP7 billion to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the implementation of the service contracting program (SCP) which provides cash subsidies to affected public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers/owners, while also ensuring the efficiency and safety of public transport services amid the current health and economic crisis.
Under the SCP, operators of PUVs will be contracted via an agreement based on a plan prepared by the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). PUV drivers will then be receiving regular performance-based subsidies
based on the number of trips made per week, regardless of the number of passengers. This will be implemented through two types of contract–net cost contracting and gross cost contracting– to ensure fair compensation of services to be provided by PUV drivers. To ensure the smooth implementation of the program and the proper distribution of the cash subsidies, the LTFRB will be in partnership with priority local government units to facili-
n adviser to President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday the proposed four-day workweek or hybrid work scheme is not suitable for all types of businesses. The four-day workweek scheme was earlier floated as a possible option for businesses and workers to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on the public. Proponents of the scheme said workers can render
40 hours of work per week over four 10-hour days, instead of five 8-hour shifts. The BPO industry meanwhile has asked the government to let them continue work-from-home (WFH) arrangements, and adopt a hybrid scheme where employees do not need to be in the office during the whole workweek. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion however said a four-
day workweek for all types of businesses “might not be ideal as there are businesses that rely on regular work shifts to produce goods for consumers.” “A four-day workweek may not be enough to produce the goods that the market needs or for businesses to stay afloat,” Concepcion said. Imposing a four-day workweek for all businesses might disrupt workflows
tate the broad engagement of public transport cooperatives, associations, or corporations operating within their jurisdiction. The SCP forms part of the government’s targeted assistance to help cushion the impact of the consecutive oil price hikes to vulnerable sectors. The DBM will continue to support other government agencies with the timely releases of the appropriate budgetary needs for the execution of programs that will serve the Filipino people. (PR)
and affect costs, especially on businesses that rely on on-site work, he added. Concepcion meanwhile said that while WFH or hybrid work schemes may be possible for white-collar jobs and even BPOs, it may not be suitable for workers in manufacturing plants, essential services, or those who handle physical goods. “People who work in the factories, move goods, or
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NEDA lauds enactment of amendments to PSA
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he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) lauds the enactment of Republic Act No. 11659 or the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law Monday. The amendments to the PSA limit the coverage of public utilities and effectively liberalize key public services by allowing full foreign ownership in key sectors. This will encourage more foreign investments and innovation to lower prices, improve the quality of goods and services, and create more and better jobs. “We thank President Duterte and legislators from both chambers of Congress for their commitment to pass landmark legislation amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic. This reform will help bring in more foreign investments and improve services, especially in transport and telecommunications where we are lagging behind. This will benefit
all Filipinos through better quality goods and services at lower prices and more meaningful job prospects,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in a statement Tuesday. “We especially thank the chairpersons and principal authors Senator Grace Poe, Senator Franklin Drilon, and Representative Sharon Garin and Representative Joey Salceda, respectively, for their tireless efforts in shepherding the passage of this historic reform through the 18th Congress, as well as the House and Senate leaderships for their decisive action on all three of the economic liberalization measures,” he added. Chua also thanked the various personalities, former officials, and other sectoral groups and their leaders who have supported PSA since its introduction in the House of Representatives in previous Congresses. The measure limits the coverage of public utilities to key sectors that will be subject to the 60-40 percent
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EDGEDAVAO
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ECONOMY
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Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez believes the country will expect to get $60 billion to $100 billion worth of investments in the next two years with the signing into law of the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA). Presidential Photo
Over $60-B investments seen to enter PH with amended PSA PLDT: New law to turn PH into ‘attractive’ investment hub
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n executive of telecommunications company PLDT on Tuesday said the passage of Republic Act (RA) 11659 amending the Public Services Act (PSA) would help position the Philippines as an “attractive investment destination” for foreign entities looking to invest in the Asian market. “In the medium term, we expect that RA 11659 will encourage healthier competition in various industries in the country,” said PLDT president and
chief executive officer Alfredo “Al” Panlilio in a statement. The amended PSA will allow up to “100 percent” foreign ownership of public services in the country which include the telecommunications, railways, expressways, airports, and shipping sectors. In the meantime, Panlilio said there are no plans yet to increase the share of foreign equity at PLDT. “We are also waiting for the release of the im-
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Negosyo essentials for MSMEs
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icro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) need to stay connected to stay on top of their game, run their operations smoothly and cost-efficiently, and take advantage of new opportunities. With this in mind, Globe Business builds on its promise to be the trusted partner of every business by providing MSMEs strong support towards building better connectivity. As part of Globe Business’ Negosyo Essentials offers, MSMEs can easily avail of special deals that can help strengthen their day-
to-day operations while keeping it easy on the wallet. The huge discounts and freebies are available only until March 31, 2022. Globe Business customers can get as much as P 1500 worth of GCash credits when they avail of postpaid mobile plans. With its Plan 1499 MSMEs get unlimited call and text to all networks and landline calls, plus 20GB data as well as a free 12-month subscription to telehealth service KonsultaMD. MSMEs who choose a postpaid broadband plan can get 50 percent off their
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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez expects the country will get USD60 billion to USD100 billion worth of investments in the next two years with the signing into law of the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA). “Initial investment leads in the sector will be over USD60 billion composed of telecom(munications), transportation, logistics, (and) railway. This is still understated as other leads have not indicated investment amounts. (It) can be
over USD100 billion over two years,” Lopez told reporters in a Viber message Tuesday. The trade chief has welcomed the newly signed law as it will attract more foreign players that will allow greater competition in the
market. He added the new PSA will also spur technology-based innovations in the country, better quality services at a lower cost, benefitting the consumers. “We thank the legislators and the business chambers for supporting the economic team in pushing for this legislation. This will surely attract more investments and more jobs for Filipinos in these sectors,” Lopez said. Stable policies In a separate statement,
former Defense Secretary and senatorial bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro said providing a stable investment climate for all businesses will complement the signing into law of the amended PSA. “Now that we have eased the rules to attract foreign investments here, the government should ensure that future regulations are consistent with the laws,” said Teodoro, who was an executive of various industries in the past 12 years. (PNA)
must give up the tax incentives they currently enjoy because the law is clear on this.” Companies registered with an IPA such as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) enjoy incentives such as an income tax holiday or a 5-percent special corporate income tax in lieu of all taxes, such as the value-added tax, income tax, and local business tax. As a condition for enjoying these incentives, they have to comply with Section 309 of the Tax Code which states that “a qualified registered project or activity under an Investment Promotion Agency administering
an economic zone or freeport shall be exclusively conducted or operated within the geographical boundaries of the zone or freeport being administered by the Investment Promotion Agency in which the project or activity is registered.” Dominguez said it is also unfair to other companies outside ecozones that are paying regular taxes. “Other companies such as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) pay the regular corporate income tax (CIT) rate of 20 percent, while big corporations pay 25 percent,” Dominguez added. FIRB Resolution No.
19-21, dated Aug. 2, 2021, allowed registered business enterprises of the IT-BPM sector to continue implementing WFH arrangements without adversely affecting their fiscal incentives under Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law until March 31, 2022. Being a time-bound measure, the FIRB rejected the request to extend the said resolution. Dominguez said the increasing vaccination rate of Filipinos nationwide now allows companies to undertake safe measures to let their employees physically
IT-BPM companies may choose to adopt WFH arrangements: DOF
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he Department of Finance (DOF) has clarified that information technology business process management (IT-BPM) companies in ecozones and are registered with investment promotion agencies (IPA) are free to adopt work from home (WFH) arrangements. “IT-BPM companies in ecozones are allowed to adopt WFH arrangements,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement Tuesday. “No one is prohibiting them or impinging on their management prerogative to continue implementing their WFH setups. However, they
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On being tagged persona non grata by the Davao City Council on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, following his claims that the city is the drug center of the South:
I am unconcerned and unbothered by the decision of local Davao elites to declare me as persona non grata. I consider ordinary people in Davao to be far more important than those privileged few who have sold their souls to the Dutertes.” Walden Bello Partido Lakas ng Masa vice presidential bet
EDITORIAL Inconsequential Bello Vice presidential candidate Walden Bello is getting the attention he direly needs. Much to his liking, Davao City is giving it to him.
In this elections where Bello is outside the conversation of poll frontrunners, he is considered inconsequential. Anything that Bello says, will not radically change the voting climate.
Looking at the recent Pule Asia surveys, majority of the country’s likely voters (53%) are inclined to elect Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as the successor of Vice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo. Meanwhile, the vice-presidential bid of Senate President Vicente Sotto III has the support of almost a fourth of those likely to vote in May 2022 (24%). Around a tenth (11%) would vote for Senator Francis Pangilinan if the May 2022 elections coincided with the conduct of the survey interviews. Two vice-presidential candidates register single-digit voter preferences, namely, Dr. Willie Ong (6%) and Buhay Party-List Representative Jose Atienza, Jr. (1%). The other candidates obtain less than 1% voting support: that is where the former Akbayan Party-List Representative Bello (0.1%) sits along with Mr. Emmanuel Lopez (0.1%) and Atty. Carlos Serapio (0.01%). So it goes without saying, Bello won’t shake the elections unless a massive miracle happens.
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To his advantage, the kneejerk reaction of Sara’s supporters and Dabawenyos including the City Council gave credence to the web Bello spun. He was tagged persona non grata by the Davao City Council on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, following his claims that the city is the drug center of the South. But did that mellow Bello? No. He got what he wanted--the attention.
He now says he is unconcerned and unbothered “by the decision of local Davao elites to declare him as persona non grata. He said he considers ordinary people in Davao to be far more important than those privileged few who have sold their souls to the Dutertes.” Bello is a veteran activist and he knows the game. Again, credit that to him. To give Bello attention is only making him significant in an election that he is not even meant to be significant. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor
MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter
KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle
ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout
LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ
OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales
To create some ripples, Bello had to literally puncture the tire of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. That is to dare her to a debate, call her a coward when she won’t mind him and finally, make accusations that Davao City is the center of illegal drugs trade in the South.
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EDGEDAVAO
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VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF CHANGE Fashion and wants change. People change. Times change. Nothing is permanent in this world. The beautiful red rose you are holding today will go flaccid the following day. The cute little boy you are holding in your arms will soon become a grown-up man. In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown asked Linus: “Perhaps you can give me an answer. What would you do if you felt that no one liked you?” Linus replied, “I’d try to look at myself objectively, and see what I could do to improve. That’s my answer, Charlie Brown.” Hearing the answer, Charlie answered, “I hate that answer!” There are a number of reasons why many of us, like Charlie Brown, resist change. After all, resistance to change is universal. Remember the story of Galileo? With his telescope, he proved the theory of Copernicus that the earth was not the center of the universe. The earth and the planets revolve around the sun. Yet, when he tried to change people’s beliefs, he was thrown into prison and spent the rest of his life under house arrest. “The people who usually get the most out of life are those who are prepared to roll with the punches… those who recognize the fact that they can’t af-
ford to become static and stagnant. The ability to adapt to new conditions is particularly important today. We have never lived in times when change has been more swift in almost all areas of our lives,” says Leon Kulikowski. In his book, High Wind At Noon, Allan Knight Chalmers gives us the story of Peer Holm, who was a world-famous engineer. He built great bridges, railroads and tunnels in many parts of the world; he gained wealth and fame. But everything was not permanent. Later on, he struggled through life as failure, poverty, and sickness subdued him. He returned to the place where he was born and, together with his wife and little girl, eked out a meager living. Unfortunately, he had a neighbor who owned a fierce dog. He warned him that the dog was dangerous but the old man contemptuously replied, “Hold your tongue, you cursed pauper.” One day, Peer came home to find the dog at the throat of his little girl. He tore the dog away, but the dog’s teeth had gone too deeply and the little girl was dead. The sheriff shot the dog, and the neighbors were bitter against the old man. When sowing time came, they refused to sell him any
grain. His fields were plowed but bare; he could neither beg, nor borrow, nor buy seed. Whenever he walked down the road, the people sneered at him. But not Peer. He could not sleep at night thinking of his neighbor. Very early one morning, he rose, went to his shed, and got his last half bushel of barley. He climbed the fence and sowed his neighbor’s field. The fields themselves told the story. When the seeds came up, it was revealed what Peer had done, because part of his own field remained bare while the field of his neighbor was green. If you were Peer, would you do what he had done? He may have lost his daughter, but he found a friend. And that changes everything. “We can benefit from change,” Warren Wiersbe had said. “Anyone who has ever really lived knows that there is no life without growth. When we stop growing, we stop living and start existing. But there is no growth without challenge, and there is no challenge without change. Life is a series of changes that create challenges, and if we are going to make it, we have to grow.” Change terrifies most of us. But one person who thrives on change is Tom Cruise. Want proof? His dad abandoned his
family, and he grew up poor. But he stuck close to his mother and sisters, and transformed himself into one of the biggest movie stars in the world. He couldn’t read, and teachers said he was dyslexic. But he wouldn’t accept that and finally found the answer he needed – in an applied religious philosophy. “I don’t agree with people who say, ‘Don’t change,’” said the actor who was catapulted to fame in Top Gun and received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Born On The Fourth of July (which was partly filmed in the Philippines). “When I was a kid, I said, ‘Man, I hope life gets better. I hope I change.’” “The world hates change; yet it is the only thing that has brought progress,” says Charles Kettering. That is why we have to have a new president each six years. Old chief executive officers have to be retired so that new fresh ideas can be introduced in a struggling company. “If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it,” suggests Mary Engelbreit. After all, no one can defy changes. “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave be-
hind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another,” Anatole France reminded. “Welcome change as a friend: try to visualize new possibilities and the blessings it is bound to bring you,” says Alexander de Seversky. Don’t be afraid of change. “When you’re through changing, you’re through,” said Bruce Barton. Or as American author Gail Sheeh puts it, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we are not really living.” You may be the most popular person in your company today. You may be the toast of the town in your university. You may be the most brilliant individual among your peers. But don’t let that fool you. Everything will come to pass. But don’t worry. You have done something wonderful to other people. You have contributed something worthwhile to the world. When those people you have known before have changed, take comfort from the words of Washington Irving. “There is a certain relief in change, even though it is from bad to worse. I have found while traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one’s position and be bruised in a new place,” he said.
ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD
THE ‘MIRROR’ WRITES ‘30’ Founded by couple Demetrio Flaviano, a former dean of the defunct, International Harvardian University ((IHU) and wife Anita Jacela, Mindanao Daily Mirror, which folded up on July 3, 2020, was the first daily newspaper in Mindanao and was the most widely read and circulated, and the most popular daily periodical based in Davao City. Two of Flaviano’s eldest children, Rogelio, who published People’s Daily Forum (originally Mindanao Forum) and Marietta F. Siongco, also edited the periodical for decades. Carlos, the youngest in the brood, came out with his own weekly community paper in Butuan City. Meanwhile, Tessie and hubby Mario Basilio published their own weekly paper while she wrote a regular column for the Mirror. Nieves, who died in her early forties, was largely involved in the daily affairs of the
family publication. Carrying the slogan ‘Your exponent of Truth and Progress,’ the paper also issued every Monday a sister publication, the Mindanao Mirror Bulletin. It originally listed its business address as 270 Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City , before it was moved to Bonifacio Street due to change of ownership on October 1, 2018. Under the new owners, the paper was published by Gian Carlo Galang and edited by Jon Joaquin, formerly associate editor of Mindanao Times. Except for those assigned to handle printing jobs, most of the editors and beat reporters were absorbed by the new management. Over a year later, however, it closed shop. The pandemic heavily reduced its advertising and circulation returns, which impacted the administrative overhead of its editorial and of-
fice team. Historically, the paper stopped publishing briefly in 1972 after President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law and ordered the padlock of all national and community papers except those identified as supporters. All through the years under its original owners, the paper was the chief source of business, political, and sports stories from all over southern Mindanao. In recognition, the Philippine Press Institute awarded it as Davao's No. 1 newspaper and two-time ‘best edited newspaper nationwide,’ and honored by the United Nations International Children’s Educational Fund (UNICEF) as ‘child-friendly newspaper of the year’ thrice. The Mirror, in its lifetime, was the breeding ground of Davao’s future journalistic pillars who helped shape public
opinion and wrote stories, from features to sports, that were admired for their fearless, incisive, and controversial takes of events as they occurred. The publication’s roster of writers included, to name a few, boxing columnist Elpidio T. Elorde and Davao football president Victorio Sai, for sports; poet-composer Dioscoro Vicentino, for education; Davao Integrated Press Club, Inc. president Alberto Tesorero; Davao City councilor Jose Jison; Philippine News Agency (PNA) chief and Mindanao Mail editor Angelo M. Abarico; War veteran and grizzled journalist Ramon M. Maxey, Bisaya contributors Florencio Ranido and Jesus Ibañez; broadcaster Leonardo Palo Sr.; lawyer Casimiro Arkoncel, Jr.; Pete T. Laviña, later city tourism officer and councilor; PNA stringer Bebe L. Berlanas; Eduardo Fernandez, Davao City tourism officer
and later Mindanao Times editor; PNA chief, DXUM radio manager, Sunstar Davao and Edge Davao publisher-editor Antonio M. Ajero; and radio commentator and college instructor Priscillano Rojo, for columns; Reader’s Digest contributor Alfonso Basan and MOD magazine writer Jesus Torrento, for features; and Business Day contributor Rey de Leon, for business. Following the closure of its print edition, the Mirror’s online edition was retained but chiefly carrying stories issued by state news agencies, such as the PNA, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and releases coming from various government outfits. (On a personal note, this representation’s first-ever write-up as a community journalist was published by the Mirror in April 1976 under the column heading ‘FOOTPRINTS.’)
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COMPETITIVE EDGE
Nurture your kid’s creativity at Power Mac Center’s summer art camp
PMC_summer art camp_DesignTrail_PR image 1.png If you constantly find your kid drawing in a corner or creating visual designs on their iPad, you know it’s time to take it to the next level. Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) is opening this year’s summer art camp to welcome kids to a whole world of digital wilderness where they can develop their talent and pursue what they like through Apple technology. From April 19 to August 30, 2022, PMC’s official training arm – PMC Business Systems, Inc. (PBSI) – will be offering “Design Trail for Kids” with six special courses covering comics creation, 2D animation, game design using various software, and building trendy filters and 3D effects. Sessions will be conducted online for kids aged 7 to 15 years old. “Children have an active imagination, and it’s important to provide them creative outlets while also prioritizing their safety and well-being amid the pandemic. This summer, Power Mac Center goes all out in creating opportunities for kids to explore ideas and enhance their digital creative and coding skills. Should they decide to pursue graphic design, visual communication, or even coding in the future, parents are assured they have a good foundation,” said Maleng Raysag,
Training Head, PMC Business Systems Inc. Let your kids design the future with their imagination today! The available courses are as follows: The Art of Comics (7 to 10 years old) Showcase your child’s ideas. Let them create their own comics with doodles, basic lines, shapes, and colors. This course will teach your kids how to maximize their iPad for art. 2D Animation using iPad (7 to 10 years old)
Improve your child’s visual communication and digital drawing skills. With this course, your kids will surely learn how to turn their ideas into a motion picture. Roblox Game Design (8 to 12 years old) Let your child build and publish their own Roblox game through the Roblox Studio. Web Game Creation using Scratch (8 to 12 years old) Develop your child’s logical thinking skills through coding. This
course will also teach your kids how to create interactive games using Scratch— the world’s largest programming language and online community. 2D Game Design with Stencyl (12 to 15 years old) Allow your kids to dive deeper into 2D game development and coding. This course will also teach your kids how to create computer games with HTML5 and build games for iOS and Android using the Stencyl software. Building AR Face Fil-
ters and 3D effects (12 to 15 years old) Let your kids experience an interesting way of combining the real world with technology and art. This course will also teach young minds how to create customized social media face filters and 3D Portal. Each online session lasts for 1.5 hours, conducted over four days (Tuesday-Friday). Classes can be availed at PHP 2,500 per student per course, which can be paid via Power Mac Center’s
ingly Important In another recent survey Watsons commissioned titled ‘What is Beautiful’, more than 11,000 women aged under 45 in 12 markets across Asia and Europe were interviewed about how they value things around them and how they define beautiful after going through a pandemic. On average, 75% of women agree that inner beauty has become more important than ever, especially in the Philippines (96%), followed by Malaysia (91%), Thailand (86%), Hong Kong (83%) and Taiwan (82%). When being asked about the definition of ‘beautiful’, taking care of your health inside out tops the list, with feeling confident and feeling happy in the second and third. What’s the most beautiful thing in life?’ The survey continues. Almost half the respondents feel that the most beautiful thing in life is doing good to the people around them, communities
and even the planet we live in. “These findings are consistent with those in our ‘Women’s Confidence Survey in Asia’ that reveals staying healthy inside out is important to boost confidence which is important for both physical and mental wellness,” Ngai adds. With this insight, Watsons Philippines offers up to 30% off on Women’s essentials like vitamins, supplements and personal care products for the whole month of March to help ensure Filipinas feel beautiful and health inside and out, thus boosting their confidence “As such, Watsons is launching ‘The New Beautiful’ campaign to encourage women to empower themselves to Look Good. Do Good. Feel Great. Featuring a series of activities across Asia, it will have three overarching themes – Go Green, Go Smile, and Go Empower, which aims to actively involve our community of over 100
Web Store <https://powermaccenter.com/product/pbsi-dtl001>. Limited slots are available to maintain instruction efficiency, and reservation is on a first come, first served basis. PBSI offers a wide range of creative and technical courses conducted by Apple Certified Trainers to help groups and individuals leverage Apple technology for productivity and skills enhancement. For inquiries, contact PBSI at (632) 8553 6399 and +63 908 885 6277.
How confident are women in Asia nowadays?
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Watsons released results from a regional ‘Women’s Confidence Survey in Asia’. According to Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe), “Watsons has had a deep connection with women for over 180 years. We believe that the best version of you and your real beauty should radiate from within. Confidence is an important part of inner beauty and is what makes you feel good and positively impacts your mental well-being. “That’s why Watsons has recently appointed WISE – Watson Insight on Shopper’s Experience - to conduct a survey about women’s confidence in Asia to find out what kind of support women need to feel more confident and help them become a better version of themselves.” ‘Women’s Confidence Survey in Asia’ has been conducted with over 3,100 women aged 20-29 across six markets including Main-
land China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The respondents were asked to rate their confidence levels and what are the things that can help to boost their confidence. The findings show that almost half of all women in Asia are not confident about themselves at work and in life. Women’s confidence levels are lowest in Hong Kong, closely followed by Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Mainland China. The survey further reveals that staying healthy inside out, as well as gaining recognition from coworkers are key to helping women gain confidence. Equitable, Supportive, and Family-friendly Workplace is Key Notably for the Philippines, 70% are satisfied with their career progression and almost all believe that it’s possible for women to excel in their career. Here, women believe that they will be more confident if they are staying health
(70%), doing a purposeful job (65%), and doing something good for the environment (56%). Ngai continues, “The findings show that an equitable, supportive and family friendly workplace is exactly what women need nowadays and we are keen to lead by example. With operations in 11 markets in Asia, women make up 77% of our 63,000 workforce. Therefore, it is Watsons’ ongoing commitment to create a culture that makes everyone feel welcomed, valued, appreciated and encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, and each of them is given equal career development opportunity. “As a family-friendly company, we encourage more companies to join us in formulating policies to support and empower women, especially helping those working mothers to strike a balance between work and family.” What is Beautiful? Inner Beauty Becomes Increas-
million loyalty members in Asia.” In the Philippines, Watsons also has partnered with SM Supermalls for a special event titled “Women Now & the Future”, a summit on Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Tomorrow at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall. The conversation revolves around mentoring Womenprenuers and empowering the next generation of Women. Another program that is being planned later this year in partnership with Operations Smile is the launch of ‘Women in Medicine’ programme which aims to empower women in the field of medical science. “At Watsons, we believe in The New Beautiful, a new kind of beauty that’s good for everyone. To us, beautiful glows from the inside. It’s how we treat ourselves and each other. It’s how we live, who we are, and who we can be. The beautiful is in us all, and for us all,” Ngai concludes.
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Colon: The large intestine found in our stomach. (medicinenet.com)
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN BEAT COLON CANCER By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
Disclaimer: Photos compiled by author/contributor
B
etween Christmas 2007 and New Year 2008, former president Corazon Aquino was not feeling well due to an episode of high blood pressure. But she had difficulty breathing which was followed by fever. She was brought to the hospital but she felt no better. In fact, “she developed a cough, lost her appetite, and noticeably lost weight.” After several check-ups and tests on her health condition, the doctors came with a diagnosis: colon cancer. It wasn’t until on March 24, 2008 that the family disclosed to the public, through a televised statement, that the ex-president had colon cancer. She finally succumbed to the disease on August 1, 2009. But when discovered early, colon cancer can be beaten. Early in his second term, American president Ronald Reagan felt something wrong inside his stomach. When he went to the hospital for check-up, the doctors found a growth in his large intestine. The doctors removed the polyp and nearly two feet of intestine. Reagan’s public experience helped to
raise awareness about this type of cancer. Although he defeated the disease, Alzheimer’s disease claimed his life at the age of 93. Colon cancer is the more common name but this type of cancer also includes rectal cancer, thus it is called colorectal cancer (CRC). In 2015, CRC was the fifth leading form of cancer that strikes Filipino men and women – after breast, lung, prostate, and cervix. Today, CRC has gone up to third place, according to Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas, former director of The Medical City (TMC) Cancer Center. The Global Cancer Observatory reported in 2020 that the number of cases has increased considerably to 17,364 cases per year. Colon cancer and rectal
Effects on the body: Here’s how colon cancer affects your body. (Medical News Today)
Dr. Jun Ruiz: A doctor who raises awareness about colon cancer. (Facebook)
cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. For instance, both cancers begin in the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal system. The digestive system processes food for energy, and the last part of it absorbs fluid to form solid waste (stool) that then passes from the body. “After food is chewed and swallowed,” states the American Cancer Society (ACS), “it travels to the stomach. There it is partly broken down and sent to the small intestine.” The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive system – about 20 feet. “The small intestine also
breaks down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients. It leads to the large intestine (also called the large bowel or colon),” explains the ACS. “The colon absorbs water and nutrients from the food and also serves as a storage place for waste matter. The waste matter moves from the colon into the rectum, the last 6 inches of the digestive system. From there, the waste passes out of the body.” Cancer that starts in any of these areas may cause different symptoms. Another common thing between colon cancer and rectal cancer is that, depending on where they start, the cancers develop slowly over many years.
Most CRCs start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. “If cancer forms in a polyp, it can grow into the wall of the colon or rectum over time,” the ACS states. “The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of many layers. CRC starts in the innermost layer and can grow outward through some or all of the other layers. “When cancer cells are in the wall, they can then grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels (tiny channels that carry away waste and fluid). From there, they can travel to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body.” Dr. Mark Anthony A. Delusong, assistant division chief of the gastroenterology division at the Philippine General Hospital, said the four most common signs and symptoms are change
in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal discomfort. Until now, no one knows what causes CRC. But there are some risk factors that predispose a person to develop CRC. In some instances, CRC is hereditary in nature. People with personal history of inflammatory intestinal conditions and family history of colon cancer are most likely to develop CRC, Dr. Delusong said. Those cannot be prevented, including age as no one can stop from getting old. “Being older than 50 years of age” is a risk factor as 90% of CRC cases occur after this age. As the Department of Health (DOH) puts it: “Colon cancer increases markedly after age 50.” But for people with a family history, CRC occurs earlier in life, not uncom-
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me. She should stop sending lackeys like Tupas (Jefry Tupas) and the City Council to try to wash her dirty laundry. To Davao City, I say, I shall return!,” it said. On March 21, 2022 regional political party Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP) has requested for an investigation into the extent of Bello’s knowledge and involvement in the illegal drug trade in Davao City. In a statement, HNP described Bello as a narcopolitician and that it is apparent that he 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.
diyan sa mga rebelde na kasabwat ‘yung mga miyembro ng mga political parties sa kabila (I am encouraging everyone not to join the rebels conniving with members of the political parties of the opposition),” he said. In a taped interview with SMNI on March 12, Duterte said the government is monitoring several members of the opposition and communist rebels who might be colluding to disrupt the May 9, 2022 national and local elections. Duterte, citing an intelligence report, bared the supposed “groupings” of
the communist insurgents and opposition members who belong to “Yellow”, the color associated with the opposition Liberal Party. In a virtual presser on Tuesday, Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte will ensure a “clean, honest, and credible elections.” Andanar’s statement came after Duterte’s ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) formally endorsed the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PNA)
perform services, they can’t do their work from home,” he said. He also said that many small businesses such as cafeterias and transportation serve employees in offices. People going back to their offices will spur economic activity among these MSMEs, he said. “I’m sure many will be open to the idea of a hybrid
work-from-home arrangement, or for four-day workweeks, but we can’t have the same solution for everybody,” he said. Fuel prices have risen sharply since the start of the year as economies reopened and oil demand picked up. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also stoked market anxieties leading to a further rise in prices.
plementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the new law, and we welcome any opportunity to support the government in the development of the IRR,” Panlilio said. In a ceremony at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace on Monday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed RA 11659 and noted that
the amended PSA would aid the country towards economic recovery amid the coronavirus pandemic. Aside from stimulating the economy, especially for local business, Duterte said the PSA would also create more jobs and improve basic services “in exchange of skills and technology with the country’s foreign partners.” (PNA)
monthly service fee for the first six months, waived installation fee worth P1,000, and a free upgrade to include unli landline and mobile calls to all networks for 24 months. As a special freebie, customers can pick between a productivity suite that comes with a year’s license or two units of WiFi mesh. A special GCash offer also awaits switchers who can provide their most recent competitor bill. Globe’s postpaid broadband plans are ideal for running operations that rely heavily on the internet.
They provide unlimited data allocation and equal upload and download speeds to support large media and file uploads and downloads and video-intensive conferencing requirements. On the other hand, those in need of a plugand-play budget-friendly broadband connection can get huge discounts for both regular and LTE-Advanced Prepaid Internet Kits. The standard kit now only costs P599 for savings of P700, while the LTE-Advanced kit is down to P1,299 from P2,299.
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the barangay tanods of that barangay to join us as members of the security cluster during the operation of the Roxas Night market,” he said. The Roxas Night Market will open at 5 pm and will be closed by 12 midnight.
“Gusto namin from 12 am to 1 am cleared na ang Roxas Avenue so that pagkaugma its business as usual sa mga establishments dinha and dili nato gusto na mahamper ilang mga negosyo dinha,” Sumagaysay said.
Sumagaysay told media during the AFP-PNP media briefing on Wednesday. Sumagaysay is also hopeful that Haran would be used for its real purpose without hiding anything from the government and the people. “Pwede nila (Haran) ipadayon (operation) pero dili sama sa nahimong fake evacuation center,” he said. Meanwhile, Sumagaysay is optimistic that the surrender of Monzon will contribute to the peace and order efforts of the city government of Davao. Monzon was reported to be active in organizing various NPA-run community schools and facilitating IP
“bakwits” including Haran as the secretary-general of Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan (Pasaka). “Identified siya (Monzon) dati na sa kabila talaga pero ngayon naa na siya sa gobyerno and hopefully dako na siya nga tabang. Halos sunod sunod na nag-surrender and hopefully si Mr. Monson dako pud ni ang iyahang ma contribute para mapadayon nato ang peace and order ng Davao City and magiging instrument ni siya sa mga tao, estudyante or katawhan nga murag na deceive sa mga CTG (Counter Terrorist Group). Hopefully magiging partner nato si Monzon,” Sumagaysay said. By Maya M. Padillo
program, continued monitoring will be observed for the drug reformists’ aftercare programs. The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental established the first-gov-
ernment-run rehabilitation center in Davao Region in strengthening the war on drugs effort in the province. (PIA XI / Ezri Coda Jr. with reports from PIO - Davao Oriental)
above vaccinees are recommended to get Janssen as primary dose while Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Sinovac, and Moderna for booster dose. The 12 to 17 years old vaccinees will be receiving Pfizer or Moderna as primary dose. The NVD IV resulted to a 92% accomplishment reaching 41,932 vaccina-
tions as of March 19 out of the target for primary dose which is 45,650. Individuals who got their booster dose during the NVD IV reached up to 11,048 or 41% of the 27,254 target. In total, Davao Region reached 73% of its target for NVD IV which is 52,980 vaccinations. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)
“It would be very draining on the part of the athlete kung mismong sila po’y nagte-training, at the same time nag-a-account ng pera, kukuwentahin ‘yon (that while training, they also have to account the money given to them),” he added. POC has already suspended PATAFA following its non-endorsement of Obiena to the World Indoors and other major foreign meets. PATAFA insisted that it merely did not act on Obiena’s request for endorsement pending the completion of the mediation process. Go, in his capacity as the Senate Sports Committee Chair, has issued a show cause order to PATAFA’s board of directors on March 18 asking them to explain why they should not be cited for contempt under Section 18 of the Senate Rules
of Procedure Governing Inquiries In Aid of Legislation, for filing an arbitration case despite a prior commitment to undergo mediation proceedings with Obiena. “Nagpadala na po kami ng sulat, ng show cause order, na i-explain kasi mayroon pong (motion) ‘yung kasamahan ko sa (We already sent letter, a show cause order, to explain because my colleagues have motion in the) Committee to cite them for a contempt,” Go said. “Ako naman po bilang Chair, nagpapagitna, (As chair of the committee, I have to stay neutral) and to always be fair to everybody… nag-order po ako ng (I have issued) show cause order to give them three days to explain kung (bakit hindi) dapat sila i-contempt (why they should be cited for contempt),” he added. (PR)
foreign equity limitation. In general, these are sectors considered as natural monopolies where a single firm can serve the market at lower costs than having two or more firms. These include the distribution of electricity,
transmission of electricity, petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transmission systems, water pipeline distribution systems, and wastewater pipeline systems, including sewerage pipeline systems, seaports, and public utility vehicles.
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monly in the 40s or even the 30s. “The highest risk is in people with multiple first-degree relatives or relatives who have developed colorectal cancer at a relatively young age,” Dr. Delusong says. However, there are some risk factors that can be shunned; thus, a person may likely avoid getting CRC. These are drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking cigarettes, lack of physical exercise, and eating a low-fiber diet. The last two factors, when combined, may lead to obesity, which is another risk factor for CRC. In the past, CRC has been referred to as “a disease of the rich.” But such is not the case anymore. “(CRC) is more common in richer countries, but its incidence is rising in some developing countries,” the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) reports. “The risk of developing those cancers that are typical of higher socioeconomic groups – cancers of the breast, colon, and rectum – can be expected to increase with economic development.” CRC tends to grow slowly and may be asymptomatic for years, according to Dr. Ruiz. But there are those who will experience some symptoms, specifically those that were mentioned by Dr. Delusong earlier. Dr. Jun R. Ruiz, TMC’s leader of the Colon Cancer Screening Advocacy Programs, says cancers of the right colon tend to grow larger than those of the left colon before symptoms occur. “Obstructive symptoms, like colicky abdominal pain, vague abdominal discomfort, change in bowel habits or stool caliber, and constipation, are found in advanced cases,” he adds. If you are 50 years or older and even if you don’t have any symptoms, it is very important to talk to the doctor since finding colorectal cancer early makes successful treatment more likely. If the doctor suspects colon cancer, more tests will need to be done. Early detection of the dreaded disease can be achieved by screening tests. “CRC screening has resulted in reduction of related mortality up to 60-70%,” Dr. Ruiz says. “All methods
have been proven to be cost-effective.” Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening as it can detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps. “The procedure involves a flexible fiber-optic scope with a camera that is inserted through the rectum and is carefully advanced to visualize the colon under mild anesthesia,” explains Dr. Ruiz. In the Philippines, colonoscopy can cost between P15,000 to P30,000, depending on the hospital. Some patients may not want to have an invasive test. A stool test called FIT is a good screening alternative and is not expensive (it costs less than P500). “(FIT) detects only human blood and is specific for bleeding in the colon,” Dr. Ruiz states. “The FIT is recommended to patients who may be at high risk for complications of a colonoscopy, or not willing to undergo a colonoscopy yet because of a variety of reasons,” Dr. Ruiz adds. “The test is repeated every year if the initial test is negative. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy is needed to rule out the presence of cancer.” Dr. Delusong, likewise, bats colonoscopy for the average risk population. “Colonoscopy represents the most important diagnostic and therapeutic modality for CRC prevention and treatment,” he explains. He recommends that colonoscopy be performed every 10 years for individuals of average risk starting from the age of 45-50. “Colonoscopy is the final common pathway for all positive screening tests,” he reminds. Colon cancer is deadly – but beatable if only it is discovered early. Studies have shown that 60% of colon cancer could be prevented with screening, “The key here is screening patients who are already at risk for colon cancer,” Dr. Ruiz points out. “Patients may already have early cancer, even if they have no symptoms. We can also reduce the risk of colon cancer by removing pre-cancerous lesions (polyps) during a colonoscopy. In the end, CRC screening can just save your life or the life of a loved one.”
for new passports or sought renewals. “We wrote the Foreign Affairs and they responded by accommodating us,” said Tolentino. Malaysia, based on early information, is sending close to 800 athletes, more than the 656 which the Philippines is fielding. There is
no information yet on the size of the delegations from Thailand or Indonesia. “Hindi pa natin alam,” added Tolentino, who remains confident the Philippines can put up a good fight in defending the overall title it won when it hosted the SEA Games in 2019.
report for work in their respective offices, especially if their workplaces are in Alert Level 1 areas. “In fact, even the President has ordered all government agencies to adhere to the 100-percent on-site workforce in areas under Alert 1 level,” he said. By returning to work
in their respective offices, Dominguez said IT-BPM firms would be helping not only the economy recover, but also MSMEs that provide support to these companies, such as convenience stores, food and service providers, and transport services in the respective ecozones’ vicinity.
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Kiefer Ravena will serve a onegame suspension on Wednesday against Osaka. (c) B.LEAGUE
Kiefer fined, suspended after unsportsmanlike fouls
T
he slumping Shiga Lakestars suffered another blow as Filipino import Kiefer Ravena will be unavailable for their game against the Osaka Evessa on Wednesday night.
This, as Ravena has been fined 50,000 yen and suspended for one
game after incurring two unsportsmanlike fouls in their previous contest.
Ravena was called for an unsportsmanlike foul at the 4:51 mark of the first quarter against Toshikazu Kato, and another unsportsmanlike foul with five minutes and five seconds left in the game, this time against Yoshiaki Kubota.
The former Ateneo de Manila University star was ejected from the contest, having compiled seven points and one assist in 31 minutes of action. The Lakestars lost, 79-57. He apologized for the development on Twitter,
but expressed his confidence that his teammates can step up in his stead. Ravena has played 37 games for Shiga in the 2021-22 season of the B.League, making seven starts. He is averaging 12.8 points, 5.9 assists,
2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 26.6 minutes per game. Last December 15, he registered a B.League career-high of 28 points with eight assists in an 89-81 defeat to Osaka. Shiga is on a ninegame losing streak.
Hanoi SEA Games on track, says POC
D
espite a recent spike in new COVID-19 cases in Vietnam, organizers of the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games scheduled May 12 to 23 are making sure all other aspects of the staging are being taken care of. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino recently flew to Hanoi where representatives of the 10 other competing countries were given an overview of the preparations. He said everything seemed to be on track. “We did site visitations of the different venues. We also did inspections of the hotel for the athletes and officials,” Tolentino told the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday. Tolentino said the oth-
er member-countries are more focused now on their respective preparations, including the training of their athletes for the biennial competition. “Vietnam has received our entries by names and we’re just waiting for the final confirmation,” said Tolentino during the forum. Tolentino confirmed that Filipino pole vault ace EJ Obiena, the Asian record holder and reigning SEA Games champion who is ranked No. 5 in the world, is in the list submitted by the POC. Organizers, the POC chief said, have yet to decide whether they would allow fans and spectators for the SEA Games due to the recent COVID-19 surge in Vietnam which recorded a seven-day average of 171,446 cases last week. “But it’s declining now.
In fact, they are now open to tourists,” said Tolentino, adding that only proof of vaccination or booster shots are needed by foreign delegates to the 31st SEA Games. “We just need to be extra careful,” said Tolentino, who is looking at a Philippine delegation of 979, including officials. He said it’s up to the PSC to bring the delegation to Vietnam. Tolentino said there are only a couple of ways to get to Vietnam from Manila – either via Singapore Airlines or Philippine Airlines. The PSC is looking at booking a chartered flight for Team Philippines. During the forum, Tolentino thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs for extending help to 103 members of Team Philippines who either applied
FHANOI, P10
File photo shows Philippines’ Olympic committee chairman Bambol Tolentino (R) hands over the SEA Games flag to a Vietnamese official during the closing ceremony of the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) at the athletics stadium in Clark, north of Manila. AFP
12 SPORTS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 311 • THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (contributed photo)
NO POLITICS
Go renews call for swift resolution of PATAFA-Obiena row
S
enate Committee on Sports chair, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, has once again stressed that sports should not be tainted with politics. Go made this appeal as he called for swift resolution of the dispute between Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena that has already caused the latter to miss the chance to compete in the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships held last March 18 to 20. “Alam n’yo, sabi ko nga, iwan n’yo na po iyung pulitika sa mga pulitiko. Dapat po huwag ninyong ihalo iyong pulitika sa sports. Eh ang problema dito kung nahaluan na po ng pulitika ‘yung sports, kawawa ‘yung atleta (You know, as I said, leave that politics to the politicians. You should not mix your politics with sports. The problem here is that if politics has mixed sports, athletes are affected),” Go said in a media interview after visiting the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City on Monday. He said Obiena’s potential to bring home another honor for the country has been wasted due to politics in sports. Go urged anew the Philippine
Sports Commission (PSC) to help expedite the mediation process between PATAFA and Obiena, as recommended in the joint hearing by the Senate Committees on Sports and Finance presided by Go last February 7. He also called on concerned sports officials and organizations, including National Sports Associations (NSA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to prioritize the welfare of the athletes and to prevent similar conflicts from recurring. “Suportahan n’yo po ang mga atleta. Huwag kayong magaway-away. Kung pwede n’yo naman pong pag-usapan, pag-usapan n’yo na po. The more na nada-drag po ito, tumatagal – the more po nawawalan po ng maayos na representative ang ating bayan (Let’s support our athletes. No bickering. You have to talk. The more we drag this issue, our country is losing representative),” he said. He said the athletes should focus on their training.
FNO, P10