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VOL.15 ISSUE 18 • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022
Vice Presidential candidate Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio expresses her great appreciation for the endorsement of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) led by its leader, Eduardo Manalo, to the UniTeam. Edge Davao
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No face-to-face recognition, graduation rites in Davao Region: Deped STORY ON PAGE 2
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 18 • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022
Davao del Sur gubernatorial candidate Kiblawan Mayor Carl Jason Rama Bautista, together with Kiblawan Vice Mayor Marivic Caminero-Diamante, condemns the killing of San Jose Barangay chieftain Angelito Balasbas on April 27, 2022. Bautista has called on the people of Davao del Sur to work together to stop the violence in the province. Edge Davao
VIRTUAL RITES ONLY No face-to-face recognition, graduation Sara grateful for rites in Davao Region: Deped
INC’sendorsement
By MAYA M. PADILLO
J
enielito Atillo, spokesperson of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao Region, confirmed that face-to-face recognition and graduation rites are still prohibited in the region.
“As of the moment we are not approving any applications for End-OfSchool Year (EOSY) rites pending the issuance of the guideline,” Atillo told media during the AFPPNP Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday. Atillo explained that if there is no guideline, DepEd 11 will not ap-
prove any requests specifically from the private schools to implement F2F recognition, graduation, moving-up ceremonies. “Because the guideline really will tell us the specifics on how to conduct it (EOSY),” he said. He said DepEd 11 received a lot of appli-
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on April 27, 2022 in Digos City. “Gikondena gyud nato ang pagpatay kang Kapitan Balasbas. Manghinaut kita nga sa madali nga panahon, masikop ang utok sa pagpamatay,” Bautista said in a press conference on Tuesday.
cations from the private schools and all of these are being denied. “There is also a gray area with respect to that because there are schools that are not conducting the F2F learning modality but are now requesting for the F2F graduation or EOSY rites. That is why we wanted this to be clarified by our very own DepEd central office by way of a guideline,” he said. Atillo said DepEd 11 will just reconsider its
position or decision if the guideline that will be released will be approving the end-of-school year rites for F2F conduct. “We will reconsider the position but as of current we are saying that we are denying all the applications,” he said. In an advisory issued in March this year, DepEd announced it is set to allow physical EOSY rites in schools located in Alert Level 1
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ice Presidential candidate Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is grateful for the endorsement of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) led by its leader, Eduardo Manalo, to the UniTeam. The influential INC has announced its endorsement to the tandem of UniTeam of Mayor Sara and running mate presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on May 3, 2022. “Ang pagpili sa amin ni Apo Bongbong Marcos bilang mga kandidatong inyong sinusuportahan sa pagaka presidente at
bise presidente sa darating na halalan ay isang malaking karangalan na may kaakibat na hamong nakatuon sa aming kakayahang mapag-isa ang bansa, mapagbuklod ang mga Pilipino at maitawid ang sambayanan sa krisis na dulot ng pandemya. Muli maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala,” the mayor said in a video message. On his end, Marcos promised that the UniTeam will strive that the trust INC has placed in them will result in the unity of Filipinos.
Davao said. Lawyer Gay Enumerables, COMELEC-Davao assistant regional director, Enumerables said during an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Tuesday that the testing and sealing, which will
be done at the polling centers throughout the region, were scheduled to find out if the VCMs are functioning properly and allow the agency to address technical issues before the election day. She said the public
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DavSur town mayor condemns Final testing, sealing of VCMs in Davao Region scheduled today killing of Digos village chief
avao del Sur gubernatorial candidate and Kiblawan Mayor Carl Jason Rama Bautista condemned the killing of San Jose Barangay Captain Angelito Balasbas, who was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding gunman outside his home
Bautista said Digos City police is already tracking the perpetrator/s from closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage. Meanwhile, Kiblawan Vice Mayor Marivic Caminero-Diamante is
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simultaneous final testing and sealing of the vote counting machines (VCMs) has been scheduled today in the Davao Region in preparation for the May 9 national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-
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VOL.15 ISSUE 18 • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022
EDGEDAVAO
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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 18 • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022
On disallowing face-to-face recognition and graduation rites in the region:
As of the moment we are not approving any applications for End-OfSchool Year (EOSY) rites pending the issuance of the guideline.” Jenielito Atillo Spokesperson, Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao Region
EDITORIAL The INC Factor The block voting Iglesia Ni Cristo’s endorsement of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio should swing a considerable chunk of votes to the current frontrunners in the national elections with a week to go before election day. The pressure should be mounting on the part of the opposition and other candidates as days trickle down. Traditionally, the coveted block vote of the INC is always being sought for by candidates from national to local level being the biggest congregation mandating members to vote its chosen candidates.
The tacit endorsement of the INC could spell a lot in the decisive runup to the polls on May 9. Given the huge lead by the Marcos-Duterte-Carpio tandem, the addition of the INC vote is really a big boost. The INC vote came at the heels of the endorsement of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under Chairman Nur Misuari who pledged support to the Uniteam.
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About 85 percent of voters in the country identify as Catho-
The INC has millions of followers overseas and at least 2 percent of registered voters are members of INC. Historically, the INC is considered solid and the value of an endorsement is definitely a boost. We foresee the opposition to deploy massive ground campaigning going house to house and community to community in the remaining days of the campaign. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 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
Not to be disheartened by not getting the INC vote, the second-running Robredo-Pangilinan camp is trying to downplay the impact saying they can counter the INC numbers with votes from other religious congregations particularly the Catholics. The Robredo-Pangilinan team is banking the Catholic Church will deliver the votes for them.
SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance
CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)
DAVAO EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 2985 VOL.14 18 • THURSDAY, • WEDNESDAY, MAYMARCH 5, 20229, 2022
Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 44th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor
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apply whenever animal-drawn carriages are operated upon any road or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of such carriages. SECTION 79. LICENSE REQUIRED. No person, whether resident or not of the City of Davao, shall operate, ride, or propel an animal-drawn carriage, on any street, highway, alley, roadway, sidewalk, or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive use of such carriages unless such has been licensed and a license plate 5.0 cm x 7.5 cm (2 x 3) in size is attached thereto as provided herein. The license is renewable every January of the following year.
SECTION 80. REGISTRATION. All animal-drawn carriages owned by residents of the City of Davao shall be registered with the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), through the Franchising and Regulatory Division through the issuance of license plates and upon payment of authorized amount to the City Treasurer’s Office.
Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Pamela A. Librado-Morata Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar
- On Official Business - OB- Attended a meeting with the Commercial Attaché of Switzerland - On Sick Leave
ORDINANCE NO. 0782-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 0334-12, SERIES OF 2012, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC CODE OF DAVAO CITY” IN CONFORMITY WITH THE AMENDED BICYCLE ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”
SECTION 81. ATTACHMENT OF LICENSE PLATE. The license plate shall be firmly attached to the rear of the animal-drawn carriage or rear mudguard or frame for which it is issued in such position as to be plainly visible from the rear. SECTION 82. LIGHTING, WARNING SIGNS. An animal-drawn carriage and bicycle operated at night shall be equipped with headlight visible at least 60 meters to the front and a rear red flex mirror or reflectorized tape visible for a distance of 60 meters to the rear. SECTION 83. OPERATING AN ANIMAL DRAWN CARRIAGE ON PUBLIC ROADS. SECTION 84. PENALTIES. Penalties shall be imposed upon the driver or owner/operator of animaldrawn carriage for the violations indicated hereunder: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.
No registration No plate number Not equipped with bell, horn No headlight No red light to the rear No red reflector on its rear Carrying more persons than it is designed and equipped viii. With electronic device such as confiscation of device car stereo, radio, and other devices that creates public nuisance
SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS — The following provisions of the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City of 2012, is hereby amended to read as follows; SECTION 5. DEFINITION OF TERMS – When used in this Code, the following terms shall mean and is defined as follows: 5. Bicycle – a vehicle propelled by human pedal power or electric assisted bike (or e-bike), not exceeding 80 cm in width; a two-wheeled vehicle or trike propelled solely by human pedal power, and other two-wheeled vehicles which are propelled by human power, and alternately or mutually, propelled by electric power; 6. Bicycle Path or Lane - a generic term for any portion of a highway, road or street which is designated for bicycle or light mobility vehicle travel where motorized transport is not allowed; 67. Light Mobility Vehicles – refer to travel using electric assisted or non-motorized vehicles weighing not more than 100 kgs such, as but not limited to, Electric Kick Scooters and Segway excluding electric motorcycles weighing less than 100 kgs; 68. Shared roadway – a roadway which is open to both bicycle and motor vehicle travel which is unmarked by a bicycle lane; 69. Signed shared roadway – a shared roadway which has been improved and designated with a signage for bicycle or light mobility vehicle use or has a dedicated bicycle lane; SECTION 14. KEEPING AS FAR RIGHT AS PRACTICABLE – Unless otherwise provided for in this Code, a driver shall keep his/her vehicle as close as practicable to the right boundary of the thoroughfare except when there are two or more lanes marked on the thoroughfare available exclusively for traffic direction in which the driver is traveling and except when there is a designated bicycle lane. Heavy trucks/vehicles must slow down and let bikers pass through the bicycle lane to avoid adjacent movement. SECTION 27. GIVING WAY DURING TURNS – (b) a driver turning to the right or left of an intersection shall give way to all pedestrians and bikers/cyclists; (c) a driver making a U-turn shall give way to all other vehicles, bikers/cyclists, and all pedestrians; SECTION 28. MOVEMENT TO OR FROM PARKED VEHICLES – (a) A driver who is about to drive or driving a vehicle into or out from a parking area or the boundary of a thoroughfare shall give way to all other vehicles and cyclists;
ARTICLE XIV OPERATION OF ANIMAL-DRAWN CARRIAGES SECTION 78. EFFECT OF REGULATIONS. The regulations applicable to animal-drawn carriages shall
PhP 100.00 PhP 100.00
The apprehending City Traffic Enforcer shall have the authority to confiscate the device to be deposited at CTTMO; The device shall be claimed by the owner/driver/operator within seven (7) working days upon payment of the corresponding fee of PhP 150.00, otherwise the device shall be up for auction. The proceeds of the sale shall go to the General Fund. SECTION 85. TRAFFIC LAWS APPLICABLE TO OPERATING AN ANIMAL-DRAWN CARRIAGE. The provisions of this Code granting right to and imposing duties upon a driver of a vehicle shall apply to every person riding an animal-drawn carriage upon a road, except those provisions that by their very nature are not applicable.
Article XV Operation of Bicycles and Light Mobility Vehicles
Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE — This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 0334-12, SERIES OF 2012, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC CODE OF DAVAO CITY” IN CONFORMITY WITH THE AMENDED BICYCLE ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”;
PhP 100.00 PhP 100.00 PhP 100.00 PhP 100.00 PhP 100.00 PhP 100.00
SECTION 86. PROCESS OF REGISTRATION. Bicycle and light mobility vehicle registration is mandatory for the purpose of orienting the bicycle or light mobility vehicle users of the applicable traffic rules and regulations and penalties in case of violation. Each registration is valid for one bike or light mobility vehicle and shall apply for only one (1) year for commercial use and three (3) years for non-commercial use. In coordination with the CTTMO, the barangay where the bicycle or light mobility vehicle user resides shall process the application and subsequent registration. The barangay shall charge a fee of Twenty-five Pesos (P25.00) for each bicycle or light mobility vehicle registration. Upon registration, the bicycle or light mobility vehicle shall be brought to the CTTMO’s impoundment area and barangay hall to ensure that it has the necessary minimum safety requirements required under this Code. Each registered user shall be informed of the provisions of this Code and the relevant traffic rules that must be followed. SECTION 87. PROOF OF REGISTRATION. A water-proof sticker shall be attached as proof that the bicycle or light mobility vehicle has already been registered. The barangay shall, on a quarterly basis forward the records of bicycles and light mobility vehicles registered in their area to the CTTMO. Within one year from the implementation of this Ordinance, all bicycle and light mobility vehicle users must be registered in order to use the shared roadways and signed shared roadways. SECTION 88. MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. No bicycle or light mobility vehicle user shall be allowed to use shared roadways or signed shared roadways within the City of Davao without first complying with the following safety requirements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Helmets or protective headgear; Reflectors or other warning lights; Bell or horn; Working brakes; Rider capacity – bicycles or light mobility vehicles made for single riders should not carry more than one passenger at a time; tricycles or tandem bicycles shall be allowed only for the capacity for which it is made; 6. Hands-free cargo – riders with cargo shall not carry the same with their hands while operating the bike or light mobility vehicle, nor place the same on their handlebars or along the wheelbase.
Cargo must be placed: a. In a wearable backpack; b. In a basket or carrier in front of the handlebars or behind the seat; c. On a trailer attached to the bicycle, provided it does not exceed 80 cm in width; 7. When riding at night, a bicycle shall be equipped with additional protective equipment such as, but not limited to, wearing of any reflective material visible from both sides, use of additional blinkers, lights or any other equipment that serves the same purpose, and is not a hazard to other road users. 8. Audio or electronic devices which distract the cyclist or light mobility vehicle user or which compromise safety are not allowed while operating bicycles or light mobility vehicle. Hands-free audio devices such as, but not limited to, earphones and earpiece
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VOL.15 ISSUE 18 • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022
A farm worker walks home after a day’s work at a banana plantation in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has extended production and marketing assistance worth P3 million to the Davao Region’s banana sector to help in its recovery. Edge Davao
GSIS collection via A Bayad hits P113-M
Digitalization, reopening of econ boost insurance sector
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“Maraming salamat sa suporta ng aming miyembro at pensiyonado (Thank you very much for the support of our members and pensioners). We have so far collected PHP113.33 million for 17,720 transactions with Bayad. Ito ay patunay na maginhawa, mabilis at ligtas ang transactions sa Bayad (This is a proof that transactions with Bayad are
convenient, fast, and safe),” GSIS president and general manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said in a statement Tuesday. GSIS’s collections include PHP36.06 million for 5,144 conso-loan accounts; PHP26.26 million for 2,018 GSIS Financial Assistance Loan accounts; PHP16.05 million for 2,396 Multipurpose Loan accounts; and
PHP12.95 million for 3,395 emergency loan accounts, among others. “Kaagapay kayo ng GSIS sa pangangalaga ng ating pondo sa pamamagitan ng pagpapabuti ng aming collection efficiency (You are the partners of the GSIS in protecting our fund through improving our collection efficiency),” Macasaet added. To date, the GSIS has accredited 3,003 Bayad outlets to accept payments for loans in advance, that are underpaid, delayed or unpaid, or in-default or unpaid for more than six months. Loan balances payable through Bayad include Enhanced Salary Loan; Emer-
he Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is urging farmers to follow the recommended seeding rate in rice production for better yields and reduced production costs. Seeding rate refers to the amount of rice seeds planted per hectare. DA-PhilRice recommends 40 kilograms (kg) per
hectare for transplanted rice while 60-80kg per hectare is promoted for direct-seeded. “When this is followed, rice plants grow healthier because it can receive sufficient sunlight and evenly absorb nutrients from the soil. It can also help produce productive tillers, which would mean higher yields. This recommendation results in good yield
and lower farm expenses,” Rizal Corales, chief science research specialist at DA-PhilRice, explained in a statement on Tuesday. Previously, the usual seeding rate of farmers ranged from 200-250kg/ hectare. Many Filipino farmers today are using around 100-150kg of seeds per hectare. Some farmers note that extra seedlings serve as “buffer”
tate pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has already collected PHP113 million in loan payments after over 10 months of implementation of its partnership with Bayad (former Bayad Center).
gency Loan Assistance; Summer One Month Salary Loan; eCard Cash Advance; Enhanced Consolidated Loan; Emergency Loan; Home Emergency Loan Program; Study Now, Pay Later Loan; Fly PAL, Pay Later Loan; Educational Assistance Loan; Stock Purchase Loan; Regular Policy Loan; Optional Policy Loan; GSIS Financial Assistance Loan; Program for Restructuring and Repayment of Debts; Multi-Purpose Loan; Computer Loan; and other upcoming GSIS loans. To settle loans through Bayad, members only need to present the SMS notifica-
during attacks of pests like snails and birds. However, Corales noted that planting beyond the recommended rate makes farmers spend more and yields low harvest because the plants may produce fewer tillers owing to close spacing, which affect the plants’ ability to receive sunlight and nutrients. “If we compute it, there
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s expected, the pandemic boosted demand for protection products after more people saw the necessity to have personal insurance to help their families once an untoward incident happened to the breadwinners. Massive job losses happened but some generated extra savings because of the work-fromhome arrangements. With the domestic economy continuing to recover, people are also regaining their income sources and this is a plus for the insurance industry, executives of life insurance firms have said. BPI-AIA chief executive officer Surendra Menon said workers in the tourism sector are slowly getting their jobs back or have found new job opportunities and this will “in itself, create a multiplier effect across the economy and a positive attitude towards what the future looks like.” “I’m very positive that this will actually boost the number of people who will have disposable income without forgetting the need for protection,” he said. Menon said that much as people want to get insurance coverage, cashflow inflow issues, especially during the pandemic, prevented them from getting insurance. “Now, with the positive outlook and cashflow in their pockets, we fully expect that this will boost our economy significantly. And, therefore, the purchasing power and the
growth, especially in the middle income level,” he said. Michaes Dumlao, a registered financial consultant and an agent of Pru Life UK, said increased savings because of work-from-home arrangements for some workers is a plus for their capacity to acquire protection products. In an interview by the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday, Dumlao said additional time saved from daily commutes, as well as utilization of online facilities, also boosted sales for the insurance sector. From an average of meeting with two clients daily pre-pandemic, Dumlao said he is now able to have up to five virtual client meetings daily. He said safeguards are put in place, such as a photo of the insurance agent doing a presentation to a client, as proof that they are doing legitimate business and as a copy of their IDs. Dumlao said they also electronically send a copy of the insurance coverage proposal to the prospective clients so that the latter can check it even before the virtual meeting. These innovations, he said, are big pluses on meeting more clients without the issue of traffic congestions and location. “The opportunity to do virtual meetings opened not just a window but a door. This is a big help especially here in Metro Manila because of the issue with traffic before the
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The Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) will bring more growth and development are expected, not just in Davao City but also in other parts of the Davao Region, according to MDDA Bill principal author Cong. Isidro T. Ungab. Edge Davao
Davao’s banana sector gets production, marketing aid
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roduction and marketing assistance are some of the support that Davao Region’s banana sector have been getting from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help in its recovery.
In a press conference here Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said DA has provided PHP3 million marketing and public relations campaign fund to promote Philippine bananas in Japan. “Davao Region is the agribusiness capital of the country. Seeing that the banana industry has
remained still in spite of the pandemic is a manifestation that agribusiness needs private sector to succeed,” Dar said. He noted that the Philippines still ranks as second-largest banana exporter in the world, mainly because of Davao Region’s contribution into the industry. “We thank you, our
active partners, for your dedication and commitment in producing high quality bananas despite these challenges,” he said. He assured that the agency’s programs and support for the banana industry will continue, especially in production and marketing, in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) and farming communities. Thirty-five banana companies earlier met with DA officials in Davao City to discuss other areas of partnerships. Meanwhile, Pilipino
Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig expressed his gratitude to the agency for creating an avenue to sustain the recovery of the banana industry. “We thank the DA for its commitment and support for the banana industry. The domestic banana industry is optimistic that the marketing campaign would enable producers to secure the support of Japanese consumers in our bid to adjust prices,” Antig said. (PNA)
DTI tightens price tag rule on e-commerce
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nline sellers and business owners should post the prices of their products and services instead of sending PM or private messages to customers, the Department of Trade and Industry said on Wednesday. The DTI said business owners and establish-
ments should disclose prices in compliance with the Fair Trade Laws. According to the DTI Consumer Protection Group, both online and physical store owners must Consumer Act of the Philippines which requires appropriate tags, labels, or markings that
2020 from 5.1 percent in 2019. It has since eased to 7.8 percent in 2021, data showed. U n d e re m p l oy m e n t meanwhile was at 15.9 percent in 2021 from 16.4 percent in 2020 and 13.8 percent in 2019. “Barring any surge in COVID cases, we expect that next semester, we will recover the employment rates to pre-pandemic level. Since we are already opening the economy, we
are expecting to rebound to the pre-pandemic level of employment and underemployment,” Benavidez said. DOLE is also bringing back face-to-face job fairs with the most recent event featuring manufacturing and business process outsourcing jobs, he said. When asked what the current administration’s legacy for the overseas Filipino workers would be,
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BSP head office bags DOE DOLE optimistic of labor market 5-star energy rating anew pre-pandemic recovery: official
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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) head office in Manila has obtained a 5-star rating from the Department of Energy (DOE) during an onthe-spot energy audit held recently. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to reduce energy consumption that will substantially impact not only on the economy, but more importantly, the environment,” BSP Governor Benjamin
Diokno said. The DOE conducted the spot check in compliance with Republic Act No. 11285 or the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act”, which enjoins government offices to ensure efficient use of energy. The DOE has recognized the BSP for its energy efficiency efforts for the third time. The BSP was also among the 10 recipients of the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation
in Government Buildings” award in 2016. Energy saving measures implemented at the BSP include the use of energy-efficient equipment for air conditioning and elevators; the replacement of fluorescent lights with LED lights; and installation of occupancy sensor lights in selected areas. BSP employees are also advised to switch off room lights during noon breaks,
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he Philippine labor market is poised to rebound to its pre-pandemic level with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the recovery of businesses, an official said Wednesday. Unemployment could settle back to the 5 percent mark next semester, Department of Labor and Employment Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said. Unemployment doubled to 10.3 percent in
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tions received from GSIS, or loan balances reflected in the electronic GSIS Member Online (eGSISMO) or in the GSIS Touch mobile app. They then need to fill out a Bayad form for their full name, business partner (BP) number, and loan type, among others. Loan borrowers who pay through any of Bayad’s payment collection sites will receive a text message to confirm receipt of their payment. They may also check their loan payment records via eGSISMO or GSIS Touch. GSIS will also email a copy of their official receipt. Loan payments from members are also now accepted through the online apps of Union Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines. “Simula Mayo, mag-
dadagdag pa tayo ng around 10,000 over-thecounter payment outlets at online payment channels mula sa iba’t ibang external payment service providers. Tatanggapin na rin ang monthly rentals payments sa mga nag-avail ng Lease with Option to Buy at loan payments mula sa mga inactive members. Patuloy po naming ilalapit ang aming serbisyo sa inyo (Starting May, we will add around 10,000 over-the-counter payment outlets and online payment channels from various external payment service providers. We will still accept monthly rentals payments from those who availed of Lease with Option to Buy and loan payments from inactive members. We will continue to bring our services closer to you),” Macasaet said. (PR)
are at least 1.6 million seeds in 40kg. A one-hectare farm needs 750,000 seedlings, at 3 seedlings per hill. If high-quality seeds have a germination rate of at least 85 percent, then 40kg seeds can produce 1.3 million seedlings. There could be around 600,000 extra seedlings that farmers can use for replanting in cases when pests cause damage,” Corales said. Meanwhile, DA-PhilRice through its Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program also ensures that farmers are equipped and empowered to follow the recommended practice through its services in its 42 target provinces. “High-quality seeds have high germination rate. Farmers are assured that 40kg is enough because most seeds will germinate. Farmers used to struggle in following the recommendation because they do not have access to high-quality seeds. They source planting materials from their own harvests or from fellow farmers, so seeds did not undergo quality control. Now, access to high-quality is easier with the RCEF-Seed Program,” Corales, also the head of the program’s field operation unit, said. The RCEF Seed Program also conducts technology demonstrations called PalaySikatan to showcase the effect of using the recommended seeding rate, alongside other modern technologies and practices. Farm machines such as drum seeder, seed spreader, precision spreader, and drone seeder for direct seeding, and riding-type and walk-behind type mechanical transplanter for transplanting allow a more
precise application of the recommended seeding rate. Recent reports of the monitoring and evaluation study of DA-PhilRice in the 42 target provinces of the RCEF Seed Program showed that farmers have reduced the amount of seeds they used to 86 kg during the 2021 dry season, and later to 76kg during the 2021 wet season. Corales attributes it to the varied efforts to promote and teach farmers to follow the practice. “We hope to further reduce the seeding rate with the use of farm machinery being used and showcased in various technology demonstration sites established nationwide,” he mentioned. Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, DA-PhilRice RCEF Program Management Office head, noted that following the recommended seeding rate also proves to be advantageous on a macro scale. “If farmers in RCEF’s target areas follow the recommendation, it would mean more farmers can be reached and more rice areas can be planted through the program. At most, our overall production can increase and there will be more sources of our country’s staple food,” she said. The RCEF-Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allots P10 billion funds every year for the rice farmers from the rice tariff earnings of the country. The program is a six-year government initiative to help farmers compete in the international rice market. The local government units and lawmakers assist in its implementation. (PR)
Benavidez said it would include the establishment of a department for migrant workers and an OF (overseas Filipino) bank. For the next administration, the labor department should focus on the
recovery of pandemic-hit sectors such as tourism, he said. In February 2022, there were 3.13 million jobless Filipinos as the unemployment rate hit 6.4 percent.
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mon throughout the world. Explosive outbreaks would occur, particularly in institutional settings or military barracks. But in 1963, the measles vaccine was introduced, which greatly reduced the incidence. Measles has often been described as “the simplest of all infectious diseases.” It is probably the most “visible” infection due to a consistent clinical picture and the fact that virtually everyone contracted it before vaccination was introduced in the early 1960s. Also called rubeola, measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It usually affects children but can occur at any age in susceptible persons. A person who has been infected with measles becomes immune for life. The measles virus is not the same virus that causes German measles, or rubella. “The virus is spread by droplets from the mouth or throat secretions,” explained Dr. Donald M. Vickery and Dr. James F. Fries, authors of Take Care of Yourself. The measles virus, which remains suspend-
ed in their air for several hours, can only be killed by sunlight. It is very active during the cold months, particularly December to January. “This is the reason there are more cases in congested urban slums,” Dr. Enrique Tayag, an epidemiologist and official of the Department of Health. “The virus spreads more easily among family members living in cramped rooms and, later, to the overcrowded community.” Signs and symptoms of measles appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who have measles will experience the following: fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes. Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek may also be present. The most apparent: a skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another. “A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before
pandemic,” he added. Dumlao said an insurance agent cannot immediately gain a client in one sitting “unless the client is firm on getting one immediately” thus, he needs to do follow-ups. Asked for insurance claims during the pandemic, he said there were few clients who did because they got sick, but not necessarily of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). “But some made partial withdrawal from the investment portion of their insurance policies because their businesses
suffered,” he added. Dumlao said most of his new clients are breadwinners who want to secure the future of their families for any eventualities. He said there are some clients who get additional policies to increase their coverage or to have higher investments, which they can withdraw in the future without affecting their insurance. “So, it’s the awareness of the losses from not having insurance coverage plus digitalization of processes that really increase sales during the pandemic,” he added. (PNA)
indicate the prices of consumer products sold in retail. These products must not be sold at higher prices than stated, the DTI said. “To strengthen the implementation of the Price Act and Consumer Act, the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DAR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and National Privacy Commission (NPC) have recently issued the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 22-
01, consolidating all existing rules and guidelines on online businesses,” the DTI said. “We are firm in enforcing these laws, especially on the requirement of price tags, to ensure consumers’ right to choose quality products at reasonable prices,” says DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo. Online sellers who insist on sending private messages to consumers inquiring on the price of a product can be fined and imprisoned, the DTI warned.
after office hours, and when the rooms are not occupied; and to turn off electrically operated machines when not in use. When available, the power management features of electricity-powered devices are also utilized. Moreover, the BSP has installed a solar photovolta-
ic system on the rooftop of one of its buildings, which saves the central bank over PHP70,000 in annual power consumption. “We have been championing energy efficiency measures that enable the BSP to create a safe, healthy, and resource-efficient work environment,” Diokno said. (PR)
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the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days,” the Mayo Clinic explains. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says complications of measles may include ear infection (occur in about one of every 10 children with measles and can result in permanent hearing loss), bronchitis, laryngitis, and diarrhea (reported in less than one out of 10 people with measles). Many of these complicating infections are due to bacteria and will require antibiotic treatment. Pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, can be life-threatening. “The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing,” the Mayo Clinic says. The CDC says that as many as one out of every 20 children with measles get pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children. “The Philippines is one of the 15 countries that together account for 75% of childhood pneumonia cases worldwide,” the WHO reports. “In children under 5 years, pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality.” A very serious problem that can lead to permanent damage is measles encephalitis (infection of the brain). Life-support measures and treatment of seizures may be necessary when this rare complication occurs. A long-term but very rare complication is the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). “This fatal disease of the central nervous system results from a measles virus infection acquired earlier in life,” CDC says. “SSPE generally develops 7 to 10 years after a person has measles, even though the person seems to have fully recovered from the illness.” Women who are pregnant are advised to take special care to avoid contracting measles “because the disease can cause preterm labor, low birth weight and maternal death,” Mayo Clinic pinpoints. Even in countries with good health services, measles can be very serious, particularly in young children, according to Dr. Peter Strebel from the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at the WHO. “Measles still causes an estimated 197, 000 deaths each year around the world, the majority of them children under the age of five. Parents and doctors need to be reminded that measles is a highly contagious disease,” he said Symptomatic measures are all that is needed for uncomplicated measles, according to Dr. Vickery and Fries. Acetaminophen, aspirin or paracetamol should be used to keep the fever down, and a vaporizer can be used for the cough. Dim lighting in the room is often more comfortable because of the eyes’ sensitivity to light. In general, the person feels “measley.”
The patient should be isolated until the end of the contagious period. Dr. Tayag said the patient can be nursed at home but must be continuously monitored. If this is not possible, it is recommended that the patient be taken to a hospital. The widely-read Where There Is No Doctor shares the following home treatment: * The child should stay in bed, drink lots of liquids and be given nutritious food. If he cannot swallow solid food, give him liquids like soup. If a baby cannot be breastfed, give breast milk in a spoon. * If possible, give vitamin A to prevent eye damage. * If earache develops, give an antibiotic. * If signs of pneumonia, meningitis or severe pain in the ear or stomach develop, get medical help. Although highly contagious, measles is a preventable disease. This can be done by immunizing 90% of the community against it. In order for the measles outbreak that happened in 2019 won’t happen again, the city government of Davao City conducted a roll out of city-wide measles immunization. Members and volunteers of the City Health Office (CHO) conducted immunization activity in fixed posts like barangay health centers, health stations, nutrition posts and temporary posts such as covered courts (instead of the previous house-tohouse strategy). “This is to ensure the proper screening and precautionary safety protocols since the measles vaccination is administered through injection, not drops. There must be proper immunization sites,” said Dr. Julinda Acosta, CHO technical division head. Parents should not be afraid of having their children vaccinated. Vaccines may not be perfect, but they are highly effective. “Normally, vaccines are at least 80% effective – that is, eight out of 10 children vaccinated will develop antibodies against the infection and be protected,” says Dr. C. John Clemens, former WHO medical officer. Although no medical intervention is 100% safe, the risk of serious side effects from vaccines, such as severe allergic reactions, is low. “Any vaccine can cause side effects,” the Mayo Clinic points out. “Usually, these side effects are minor — low-grade fever, fussiness and soreness at the injection site. Some vaccines cause a temporary headache, fatigue or loss of appetite. “Rarely, a child might experience a severe allergic reaction or a neurological side effect, such as a seizure. Although these rare side effects are a concern, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small. The benefits of getting a vaccine are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children,” it adds.
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WATCH OUT FOR MEASLES OUTBREAK!
Measles symptoms: Here’s how measles look like (Emily Roberts/ verywell)
By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
“T
he fact that measles outbreaks are occurring at the highest levels we’ve seen in a generation is unthinkable when we have a safe, cost-effective, and proven vaccine. No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease.” – Elizabeth Cousens, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Foundation. Eighteen-month-old Jessie was an active, playful toddler. Then, one day, he was struck down with a high fever, severe coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and a red rash on his face and chest. When Jessie started gasping for breath on the sixth day of his illness, his parents rushed him to a hospital. The doctor diagnosed pneumonia, a complication of measles. Although he was given intravenous fluids and antibiotics, his condition worsened. Two days after admission, Jessie died. Sarah, the boy’s mother, later told doctors she didn’t realize that measles was life-threatening. She hadn’t had Jessie vaccinated against the disease even though she lived just over a kilometer away from a
health center. “If only I had known,” she said. With vaccines available for measles, the acute bacterial respiratory infection should have been part of history already – but such is not the case. In fact, an increase in measles cases in the first two months of 2022 is “a worrying sign” of a heightened risk for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and could trigger larger outbreaks, particularly of measles, warn two United Nations agencies. “ Pa n d e m i c - re l a te d disruptions, increasing inequalities in access to vaccines, and the diversion of resources from routine immunization are leaving too many children without protection against measles and other vaccine-preventable
diseases,” said the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The risk for large outbreaks has increased as communities relax social distancing practices and other preventive measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) implemented during the height of the pandemic. In addition, disruptions in routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination services, lack of clean water and sanitation, and overcrowding increase the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, the two UN agencies pointed out. Around the world, almost 17,338 measles cases were reported in January and February 2022, compared to 9,665 during the first two months of 2021. “As measles is very contagious, cases tend to show up quickly when vaccination levels decline,” the two agencies explained. Both WHO and UNICEF are concerned that outbreaks of measles could also forewarn outbreaks of other diseases that do not spread as rapidly.
Child infected: A 6-month-old baby with measles at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila (Jason Beaubien/NPR)
“Measles is more than a dangerous and potentially deadly disease. It is also an early indication that there are gaps in our global immunization coverage, gaps vulnerable children cannot afford,” said Dr. Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. “It is encouraging that people in many communities are beginning to feel protected enough from COVID-19 to return to more social activities,” she added. “But doing so in places where children are not receiving routine vaccination creates the perfect storm
for the spread of a disease like measles.” It must be recalled that there were measles outbreaks worldwide during 2017 to 2019. In the Western Pacific Region, the largest outbreak happened in the Philippines, where first-dose measles-containing vaccine coverage had reduced to 75% in 2018. “Outbreak clusters were first reported in the southern island of Mindanao in September 2017, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR),” The Lancet reported. “A measles outbreak was declared in five
regions, including the NCR, in February 2018. In the following weeks, outbreaks reached 17 regions.” At the peak of the epidemic, measles care units were established to support overcrowded hospitals. “This ward would only accommodate 50 patients,” Dr. Ferdinand de Guzman, the head of family medicine at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, was quoted as saying by npr.org. “But at the height of the outbreak, (there were) 300 patients per ward.” Measles was once com-
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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE can only be used on one ear at a time.
SECTION 89. RIGHTS, DUTIES, AND OBLIGATIONS OF PERSONS OPERATING A BICYCLE OR LIGHT MOBILITY VEHICLE. The following shall be the rights, duties, and obligations of cyclists and light mobility vehicle users: 1. Every person riding a bicycle or light mobility vehicle on the designated bike lanes shall be granted all the rights of road users. 2. A cyclist or light mobility vehicle user may ride on any public road or a street except on highways or where a sign specifically prohibiting bikes has been posted such as an expressway. 3. As persons-on-wheels or bikes (POWs or POBs) who use a bicycle or light mobility vehicle, cyclists and light mobility vehicle users have optimal rights as pedestrians and share equal responsibility as motorists on the road. 4. A cyclist or light mobility vehicle user shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, or any person operating a bicycle or other device propelled by human or animal power or electric motor assisted, upon any road. 5. Cyclists and light mobility vehicle users must always observe the use of the proper safety equipment laid down in Section 88 of this Code and Section 7 of the Amended Biking and Light Mobility Vehicle Ordinance. 6. A trailer or semi-trailer may be attached to the bicycle provided it does not exceed 80 cm in width. 7. Hand signal within 100 feet right- or left-hand turn signals shall be given in not less than 100 feet from turn and/or while the bike is on full stop. If the hand being used for signaling is needed to control the bike, hand signaling may be undertaken intermittently, instead of continuously. 8. An audible signal shall be given before overtaking. 9. Parking in designated areas. When bike parking is available, this service must be maximized. Otherwise, a cyclist or light mobility vehicle user may park his/her bicycle in any place that does not cause obstruction to the mobility or safety of persons. SECTION 90. OPERATING A BICYCLE OR LIGHT MOBILITY VEHICLE. Every person operating a bicycle or light mobility vehicle upon a designated bike lane shall utilize such lane direction except on reasonable circumstances, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or a vehicle proceeding in the same time. A. Prohibited Behaviors. The following are the restrictions imposed upon cyclists and the right to use a bicycle: 1. No Overloading. No bicycle shall carry more persons or baggage that is more than what the unit is designed to carry unless when another regular seat or trailer is connected to it. 2. A cyclist must not carry anything on their hands while operating bicycle unless it is in a basket, bag or trailer designed for that purpose.
considered as shared roadways which are open to both bicycle and motor vehicle traffic. Guidelines on the use of shared roadways shall be observed by bicycle users, motorists, and pedestrians alike. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) shall also designate those roadways on which bicycle use must be prohibited. SECTION 92. OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC LAWS AND DEVICES. Any person operating a bicycle or light mobility vehicle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signs, and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer or any authorized traffic enforcer. Whenever, authorized signs are posted, a person operating a bicycle shall not disobey the direction of such sign except when that person dismount from the bicycle, in which case such person shall then obey the regulation applicable to pedestrians. No person shall ride or operate a bicycle in any direction except that permitted for vehicular traffic on the same side of the bike lane. SECTION 93. FLAGGING BY A POLICE OFFICER OR CITY TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OFFICE (CTTMO) PERSONNEL. Any uniformed police officer or any deputized traffic enforcer may stop, inspect and test a bicycle unit that is suspected to be unsafe and fails to observe the Minimum Safety Requirements laid down in Section 88 of this Code and Section 7 of the Amended Bike and Light Mobility Vehicle Ordinance. He may also stop any cyclist operating the bicycle in such a manner as to pose dangers to others. SECTION 94. PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTY CLAUSE. – Any violation of the provisions of this Ordinance committed by bicycle users shall be penalized by an administrative fine as follows, for each offense committed, without prejudice to the prosecution of other administrative, criminal, or civil actions as may be proper: A. B. C. D.
Non-registration Failure to renew registration No registration sticker Incomplete compliance of minimum safety Standard E. Failure to follow traffic laws and other offenses found under this Code
– P100 – P100 – P100 – P100 – P100
SECTION 95. CITY TRAFFIC CITATION TICKET – A City Traffic “CITATION TICKET,” shall be issued to VIOLATORS OF THIS CODE. The Citation Ticket shall state the name and address of the violator, and the specific violation committed. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) personnel and such other appropriate enforcers as may be commissioned by the City Mayor shall have the power to apprehend violators of this Ordinance and issue citation tickets. If found to have violated the following, such as, but not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Bicycle involved in a traffic accident resulting to injuries of a pedestrian; Unattended Bicycle; Bicycle obstructing road right of way; Illegally Parked Bicycle; and Other analogous cases.
The CTTMO or any authorized personnel shall cause the confiscation of the bicycle unit and deliver it to the city impoundment area as part of the apprehension procedure. SECTION 156. RESTRICTIONS ON PEDESTRIANS. A pedestrian shall not:
3. A cyclist must not cling on to another vehicle while on the bike lane, or on any other part of the road.
(f) In standing or occupying the sidewalk, extend an arm or leg or any other object that may obstruct the passage of a cyclist/biker using the biking lane.
4. No hands-free cycling. At least one hand must always hold or be kept on the handlebars at all times.
SECTION 157. PEDESTRIANS ON THOROUGHFARES. Except when there is a sidewalk or footway, a pedestrian:
5. No biking on pedestrian lanes and sidewalks. Cyclists must unmount and walk the bicycle unit in using the pedestrian lanes or sidewalks.
(c) In getting on or off a vehicle, a pedestrian must stop, look or listen for a cyclist/biker who may be approaching, before opening the door.
6. Observe reasonable speed. No cyclist must go beyond what is a reasonable and prudent speed under conditions then existing.
SECTION 3. REPEALING CLAUSE — Any Ordinance, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified, accordingly.
7. Stop at safe distance from school buses and streetcars when people are embarking/ disembarking.
SECTION 4. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE — If for any reason any section of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby, shall continue to be in full force and effect.
8. Ride together with the flow of traffic. Bikes are not allowed to counter flow. B.
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Duties and obligations to cyclists: 1. Pedestrians must keep their arms to themselves when standing on the sidewalk. Extension of arms or legs pose hazards to cyclists using the bicycle lane.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVITY— This Ordinance shall take effect 15 days upon approval, posting, and publication in a newspaper of local circulation. ENACTED, on the 23rd day of November 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.
2. Look out before disembarking. In getting on or off a private/public vehicle at the pavement, pedestrians must look out first in case cyclist or light mobility vehicle user is headed towards the direction of the vehicle that the person is riding on/off from.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
3. Pedestrians must give way to moving cyclists in embarking/disembarking a vehicle. 4. Maintain safe distance and do not blow horn. Motorized vehicles, especially heavy vehicles must maintain a safe distance from cyclists using the bike lane. Blowing of horn must be done sparingly and not within close range to the cyclist. 5. Safe distance at all times. All motorists, especially motorcycle riders must keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 meters distance from cyclists at all times. During inclement weather, motorists driving adjacent to the bike lane or in cases of roads with no bike lane must slow down to provide wiggle room and avoid splashing muddy water on cyclists. SECTION 91. BICYCLE LANES, SHARED ROADWAYS, AND SIGNED SHARED ROADWAYS.
ATTESTED:
February 4, 2022 2021 APPROVED : ________________, Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq ATTESTED:
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall designate the bicycle lanes on shared roadways, provided that it allows a direct travel from the north to the south of the City and vice versa, passing through the Central Business District. Bicycle lanes on signed shared roadways are for the exclusive use of persons on bicycles, except those which may be exempted by this Code or the Amended Bicycle and Light Mobility Vehicle Ordinance; Only City-operated buses under the High Priority Bus System as well as medical, safety and security motor vehicles may use a bicycle lane on a signed shared roadway. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall designate the highways, roads, and streets in the City that are to be
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 0334-12, SERIES OF 2012, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC CODE OF DAVAO CITY” IN CONFORMITY WITH THE AMENDED BICYCLE ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”
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Magic Morant sparks Grizzlies over Warriors
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OS ANGELES -- Ja Morant erupted for 47 points as the Memphis Grizzlies outmuscled the Golden State Warriors to level their Western Conference NBA playoff series with a bruising 106101 victory on Tuesday. Morant’s career-high playoff points total dragged Memphis over the line to square the best-of-seven semi-final series at 1-1 after a nail-biting duel at the FedEx Forum in Tennessee. But a physical encounter was shrouded in controversy, with the Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks ejected after only three minutes for flattening the Warriors’ Gary Payton II as he drove for a basket. Payton played no further part in the contest and Warriors coach Steve Kerr later confirmed he had suffered a fractured elbow. The Warriors’ Draymond Green, ejected in game one on Sunday, was also on the receiving end of the Grizzlies’ robust tactics, needing prolonged treatment in the locker room in the first quarter after being stiffarmed by Xavier Tillman. Kerr later described the Grizzlies first-quarter approach as “dirty not physical” and accused Brooks of “breaking the code” amongst NBA pro-
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fessionals. “There’s a code in this league that players follow where you never put a guy’s season or career in jeopardy by taking somebody out in mid-air and clubbing him across the head and ultimately fracturing Gary’s elbow,” Kerr said. “Dillon Brooks broke the code. That’s how I see it.” Despite the physical nature of Memphis’s play, it was the silky skills of Morant that ultimately proved decisive, the 22-year-old pouring in 18 of his team’s fourth-quarter points to seal victory as the teams head back to California for game three on Saturday. Victory was sweet for Morant, who admitted he had been tormented by what would have been a game-winning missed layup in Sunday’s onepoint loss in game one. “That loss was on my mind a lot, missing that layup late, so coming in today I told myself we needed a win and we were going to get a win,” Morant said afterwards.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (L) shoots a three point basket over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (R) during the second half of their NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, USA, 28 October 2021. File photo. John Mabanglo, EPA-EFE
“I just took it upon myself to go out there and do that for us. “A team like Golden State, they’re never out of
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and 2 areas. It also announced that limited F2F graduation will be allowed for schools in Alert Level 1 and 2 areas, in consultation with the LGU, schools, and community learning centers (CLCs) with strict compliance with IATF protocols. For schools in Alert Level 3, 4, and 5, DepEd said it will only allow virtual EOSY rites. Schools may broadcast live the virtual EOSY rites through an appropriate social me-
dia platform. Schools nationwide are set to conduct EOSY rites from June 27 to July 2, 2022, following the end of the school year on June 24, 2022, while private schools may implement the schedule as reflected in their respective school calendars. However, schools, divisions, or regions with an extended school year due to suspension of classes shall be guided by their approved revised school calendar.
saddened by the incident. Bautista called on the people of Davao del Sur to work together to stop the violence in the province. “I hope wala na’y lain incident na mahitabo. As far as we are concerned, this is not the first time na naay nahitabo. I remembered akong isa ka tao sa Davao del Sur was also killed. Nakaagi siya ug checkpoint sa Bansalan
and then gipusil siya,” he said. This is not the first election-related killing incident transpired in Davao del Sur. It can be recalled that Orlando “Dondon” Dinoy, a journalist, was also killed inside his apartment cum boarding house on Mother Ignacia Street in Poblacion Uno, Bansalan town in October last year. By Maya M. Padillo
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school teachers would invite 10 voters within the polling center’s immediate environs to simulate the casting of votes, from filling out the official ballots and then feeding them into the VCMs. Electronic results will be compared with the manual tally to check for any discrepancy or variance in the votes cast, Enumerables said. She added that poll watchers from various political groups and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) are expected to attend the final testing and sealing in the region, which has received more than 4,000 VCMs from the central office of the COMELEC. Enumerables said COMELEC-Davao is anticipating some challenges on election day, including connectivity that may hamper the electronic transmission of results and peace and order situation of some places in the region. “We do know what problems may arise but
the game. We just have to lock in, keep our foot on the gas and play for the full 48 minutes.” Stephen Curry led the
there will be glitches because there is no perfect system… There is a problem of signals for teachers. They can look for a signal within the school or at the place near the canvassing area,” she said. She said the COMELEC has extended voting hours – beginning at 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. – to allow voters more time to cast their votes and avoid overcrowding in precincts amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Enumerables said there is no need for voters to present a negative swab test result or vaccination card to be allowed to vote. The COMELEC, however, will still implement minimum health standards such as physical distancing and wearing of face masks, as well as checking of body temperature. Maj. Ma. Teresita P. Gaspan, spokesperson for Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the VCMs have been delivered to polling precincts
Warriors scoring with 27 points while Jordan Poole finished with 20. But the Warriors were left ruing a wayward
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shooting performance which saw the team make only 40 of 95 attempts from the field.
“Ang aking pamilya, sampu ng alyansa na nakapaloob sa UniTeam ay labis na nagagalak at buong pusong nagpapasalamat sa suportang inihayag ng kapatirang Iglesia Ni Cristo. Sisikapin namin na ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa aming tambalan ay magbubunga ng tunay na pagkakaisa nga mga Pilipinong nagmamahal sa Pilipinas at walang alinlangan na sama-samang haharap sa mga pagsubok na daraan sa paghanda ng magandang bukas para sa ating mga kabataan,” he said. Meanwhile, Mayor Sara admitted that she may not be the “best, brightest and most bril-
liant” contender for the position, but said no one can beat her fortitude. “Ako po si Sara Duterte. Hindi ako ang pinakamatalino at pinakamagaling na kandidato. Pero walang makakatalo sa akin sa tibay ng puso ko lalo na sa paggawa ng mga mahihirap na desisyon para sa aking trabaho at para sa bayan,” Duterte said in a statement shared by Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP). Mayor Sara, who consistently leads pre-election surveys, is pushing for job generation, quality education, and peace and order as top priorities in her vice presidential bid. By Maya M. Padillo
in Districts 3 and 2 while delivery is ongoing for polling precincts in District 1. She said police officers have been deployed for election duties at the polling centers. Gaspan said the city
has deployed 2,000 police personnel for election duties, including providing escort to teachers in transporting the election returns to designated canvassing area. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
8 SPORTS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 18 • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022
Ryomei Tanaka of Japan (red) in action against Carlo Paalam of Philippines (blue) during their bout in the Men’s Fly (48-52kg) Semifinal of the Boxing events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, 05 August 2021. File photo. How Hwee Young, EPA-EFE
LEFT OUT?
Why Mindanaoan Olympic silver medalist Paalam is out of the SEAG team
T
he Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) explained on Tuesday that Mindanaoan Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam can see action in the 2022 Asian Games in September. However, he will not be part of the national boxing team that will compete in the Southeast Asian Games this month. Ed Picson, ABAP president, said the national team coaches felt more comfortable in sending former Olympian Rogen Ladon as the country’s representative in the men’s 52kg division. “With the present condition of Rogen Ladon and Carlo Paalam, the coaches felt that Ladon would be the best bet in that weight category at this moment,” Picson said during an appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. Paalam, 23, won gold in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila and made history when he won a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games last year. However, ABAP officials explained that Paalam’s conditioning was not up to par with just a little over a week to go before the opening of the SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. “Carlo is still catching up with his conditioning,” said ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo. “So hindi na sila nagkaroon ng box-off.” Both Picson and Manalo assured that the 28-year-old Ladon is more than capable of winning
gold in the 52kg division. The former Rio Olympian had warmed up for the SEA Games by ruling his division in the Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament earlier this month. He seized the gold by beating reigning Asian Games champion Amit Panghal of India. “Rogen Ladon is an ex-Olympian as well although hindi siya naka-medalya noong 2016. But he has been showing a lot of grit and determination in the past few weeks. He has proven himself,” said Picson. “He’s also captain of the team, and he has shown a lot of very dynamic leadership,” he added. “Mukhang wala namang question when it comes to Rogen representing us in that weight class,” said Manalo, for his part. The ABAP officials assured that Paalam will have a chance to regain his spot in the national team ahead of the Asiad, which takes place from September 1025 in Hangzhou, China. “’Yung evaluation naman is tournament per tournament. Right after the SEA Games, there will be another training camp. So start ulit ng evaluations,” Manalo explained. The SEA Games are set from May 12-23.