Edge Davao Volume 15 Issue 31 | Friday, May 20, 2022

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VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

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Davao City braces for new Omicron subvariant STORY ON PAGE 2

A man pushes his bicycle decorated with electric fan blades as he crosses R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Thursday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with one of the guests during the Puregold Sari-Sari Store Negosyo Convention 2022 themed “Tuloy natin and Pagsasama, Tuloy natin ang Pag-asenso” at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on May 18, 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

SAME STRATEGY “Q

PRRD says he’s ‘quite behaved’ nowadays

Davao City braces for new Omicron subvariant

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said on Thursday Davao City is ready to face the new Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 saying the city will implement the same strategies in combating in case it enters the city.

The Department of Health (DOH), through its Centers for Health Development (CHDs), University of the Philippines - Philippine

Genome Center (UP-PGC), University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), and the Research Institute for

Tropical Medicine (RITM), recently detected cases positive for BA.2.12.1.

The DOH Covid-19 surveillance system first detected BA.2.12.1 in two local cases from the National Capital Region (NCR) who had no international travel history and were from the same cluster. Both cases experienced mild symptoms and tested positive last April 22, 2022. They are asymptomatic and have

completed home isolation.

The cases have been fully vaccinated.

“Now, that we have that variant I can assure the public na prepared man gyud ang Davao City kasi we have already strategies in placed.

Ang atong buhaton na lang is push button na lang kung unsa to applicable at the moment, magkaroon ta ug surge or magkaroon or naa tay spike of number of

FSAME, P10

uite behaved.”

This was how President Rodrigo R. Duterte described himself in a speech during his attendance at the Puregold Sari-Sari Store Negosyo Convention 2022 at the World Trade Center Lobby in Pasay City.

Duterte, who usually holds weekly public addresses, has yet to hold one this week.

“Nakalagay dito (It says on this speech), Mr. President, we are live on television. Kaya takot sila magmura ako (They are probably afraid I’m going to curse). I assure you, I’m quite behaved nowadays,” he said.

Duterte has long been known for cussing and swearing in speeches.

After delivering his prepared speech, he went offscript and again thanked the Filipino citizenry for making him president.

“For those who believe

in me…I am on my tailend sa presidency ko. Yung tumulong sa akin, nagsuportaall these years at yung umintindi ng mga hangarin ko sa ating bayan, who brought me kayo sa pagkapresidente ko for six years, I would like to express my gratitude sa inyo at maraming salamat po (I am on the tailend of my presidency.

Those who helped me, supported me all these years and those who understood my aspirations for the nation, who brought me to the presidency for six years, I would like to express my gratitude to you and thank you very much),” he said.

This is not the first time he thanked the citizenry for electing him as president.

He also did so during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pampanga Provincial Hospital in Clark, Pampanga on May 1.

After casting his vote in Davao City during the May

nology (SPAMAST) were able to have a glimpse of the military skills demonstrated by the personnel of the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The students have been exposed to a squad combat operations through capability demonstration, familiarization of weapons, assembling and disassembling of R4A1 rifle.

There was also a marksmanship activity where everyone experienced the right way of firing a rifle.

ROTC cadet 1st Class Marypink P. Anggoling and 4th Class Angela M. Prieto from SPAMAST were delighted and thankful for the opportunity because of the knowledge and experi-

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5 NPA rebels yield in S. Kudarat, SPAMAST ROTC cadets undergo claim struggle going nowhere exposure to military operations

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ive more communist New people’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in Sultan Kudarat province have surrendered to military authorities, saying they have been fighting for a futile cause.

“It is better to live with their loved ones than fighting a lost cause,” said one of the surrenderers, who identified himself only as

“Ka Abel,” in a statement Thursday.

The rebels turned over their rifles to the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao, Wednesday afternoon.

The group’s firearms consisted of a sniper rifle, a Garand rifle, and a 12-gauge shotgun.

They also helped the

Army in locating and retrieving other NPA firearms -- an M60 machine gun and three M16 rifles – kept in the hinterlands of Lebak town.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera, the 57IB commander, said the surrenderers used to operate under the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region.

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he 96 cadets of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in a state university in Malita town, Davao Occidental got the chance to undergo educational tour and field exposure at a military camp.

The young cadets at the Southern Philippine Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Tech-

FSPAMAST, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

NEWS

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Dr. Fred Medina, commissioner of Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (DOT-PSSCD), says during PEP Talks media forum at SM Lanang Premier on Thursday the high diving cost in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) is hurting the diving community who want to get access to the diving sites of the island. Edge Davao

Divers decry high diving cost in Samal Island DCPO tracking down nonpaying face mask violators

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he Davao City Police Office said it is now coordinating with barangays to track down arrested violators of the face mask ordinance, who had been unresponsive insofar as settling their penalties.

DCPO Spokesperson, Major Ma. Teresita Gaspan, in a press conference Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel expressed dismay over the significant

number of citations the DCPO had to issue for violations of Davao City’s face mask ordinance.

“Daghan kaayo tag nadakpan. Og karon, medyo naglisud gani ta kay kadtong na-issuehan og citation, ubay-ubay ato for verification. Meaning to say, wala pa namayad sa administrative penalty”. (“We caught a lot of violators.

FDCPO, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PSSCD) shared that the high diving cost in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) is hurting the diving community who want to get access to the diving sites of the island.

Dr. Fred Medina, commissioner of PSSCD, told media that the diving community is appealing for a

fair and reasonable diving cost.

He assured that the Local Government Unit (LGU)

of Samal is willing to sit down and listen to their sentiments.

I supposed it’s a work in progress because I think the LGU is very interested to know the sentiments of the diving community especially after the lockdown all of us are affected, with this and when it comes to fees and access to the dive

sites there has to be a better way to manage it. In our last meeting with DOT, we were already given that LGU of Samal will sit down with us.

The cost is hurting the diving community. It’s a work in progress as it appears that they are willing to listen,” Medina said during the PEP Talks at SM Lanang

FDIVERS, P10

Samal pedicab drivers to be penalized for overcharging fare

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ayor Al David Uy of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos) in Davao del Norte warned pedicab drivers on the island not to overcharge transportation fare or else they face a penalty.

This is in line with the implementation of the fare hike on the island, which drew complaints involving drivers who are overcharging even though the new tariff (fare matrix) has not yet come out.

In a radio report, the minimum fare in Samal is

now P17 from the previous fare of P8.

“Naa ta’y gihimo sa ordinansa na penal clause na kung ikaw na driver naay magreklamo nimo for overcharging naa kay fine ug puwede pud tanggalon ang permit to operate nimo. Gihimo nato ni kay daghan na reklamo, wala pa ang taripa, daghan na ang reklamo sa overcharging especially katong mga turista na dili taga Samal unya dali lang mailad. Protection pud na sa ila basta makuha nila

FSAMAL, P10

Thousands join the peaceful solidarity march in the streets of Koronadal City Thursday (19 May 2022) to protest the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining in South Cotabato. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

People gather in front of stall selling street food at Roxas Night Market in Davao City more than a month after it reopened. Edge Davao

Agri dept. warns of looming food crisis

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday warned of a looming food crisis, brought about by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy, rising fuel prices, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Nakikita natin at marami na ring mga eksperto ang nagsasabi na there is a looming food crisis. Tayo naman…ay handa tayo…

Itong second semester of the year. Nakikita na ninyo ang pagtaas ng presyo ng inputs, kaunti ang mabibili sa global market,” DA Secretary William Dar said.

(We as well as other experts are saying there is a looming food crisis. For us in the DA, we’re ready even if we’re seeing an increase in the prices of inputs during the second semester of the year. That’s because of the lack of products to be bought in the global market.)

Agriculture undersecretary Fermin Adriano seconded Dar’s remarks, adding the Philippines’ low food production and the ballooning population further contributed to the emerging problem.

“Sa dalawang dekada na yun. Tumataas lang, lumalago lang ang productivity nyan ng 1.1 percent napakababa talaga pero yung population natin lumalaki annually ng 1.4 [percent] kaya kulang na kulang ang production natin,” said Adriano.

(In the last two de-

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IBIG said socialized home loans make up 18% of the 29,310 units financed by the agency during the first four months of the year.

In terms of amount, socialized home loans represent 7%, or P2.35 billion, of the record-high P31.97 billion in home loans re-

leased by Pag-IBIG for the period.

“Socialized housing is designed especially for minimum and low-wage workers. With Pag-IBIG Fund’s Affordable Housing Program, we make sure that all our members, particularly those from

cades, our productivity has only been increasing by 1.1 percent, while our population is annually growing by 1.4 percent. That’s the reason why there’s a shortage in our production.)

To mitigate the issue, the government is relying on the National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan, which includes programs to beef up the country’s food and agriculture production. The plan was first implemented in 2021 and is expected to be continued until 2030.

the low-income sector, are given the opportunity to own a home,” said Eduardo del Rosario, chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees and Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

Pag-IBIG Fund: 5,411 homes for low-wage earners were financed from January to April he Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund on Wednesday said it financed 5,411 socialized homes for minimum wage earners and low-income members for the January to April 2022 period.

In a statement, Pag-

SEC stops Astrazion Group’s fraudulent investment scheme

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered Astrazion Noble Task Community Foundation, Astrazion Global Holdings Philippines Inc., and Astrazion International to stop offering their supposed digital currency through an illegal multi-level marketing platform.

In an order dated May 12, the SEC en banc directed the Astrazion Group to immediately cease and desist from engaging in the unlawful/ unauthorized solicitation, offer and/or sale of securities until it has filed the requisite registration statement and secured the necessary approval from the SEC. The Astrazion Group, its operators, directors, and officers, including Napoleon dela Cruz Visperas, Remus Pedroso Salgado, Joan Ganancial, Rolando Cadelario Oso, Francisco Gadayan Baladjay Jr., Pierre Martin Reyes, Esther Weigand, and

Carol Joy Balbuena Visperas, as well as its representatives, salesmen, agents, uplines, influencers, and enablers such as Christopher “Toffy” Dimaguila, have also been ordered to cease their internet presence related to their unauthorized investment scheme.

The companies and their directors have likewise been prohibited from transacting any business involving funds in its depository banks, and from transferring, disposing, or conveying any related assets to ensure the preservation of the assets of the investors.

The cease and desist order was issued after the SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department found that the Astrazion Group has been operating an online multi-level marketing platform where it actively promotes the sale of its digital currency called AZNT Token for 10 cents per token.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

ECONOMY

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Kevin John Villanueva, marketing manager of SM Lanang Premier, says during PEP Talks media forum the mall will promote Chocolate Festival in celebration of the first anniversary of establishing Davao City as Chocolate Capital of the Philippines. Edge Davao

DAR to introduce Halal food industry to ARBs T

he Department of Agrarian Reform

workshop on Halal global business opportunities and integrated farming, would broaden the business scope of farmer organizations to include Halal food processing practices and open opportunities for the agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in this com-

petitive era of farming.

“There is a high demand for the Halal industry, not just in our country but also abroad, and it is our duty to introduce new possibilities to our farmers in addition to the opportunities that are offered from recent global developments in the market,” said Dilangalen.

She added that she initiated this activity as the DAR’s way of introducing to the participants what this multi-million industry can do to improve the lives of the ARBs.

Meanwhile, DAR Soccsksargen Director Mariannie Lauban-Baunto, said the event came at an opportune time as it coincides with the pace of an ongoing global economic recovery.

“At a broader level, this is relevant in addressing growing concerns of beneficiaries on sustainability and climate change in farm production,” she said.

Baunto said that the DAR’s support services sector provides livelihood projects and facilities that are geared towards higher income of the farmers.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno cited rising inflation and the push for higher wages as factors the central bank will consider in its rate decision.

“The space for maintaining accommodative stance has considerably narrowed,” Diokno said noting that inflation in April quickened to 4.9 percent, which was near the high end of the BSP’s forecast range.

He added that “second round effects are starting to

manifest.”

“The recent approval of minimum wage hikes leaves the door open for other approvals pending since 2020, as the pandemic disrupted activities. At the same time, the Philippine economy exceeded expectations, growing 8.3 percent (in the first quarter).”

Diokno also noted that the global commodity prices will remain high due to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“These developments strengthen the case for a withdrawal of monetary accommodation as inflationary pressures are likely to persist and disanchor inflation expectations.”

The BSP earlier said it expects inflation to average 4.3 percent this year, before easing to 3.6 percent in 2023. But Diokno said an updated inflation outlook will be presented after the Monetary Board meeting on Thursday.

(DAR) recently held a three-day symNon-monetary policy aid still best posium in General Santos City to against war’s impact on inflation recommend to the agency’s concerned of-

B

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno maintains that non-monetary policy measures remain the appropriate solution to address the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict on the domestic economy.

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, Diokno said the primary impact of the conflict on the Philippine economy is through higher prices of commodities like oil and food, which affects inflation and in turn, lower the value of income and lessens demand.

He said the war between the two countries intensified the upticks in commodity prices in the global market as it added to supply-side disruptions.

Diokno said both countries account for around 29 percent of global wheat exports and 19 percent of world corn supplies.

He added the inflationary impact of the conflict was felt in the domestic economy since last March when energy-related inflation drove the rate of price increases.

The inflation rate last April accelerated to 4.9 percent, exceeding the

government’s target band of 2-4 percent until 2023, from the previous month’s 4 percent.

The average inflation in the first four months this year stood at 3.7 percent, but monetary authorities forecast the full-year average at around 4.3 percent.

“In sum, inflation risks are tilted to the upside this year, but broadly balanced in 2023. Upside risks over the near term continue to emanate from the shortage in the domestic food supply as well as from the potential impact of higher oil prices on transport fares,” he said.

Diokno cited that in the past, supply-side shocks like hikes in the prices of oil and other commodities in the international market “have been best addressed through timely non-monetary policy interventions that could ease domestic supply constraints and prevent second-round effects on prices.”

The government has disbursed fuel subsidies to drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) as well as farmers and fisherfolk to cushion the impact of the oil price increase on these vulnerable sectors.

ficials the Halal food industry as new livelihood opportunities for the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Halal foods are meals that can be consumed by Muslims according to their customs and follow the observance of Islamic law.

DAR-Mindanao Affairs and Rural Development Office Undersecretary Ranibai Dilangalen said the consultation and conference

Difficult to keep rates low amid rising inflation: BSP A

day before the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas decides on whether to adjust or hold interest rates steady, the head of the central bank hinted that it was getting harder to keep rates low.

The BSP Monetary Board is set to meet again on Thursday. It has kept the policy rate at a historic low of 2 percent since November 2020 to prop up the pandemic-battered economy.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

On reported the new Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1:

Now, that we have that variant I can assure the public na prepared man gyud ang Davao City kasi we have already strategies in placed. Ang atong buhaton na lang is push button na lang kung unsa to applicable at the moment, magkaroon ta ug surge or magkaroon or naa tay spike of number of cases.”

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

IS LUCK FOR REAL? My friend and I were eating in one of the restaurants in Davao.

We had not seen each other for more than two years. We talked on several topics like careers, marriage, and travels. Then, suddenly, without warning, he told me blankly, “You’re so lucky.”

That comment stupefied me. “Why do you think so?” I inquired. “Well, you have a job which you enjoy most. You have traveled to almost all parts of the world. Most importantly, you have met a lot of famous people.”

Now, that completely bewildered me. I never considered myself lucky. What I am doing is just part of my work. To quote the famous line of the late Rudy Fernandez in Markang Bungo: “Trabaho lang; walang personalan.”

Hard work, perseverance, and determination are the top three assets I have been doing to get to where I am now. Of course, my trust in the Lord is also part of it. And, yes, I don’t believe in luck.

As Albert Einstein himself said, “I do not believe that the Good Lord plays dice.”

“Shallow men believe in luck, believe in circumstances: It was somebody’s name, or he happened to be there at the time, or

it was so then, and another day it would have been otherwise,” commented Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Strong men believe in cause and effect. The man was born to do it, and his father was born to be the father of him and of this deed, and, by looking narrowly, you shall see there was no luck in the matter, but it was all a problem in arithmetic, or an experiment in chemistry.”

Luck can be defined as the necessity of an additional power which may be spiritual, rational or social, so as to provide success to one in his life.

There are two types of luck, good or bad. Someone once said, “Good luck is when opportunity meets preparation.” Robert Collier pointed out, “The man who persists through the bad luck – who keeps right on going – is the man who is there when the good luck comes – and is ready to receive it.”

In The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden, author Jessica Sorensen wrote: “Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luck handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, or by a simple coincidence, but

sometimes don’t get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.”

Can luck be scientifically proven? “For centuries, people have recognized the power of luck and have done whatever they could to try seizing it. Take knocking on wood, thought to date back to pagan ritual aimed at eliciting help from powerful tree gods.” wrote Richard Wiseman in an article which appeared in Reader’s Digest.

Is being lucky really real?

Wiseman conducted a study on why some people are lucky while others are not. He interviewed 400 men and women from all walks of life – ages 18 to 84. Scientifically, he found three things on how a person can make his own breaks.

“How can you say luck and chance are the same?” asked Amy Tan. “Chance is the first step you take; luck is what comes afterwards.”

But one wonders: Why do lucky people always get those chance opportunities? The answer: lucky people open their minds. “Unlucky people miss chance opportunities because

they’re too busy looking for something else. Lucky people see what is there rather than just what they’re looking for,” Wiseman explained.

Brian Tracy has the same idea: “I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.”

Ovid agrees, “Luck affects everything; let your hook always be cast. In the stream where you least expect it, there will be fish.”

What about misfortunes or bad luck for that matter? How do lucky people deal with them?

Wiseman asked his subjects being in a situation: “Imagine you are in a bank. Suddenly, an armed robber enters and fires a shot that hits you in the arm.”

Unlucky people responded that it’s their bad luck to be in the bank when the robbery happened. Lucky people, on the other hand, said it could be worse; that is, being shot in the head.

“This kind of thinking makes people feel better about themselves, keeps expectations high and increases the likelihood of continuing to live a lucky life,” Wiseman said.

Mark Cuban shares this sen-

timent: “It doesn’t matter how many times you fail. It doesn’t matter how many times you almost get it right. No one is going to know or care about your failures, and neither should you. All you have to do is learn from them and those around you because all that matters in business is that you get it right once. Then everyone can tell you how lucky you are.”

Good behavior can enhance good fortune, according to Wiseman. Always look at the brighter side of life. Don’t delve on the negatives; think positively. Learn from the past; history repeats itself. “The only good luck many great men ever had was being born with the ability and determination to overcome bad luck,” Channing Pollock said.

To explain his theory, Wiseman relates this story: “One unlucky subject said that after adjusting her attitude – expecting good fortune, not dwelling on the negative – her bad luck had vanished. One day, she went shopping and found a dress she liked. But she didn’t buy it, and when she returned to the store in a week, it was gone. Instead of slinking away disappointed, she looked around and found a better dress – for less.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

SOLVING THE ‘MACO’ PUZZLE For months we tried decoding the origin of the Maco placename, including its possible et-ymological provenance.

Historical sleuths generally link the word to the Boholano ‘mako,’ meaning ‘big.’ As an adjective, the word needs to be used as an attribute in modifying or de-scribing another object such as ‘big shark’ or anything that is large but not necessarily im-mensely great.

As a stand-alone word, Maco did not surface in records until after the war. Given the paucity of evidence, earlier we came out with a hypothesis that the placename could have been borrowed from the shortfin maku shark that is known to live in sea-ward temperate and tropical seas.

The deduction surfaced after evaluating that Hijo, also the name given to an area in Tagum City, originally referred to a riv-

er with a similar appellation.

Early accounts say Hijo was phonemically spoken as ‘iho,’ a common term for shark. Incredulously, maku and iho have the same meaning. Even if both words have a singular connotation, they are not adjec-tives but nouns.

Geographically, Hijo River starts on the northeast part of the gulf of Davao, meanders towards Apokon, and converges in Mawab with the source of Agusan River. This 64-km wa-terway covers five towns, namely Maco, Mabini, Pantukan, Mawab and Nabunturan.

Migration from the Visayas to northeast Davao, the home of the Mansaka tribe, likely started in the last part of US occupation before the Commonwealth.

Looking for greener pas-tures, some of the migrants were from Bohol who settled at the mouth of and along the Hijo River,

close to Masara where gold exploration was already picking up.

This mining development later inspired the setting up of a forestry outpost in the Masara gold-mine area to regulate the cutting of trees for use in tunnels.

By 1935, a scaling station under the control of Tagum was opened and was called Maco Hijo.

The station was part of Forest District No. XIII under Anacleto A. Hernandez, a ranger acting officer in charge; he was assisted by Nicolas N. Catiil, a forest guard. Later, Antonio P. Estaniel joined in 1938 as a temporary ranger, and in 1939

by Moises Dabalos as a forest guard. When Masara became a separate area of Maco Hijo, it was called Maco while its mother inherited Hijo.

(A similar example is the municipality of Boston, Davao Oriental, which was first known

as Dacung Banua, or ‘big area’ before its creation. Another illustration is Maluku Besar, which means ‘Great Moluccas’ in reference to Mindanao’s old appellation.)

Maco was first used in a postwar document in House Bill No. 1828 filed by Davao Rep. Ismael L. Veloso. The measure was adopted by President Diosdado Macapagal in Exec.

Order 128, issued on October 29, 1964, and titled ‘Creating the Municipality of Maco in the Prov-ince of Davao.’

In part, decree states that the new ‘municipality to be known as Maco [is] to consist of the barrios and sitios of Maco, Bukana, Lupon, Hijo, San Juan, Langgam, San Roque, Anisingan, Mapaang, Manipongol, Binuangan, Patari, Ulogan, Tugunan, Magaarad, Lumatab, Concep-cion, Dao, Maduaw, Panangan, Panibasan, Lower Tagaawa, Up-

per Tagaawa, Masara-Sawmill, Limbo, Kalabkan, New Leyte, Dumlan, Libaylibay, Siranganan, Alibungog, Lumbo, Taira, Anagasi, Anibongan, LapuLapu, Tiglawig, Pangi, Pandiupon, Rabaywa, Laniti, Ani-slag, Balatinao, Baayon, Simura, Sarog, Kantunga, Birigian, Burog, Kaburakanan, Macupa, Pangian, Kantaraud, Kawayan, Pangpang, Basag, Kambakuro, Kapakyasan, Tigpan, Tibulan, Marabiga, Kamansi, Kuyapi, Lahog, and Makutpu of the municipality of Mabini’ with Maco as seat of government.

Also included in the Order is the town’s borders and the conditions for its creation, namely: (i) the appointment and qualification of town officials; (ii) the certification of financial ca-pability; and (iii) the capacity of the mother town (Mabini) to meet its statutory and contrac-tual duties.

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EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 31 • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Davao City embraces cashless transformation with GCash

Aside from being the largest city in the world, Davao City now holds the distinction of having a fast-growing digital ecosystem, thanks to GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country.

To help ensure safe and cashless transactions in Davao City, more and more private and public sector entities are accepting payments via GCash. For instance, all the three utility companies in the city namely, the Davao City Water District, Davao Light and BP Waterworks now accept payments from consumers via Pay Bills in the GCash

app. Top retail establishments like the Gaisano Mall, NCCC Group, Felcris Group, Davao City Hardware, Amesco Drugstores, and Trust Hardware also offer GCash as a payment method for their consumers.

All over the city, residents have embraced the use of GCash for everyday purchases. There are currently 1,547 formal merchants that accept payments via QR codes, more than 1,000 cash-in stations and a total of 2,869 informal sellers accepting payments via GCash in Davao City. In addition, 994 public market vendors and 2,348 tricycle

drivers in the city are also accepting payments via GCash.

With these numbers, both the entrepreneurs and consumers in Davao City have access to safe and convenient payment methods.

According to Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash, innovative thinking and a strong commitment to the communities of GCash partners are keys to achieving financial inclusivity in communities like Davao City. “At the heart of everything we do at GCash is our purpose to make Filipinos’ everyday lives better,” she added.

To recognize the efforts of government agencies and enterprises for embracing digital financial solutions for the benefit of their constituents and customers, GCash held the GCash Digital Excellence Awards. During the first run for Public Sector achievers in December 2021, the Davao City Water District received the “Excellence in Digital Ecosystem Innovation Award.”

“With the help of GCash, the Davao City Water District has made water bill payments safe and convenient for our customers. This also supported the city’s campaign for residents to stay at home and stay safe. We look forward to more years of partnership with GCash as we continue to improve our services in Davao City,” said Eduardo Bangayan, Chairman of Davao City Water District.

In April 2022, GCash bestowed the “Industry Pioneer” award to the NCCC Group of Companies during the awards night for enterprise and MSME partners.

“We continue to create innovative ways to provide our customers with a safe and convenient shopping experience.

Through our partnership with GCash which started in 2017, we were able to embrace the digital transformation phase to serve patrons from Davao City, Davao del Norte and eventually in Puerto Princesa, Palawan,” said Lafayette Lim, CEO of NCCC Group of Companies.

Aside from Davaoeños being able to pay their fees on utilities like water through the pay bills feature, they can also maximize other services such as send money, buy load and bank transfer. GCash also offers its users easy access flexible payment options via credit line with GCredit, shop

now pay later with GGives, COVID-19 health insurance for as low as P39 a month via GInsure, a savings account with GSave, investment starting at only P50 in a market fund with GInvest, and a one stop online shop for essentials, food and more on GLife.

By establishing partnerships with the public and private sectors in Davao City, GCash is enabling Davaoeños to have access to safe and secure digital financial services as part of its vision of financial inclusion for all.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

LANDBANK scales up support for Bulacan with new corporate center

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) remains the biggest lender to the agriculture sector, with loans reaching P236.8 billion as of 31 March 2022.

The loans were used to finance various economic activities of major players in the industry—from small farmers and fishers to large agribusiness enterprises, as well as local government units (LGUs) and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for agri-aqua related projects and construction of needed infrastructure such as public markets, cold storages, irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, warehouses, and slaughterhouses.

Small farmers and fishers benefited from the P35 billion loans channeled through cooperatives and farmers’ associations, rural financial institutions and other partner conduits of LANDBANK. “We continue to intensify our support to the agri sector, particularly the farmers

and fishers whom we celebrate in this month of May. LANDBANK is committed in delivering timely and responsive support to boost their production and income,” said LANDBANK president and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Financing for small, medium, and large agribusiness enterprises accounted for P146.62 billion of the total loans, P55.19 billion supported LGUs and GOCCs, and the remaining P99.64 billion backed the construction and improvement of essential infrastructure.

In terms of economic activities, P56.39 billion of LANDBANK’s total agri sector loans financed crops, livestock, and fisheries, while P80.83 billion was channeled to agri-processing and trading.

As part of its intensified support to the agriculture sector, LANDBANK continues to implement regular loan offerings alongside lending programs in partnership with the Department of Ag-

riculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

As of 31 March 2022, LANDBANK has released a total of P12.51 billion under the programs administered for DA, which include the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), the Socialized Credit Program under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SCP-SIDA), the Expanded Rice Credit Assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ERCA-RCEF), the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (SURE Aid), and SURE COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Bank’s cumulative loan releases under DAR’s Credit Assistance Program for Program Beneficiaries Development (CAP-PBD) has reached P700 million.

LANDBANK remains fully committed towards advancing a more vibrant, productive, and resilient agriculture sector in line with serving the nation.

LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (3rd from left), Bulacan State University President Dr. Cecilia S. Navasero-Gascon (5th from left), and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. President Michael S. Yanga (4th from left) lead the inauguration of the LANDBANK Bulacan Corporate Center along McArthur Highway in Brgy. Dakila, Malolos City on 13 May 2022. Joining them are LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Julio D. Climaco, Jr. (leftmost) and Alan V. Bornas (rightmost), and LANDBANK Senior Vice President Randolph L. Montesa (2nd from left).

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BIGGER PICTURE

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Child labor: Already working at a young age.

“W

e cannot rest until child labor (is eliminated),” United Nations official Guy Ryder told delegates of the Fifth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor held in Durban, South Africa last May 16.

“Child labor is a violation of a basic human right, and our goal must be that every child, everywhere, is free from it,” said Ryder, director-general of the Geneva-based International Labor Organization (ILO).

Latest figures indicate that 160 million children – almost one in ten worldwide – are still being affected. Furthermore, numbers are on the rise, with the pandemic threatening to reverse years of progress.

“Child labor is an enemy of our children’s development and an enemy of progress,” said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. “No civilization, no country, and no economy can consider itself to be at the forefront of progress of

its success and riches have been built on the backs of children.”

The ILO defines child labor as “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity” – all of which are harmful to physical and mental development of children who are 5 to 17 years old.

In the Philippines, there were 31.17 million children in that age bracket in 2020. Of this total, 2.8% (872,000) were working, according to a labor force survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Working children were higher among boys compared to girls. Of the 2020 data, 66.7% (582,000) were boys while only 33.3%

Children play: Children are supposed to be free from working.

CHILD LABOR HAS TO END SOMEHOW Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(291,000) were girls.

Older age groups (15 to 17) were more likely to work than the younger ones. In fact, the majority of the working children belonged to the age group 15 to 17 years of age, accounting for 68.9% of the total working children in 2020. Majority of the working children had to work 20 hours or less per week.

Across the regions, for

every 100 working children in 2020, around 12 resided in Northern Mindanao and about 11 in Bicol region.

Davao Region and Cagayan Valley each had less than 3 working children for every 100 working children.

In a previous PSA survey done in 2019, it was found that 97.7% of the country’s child laborers were doing hazardous work. More than half (58.4%) were engaged

in agriculture, 34.6% in the services sector, and 7% in the industry group.

Also in 2019, the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recorded 7,984 child laborers in Davao region. Of the total, Davao del Norte topped (with 2,115 child laborers), followed by Davao City (1,520), Davao de Oro (1,441), Davao Occidental (1,1349), Davao del Sur (1,052), and Davao Oriental (717).

Most of the child laborers belong to a poor family.

Take the case of 8-year-old Manuel. It’s only five o’clock in the morning but he is already wide awake. He is not getting ready for school but rather going to the public market in Bangkerohan to sell vegetables. He has to walk about an hour to reach the market. Along the way, he would see children all heading to school.

“I wish I could go to school like them but I have to work or my family would starve,” he says, adding that he would receive about P100 for selling vegetables at the end of the day. He knows that the money is not enough to help his family but it is better than nothing at all.

Manuel’s case may be sad but he is better off than others. “The worst forms

of child labor involve children being enslaved, separated from their families, exposed to serious hazards and illnesses and/or left to fend for themselves on the streets of large cities – often at a very early age,” the ILO states.

The story of Jenny is a case in point. She was barely 16 when she was recruited by a woman to work in Davao City, some 10 kilometers away from her hometown. The woman told the grandmother that her grandchild would get P200 a day.

For a poor family, the amount was too good to be true. When Jenny heard about it, she was adamant at first. But since the woman was already a familiar figure in the neighborhood, she accepted the offer – with the consent of the grandmother who never knew what would happen to her apo once she arrived in the city.

All the while, Jenny thought she would just serve barbecue to customers. But she was wrong. She was forced to dance and perform other entertainment acts expected of bar girls before the male customers gathered inside the establishment.

The following day, her

FCHILD, P10

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cases,” Schlosser said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.

The city health official reiterated that the city did not change its strategies and will continue using the PDITR+ (Prevent, Detect, Isolation, Treat, Reintegration plus vaccination).

“Wala nagbag-o ang atoang strategies ug wala tay gitanggal na mga Covid-19 response such as swabbing, quarantine and isolation, ang atong contact-tracing naa man gihapon and all of those are in line with our PDITR,” she said.

Schlosser also said that despite the heightened border control, new variants cannot be prevented from entering the country and the city as the disease is not visible; some of those infected have symptoms while others don’t; and those who manifest symptoms even hide it and don’t get themselves tested.

“Nag-anticipate nata ana (Omicron subvariant).

I already told the public before that it’s just a matter of time whether unsa pa ta ka grabe sa atoang border control naa gyud makalusot ana because as I’ve mentioned before dili nato makita ang virus,” she said.

She added that the attributes of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 are still being studied by experts.

And just like Omicron, it is highly transmissible.

“Diba ang Omicron halos gidoble nya tong other variants. Although less likely ang death atong Omicron, if you’re a part of the vulnerable sector high-risk gihapon ka. It’s very infectious, same lang gihapon.

Pero ang transmission is preventable through wearing of face mask. That’s the reason why we still implement the minimum public health standard of the wearing of face masks,” she said.

9 polls, he also thanked Davaoeños for his three decades in public service that started as a vice mayor.

Duterte, who first became a local government official when the late President Corazon Aquino appointed him as vice mayor of the city, vowed to continue helping the people when he returns

to civilian life.

He also said he will continue his crusade against illegal drugs by reverting to his previous habit of roaming the streets on his motorcycle.

Duterte previously roamed the streets of Davao City to look for criminals during his term as mayor.(PNA)

Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and concurrent head of Joint Task Force Central, hailed the rebels’ surrender.

“The decision of the NPA group to return to the folds of the law will surely bring happiness to their families and loved ones and the people of Lebak,” Uy told reporters here.

He urged other NPA guerrillas to follow the footsteps of their comrades

who are now back in the mainstream society to live normal lives.

Since January this year, more than 60 NPA combatants have availed of various livelihood packages after they decided to surrender to the government.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

ence they gained especially for those who aspire as law enforcers in the future.

“We learned so much sa mga pinapakita nila.

Ang dami talaga naming natutunan and we all know being a soldier is no easy task. It gives courage to witness this opportunity na binibigay talaga nila sa amin. And also as a youth and future law enforcer, I encourage everyone to be an army ROTC cadet,” Anngoling said.

Prieto stated, “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to witness these, experiencing field exposure of the 73rd Infantry Battalion and I am here to persuade everyone especially the youth today, and especially to those incoming first-year college students to join the ROTC unit group.”

The 73rd IB spearheaded the educational tour and field exposure held at the battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Feliz, Malita.

ang pangalan sa driver, body number sa pedicab,” Uy said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Thursday.

Uy also assured that the transportation fare hike has gone through proper procedures and public hearings down to the barangay level.

“Nigawas siya pero naabtan ug recess mao nigawas siya after na gyud sa election. Niagi na ug proseso, naay public hearing na

gihimo down to the barangay level. Being a component city ang Samal, tanan ordinansa namo muagi ug Sangguniang Panlalawigan to be confirmed by the SP Board. Gihimo namo ang fare matrix tungod sa sagunson na pagsaka sa krudo ug gasolina atong mga panahona,” he explained.

He added that the fare matrix will serve as a guide for the passengers so that

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employer, whom she described as a “maniac,” raped her. It was the beginning of her worst nightmare. Since she had nothing to lose anymore, she had sex with some of her customers.

By the time she turned 17, she was on her own as a freelance sexual worker.

Every week, she sent some money to her family in the province. “I really didn’t want to be like this,” said Jenny, who’s now 19. “But I have to. My mother is very sickly now and my father has no work.”

Reality bites, indeed. To think, Section 13, Article II of the Philippine Constitution emphasizes the importance of the role of the child in the Filipino family.

It said: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.”

Stunted in height, child laborers look much older than their years. Most child laborers in the country are exploited to the hilt. “Some unscrupulous individuals take advantage of the situation – the innocence of the child on human and labor rights, and cheap labor costs – by employing kids as laborers,” a lawmaker once pointed out.

As stated earlier, most child laborers in the country work in the agriculture sector. There are two boys for every girl, especially in agriculture.

In Davao City, most of the child laborers are working in durian and banana plantations. These children are exposed to harmful pesticides and chemicals making them vulnerable to diseases.

“While most children are working in the farms,

there are also those who work in construction sites,” said a study. “Around 3 percent are actually in the mines, quarries, or factory sites.”

Poverty and irresponsibility of some parents had been among the leading causes of child labor in the country, according to Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez of Eastern Samar said. “First, some parents are really irresponsible, that’s why children are forced to work. Second, parents do not have enough income... poverty,” the bishop wrote in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site.

In the sugar fields of Northern Mindanao, the use of child labor is so common that some landowners shrug it off as a way of life. “The parents beg us to include their children to work,” one landowner said.

“They like to have their children employed because there’s more income for the families.”

In Davao City, poverty has also been cited as the reason why some minors are engaged in the flesh industry. “We cannot blame them for getting into that,” said Jeanette Ampog, executive director of Talikala, a non-government organization, on prostituted children and women. “We also cannot decide for them. We can only let them realize what is right.”

Apart from poverty as the principal cause of child labor, there are other contributing factors, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

These are: increasing pattern of family breakdown and weakening of the extended family system and other support groups; high population growth and changing family values and lifestyles which may lead to unwanted children, promiscuity and solo parent-

hood; poor enforcement of laws due to ignorance of the law, corruption or apathy; socialization of children into work; and support for children’s work in formal education.

As stated earlier, most child laborers work under exploitative conditions.

Wages of child laborers are often below adult rates, even if they work adult hours, usually six days a week and even doing overtime. Children do not get the benefits guaranteed by law to regular workers.

One author wrote: “Some children are hired because they can be paid a lot less than the minimum wage, they require less food intake, tire less easily and they have no need to apply for such things as medical plans, SSS (Social Security System) or retirement.

Tasks like carrying heavy cement bags are assigned to these children because they are said to be stronger anyway.”

Some believe child labor could be addressed with the help of several laws such as the Anti-Child Labor Law (Republic Act 9231), the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Republic Act 10364), and the Domestic Workers Act (Republic Act 10361).

The Anti-Child Labor Law protects children from being engaged into work outside the protection of their parents or guardian, and that which might endanger their life, safety and development. On the other hand, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act protects children from being trafficked through its strengthened provisions which also covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability.

Meanwhile, the Domestic Workers Act deems it unlawful to employ children below 15 years of age as domestic worker or kasambahay, while those who are

15 years old but below 18 years of age, are considered as working children and are protected under the Anti-Child Labor Act. “We must strictly implement these laws and give back to these working children the happy and normal childhood they deserve.

The time will come when they must work, but for as long as they are our children, they must be protected, cared for, and assured of their rights as children,” said Loren Legarda in a statement.

“Robbed of their childhood” was the title of the EDGE Davao editorial some years back. It said: “Children are especially vulnerable to official neglect, and we see this in the existence of kids who at their young age are forced to work before they can even read.

And that is the greater tragedy: already forced to grow up way ahead of their time, their future is also taken away from them because they are unable to go to school.”

But not all child labors are exploitative in nature.

“The participation of children or adolescents above the minimum age for admission to employment in work that does not affect their health and personal development or interfere with their schooling, is generally regarded as being something positive,” the ILO states.

Among those that cannot be considered child labor are activities such as assisting in a family business or earning pocket money outside school hours and during school holidays.

“These kinds of activities contribute to children’s development and to the welfare of their families; they provide them with skills and experience, and help to prepare them to be productive members of society during their adult life,” the ILO explains.

Premier on Thursday.

In January this year, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat reported that she want to enhance the promotion of Davao Region’s dive sites as the region’s travel industry strengthens outdoor destinations for its recovery program.

The DOT has identified Samal Island, which remains the top destination with 14 dive sites. There also new sites available in Davao Oriental, Davao De Oro, and Davao del Sur. “Samal is the most accessible and we have very good dive sites. I’ve been diving a lot also in Davao Oriental in Tarragona, Cateel, Boston, and there are so many good dive sites there,” Medina said.

To achieve the goal of DOT, Medina said there has to be closer cooperation

between the LGUs, DOT, PCSSD, and stakeholders/ scuba divers.

He said the diving atmosphere has to be diver-friendly which includes access to the dive sites, security, and fair and reasonable diving fees.

“All of these when there is close coordination in the private sector and the LGU when it comes to tourism promotion, I am sure we can always come up with fair and reasonable fees and security-all of these have to be a concerted effort between the private sector and the LGU,” he said.

Medina said there are more than 500 certified divers in Davao Region.

Meanwhile, the LGU of Samal will hold the Samal Dive festival ‘Summery Saya sa Isla” from May 28 to 29, 2022.

they will not be overcharged by the drivers.

“Di man malikayan ug dili pud tanan drivers, na amay manigbasay pataka

lang ug pataas ug plete, para naa silay guide kung mao ni ang presyo sa gasolina mao na ang dapat bayran nila,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

And now, we are having a hard time because most of those who received citations have yet to pay the administrative penalty.)

According to the DCPO spokesperson, 10, 941 individuals were apprehended for violating the city’s face mask ordinance. The figure involved citations from January 1 to May 14, 2022.

Of the 10,941 violators, only 3, 209 paid the P500 fine. A total of 7,732 individuals failed to pay the penalty and may soon be facing charges.

The spokesperson said the city police is intensifying its coordination with barangay units to trace face mask ordinance violators as it warned against failure to pay the administrative penalty. Major Gaspan also urged those who received citations to process the payment of their dues.

“Intensified ang among efforts sa pag-coordinate sa atong mga barangay officials para ma-locate ni na mga tawhana, mga na-issuehan og citation para makabayad sila sa admin-

istrative penalty og dili na mag-proceed ilang kaso …

Gitagaan sila og 3 days nga i-process nila and pagbayad sa nearest district treasurer’s office. Apan ubay-ubay gyud ang mga na-issuehan og citation nga wala pa nakabayad. So, mu-proceed gyud ilang kaso ani. Matingala na lang sila pagkuha nila og police clearance or NBI clearance naa sila’y makita didto na naa sila’y record. Giawhag namo ang tanan, labi natong na-issuehan, na mubayad sa penalty”. (We are intensifying our coordination efforts with the barangay officials so we can locate those who were issued citations but failed to pay the administrative penalty. These people were given 3 days to process payment at the nearest district treasurer’s office. However, most of them failed to pay so they will be charged. They might be surprised upon applying for police or NBI clearance that this violation is reflected on their record. We urge everyone issued citations to pay the penalty.)

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SPORTS

11

ESPORTS GOLD POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino awards the members of the Philippine Sibol Wild Rift team for winning the women’s esports gold medal in the Vietnam 31st SEA Games on Wednesday night at the Hanoi Convention Center.

PH-Sibol wins first SEAG esports gold, expects more H ANOI – Team Sibol came through with the Philippines’ first esports gold late Wednesday night and is expecting more medals in 31st Southeast Asian Games at the Vietnam National Convention Center.

“Four to five, high chance natin for podium finish,” said overall esports head coach Ralph Andrei Llabres, whose prediction of a gold-medal finish in the Wild Rift event came true.

Eighteen-year-old Charize “Yugen” Doble utilized the Corki hero twice to help lift Team Philippines-Sibol, represented by Grindsky Eris, to a historic 3-0 triumph over Singa-

pore for the gold at the end of the three-round League of Legends: Wild Rift finals late Wednesday night.

The team, also composed of Christine “RAY RAY” Natividad, Rose Ann “HELL GIRL” Robles, Giana “JEEYA” Llanes, April “AEAE” Sotto and Angel “ANGELAILAILA” Lozada, became the first female medalists in SEA Games esports’ history.

Team Sibol, represented by Blacklist in the Games Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, is already in the semifinals awaiting its next

opponent late Thursday, with the finals slated on Friday.

The Philippines, which won three golds, a silver, and a bronze during esports’ debut into the SEA Games’ calendar in the 2019 edition, is taking part in the nine of the 11 events slated in these games, with its strongest teams entered in Wild Rift, Mobile Legends and Cross Fire.

Doble’s Corki character did a lot of damage as Team Sibol eventually swept its clash with the Singaporeans with scores

of 16-9, 17-8, 27-21.

In Game 2, Corki delivered nine kills after respawning only once.

Claiming the SEA Games gold has handed Doble one of her biggest achievements after she earlier rallied her team Grand Sky Eris to the Southeast Asian Esports Championship this year, while claiming Most Valuable Player honors along the way.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was on hand to award the members of the Philip-

pine Sibol team their gold medals.

Doble’s Corki, which is a bombardier, gives at least 20% physical damage with Hextech munition, long distance capabilities with the Valkyrie and short range attacks with the Gatling Gun. In Game 3, Doble had some difficulty as she had only six kills, and a need to respawn four times as well.

Team Sibol reached the finals after sweeping the four-team group stage, and hurdled Thailand, 3-1, in the semifinals.

Nine of nine ABAP boxers in SEAG semis A

Filipino-American gymnast Aleah Finnegan emerged as one of the breakout stars of Team Philippines in the 31st Southeast Asian Games, as she won two gold medals in her very first competition for the country.

ll nine Filipino boxers who were registered in the boxing competitions in the 31st Southeast Asian Games being held in Bac Ninh province in Vietnam are in the semifinal round of the competitions.

They are all assured of at least a bronze medal and if they succeed in their matches Thursday and Friday, will advance to the gold medal round on Sunday.

ABAP fielded 10 boxers but there were only 2 entries in the women’s middleweight class (75 kg), so the competition in that category was canceled.

Filipina Hergie Bacyadan, who recently won

gold in the Thailand Open, will not be able to suit up.

Appeals by ABAP president Ed Picson and secretary-general Marcus Manalo went unheeded as the Technical Delegate from Jordan stood pat on his decision not to allow matches in the said division.

The same situation occurred in the women’s welterweight class (69 kg) where only the host nation and Thailand had entries.

The Thais also tried to appeal the decision to no avail.

In the penultimate round, Thursday are Josie Gabuco (vs THA), Rogen Ladon (vs THA), James

Palicte (vs Indonesia), Eumir Felix Marcial (vs THA) and Riza Pasuit (vs VIE).

Four other Filipinos see action Friday in their own semifinal round matches. They are Nesthy Petecio (vs VIE), Ian Clark Bautista (vs CAM), Marjon Pianar (vs INA), and Irish Magno (vs INA).

Aside from Picson and Manalo, also in the team are head coach Don Abnett, Men’s head coach Ronald Chavez with Gerson Nietes, and women’s coach Mitchel Martinez.

Two Filipino referee-judges are among the technical officials- 3-star R&Js Mark Abalos and Jonathan Jimenez.

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MINDANAO PRIDE

Bukidnon lass caps athletics’ SEAG campaign with marathon silver

H

ANOI – Bukidnon native Christine Hallasgo capped the Philippine athletics team’s campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian Games here at the My Dihn National Stadium with a silver in the marathon.

Still in contention in the final 600 meters, Hallasgo was slowed down by cramps the rest of the way but soldiered on to pull through with the runner-up finish in the event she ruled during the 2019 edition in the Philippines.

Hallasgo finished with a time of 2:56.07 behind winner Odekta Naibaho Elvina (2:55.280). Vietnam’s Ngoc Hoa Hoang Thi finished third at 2:57.350.

Hallasgo’s silver was the seventh for Team PH in these

games, to go with five golds and 14 bronze medals.

The team failed to match or surpass its 11 gold, 8 silver and 8 bronze medals in the 2019 SEAG held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Tarlac, but Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association head coach Joeffrey Chua still considers the tracksters’ stint here a success.

“This version of the SEA Games is by far the most challenging because of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christine Hallasgo finished with a time of 2:56.07 behind winner Odekta Naibaho Elvina (2:55.280).

Vietnam’s Ngoc Hoa Hoang Thi finished third at 2:57.350.

But with 1 SEAG record, 5 new Philippine national records recorded, and 8 personal records established, this can be considered as a very successful campaign for PATAFA national athletes,” said Chua.

The team was led by Asia’s best pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, whose gold-winning feat set a new SEAG record of 5.46 meters.

Other gold medalists were William Morrison in the men’s shot put (18.14 meters), Clinton Bautista, who set a new national record in the 110m hurdles at 13.78 seconds; Eric Cray, who won a fifth straight 400m hurdles SEAG crown and Kayla Richardson, who regained the 100-meter tiara (11.60 seconds) that she won in the 2015 Singapore edition.

Silver medalists were Kyla Richardson (200 meters, 23.56), Hokett delos Santos (pole vault, 5 meters), Janry Ubas (long jump, 7.73 meters), Aries Toledo (decathlon, 7499), Sarah Dequinan (Hep-

tahlon), Harry Diones (triple jump, 15.87m) and Hallasgo.

Bagging bronze medals were Kayla Richardson (200 meters, 23.87), Joida Gagnao (5000m and 3000m, steeplechase), Alfrence Braza (men’s 1500m, 3:56.35), Melvin Calano (javelin, 66.86m), Sonny Wagdos (men’s 5000m, 16:39:89), Ubas (decathlon, 6977 pts), Bernalyn Bejoy, Jessel Lumapas, Edgardo Alejan, Jr. and Joyme Sequita (4x400 Mixed Relay), Jelly Paragile (100m Hurdles), Alyana Nicolas (pole vault), Robyn Brown (women’s 400m Hurdles, 56.44 seconds), Morrison (discus throw), Evalyn Palbrica (javelin, 49.07 meters) and Bejoy, Brown, Eloise Medina and Maureen Schrijvers (4x400, Women’s Relay).

“The feeling of pressure, disappointment, excitement, and victory made each performance memorable. All athletes gave their all and we couldn’t be more proud,” said Patafa’s Judith Staples.