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City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) deploys personnel near Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday to apprehend traffic violators after the office received numerous complains of rampant traffic rule violations in the area. Edge Davao
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President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Malacañan Palace on May 23, 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
surge seen: Sara By MAYA M. PADILLO
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resumptive Vice President and outgoing Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she does not see an impending surge of Covid-19 in Davao City after the May 9 local and national elections.
This is based on the city’s low positivity rate at an average rate of 0.53 percent from May 8 to 21, 2022. Also, Davao City
is still under a minimal risk classification for five straight weeks. “So far, sa pagkakaron, we don’t see an impend-
ing surge. Very low lang gihapon ang atoang mga cases,” Duterte-Carpio said on Monday. From May 23 to 28, 2022, Davao City’s “minimal risk” status is attributed to a -19.35 or “low” two-week growth rate and 0.09 or “low” Average Daily Attack Rate, based on the data from the Davao City
Covid-19 Task Force. For this week also, there are no critical and high-risk barangays monitored. All 180 barangays are under minimal risk while two barangays - Bucana and Matina Crossing are categorized under “low risk” having recorded three and two Covid-19 cases, respective-
sig City, Duterte said he did everything he could for the nation and people in his sixyear term. “In a few days, I’ll be out. Yung nagawa ko, para sa akin, ‘yun na ‘yun (What I have accomplished, for me, that’s it). The best that my efforts can really achieve. Kung kulang pa ‘yun, pasensya na po. Hindi ko na talaga kaya (If it’s not enough, I’m sorry. I can’t do it anymore),” he said.
Duterte clarified that his administration was not negligent, but pressed for time. “The things that I failed to do, mostly not because of negligence or may mga shortcomings ako but talagang (I may have shortcomings, but it is really) time. The six years would not be enough to finish all the projects,” he added. Despite this, Duterte said he is grateful for the
support Filipinos have been giving him. “Maraming salamat po sa inyo (Thank you very much) and your help in my journey in the six years na binigyan nyo ako ng honor maging presidente ng Pilipinas (where you gave me the honor to be the president of the Philippines),” he said. This is not the first time Duterte thanked the public for their support in a tele-
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Marawi ‘bakwits’ demand to be allowed to go home
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esperate internally displaced Meranaws said presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will have to clean up the mess in the rehabilitation of Marawi City and allow them to go home before December ends this year or else they would be forced to take direct action. At least 200 “bakwits” living in temporary shelters in the outskirts of Marawi staged a rally and forum on Monday, marking the fifth year they were displaced by months of intense street fighting between government forces and the IS-inspired Maute group who laid siege on Marawi after government forces attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, believed to have been anointed Emir of the IS in Southeast Asia. Several students also joined the rally and mounted a street play at Kilometer Zero, venue of the rally. Amenodin “Ding” Cali,
director of Reclaiming Marawi Movement (RMM), said that many internally displaced persons (IDPs) or “bakwits” he talked to are “contemplating of occupying government structures” inside the “Ground Zero” or Most Affected Area (MAA). “I’m not sure if they can actually do it or not. But apparently it would be an action out of desperation,” he said. “One ‘bakwit’ told me they will be forced to just enter the MAA and transfer there for good because they have nothing to lose anyway,” Cali told MindaNews. He stressed that after staying in temporary shelters in the outskirts of the city in the last five years, many of the “bakwits” are fed up that their pleas to go home have not been heeded by the government. “The IDPs are fed up with the unreliable livelihood they have in the temporary shelters. They have enough of it. They want to
vised speech. He has been doing so since after the May 9 national and local elections. He previously said the accomplishments of his administration are “a product of synergy and collaboration between the national and the local government, including the people.” Duterte vowed to continue helping the people when he returns to civilian life by continuing his cru-
sade against illegal drugs. He also said he is willing to help Filipinos who would seek his advice. Duterte said he is astounded by Filipinos’ continued support for him with just weeks before he vacates Malacañan Palace. In PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.’s March 30 to April 6 “Pahayag First Quarter Survey”, Duterte earned approval and trust scores of 67.2 per-
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PRRD says he did everything he could, sorry for shortcomings
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utgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday apologized for his administration’s “failure” to implement certain programs and projects in his six-year term but noted that the time given to him may not be enough to finish what they started. In a speech during the inauguration of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) head office building in Pa-
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Policemen and soldiers in full battle gear, supported by armored vehicles, help ensure peaceful special elections in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday (24 May 2022). The COMELEC earlier declared a failure of elections in 12 barangays of Tubaran because of poll-related violence. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA
Sara hoping for a smooth canvassing: Political spox Davao City’s SOCC launches Summer Festival for Children
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he City of Davao, through the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC), started the first Davao City Summer Festival for Children on Monday, May 23, 2022, with the theme, “Pahalagahan: Talento at Kasiyahan ng Pamilya at Kabataan”. The festival aims to serve as outlet, in which Dabawenyo children from the city’s 182 barangays can showcase their creative talents by participating in a city-wide talent competition. In an interview, SOCC Head Consorcia Ronquillo said that the event is a collaborative initiative by the SOCC, Barangay Cultural Communities and Affairs Division (BCCAD), DepEd Region XI, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWDO), and various local NGOs. She added that the event will serve as a respite for children whose mobility and activities were restricted due to the pandemic. “Para mapadayag sa atong mga kabatan-unan an ilang talento og makita nato og unsa ba gyud kasuod
ang ginikanan og mga bata karon, no? Lalo na ron nga tungod aning online bitaw ... tungod sa sitwasyon sa pandemya, murag ang mga bata kay nagluklok. Unsaon na lang ilang mga skills og ilang mga talento na dili mapadayag? (So our children can exhibit their talents and for us to see how close the kids are with their parents. Especially now that everything is done online ... because of the situation with the pandemic, the children are cooped up. What about their skills and talents that they are unable to exhibit?) The festival started Monday with a poster-making contest for special children aged 12 to 14 for category A and 15 to 17 for Category B. The SOCC head said that this will be followed by a TikTok dancing and singing competition, which will be conducted online on Tuesday and Wednesday, along with the sending of entries for the photography contest. The awarding ceremony will be on Friday, May 27, 2022, at Magsaysay Park from 8 a. m. to noon. CIO
By MAYA M. PADILLO
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iloan Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco, spokesperson of presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, said Duterte-Carpio is hopeful for a smooth canvassing of the votes for the top two elective posts.
“Like the rest of the nation, she is hopeful that the canvassing by the House of Representatives and the Senate will go smoothly,” Frasco said in a statement.
The canvassing of the votes for President and Vice President is ongoing after the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives convened on Monday as the National Board
of Canvassers (NBoC) at the Batasan complex in Quezon City. Frasco said Duterte-Carpio will be represented by the legal team from her Party, Lakas-CMD, during the canvassing. Under the 1987 Constitution, both chambers of Congress will release the official vote count in a joint public session and proclaim the winners of the presidential and vice-presidential elec-
tions. NBoC members were reported eyeing the proclamation of the new president and vice president by Friday. Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio’s oath-taking ceremony will be held in San Pedro Street, Davao City on June 19, 2022 and is open to the public. Duterte-Carpio did not give details of the activity including the invitation for guests.
composed of cacao farmers, nursery operators, cooperatives, traders/ exporters, processors, input providers, and academe. It also serves as a link between private and government, NGO, and cocoa stakeholders across Mindanao to facilitate the rapid development of the Philippine cocoa industry. “Sa CIDAMI ga-evolve pud mi ug gibag-o namo. Ang CIDAMI is not just
about the cacao industry, we will call this the Center for Innovation and Development in Agriculture for Mindanao that is the CIDAMI meaning now because we are trying to involve other agricultural commodities, not just cacao as we are rich in that, but of course, ang focus nato, diri since we started with cacao, cacao gihapon,” said Valente “Val” Turtur, executive director of
CIDAMI, during the Kapehan sa Dabaw. Meanwhile, Turtur shared that the cacao industry in Davao City was quite impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two years. “Wala’y mga malls nga nag-open and wala pud kaayo mga tao gasuroy especially during the pandemic kasi mas priority ng
CIDAMI expands focus to other commodities aside from cacao
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avao-based and non-profit organization Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao (CIDAMI) has expanded its focus to other agricultural commodities particularly high-value crops aside from cacao by rebranding as the Center for Innovation and Development in Agriculture for Mindanao (CIDAMI). The former CIDAMI is
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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
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President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sees a need to boost the country’s partnership with the United States in terms of trade, instead of just receiving dole outs from the world’s largest economy. Edge Davao
Duterte tells public, private sectors: Invest in safer infra
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He made this call during the inauguration of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Head Office Building in Barangay Ugong, Pasig City. “Whether in the public or private sector, I strongly urge you to invest in safer and responsive infrastructure. I urge all of us to invest in our people and country,” he said in his speech.
Duterte said he is hoping that the new building complex would encourage both officials and employees to continue working hard for a “sustainable, resilient, dynamic, and most of all, people-centered” MMDA. “In the coming days, we shall see just how helpful this project is in helping the agency achieve its goals. It is my hope that the momentum that we
have gained through this project, as well as in our other previous projects, will motivate other government offices and institutions to invest in similar undertakings,” he added. Meanwhile, he also congratulated the MMDA for the successful completion of its new home, which he said would provide everyone in the organization the space they need to function more efficiently. He also commended the MMDA for its “tireless” service in addressing the needs of the people. “As if it was not hard enough, the Covid-19 pandemic made transport management, waste man-
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of presumptive President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., I have decided to help meet the challenges of the economy as Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in this important period of our economic history,” Bal-
isacan said in a statement. Balisacan said he looks forward to working with the new economic team and the private sector to return to the pre-pandemic economic growth, accelerate poverty reduction, and reduce socioeconomic in-
resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday enjoined members of the public and private sector to invest in “safer” and “responsive” infrastructure as these provide a foundation for a strong economy.
agement, disaster prevention and public safety in Metro Manila even more challenging. What makes me proud is that in the past two years, the men and women of the MMDA bravely and wholeheartedly took to their task a genuine service to their fellow Filipinos,” he said. During the event, Duterte and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes unveiled the building marker, together with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. Artes said the new building complex shows the MMDA’s commitment to strengthening the orga-
equality. He held the position of Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning during the Aquino administration, in which the Philippines posted above 6-percent gross domestic product (GDP)
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PCC chair accepts NEDA chief post in next admin hilippine Competition Commission (PCC) chairperson Arsenio Balisacan confirmed on Monday that he has accepted the position as socioeconomic planning chief of the incoming administration. “Upon the invitation
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PH prefers ‘trade, not aid’ from US: Marcos
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resumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said there is a need to boost the country’s partnership with the United States in terms of trade, instead of just receiving dole outs from the world’s largest economy. “Trade, not aid. Balik pa din tayo doon,” he said in a press briefing after US Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava paid him a courtesy visit. “We will welcome any assistance for the economy that we can get from the United States, but I said not only a dependence on aid from the United States, but also in trade,” he added. The pitch comes as Marcos seeks to lure more investors to public-private partnership deals under his administration. “To open the government, the bureaucracy, this administration to the possibility of private-public partnerships, joint ventures [between] the Philippines and America,” he said. “Marami tayong history sa ganiyan, na nagbubukas dito ng kumpaniya na Amer-
ican. So that is a well-established role that we have,” he said. In 2020, the Philippines was the United States’ 30th largest goods export market, according to data from the Office of the US Trade Representative. US goods exports to Philippines that year were pegged at $7.7 billion, while imports from the Philippines totaled $11.1 billion, it said. “US foreign direct investment (FDI) in Philippines (stock) was $5.2 billion in 2020... [while] the Philippines’s FDI in the United States (stock) was $382 million.” The United Stated is also “offering” to provide assistance to mitigate climate change in different countries, including the Philippines, Marcos said. “They want to take a leadership role in the mitigation of the effects of global warming,” he said. “Top 3 tayo (sa) at risk sa climate change, so that is immediately of great interest.” In 2020, the Philippines
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Linemen struggle to stretch a cable they are laying out in Iligan City on Monday, 23 May 2022. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA
DTI 11 urges consumers to be aware of new SRP T
he Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) failed to meet the revenue target in GCash now has over 60M users, the first three months of the year, the covering 83% of adult population Department of Finance announced over the weekend. inancial technolo- 19 million.
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gy platform GCash said Tuesday it has achieved a milestone after it cornered a significant portion of the country’s adult population. In a statement, GCash said it now has over 60 million adult Filipinos using the mobile wallet. “We have maintained a strong growth momentum with 60 million Filipinos now placing their trust in GCash. We are still the undisputed fintech leader in the country and we now cover 83% of the Philippines’ adult population. We vow to continue providing reliable service to our customers and innovate to deliver their fintech and lifestyle needs,” said GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon. GCash, likewise, said it now has more than five million merchants and social sellers accepting digital money transfers or payments. The mobile wallet’s marketplace GLife also has over 420 merchant partners, it said. GCash said it currently records 29 million daily logins, with a peak in daily transactions at
GCash is operated by Mynt under Globe’s corporate venture builder 917Ventures. The platform has a full suite of financial services such as money transfers, e-commerce, savings, investment, insurance, and just recently, cash loan and “buy now, pay later” products. Since its launch in 2004, GCash became widely adopted by the public during the pandemic due to increased digitalization as mobility restrictions gave rise to cashless transactions as consumer behavior shifted. “We now see an increased use of mobile wallets as people embrace e-commerce. With GCash, the unbanked and underserved population are finally empowered. They can already do so much more, such as paying for their online purchases without a credit card or a bank account, getting health insurance, and investing in Unit Investment Trust Fund,” said Sazon. GCash is the country’s lone double unicorn startup with a $2 billion valuation.
The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11) advised consumers to be aware of the new suggested retail price (SPR) amid a surge in the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs). “We are keeping tabs on different establishments to check if their prices are still within the SRPs issued by the agency,” DTI-11 regional director Maria Belenda Ambi said in a statement on Monday. The latest SRP list covers the 218 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of BNPCs under DTI’s jurisdiction with 136 or 62 percent of them
having retained their prices based on the SRP bulletin issued on Jan. 27, 2021. Ambi said the DTI-11 has approved a minimum increase for 82 BNPCs that also include bread, canned fish, potable water in bottles and containers, processed milk, locally manufactured instant noodles, coffee, salt, laundry soap, detergent, candles, flour, processed and canned pork, processed and canned beef, vinegar, fish sauce (patis), soy sauce, toilet soap, and batteries. The guide includes additional SKUs, such as the Bareta Bar White (360 grams) and Bareta Bar
FabCon (360 grams). “The increases were just from two percent to 10 percent, which means that these are still less than the movements of raw materials’ prices in the global market,” Ambi said. She said the changes in the SRPs of the DTI-covered BNPCs are necessary to also help the manufacturers in keeping up with the demand despite the noted escalations in their production costs. According to the DTI main office, the prices of major raw materials like tamban (for canned fish products), mechanically deboned meat (for processed meat products), buttermilk (for processed milk), and palm oil (for toilet paper and instant noodles) jumped by 0.56 percent to 32.14 percent. This after fuel prices
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged e-commerce platforms to prepare their systems in accepting price discounts for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD). DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a radio interview Monday that those enterprises operating online
stores should reprogram their system to include the 20-percent senior citizen and PWD discounts. Senior citizens and PWDs are also exempted from value-added tax (VAT) payment of 8 percent for purchases made online, phone calls, and mobile apps. “We will require the
online stores to have these features,” Lopez said. The DTI has yet to announce when it will start requiring online shops to include senior citizen and PWD discounts on their platforms. Earlier, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said most online purchases do not apply the dis-
went up by 28.84 percent. Meanwhile, business establishments are reminded to follow the SRPs, while the field offices of DTI 11 are closely monitoring those within their areas of operation. “This will help the government to ensure compliance with the Price Act; thus, protecting the interest of consumers,” Ambi said. “We encourage everyone to communicate with us whenever they observe discrepancies in the prices of goods when compared to the SRPs. You may contact our official social media pages in seeking assistance so that we can facilitate the needed action,” she added. For immediate concerns, the agency said the public may contact its Facebook page: DTI Region 11. (PNA)
counts for senior citizens and PWDs. At the onset of the pandemic, consumer advocacy group Laban Konsyumer, Inc. (LKI) has been pushing for senior citizen and PWD discounts on online transactions amid the increase in activities on e-commerce. (PNA)
Online sellers urged to ready platform for senior citizens, PWD discounts
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On the importance of enhancing healthcare in communities, stressing that they do not only boost the capacities and capabilities of health facilities, but also provide better access to government services throughout the country:
Improving health capacity and upgrading the capability of hospitals in the provinces would help enhance the health and overall well-being for the entire Philippine population.” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go
EDITORIAL The gold that matters most The first ever post-pandemic regional sports meet, the Southeast Asian Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam, is over. The Philippines, who reigned overall before the pandemic, can only finish no better than fourth overall this year. With 52 gold, 70 silver, and 104 bronze medals, the Philippines ended its campaign in Hanoi with the most painful loss in the game that matters most to Filipinos--basketball.
The Gilas Pilipinas program, which only two years ago looked very promising under its chief executor in head coach Tab Baldwin, was nowhere its promise of a bright future. Instead, it went back to its old ways relying on veterans from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and some cadet players. It also brought back our old coach Chot Reyes. Nowhere was Baldwin, he was fired. Nowhere was the natu-
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The stop-gap solution and cramming at the last minute all contributed to the downfall of Gilas Pilipinas in its first ever loss in the SEA Games competition. The last Philippine team that lost the crown was during the pre-Gilas times. For a country whose sporting pride is in basketball, the loss meant a storm of criticisms from basketball loving Pinoys.
Definitely, we cannot rely on the old system of running to the PBA for help at the last minute. We cannot also rely on Chot for the future. His time is long over. We need a new coach with a brand new philosophy. We also need a sustainable commitment from players who will be donning the national colors for a long time, possibly until the World Cup next year which we are hosting. 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
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ralized player sponsored by Congress purposely to play for the flag. He played for Ateneo instead in the UAAP Finals.
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
ON THE VERGE OF EXTINCTION If nature and natural resources were measures of economic wealth, then our very own country would be one of the Earth’s richest. Our ecosystems provide the essentials of life to people – from seafood and game animals, to fodder, fuelwood, timber, and pharmaceutical products. Likewise, they play a major role in economies and are an important social safety net for the rural poor. “It is the poor, with limited assets and greater dependence on common property resources, who suffer most when biodiversity is lost,” said the Manila-based Asian Development Bank in an article. Biodiversity is the buzzword for biological diversity – the ecosystems, species, and genes that together constitute the living world. “Biodiversity is complex beyond our understanding, and valuable beyond our ability to measure,” explains John C. Ryan, author of Life Support: Conserving Biological Diversity. The Philippines is among the world’s seventeen “megadiversity” countries, which together account for some 60-70 percent of total global biodiversity. What is alarming is that our beloved country is also included in the list of biodiversity “hotspots” – threat-
ened areas with very high levels of biodiversity. “Second only to Brazil” is how the Philippines has been described as it has one of the highest rates of wildlife endemism in the world. Its estimated two million species include 8,000 flowering plants, 395 birds, 180 mammals, and 293 reptiles and amphibians. The diversity of its fauna is second only to those found in Madagascar. Take the case of Mount Makiling in Laguna. Perhaps not too many Filipinos know that the forest reserve contains more species than the whole of North America. In 1997, the late award-winning zoologist Dioscoro Rabor reported at least 50 species of mammals, 120 bird species, six species of amphibians, 19 types of reptiles and several varieties of fish inhabiting the fabled mountain. The Philippines has among the highest rates of discovery in the world with sixteen new species of mammals discovered in the last decade. Because of this, environmentalists believe that the rate of endemism for the Philippines is likely to rise. However, conservationists fear that, without immediate intervention, the Philippines hotspot is on the brink of an extinction crisis. In fact, the Interna-
tional Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has identified the Philippines as “one of the most endangered of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.” “Widespread destruction and conversion of natural habitats, overexploitation, and pollution have led to rapid biodiversity loss,” said a World Bank report. Natural habitats refer to forests, which are believed to shelter more than half of the country’s life forms. Recent estimates put the forest cover at around 5.4 million hectares. Only about 800,000 hectares are considered primary forest. Logging, both legal and illegal, continues to pose a threat to the Philippines’ forests, the World Bank report stated. Other imminent threats to Philippine forests include mining and land conversion. Due to the aforementioned threats, environmentalists are not surprised to know that the number of endangered species increased from 212 in 1990 to 284 in 1998. Trade in 30 species is prohibited under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and trade in another 109 species is strictly regulated under
Appendix II. A couple of years back, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) admitted that more than half of the native fauna in the country are facing extinction. Of the 1,137 bird, mammal and amphibian species endemic to the country, 592 are considered “threatened or endangered” by the IUCN Red List, along with 227 endemic species of flowering plants. More species are fast disappearing. The Philippine eagle, the second-largest eagle in the world and found in Davao and other parts of Mindanao, are on the verge of extinction. These birds breed only in primary lowland rain forest. The tamaraw, a dwarf water buffalo that lives only on Mindoro, may soon join the dodo into extinction. The endemic freshwater crocodile, the most threatened crocodilian in the world, may also be in the list. In 1982, wild populations totalled only 500-1000 individuals; by 1995 a mere 100 crocodiles remained in natural habitats. Deforestation doesn’t happen only in the uplands and lowlands but also down under. Coral reefs, the oldest and richest communities of plants and animals, are likewise in deep trouble. They are
touted to be the rainforests of the sea. The Philippines has one of the largest areas of coral reefs in the world, about 27,000 square kilometers within a 15- to 30-meter depth. They are habitats for rare species, including some 488 species of corals, 971 species of benthic algae, and 2,000 species of fish, according to the DENR. The World Atlas of Coral Reefs reported that 97% of the reefs in the country are under threat from destructive fishing techniques, including cyanide poisoning, over-fishing, or from deforestation and urbanization that result in harmful sediment spilling into the sea. Why should disappearing plants and animals concern us? “To biologists, and to many others, the question hardly needs asking: a species if the unique and irreplaceable product of millions of years of evolution, a thing of value for scientific study, for its beauty, and for itself,” explained Ryan in his book. “For many people, however, a more compelling reason to conserve biological diversity is likely to be pure self-interest: like every species, ours is intimately dependent on others for its well-being,” he wrote.
DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS
BASKETBALL AS A NUISANCE SPORT Basketball is everywhere in the Philippines: on public sports complex, on street corners , and on television screens from north to south of the archipelago The sport is further nurtured by the school system, from primary school up to the collegiate level. In 1938, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) was born. UP Fighting Maroons won their first title all the way back in 1939 (Season 2) then followed it up 47 years later in 1986 (Season 49). It was the same year when Edsa People Power happened wherein the dictator was ousted. Then there was the 36 years championship drought until its third title this year. The UP Fighting Maroons ultimately claimed their first championship in 36 years when it dethroned the Ateneo Blue Eagles during the UAAP Season 84 Finals last May 13, 2022 at the MOA Arena. Despite its popularity, the sports is not exempt from anyl controversy. In Cruz v. Pandacan Hiker’s club, Inc.(G.R. No. 188213, January 11, 2016), the Supreme Court
discussed the nature of a basketball court whether or not it is a nuisance subject of summary abatement. The Barangay Chairman alleged that the basketball court affected the peace in the barangay and was the subject of many complaints from residents asking for its closure. She claimed that the playing court blocked jeepneys from passing through and was the site of rampant bettings and fights involving persons from within and outside the barangay. She also claimed that innocent persons have been hurt and property had been damaged by such armed confrontations, which often involved the throwing of rocks and improvised “molotov” bombs. She also averred that noise from the games caused lack of sleep among some residents and that the place’s frequent visitors used the community’s fences as places to urinate. She then gave an order to destroy the basketball ring by cutting it up with a hacksaw thus, rendering the said basketball court unusable. An administrative complaint was filed against her.
The Supreme Court ruled that although the barangay captain merely performed an abatement of a public nuisance, the same was done summarily while failing to follow the proper procedure for which they must be held administratively liable. “Nuisance” has been applied to those which have interfered with the rights of the citizens, either in person, property, the enjoyment of his property, or his comfort. A nuisance per se affects the immediate safety of persons and property, which may be summarily abated under the undefined law of necessity. A nuisance per accidens, which depends upon certain conditions and circumstances, and its existence being a question of fact, cannot be abated without due hearing thereon in a tribunal authorized to decide whether such a thing does in law constitute a nuisance. The Supreme Court Court held that a basketball ring, at most, as a mere nuisance per accidens, for it does not pose an immediate effect upon the safety of persons and property, the defini-
tion of a nuisance per se. A basketball ring, by itself, poses no immediate harm or danger to anyone but is merely an object of recreation. Neither is it, by its nature, injurious to rights of property, of health or of comfort of the community and, thus, it may not be abated as a nuisance without the benefit of a judicial hearing. The Court said that “it is unlike a mad dog on the loose, which may be killed on sight because of the immediate danger it poses to the safety and lives of the people; nor is it like pornographic materials, contaminated meat and narcotic drugs which are inherently pernicious and which may be summarily destroyed; nor is it similar to a filthy restaurant which may be summarily padlocked in the interest of the public health.” The complete destruction of the basketball ring is justified neither by law or ordinance nor even by equity or necessity, which makes the act illegal . And even as an action to maintain public order, it was done excessively and was unjustified. Where a less damaging action, such as the mere padlocking,
removal or confiscation of the ring would have sufficed, the barangay captain resorted to the drastic measure of completely destroying and rendering as unusable the said ring, which was a private property, without due process In 2002, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued Resolution No. 02-28 authorizing the MMDA and the local government units to clear the sidewalks, streets, avenues, alleys, bridges, parks and other public places in metro manila of all illegal structures and obstructions. This include the setting up of basketball courts. The resolution cited a Supreme Court case which ruled that “the occupation and use by private individuals of sidewalks and other public places devoted to public use constitute both public nuisances and nuisances per se”. (Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 0908-8665786.)
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PLACES
Hamburger is arguably the most wellliked go-to food.
But while most people are familiar with food chain burgers, there is more to burgers than just McDonald’s or Jollibee. Enter Camp Burgrille, Davao City’s newest go-to place for mouthwatering burgers. For some, this is where serious burgers are, no gimmicks, just burgers done so well. The name of the resto is as adventurous as its burgers, which pay tribute to the outdoors and the spirit of mountaineering and camping. Make sure your tummy is empty when visiting the resto as devouring its pan-grilled Extreme Trek Burger, which is big and juicy, will definitely give your arteries a workout. Other must-try are the Original Campers, the Summiteer, Trekker, Highlander, etc. - all with excessive juices that drip out from the pure beef
patty loaded with cheese and bacon on a bun. “We are using 100 percent New Zealand beef. Pan-grilled” said Krizza Gaile L. Leocario, the joint’s manager. Aside from burgers, the resto also serves meals, sandwiches, salads, etc. Whether you are looking for a burger, a sandwich, and other meals, Camp Burgrille has it all plus it has very accessible location. Before opening its brick-and-mortar location, Camp Burgrille’s burgers were available in a pop-up shop.
“Camp Burgrille, originally, pinull-out lang siya from Mount Shake which is the primary business of the family. Mount Shake ang palagi sumasali sa mga weekend market. In 2016, we decided to include burger. After two summers, nakita namin may potential si burger, ini-extract si burger from Mount Shake, pagdating ng weekend market dito SM Lanang in June 2017,
naging dalawa na ang offerings naming si Mount Shake and Camp Burgrille,” said Leocario. Then the Covid-19 pandemic changed how the people eat with government prohibiting food and beverage outlets from opening their doors to dine-in guests but Camp Burgrille is shatterproof and instead joined the food delivery business, which is now gaining
momentum. “In March nag lockdown, nag-pick up ang orders, nag-start ng 10 orders, until halos tig100 pieces na ang orders. Morning to evening, every day,” Leocario said. Camp Burgrille is still accepting orders for delivery. Even though pop-up shops and delivery services are still popular today there is still nothing that
quite replaces the face-toface customer relationship. As Davao City is now almost back to normal with all restrictions relaxed, Dabawenyos are now thrill to dine out again, talk over a cup of coffee or tea, and eat their favorite meals with their loved ones and friends. So, if you are planning to go out and chill, you might want to check out Camp Burgrille.
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Bananas for sale: How bananas are sold in the United States.
FARMERS ADOPT STRATEGIES
VS. CLIMATE CHANGE FOR BANANAS, MANGOES Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO
F
ilipino farmers have to adopt several strategies to fight the consequences brought about by climate change or else their livelihoods are at stake.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas), which produces heat-trapping greenhouse gases. In crop production, the problems most farmers encounter these days are drought, excessive rain and similar hazards. “These threats emanate from the continuing global issue of climate change which require focused and strategic interventions for agricultural production to prosper,” said a press release from the University of the Philippines-Mindanao. In Davao del Norte, several farmers are planting bananas (particularly Cavendish) and mangoes. These farmers have experienced the above consequences of climate change – and they have adopted some strategies to counter the effects. All these are contained in the study, “Determinants of climate change adaptation strategies of Cavendish banana and mango farmers in Davao del Norte, Philippines.” The findings of the study were presented in the UP Mindanao’s webinar-fo-
rum, “Towards Creating Impact: UP Mindanao-funded Research.” “The impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector have made adaptation unavoidable. Thus, this study aimed to examine the climate change adaptation strategies of farmers involved in the production of tropical fruit exports such as Cavendish bananas and mangoes,” explained Assistant Professor Jon Marx Sarmiento of the UP Mindanao’s School of Management. The Philippines is one of the largest exporters of Cavendish bananas in the world. It is a major industry in Mindanao as it produces more than 90% of total production in the country, according to the paper, “Philippine Cavendish Banana Value Chain: Exploring Potential for Fair Trade Certification.” Cavendish banana in Davao del Norte has a total planted area of 26,297 making up 36.9% of the entire industry. Production areas are found in Panabo (28%), Santo Tomas (25%), and Kapalong (11%). According to the study, the top agricultural adaptation strategies for the Cavendish banana in Davao del Norte are the creation or improvement of a drainage canal, frequent watering,
Green mangoes: Once the green mangoes are matured, they can be harvested.
Mango spraying: Farmers can now harvest mangoes all year round by spraying the trees with chemicals.
increased use of fertilizer, transition to organic or sustainable farming, and improved harvesting technique. “The factors that influence the adoption of these strategies for Cavendish banana production are farm size, the incidence of drought, excessive rain and other farm hazards, and the farm’s annual income,” the study said. Philippine mangoes have already established its reputation locally and internationally as a superior fruit among other varieties in the world. In the Davao region, it is grown mostly in Davao del Sur and Davao City. Several farmers in Davao del Norte have also planted the fruit crop in their farms. The lead strategies adopted by farmers in Davao del Norte for mango production are frequent watering, practicing a land holiday, farm diversification, making a transition to organic or sustainable farming, and conservation horticulture techniques.
A land holiday, the study explained, is allowing the land to rest by not applying artificial flowering chemicals. “The factors that govern the choice of adaptation strategies are the importance of the mango crop to the farm, if it is the main source of income, the years of farming experience, and the farmer’s access to training and agricultural extension services,” the study said. “The presence of drought, if there is, the farmer’s awareness of climate change, the farm’s annual income, and the farmer’s household size also determine the choice of adaptation strategies,” the study added. “Having arrived at these findings, a community-based information system is one of the first interventions that mango and Cavendish banana farmers need to increase their level of awareness and overcome these climate change-related threats,” Sarmiento reit-
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Cavendish banana with cacao: To maximize the farm, some farmers plant cacao as understorey for bananas.
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Collaborations to promote specialty coffee pushed
The Davao Region Council is pushing for more collaboration with the government and the
STAY ... FROM2
private sector in helping develop local farmers in producing and marketing specialty coffee.
ly, for the past one to two weeks. Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio said the city government of Davao will still apply the same strategies used in fighting Covid-19 in case of a surge. However, this time the facilities to be used are government spaces. “Mao lang man gihapon ang Covid-19 response nato except that sa pagkakaron ang atoang facilities are all government properties na lang. Wala na tong mga private properties nato na mga facilities. Atoa na tong gipang-uli didto mga donors ug nagpahulam,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Adding to the concern of the possible surge was the recent detection of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1, which has entered the Philippines after it was detected in 14 individuals – 11 foreign tourists, two Metro Manila residents, and one resident of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Davao City Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said it’s a matter of time before the said subvariant will enter Davao City wherein there are no longer interlocal and interzonal restrictions and traveling in Davao City is already allowed.
go home to rebuild their homes,” he said. Cali said the IDPs are adopting “a wait and see stance” on who Marcos will appoint in the Marawi Compensation Board. President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11696 or the Marawi Siege Compensation Act of 2022 last April 13, providing for the creation of a nine-member Marawi Compensation Board. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said in its May 2020 report that more than 120,000 residents in Marawi have been displaced because of the siege. “The IDPs do not want the board to be politicized. They want the board to help them,” Cali said. “Until when will we remain to be a bakwit? We did not wish this thing to happen. We left our homes without money or clothes,” said Aisha Radia, a mother of 10 children. Radia said she and her family spent the early months at the Lumbacatoros Saguiaran shelter begging for food and money. She broke into tears as she narrated her experience, eliciting cries from the students of “Allahu Akbar!” and “Makibaka, huwag matakot!” Radia said she would not hesitate to join her fellow IDPs if they would call for more protest actions by December. Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr., Task Force Bangon Marawi field manager, dismissed the rally of the IDPs. He said it is not true that “Ground Zero” residents are not allowed to return home. He said
there is a process to follow and at least a thousand residents have been able to secure permits to rebuild their homes in “Ground Zero,” or the Most Affected Area (MAA), as these are required under the National Building Code. He encouraged the IDPs to proceed to City Hall to secure permits. He acknowledged there are some problems on land ownership, that some buildings were constructed without permits or on lands that are not theirs. Castro said many are apparently waiting for the money they could get from the Marawi compensation law to rebuild their homes. He said the board has yet to decide how to compensate for the businesses and homes that were destroyed in the five-month fighting. Castro said the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative has already energized the three sectors of Barangays Tolali, Daguduban and Moncado Kadingilan and that the streets are now lit with solar lights. Task Force Bangon Marawi, tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to rebuild the city, presented a new sports stadium, a convention center, and newly reconstructed mosques and parks as part of the reconstruction efforts. “All these newly constructed government buildings and mosques are nothing without the residents returning to their homes. The residents did not ask for them,” said Tirmizy Abdullah, national coordinator of the Interfaith Cooperation Forum. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
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Mr. Cesar Cuyugan, the council secretary, bared in today’s One Davao Virtual Presser
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that while Davao Region can hardly compete in terms of production volume for the Philippine
cent and 61.2 percent. PUBLiCUS said, “the longevity of President Dute-
rte’s popularity is a rarity in Philippine presidential politics”. (PNA)
nization and providing better services to its clientele. “We started with an idea, and now we stand in the actual building of our lifetime dream – a state-ofthe-art government facility, catering to the needs of our employees as well as the clients and partners of Metro Manila. We now have a safe, structurally sound, sustainable, and productive headquarters we can call home,” he said. The new 20-story MMDA building, with roof deck and helipad, will be certified by the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) with a one-star accreditation. BERDE is a tool to assess, measure, monitor, and certify the performance of green building projects. The conception of the new MMDA building started during the time of the
late Chair Danilo Lim in 2018, through the collaboration with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)-Makati Chapter, by holding a national design competition for the facility with the theme: “MMDA moving towards a sustainable, resilient, dynamic, and people-centered metropolis.” During the same year, a partnership was forged between the MMDA and the Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) for the construction of the office. The winning conceptual design by Architect Daryl John Abaygar, entitled “Solihiya Moderno” was used as an inspiration. The “Solihiya Moderno” was influenced by the traditional home silhouette and “solihiya” weave pattern. MMDA employees will start moving into their new building this year. (PNA)
average growth from 2010 to 2016. It was in his term as the country’s chief economist that the government crafted the Ambisyon Natin 2040, a long-term vision for the Philippines, which has also been adopted by the Duterte administration. “In returning to a post I have previously held, we rely on experience and judicious reckoning of socioeconomic issues to build stronger foundations for a more robust, more in-
clusive, and more resilient Philippine economy,” Balisacan said. Balisacan is the first chairperson of the Philippine Competition Commission. “After over six years leading the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), I will join the new Cabinet, mindful of the immense work needed to accelerate economic recovery and post-recovery development,” he said. (PNA)
was identified as a country which receives the 10th largest average Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of 37 democracies collaborating to promote sustainable economic growth in developing nations. While the Philippines received an average of $1.65 million from OECD countries between 2019 and 2020, the country was not part of the top 10 nations receiving ODA from the United States. Data from the National
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in 2019 showed Japan is the Philippines’ top source of ODA as the East Asian country shelled out $8.26 billion, or 46 percent of the Philippines’ total ODA. The Philippines’ second largest ODA source is the World Bank, followed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United States, Korea, Australia, and the United Nations. China is at 8th place as its total ODA to the Philippines is at $364 million or only 2 percent of the Southeast Asian country’s total ODA.
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market coffee requirement but the specialty and high quality coffee produced by the Region is going to be the edge for local farmers to demand better pricing for their coffee produce. The Department of Agriculture reported that Region XI ranks 2nd and contributes 18% in the country in 2020. Davao City constitutes 50% of the total regional production, followed by Davao del Sur at 21%. “As of now we are still working on to cover the local market demand because there is not much supply,” said
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Cuyugan. Research data showed that Filipino coffee-drinkers consumed around 3.3 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee in 2020. Davao Region produces 17.8 percent of that total. Cuyugan bared that while production volume may still be a long way to go for Davao Region to compete with the other coffee-producers such as Region 12 and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), but the strategy is to develop all key industry players to do their part in producing and selling local coffee.
mga tao ang basic na food and chocolate is a luxury food. Kung makita nato medyo naapektuhan ang
industry but as for cacao export so far we are doing well naman,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo
erated. “In addition, the government, non-government organizations, and the private sector need to consider the factors that influence the choice of strategies for a more targeted intervention to help improve the farmers’ capability for adaptation,” he pointed out. A total of 185 Cavendish banana farmers and 160 mango farmers contributed to the study by answering a survey questionnaire. Focus group discus-
sions were done to guide the survey questionnaire design and succeeding data collection activities. The farmers were selected through Stratified Random Sampling and the data collected were analyzed through Stata software. The Multivariate Probit Regression was the main econometric tool used for the study by the team composed of Melissa Loquias, Eloisa Lynne Banguis, Glory Dee Romo, Larry Digal, and Sarmiento.
to be remitted by PAGCOR to the PSC so we can fund these two fundamental purposes the government sports agency was created for.” The PSC chairman likewise said the Philippine Sports Institute needs adequate government funds to pursue its goals of updating the country’s know-how in sports medicine and technology, including the improved sports rehabilitation facilities, in keeping abreast with the rest of the world. He mentioned that the country’s success in the Tokyo Olympics, where Filipinos achieved a milestone of one gold from Diaz, two silvers from boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and a bronze from fellow pug Eumir Felix Marcial, were products of intensive training and exposure overseas funded by
the PSC. He was hopeful that the PSC’s allocation in the national government budget, a portion of which goes to grassroots sports, would be increased in tune with the times. Ramirez also was grateful for the private sector like the MVP Sports Foundation in helping some NSAs and encouraged more institutions and personalities to chip in and recognize the value of investing in the development of athletes. As one of the architects of the country’s successful campaigns in the Tokyo and Rio Olympics, 2018 Asian Games and 2019 Philippine SEA Games, Ramirez credited these positive results to his “dedicated board of commissioners through our leadership in guiding and collaborating with our stakeholders.”
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SPORTS
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United City FC celebrate after winning the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara. Photo courtesy of the PFL.
United City wins Copa Paulino Alcantara crown
U
nited City came back from a goal down to stun Kaya-Iloilo, 3-2, in a thrilling final of the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara on Sunday night at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Mike Ott delivered the winner in the 68th minute, converting off a set piece
following a corner kick by Mark Hartmann. United City dethroned
their rivals, as Kaya had ruled the tournament in 2021 after a 1-0 triumph against the Azkals Development Team. United City did not compete in that tournament, however. They made a triumphant comeback in 2022, advancing to the semifinals on the strength of two wins and four draws in the elimination round. Kaya topped the elims
with five wins and a draw. United City slipped past Dynamic Herb Cebu, 1-0, in the semis, and Kaya booked a similar 1-0 win against Stallion Laguna to set-up a finals clash. United City drew first blood in the final, with Kenshiro Daniels finding the back of the net in the 11th minute. But Kaya roared back almost immediately, as
Robert Lopez found the equalizer just two minutes later before Jhan-Jhan Melliza put his side ahead in the 31st with a left-footed strike from outside the box. United City was able to respond in the second half, as a defensive miscue by Kaya led to Hikaru Minegishi’s equalizer at the 51st minute. Ott’s strike completed the comeback in the
68th minute. Ott went on to earn the Golden Ball, while Kaya’s Daizo Horikoshi earned the Golden Ball after scoring six goals in the tournament. Pinthus won Golden Glove honors. In the third place match, Stallion Laguna outlasted Dynamic Herb Cebu, 2-1, with Jo Warren Beda scoring the late winner.
FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN
CHOT REYES, YOU BROKE OUR HEARTS Actually, to crucify the RP basketball coach for the shameful loss to the Indons may be too much too severe. Yes, even if 110 million Pinoys are heartbroken. But it cannot be helped. It matters little and less even if the Philippines finished only fourth in the overall medal tally. But, gosh, to be defeated by an opponent better known for his football skills than for shooting hoops, the embarrassing 85-81 loss to Indonesia is anathema and utterly unacceptable to the Pinoy sports fans. What a shame. . Decades ago, in the basketball
community which I had covered since 1974, the general belief was that even a collegiate team like the UAAP or NCAA champion - can beat any of our opponents hands down in the SEAG. There are two or three reasons I can offer why the debacle occurred. Overconfidence, shallow selection of team members and scouting failure. Because Pinoys have been used to teach our ASEAN neighbors basketball lessons in this biennial regional meet for as long as we all can remember, the ever glowing self-confidence in our innate abilities has been ingrained in our con-
sciousness. This overconfidence is always destructive. As you now evaluate, coach Chot lamented the absence of Japeth Aguilar who is a monster in shot blocking, alley oops and dunks. Why then did he not pick up Ange Kouame from Ateneo, the recent UAAP MVP? Or Greg Slaughter who offered himself to Gilas when no contract was offered to him by Northport in January yet? The silence at the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is deafening. History repeated itself when the Pinoy quintet succumbed to
Malaysia in 1989. Reyes’ backcourt tandem needed somebody like the intelligent court general Jayson Castro and the wily Kevin Alas. The former Letranite would have been the perfect point guard but circumstances beyond his control forced the fellow to skip the tournament. There is really no excuse (nor alibi) that can assuage the anger and the hurt boiling inside of the millions of basketball fanatics. The scouting snafu did not give the coaching staff adequate and solid information on how to defend against Rajko Toroman and his re-invigorated squad.
Reyes admitted that he did not completely know Toroman’s game plan. Indonesia’s naturalized player, Marques Bolden poured in a double double performance (18 pts.,10 rebounds, 3 assists in 32 minutes). As the dreary 1989 collapse in Kuala Lumpur could not be erased from our minds, the same is true with this deplorable upset loss to Indonesia. I don’t know if coach Chot and the SBP can snore soundly as they used to. This nightmare will haunt them for a long time. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
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GOOD FINISH
Kayla Richardson of Philippines celebrates her gold medal after the women’s 100m final of the Athletics events at 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, 18 May 2022. Luong Thai Linh, EPA-EFE.
PH SEAG finish in Vietnam nothing to be ashamed of: Ramirez
P
HILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez yesterday said that the country’s overall performance in the just concluded 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games was nothing to be ashamed of, a good finish, in fact, considering the challenges Filipino bets had to face in the build-up to the meet. “Our performance in bringing home 52 gold, 70 silver, and 104 bronze medals in placing fourth overall in the medal standings was a good finish despite the various challenges our national athletes had to face amid the COVID-19 pandemic before competing in Vietnam,” Ramirez stressed. “It would have been a very good finish had we converted 50 percent of our silvers (to gold) and bronzes (to silver),” noted the PSC chief, who has been daily monitoring closely the progress of the country’s standard-bearers in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and surrounding provinces. He pointed out that funding training programs to develop elite athletes for international competition was expensive. “You need money for coaches, both local and foreign, airfare, transportation and hotel for international exposure to season them, plus the logistical support like proper nutrition, sports psychology, and medicine for athletes discovered abroad or locally,” Ramirez explained. As someone who began his stint in the PSC as a commissioner in 1998, then as chairman for the first time from 2005 to 2009, and then as chairman again from 2016 to the present, he said that shortterm programs to nurture top athletes were at least four years while 12 years so they could
be truly world-class, as long as they start young. The prime example, Ramirez said, was weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who was a wildcard entry at 17 in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, then won a silver in the 2016 Rio Games before finally delivering the country’s first gold medal in the Tokyo edition last year when she was 30 years old. The PSC honcho also reminded everyone that the government’s sports agency was not only to support national athletes but also to implement a genuine grassroots sports program in the countryside in cooperation with the Department of Education and local government units. “The PSC will never achieve its grassroots goals without our partners in the DepEd and LGUs.” At the same time, Ramirez renewed his commitment and support “to our private partners, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the National Sports Association,” in promoting and nurturing athletes for international play. He said while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has given the PSC’s high remittances before the pandemic, “the PSC still has to get the five percent of its gross income as required by Republic Act 6847 that created the government sports agency. “This gross income needs
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