Edge Davao Volume 15 Issue 43 | Friday, June 3, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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A scavenger is comfortably sleeping at the sidewalk along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City while his dog guards his belongings on Thursday. Edge Davao

BOOSTER DRIVE Vaccination Cluster to start booster jabs for bankers, BPO workers STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

Commission on Audit (COA) chair Rizalina Justo talks to President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go after taking her oath of office at Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Davao City last February. Justol, together Civil Service Commission (CSC) chair Karlo Nograles, Commission on Elections (Comelec)

chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan, commissioners George Garcia and Aimee Torrefranca Neri, will have to vacate their posts after failing to get the approval of the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday. Edge Davao

BOOSTER DRIVE T

SoCot gov: Tampakan project can proceed

Vaccination Cluster to start booster jabs for bankers, BPO workers By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Vaccination Cluster is strengthening the sectoral mobile vaccination rollout by giving booster doses to bankers and the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers in their respective offices and establishments on June 3 and 4, 2022. “Isa sa mga gina strengthen sa Vaccination Cluster is ang sectoral na vaccination katong ginadala nato sa offices ang atoang mga vaccination rollout.

Fortunately, magsugod nata ug bakuna sa atoang mga bankers as well as sa atong BPOs particularly sa booster dose. Kung kinsa man tong wala pa naka receive

sa primary series of dose we are also going to give it to them,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, on Wednesday over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR). The Davao City Covid-19 Task Force continues to intensify the sectoral mobile vaccination in private and public offices and establishments to improve the city’s anti-Covid-19 booster vaccination rollout.

Based on the report of the Vaccination Cluster, 80 employees of Seda Hotel were vaccinated on May 20, 2022, while 65 were inoculated at the Agdao Public Market. Schlosser reported that 29 employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 11 (DSWD 11) were vaccinated on March 24, 2022 while 64 individuals from the Department of Interior

announcement not to load travelers outside the facility. “This is new, but it was already discussed with the operators. We will start arresting the violators, and it comes with sanctions,” LTFRB-11 Director Nonito Llanos III said via Davao City Disaster Radio. Llanos said bus operators would be imposed a PHP5,000 fine on first offense, and PHP15,000 for

second offense. Those apprehended the third time may result in their units being impounded. He said the order has been relayed to the Land Transportation Office and the Highway Patrol Group. Earlier, Task Force Davao issued a guideline requiring bus companies to only load passengers at the DCOTT along the Ecoland

area here. Task Force Davao commander, Col. Darren Comia, described the move as a safety precaution after the May 26 bombing incident of a Yellow Bus Line unit in Koronadal City in South Cotabato that injured two persons. “Our DCOTT is equipped with facilities that will ensure the securi-

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Sanctions await violators of new guideline for bus lines: LTFRB

he Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 11 (Davao region) on Wednesday warned that the new guideline for bus operators comes with sanctions. This came as several netizens uploaded photos of bus drivers picking up passengers outside the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), despite the

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he large-scale $5.9-billion Tampakan mining project can still proceed whether South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. will veto or not the measure removing the controversial ban on open-pit mining in the province. This was the pronouncement of Tamayo on Wednesday, two days before the end of the 15-day period for him to act on the move of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan amending the environment code that removed the prohibition on open-pit mining in the province. The measure was submitted to the Office of the Governor on May 20. “With or without a veto, their [large scale] mining operation can proceed because the local government is not the one giving them the permit. They have obtained a permit from the national government,” Tamayo told reporters inside the capitol after addressing the thousands of anti-open pit mining protesters in front of the provincial government compound. The governor also noted that a national law supersedes local legislation, apparently referring to Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 that allows open-pit mining method. In the last 12 years, the landmark environment code of South Cotabato prohibits open-pit mining across the province. On May 16, exactly a week after the May 9 national and local elections, majority of the board members approved

the amendment of the environment code that lifts the ban on open-pit mining. The ban on open-pit mining hurdled the development of the Tampakan project, touted as the largest untapped copper-gold minefield in Southeast Asia and among the biggest of its kind in the world. Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), developer of the Tampakan project, said the most viable way to extract the massive deposits is through open-pit mining due to the shallow location of the minerals. Roy Antonio, SMI corporate affairs manager, joined those who supported the Tampakan project. He, however, declined to comment on the lifting of the prohibition on open-pit mining. The removal of the open-pit mining ban stirred widespread outrage within and outside South Cotabato. Those who opposed open-pit mining, led by the local Catholic church, appealed to Tamayo to veto the measure. On Wednesday, pro and anti-mining supporters stood a few meters away from each other in front of the provincial capitol, separated by policemen with riot shields, to let the governor hear their positions. Fortunately, the two sides did not clash. The anti-open pit mining supporters conducted a prayer march in the major streets of this city before converging in front of the provincial capitol, shocked to see that

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

NEWS

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Major Maria Teresita Gaspan urges the victims and witnesses of crimes during thos week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel to file a complaint regarding criminal incidents as it is difficult for the police to act on the matters if they are not formally reported. Edge Davao

City equips Covid-19 clinics to handle monkeypox virus Pulong’s office extends aid to fire victims in Brgy. 76-A

ome residents of Barangay 76–A Bucana, who lost their houses last week in a fire, received financial aid from the First Congressional District Office on June 1, Wednesday morning. Each of the recipients - two house owners, five renters, four boarders, and a caretaker - was given cash assistance. The affected families are from Purok 28-C, Cattleya Street, of the same barangay.

According to the First Congressional District staff under Representative Paolo Duterte, recipients received a certain amount following a careful evaluation, to help them reconstruct their homes. In a report from the Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the fire started at around 6: 40 a.m. on Thursday, May 26. More than 10 families were affected of the incident.

Crime victims, witnesses urged to file complaint

police officer urged the city residents to formally file a complaint regarding criminal incidents they either witnessed or victimized. Police Major Maria Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office stressed it is difficult for the police to act on complaints if they are not formally reported. She told the AFP-PNP Press Corps Briefing at the

Royal Mandaya Hotel those complaints like theft, pickpockets, and snatching must be reported so that the police can act accordingly. “You have to report these incidents because once they are in our system, we can immediately act on them, “Gaspan said. She said residents must not rant on the social media about their experiences on crimes instead they must re-

FCRIME, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

this (monkeypox virus) would be part and our Covid Cluster Clinic will also be handling this one. If ever magkaroon ta ani our CCC will be handling this case. Fortunately, wala pa tay natala na case diri,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force over Davao City Disaster Radio

(DCDR) on Wednesday. The WHO also reported that initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headaches, muscle ache, swelling, and back pain. Rashes and lesions emerge on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, or genitals within one to five days turn into raised bumps and then blisters. It also reported that it can be detected in men who have sex with men and those who have had close physical contact with someone with monkeypox.

“Kaning monkeypox base sa discussion with the Department of Health it can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. Mura pud ug Covid. Pagbahing, pag ma-expose ka sa isa ka person na naay monkeypox. It can be transmitted sa lesions or sa mga open wounds and also through physical contact through sexual transmission. If you have sex with somebody with monkeypox makuha pud nimo siya didto. Ang incubation period niya is

In a statement, the management of Nordeco, which franchise is yet to expire in 2028 for the mainland and 2033 for the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) vowed to continue to operate as the distribution utility under its franchise coverage area and shall continue to implement projects and programs to avoid unnecessary disruption of power

supply and services in the Provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte. “We are asking for the continuing support of our MCOs,” it said. The House Bill (HB) No. 10554 or “an act expanding the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc. (DLPC), amending for the propose Republic Act. No. 11515, entitled ‘an act

extending for another 25 years the franchise granted to the Davao Light and Power Company Inc., under Republic Act No. 8960 entitled ‘an act further extending the term of the franchise granted to Davao Light and Power Company Inc., to construct, operate, and maintain an electric light, heat and power system in Davao

ven though no suspected cases have been recorded yet, Davao City’s Covid-19 Cluster Clinics (CCCs) have been readied to handle monkeypox cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) described monkeypox as an infection caused by a virus that is in the same family as the smallpox virus, but far less severe than smallpox and has a similar illness that involves flu-like symptoms and a rash accompanied by lesions. “In terms of emerging and reemerging diseases

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Despite expanded DLPC franchise areas, Nordeco still serving MCOs

he Northern Davao Electric Cooperative. Inc. (Nordeco) is steadfast in its commitment to serve its Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) as mandated in Presidential Decree No. 269 despite the approval of the Senate of the bill expanding the franchise areas of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) to Davao del Norte on May 30, 2022.

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair Emilio B. Aquino receives the 3G Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award and the 3G Transparency Award during the 7th Annual 3G Awards Ceremony held in Dubai on May 18. Photo courtesy of SEC

SEC wins more global awards for good governance, transparency T he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to reap global recognitions for advocating good governance and transparency in the Philippine corporate sector.

Cambridge International Financial Advisory (Cambridge IFA) named the SEC recipient of the Global Good Governance (3G) Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award for the second consecutive year. In addition, the SEC received the 3G Transparency Award during the seventh installment of the annual 3G Awards Ceremony held by the London-based finance advisory on May 18

in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 3G Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award honors organizations, which have demonstrated a strong commitment to corporate governance practices and have maintained a sustainable corporate strategy and business policy geared to long-term value for shareholders, problem-solving skills, and competence in dealing with change.

Cambridge IFA also named the SEC recipient of the 3G Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award in the sixth installment of the annual 3G Awards Ceremony in May 2021. Meanwhile, the 3G Transparency Award recognizes an organization with the most rigorous and transparent reporting on financials, governance and strategy. “We take these awards as an affirmation of our unwavering effort to champion good governance, transparency and social responsibility in the Philippine corporate sector with the end goal of a better

future for Filipinos,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said, as he received the awards. “As we receive these recognitions, we hope to inspire more meaningful changes in corporations’ governance and business practices, and unlock their potential to contribute to sustainability and development in the Philippines and in the world.” As regulator of the corporate sector and the Philippine capital markets, the SEC has consistently promoted corporate governance practices to serve as model for the sector it oversees. It has also advo-

neutral score reflects deterioration. “The latest survey data signaled a further expansion across the Philippines manufacturing sector. Growth remained strong despite output and new orders increasing at slightly softer rates,” S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said. The report added that output volume and intake of new orders grew at a solid pace, but the growth was slowed down by the contraction in foreign demands, mainly due to lock-

downs in China brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). On the other hand, for the first time since February 2020, factories recorded an increase in their workforce. “At the same time, while rates of inflation slowed, both average cost burdens and output charges rose markedly during May. Exacerbating increases in expenses, May data also signaled a further deterioration in vendor performance, as lead times lengthened to a greater

extent than in April,” the report added. Baluch said firms continue to be optimistic for the next 12 months, but remain cautious amid the geopolitical conflicts across the world affecting global supply and demand for goods. “(T)he downside risks to the sector come in the form of persistent inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, which have been further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and China’s zero-Covid policy,” she added. (PNA)

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PH factories grow for 4 consecutive months

he performance of the country’s manufacturing sector continued to improve in May, posting four months of consecutive growth. The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reported Wednesday that the domestic sector posted a score of 54.1 last month. However, manufacturing PMI slightly eased from its 54.3 index in April. Scores above 50 translate to an improvement in the sector, while below the

Charm of ‘Little Maldives’ lures tourists to Surigao Norte town

he easing of restrictions amid the continuing threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has paved the way for more local and foreign tourists to visit popular destinations in the Surigao del Norte town of Claver. The province has been placed under Alert Level 2 in May but site visits in the popular spots in the town have significantly increased more than a year after the pandemic. In an interview Wednesday, Rizyl Tagapan, acting tourism officer of Claver, said among the most sought-after tourist destinations in the place nowadays is the Kabujuan Islet, which formally opened its doors to tourists last May 2. The islet is known as the “Little Maldives” in Surigao del Norte, as its infrastructures are inspired by the different tourist destinations in the Maldives. “Since the opening, the Kabujuan Islet has already registered more than 500 bookings,” Tagapan said, adding that the islet is fully booked this June. Most of the foreign tourists who visited the islet

are relatives and guests of residents from Claver and the neighboring towns and provinces in the region. The Kabujuan Islet is under the management of the municipality of Claver in partnership with Barangays Lapinigan, Panatao, and Urbiztondo. “For the next three months, we will only allow day-time tours as we are still making preparations for the overnight stay in the islet,” Tagapan said. Some facilities in the islet have also undergone rehabilitation following the damage caused by Typhoon Odette in December last year, she added. “Two more famous spots in the town are also welcoming visitors at present, including the Wangke Mangrove Trail and Bagacay Mangrove Trail,” Tagapan said. She said the mangrove trails, being managed by Barangays Wangke and Bacagay, are frequented by visitors for relaxation and viewing. “The trails have cottages and other facilities where visitors can have an overnight stay. Tour-

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

ECONOMY

Customers choose from the food items on display at one of the stalls inside the Roxas Night Market in Davao City. The city government of Davao is planning to allow more vendors to return to the night market as community restrictions eased. Edge Davao

600kW solar project in Tawi-Tawi operational by November: MinDA T

BOC to donate over 47K liters of seized fuel to AFP, Coast Guard

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has approved the donation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) of 47,356.8 liters of fuel that were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and forfeited in favor of the government. The BOC will turn over a total of 41,356.8 liters of fuel to the PCG, while another 6,000 liters will be given to the military. These fuel stocks were seized during the BOC’s enforcement activities under the Fuel Marking Program. Diesel fuel totaling about 11,000 liters were seized by the BOC on February 24, 2021 inside the premises of Joycel Bus Lines in Caloocan City after field tests showed that these were unmarked, meaning no duties and taxes were paid for them. The forfeiture order for the unmarked fuel became final and executory on January 27, 2022, clearing the way for its donation to the PCG. The BOC also found un-

marked diesel fuel stored in the facilities of Lemiz Fuel Station, and Star Oil/Min Ley Gasoline Station both located in Meycauyan, Bulacan, and at the Fuel Source Gas Station in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija during several field testing operations done in Metro Manila and nearby provinces late last year. Totaling 23,999 liters, the unmarked fuel stocks were forfeited in favor of the government on January 5, 2022 and will also be turned over to the PCG. The BOC will also donate to the PCG 6,357.8 liters of fuel it confiscated in September last year at a retail gas station in Arayat, Pampanga operated by Luzon Petromobil Integrated Service Stations Inc. In line with the provisions of its mutual assistance agreement with the AFP, the BOC will also donate 6,000 liters of automotive diesel fuel to the military. Under their agreement, the AFP will provide the manpower needed to assist

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seaweed products instead of raw materials which have a lower value. With the help of the facility, the farmers can produce quality products which can be exported to the European countries and our neighboring Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” Acosta said in a statement. Acosta hopes the proj-

ect would lead to the establishment of more processing facilities as it will reduce the expenses of the farmers and improve their income. “Hopefully by July, it can be tested as we expect it will be fully operational by November this year,” she said, adding that the project has securing funding from the European Union Access to Sustainable Energy. In coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao and partner agencies, the project is seen to drastically improve the electric supply in the island province. Once completed, MinDA said the project can generate 600kW of renewable energy. The establishment of the hybrid solar and diesel technology by MinDA, in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Authority, also aims to increase the facility’s number of hours of available power. (PNA)

remit funds to the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as National Government Subsidy for the improvement of benefit packages, was signed by PAGCOR chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo and PCSO Chairperson Anselmo Simeon Pinili. Under the UHC law or Republic Act 11223, half of the national government’s share from PAGCOR’s in-

come as well as 40% of PCSO’s charity fund shall be used to fund the universal health care program. The UHC law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2019, automatically enrolls all Filipino citizens, including overseas Filipino workers, in the state social health insurance PhilHealth, which will have expanded coverage to include free consultation

fees, laboratory tests and other diagnostic services. The funding for this benefit expansion shall be released to PhilHealth through the GAA beginning the year 2023, according to PAGCOR. Domingo said that PAGCOR remitted P65.55 billion to the National Treasury from 2019 to 2021 alone, with 50 percent allo-

he 600-kilowatt (kW) solar project in Tawi-Tawi is set to operate by November this year, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said Wednesday.

MinDA Chairperson Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta said the solar power project in the municipality of Sibuto, Tawi-Tawi, aims to strengthen the economic activity, especially in the seaweed farming communities of the area. “This will help the seaweed farmers as they can now sell semi-processed

PAGCOR, PCSO ink guidelines for funding Universal Health Care

he Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday said it has signed a joint circular with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on operationalizing their respective allocations to fund Universal Health Care (UHC). The circular, which details the operational guidelines for both agencies to

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

On the need to have people get booster shot for Covid-19:

After six months, the protection from the vaccine wanes so the booster jabs are also highly recommended. To those who did not even avail of any vaccination from Covid-19, the level of protection is zero.”

Dr. Michelle Schlosser

Spokesperson, Davao City Covid-19 Task Force

EDGEDAVAO

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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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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

LET’S PLANT MORE TREES When God created the earth, the Almighty has given man dominion over it. But the man did a lousy job. Instead of taking care of what rightly belonged to him, he opted to ruin it. From two people during the Creation (that is, from the Christian perspective), the world is now home to approximately 7.5 billion, this despite all efforts to stop the demographic explosion. Before 2050, the global population is feared to swell to 10 billion, according to the US Council on Environmental Quality and the State Department in a three-year study entitled, Reconnaissance of the Future Global 2000. “More inhabitants mean greater needs,” said Ulrich Kronberg, a German national, who is the president of the Davao-based Mama Earth Foundation. “This has led to an increase in demand for raw materials, which are being extracted from the earth to the hilt.” If this trend continues, Kronberg opined the world “might collapse.” In our conversation, he believed that mitigation of the trend is needed to reverse the impending disastrous effects. “There are no simple solutions. The connections that keep organisms on Earth alive are too complicated,” he said. He considers people as the

“fulcrum” in the entire scheme of things. “First of all, people need at least 10,000 liters of clean air daily for breathing,” he explained. “Clean air takes precedence over all other needs. Crystal-clear water and abundant meals are worthless without adequate breathing air.” To produce oxygen required for aerobic respiration, plants and trees are needed to process carbon dioxide that humans emit. “Trees and forests produce abundant oxygen, so we need more of (them),” he said. “A full-grown tree can supply at least 10 people with breathing air.” He got that idea from Dr. Jorn Wittern, a German professor, who said: “A broad-leafed tree produces 2 kilograms of oxygen in 1 hour. A person consumes 2 kilograms of oxygen per day. Every liter of gasoline which powers a motor or a turbine consumes 2 kilograms of oxygen.” Unfortunately, man continues to cut forests at an alarming rate. “A few hundred years ago, at least 95 percent of the Philippines was covered by rain forest; only a few patches of open woodland and seasonal forest, mostly on Luzon, broke the expanse of moist, verdant land,” noted Dr. Lawrence R. Heaney, an American curator who holds honorary appointments at the Philippine National Museum.

By the time the Spanish arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, scattered coastal areas had been cleared for agriculture and villages. Three hundred years later, rainforest still covered about 70 percent of the country. Today, the Philippines is almost devoid of its forest cover. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 25.7 percent or about 7,665,000 hectares of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares is forested. Of this, 11.2 percent (861,000) hectares) is classified as primary forest. Between 1990 and 2010, the Philippines lost an average of 54,750 hectares or 0.83% annually. “Most of the (Philippines’) once rich forest are gone,” said the FAO publication, Sustainable Forest Management. “Forest recovery, through natural and artificial means, never coped with the destruction rate.” According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the principal cause of the decimation of the country’s forest cover are logging (both legal and illegal), forest fires, natural calamities (like earthquake), as well as conversion to agricultural lands, human settlements and other land uses brought about by urbanization and increasing population pres-

sure. Additional threats to Philippine forests come from mining operations – which also cause pollution – and collection of fuel wood (85% of meals in developing countries are cooked over wood or charcoal). The removal of forest cover makes the Philippines susceptible to various environmental catastrophes. “Most of these were not seen in such intensity and magnitude before our time,” said Jethro P. Adang, the director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center Foundation, Inc. “The signs cry out for immediate, nationwide attention.” Oftentimes, deforestation is equated with calamities like landslides and flash floods. Without trees in the uplands, deforestation brings too much water in the lowlands. “Rain which falls over a bare slope acts differently,” Gifford Pinchot wrote in A Primer for Forestry. “It is not caught by the crowns nor held by the floor, nor is its flow into the streams hindered by the timber. The result is that a great deal of water reaches the streams in a short time, which is the reason why floods occur.” As a result of the continuous deforestation, the world now has less forest cover to protect itself from the scorching heat of the sun. With the rapid industrializa-

tion, there is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which binds more heat and leads to rising temperatures. Climate change, as scientists call it, is caused by greenhouse gases, primarily water vapor and including carbon dioxide, methane and man-made chlorofluorocarbons. “As a result of rising concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the global mean temperature has increased 0.8 degrees Centigrade above pre-industrial levels,” explained a World Bank report. “Most warming has occurred since 1970, with the rate of warming in the past decade being nearly double that of the past century.” To counter climate change, Mama Earth is batting for reforestation as “every tree counts.” In fact, Kronberg considers forests as “air conditioning systems.” They make this planet conducive for living. Now, let’s listen to Kronberg: “Any individual, who drives 10,000 kilometers yearly with his car that consumes on average 8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, burns 800 liters of gasoline. This results in 1,864 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year.” To balance the carbon dioxide emissions, that person needs to plant 133 trees every year, according to Kronberg.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

1947 DAVAO’S OFFICIAL DIRECTORY Gen. Manuel A. Roxas became the first Second Republic president after winning the April 23, 1946 elections, which Commonwealth Act No. 725 mandated. It was a three-cornered fight that drew two and a half million voters to the polls. Roxas’ victory also meant the replacement and appointment of Osmeña-installed officials in the executive, judiciary, and local governments. The nominees and their designations were published in the August-September 1947 issue of ‘The Republic Magazine and Directory.’ The complete list of newly Davao officials appointed is as follows: Province of Davao: Antonio C. Lanzar, as provincial governor and later as first mayor of Malalag town; and Rafael F. Santos and Flamin R. Dianco, as provincial board members.

Davao City Government: Leon A. Garcia, mayor; Pedro C. Quitain, Leopoldo M. Abellera, Arsenio Villarosa, Catalino Sayon, and Jose Yap, as members of the municipal board of coun-cilors. Office of the Governor: Lauro Arabejo, provincial secretary (later town mayor of the munic-ipalities of Compostela and Nabunturan town and 1970 Constitutional Convention delegate); A. Atienza, deputy governor-at-large; D. Mirasol, A. Quidato, D. Lacuesta, F.R. Gavales, and B. Biroy as deputy governors; G.G. Latorilla, chief clerk; and A. Zamora, J.V. Militante, Napo-leon B. Nidea, C. Carmus, and F. Alvar, as clerks. Heads of Different Departments: P. Encarnacion, provincial treasurer; B.C. Guerrero, dis-trict engineer; Fortunato

Alagaban, provincial and city auditor; Albert Haynes, division su-perintendent of schools; Maj. Jose J. Jereza, provincial provost marshal; Alfonso Capili, pro-vincial agricultural supervisor; Dr. Manuel P. Babao, chief, Davao Public Hospital; Dr. Mar-celino Azusano, district health officer; Atty. M. Belandes, district land officer; Agapito L. Cenabre, assistant chief, Division of Forest Concessions and district forester; Paulino Valdez, collector of customs, Davao port; Timoteo Anloague, provincial revenue agent; Benito Israel, Philippine Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (PRRA) agent; Perfecto de los Reyes, National Cooperatives Administration (NCA) supervisor; Cenon Cervantes, chairman and general manager of the National Abaca and Oth-

er Fibers Corporation (NAOFC); Sotero Albano, chief of the Fiber Inspection Services (FIS); Gaudioso M. Tiongco, manager of the National Coconut Corporation (NACOCO), Davao branch; Emiliano Balocating, manager, Philippine National Bank (PNB), Davao branch; Atty. Casiano S. Carin, public defender; Sofronio Sencio, post office inspector; and Herminio Pavino, immigration officer. Court of First Instance of Davao: Enrique A. Fernandez, judge; Antonio Baz, clerek of court; Alfonso Atilano, deputy clerk of court; Eulalio Restauro, stenographer; Manuel B. Quidato, interpreter; and Crispiniano Siega, Pastor de la Cernan, Jr., and Nicanor S. Bautista, clerks. Office of the Provincial Fiscal: Bernardo Teves, provincial fiscal; Aida Gil-Damaso, assis-

tant provincial fiscal; Emiliano Esperat, chief clerk; and Gaspar C. Eng, clerk-messenger. Office of the Provincial Sheriff: Eriberto A. Unson, provincial sheriff; Sancho C. Canoy, deputy sheriff; and Jose Villanueva and Job Verzosa, deputy sheriffs. Other appointees were Antonio D. Quiñanola, Office of Adult Education, representing Zamboanga and Davao; Dr. Alfonso Soberano, Davao City health officer; Pio S. Mata, pro-vincial commercial agent, Bureau of Commerce; Pascual Robin, acting superintendent, Da-vao Penal Colony (DAPECOL); and Mrs. Patrocinio Vega-Quitain, Register of Deeds, Davao City. Davao, with only a population of 365,000 at the time, was represented in Congress by Apolinario L. Cabigon of the lone congressional district of Davao.

EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

THE KOMO DIGITAL BANKING EXPERIENCE: KEEPING YOU IN CONTROL EVEN WHEN ON THE GO With places to be and things to do, it’s not that simple to insert new tasks into one’s already busy day. From long working hours, to finishing chores, to setting time for leisure, it’s clear that we need time-saving solutions in our everyday lives. With modernization still a global trend, using digital banking services is an ideal life-hack. When it comes to finances -- paying bills, visiting a branch, or needing cash while you’re going out -- we all have needs that must be met. This is why having a mobile service that gives you control and lets you bank whenever you need to is crucial in the new normal. Komo, powered by EastWest, is the digital banking service that can go beyond meeting your needs while seamlessly fitting into your on-the-go lifestyle. With numerous easy-to-use features, Komo ensures you meet your daily banking needs without interfering with your schedule. Beyond the basics, Komo also offers you tools that can help you build money management habits, setting you up for total control not only of your time but also your finances. Real banking on the go As a fully digital platform, Komo is always available whenever you need it. In need of a savings account? Save time and effort from going to a branch and lining up. Instead, open an

account for free in just minutes whenever and wherever you are with just 1 valid ID, the Komo app, and a stable internet connection. Just download the Komo app for free on your iOS or Android device Market and you are all set. Ever experience being on vacation and suddenly needing cash? Each Komo account comes with a free VISA debit card that enables you to do cashless transactions and lets you withdraw for free nationwide -- without worrying about withdrawal fees! Speaking of traveling, on the app you can generate your own authorized bank certificate which allows you to apply for visa applications without visiting your branch. Ever have problems waiting for an OTP because of poor SMS network issues? Wth Komo, you can always transact even when your SMS OTP is delayed! Using biometrics, you can authorize transactions with just your face ID or fingerprint for a quicker and more secure experience! Securing your present and your future Get peace of mind that your savings are actually growing. At a 2.5% annual interest rate, Komo allows you to park your money and lets it earn faster than traditional institutions. Transactions and logins are already secured with your biometrics via the app for a safe, seamless,

(Standing From Left to Right:) Mikey Favis (Marketing Manager), Dennis Medina (Lead Developer), Bam de Mesa (Marketing Services Associate), Harvey Libarnes (Chief Commercial Officer), Chris San Pedro (Chief Technology Officer) (Seated from Left to Right:) Krisia Cruz (Chief Product Officer), Isabelle Yap (Business Head), Rocio Rentuza (Head, Banking Operations)

and OTP-less experience, but Komo takes security one step further by allowing you to lock your card via the app. So when you’re traveling abroad, or always out and about, or generally magastos, you can rest easy knowing you can safeguard your account from theft, fraud, and even budols! Lastly, Komo offers you the opportunity to build your own insurance plan.

Gone are the days of having to go to a bank or needing to talk to an agent -- in just a few taps you can get comprehensive protection that meets your lifestyle and your budget (as low as P428 per year!) Building solid money management habits Saving up for a rainy day or that next vacation? Tired of trying to set goals and budgets but not being able

to stick to them? Komo not only grows your money faster but also helps you build smarter money habits. With tools like Analytics and Personal Finance, you get to track your expenses, gain insights from your cash flows, and visualize your savings goals progress. On just one free app, you’re able to build better decisions when it comes to money manage-

tion Operations Awards. Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines Director, said, “Shopee has always been committed to helping businesses create long-term, sustainable e-commerce strategies in today’s digital economy. Through the Seller Recognition Operations Awards, we are able to highlight top-performing sellers in this regard, as well as their strategies and insights which their fellow sellers can learn from and apply to their businesses.”

Jenna Indigado, owner of Small Wonders Page and a recent awardee, is among those who diligently prepares for and maximizes mega-sale days to grow her business on Shopee. She decided to become a full-fledged Shopee seller in 2020 when her agricultural business was affected by the African Swine Flu (ASF) breakout that year. “After our hog-raising business was affected by ASF, I made the decision to sell on Shopee full-time. I already had a part-time reselling business on the platform in 2018 so I knew the potential for growth was huge especially if I committed my time and resources to it.” She went on to hire a local seamstress to grow her reselling business into one that manufactures clothing for babies. Today, she employs more than 300 Filipinos. “There were only two of us when we started the Small Wonders Page at Shopee. Now, we employ around 250 local seam-

stresses and 70 employees who have gone on to fulfill their dreams and even purchase their own cars and houses. Without Shopee, we wouldn’t be able to provide jobs for these Filipinos,” she said. She says her experience as a Shopee seller, the platform’s features, as well as guidance from her dedicated relationship manager are key factors for her business success especially during mega-sale days. “Having a dedicated relationship manager helps us create strategies to maintain product visibility, eliminate backlog, and fast-track order processing and fulfillment during mega-sales. During campaigns we also make sure to utilize features such as Chat Broadcast, ShopeeLive, and ShopeeAds in order to connect with our customers and inform them about our new products, discounts, and deals.” Charles Barrientos of Mikana store, a recent awardee as well, also shares that alongside the

ment. Juggling work, leisure, and urgent needs can be challenging. Komo’s here to make banking convenient and hassle-free, allowing you to meet your financial needs while you’re on the go. More than just an app, Komo is the perfect choice for your money-smart journey in this new normal. Just tap this link and download Komo today!

HOW THESE TOP-PERFORMING SELLERS GROW THEIR BUSINESSES THROUGH SHOPEE’S MEGA SALES

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 18 MAY, 2022 - In the Philippines, double day dates such as 9.9 and 11.11 have become highly anticipated due to shopping festivals offered by platforms such as Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. In fact, last year over 2 billion items were purchased by shoppers during 11.11 alone across the region. This uptick in purchases made during mega-sales allowed more than 1,000

local sellers across the region to exceed US$100,000 in sales during Shopee’s year-end festivals in 2021. Alongside hard work and determination, the success of Shopee sellers relies heavily on how efficiently they operate. This is especially true during mega-sales where the opportunity for growth is high. For this reason, Shopee recognizes sellers who go above and beyond in time for Shopee’s mega-sale days through its Seller Recogni-

hard work that comes with preparing for mega-sale days, these highly anticipated dates are integral to their business. His decision to launch Mikana, a store that specializes in jewelry, on Shopee was because he learned about how Shopee provides features and guidance to cater to its sellers’ growth. Besides these tools, he says constant adjustments and preparation are what help drive his business success. “Preparing for peak days and seasons comes with its challenges because of the sudden increase in demand. There are times wherein we have to extend our operations and double our efforts especially since mega-sale days are a big part of our sales.” He also highlights how Shopee’s user-centric platform helps them maintain a good relationship with their customers. “Shopee has an efficient customer service feature which allows us to address the concerns of our customers directly and improve how we serve them.”

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

Dengue results once a person is bitten by a mosquito carrying the dengue virus.

Most of the victims of dengue are children.

fter two days of rain one night, sixyear-old Jenny came down with a fever. Her mother, Esther, noted that Jenny had lost her appetite and that her skin was flushed, but wasn’t particularly concerned. She gave her paracetamol, which she believed would help the temperature to subside. The fever vanished the following day but returned the next. Seven days after the symptoms first appeared, Jenny became drowsy, breathing rapidly and with a racing pulse. Then she began to vomit blood. Esther rushed her daughter to hospital where a doctor administered blood transfusions, but it was too late. The little girl died soon afterwards. Jenny died of what is considered the most widespread mosquito-viral disease in the world. “After a dengue patient has gone into shock,” the doctor who tried to save Lenny explained, “it is just a matter of time before multi-organ failure occurs and death becomes inevitable.” Dengue has been known for over 200 years, with the first reported cases arising in 1779 and 1780 from a simultaneous outbreak in Jakarta, Indonesia; Philadelphia, United States and Cairo, Egypt. It has been in the Philippines since the 1950s but until now it has not been able to eradicate the disease. One study on the prevalence of dengue estimates that 3.9 billion people are at risk of infection with dengue virus. Despite a risk of infection existing in 128 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, 70% of the actual burden is shouldered by Asia. “The problem is increasing, the epidemics are dramatic and dengue is now one of the leading three causes of death in Asia,” says Dr. Allan Schapira, an epidemiologist working at the regional office of the World Health Organiza-

tion (WHO) in Manila. There are two kinds of diseases caused by dengue virus – classical dengue fever known for more than 200 years and is now resurging. The other new entity, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) – also called Philippine, Thai, or Southeast Asian hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome – emerged in 1953 in Manila and in 1958 in Bangkok. Today, DHF is now all over in tropical areas but most common in Southeast Asia, China, and Cuba. In Asia, the number of recorded dengue cases per year is about 200,00 to 400,000 – “but this is just the tip of the iceberg,” Dr. Schapira points out. “The real number of infections is probably about 10 times as high, but many people get infected without falling sick.” Every year, about 3,000 deaths are recorded, but it is likely that several times as many are not reported. The WHO regional office says that peak incidence for dengue cases in most Asian countries, including the Philippines, is during the rainy season from June to November each year. During these months, high cases of dengue are recorded in all endemic areas. More than 90% of the recorded deaths are in children under 15. “Dengue is a big problem among children because it is a major cause of illness and deaths,” says Dr Lulu C. Bravo, of the College of Medicine at the University of the Philippines.

WATCH OUT FOR DEADLY DENGUE

(FIRST OF TWO PARTS)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO from Dr. Richard Mata and Wikipedia

Dr. Richard Mata sharing his experience and expertise on dengue fever among Panabo City officials.

Approximately 5% of all DHF cases are fatal. Without proper treatment, DHF fatality rates reach 15% more. “Although dengue is rarely lethal, its contribution to disease and ill health, especially among young children, should make dengue control a primary public health concern,” says Dr. Dominic Garcia, an infectious disease specialist.

The symptoms of dengue fever are now familiar to most people situated in areas where the disease is most widespread. Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever with chills or chilly sensations. Headaches, pain on moving the eyes, backache and muscle and joint pains are also common. “Extreme aching in

the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “The temperature rises rapidly to as high as 40 degrees Centigrade, with relative bradycardia (heart beating less than 60 beats a minute) and hypotension (abnormal condition in which the blood pressure is too low for normal functioning).

Fever and other symptoms of dengue persist for 48 to 96 hours, followed by rapid dropping of fever with profuse sweating.” A rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever. The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Older children and adults are usually

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and Local Government 11 (DILG 11) were vaccinated on May 25, 2022. She reported also that from the target of 75 employees of BPO Solutions, they were able to vaccinate 55 employees on May 27, 2022 while 70 individuals from the target of 90 employees of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) were inoculated on the same day. “Pero balikan nato ni sila para makompleto nato ang atong bakunahan,” she said. Apart from that the Vaccination Cluster was already doing activities in public offices and is also bringing the vaccination

rollout to the government offices. As of May 27, 2022 at least 86 percent to 87 percent of the Dabawenyos are fully vaccinated with the primary dose series. However, several Dabawenyos still don’t take their booster doses. “Medyo kung ato tanawon hinay gyud ang atoang booster rollout,” Schlosser said. Vice President-Elect Sara Duterte-Carpio urged Dabawenyos to get their booster shots as soon as possible since these are already available at vaccination sites.

ty and safety of the passengers and residents of the city and neighboring provinces. We are issuing this temporary guideline [until further announcement],”

Comia said. He clarified, however, that bus passengers could still alight at their points of destinations in the city. (PNA)

pro-open pit mining supporters occupied the venue. The antis applied for a rally permit in front of the capitol while the pros were supposed to have their activity at the Rizal Park, which is one block from each other. Tamayo, who came out from the compound of the capitol around noontime with the pro-mining supporters dispersing, said he would decide “based on what’s good for the province.” Talking to reporters later, Tamayo said the rallies of the pro- and anti-open pit mining advocates “will not give weight on his decision.” According to the governor, he will use his “little negotiating power,” should

SMI proceed to commercial production, to push the company to put up a private air and water quality laboratory, and make the company ensure enough water supply for the irrigation system and that potable water supply will not be contaminated by hazardous mining by-products. He said he would let the public know his decision this “Friday or Saturday.” Addressing the crowd, Bishop Cerilo Casicas, of the Diocese of Marbel, appealed to Tamayo to veto the measure. This was the second time that the diocese held an activity in front of the capitol to urge the governor to veto the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining.

port these incidents in order for the police to conduct investigations and eventually to catch the culprits. Gaspan stressed the police also need to update its rouge gallery, or the compilation of pictures of the probable suspects. She said that the social media is noisy about expe-

riences of crimes but as far as the police record is concerned, there are only three crimes against property included in their data. Gaspan also urged the citizenry to observe self-security by not leaving valuables inside their cars or by being watchful of their surroundings.

cated to PhilHealth to fund the UHC law. “This means we have already given almost P33 billion for healthcare from 2019 to 2021, and I think it would greatly help the UHC program now that consultations for primary care will be shouldered by PhilHealth,” she said.

For his part, Pinili said that the UHC remittance guidelines signed by PAGCOR and PCSO jointly seek to provide mechanisms for transparent, accountable, timely and sustainable fund provision for benefits improvement of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).

lost to Ty Lue and the Cavs the following year. Toronto’s Nick Nurse also won it in his first year as an NBA coach against the Warriors in 2019. Before that, the only first-year coaches to win the NBA Finals since the 1950s were Pat Riley (1982 Lakers) and Paul Westhead (1980 Lakers). INSPIRATION Golden State owner

Joe Lacob was a minority owner of the Celtics before taking over the downtrodden Warriors in 2010. At the time, he said he hoped the Warriors could rival the success of franchises like the Celtics and Lakers. “We were trying to change the direction of this franchise at the time,” Lacob said. “So the first thing you have to do is set goals.”

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five to 21 days. Mura siya ug chicken pox pero larger ang iyang samad,” she said. WHO reported that cases of monkeypox in non-endemic countries were reported between May 13 to 21, 2022: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. “The good thing about this after two to three weeks naa siya’y recovery. But to

prevent the severity, just like Covid-19, is through a vaccine,” Schlosser said. The CCCs function as a one-stop shop for contact tracing and consultations for those who are manifesting Covid-19 symptoms. It is also where the swabbing, quarantine, and reintegration of recovered individuals are facilitated. The city government of Davao will open more Covid-19 Cluster Clinics at the Talomo River and in Ilang, Tibungco.

City and the municipalities of Carmen, Panabo, Dujali, and Santo Tomas, Province of Davao del Norte for 25 years and other purposes and ensuring the continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity in the franchise area” was spon-

sored by Palawan First District Representative Franz Alvarez, Ako Bicol Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr, Davao del Norte First District Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, and PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles. By Maya M. Padillo

cated for reforms through the adoption of corporate governance codes, sustainability reporting guidelines, and similar rules. The Commission likewise adheres to global development initiatives as member of international organizations such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions, ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, the Global Financial Innovation Network, and the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators, among others. This year, the SEC has

successfully maintained the ISO 9001:2015 Certification of its quality management system covering all core services across its main and extension offices. The SEC was likewise named Circle of Excellence Awardee for the Best Sustainability Company of the Year in the Asia CEO Awards in 2021. Prior to that, the Commission received the ISAR Honours from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2019 for instituting sustainability reporting in the corporate sector. (PR/SEC Davao)

ists can also enjoy daytime swimming, particularly in Wangke,” Tagapan said. “We are still implementing the minimum health

protocols in our tourist sites, such as the wearing of the face masks to help protect our visitors,” she added. (PNA)

the BOC in its law enforcement activities while the latter will, upon forfeiture of its seized illegal fuel, donate them to the AFP. Fuel marking, which involves injecting chemical

identifiers into tax-paid oil products, is being carried out under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law to curb smuggling of petroleum products.

alamat sa lahat ng mga atletang Pilipino na nagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bayan,” Go said. “Isang mataas na pagsaludo din sa lahat ng mga manlalaro natin, sa kanilang mga coaches at mga trainors na naghanda sa mahabang panahon para sa palarong ito,” the senator acknowledged. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also earlier pushed for the allocation of sufficient funding for the preparation, training and participation of Filipino athletes in the 2022 SEA Games. He also pushed for funding for the site development and preparation of the Master Development Plan of the Philippine Sports Training Center. “Ako naman, bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, patuloy ko pong susuportahan ang ating mga atleta sa abot ng aking

makakaya. Noong 2020 ay naisabatas ang pagtatayo ng National Academy of Sports (NAS) sa pamamagitan ng Republic Act 11470—na ako ang may-akda at isa sa co-sponsor sa Senado hanggang maging ganap na batas,” Go said while adding “pwedeng hasain ang talento at kakayahan ng ating mga batang atleta habang sila ay nag-aaral.” Emphasizing the country’s great sporting potential, Go has repeatedly urged the government to continue improving its sports development initiatives, particularly in terms of providing adequate support for local athletes and promoting sports at the grassroots level. “Malaki ang tulong ng sports sa pagdevelop ng ating kabataan. They are taught values of discipline and hard work. At the same time, we are complementing

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sicker than young children. DHF is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high continuous fever (40-41 degrees Celsius) lasting 2-7 days that may be accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and subsequent evidence of bleeding like persistent red spots on the skin, nose or gum bleeding, coffee-ground vomit, and dark stools. The patient can go into shock (referred to as dengue shock syndrome). In moderate DHF cases, all signs and symptoms abate after the fever subsides. In the worst cases, parents are advised to watch for these danger signs: restlessness, cold clammy skin, sudden abdominal pain, having difficulty in breathing, and behavioral change. Most people equate DHF with influenza and similar flu-like diseases. “There is usually a rash in dengue while there is none in flu,” Dr. Schapira explains. “Fever caused by dengue tends to last almost a week, while that of flu disappears after 3-5 days.” Sarah Estrera thought her 8-year-old son, Justin, had the flu since he manifested symptoms like fever, chills, headache, runny and stuffy nose, sore throat, and weakness. A day later, her son complained of muscle and joint pains. The fever was gone one day and returned the following day. By this time, there were rashes all over his arms and blood was oozing from his nose. “There’s something wrong with our son,” Sarah frantically told her husband, Gerry. The couple immediately brought their son to the nearest hospital. The doctor conducted a blood test and confirmed Sarah’s observation. “Justin is suffering from dengue fever,” he said. “He is in need of type-B blood as his platelets have dropped to a critical level.” Since Gerry had the same blood type as his son, the doctor conducted a blood transfusion. Three days after he was admitted, Justin was back to his former self. His parents were relieved. “We thought we would lose him,” Sarah said. “We had a neighbor whose daughter also experienced the same thing. Left untreated, she died.” Most people, particularly parents, are terrified of dengue because when the blood platelets decrease, it causes severe bleeding and may ultimately result our efforts of keeping them away from illegal drugs and crime, and making them productive citizens of our country,” Go explained. As the country continues to improve on its sports performance, the senator applauded the government’s ongoing efforts to fully support Filipino athletes when it comes to their training and other forms of assistance. “Nakikita naman po natin sa kanilang ipinamalas sa nakaraang mga palaro na basta malakas ang suporta

in death. This thinking, said Dr. Richard T. Mata, is very wrong. “That’s a misconception,” stressed Dr. Mata, who is a consultant for dengue through WHO at the health department. In an interview, he talked of another disease called ITP, which stands for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura. “It is not dengue but it also has low platelets as less than 5 but I noticed patients are just playing around far from dying. “So, that proves the point: the low platelet is not the main cause of dengue deaths,” he said. “What really kills dengue patients is dehydration.” According to Dr. Mata, “when the mosquito bites you, the dengue virus will enter your blood vessels and it will cause plasma leakage, or what I call as butas ang mga ugat. It’s like you have thousands of pinpoint holes in your blood vessels that cause it to leak with water that will cause dehydration. “Para kang supot na may tubig na may butas,” he continued. “It’s like a secret diarrhea. And that’s why it’s dangerous because you cannot see the fluids that come out of the vessels unlike in loose bowel movement where it’s obvious. So, it’s easier to estimate the needed amount of hydration in diarrhea than that of dengue. All the worst if you don’t even know it’s dehydration.” Dr. Mata said dehydration causes shock: “Dahil naubos na ang tubig, wala ng pressure. Kaya nga tinawag na dengue shock.” Dehydration also causes intestinal ulcers that cause bleeding. “And because the platelets are low, the bleeding becomes severe. But if there was no dehydration, there will be no ulcer and thus no bleeding – even if the platelets are low just like in ITP. So, it still boils down to dehydration.” Dehydration likewise causes kidney failure, which results from the decrease in urine output. “This causes the water to be retained in the lungs thereby creating congestion that can kill the patients,” Dr. Mata said. Right now, there is no specific treatment for dengue. Fevers and pain killers can be taken to control the symptoms of muscle aches and pains, and fever. For severe dengue, medical care by physicians and nurses experienced with the effects and progression of the disease can save lives. (To be concluded) ng pamahalaan ay maganda rin ang kanilang nagiging performance,” he highlighted. He appealed for the incoming administration to continue strengthening programs, financial aid, and infrastructure to help the athletes succeed. “Marami nang magagandang idinulot ang ating mga efforts para masuportahan ang atletang Pilipino at mapalakas ang sports development programs sa bansa. Paigtingin pa natin lalo ito,” Go said.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

SPORTS

Ime Udoka looks to steer the Celtics to the title in his first season as head coach.

Celtics-Warriors a battle of teams built though NBA draft

AN FRANCISCO — When Steve Kerr looks at the way the Boston Celtics built a championship-caliber team, he sees plenty of similarities to how his Golden State Warriors got to the NBA Finals in 2015.

Boston built a core through the draft by taking Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum during a four-year span from 2014-17 and added the necessary pieces to get over the hump this year to make it to the finals. Waiting for the Celtics in Game One on Thursday

night (Friday, Manila time) will be Kerr’s Warriors, who are making their sixth trip in eight years led by the homegrown core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. NBA Finals: Warriors-Celtics starters’ matchup, key bench players “Traditionally, this is

how it’s supposed to work in the NBA,” Kerr said. “If you look over the years, you grow a team through the draft, you take your lumps through the playoffs, you climb up and then you get to the finals. Our team was built somewhat the same way. ... I think that’s good for the sport.” That approach bucks a growing trend around the league of megastar movement as teams have tried to build more through free agency and trades than in the draft. Both teams have eight players on the roster ac-

quired originally in the draft and this is the first finals since Chicago-Utah in 1998, according to ESPN, when the top three playoff scorers from both teams made their NBA debuts with their current teams. The similarities between the teams isn’t complete, with the biggest discrepancy being experience. Led by Curry, Thompson and Green, the Warriors have a total of 123 games played in the finals on their roster compared to none for the Celtics, who lost in the Eastern Conference finals three times in the pre-

vious five years. “There are obviously nerves and adrenaline and anxiety and nerves — like everything in terms of the emotions of playing at this stage,” Curry said about his first finals appearance. “That first game is sometimes all over the place because of that. And once you settle in, it does become about basketball, like it normally is.” Celtics coach Ime Udoka, who was an assistant on two teams that went to the finals in San Antonio, isn’t overly concerned, citing the experience his top players

have gotten in the postseason in recent years. Boston won two Game 7s just to get here this season, beating defending champion Milwaukee at home in the second round and winning at Miami in the conference final. FIRST-YEAR COACH Udoka is the fifth coach since 2015 to make the finals in his first year as an NBA head coach, with three of the previous four winning it all. Kerr beat Cleveland’s David Blatt in a battle of first-year NBA coaches in the 2015 finals and then

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FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

EXCELLENCE, CONSISTENCY EQUALS SPORTS RENAISSANCE I would not slam nor condemn our sports officials even if the Philippines finished a (poor) fourth in the recently-concluded SEAG in Vietnam. Although where it mattered most, we lost the basketball golden trophy to Indonesia - a favorite whipping boy - I would not condemn the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. I would not even if its apology came three days late. I would not also condemn coach Chot Reyes even if he was negligent in his choices of the best qualified members of the national

team; even if he lamented to high heavens that the absence of Japhet Aguilar (due to injuries) invariably weakened Gilas’ offensive and defensive structures. I would rather stay positive and praise the men and women who - despite great odds - continue to perform their best in the most trying times under the worst circumstances. These athletes, whether they brought home a medal or not, deserved to be nurtured, nourished and provided the best coaches possible because in the next competition, they will come out sure

winners. Of course, the SEAG shouldn’t be our principal gauge for our athletes to excel in. By all means, sports officials, stakeholders and policy-makers should look forward to inter-continental contests where the best and the mightiest take part. There are three arenas - as far as the Pinoy athlete is concerned where his value and true worth are measured competently and tested to the hilt. These are the IOC-sanctioned and organized Asian Games, the Olympics and the World Champi-

onships. However, even if the country savored for awhile the Olympic glory that Hidilyn Diaz brought home with her victory in women’s weightlifting, elite sports should not take precedence over grassroots development. This has been a sensitive issue among thinkers in the Philippine Olympic Committee and PSC policy-makers because money meant for grassroots development has been spread thinly in our collective desire to pursue the quest for the country’s first Olympic gold. Ideally, we should have at this

point in time, a continuing and sustainable spawning ground for talent identification and sourcing. There was a time within the POC when aging athletes almost past their prime were still being harnessed to wear the national colors. As Carlos Yulo and his ilk begin to stamp their class among their peers in the Southeast Aian region, I see how vibrant and vigorous our sports development is coming into. There is a sports renaissance on the horizon. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 43 • FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

Filipino athletes march in during the recent Hanoi SEA Games.

DOUBLE INCENTIVES Bong Go commends achievements of SEA Games medalists

enator Christopher “Bong” Go congratulated Team Philippines on their amazing performance at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, as the medalists paid President Rodrigo Duterte a courtesy call at the Malacañang Palace, where the latter also presented them with incentives and awards. Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act, rewards a Filipino athlete PhP300,000 for each gold medal earned, while a silver and bronze medal are worth PhP150,000 and PhP60,000, respectively. Medalists who break current Philippine records, SEA Games standards, or world records in any measurable international competition may also be eligible for cash rewards, as determined by the Philippine Sports Commission. The President has consistently been supportive of athletes by providing them necessary support and additional benefits throughout his term. During the courtesy visit, President Duterte also conferred the athletes with the Order of Lapu-Lapu award and additional incentives after a successful appeal from Go. Gold medalists were given P250,000 while silver and bronze medalists were given P150,000 and P100,000 each, respective-

ly. Team sports with two to four members were given the same amount divided amongst themselves while athletes in teams with more than five members were each given 25% of the said amounts depending on their medals. This is on top of what was provided in accordance with RA10699. Go, on the other hand, also provided small tokens to the athletes and coaches who were present during their courtesy visit and vowed to continue promoting their welfare as a legislator, public servant, and sports enthusiast himself. Team Philippines finished fourth in the medal table with a total of 227 medals, including 52 gold medals, 70 silver medals, and 105 bronze medals. In a statement, Go, who is the head of the Senate Committee on Sports, expressed gratitude for the efforts of all the athletes who competed in the biennial sports meet. “Taus-puso ang aking pasas-

FDOUBLE, P10