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FAIR PROBE Victim’s family requests San Pedro Police, PRO 11 to inhibit from bar shooting investigation STORY ON PAGE 2
The family of Amierkhan Mangacop is requesting San Pedro Police and Police Regional Office 11 to inhibit in the investigation. The family also requested to transfer the investigation to the National Bureau of Investigation 11 (NBI 11). Photo from the Justice for Amier Mangacop FB account
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
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A health worker administers a vaccine against Covid-19 to a resident under the 12 to 17 years old sector in Davao City. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he wanted more students to receive their Covid-19 booster shots before face-to-face classes resume in November. Edge Davao
FAIR PROBE
Victim’s family requests San Pedro Police, PRO 11 to inhibit from bar shooting investigation By MAYA M. PADILLO
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Mangacop, a 19-yearold Grade 9 student, was shot seven times in a shooting incident on July 2, 2022, at Lugar Bar in J. Camus Extension, Brgy. 9-A, Davao City in Davao City. Tagged as suspect in the killing is Dr. Marvin Rey Andrew Roflo Pepino, PNP Non-Uniformed Personnel of PRO 11 and son of the late Police BGen Marvin Manuel Pepino.
The family is also requesting that the investigation and case files including those in the possession of the PNP Davao Cybercrime Unit for Forensic be transferred to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)Davao Region. Pepino is currently in the custody of San Pedro Police Station. In a letter signed by the legal counsel of the Manga-
cop family lawyer Andrew Cabahug and addressed to Jonathan Balite, regional director of NBI 11; lawyer Jhopee Avancena, chief of the City Prosecution Office, and lawyer Joy Tala Montero, Inquest Prosecutor of the City Prosecution Office, the family’s requests aim to ensure due process and equal protection will be given to the family as well as a fair and just investigation of the case. Based on the letter shared to Edge Davao, the Mangacop family has requested for the police’s inhibitions from the case and
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the city. The City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) said on Tuesday the swine was initially cleared of ASF during antemortem inspection since the ASF virus is difficult to detect among live animals. Dr. Maria Corazon Sepulveda, assistant chief of
the CVO surveillance team, said in a statement that a pig processed on June 20 at the city’s Maa slaughterhouse was found positive for ASF during postmortem inspection. She said the pig’s carcass was immediately disposed of. A hog stockyard at the
he family of Amierkhan Mangacop wants a fair investigation to his death and has asked the San Pedro Police and Police Regional Office 11 to inhibit.
transfer the investigation to the NBI-Davao because of the statements released by the police to the media. It cited San Pedro Police Station commander Police Major Benkalin Baluan’s statement to the media that the victim mauled Pepino, which caused him to shoot the victim as an act of self-defense. According to the letter this was reported and published online when there was no complaint yet being filed with the Prosecutor’s Office and none from the victim’s family was inter-
Bankerohan public market in the city was also shut down after ASF was detected from a specimen taken from the place. CVO quickly assured residents “there is no ASF outbreak” in the city and called the ASF infection at
FFAIR, P10
BARMM builds 50 homes for Cotabato indigents
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t will be a dream come true for about 50 indigent families here as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) started building decent homes for them on Wednesday. “Cotabato City is lucky as BARMM poured more infrastructure projects in our area,” said Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao after signing an agreement with the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) for the construction of 50 housing units in Barangay Kalanganan 2 here. Matabalao said the PHP31.8-million housing project will have units complete with a living room, kitchen, comfort room, and two bedrooms. It will also have ready water and electricity connections.
1 remaining NPA group ‘hitches’ Davao’s insurgency-free status
Pig from SoCot butchered O in Davao City yields ASF
hog that came from Banga town, South Cotabato, and butchered at an abattoir in Davao City was found infected with the African Swine Fever (ASF), prompting veterinary authorities to impose stricter biosecurity measures in and around
FPIG, P10
It is funded through the General Appropriation Act of Bangsamoro 2022. Since his assumption into office on June 30, Matabalao said the BARMM has pledged about PHP900 million worth of infrastructure projects to the city. MHSD Director-General Esmael Ibrahim said that aside from a new home, the beneficiaries will also get a certificate of land ownership. “Itong housing units ay parang 3-in-1 instant coffee, may lupa ka na, may titulo ka na, at may bahay ka na for free (It’s like 3-in1 instant coffee, you have a house, a land and a title on your own for free),” Ebrahim said. During the ceremony, MHSD also turned over the check amounting to PHP31,785,700 for the project’s implementation. (PNA)
nly one New People’s Army (NPA) rebel unit remains before Davao Region can be declared “insurgency-free”, the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) said Wednesday. “Even when President Rodrigo Duterte ended his term, the 10ID continues its efforts to push for the declaration of our areas of responsibility as free from insurgency. In Davao Region, there is just one left, the weakened NPA Guerrilla Front (GF) 18 that operates in Davao Oriental province,” Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10ID
spokesperson, said. Tito said the military has cleared the barangays that were formerly influenced by the NPA GF-18, enabling it to be declared a “weakened unit.” He also noted that Davao Oriental was the first to establish best practices that served as a benchmark for the military in its NPA clearing operations. Other provinces and cities in the Davao Region have been declared only this year as insurgency-free. Davao City was first to be declared insurgency
F1 REMAINING, P10
EDGEDAVAO
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NEWS
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Mati City’s sleeping dinosaur, a land formation located along the world-famous Pujada Bay that resembles a submerged dinosaur sleeping on its belly. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 (DENR 11), the Provincial ENR Office and the Mati City ENRO denied the story published by Rappler. com calling Pujada Bay as a “virtual cesspool”. Edge Davao
PCCCI-Mindanao to highlight advocacies in MinBizCon 2022 Rappler’s ‘Virtual cesspool’ story on Pujada Bay debunked by DENR
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he Regional Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local environment officials questioned the existence of the source of a Rappler. com report calling Mati City’s Pujada Bay as a “virtual cesspool”. The Rappler story published on June 28, 2022 and written by former Provincial Information Office staff Ferdinand Zuasola claimed that “a Philippine Environmental Management Bureau (PEMB) study showed that the fecal coliform contamination of Pujada Bay has already reached more than 2,000 parts per million which is way beyond the tolerable level of 200 ppm.” Local officials of the Provincial ENR Office and the Mati City ENRO likewise debunked the report. Doris Valdesco, Davao Oriental PENRO head, said that fecal coliform contamination is normal in all coastal areas where humans are also known to co-habit. She said that though she could not verify the veracity of the so-called PEMB study cited by the Rappler story. Valdesco claims there is no PEMB office in the government. “What we have at the
DENR is only the Environmental Management Bureau or the EMB,” Valdesco said whose statement was concurred upon by DENR 11 Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco. RED Evasco also said that water sampling is specific only to the area where the water sample was taken and does not necessarily reflect the situation in the entire Pujada Bay. “Kapag sinabing may fecal coliform sa isang area, specific lng yan sa kung saang water sampling stations nakuha ang water sample. If sa isang sampling station may fecal coliform, hindi ibig sabihin na sa buong area ganun din,” Mati CiENRO assistant department head Jovelyn Lugo quoted Evasco as saying. The City of Mati LGU requested and is now still waiting for an official copy of the result of the latest water sampling undertaken by DENR-EMB in Pujada Bay to verify the Rappler report. Regardless of the water sampling result, Valdesco and Lugo said that what is important is that the local government units along with the DENR are implementing mitigating mea-
FRAPPLER’S, P10
By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Mindanao will highlight its advocacies for Mindanao at the upcoming Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) MinBizCon is an annual event organized by the PCCI that aims to create an avenue for top businessmen, key industry players, government executives, and other private sector leaders to discuss economic concerns and opportunities in Mindanao, which will eventually lead to the crafting of better policies
and strategies for the development of the region. Art Milan, head of PCCCI-Mindanao, said PCCI-Mindanao has dozens of resolutions and advocacies including sustaining peace and security and the continuation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
“We wanted the peace and security be sustained if not even further improved number one on the support to BARMM because we need that. Number 2, is the continuation of the NTF-ELCAC where localized peace talks can be undertaken and third is the continuous fight against illegal drugs,” he said during Wednesdays Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall. It is also the advocacy of PCCI-Mindanao the continuing implementation of the “Build Build Build”
projects and according to Milan, although, there are a lot of improvements in the basic infrastructure in Mindanao there is still a lot to be done such as the establishment of more airports and seaports. “Because connectivity and mobility are very important if you want to promote Mindanao. There are provincial airports that are already on stream and we wanted that completed in the soonest possible time, especially since we now partly wanted to pro-
consumption ng sikwate or other Davao-made treats that precisely because we find more varieties of these fast food chocolates in the groceries,” Holganza said during Wednesdays Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall. Holganza added that many local brands like Malagos chocolates can be found in supermarkets and groceries but a lot of smaller local chocolate brands have not yet penetrated
because of the awareness of Dabawenyos for Davaomade chocolate brands is not very high. She also said some have assumed that chocolates made from local cacao beans are more expensive. Toto Muyco, chairman of the Region 11 Cacao Council, said that in his company the bulk of his sales comes from tourists. “In our experience like in Cacao City around 70 percent of the sales of Ca-
cao City comes from the tourists. In our own company “Sikwate,” we mostly sell to Manila than in Davao so mas maliit yung share ng Davao sa sales natin,” he said. Building up awareness of the chocolates made from local cacao beans is among the goals of the three-day Chocolate Fair in Abreeza Mall that will open on July 7, 2022. The activity will feature 12 homegrown
FPCCCI, P10
Cacao players want Dabawenyos to patronize local chocolates
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acao players are hoping that Dabawenyos will patronize Davaomade chocolates. Wit Holganza, a member of the Cacao Industry Council, said a lot of Dabawenyos eat chocolates but they mostly buy fast food chocolates from groceries. “Many of the fast-food chocolate that you see in the grocery is not made out of local Davao cacao beans. That is why I say lower
FCACAO, P10
4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 73 • FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022
Customers eat their lunch at a McDonald’s outlet in Matina, Davao City. Leading food chain stores McDonald’s and Jollibee have confirmed they are currently facing a shortage of chicken in some of their stores. Edge Davao
Diokno targets doubledigit GDP growth in Q2
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inance Secretary Benjamin Diokno is optimistic about a double-digit growth for the domestic economy in the second quarter of 2022 following the 8.3-percent expansion in the first three months this year.
“Q2 2022 will hit double-digit growth. That’s my bet,” he told journalists in a Viber message on Wednesday. During a Palace briefing, Diokno said the government expects full-year growth, as measured by gross domestic product
(GDP), to be between 6.5 to 7.5 percent, which are “conservative figures.” “In fact, this is going to be the highest. The consensus is this will be the highest growth rate among all Asean+3 countries this year and next year,” he said. Diokno said domestic
growth will likely be stronger in the second quarter, adding the first quarter was even affected by a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections but growth remained strong. He also discounted wider lockdowns if ever there will be another uptick in Covid-infections. “We have now graduated from being pandemic to endemic,” he added. “We have to live with the virus because a lot of people have been vaccinated against the virus.
nflation could further heat up if the peso’s depreciation is not checked, an analyst warned a day after inflation soared to almost a 4-year high of 6.1 percent in June. Jun Neri, lead economist of BPI, also said the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas needs to step up interest rate hikes to help check the peso’s slide versus the dollar, and prevent the country’s gross international reserves from shrinking. He also said that hiking interest rates now will
prevent even more painful rate hikes later. “If the rate hikes of the BSP are timed very well and carried out forcefully enough we don’t have to have big rate hikes later on. If we don’t delay then it should protect us from even bigger adjustments
For 2023-2028, the growth projections are between 6.5 to 8 percent, he said. The 2022 growth figures cited by Diokno are lower than the 7 to 8 percent projection approved by the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) during its meeting last May 24. DBCC’s approved 20232025 growth projection is between 6 to 7 percent. Meanwhile, Diokno said
later on as long as we are able to preserve a good amount of our international reserves,” Neri said. He said that the Philippines has already shown that it can grow at a fast pace of over 6 percent even if the BSP’s policy
FTARGETS, P10
Inflation may worsen if peso slide not checked: analyst I
FINFLATION, P10
Jollibee, McDo confirm chicken supply shortage in some stores
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ast-food giants Jollibee Group and McDonald’s Philippines have confirmed that some of their stores had been experiencing chicken supply challenges. “Due to continued increase in consumer demand and limited chicken supply in the market that meets our high quality standards, a small number of stores of Jollibee and Mang Inasal are unable to serve some chicken orders,” the Jollibee Group said in a statement on Wednesday. McDonalds’ Philippines Corporate Relations director Adi Hernandez said there were “only a number of stores that temporarily don’t offer certain chicken products.” Hernandez said this was “due to an increase in demand and unavailability of chicken supply that meet our standards and specifications, serving only our best to customers.” However, she said that McDonald’s Philippines continued to serve chicken
products in its stores. The Jollibee Group said chicken supply was “already improving.” “We are continuously working with suppliers to address the immediate demand,” it said. “We are confident that these select branches will be able to fully serve their customers’ chicken orders soon.” Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority as of March 31 showed the total chicken inventory was estimated at 187.66 million birds, 2.4% higher than the 183.27 million birds in the same period last year. Inventory of broiler chicken and layer chicken grew by 10.7% and 0.5%, respectively. On the other hand, native/improved chicken population declined by -2.3%. Of the total chicken population, native/improved chicken accounted for 43%, followed by broiler chicken with 33.7% share and layer chicken with 23.3% share, according to PSA data.
VOL.15 ISSUE 73 • FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022
EDGEDAVAO
KNOW YOUR MONEY. More than 150 cash handlers and staff from SM Lanang Premier’s mall tenants and Treasury Office attended the “Know Your Money: An Introduction to Philippine Banknotes and Coins” briefing conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Mindanao Regional Office on July 5, 2022 at SM Lanang Premier’s SM Cinema 6. Through the briefing, cash handlers were able to distinguish myths from the actual ways one
Diokno: Gov’t eyes ‘targeted’ fuel subsidies for transport drivers
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ectors currently receiving fuel subsidies from the government will continue to get respite from the sustained increase of fuel prices, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. “We will continue the grant of the fuel subsidies to the affected parties like the drivers, the farmers, and the fisherfolk,” he said during a briefing at the Palace on Wednesday. The government provided targeted subsidies amounting to PHP6,500 to lessen the impact of the surging oil prices on the affected sectors. It has budgeted around PHP6.1 billion for this program for the transportation and agriculture sectors. Diokno said funds for the fuel subsidy will come
from windfall tax, adding the current depreciation of the peso resulted in higher-peso value of oil imports thus, higher taxes for oil and fuel products. He said since jumps in domestic inflation rate are not only due to higher oil prices but also supply issues for several products, like meat and fish, the government will also continue to import products that are facing supply constraints. “And of course we will try to improve the transportation and logistics sectors,” he added. The increase in oil prices in the international market has affected domestic oil prices, as well as those of other commodities like food.
FDIOKNO, P3
ECONOMY
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can identify genuine banknotes and coins including the new P1,000 polymer banknote. It also gave them the opportunity to learn the actual laws that govern the handling of cash in the country. Photo courtesy of SM Supermalls
Region 12’s domestic workers get pay hike T he Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Soccsksargen Region (RTWPB-12) has set a new minimum wage for domestic workers or “kasambahay” starting July 16, 2022. RTWPB-12 Board Secretary Jessie Dela Cruz said Wednesday the board unanimously approved the PHP500 increase in the salary of “kasambahay” after a public hearing held in Koronadal City on June 28. Under the new wage order, household work-
ers employed in cities and first-class municipalities will receive a monthly salary of PHP4,500 while those in other municipalities should get PHP3,500. Dela Cruz said the agency has not received any petition for salary adjustments for domestic
workers and the increase was through the initiative of the RTWPB. “We did it based on the principle of ‘motu propio’ because like our workers in the private sector, the last salary increase for household workers in the region was in 2020,” Dela Cruz said in an interview. He said the board also took into consideration the present situation that has already affected the families of the domestic workers in the region.
to the overall growth of digital payments were merchant payments, peerto-peer (P2P) remittances, and business payments of salaries and wages to employees, all of which are high-frequency, low value retail transactions. The volume of merchant payments increased by 43.8 percent, while P2P remittances grew by 268.6 percent. Business payments of
salaries and wages, meanwhile, grew by 170.2 percent during the period. This indicates that for salary disbursements, businesses are transitioning from cash to digital channels, such as electronic fund transfers to bank or e-money accounts. Moreover, the significant rise in the use of account-to-account electronic fund transfers could be seen as a result of expand-
ing access to transaction accounts and the shifting preference of consumers toward the use of digital modes for payments. During the pandemic, Filipinos who had accounts were able to safely and conveniently conduct financial transactions using their mobile devices in the comfort of their homes. “This capability for digital transactions should
The wage order is intended for domestic workers, whether under stay-in or stay-out arrangements, such general house helpers, babysitters cooks, gardeners, laundry persons, and any person who regularly performs domestic work in one household or on an occupational basis. Those who do housework sporadically like family drivers, service providers, and the like are not covered by the order. (PNA)
be within reach of every Filipino in our increasingly digital economy,” Medalla said. “Hence, the BSP, with the support of the payments industry led by the Philippine Payments Management, Inc., continues to promote a vibrant and inclusive digital payments ecosystem where every Filipino can actively participate and enjoy its benefits,” he added. (PR)
BSP: Digital payments breach 30% last year
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he share of digital payments to total retail payments volume in the Philippines rose to 30.3 percent in 2021 from 20.1 percent in 2020, according to the latest e-payments data of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The value of digital payments in the country, meanwhile, represented 44.1 percent of total retail payments in 2021, up
from the 26.8 percent recorded a year earlier. “The latest results show we are closer to meeting our objective of converting at least 50 percent of retail payment transactions to digital form by the end of 2023, under the BSP Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap,” BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said in a statement Wednesday. The key contributors
6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
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On the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Mindanao’s goal to highlight its advocacies for Mindanao at the upcoming Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon):
We wanted the peace and security be sustained if not even further improved number one on the support to BARMM because we need that. Number 2, is the continuation of the NTF-ELCAC where localized peace talks can be undertaken and third is the continuous fight against illegal drugs.” ART MILAN Head of PCCCI-Mindanao
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ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle
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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VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY “Sisiguraduhinnatin na mapapanagot ang mga responsable sa human trafficking, pati ýung mga opisyal na hinahayaang lumusot ang ganitong Gawain. Ayoko na may inaabusong Pilipino kahit asan man sila sa mundo. Galit ako sa mga nagsasamantala sa kapwa. Galit ako sa mga manloloko.” – Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, co-author and co-sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 ***
Before he bowed out as president of the Philippines, Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11862, otherwise known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Signed last June 23, it amends RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. In the 24-page law, the president reiterated: “It shall be a state policy to recognize the equal and inalienable rights and inherent human dignity of all members of the human family.” Upon a written order from a regional trial court, the new law said, law enforcers may now track and monitor the devices of a person charged with or suspected of committing human trafficking, especially when the violations entail internet and digital media use.
However, the written order requirement may be relinquished if the victim is a child and the offense involves the use of computer systems and digital platforms, according to RA 11862. The new law also makes accountable internet intermediaries, internet cafes and hotspots including establishments offering Wi-Fi access to the public, and financial intermediates, who shall knowingly or by gross negligence allow their respective infrastructure, facilities, or services to be used for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons. RA 11862 says a crime is also qualified when the trafficked person is a person with disability or is a member of an indigenous community or religious minority, when the crime has resulted in pregnancy or the trafficked person suffered mental or emotional disorder, and when the act is committed by or through the use of any computer system. In previous law, only a person who has personal knowledge of the commission of any offense – the trafficked person, the parents, spouse, siblings, children, or legal guardian – may file a complaint about trafficking. But in the new law, even social workers or representatives
of licensed child-caring institutions and the social welfare department, including those members of the police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and barangays, can file a complaint against those involved in human trafficking. “Trafficking in persons has become a billion-dollar industry that is projected to overtake arms sales as the most lucrative illegal business in the world. Trafficking in persons takes place because there is a demand for cheap goods and services,” wrote Winifred Doherty, representative to the United Nations of her Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, in World Mission. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said there are three elements that constitute human trafficking. First, the criminal act of recruitment, transportation, transfer harboring, or receipt of persons within or across national borders. Another is by means of threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim. Lastly, for the purpose of exploitation, which includes, at a minimum, exploiting the prostitution of others, other forms of
sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or similar practices, and removal of organs. “At least one element from each of these three groups is required before the definition applies,” the UNODC points out. In 2012 alone, the Department of Social Welfare and Development listed 1,376 victims of human trafficking across the country. In the first semester of 2013, around 645 cases had been reported. “However, the true number of victims in the Philippines is likely much more,” said a television report. “Many crimes go unreported because: (1) victims lack information on human trafficking, (2) crimes are concealed by victims and violators, and (3) families of victims accept the situation as normal.” Among the areas in the country with the highest number of reported human trafficking cases are Manila, Cebu, Angeles City and some cities in Mindanao. A report published in 2004 by the Vatican stated: “The Philippines has a serious trafficking problem of women and children illegally recruited into the tourist industry for sexual exploitation… The promise of recruiters offers women and children attractive jobs in the country or abroad, and instead they are coerced and forced and controlled
into the sex industry for tourists.” Among the factors cited for human trafficking in the country are: poverty, lack of economic development, unemployment, gender inequality, lack of education and sex tourism. “Forced labor and sex trafficking of men, women and children within the country remains a significant problem,” said the 2016 report of the US State Department. “Women and children from indigenous families and remote areas of the Philippines are most vulnerable to sex trafficking and some are vulnerable to domestic servitude and other forms of forced labor. Men are subjected to forced labor and debt bondage in the agricultural, fishing, and maritime industries.” As of 2020, the Philippines is ranked as Tier 1 (fully compliant with minimum standards of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act) in the Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States (US) State Department “after substantial efforts.” Some years back, EDGE Davao came up with a timely editorial. “Much still has to be done in the fight against human trafficking,” it said, “but it can be won if we all work against it. And the first step is understanding what it is.”
ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD
WOMEN IN DAVAO’S POLITICS (3) The phenomenal growth of women’s power in Davao’s political landscape did not explode until after 1986 when gender equality started to be strengthened and the voice of women empowered as a vital facet of partisan exercis-es. Many of those who have been thrust into the electoral limelight, particularly in Davao cities and provinces, is post-millennial revelations. Outside the earlier rosters (provided in the first two columns), other lady politicians from Davao region who are deserving of honorable mention are Aileen C. Almen-dras, daughter of ex-Davao City councilor and Santa Cruz mayor Alexis Almendras, who became Davao del Sur vice-governor. Prior to her provincial stint, she was mu-nicipal councilor of Santa Cruz. In 2016, Maria S. Sagarino
also became the first lady mayor of Sulop. In pre-martial law years, Araceli Villafuerte-Malag, elected to two consecutive terms (1968-71 and 1972-75), became the first lady municipal mayor of Magsaysay, Da-vao del Sur. In Malalag, Givel Montejo-Mamaril held the mayoralty for three consecutive terms (1998-2001; 2001-04; and 2004-07) was among the post-Marcos lady councilors in the region. In 2001, Concepcion P. Caminero became the first lady mayor of Kiblawan, and not too long ago, Gladys A. Razonable-Gascon became the first lady mayor of Padada in 2013. Three years later, Bansalan had its first lady town mayor in Quirina T. Sarte; she was reelected in 2019. Though Davao Oriental has registered the greatest number
of ladies to become city or town mayor, its Sangguniang Panlalawigan list also counts board member Marietta D. Palmera. In Tarragona town, Aurora D. Enriquez became the town’s first lady mayor in 1998; she was reelected three years. Banaybanay, meanwhile, has already been under two lady mayors, namely Eva T. Geollegue (2001-04), and Adalia Lopez-Tambuang (201316, 2016-19 and 2-019-2022). Davao del Norte has produced, among others, two dis-tinguished board members, namely Shirley Belen R. Aala and Jannet Tanong-Maboloc, while Davao del Sur’s list of lady politicos includes board members Anna Margarita Razonable and Norma Rivera, an IPMR or indigenous peoples’ mandatory representative. The provincial legislature of Davao de Oro has also given its
share of famous ladies, namely: Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay (as SK federation president), Kristine Ca-ballero-Rañon, Marie Jude Lopoz, Vicencia Secuya, Nena G. Atamosa, and Joanna Aileen A. Gentugaya (later Monkayo vice-mayor). Teopista Tenorio-Jauod became Mon-tevista mayor in 2003; and was reelected twice. Janet Brillantes-Diel, sister of ex-Monkayo mayors Jose-lito, and Manuel Brillantes, first won as municipal coun-cilor and later elected as vice mayor. Several others made it to the municipal council, namely: Sarah C. Tanghian, Concepcion L. Ayes, Erlinda H. Tumaob, Grace Lily Amacio-Gabato, Kimberly Benazir May R. Codilla, and Mary Queenstar C. Baltazar, representing the Sangguni-ang Kabataan (SK). Meanwhile, the component cities of Tagum, Panabo, and Sa-
mal in Davao del Norte also have their share of la-dy luminaries, namely: Eva Lorraine E. Estabillo, as Tagum vice-mayor and Ester L. Angoy, Ana A. Alvarez, and Jessica Pandacan-Ado (IPMR) as city councilors. While Devona H. Jumamil represents the Panabo city council, Genaphine S. Cañete and Helen S. Perez (ABC president) grace Samal’s sangguniang panlungsod as city councilors. For her part, Digos City’s roster of councilors include Concepcion R. Cadungog. For the record, Davao City has been home to two lady vice-presidential bets. In 1998, Irene Morada-Santiago ran for the country’s second highest post under the Aksyon Demokratiko while Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio launched her own bid in 2022 under the Lakas-CMD party.
8
EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 73 • FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022
COMPETITIVE EDGE
LANDBANK inaugurates BSP Branch
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) officially inaugurated a servicing unit to exclusively service the banking requirements of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Located on the ground floor of the BSP Multi-Story Building in Malate, Manila, the LANDBANK BSP Branch will provide the central bank with convenient access to the Bank’s products and services, including payroll servicing for BSP employees and payment facilitation to its third-party suppliers. Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Carlos G. Dominguez III, LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo, and incoming BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla led the inauguration rites for the BSP Branch on 27 June 2022. They were joined by BSP Monetary Board Members V. Bruce J. Tolentino and Anita Linda R.
Aquino, Deputy Governors Eduardo G. Bobier and Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and other LANDBANK senior officers. “The opening of the LANDBANK BSP Branch reflects our steadfast commitment to serve the requirements of the BSP in a timely and efficient manner. It also underscores our continuing support for BSP’s development agenda, in line with our unified approach in advancing financial inclusion and serving the nation,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Borromeo. More than 5,500 BSP employees—as well as employees of nearby government offices—are expected to benefit from the services of the LANDBANK BSP Branch, which is equipped with its own automated teller machine (ATM) and cash deposit machine (CDM).
The servicing unit also features a Digital Corner where customers can open a deposit account in only 15 minutes or less using the Bank’s Digital Onboarding System (DOBS), a pioneering web application launched in 2019 to simplify the account enrolment process for individuals and institutional customers. Opening an account via DOBS provides automatic enrollment to LANDBANK’s digital banking channels for safe and convenient online transactions. The system also allows existing DOBS account holders to update their information. LANDBANK is the only bank present in all 81 provinces in the country with a total of 607 branches and 58 lending centers, servicing the requirements of a diverse customer base, including unbanked and underserved communities.
Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III (2nd from left), LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (center), and incoming BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla (rightmost) lead the inauguration rites for the LANDBANK BSP Branch on 27 June 2022. Joining them are BSP Monetary Board Members Anita Linda R. Aquino (leftmost) and V. Bruce J. Tolentino (4th from left).
GSIS unveils 2022 art tilt winners
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) unveiled the 21 winning entries to the 17th GSIS National Art Competition on June 24 at the GSIS Gymnasium. The winners of the representational painting category, carrying the theme “Pagsulong at Pagasa sa Bagong Normal”, are James Sanorjo for his entry “Ugaliing Gawin” in first place; Mark Angelo Argarin’s “Partner sa Pagsulong”, second place; and Leonardo Manto III’s “Face to Face Class”, third place. In the abstract painting
category, Valerie Anne Feliza Valero bagged the top prize for her artwork “Shift & Change”. Valero is the first female participant to win the grand prize in any category since the start of this competition 17 years ago. Roberto Lolong’s “Di Ako Matalino” is second place; and Marcos Antonino Arsenio Royales XI’s “Curfew” won third prize. The sculpture “Pillars” by Rinald Sotto was conferred the grand prize; Leonardo Manto III’s “Face to Face Class” was awarded second place; and Ramon Garcia’s “Guardian of Na-
ture” came in third. Each top winner per category received P300,000, while the second and third place winners were given P200,000 and P100,000, respectively. GSIS also recognized four honorable mentions per category with a P25,000-prize. John Perry Pellejera’s “Refocused”, Norbeto Mallari’s “Tatawid Tayo”, Edwin Ladrillo’s “Ang Bagong Umaga”, and Norlando Pobre’s “Future for the Nation” were cited as honorable mention under the representational category.
The entries “Golden Horizon” by Godorfredo Orig; “Pink Wave” by Artgiveson Arreglado; “Breathing Patches of Hope and Dreams” by Dante Enage; and “Pag-asa” by Evangeline Marquez were awarded honorable mention in the abstract painting category. Sculptures “Bakunawa and the Seven Moons” by Kenneth Bosangit; “Our Imperfections Make Us Strong” by Walther Ocampo; “Fight Club” by John Erickson Dancel; and “Pressure, Heat and Time” by James Dayrit each received
an opportunity to develop emerging tech talents to support this rapid growth. Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes the need to upskill young Filipino talents and mold them to become tech leaders of to-
morrow through its Shopee Apprentice Program. Open to top university students, the Shopee Apprentice Program aims to develop future leaders in the tech industry by equipping them with critical skills such as problem solving, effective
communication, and adapting to a fast-paced working environment. Throughout the duration of the internship, Apprentices are immersed in Shopee’s collaborative work culture. They are given the chance to gain firsthand experience work-
honorable mention as well. All major prize entries are now part of the GSIS art collection. Entries will be displayed at the GSIS Museo ng Sining in Pasay City until August 31, 2022. Artists of non-winning entries or their designated representatives are requested to retrieve the artworks from September 1 until December 15, 2022 only. The video of the awarding ceremonies may be accessed through the GSIS Museo ng Sining Facebook page until August 31, 2022. The GSIS National Art
competition is one of the longest-running and prestigious art contests in the country today. It has become one of the few remaining venues where Filipino artists are given the opportunity to showcase their craft and gain recognition from the local art community. The GSIS Museo ng Sining accommodates a maximum of 25 visitors at a time and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, except on holidays. Visitors are required to present their vaccination cards at the entrance.
Shopee Apprentice Program Upskills Young Emergent Leaders
MANILA, JUNE 30, 2022 - By 2030, the digital economy is projected to generate up to PHP 5 trillion (USD 101.3 billion) in economic value in the Philippines. With e-commerce set to become a key pillar of the economy in the near future, there lies
ing on impactful large-scale projects in the e-commerce and digital finance industry. Apart from the exposure and valuable work experience, Apprentices can also expect to receive guidance and mentorship from Shopee’s top leaders as their internship journey progresses. Upon completion of the program, successful Apprentices have the option to join an accelerated track for the Global Leaders Program, Shopee’s 2-year flagship graduate program for young professionals. This year’s batch of Apprentices is a diverse mix of top students from prestigious local and international universities. To mark the beginning of their internship journey, the Apprentices were welcomed with an on-site event held at the Shopee office. The gathering allowed them to get to know one another, and hear the advice and testimonials from Apprentice Program alumni and men-
tors. Through their sharing, they were able to get an idea of what is in store for them and what to expect, as they embark on their rigorous internship journey. Karen Perez, Head of People at Shopee Philippines, shared “The Shopee Apprentice Program is a testament to our commitment to developing leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to maximizing our platform to provide even more opportunities to hone the skills of young tech talents, even at the career preparation stage.” The impending growth of the local tech industry emphasizes the need to develop and prepare young tech talent. To support this growth, Shopee is always on the lookout for young Filipinos interested in becoming drivers of growth in the tech industry. Learn more about how you can become an apprentice today and a leader tomorrow, by visiting: https://careers.shopee.ph/apprenticeprogram/.
9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 73 • FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022
Persistent abdominal cramps may be a symptom of colon cancer (stlukes.com. ph)
THE TRUTH ABOUT
COLON CANCER By HENRYLITO D. TACIO stlukes.com.ph, wikimedia.org, and my.clevelandclinic.org
J
ames Adlawan (not his real name) is your typical 40 years old. But when he learned that two of his cousins have been diagnosed with colon cancer, he decided to go to the Lanang Premiere Doctors Hospital in Davao City for a screening colonoscopy. “It’s better safe than sorry,” he said.
Dr. Paolo O. Dillera, the gastroenterologist who did the screening, saw a large, elevated, sessile polyp with a regular tubular surface pattern. He thought of it as either an adenoma or a low-grade intramucosal neoplasia. “If not detected and removed early, it has a high chance of developing to cancer,” Dr. Dillera said. “Luckily for this patient, he thought of prevention rather than cure.” The good news is: deaths caused by colon cancer have been dropping steadily over the last two decades, according to St. Luke’s Medical Center’s Dr. Alexandra Laya-Zinampan, whose specialties are gastroenterology and internal medicine. “This can be attributed to the fact that colon cancer screening advocated at 50 years of age with colonoscopy not only detects the existence of pre-cancerous polyps,” she explained. “It also allows the removal of any polyps that may develop into cancer later on in life.” Now, the bad news: the
incidence of colon cancer among adults under the age of 50 have been increasing steadily. “This may be because younger patients do not notice any symptoms to prompt testing before the recommended time,” Dr. Laya-Zinampan said. “Treatment can be delayed and the risk of colon cancer causing death will again increase.” In a news conference, Dr. Frederick Dy of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG) was quoted as saying by Philippine Star: “Over the past year, we thought, in the gastrointestinal tract, the liver is supposed to be the number one cancer in the Philippines. But right now, it has been overtaken by colorectal cancer.” Colon cancer is the more common name but this type of cancer also includes rectal, thus it is called colorectal (CRC). Both are often grouped together because they have many features in common. For instance, both cancers begin in the digestive system, also called the
Prevention of colon cancer mainly involves early screening and early detection (my.clevelandclinic.org)
gastrointestinal system. The digestive system processes food for energy, and the last part of it absorbs fluid to form solid waste (stool) that then passes from the body. “After food is chewed and swallowed,” states the American Cancer Society (ACS), “it travels to the stomach. There it is partly broken down and sent to the small intestine.” The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive system – about 20 feet. “The small intestine also breaks down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients. It leads to the large intestine (also called the large bowel or colon),” explains the ACS. “The colon absorbs water and nutrients from the food and also serves as a storage place for waste matter. The waste matter moves from the colon into the rectum, the last 6 inches of the digestive system. From there, the waste passes out of the body.” Cancer that starts in any of these areas may cause different symptoms. Another common thing between colon cancer and rectal cancer is that, depending on where they start, the cancers develop slowly over many years. Most CRCs start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. Just bear in mind though: Not
all polyps become cancerous but “a polyp has a potential for malignancy and therefore it should be removed,” Dr. Dillera said. The procedure for removal of polyps is called polypectomy. “If cancer forms in a polyp, it can grow into the wall of the colon or rectum over time,” the ACS states. “The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of many layers. CRC starts in the innermost layer and can grow outward through some or all of the other layers. “When cancer cells are in the wall, they can then grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels (tiny channels that carry away waste and fluid). From there, they can travel to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body.” No one knows what causes CRC. “Epidemiologic, human case-control, and animal studies support a strong association between colon cancer and a diet that has high-fat (usually saturated fat), low fiber, and high red meat consumption,” said Dr. Jun Ruiz, a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and of the Philippine College of Physicians in Internal Medicine. Risk factors that predispose a person to develop colon and rectal cancer include age, personal history of ade-
The triggers for the progression of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon cancer remain unclear (Wikimedia.org)
noma or carcinoma, family history of CRC, and pre-existing diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease. “Age 50 is the most common risk factor for CRC as 90% of cancers occur after the age of 50,” said Dr. Ruiz. As the Department of Health (DOH) puts it: “Colon cancer increases markedly after age 50.” But with more recent information showing a rise in colon cancer among younger patients, “earlier screening should be performed,” said Dr. Dr. Laya-Zinampan. “Even earlier screening is encouraged when a family history of colon cancer is present.” Several lifestyle-related factors have been linked to colorectal cancer. These in-
clude smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and alcohol intake. In the past, CRC has been referred to as “a disease of the rich.” But such is not the case anymore. “(CRC) is more common in richer countries, but its incidence is rising in some developing countries,” the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) reports. “The risk of developing those cancers that are typical of higher socioeconomic groups – cancers of the breast, colon, and rectum – can be expected to increase with economic development.” CRC tends to grow slowly and may be asymptom-
FTHE TRUTH, P10
10 EDGEDAVAO FAIR... FROM2
viewed yet on the day the victim was shot. It also cited Davao City Police Director Police Col. Alberto Lupaz telling the media in an interview that Pepino is professional and kind and has no derogatory record. “Napakabait nun. Nagkasakit ako sa regional headquarters talagang tinulungan niya ako. He is very professional. Pero seguro nakainum lang. I will not comment more but sa akin lang pag makainum tayo minsan mawala tayo sa ating sarili. When it comes to his personality, he is a doctor, wala akong masabing derogatory record,” Lupaz told media during the interview on July 4, 2022. “While the San Pedro Police Station filed a complaint for murder and a violation of Section 31 of the Republic Act 10591, the investigator of the police station, during the Inquest Proceedings deliberately stated that “the legal team of the victim refused to include portions of the affidavit of the apprehending officer because it would boomerang”, without, however, mentioning that the legal team, during the case conference with PNP legal, only sought to remove the portions of the affidavit which would hint at or point to Amierkham as one of the assailants who unlawfully attacked Pepino-which allegations are untrue, false, and fabricated,” it said. Because of these statements from the police side, the family of the victim perceived that authorities in the Davao Region cannot
“objectively and fairly continue” with the investigation of the murder case. It also stated that the family is also hesitant to forward to the Davao police the names of the witnesses and pieces of evidence for “fear of suppression or whitewash.” It can be recalled that Lupaz assured there will be an impartial investigation of the recent shooting incident. “We are doing everything na talagang fair at nagkuha tayo ng abogado para doon. We have reinforced our lawyers coming from the DCPO to support our investigation considering the fact na medyo malalaking pamilya itong involved and we are trying our best that yung lalabas sa investigation ay talagang balance in both parties at sa lahat ng mga tao na involved sa investigation. Kaya we requested the help yung ating assistance from our legal office to ensure that what we are doing is correct and fair for everybody,” he said. Meanwhile, the City Prosecutor’s Office has started its preliminary investigation against Pepino. Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of PRO 11, told media on Wednesday that PRO 11 is firmed with its stand not to impede in any matters to the legal procedure. She reiterated that PRO 11 did not give special treatment to Pepino. The complaint for murder against Pepino was filed by police authorities on July 4, 2022, and the Prosecutor has 15 days to resolve the investigation.
the Maa slaughterhouse “an isolated case.” Last January, CVO has considered as ASF Red Zones five areas in Davao City – barangays Inayangan, Lamanan, Dominga of Calinan District; Barangay Magsaysay of Marilog District; and barangay Colosas of Paquibato District. A series of ASF outbreaks since last March in the towns of Banga and its neighboring Surralah town have prompted the Department of Agriculture (DA) to declare South Cotabato as being in the ASF Red Zone. The declaration prompted South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Ta-
mayo Jr. to order veterinary officials in these towns to intensify their biosecurity measures and ban the movement of hogs and pork products. The South Cotabato Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) bared that it has culled since March more than 400 heads from backyard hog raisers in two municipalities. PVO reported on April 28 that the outbreak has been contained and began a 90-day clearing process in the affected areas. But the disease persisted and spread because hogs continue to be transported from the ASF-infected areas, the report added.
free on March 24; Davao del Norte and Davao Occidental on June 13; Davao de Oro, June 22; and Davao del Sur, July 1. Meanwhile, Art Milan, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry area vice president for Mindanao, said businesses have started to flourish in the communities that were declared by the military as insurgency-free. “To cite an example, in the highlands of Davao del Norte in Talaingod town, the resorts and restaurants have been sprouting just after it was announced that the area is cleared of NPAs.
When the people feel safe, commerce will follow,” Milan said in a separate interview. Encouraged by the positive impact on businesses, he said they will propose the continuation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict under the new administration. The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
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mote tourism in Mindanao. There is a lot of growing interest in terms of tourism in Mindanao and that is what we call the low lying fruit in terms of our economic recovery for Mindanao,” he said. Milan said PCCI is also eyeing to enhance the educational system I guess this is in line with the present administration’s trying to advocate and that is going back to basics. We need to inculcate in the minds of
our children the love for the country, and patriotism,” he said. He added that there is a need to improve mathematics and science in Mindanao education. He also said PCCI also wanted to open up post-graduate studies to foreign universities to come into the country. MinBiZCon 2022 will be held in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on August 30, 2022 to September 2, 2022.
exhibitors. “It is one of the objectives of our cacao and chocolate events here in the city, to push for local Dabawenyos to be more aware of how yummy and delicious our local chocolates are made from the Davao cacao beans,” Holganza said. Charita Puentespina, chairperson of the Davao City Cacao Industry Council, is hoping to see Dabawen-
yos be more like the Cebuanos who always look for the “sikwate” in the markets. “Sikwate drinking is very popular in Cebu, Bohol, and Dumaguete and we would like to be something like that,” she said. Muyco said it’s high time to intensify awareness for the Dabawenyos to buy the local chocolates and cacao products. By Maya M. Padillo
sures to minimize if not prevent contamination in the bay. According to them, both the province and city LGUs have long instituted measures like continuous mangrove rehabilitation in areas surrounding Pujada Bay; rehabilitation and retrofitting of the sanitary landfill; improvement of garbage collection service; continuing information, education, campaign (IEC) on proper waste disposal; recent creation of IEC Team of the City Integrated Ecological Solid Waste Management Board; bamboo riverbank stabilization program; water and sanitation hygiene (WASH) projects like clustered sewerage system with centralized water treatment facilities in in Magsaysay, Poblacion, Madang Public Market, and Dahican: relocation of coastal residents in Magapo and Calagundian affected by government projects
as well as the Magsaysay relocation and overall urban renewal project; as well as updating of Integrated Coastal Resource Management Plan. For its continuing projects aimed at protecting Pujada Bay, the City of Mati LGU was recently recognized by the DENR for its outstanding practices on solid waste management and its IEC strategies. The environment officials rued how the story was spinned to put the government in a bad light considering that Pujada Bay, along with Mayo and Balete Bays, were declared as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World by a European-based organization. City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat urged all Matinians to continue protecting the environment especially so that the city is considered as one of the prime tourist destinations in the region. (CIO MATI)
the poverty level is targeted to decline to 9 percent by the end of the Marcos administration, lower than the estimated 23.7 percent as of the first semester of 2021 based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.
He said the target for the share of the government’s budget deficit to GDP is 3 percent from 2026-2028, while debtto-GDP ratio is eyed to decline to 60 percent by 2025 from 63 percent to date.
it at all. I’m focusing only on the fight. “There’s no ‘next Manny Pacquiao.’ It’s great to hear that but the fact that it’s not true.” The fight is a rare mandatory first defense for a fighter who himself got a title shot as a mandatory challenger. Vargas, who is four years older than Magsayo at 31, had been the WBC junior featherweight titleholder from 2017 until 2019, when he took over two years off to heal a broken leg suffered while running. He returned last November and looked sharp in shutting out tough jour-
neyman Leonardo Baez on the Canelo Alvarez-Caleb Plant card. Magsayo’s Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach acknowledges that Vargas is not an easy assignment for his first defense. “Not only is Rey an excellent fighter, he brings with him several puzzles that Mark will have to solve, not the least being his height and reach,” said Roach of the nearly 5’11” featherweight Vargas, who will tower over the 5’6” Magsayo. One improvement that the Magsayo camp is banking on is championship caliber confidence. Magsayo says that beating the lon-
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THE TRUTH... FROM9 atic for years, according to Dr. Ruiz. “Afflicted persons often have occult blood loss from their tumors, before they complain of symptoms. They can present with rectal bleeding and anemia, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and weight loss,” he says. Dr. Ruiz says cancers of the right colon tend to grow larger than those of the left colon before symptoms occur. “Obstructive symptoms, like colicky abdominal pain, vague abdominal discomfort, change in bowel habits or stool caliber, and constipation, are found in advanced cases,” he adds. Early detection of the dreaded disease can be achieved by screening tests. “CRC screening has resulted in reduction of related mortality up to 60-70%,” Dr. Ruiz says. “All methods have been proven to be cost-effective.” Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening as it can detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps. “The procedure involves a flexible fiber-optic scope with a camera that is inserted through the rectum and is carefully advanced to visualize the colon under mild anesthesia,” explains Dr. Ruiz. The anesthesia takes time to wear off completely after a colonoscopy. The patient may stay at the hospital or outpatient center for one to two hours after the procedure. Don’t be alarmed if you feel cramping in your abdomen or bloating during the first hour after the procedure. Colonoscopy, which typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, can cost between P15,000 to P30,000, depending on the hospital. Some patients may not want to have an invasive test. A stool test called FIT is a good screening alternative and is not expensive (it costs less than P500). “(FIT) detects only human blood and is specific for bleeding in the colon,” Dr. Ruiz states. “The test is repeated every year if the initial test is negative. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy is needed to rule out the presence of cancer.”
In a press statement issued by Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), expenses for the treatment and management of colon and rectum cancers are now covered for members who pass the selection criteria through the Z Benefit Package. The package rate for the entire course of treatment of colon cancer for low risk is P150,000, while package rate for high risk is P300,000. For rectum cancer, the entire course of treatment for stage 1 (clinical and pathologic) is P150,000. As a gastroenterologist who advocates colorectal cancer screening, Dr. Ruiz recommends a screening colonoscopy in individuals between 50 to 75 years of age who are relatively healthy, and wherein the benefits of a colonoscopy outweigh the risks associated with the procedure. “The patient has to understand that it requires a rigorous bowel preparation, and has more risks compared to the other alternative,” he explained. “The FIT is recommended to patients who may be at high risk for complications of a colonoscopy, or not willing to undergo a colonoscopy yet because of a variety of reasons.” Colon cancer is deadly – but beatable if only it is discovered early. “The key here is screening patients who are already at risk for colon cancer,” Dr. Ruiz points out. “Patients may already have early cancer, even if they have no symptoms. We can also reduce the risk of colon cancer by removing pre-cancerous lesions (polyps) during a colonoscopy. In the end, CRC screening can just save your life or the life of a loved one.” In addition to screening, “maintaining a healthy lifestyle is strongly encouraged,” Dr. Laya-Zinampan suggested. “High-fiber fruits and vegetables and whole grain should be included in the daily diet. Exercise to maintain a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are other ways to prevent colon cancer.”
It has also resulted in second-round effects like the increase in minimum fare around the country. Last June, inflation rate further accelerated to 6.1 percent from month-ago’s 5.4 percent, bringing the year-to-date average to 4.4
percent, higher than the government’s 2-4 percent target band The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecasts the average inflation this year to be at 5 percent and at 4.2 percent and 3.3 percent in the next two years. (PNA)
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gest reigning titleholder in the sport doubled his confidence overnight, and has helped him cultivate the mental edge to accompany his obvious athletic ability. Roach says he has seen some Pacquiao-like qualities in Magsayo leading up to this fight. He says they’re both “happy warriors” who are indefatigable in the gym. “To tell you the truth, he’s a little scary in the ring this camp. Very intense and throwing with a lot of power,” said Roach. Magsayo knows about Vargas’ height, but he also says Vargas is entering uncharted territory as well.
“He hasn’t fought a fighter like me. He’ll be surprised when he faces me in the ring. I saw his fights, he runs too much. I hope he doesn’t run too much so the audience can enjoy the fight,” said Magsayo. Becoming world champion has improved Magsayo’s life, allowing him to buy a home for his father, while setting his dad and brother up with businesses back home in Bohol province. His new motivation is to become unified champion. He says the plan is for him to face WBA titleholder Leo Santa Cruz in late-December if he gets past Vargas.
VOL.15 ISSUE 73 • FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022
EDGEDAVAO
SPORTS 11
The Philippine women’s national football team celebrates after scoring against Singapore in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship. PFF
Filipinas dominate Singapore to go 2-0 in AFF Women’s tilt
T
he Philippine women’s football team was a dominant force on Wednesday night after zapping Singapore, 7-0, in their AFF Women’s Championship battle at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Filipinas were just too much for their Singaporean counterparts as six players scored for the hosts even as an ear-
ly own goal summed up the Singaporean squad’s struggles to contain the Philippine team. Isabella Flanigan
Nadal unsure he will be fit vs Kyrgios in Wimbledon semi
R
afael Nadal admits he does not know whether he will be fit to face Nick Kyrgios in Friday’s Wimbledon semi-finals after an abdominal injury nearly forced him to quit against Taylor Fritz. The second seed had to take a medical time-out in the second set but battled through to win 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10/4) in a gruelling contest lasting four hours and 21 minutes. Earlier, Australian maverick Kyrgios cruised past Chile’s Cristian Garin with relative ease 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion, said in his post-match press conference that he was unsure over his ongoing participation in the tournament as he targets the third leg of a rare calendar Grand
Slam. “I can’t give you a clear answer because if I gave you a clear answer and tomorrow another thing happens, I will be a liar,” said the 36-year-old. Nadal, who was given pain relief during the match, said he would have tests before deciding whether to play on at the All England Club. The Spaniard admitted his father and sister had been gesticulating for him to quit his quarter-final match against Fritz but said he “hated” the idea. “I fought,” he said. “Proud about the fighting spirit and the way that I managed to be competitive under those conditions.” Kyrgios, ranked 40th in the world, is a major threat, even to a fully fit Nadal.
struck first for the Filipinas in the ninth minute before Ernie Sulastri made a defensive blunder a minute later when he miscalculated her clearance and sent the ball into their own goal to make it 2-0. Tahnai Annis made it 3-0 in the 20th minute before Sarina Bolden added another goal in the 38th minute to cap the Filipinas’ first-half domination.
The blowout continued two minutes into the second half when Sara Eggesvik made it 5-0 even as Kaya Hawkinson slotted a header goal off a corner kick in the 56th minute to make it 6-0. Anicka Castaneda completed the rout, which matched Myanmar’s 7-0 beating of Timor Leste on Tuesday night at the Binan Football Stadium, with a 69th-minute goal.
Following Thailand’s 2-2 draw versus Australia earlier Wednesday, the Filipinas are now solely on top of Group A with the full six points and a plus-8 goal difference. Thailand turned the tides in the final 50 minutes through goals from Kanyanat Chetthabutr (41st minute) and Ploychompoo Somnonk (60th) to split the points with Australia, which ear-
lier surged ahead through a strike from Amy Sayer (18th) and a penalty from Mackenzie Hawkesby (26th). Thailand is now in second place with four points. In the other Group A match at the Binan Football Stadium, Malaysia drew with Indonesia, 1-1. The stalemate pushed Malaysia to third place with two points. (PNA)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his men’s quarter final match against Taylor Fritz of the USA at the Wimbledon Championships in Wimbledon, Britain, 06 July 2022. Kieran Gavlin, EPA-EFE.
12 SPORTS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL.15 ISSUE 73 • FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022
WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo battles mandatory challenger Rey Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) this Saturday in the main event of a Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast.
PINOY PRIDE
Magsayo flies the flag vs Vargas
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AN ANTONIO — Mark Magsayo remembers the moment he realized he wanted to become a boxer. It was November 15, 2003, the night Manny Pacquiao began his decades-long run in the pound for pound rankings with a one-sided drubbing of Marco Antonio Barrera at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Tex.
Pacquiao’s dominance in winning The Ring’s featherweight championship is what inspired the son of bakery workers from the Philippines’ Bohol province to chase his own dream to become a professional boxer. Nearly two decades later, it is Magsayo’s turn to headline at the former home of the San Antonio Spurs basketball team. The 26-year-old Magsayo (24-0, 16 knockouts) will make his first defense of the WBC featherweight title against mandatory challenger Rey Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) this Saturday in the main event of a Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast. For Magsayo, making the same ring walk of his hero, who now promotes him under MP Promotions, is a journey that has come full circle. “It’s a dream come true to me to fight here. It’s very special for me to fight in that arena,” said Magsayo. Just as Pacquiao lifted Filipino boxing to new heights that
night in 2003, Magsayo is hoping a win over a respected, undefeated Mexican champion will have a similar effect on the sport in his country. Magsayo is currently the only Filipino world champion left standing after compatriots Nonito Donaire Jr. and Rene Mark Cuarto lost their belts in the past month. Magsayo, who defeated Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision this past July to win the belt, says he feels the weight of carrying his country’s boxing reputation. Filipino fans had been spoiled by over two decades of Pacquiao’s in-ring greatness, and now they turn their eyes to the last champ standing. “It’s a little bit sad because I’m the only Filipino world champion left, but there are a lot of fighters with potential over there in the Philippines,” said Magsayo. “There’s a little bit of pressure for me because they’re saying ‘you’re the next superstar in the Philippines, you’re the next Manny Pacquiao’ but I don’t mind
FPINOY, P10