Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 78 | Thursday, July 14, 2022

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VOL.15 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

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City faces logistic, personnel problems in Paquibato Covid-19 vaccination rollout STORY ON PAGE 2

Workers unload a hog from a vehicle unto the livestock area of Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday. The supply of hogs in Davao City is considerably stable despite the effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) to the provinces that supply the city’s markets.

Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Former President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he speaks in front of a crowd during a homecoming celebration dedicated to him by NCCC held at NCCC VPlaza parking area in Davao City. The former President has very strong end of term rating during the June 2022 Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan Surveys on performance and trust ratings where he received 87% and 83%, respectively. Edge Davao

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‘Chemical reaction’ caused explosion in CDO Army camp

City faces logistic, personnel problems in Paquibato Covid-19 vaccination rollout

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Covid-19 vaccination rollout kicked off on Monday in all but one of the 18 district health centers identified in Paquibato.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said the city is facing logistics and personnel for the operation of the health center in Paquibato District.

According to her, some of the trained medical personnel are not amenable to travel back and forth in the

area.

“Gladly na fully operational ang atong 17 district health centers lang kay we still have problems with Paquibato District due to logistics and some of our trained medical personnel kasi medyo layo gyud siya ug dili tanan amenable na magtravel didto back and

forth,” she said.

Schlosser assured that the city is working on it for the operation of the district health center in Paquibato.

After a few days of dry runs, vaccination against Covid-19 in the district health centers of Davao City officially started bringing Covid-19 vaccination services closer and more accessible to all Dabawenyos.

Health centers include the Tomas Claudio Health Center, which covers the 10 barangays within District A,

and the Talomo South District Health Center, which is coordinating with school principals of the elementary schools in the district to encourage students and their parents to get inoculated or avail of booster shots.

Mobile vaccination programs targeting Barangays Baliok, Dumoy, Bago Gallera, Bago Aplaya, and Talomo Proper are also slated this week.

“Para sa kahibalo sa

to join Dr. Bob Kennedy in his run.

Those who would join the solidarity run will have to register with Virtual Race PH they would run, walk jog or treadmill 35 kilometers in 35 days.

“You have to finish this in 35 days, it can be cumulative or one-time if you

he South Cotabato Provincial Police Office (SCPPO) has enforced tightened security measures in line with the weeklong 23rd T’nalak Festival and the province’s 56th foundation anniversary that kicked off here Wednesday.

Capt. Renjun Bagaman, SCPPO information officer, said Wednesday that at least 70 percent or 800 of

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“chemical reaction” may have triggered the explosion at the ammunition dump in a big military headquarters at Camp Evangelista here that roused Kagay-anons from sleep in the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday.

“If gunpowder is exposed to a certain environment, it may trigger a chemical reaction that may lead it to be unstable,” said Lt. Col. Vladimir Sta. Maria, commanding officer of the 10th Forward Service Support Unit responsible for the storage and safety of the explosives and ammunition of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division.

He said this is the initial finding they got from the testimonies of soldiers who witnessed how the explosions at Magazine No. 5 started. But Sta. Maria did not expound further on the topic, noting that it was too technical a discussion for

laymen.

He estimated damages at Magazine No. 5 at P27 million Magazine No. 5, one of 10 ammo dumps at Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag, stored 155-mm howitzer rounds and various ammunition for military units under one of the largest Army camps in Mindanao.

Three persons residing inside Camp Evangelista were treated for minor injuries because of the explosions. They were identified as Reynard Quirweca, 45; Curt Angelo Cuizon, 15; and Acolbay Escalante, 22.

A total of 61 families numbering 327 persons, shaken by the thunderous explosions from the burned ammo dump, were forced to flee to the gymnasium inside the camp.

Another 100 families fled to the covered court of Barangay Patag.

their personnel would be deployed to the field for the duration of the festival.

“This is beside the augmentation from the military and their multiple force multipliers, like the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams and provincial civil security unit,” Bagaman said.

“Our security plan is focused on public safety and crime prevention mea-

sures with an emphasis on traffic re-routing, deployment of K-9 units, and explosive ordnance division in all venues.”

The SCPPO also established barricades in the festival venues to impede attempts by lawless groups to sabotage the celebrations.

Bagaman reminded the public not to bring back-

PEF holds fundraiser Security tightened as SoCot 23rd T’nalak festival kicks off for Eden relocation T

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he Philippine Eagle Foundation is holding a Virtual Run with Dr. Bob Kennedy as a fundraiser for the relocation of several Philippine Eagles to a bio-secure location in Eden, Toril District, Davao City.

Dr. Bob Kennedy, noted ornithologist and Philippine Eagle conserva-

tion champion will hold a 102-kilometer Solidarity Run for Peace, Health and the Philippine Eagle.

He will trace the Bataan Death March Route from August 6 to 7 to help promote and generate support for Philippine Eagle Conservation.

The PEF has partnered with the Virtual Race PH

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NEWS

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Dozens of new voter registrants form a long queue while waiting for turn in front of the Commission on Elections 11 (Comelec 11) office inside Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

Covid-19 cases in Davao not yet worrisome but...

BARMM, ILO partner to address child labor problem in the region

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he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has partnered with the International Labor Organization (ILO) to address the problem of child labor in the region.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) and the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) said the partnership aims to raise awareness of child labor and increase government and community participation to advance the advocacy to end the practice.

“It should be our collective effort to ensure that every child in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region can enjoy their rights by creating systems and passing laws that promote and protect children’s rights,” BYC Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding was quoted as saying.

Dunding said the BYC is committed to the Bangsamoro government’s call for moral governance, including the advocacy to end child labor.

A Philippine Statistics Authority report has estimated child laborers aged 5 years to 17 years in the country at 2.1 million.

As of 2020, BARMM ranks third in terms of child labor predicament with about 54,200 child laborers, compared to Northern Mindanao and Bicol region’s 78,400 and 55,100, respectively.

MOLE-BARMM Minister Muslimin Sema defined child labor as work that deprives children of their childhood and their potential to have a bright future ahead of them.

“We can be united in our campaign against child labor, and we can do a lot,” Sema said.

ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan said about 116 million boys and girls remain in child labor worldwide, with half of them engaged in hazardous work. “(Here in the BARMM}, with a collaborative effort to end child labor, we will achieve a child labor-free Bangsamoro region,” he said in a separate statement.

The BYC and MOLE said they would urge the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the BARMM’s provisional lawmaking body, to come up with more laws and systems that would promote and protect children’s rights in the region.

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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avao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said on Wednesday that the current cases of Covid-19 in Davao City may not be worrisome but that doesn’t mean Dabawenyos can be complacent and would not need to get vaccinated anymore.

Schlosser reported that as of July 13, 2022, there are a total of 20 cases of Covid-19 recorded in Davao City putting the city at a 5.6 positivity rate, which ex-

ceeded the acceptable positivity rate of 5 percent.

“Dili na siya acceptable.

Technically, dili siya ingon ana ka worrisome kay dili kaayo siya ingon ana ka taas,

however, dili na siya nagapasabot na ay gamay lang man na siya, okay lang dili sa mi magpabakuna, tanggal-tanggal sa mi ug mask dili na puwede. Because everything that we do will reflect, I mean everything that will happen diri sa atong city is reflective of our cooperation and our discipline,” she said.

It can be recalled that Davao City logged 30 cases of Covid-19 on July 6, 2022, with a positivity rate of 6.3

percent. On July 5, 2022, the city logged 17 Covid-19 cases with a six percent positivity rate.

Since March 2022, Covid-19 cases hit 30 in one day that’s why Schlosser warned Dabawenyos against being complacent and urged them anew to remain vigilant.

“Kung gusto nato magpabilin nga luag ang atong mga protocols sa Davao City ug kung gusto magpabilin na

expo where there will be booths for those who have to display their products or provide information and we will have a presentation about climate change and coffee, increase production, access to finance, the whole range of subjects surround the coffee,” said TJ Ryan, chief of party of PhilCAFE Project in an interview during Wednesdays Habi at Kape media forum.

Ryan said the composi-

tion of participants includes a large number of coffee farmers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The participants will converge and tackle the industry’s challenges and opportunities through technical discussions, breakout sessions, networking activities, and Philippine coffee-related promotion initiatives.

“We will also have side lectures, breakout lectures,

cupping room for companies that want their coffee that they are representing cupped,” he said.

The expo will also feature a Philippine coffee trade and exhibit of about 100 coffee-producing organizations, companies and key players in the country’s coffee market systems.

Recently, Robusta coffee produced in the Philippines captured the interest of in-

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Philippine Coffee Expo set Sept 14-15 in Davao City

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he Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE) project is organizing a two-day Philippine Coffee Expo from September 14 to 15, 2022 at SMX Convention Center with at least 1,400 expected to attend.

The expo is considered the largest gathering of key stakeholders in the Philippine coffee sector.

“It’s a two-day event and it’s organized like a typical

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Governor Emmylou “Lala”Taliño Mendoza gives her assurance of support the programs and projects of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative or COTELCO especially in the lighting of remote communities in the province of Cotabato during at the 38th Hybrid Annual Membership Assembly (virtual and limited face to face) Meeting held at NCECCO Gymnasium, Manubuan, Matalam. Edge Davao

Cotabato guv assures support for electric coop

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overnor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza assured that she will support the programs and projects of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative or COTELCO especially in the lighting of remote communities in the province of Cotabato.

This was announced

by Mendoza at the 38th Hybrid Annual Membership Assembly (virtual and limited face-to-face) Meeting held at NCECCO Gymnasium, Manubuan, Matalam on July 10, 2022.

The governor considers COTELCO to be one of the leading cooperatives

because of its lighting program that brings light to the home of every Cotabateño family.

COTELCO is a non-stock and non-profit electric distribution utility committed of providing an efficient, reliable, affordable and adequate supply of electricity to its member-consumers

on an area coverage basis for which lies the predominant task of harnessing the economic potentials of the countryside as a nucleus of our country’s growth and development.

It spearheads the rural electrification program in the Province of Cotabato by virtue of the provisions of Republic Act No. 6038 also known as the “National Electrification Administration Act.” Mendoza said her office is open to work with COTELCO which has also partnered with the pro-

vincial government in implementing electrification projects in remote barangays of the province.

“Sa ngalan ng serbisyong totoo, sisikapin po nating maibigay ang tamang serbisyo na nararapat para sa ating mga member-consumer,” said Mendoza.

COTELCO Board President Zenaida N. Embodo and COTELCO Board Vice President Armado P. Pedregosa thanked the governor for his support and cooperation in the cooperative’s programs.

PBBM readies measures to tame inflation: Palace

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resident Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is ready to undertake measures that would help curb inflation, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

This, after private polling firm Pulse Asia bared that most Filipinos stressed the need for Marcos to control inflation.

Pulse Asia, in its June 24

to 27 survey, found that 57 percent of Filipinos want the Marcos administration to take immediate steps to ease inflation.

Reacting to the poll results, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos is already aware that the uptick in the country’s inflation could be a “potential prob-

he government’s overall efficiency would get a boost with the digitalization of its processes, eventually reinvigorating the country’s economy, a Globe Telecom Inc. (Globe) executive said Tuesday.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu welcomed the proposed e-governance bill, a new attempt to pass an earlier Senate bill on government digitalization that was stuck at the committee level in the 18th Congress.

“We welcome the move towards digital tools and processes in government.

This will help speed up transactions with government agencies, from getting necessary documents for school or employment to securing business permits and registration,” Cu said.

He said the measure, filed by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, would help reinvigorate the economy and added that the Covid-19

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improves gov’t BSP continues to make progress Digitalization efficiency, boosts economy in sustainable finance agenda T T he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) continues to make progress in sustainable finance as it releases the third phase of regulations aimed at fostering wider adoption of sustainability principles in the domestic financial system.

“The BSP recognizes the urgency of promoting the sustainability agenda.

We are committed to helping our supervised financial institutions develop their capacity in sustainable finance. This enabling approach will accelerate mobilizing funds toward projects and activities to achieve our growth targets and, at the same time, reinforce the country’s resilience to natural disasters and climate change,” BSP

Governor Felipe Medalla said in a statement.

The BSP is now on its third phase of sustainability-related regulations with the recent release of draft guidelines on the integration of sustainability principles in banks’ investment activities.

The finalization of this policy proposal is targeted for August 2022.

The first and second phases were marked by issuances of the Sustainable Finance Framework in April 2020 and the Environmental and Social Risk Management Framework in October 2021, respectively.

These regulations set out the expectations on the integration of sustainabili-

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PhilCAFE Project chief of party TJ Ryan shares the details of the winning fine Robusta coffee produce in the country that grabbed the interest of international coffee buyers during a special cupping session during the recently concluded World of Coffee (WOC) held in Milan, Italy in this week’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape in Abreeza mall in Davao City. Edge Davao

48 micro entreps complete online mentorship program World in major energy crisis: Int’l Energy Agency head

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he world has never witnessed such a major energy crisis in terms of its depth and its complexity, Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), said on Tuesday.

Birol, speaking at a global energy forum in Sydney, said the world is in the middle of the first global energy crisis.

“It is interwoven by many factors, including geopolitics. Oil, natural gas, coal, electricity prices, they’re all going up off the roof.

Why? Very simple. Russia, the country that invaded Ukraine, is the largest exporter of oil and natural gas.” he said.

Birol said since Russia started the war on Ukraine

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PLDT’s ‘Jupiter’ cable system to boost PH int’l data capacity

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he new ‘Jupiter’ cable system is seen to boost the international data transfer capacity of the Philippines and is now the fastest cable system between the Philippines and the United States.

In a statement on Tuesday, PLDT-Smart FVP and head of Enterprise Group Jojo Gendrano said the new cable system “significantly advances” not only the companies’ digital infrastructure but the “overall digital readiness” of the country.

“The Jupiter Cable sys-

tem serves as an international highway for global data traffic to reach the Philippines. It is expected to exponentially boost the country’s international capacity to the USA and Japan, further encourage the global trade of digital services, and as a result, propelling the country’s digital economy,” Gendrano said.

Its new landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte was inaugurated Tuesday.

The cable system is the latest of PLDT’s 16 international cables that route crit-

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The Kapatid Mentor ME (Micro Enterprises) program, or KMME, has been among the agency’s viable strategies in developing local entrepreneurs.

Hence, it has been appreciative of its partnership with the PCE for nurturing its clients through mentoring.

This program started in 2016 with only 20 mentees from Davao City as a test run.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said that this initiative was proven to be an effective public-private partnership scholarship program because the mentee grad-

uates, in general, experienced various improvements in their operation and their business as a whole.

“With the successful initial implementation of the program in Davao City, it was immediately rolled out region-wide the following year. Since then, the KMME program has become a constant component of our SME development-related interventions,” she said.

From 2016 until 2019, it was conducted as a regular in-person learning program in a classroom

he Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has started a review of its operations with the aim of reducing the cost of shipping goods and maritime travel.

In a statement on Tuesday, PPA officer-in-charge (OIC) General Manager Manuel Boholano said the areas being considered for review are regulatory and statutory costs being levied by the PPA as well as indirect costs

related to the efficiency and productivity of ports under its jurisdiction.

“This is a challenge that we gladly take, so let us start looking into this directive,” Boholano said.

The PPA, he said, is set to meet with other maritime government agencies, shipping line operators, and other port stakeholders to discuss the “efficient utilization” of facilities, especially in

high-volume ports or “gateway ports” like in Manila, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo.

“PPA is also accelerating the digitalization of its processes like the Internet-based Port Operations and Receipting for Terminals System, the e-Permit Management System, the Transport Accreditation, Permits and Pass for Ports, and interconnecting with other

orty-eight more micro entrepreneurs from the region have already completed the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-led mentorship program, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 announced.

type modality. However, the agency had to make the necessary shift to an online platform in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was in response to the demands of the very limiting situation, the trade official explained.

With such a move, the the KMME program has continued to help the mentees pivot their respective businesses and became resilient as those were the times when a number of businesses ceased operation. But evidently, Filipinos are very resilient

government agencies to facilitate the movement of cargoes and turnaround time of vessels faster delivery of raw materials for shippers and businesses resulting in lower overheads and quicker travel time for regular passengers and tourists,” he said.

The modernization and improvement of infrastructures, he said, is set to continue and is seen to provide

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PA begins ops review to reduce maritime travel, shipping costs T

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On improving tourism policies with Hawaii and Thailand as benchmarks:

Certainly, to benchmark their policies in this regard would be the direction that we would take per your instructions. But certainly, many measures could be improved as far as policy regulations, both on the national and local level, and proper coordination – to be able to focus on the overall tourist experience from the time that he arrives to the point of entry to the time that he gets to his point of destination.”

Tourism Secretary CHRISTINA GARCIA-FRASCO

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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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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EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE BATTLE AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER Although cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, it still killed 341,8000 women in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The annual number of new cases of this kind of cancer has been projected to increase from 570,000 to 700,000 between 2018 and 2030, with the annual number of deaths projected to increase from 311,000 to 400,000.

In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, with 7,190 (14.9 per 100,000 women) and 4,088 deaths (8.8 per 100,000 women) in 2018, reports the Global Cancer Observatory.

Without any intervention, a total of 449,473 women are projected to die from cervical cancer by 2070 and 1,186,759 by 2120, stated a study which was published in Lancet.

“If the three pillars of elimination are established, the Philippines could avert over 970,000 deaths due to cervical cancer over the next century,” said the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA).

The three pillars are vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV), cervical cancer screening, and cervical cancer

treatment. If all three pillars are followed thoroughly, the country could eliminate cervical cancer by 2064, UNPFA claims.

HPV takes several forms, which are referred to by number.

“There are about 100 types of HPV that generally infect people in various parts of the body but there are only 13 types that can cause cancer in the cervix,” wrote Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave in a paper presented at the Global Conference on Low-Resource Setting Cervical Cancer Prevention held at the Johns Hopkins University.

The most common causes of cervical cancer are HPV Types 16 and 18. These two types are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer around the world. HPV Type 16 also causes oropharyngeal cancer. Condoms do not fully protect against infection because the virus can exist throughout the genital area and around the anus.

“Generally, all women who have had sexual intercourse are at risk of cervical cancer,” the Department of Health (DOH) states in its website. “However, rare types of cervical cancer can occur even in women who never had any sexual intercourse in their life.”

The following, according to the health department, have

been established as possible causes of cervical cancer: have had multiple sexual partners, have had sexual partners (regular or casual) who themselves had several sexual partners, have had sexual partner who is infected with HPV, and had first sexual intercourse at a very early age, possibly 15 or 16 years old.

Generally, cervical cancer does not have symptoms. The disease is often detected during its advanced stage. However, the following impressions often lead to cervical cancer: unusual bleeding from the vagina at any time and unpleasant vaginal discharge.

Once discovered late, cervical cancer is fatal. It’s only when detected early that it can still be cured.

“It is unfortunate that, every day, more than 12 women die from this disease, primarily because they are detected late and are not given early protection,” said Dr. Paulyn Ubial when she was still the health secretary.

Early protection means getting vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine protects a girl against four strains of HPV, which cause cervical cancer.

The United Nations health agency recommends vaccinating all girls aged 9-14 against HPV to

reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination has been available in the country since 2016, but widescale coverage has not been achieved across the country.

Dr. Clarito Cairo, program manager of the DOH’s National Integrated Cancer Control Program, said vaccination is “a cost-effective way to prevent cervical cancer.”

A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research said that a single dose – rather than the recommended three – may be enough to ward off cervical cancer.

“The single dose will definitely be a big help for us,” Dr. Cairo was quoted as saying by Philippine Daily Inquirer.

It takes 10 to 30 years of incubation before HPV infection becomes symptomatic. According to Dr. Llave, women diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer have 90 percent chance of survival while those diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer have 60 percent chance of survival. “Even those at stage 4 still have a 20 percent chance of survival,” she said.

The best way to know if a woman has cervical cancer is through screening. At present, the most reliable and practical way to diagnose cervical cancer

early is through Pap smear. Also called Papanicolaou test, it involves collecting cells from the cervix, which are examined under a microscope.

“A woman’s first Pap smear should be done three years after the first vaginal intercourse,” the DOH says. “After that, it should be done every year for 3 years.

If the Pap smear test is negative for the consecutive 3 years, then it can be done every two or three years. In unmarried women who never had sexual activity in their life, Pap smear should be done at age 35.”

The last pillar is cervical cancer treatment. “Safe, effective, and timely surgery accompanied by supportive services such as anesthetic services and intensive care units are important for the treatment of early-stage cancers,” the UNPFA says.

It said that scale-up of cervical cancer treatment would prevent an additional 7,262 deaths by 2030, 75,922 deaths by 2070 and 110,421 deaths by 2120.

“The Philippines is at a crucial stage in its efforts to prevent and treat cervical cancer, and a concerted strategic plan to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer needs to be developed and implemented,” the UNPFA points out.

DENNIS R. GORECHO AMICUS CURIAE

IMMORALITY AND DISBARMENT Passing the “best bar ever” for the new 8,241 lawyers is not enough: they have to be reminded of the highest standards of morality expected from members of the legal profession.

Discussion on disbarment is an interesting part of the legal ethics sessions of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE).

Good moral character is a condition which precedes admission to the Bar (Sec. 2, Rule 138, Rules of Court) and is not dispensed with upon admission.

It is a continuing qualification which all lawyers must possess (People v. Tuanda, 181 SCRA 682), otherwise, a lawyer may either be suspended or disbarred.

The practice of law is a privilege accorded only to those who measure up to the exacting standards of mental and moral fitness based on the Code of Professional Responsibility : Rule 1.01 - A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct.

Rule 7.03 - A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law, nor should he, whether in

public or private life, behave in a scandalous manner to the discredit of the legal profession.

The Supreme Court stressed in several cases that if the practice of law is to remain an honorable profession and attain its basic ideals, whoever is enrolled in its ranks should not only master its tenets and principles but should also, in their lives, accord continuing fidelity to them.

Disciplinary proceedings against lawyers serve to curb misbehavior and promote excellent public service in the Judiciary In Advincula v. Advincula (A.C. No. 9226, June 14, 2016), lawyers are reminded to always conduct themselves in a manner as to avoid scandalizing the public by creating the belief that they are flouting the moral standards of the legal profession.

“It is expected that every lawyer, being an officer of the Court, must not only be in fact of good moral character, but must also be in deed, any lawyer guilty of gross misconduct should be suspended or disbarred even if the misconduct relates to his or her personal life for as long as the

misconduct evinces his or her lack of moral character, honesty, probity or good demeanor seen to be of good moral character and leading lives in accordance with the highest moral standards of the community,” the Court said.

In Narag v. Narag (A.C. No. 3405, June 29, 1998), “immoral conduct” has been described as conduct that is so willful, flagrant, or shameless as to show indifference to the opinion of good and respectable members of the community.

Such conduct must not only be immoral, but grossly immoral, that is, it must be so corrupt as to virtually constitute a criminal act or so unprincipled as to be reprehensible to a high degree or committed under such scandalous or revolting circumstances as to shock the common sense of decency.

In Ceniza v. Ceniza ( A.C. No. 8335, April 10, 2019) and Bustamante-Alejandro v. Alejandro, (A.C. No. 4256, February 13, 2004 ), the lawyers were disbarred for having abandoned their respective spouses and having maintained illicit affairs with

other partners.

In Guevarra v. Eala ( 529 SCRA 1.), a lawyer was disbarred for engaging in an extra­marital affair with a married woman.

In Perez v. Catindig, ( A.C. No. 5816, March 10, 2015), the lawyer’s subsequent marriage during the subsistence of his previous one warranted his disbarment because he displayed his deliberate disregard of the sanctity of marriage and the marital vows protected by the 1987 Constitution.

In Panagsagan vs. Panagsagan (A.C. No. 7733, October 1, 2019), the conversion of the lawyer to Islam was a feeble attempt to shield himself from the complaint, to conceal his gross immoral conduct of infidelity and to legitimize his illicit affair.

My former UPLAW professor Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said in the case of Dagala v. Quesada, Jr.(814 Phil. 103) that the negligence or utter lack of callousness of spouses who commit indiscretions as shown by their inability to ask for forgiveness, their concealment of the act from their legitimate relationships, or their lack of support for the chil-

dren born out of wedlock should be aggravating and considered for the penalty to be imposed.

Proceedings for disbarment may be taken by the Supreme Court motu proprio or upon filing of a verified complaint of any person before the Supreme Court or the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

The complaint shall state clearly and concisely the facts complained of and shall be supported by affidavits of persons having personal knowledge of the facts alleged and/or by such documents as may substantiate said facts.

When the integrity or morality is challenged, it is not enough that the lawyer denies the charge, for he must meet the issue and overcome the evidence presented on the charge.

The lawyer must present proof that he still maintains the degree of integrity and morality expected of him at all times.

(Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 0908-8665786.)

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PLACE

YOUNG AND GREEN “The Greatest Love of All”, popularized by the late singer Whitney Houston focuses on teaching the children well to become leaders.

The singer-composer should have added the lines to teach them environmental conservation too for us to be ensured a healthy and vibrant world in the future.

It is common knowledge that children start their environmental education at school through textbooks.

However, Stockbridge American International School (SAIS) has a different way of teaching the kids how to conserve and protect the environment, by going outdoors.

Through its first-ever Eco Summer School, an outdoor exploration program where students get immersed in nature’s sights, sounds, and colors with experiential learning activities.

The four-week summer program, which was participated by students ranging

from 4 to 13 years old started with discovering what the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is all about. As ambassadors for wildlife for a day, the little campers went up close and personal with the Philippine Eagles and learned about their anatomy and how they breed.

Then another week is spent observing animal behaviors, specifically the reptiles being housed at the PEC. To cement the kids’ commitment to conservation and protection, Nicole Bian-Ledesma, VP for Education Development, and the school principal Walter Valencerina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) executive director Dennis I. Salvador.

The activity culminated with a storytelling of the book ‘An Eagle’s Feather” by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, followed by a film showing of a wild Philippine Eagle’s journey from egg to fledgling.

The eagles are not the only main attractions of the activity, but also the young campers who toured their parents and guardians in the center, relaying what they learned throughout the weeks.

SAIS is steadfast in its core values, which hone students’ integrity, stewardship, and leadership about environmental awareness.

It is the first and only International School in Davao City and Mindanao offering international education through its international partners, the Fieldwork Education (UK) and the International Schools Association (ISA). Stockbridge

offers the following programs: Early Childhood Programs from 6 months to 5 years old and K12 programs from Kinder to Grade 9 (For SY 20222023). For inquiries, please send an e-mail to info@stockbridge.ph.

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Balanced use of chemical and Bio N fertilizers, stimulants trims costs, yields higher.

(DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE).

BIOFERTILIZER, AZOLLA, IPIL-IPIL

REDUCE USE OF COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO Additional Photo: Department of Agriculture.

C

rops are just like people. If human beings need carbohydrates, proteins and other nutrients, plants in a similar manner require nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other trace elements. These requirements can be provided by fertilizers.

“This is a basic problem, to feed 6.6 billion people,” said Norman Borlaug, an American agronomist who is credited with saving over a billion people worldwide from starvation. “Without fertilizer, forget it. The game is over.”

In the Philippines, farm-

ers are using commercial fertilizer because they believe it will augment their income. They are told that by applying synthetic fertilizer, production from their farms will considerably increase.

Unknowingly, commercial fertilizers are an additional cost to growing crops.

Azolla is a good additional fertilizer for rice and vegetables.

Ipil-ipil is not only good as feeds but also as fertilizer for crops.

And these days, the prices of fertilizers are skyrocketing due to the war going on between Russia and Ukraine.

At least 40% of the global requirement of fertilizers come from these two countries.

The prices of chemical fertilizers in the country have more than doubled since last year, according to the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB).

The country imports about 85% of its fertilizer requirements.

But Filipino farmers need not to worry. The UPLB-based National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) has developed several bio-

fertilizers which it has promoted through the years.

“These fertilizers will greatly help the agriculture sector in this time of dire need for the commodity,” wrote BIOTECH’s Sophia Mercado. She cited Bio N as one of those that may help ease Filipino farmers’ fertilizer woes.

“A microbial inoculant, Bio N converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can easily use,” she explained. “Bio N contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azospirillum carried in soil and charcoal.”

Touted to be a “breakthrough technology,” Bio N improves the plant’s root system, boosts nutrient

absorption, provides resistance to pests and diseases, and enhances soil conditions, Mercado wrote.

Bio N was developed by Professor Emeritus Mercedes U. Garcia by isolating nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the roots of talahib grass (scientific name: Sacharrum spontaneum). It is a product of the disinterring mind of Dr. Garcia who had observed the pervasiveness of talahib grass even on the hostile soil and environment conditions.

A sleuth for something new, she wanted to find out the reason why the talahib could still grow normally in conditions where other agricultural crops would easily succumb.

Dr. Garcia conducted a research study at BIOTECH to satisfy her curiosity and through years of meticulous work, she was able to isolate Azospirillum.

“The bacterium has the capability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by the plants,” reports the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC).

“These bacteria, once associated with roots of rice, corn, sugarcane, and some vegetables, can enhance root development, growth, and yield.”

Bio N has been extensively tested in different varieties of rice and corn at BIOTECH demonstration sites and in various areas around the country before its commercialization in 2002.

FFERTILIZER, P10

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tanan we are also doing the 5 to 11 years old there. Kasi mao na ang pinakamubo sa atoang primary dose series, gamay lang kaayo ang nagpabakuna sa mga bata, We are encouraging the parents and the guardians you have to consider having your chidlren vaccinated.

Kasi whether you like it or not we are going to open the face- to- face classes,” Schlosser said.

The Covid-19 vaccines are available in the district health centers in Davao city from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other district health services such as general consultations, prenatal care, immunization for children, and others remain available to the public on top of the inoculation program against Covid-19.

are a running enthusiast if you can run 35 days in a day or two,” said Andi Baldonado, Project Development Officer of the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

One hundred pesos of the P750 registration fee for the solidarity run will be funds for the emergency relocation plan of the Philippine Eagle captive breeding population from its present location in Malagos to a more bio-se-

cure location in Eden, Toril District.

“This is very costly kelangan naming magraise ng funds, we really encourage everybody to register,” Baldonado said.

For those wanting to support the Philippine Eagles and join the virtual run, they can register at this site- https://virtualraceph.com/event/vrphjuan-race-2022-mindanao-leg/

packs to festival sites, and refrain from wearing valuable items, such as jewelry.

He also appealed for vigilance and for residents to report unattended baggage in public areas.

“Our personnel will be visible. They are wearing the blue uniform and not the combat uniform so that their presence can easily be recognized,” Bagaman

said.

The July 13-18 festival began with an ecumenical prayer at the South Cotabato Gymnasium.

The street dancing competition and thematic parade, among other activities, will return in this year’s T’nalak Festival after two years of prohibition on mass gatherings due to the pandemic.

maayo ang atong panginabuhi because whether we like it or not pag mutaas ang cases we will also implement the previous policies because we need to contain the spread,” she said.

Schlosser reiterated that the goal of the city government of Davao now is to maintain good health and improve the city’s economy.

“We cannot choose one from the other. This is what we see necessary for the city to survive and be back to normal,” she said.

She also reminded us that even though social distancing was already lifted through Executive Order No. 11, it also does not mean that Dabawenyos should be complacent.

“Even if we have few cases we should know the

risk. We are given the freedom to judge kung unsa ang risky sa atoa kasi for two years we have been educating the people unsa ang risky behavior and areas and we are assuming na nasabtan to ninyo so kung kamo adunay aktibidad kada adlaw kabalo mo kung unsa ang makadaut ug dili makadaut sa inyuha. I believe kaning mga Dabawenyos mga bright ni and very disciplined and I am hoping na kining cases karon even if nalampas nata sa positivity rate dili unta muabot sa positivity rate na mutaas ang atong alert level unya pagkahuman muguot na pud ang atong health protocols,” Schlosser said.

Schlosser also said that wearing of face mask is still encouraged.

ternational coffee enthusiasts and buyers during a special cupping session at the World of Coffee (WOC) at the Milano Convention Center in Milan, Italy on June 23-25, 2022.

Two of the best Philippine Robusta coffees were featured in the international cupping event participated in by six other coffee-producing countries, namely Brazil, Vietnam, Uganda,

Guatemala, Ecuador, and Laos. The two Philippine Robusta coffees that were cupped came from the farms of Mabini Ubuan of Sigay, Ilocos Sur, and Lovern Estrada of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat which won the first and second prizes in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2022, the country’s most prestigious coffee competition. By Maya M. Padillo

ty principles in banks’ core strategies, governance, and risk management frameworks, especially in the areas of credit and operational risks.

These rules also embed the principle of proportionality, which takes into consideration a bank’s size, risk profile, and complexity of operations.

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FERTILIZER... FROM9 “Performance of Bio N based on numerous studies and experience of current users of the product, has shown that it could significantly increase production of rice and corn,” said a report from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“On rice production, using Bio N alone can boost rice grain by an average of 21% over no fertilizer while replacing 50% of the required chemical fertilizer with Bio N gives an average of 14% higher in rice yield than that of using chemical fertilizer alone.

The same performance was reported when used in corn production. “When Bio N is used, corn yield increased by an average of 12% over chemical fertilizer and replacing 50% of chemical fertilizer with Bio N increased corn yield by average of 15% over the use of chemical fertilizer alone,” the DA report said.

Bio N is commercially produced in both concentrated form and ready-touse packs at BIOTECH. It is also manufactured and distributed by 17 mixing plants established all over the country by UPLB and the DA as part of the Corn Development Program of the National Food Authority and GMA Corn Program.

“The establishment of the mixing plants aimed to produce Bio N in areas that are accessible to the farmers as part of the national thrust to improve rice and corn productivity, generate income and employment, and transform marginal areas into self-sufficient farming communities,” Mercado reported.

In powder form and prepared in a 200-gram packet, it could either be used as seed coating or as a dilute

solution for root dipping. Or farmers can use it to drench already established young plants.

According to FFTC, one packet can be used to inoculate three kilograms of corn seeds or 20 kilograms of rice. Five packets of Bio N can provide the needs of one-hectare rice or corn plantation for nitrogenous fertilizer.

“Fields that have sufficient amounts of other elements respond dramatically to Bio N,” the FFTC said.

“Best responses to inoculation may be obtained when one-fourth to one-half of the recommended rate of combined nitrogen (organic or inorganic) for the particular soil is applied.”

Bio N can also be used where organic fertilizers are applied basally, the FFTC said.

Bio N replaces 30% to 50% of the total nitrogen requirements of plants. Take the case of rice. Growing this staple crop requires fertilizer, particularly nitrogen.

“Any rice plant, modern or traditional, requires one kilogram of nitrogen to produce 15 to 20 kilograms of grain,” said the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

“Most tropical soils imbibe sufficient nitrogen naturally to grow about one ton or 1.5 tons of rice per year. To augment yields above that, nitrogen must be provided.”

Nitrogen is abundant in the earth’s atmosphere. But only very few plants can assimilate nitrogen directly from the atmosphere; most plants obtain their nitrogen from complex compounds in the soil.

Bio N can help crops obtain nitrogen. And one good thing about Bio N is that it allows only one-time appli-

lem.”

Hence, Marcos, during his first meeting with his Cabinet on July 5, discussed several initiatives to tame the rise in consumer prices, Angeles-Cruz said.

“We actually discussed inflation at the last

Cabinet meeting and the president himself reported this, so he is actually ahead of the publication of the survey having anticipated this as a potential problem,” she said in a text message sent to Palace reporters.

pandemic made government digitalization an urgent need.

“Digitalization offers convenience and ease of doing routine transactions.

It saves time and effort that would be spent in interminable queues which is very unproductive,” he said.

He cited the report made by the Department of Finance on how the opening

of electronic payment channels boosted collections for the Bureau of Internal Revenue at PHP2.07 trillion and the Bureau of Customs at PHP647.77 billion in 2021.

“We are looking forward to the progress of this bill in Congress and stand ready to support the government to see its digitalization goal into full fruition,” he said.

ical data traffic going in and out of the country.

The cable traverses the Pacific Ocean from North America going directly to Maruyama and Shima in Japan and to its new landing station in the Philippines.

Once fully operational, Jupiter is seen to increase PLDT’s international capacity of 20 Terabits per second

to about 60 Terabits per second.

“PLDT’s growing investments in undersea fiber links reinforces the company’s strong commitment to building data capacity and network resiliency to help fortify the digital competitiveness of the Philippines and serve the massive demand of hyperscalers,” he said.

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cation of nitrogen fertilizer, thereby reducing labor cost to about 50% for the same area per cropping cycle, FFTC said.

Mercado reported that Bio N has been helping rice, corn and vegetable farmers increase their yield while maintaining soil health. “Bio N users report an improvement in grain quality and an increase in yield. Using Bio N also cut production costs,” she wrote.

Ricky Mabunga can attest this. A farmer-vegetable dealer from Ilagan, Isabela, he said he was able to save on the cost of inputs when he started using Bio N. He said he was able to replace two sacks of urea (50% of the average recommendation per hectare) costing P5,200 with the recommended 5-6 sachets of Bio N per hectare costing P500 to P600. This translates to more than P4,500 in savings.

Aside from rice, corn, and sugarcane, Bio N can also be used for vegetables like tomato, eggplant, ampalaya, pechay, lettuce, okra and sweet pepper.

If Bio N is not available in your area, why not grow your own fertilizers? Azolla and ipil-ipil can be turned into fertilizer, according to the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. “We found that by growing them in our farm, we can lessen our expenses,” says Jethro P. Adang, who directs the non-government organization based in the southern part of the Philippines.

The use of azolla as a fertilizer was first promoted in the Philippines in the early 1980s. Studies show that rice yields in plots with azolla were higher than those without by more than a ton in the same cropping period.

Anabaena azollae, a blue-green alga that thrives in the cavities of azolla leaves, can fix or draw nitrogen from the air. Azolla floats on the water between rice plants. When it dies and is incorporated into the soil, decomposition releases the nitrogen.

“Farmers who grow azolla are actually growing their own fertilizers,” Adang says. Azolla contains 4 percent nitrogen on a dry weight basis (dry weight is 5 percent of fresh weight); 0.5-0.9 percent phosphorus; and 2-4.5 percent potassium.

For only three hours, Adang claims, a farmer can grow adequate azolla to increase yields equivalent to that produced by 30-60 kilograms of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare. Residual soil nitrogen is increased.

On the other hand, ipil-ipil can also be a natural source of fertilizer as its foliage rivals manure in nitrogen content. One study showed that ipil-ipil leaves were comparable to ammonium sulfate in supplying the nitrogen requirement of rice plants in flooded and non-flooded soil conditions. Corn grain yields were equally as high whether fertilized with herbage from intercropped ipil-ipil in single hedgerows or with commercial fertilizer.

But there’s more to ipil-ipil than just fertilizer.

Its aggressive root system “breaks up impervious subsoil layers, improving moisture penetration and decreasing surface runoff,” to quote the US National Academy of Science report. “Nutrients from deep strata are gradually deposited on the surface through decay of the leaves and other plant parts; soil organisms increase, topsoil humus rebuilds.”

and innovative by nature, many forms of businesses majority online sprouted and multiplied all over the region.

For this year, the mentees started their engagement right after its official launching last April 6. Exactly three months after, the participants finally reaped the fruits of their labor as they were proclaimed graduates during via a virtual ceremony on July 6.

These mentees hur-

dled the 10-module program wherein notable business practitioners mentored them and provided them with sound advises to improve their operation. They were likewise coached by business experts in the preparation of their respective Business Improvement Plans, which they presented and defended before a team of panelists coming from different fields of specialization and expertise.

in February, the whole energy system has been in disarray.

“And as a result, we are seeing that the entire energy system is going through a crisis,” he added.

Birol said this winter in Europe will be “very, very difficult,” adding this is a major concern and this may have serious implications for the global economy.

(Anadolu)

shippers, regular sea-going passengers, and tourists with comfort and convenience.

He said the planned cost reduction will be on top of existing discounts for students, senior citizens, differently-abled persons, uniformed personnel, Medal of Valor awardees, and their first-de-

gree kin in the payment of passenger terminal fees in all PPA-controlled ports.

To date, the PPA posted an increase of 130 percent in passenger volume or 20.87 million passengers from January to May 2022, compared to 9.07 million passengers in the first five months of 2021.

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SPORTS 11 The Philippines dropped to Thailand 0-1 to finish with the second seed in the AFF Women’s Championship . Xinhua photo

Pinay booters settle for no. 2 seed in AFF semis T Korea turns back mighty China, Indonesia wins

K

orea and Indonesia were the bright spots on opening day of the 2022 Fiba Asia Cup at Istora Senayan on Tuesday.

Naturalized center Ra Gun-A lifted the Koreans to a huge 93-81 win over China with his 25 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists.

Heo Hoon also did damage with his 15 points and six assists, Kang Sang-jae had 13 points, and Lee Dae-sung scored 11 to help Korea gain an early lead in Group B. Gu Quan shot five triples for his 22 points and five rebounds, as Zhao Rui had 20 points and four boards in the losing cause for China, which missed the presence of Zhou Qi in the marquee matchup.

Indonesia also posted its biggest home win with an 80-54 rout of Saudi Arabia in their Group A clash.

Marques Bolden exploded for 32 points and 16 rebounds as Timnas earned the breakthrough win and boosted their chances to progress in the tourney.

Abraham Damar Grahita

had 13 points and four boards, as Brandon Jawato and Andakara Dhyaksa got 10 apiece.

Indonesia needs to finish in the top eight of the continental tilt to book its ticket to the 2023 Fiba World Cup next year, where it will serve as a joint host together with the Philippines and Japan.

Mohammed Almarwani paced Saudi Arabia with 15.

In the other games, Thon Maker led Australia to a 78-60 clobbering of Jordan in Group A action.

The former NBA first round pick dropped 23 points and eight boards for the Boomers as they began their title defense.

Dar Tucker led Jordan with 20 points and four rebounds in the defeat.

Chinese Taipei also whipped Bahrain, 102-84, in their Group B opener.

Liu Cheng shot 4-of-8 from deep for his 29 points to boost the Taiwanese’s bid to progress to the playoffs.

Wayne Chism carried Bahrain with 24 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks in the losing cause.

Ra Gun-A, fondly known as Ricardo Ratliffe, celebrates Korea’s win. PHOTO: FIBA. BASKETBALL

he Philippine women’s football team had to settle for the second seed in the AFF Women’s Championship after Thailand sneaked in a 1-0 win at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night.

Kanyanat Chetthabutr scored the marginal goal for the Thais in the 75th minute after a defensive lapse allowed her to head the ball past Olivia McDaniels.

That was Thailand’s best attack in the match that saw the Filipinas pouring it on offensively and giving the Thai backline a run for their money.

Thailand will enter the semis as the only unbeaten team in Group A with four wins and one draw for 13 points even as it dealt the Filipinas their lone loss in the group stage after four straight wins that began with their opening night stunner over Australia.

The result also rendered useless Australia’s 6-0 blast against Malaysia at the City of Imus Grandstand as the Matildas have been knocked out of playoff contention.

Had the Filipinas scored the win, Australia’s rout would have been enough to clinch the Final 4 seat. (PNA)

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Dabawenyo Paralympian Ernie Gawilan will banner the Philippine delegation. Photo courtesy of Philippine Paralympic Committee

RARING TO GO

Pinoy para athletes ready for ASEAN Para Games

D

avao City’s two-time Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan will be the face of the Philippines’ campaign in the coming ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from July 30 to Aug. 6 in Surakarta, Indonesia..

A total of 144 Filipino Para athletes will don the national colors when they vie in the biennial ASEAN Para Games.

It will be the first international competition amid the pandemic for the Filipino Para athletes, who were limited to online training the past two years.

“Ang importante ay makita natin ang performance ng athletes natin matapos ang mahabang pahinga,” said athletics coach Joel Deriada.

“Pero gutom na gutom ang athletes natin pati mga coaches na magbigay ng karangalan sa bansa,” he added during Tuesday’s online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

Gawilan, a veteran of the Tokyo Paralympics and double-gold medalist in the 2017 ASEAN Para Games, also graced the forum.

Gawilan and his fellow swimmers are raring to compete after undergoing bubble training with the rest of Team Philippines at Philsports in Pasig City since June 6. Face-to-face training began last January.

“Maganda po ang training namin ngayon. Lahat ng athletes gigil na,” said Gawilan, adding that

everything they need has been provided by the PSC. “Maganda ang bubble. Focused ang athletes. Kain, tulog at training lang. Everything is provided. Lahat ng kailangan ng athlete,” added Deriada.

Team Philippines leaves on July 26 on a chartered Philippine Airlines flight and will fly home on Aug. 7. Joining the delegation are 68 officials, including coaches, trainers and medical staff.

The Filipino athletes will compete in archery, athletics, badminton, boccia (precision ball), chess, goal ball, judo, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.

The athletics team will be composed of 24 athletes, including 11 newcomers. They are hoping to surpass the medal haul of nine gold, five silver and six bronze medals during the 2017 edition in Malaysia.

Overall, the Philippines had a medal haul of 20-20-29 for fifth place overall during the last staging of the ASEAN Para Games where Indonesia reigned supreme with 126-75-83, followed

by Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.