Opinion:
Lifestyle:
COVID unmasks nations’ lack of preparedness
Make quarantine time productive with mobile apps
BY VIC N. SUMALINOG
PAGE 6
VOL. 74
NO. 084
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
DAVAO CITY - PHILIPPINES
16 PAGES
P10.00
PAGE 8
Passes suspended
PERSONNEL of the Toril Police Station screen residents entering the Toril Public Market, where the pregnant, 50 years old and older, and 16 years old and below are barred from going in. BING GONZALES
• Sara tells brgys to stop distribution over protocol violations BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON AND SAMANTHA T. BURGOS
SARA:
Logistics to blame for slow allotment of relief goods BY SAM BURGOS
MAYOR Sara Duterte admitted that the pace of the distribution of relief goods to some barangays has been slow due to a problem on logistics. In an interview with Davao City Disaster Ra-
dio on Tuesday, Duterte said the schedule set by the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) has not been followed due to the slow transport of these relief ( / SARA / 15)
THE CITY government yesterday ordered all barangay captains to halt distribution of quarantine passes, food passes, and work passes until they will come up with a better system. In its Facebook page, ID. Only one family mem- fined or imprisoned the city advised barangay ber can use the pass to buy The quarantine pass captains to wait for further food or medicine. Those aims to limit the number instructions to avoid chaos who will be caught without of people going out of their and confusion. the proper authority will be homes to contain the spread Yesterday morning, some barangay officials have started distributing home quarantine passes. Each household gets one
of COVID-19. Earlier, the Department of Interior Local Government said the passes are for free not for sale. However, the city received reports that some ( / PASSES / 15)
USEP to donate face shields to COVID-19 health workers NICOLE BURLAS
THE UNIVERSITY of Southeastern Philippines has fabricated face shields to be donated to the frontliners, amid the shortage of personal protective equipment for medical health workers.
The face shields were made in the Fabrication Laboratory of DigiHubFabLab Davao, a project between University of Southeastern Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the De-
partment of Science and Technology, and in collaboration with local hobbyists and medical practitioners. The face shields will be distributed to medical health workers from South( / USEP / 15)
w w w. m i n d a n a o t i m e s . c o m . p h
A MAN cuts out a piece of carton to make an improvised face mask outside the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal. BING GONZALES
Mindanao Times
@mindanaotimes
mindanaotimes
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MINDANAO TIMES
News
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
DWINDLING SLOTS
Most PUJ routes closed on cash assistance for drivers: CTTMO BY SAMANTHA T. BURGOS
ONLY 570 slots remained for public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers who wish to apply for the financial aid by the city government. Dionisio Abude, City Workers (Tupad) program the proper safety protocols. Transport and Traffic Man- for PUJ drivers. Attendance of the agement Office (CTTMO) The initiative from registered drivers will be chief, bared that 2,430 the city government will monitored to ensure that drivers have already reg- help cover the income loss they are operating during istered for the Department of drivers affected by the their duty hours. of Labor and Employ- mandated social distancIn an interview with ment’s (DOLE) Tulong ing. Each will be given Davao City Disaster RaPanghanapbuhay sa Ating P11,880 per month, as long dio on Tuesday, March Disadvantaged/Displaced as they work and observe 24, Abude said the are no
more available slots for the routes in Matina Aplaya, Catalunan Grande, Sasa via JP Laurel, Dona Pilar, Matina Pangi , Route 6, Ulas, Puan, Route 2, Route, 1, Route 13, Route 8, Route 5, Tigatto, Communal, Buhangin via JP Laurel, Route 11, Juliville, Langub and Panacan. The routes with avail-
able slots include Mahayag with six slots left; Maa four slots left; Magtuod one slot left; Talomo -six slots left; Cabantian 15 slots left; Tibungco via Cabaguio seven slots left; Emily Homes 12 slots left; Landmark seven slots left; Country homes four slots left; Accacia 26 slots left; Panabo 11 slots left; Indan-
gan 20 slots left; Catitipan via JP Laurel 20 slots left; Catitipan via Dacudao – two slots left; Buhangin via Dakudao two slots left; Jade valley 15 slots left; Callawa 29 slots left; Deca Tacunan 11 slots left; Toril 26 slots left; Ecoland SM 33 slots left; Sasa via R. Castillo 19 slots left; Route ( / DWINDLING / 15)
Frontliners praised thru City Council resolution NICOLE BURLAS
THE CITY Council expressed its gratitude to healthcare workers, men in uniform, barangay officials, and all frontliners for their contributions during the fight against COVID-19. In a resolution passed during the 12th regular session last Tuesday, Councilor Jessica Bonguyan-Galope said it is crucial to protect the welfare of the people as indicated in Sec. 15, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. To protect the people and to mitigate the virus, the government has imposed home quarantine protocols, yet some establishments providing basic necessities and essential services cannot be halted. Among these are medical professionals, law en-
forcers, barangay officials and auxiliaries, and other members of the skeletal force who provide the needs of the citizens during the pandemic, thus making them vulnerable to the virus. “Such selfless act(s) should not be overlooked and deserved to be commended. Without our healthcare workers, men in uniform, barangay officials and all frontliners, winning our battle against the COVID-19 threat would be impossible,” the resolution said. Councilor Danny Dayanghirang concurred with the resolution, mentioning his wife who is a doctor and the risks that medical professionals face during the pandemic.
AN AMBULANT vendor sells face masks outside a shopping mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue. Mayor Sara Duterte issued an executive order prohibiting people from going out without appropriate gear. BING GONZALES
DCOTT still open but no buses operating - admin T H E D AVA O C i t y O v e r l a n d Tr a n s p o r t Te r m i n a l ( D O C T T ) yesterday clarified that it is still open even though bus operators have temporarily suspended their operations due to the lockdown. In a message, DCOTT head Aisa Yusop said that they were informed by the
bus operators about needing to stop their operations. "We did not receive any memorandum or pronouncement from the higher-up," Yusop said. "It’s the prerogative of the bus operators.” "In fact our staff (skeletal force), especially the guards are on duty 24/7.
Even us here in the admin office, so that if there are queries, we can answer immediately," she added. She said that vendors inside will be displaced by the decision of the bus operators. Since the implementation of the regionwide lockdown, it was ( / DCOTT / 15)
GenSan warns vs hoarding GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Mayor Ronnel Rivera warned commercial rice traders on Tuesday against the hoarding of supplies amid reports on the sudden increase in market prices in the past ( / GENSAN / 15)
2,000 PPEs distributed to hospitals, more to come THE LOCAL government procured 2,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that have been distributed to private and public hospitals. Recently, there have been reports about the shortage of PPE supplies in the city. Medical person-
nel and health officials have appealed for donations to narrow the gap. Dr. Roy Ferrer, Department of Health (DOH) assistant secretary of health field implementation and coordinating team for Visayas and Mindanao, in a previous interview said
that PPEs are needed by these medical workers as they are the frontliners who are currently battling the deadly COVID-19. “We have to provide PPEs for them. Some health workers are already worried for themselves for they may be contaminated with
the virus without these supplies of PPEs. They are the ones who mostly interact with these COVID-19 patients. Providing them with PPEs can ease their fear that they may be infected with the virus,” he said. Mayor Sara Duterte, ( / 2,000 PPES / 15)
NPA allegedly ambushed soldiers amid ceasefire BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON
NEW PEOPLE’S Army guerrillas allegedly attacked troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion conducting community support program (CSP) in Sitio Tapayanon, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte on Tuesday. The attack came the same day that Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison declared a ceasefire, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 1Lt. Amadeuz VJ Celestial, the civil-military operations officer of the 60th IB, said the soldiers were giving basic services to barangay residents when a combined group of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao and Southern Mind-
anao Regional commands hit their position. The soldiers counterattacked, using mortar and artillery fire, as well as close support from the Philippine Air Force, which drove the NPAs away. On March 18, President Duterte ordered all government forces to stop all offensive operations against the NPA to allow the state to focus its efforts in containing COVID-19. National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, however, advised the AFP and other security forces to remain vigilant and be prepared to defend themselves considering the CPP-NPA’s “bloody track record of ( / NPA / 15)
Business
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
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MINDANAO TIMES
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Linking logistics with local firms pushed for continued operations NICOLE BURLAS
Lending firms urged: Provide Debt relief
THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry has moved to coordinate with logistics companies and airlines to encourage local businesses to continue while complying with government requirements. In a press release dated tronic commerce. March 24, John Carlo B. Tria, “The use of electronic president of the chamber of commerce channels and commerce, said that cargo social media are a good operations are resuming with way of continuing busithe possibility of cargo flights ness while maintaining coming to the city. the required social dis“We have contacted tance,” the advisory said. airlines for this purpose and Tria expressed his are gathering requests from delight when many busiour members,” he said. nesses such as restaurants Previously, the busi- have switched to online ness group released two ordering through popular COVID-19 advisories. delivery applications. Advisory no. 1 dated He added that the busiMarch 17 advised members ness body will prepar addito practice safe cargo meas- tional advisories to include ures, engage in legitimate financial planning tools to product and food delivery help businesses operate and services, and other safety eventually recover after the measures as prescribed by quarantine is lifted. the government. The chamber also The COVID-19 Ad- posted a list on its Facevisory No. 2 encouraged book page of logistics prom e m b e r s t o c o n t i n u e viders that are still accepttheir business transactions ing and facilitating cargo through online and elec- within and outside the city.
Plan needed to mitigate impact of Covid-19 M A N I L A – We l l coordinated measures guided by a comprehensive plan are crucial to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and to mitigate its social and economic impact, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Tuesday. “This public health emergency brought about by Covid-19 shows us how crucial it is for us to have a whole-of-government
and whole-of-society approach in addressing this challenge," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement. Pernia said the response measures should “delicately balance” the health and economic objectives, particularly as the impact varies by economic class. “Otherwise, the situation could deteriorate (
/ PLAN / 4)
TRIA
Reserve requirement of banks cut: BSP MANILA – Reserve requirement ratio (RRR) of Philippines’ universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) will be lower by 200 basis points starting March 30, 2020 to ensure adequate liquidity and address weaker economic activity despite the global pandemic. This reduction is half of the up to 400 basis points slash for this year authorized by the BSP’s policy(
/ RESERVE / 4)
G20 mulls joint plan response to Covid-19 RIYADH — The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors agreed on Monday during a televised meeting to develop a joint G20 Action Plan in response to the Covid-19, said a statement by the G20 Saudi secretariat.
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan opened the meeting by stressing the need to step up joint efforts and act decisively in a coordinated manner to safeguard the stability of the global economic and financial markets, it said.
Since the last meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in February, the global economic outlook has significantly deteriorated and the global spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy, ( / G20 / 4)
THE SECURITIES and Exchange Commission has encouraged all lending and financing companies to extend debt relief to borrowers to help them cope with the impact of COVID-19. “We call on financing and lending companies to adopt all possible measures that will help ease the burden of their borrowers amid this public health emergency, which has disrupted the everyday lives of Filipinos, including their livelihoods,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said in a statement released this week. The debt relief meas-
ures that companies may adopt include lowering of interest rates, waiver or reduction of penalties, charges, and other fees, loan term extension, suspension of collection, payment holiday, and debt consolidation. Aside from that, the agenct said, lending and financing companies may also develop and implement their own programs as long as it would serve the same purpose to their borrowers. Lending and financing companies have gone become subjects of complaints from borrowers and in response to this, the SEC, through the Corporate ( / LENDING / 4)
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
LENDING... (from page 3)
RESERVE... (from page 3)
Governance and Finance Department, is communicating directly with them, to strongly encourage them to adopt schemes that will help their borrowers. At present, a number of financing and lending companies have responded to the plea of SEC and adopted debt relief measures to
making Monetary Board (MB) during its special meeting on Monday. “The reduction is intended to calm the financial markets and encourage banks to continue lending to both the retail and corporate sectors,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a text message to journalists Tuesday. He said the RRR cut will also ensure sufficient liquidity in support of economic activity amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, the BSP reduced banks’ RRR by as
much as 400 basis points to free up liquidity into the system. Monetary officials said a 100-basis-point reduction in the RRR releases about PHP90-billion liquidity into the system. To date, RRR of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) is at 14 percent, thrift banks (TBs), 4 percent; and rural banks (RBs), 2 percent. In a statement Tuesday, the central bank said the Board also authorized Diokno to determine the timing, extent, and coverage of the reduction in the
the necessary government interventions. “The key to a successful medical response is widespread testing. Early detection and diagnosis will lead to early initiation of quarantine procedures, which will therefore limit or prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease,” Pernia said. He underscored the importance of having an adequate number of testing kits, medical supplies, facilities, and equipment and health care personnel across the country. “This may require the use of makeshift facilities
or converted structures, in the immediate term,” he added. Interventions under Phase 1b: Public Health Response, on the other hand, require utmost cooperation from the public. Travel ban, promotion of proper hygiene, ban on crowded gatherings, school closures, work suspension, flexible work arrangements in non-essential sectors, and work continuance in essential sectors comprise this phase, to contain the spread of the disease while ensuring sufficiency and accessibility of basic necessities.
help their borrowers. One of those is the Philippine Finance Association which informed the Commission that at least 18 of its members have allowed the extension of payment deadlines, without penalties and fees, for borrowers.
PLAN... (from page 3) to a social and political crisis,” he added. To mitigate the social and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, NEDA has proposed a three-phased program of interventions: Phase 1a: Clinical /Medical Response; Phase 1b: Public health response; Phase 1c: Short-term augmentation of health systems capacity; Phase 2: Rebuild consumer and business confidence; and Phase 3: Resume a new normal state of economic activity that is more prepared for another possible pandemic. “During a crisis, it is best to plan ahead and avoid the worst-case scenario. We have crafted a comprehensive program of actions, learning from experiences and insights from various sectors and countries,” Pernia said.
He said the program requires close collaboration among government instrumentalities from national to local, the business sector from micro to large, nongovernmental organization (NGOs), and citizens. “It is also necessary for us to think ahead even while we address the most urgent and critical challenges,” he added. As Covid-19 cases continue to rise, the Philippines is in Phase 1, which focuses on public health measures to minimize the duration and contain the spread of the disease. Under Phase 1a: Clinical / Medical Response, early detection and diagnosis, effective quarantine system, effective management and treatment protocol, research and epidemiological studies are among
RR, taking into consideration the impact of Covid-19 on domestic liquidity. “The authority given to the Governor to adjust the RR allows the BSP flexibility to promptly address any possible liquidity strain in the industry,” it said. This reduction is on top of the total of 75-basispoint reduction in the central bank’s key policy rates that the Board decided last February and this month to help address the economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on the domestic economy, as provided also by the low inflation environment. The Board also authorized the central bank to purchase PHP300 billion
worth of government securities from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) under a repurchase agreement payable within six months to augment government funds for Covid 19-related measures. The BSP statement said possible reduction of RRR of other banks and nonbank financial institutions “will also be explored.” “The BSP will have to assess the impact of Covid-19 on the broader economy,” Diokno said, adding “the behavior of banks, particularly their capacity to absorb, invest, and lend the freed-up liquidity, will likewise be a determining factor for further adjustments.” (PNA)
G20... (from page 3) Al-Jadaan said. He highlighted that the G20 should be ready to undertake further emergency response to address the global crisis and set a vision for the medium- and long-term actions that will foster a rapid recovery in the economy and catalyze the potential for stronger economic growth. Furthermore, G20 finance ministers and governors discussed ways for stepping up coordinated
efforts by bilateral and multilateral creditors to address the risks of debt vulnerabilities, especially in low-income countries, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. They also discussed working closely with international financial institutions to support financial stability and alleviate liquidity constraints for emerging markets and developing economies. (Xinhua)
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MINDANAO TIMES
Opinion
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
COVID unmasks nations’ lack of preparedness
On physical and social distancing DURING the early days of COVID 19, people were told to practice social distancing with frequent hand washing and sanitizing. This means that people were not allowed to congregate, have parties and all activities that involve more than 10 people. We were also told not to shake EDITORIAL hands or, for most of us, the usual beso-beso as greeting family and close friends. We did all that and found it was not enough. Now, we are consciously practicing physical distancing when we go out to get basic necessities for our family. Executive Order No. 20-A that will be in effect at midnight imposes stricter measures to combat the COVID 19 pandemic. Physical space, whether in public transport or inside supermarkets or offices is maintained at all times. But not everyone is listening. With the new EO, quarantine passes are given by barangay officials to each family under its jurisdiction. To be able to acquire one, the family member has to go to the barangay center to claim the pass. Too many people in one small space is obviously not a good decision at this time. The value of physical distance went out of the window. In our frontpage story, some barangay officials were reported to have started going house to house to distribute home quarantine passes. Only one family member can use the
issued pass which he has to show to be able to go out and buy food or medicine. So those who do not have passes but insist to leave the house should understand that they are defying the order from the city government. Yesterday morning, some barangay officials have started distributing home quarantine passes. Each household gets one ID. Only one family member can use the pass to buy food or medicine. Those who will be caught without the proper authority will be fined or imprisoned. The city council has approved an ordinance last Tuesday, institutionalizing the local government’s emergency policies on COVID-19. Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta, committee chair on peace and public safety, filed the resolution, including penalties imposed to those who will violate the protocols of the city concerning COVID-19. Some may find these measures harsh, but in the time of COVID 19, it is what it is.
LAST Tuesday we had some surprises in our life. We did not expect to receive a message from a friend way back while we were still actively covering every news beats in Davao City. Our friend now lives in New York City, USA running two small business enterprises and heading a group of Davaoenos now residing in that recently CoViD-disturbed city of the big apple. Yes, we did not have any iota of idea that former third district lady councilor Dr. Frances Mabel Acosta (nee Robillo and later nee Laman) would find our name in the social media and sent us a message through Messenger. The last time we heard of her was when she ran unsuccessfully for Representative of the third district. But that was years back. Then we noted her residence in Calinan becoming eerily lonely. With high fence every time we pass by her house it seemed to us as abandoned. Then the succeeding years of her absence apparently made her a lost memory to many of her former constituents especially those from Toril where her family resides and those from Calinan where she later established residence with second husband former manager of the defunct Banco Filipino – Davao Branch Raul Laman. And the other day we got her message through Messenger that she is now in New York running a caregiving facilities she calls NYC Caregivers LLC and Neonate Care USA LLC. Aside from the two enterprises, Mabel also disclosed that she has organized a group of Davaoenos now based in New York which she named Hijos de Davao USA, Inc. She has however, not yet given us details what the organization is all about and what its objectives are. We believe however, that the Hijos de Davao USA is a social organization with the intention to keep closer bond among Davaoenos in New York. And from her message we can deduce that she is a happy and proud mother. What with all her three kids all grown up and professionals giving her four granddaughters? Her eldest son is a lawyer practicing in Manila, his second son a pilot of the Philippine Airlines, and her youngest, a daughter, is a nurse at emergency room in a New York hospital. Well, what Mabel failed to achieve as a politician she got it as a mother and an entrepreneur. And she told us her family is planning to visit Davao this May, subject to the end of the dreaded CoViD 19 pandemic. Well, your former constituents are surely excited of your visit – if you can. Thank for messaging us Bel. ************************ Now back to the times’ world-wide top and seemingly the only topic of news broadcasts and public discussions – the CoViD pandemic that has already claimed several thousands of lives all over the world including doctors. And now the dreaded disease has infected top government officials like senators, congressmen, and top officials of the executive department of governments. Where before Philippine and World Health Organization (WHO) authorities were hesitant to call it epidemic because they were not certain whether the viruses could get out of the boundaries of Wuhan, China, suddenly they had a change of mind. They submitted it was a disease of epidemic proportion because of the speed with which the viruses infected people. When cases of the CoViD were reported infecting populations in countries outside China world health authorities admitted it was already getting to be a pandemic. Now, almost all countries affected by the killer disease are found unprepared to confront the unseen enemy. The governments realized to their dismay they don’t have neither the vaccine nor the medicine to prevent or treat the illness. The countries, except China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are all receiving flacks from their citizens for their laxity. And the proud President Donald Trump of the USA was unable to escape such scathing criticism. What tragedy this CoViD has brought to nations of the world!
MINDANAO TIMES
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
Of viruses and obscenities M A L AYB A L AY C I T Y (MindaNews) H. MARCOS C. MORDENO – Like a fighter caught off guard the world didn’t see it coming until the blow landed on its face. There was no time to duck; the surprise punch called Covid-19 gave over 160 countries and territories a neat lesson in the medical equivalent of mortal combat. Indeed, not since the Black Death that obliterated a fourth of medieval Europe’s population has the world stood at the mercy of a microscopic villain. China, where the disease originated, appears to have put it under check. Italy, however, has become the new epicenter of the pandemic with the number of deaths there surpassing China’s. Figures may change in the coming weeks depending on each country’s capacity in terms of resources and policymaking. And here’s an unlikely development. The US, the world’s number one economy and home to many scientific minds, is racing against time to contain the virus. CNN on Sunday reported that President Trump’s dilly-dallying stance has caused things to get out of hand. He ignored warnings from US intelligence as early as January on the likelihood of the problem evolving into a crisis. The same may be said of the Philippines. Health Secretary Francisco Duque himself admitted that government should have acted with dispatch sooner than it did. Apparently, he deferred to President Duterte, who was reluctant to impose a ban on the entry of foreign nationals, among other measures. He particularly disdained the idea of banning Chinese visitors – for obvious reasons. In one speech, in fact, Duterte profusely thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for conveying sympathy to the Philippines in these distressing times. This Duterte did before he could even thank Filipino health workers and professionals who are risking their lives in the frontlines. Here’s more bad news. The country’s public health care system has to deal with another sinister enemy, one that further undermines its capability to cope with the crisis. Reports had it that politicians and high officials have asked the Department of Health to prioritize them, their families and staff in the testing [for the disease]. Given the scarcity of test kits such flaunt of power and privilege can only be described as shameless and obscene. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com.)
SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS
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Cleaner hands, bluer skies: what has coronavirus done for us? DEATHS, economic meltdown and a planet will double down to try to make up for lost on lockdown: the coronavirus pandemic has time, with climate change concerns likely to brought us waves of bad news, but squint and be sidelined in a race to recover economic SARA HUSSEIN you might just see a few bright spots. growth. From better hygiene that has reduced other - Save the pangolins infectious diseases to people reaching out as they self-isolate, The source of the coronavirus remains in question, but here are some slivers of silver linings during a bleak moment. early tracking focused on a market in China’s Wuhan where - Wash your hands! a variety of live wildlife was on sale for consumption. The message from health professionals has been clear A number of animals, including bats and the highly enfrom the start of the outbreak: wash your hands. dangered pangolin, have been identified as possible culprits Everyone from celebrities to politicians has had a go at for the virus. demonstrating correct technique -- including singing “Happy As a result, China in February declared an immediate and Birthday” twice through to make sure you scrub long enough, “comprehensive” ban on the trade and consumption of wild and hand sanitiser has flown off the shelves. animals that was welcomed by environmentalists. All that extra hygiene appears to be paying off, at least Beijing implemented similar measures following the in some countries, including Japan, where the number of flu SARS outbreak in the early 2000s, but the trade and concases appears to be sharply down. sumption of wild animals, including bats and snakes, made Japan recorded 7.21 million cases by early March -- usu- a comeback. ally around the peak of the flu season that runs until May. This time the ban is permanent, raising hopes that it could That was far below figures for previous years, including end the local trade in wildlife. the 21.04 million infections seen during the 2017/18 season. “I do think the government has seen the toll it takes on “We estimate that one of the reasons behind it is that national economy and society is much bigger than the benefit people are now much more aware about the need to wash that wild-eating business brings,” said Jeff He, China director hands... given the spread of the new coronavirus,” Japanese at the International Fund for Animal Welfare. health ministry official Daisha Inoue told AFP. Reports linking the virus to the pangolin have also scared - Carbon curbs off would-be consumers of the scaly mammals elsewhere, Factory shutdowns, travel bans and a squeeze on de- with bushmeat vendors in Gabon reporting a plunge in sales. mand spell economic disaster, but it isn’t all bad news for - Apart, together the environment. One of the most difficult aspects of the stringent lockIn the four weeks to March 1, China’s CO2 emissions downs imposed to slow the spread of the virus has been fell 200 million tonnes, or 25 percent, compared to the same loneliness, with families and friends forced to endure weeks period last year, according to the Centre for Research on or even months apart. Energy and Clean Air. But some people have found the measures are creating a That’s a decline equivalent to annual CO2 emissions sense of community spirit, and prompting them to make more from Argentina, Egypt or Vietnam. of an effort to check in with family and reconnect with friends. The slowdown in China also saw coal consumption at In Colombia, where a nearly three-week period of selfpower plants there down 36 percent, and the use of oil at isolation is now in place, 43-year-old Andrea Uribe has organrefineries drop by nearly as much. ised everything from group exercise classes to family talent Air travel is also grinding to a virtual halt, achieving at shows using video messaging programmes including Zoom. least a short-term drop-off in emissions from a highly pol“I have called my parents more often, I have talked to luting industry. friends that I usually don’t talk to... I have organised Zoom And there have been other environmental benefits, in- meetings with friends in multiple countries,” Uribe, who cluding crystal-clear waters in Venice canals usually choked works in development, told AFP. with tourist-laden boats. “It is wonderful to be forced to be there for one another. Unfortunately, experts say the cleaner air may be short-lived. It has made me more creative. It just shows that we need to Once the health crisis is over, experts expect countries be present in people’s lives.”Agence France-Presse
ANALYSIS
‘Unprecedented collapse’ for eurozone businesses edly to reach an all-time low, with record BUSINESSES in the eurozone suffered “an degrees of pessimism about the year ahead unprecedented collapse” in March because of seen in both manufacturing and services,” the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to MARC BURLEIGH IHS Markit said. a closely watched indicator released Tuesday “Clearly there’s scope for the downby IHS Markit. Provisional data showed the slump in activity in the 19-na- turn to intensify further as even more draconian policies to tion zone in March “far exceeding that seen even at the height deal with the virus are potentially implemented in coming of the global financial crisis,” with the company’s PMI survey months,” chief economist Chris Williamson said. Economic analysis firm Capital Economics said the PMI diving to 31.4. A reading below 50 points indicates a contraction. In Feb- collapse was “so sharp that at any other time it would look ruary, the index had stood at 51.6. The latest reading for March like a spreadsheet error”. It agreed that “April’s data could be even worse” and is the lowest since IHS Markit started its PMI survey in 1998. The indicator reflected a near-shutdown of eurozone pointed to the eurozone’s 2020 first-quarter GDP plunging by at least three percent compared with the last three months economies as COVID-19 sweeps across Europe. Major economies Italy, France, Germany and Spain are of 2019. “That would be similar to the sharpest quarterly fall in all deeply affected and have implemented severe social and business restrictions to try to slow the virus’s spread, by keep- GDP during the global financial crisis,” it said. The startlingly bad PMI indicator heaped more pressure ing potential carriers at home. The eurozone’s economic struggle was worsened by some on eurozone finance ministers who were to meet via videolink EU member states closing off their borders to neighbours, later Tuesday to consider coordinated ways to blunt economic limiting the flow of goods and people within the single market. fall-out from the pandemic. - ‘Ground to a halt’ - Pessimism over year ahead Analysts at bank ING said the IHS Markit survey “paints EU countries are starting to deploy massive state spending and loan guarantees to prop up businesses and employment, a picture of an economy that has ground to a halt”. But while it demonstrated the wide and sudden impact with the EU dropping its strict rules on budget deficits. The IHS Markit survey showed the services sector was of the coronavirus, it “doesn’t tell us much about the depth pummelled the worst, sliding to well below where it was at of the decline”. ING added: “It’s still anyone’s guess how deep this during the 2009 global financial crisis. Manufacturing was also hit, supply chains were being actually is. “The question is how much policy makers can soften the badly degraded, and there was “a record fall in export business blow. Perhaps most relevant is how much unemployment as cross-border trade flows seized up”. Employees are being let go at the fastest rate since June 2009. and bankruptcies can be avoided to determine the possible “Expectations of future output also deteriorated mark- steepness of a recovery.”Agence France-Presse
ANALYSIS
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MINDANAO TIMES THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
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Make quarantine time productive with mobile apps PERHAPS, the one gadget that works the hardest while on quarantine is our mobile phone. We use it to get in touch with friends and family, play games and watch videos with, and keep ourselves updated with news and social media. Now that we have possibly exhausted ways in keeping ourselves entertained by our phone, maybe it’s time to re-explore one of its basic functions: download apps. There are thousands and thousands of apps in PlayStore and AppStore but here are some that I personally recommend for your perusal. PlantNet. You own a garden but don’t know a single weed in it. This app allows you to identify flowering plants, trees,
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grasses, conifers, ferns, vines, wild salads and even cacti by simply taking a photo and uploading it on the app. It’s free but requires data. MediaBox HD. No cable or Netflix? No problem. Its collection of movies and TV shows may not be as extensive but it’ll tide you over until April 19. Just download its APK from Google, connect to Wi-Fi and you’re good to go. Yes, it’s free with options to premiun use. You’re welcome. MilkShake. You’ve been wanting to create a blog but don’t have the time or patience to go about it. This free app affords you to create simple websites with nifty templates on your phone in under 10 minutes. That fast. Pocket. Found an interesting online article but don’t have time to read it? Now you can save the latest stories, news, and even videos with this app for later viewing (even when offline). Radio Philippines. Listen to onIIne radio stations - including Wild FM - and follow your favorite shows and podcasts for free. The best thing about it is that you can listen to radio in background while using other apps. Dance Workout Videos. Miss your Zumba dance classes? Now you can do it in the comfort of your own room. This app provides a selection of various fitness dance workout videos for free. Home Workout. To complement your dance exercises, this app has a collection of home workouts for fast bodybuilding routines for all your main muscle groups with no equipment needed. Learn Bahasa. Teach yourself to speak a new language. This app helps you speak the language like a native with over 1,000 words and phrases. The same developer also has apps for Thai, Hookien, Korean, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Italian and many more language. Tasty. Learn to cook from the world’s largest food network. It has over 3000 recipes at your fingertips with step-by-step instructions. It can also filter your preferred fares, like vegan, gluten-free, low carb, healthy, and comfort food. If everything else fails, do as the Romans do: TikTok.
MINDANAO TIMES THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
10 9
Cristina Yip’s
Love & Styles IT WOULD take several days for health advisories and government announcements to sink in for us to comply with Community Quarantine, as the invited guests to a gathering arrived to greet Cristina Yip on the 9th Anniversary of the foundation of Love & Styles. The
Covid 19 Epidemic, at that time did not occupy our mind enough to make us stay home. It was March 14, 2020, and shoppers at the mall were not even bothered about what was happening in Wuhan, China. Three shops owned by Cristina are located on the second floor of Victoria Plaza, which displays and sells wedding gowns and attire for a whole wedding entourage. Brides-to-be were busy trying gowns at the fitting room while everyone was enjoying the late morning event. Selected friends invited to the occasion partook of cocktails. They included “Ninang” Merci Duduaco, Jennifer Romero, Sales & Marketing Manager of Waterfront Davao Insular Hotel, Leny Hernandez, Noel Tanza of Golden Touch, Korine Navarro, Jon Nunez of Glam, who came with model Jo Puyod Yulo and other models. Cristina Yip has been successful in her business, bringing bridal gowns and suits for grooms which she buys from Hong Kong and China. She has branches at Ateneo de Davao CM Recto and Quirino Avenue, in front of the Regional Education & Learning Center (RELC) beside Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School. She also supplies gowns for a friend in Tagum City. Because of her services that she extends to her customers, Cristina continues to enjoy the patronage of her friends who also buy evening gowns for special occasions such as balls, debuts and birthdays. Photo credits: Merci Duduaco/Nicole Kyra Roque-Wong
THURSDAY, MARCH 2020 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31,26, 2016
All pawned items that expired during the month All pawned items that expired during the of JANUARY 2020, if not renewed or redeemed on month MAY, 14, 2015 notberenewed reor beforeof MARCH 2020ifwill sold to theorpublic deemed on or before JULY 14, 2015 will be on MARCH 16, 2020 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop sold to the public on JULY 16, 2015 at 9:00 premises.
a.m. at our pawnshop premises.
Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired Gipahibalo na prenda ang FIRST sa bulan sa ENEROang 2020.tanan Ang tanan ibaligya COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa 9:00 tanansa sa publiko karong MARSO 16, 2020 sa alas buntag. nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MAYO 2015.
DAVAO FIRST COLOR
Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HULYO 16 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.
PAWNSHOP
#47 Lao St., Toril, Davao City Tel. No. 295-2460
All pawned items that expired during the month of FEBRUARY 2020, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00am. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang DAVAO GEVIN PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nagexpired sa bulan sa PEBRERO 2020. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES
AUCTION DATE
TEL. NOS.
CALINAN, Villafuerte (Main) APRIL 03, 2020
295-0751
MINTAL, Sampaguita St.
233-0712
APRIL 03, 2020
All pawned items that expired during the month of JANUARY 2020, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00am. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVALUE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ENERO 2020. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.
BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS. BAJADA MARCH 03, 2020 321-8705 (Beside NBI Office) BABAK SAMAL MARCH 24, 2020 301-4019 SAN PEDRO MARCH 6, 2020 227-6772 CABAGUIO MARCH 27, 2020 321-6223 TIBUNGCO MARCH 30, 2020 222-2494 (OPENING)
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
All pawned items that expired during the month of JANUARY 2020, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior to the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang NARDING PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ENERO 2020. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES Lapu-lapu, Agdao Matina Crossing Tibungco
AUCTION DATE MARCH 10, 2020 MARCH 24, 2020 MARCH 17, 2020
TEL. NOS. (082) 222-3524 (082) 297-5786 (082) 296-4130
PANABO’S PAWNSHOP, INC. Panabo (Main) MARCH 16, 2020 (084) 628-8418 Panabo (Branch) MARCH 16, 2020 (084) 628-842
All pawned items that expired during the month of JANUARY 2020 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days before the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 A.M. Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang DIAGOLD PAWNSHOP INC., magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan ENERO 2020. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa na nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES
Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang AL-JOS PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa DISYEMBRE 2019. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong PEBRERO 17, 2020 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.
AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS.
Agdao MARCH 12, 2020 (Toy Bldg., Lapu-lapu St.)
284-9017
ROSEGOLD PAWNSHOP & JEWELLER Main – San Pedro Cor. Anda Street Davao City Tel. Nos. (082) 221-1477; (082) 221-0355; (082)222-5039 Accepts: Jewelry, Appliances, Watches, CellPhones and Any Valuable Items Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3% Wholesaler and Retailers on all kinds of jewelry
All pawned items that expired during the month of JANUARY 2020, must be renewed or redeemed on or before MARCH 07, 2020. If not redeemed or renewed, it will be sold to the public on MARCH 10, 2020 at our pawnshop premises from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
All pawned items that expired during the month of DECEMBER 2019, if not renewed or redeemed on or before FEBRUARY 15, 2020 will be sold to the public on FEBRUARY 17, 2020 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.
Rosegold Pawnshop Lapu-lapu Street, Agdao Davao City Tel. No. (082) 225-3637
Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre St., Davao City (Fronting Limso Hospital) Tel. No. (082) 222-2104
Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre Street, Davao City (Beside NCCC Hardwaremaxx) Tel. No. (082) 295-6199
Rosegold Pawnshop KM6 Crossing Buhangin, Div. Road, Davao City Tel. No. (082) 241-2355
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All Jewelry and other articles pawned at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main, Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre, Rosegold Pawnshop Bolton, Rosegold Pawnshop, Agdao and Rosegold Pawnshop Buhangin from SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 to OCTOBER 15, 2019. If not redeemed or renewed on or before MARCH 13, 2020 will be sold to the Public Auction on MARCH 16, 2020 at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
GOLDSTANDARD PAWNSHOP
San Pedro street, Davao City (Fronting Queen Bank) Tel. No. (082) 222-1561 ; (082) 321-0128 Accepts: Jewelry, Appliances, Watches, Cellphones and any valuable items Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3% Wholesaler and Retailers on all Kinds of Jewelry
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
All jewelry and other articles pawned at Goldstandard Pawnshop San Pedro, Goldstandard Pawnshop Ilustre from SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 to OCTOBER 15, 2019 if not redeemed or renewed on MARCH 13, 2020 will be sold to the Public Auction on MARCH 16, 2020 at our Pawnshop premises from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items at METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP that expired during the month of JANUARY 2020, if not renewed or redeemed on or before MARCH 13, 2020 will be sold to the public on MARCH 17, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. Ginapahibalo ang tanan na ang METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ENERO 2020. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong MARSO 17, 2020 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.
2nd Level, Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City Tel. No.: (082) 221-3355 • (082) 305-9496 2nd Level, SM Lanang Premier, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City Tel. No.: (082) 295-1505 • (082) 321-0525 email: jrosejewels@yahoo.com • www.jrosejewels.ph
PAWNS NOT REDEEMED/RENEWED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER EXPIRY DATES WILL BE AUCTIONED ON MARCH 16, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE RESPECTIVE PAWNSHOPS WHERE THE ITEMS WERE PAWNED.
All pawned items of GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC. that expired during the month of JANUARY 2020, if not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC. maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expire sa bulan sa ENERO 2020. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES
AUCTION DATE
General Lao, Toril
MARCH MARCH MARCH MARCH MARCH MARCH MARCH
Agton. Toril Buhangin Magallanes Tagum Saavedra, Toril Agdao
17, 2020 17, 2020 13, 2020 10, 2020 26, 2020 17, 2020 19, 2020
TEL. NO. 291-2406 291-2952 241-0223 224-3138 216-3425 291-1349 327-2348
All pawned items that expired during the month of JANUARY 2020 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior to the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00A.M. BRANCHES
AUCTION DATE
TEL. NO.
C.M. RECTO (MAIN) LANANG BRANCH 1 SAN PEDRO
MARCH 17, 2020 297-8081 MARCH 17, 2020 235-3473 MARCH 17, 2020 327-8832
GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP INC. / GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. TEL NO.: 321-2185 / 234-4844
All pawned items that expire during the month of JANUARY 2020 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to public on its respective auction schedule and premises @9:00a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. magasubasta sa tanan nga nag expire sa bulan sa ENERO 2020. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES
AUCTION DATE
TEL. NOS.
SAN PEDRO
MARCH 16, 2020
321-2185
ILUSTRE
MARCH 02, 2020
234-4844
MARCH 13, 2020
All pawned items from SEPTEMBER 2019 – OCTOBER 2019
THURSDAY, MARCH31, 26,2016 2020 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST
LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the New Rules of Court, Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the deceased ALDRIN BINGGAN MADIZA, who died in Davao City on October 2, 2019, leaving all rights, titles, participation and interest over that motor vehicle covered by CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION NO. 278793272, described as follows: MV FILE No. 1101-00000343886; PLATE NO. ________; ENGINE NO. KPG01E1064000; CHASSIS NO. KPG01106362; DENOMINATION: MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT SIDE CAR; PISTON DISPLACEMENT: 125; NO. OF CYCYLINDERS: 1; FUEL: GAS; MAKE: HONDA; SERIES: ZN125MB; BODY TYPE; MOTORCYCLE; YEAR MODEL: 2017; has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE executed by his heirs per Doc. No. 191; Page No. 40; Book No. 73; Series of 2020 of the NOTARY PUBLIC JOSE EDGAR J. ILAGAN.
(MT- March 12, 19 & 26, 2020)
LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the New Rules of Court, Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the deceased SPOUSES ROSELA A. ABORDO and VICENTE L. ABORDO, who died on January 21, 2018 and November 29, 2015, both died at Davao City, respectively, left a real property situated in the barangay of Indangan, Davao City, containing an area of 680 sq. meters, more or less, covered by TCT No. 146-2018017751, has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed by his heirs per Doc. No. 452; Page No. 92; Book No. 41; Series of 2020 of the NOTARY PUBLIC JOSEFINA E. DUBLIN.
(MT- March 12, 19 & 26, 2020)
THURSDAY, MARCH 2020 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31,26, 2016
Davao Ros-Ver Pawnshop, Incorporated
DAVAO 3 SURE PAWNSHOP, INC. NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items that expire during the month of JANUARY 2020 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang DAVAO 3 SURE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag expire sa bulan sa ENERO 2020. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.
BRANCHES
AUCTION DATE
TEL. NOS
SAN PEDRO BUHANGIN
MARCH 10, 2020 MARCH 17, 2020
225-0033 241-1071
Ilustre St., Davao City Tel # 224-1204; 222-6086
AUCTION SALE!
The DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. and NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP will be having its JOINT AUCTION on all unredeemed pawned items left during the month of November 2019. The said items will be sold to the public at the following VENUE AND DATE. Gipahibalo ang publiko na ang DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. og ang NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP; magsubasta sa tanang prenda nga naremata atong Nobyembre 2019. Ang tanang prenda dungan nga ibaligya sa publiko sa mga sumusunod nga dapit og petsa:
DAVAO CITY Digos Rizal Digos Luna Digos Magsaysay Tagum Rizal Tagum Roxas Tagum Pioneer Tagum Public Market Tagum Quezon Santo Tomas Nabunturan Davao Branches Mati Burgos Kidapawan Panabo
Tel.#234-2268/cell#09078756193 ask for Ram and Jen between 8am-5pm
COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE for Motorcycle display area, appliance store, convenience store Baguio Proper, Baguio District Call (0932) 372 7799
Digos Magsaysay March 6, 2020 At 9:30am
Venue and Date
Tagum Pioneer – GRAND AUCTION March 6-7, 2020 At 9:30am Santo Tomas March 11, 2020 At 9:30am Nabunturan March 14, 2020 At 9:30am Ilustre – GRAND AUCTION March 19-21, 2020 At 9:30am Mati Burgos March 21, 2020 At 9:30am Kidapawan March 25,2020 At 9:30am Panabo – GRAND AUCTION March 30-31
14
MINDANAO TIMES
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
MINDANAO TIMES
PASSES... (from front page) barangays have asked their constituents to get their quarantine passes at the barangay hall. As a result, residents had to violate the physical distancing protocol while queuing for their IDs. In an earlier televised press briefing, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said barangay officials selling quarantine passes will be sued. Nograles also reminded local government units with villages distributing quarantine passes to coordinate their efforts with the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the correct guideline. Lawmakers institutionalize EOs on curfew, quarantine THE CITY council approved an ordinance institutionalizing the local government’s emergency policies on COVID-19. Councilor Mabel Sun-
ga-Acosta, committee chair on peace and public safety, filed a resolution under suspended rules on Tuesday, March 23, during the regular session. Under the ordinance, penalties are imposed to those who will violate the protocols of the city concerning COVID-19. The ordinance was certified urgent by the Vice Mayor’s Office. The ordinance institutionalized executive orders 10, 12, 12-A, 15-A, and 16-A. These EOs contain the protocols of the city on its restrictions and the temporary closures of all business establishments in the city. Acosta said that under the ordinance, violations on sections 1-11, which cover the EOs on community quarantine, restriction on travels, curfew, imposed curfew for vulnerable sectors (senior citizens, mi-
SARA... (from front page) nors, pregnant women, sick and immune-compromised individuals in the city), liquor ban, and funerals will be a fine of P3,000 for the first offense and P5,000 for the second offense and/or imprisonment of not more than a year at the discretion of the court. On the other hand, Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the ordinance which covers the persons under monitoring (PUM) and persons under investigation (PUI) protocols, have imposed a fine of P5,000 and imprisonment of not more than a year at the discretion of the court. Persons who also fail to immediately disclose their travel histories to COVID-19 contaminated areas or exposure to known PUMs or PUIs will also be penalized. Acosta said this is to ensure that protocols will be strictly implemented.
DWINDLING... (from page 2) 4 59 routes left; El rio 16 slots left; Lasang via Sasa five slots left; Obrero six slots left; Route 3 with only slot left; Bangkal with four slots left; Tugbok/ Minta/Calinan with five slots left, Route 10 with 58 slots; Bago Gallera with two slots; Bunawan via Sasa with 21 slots; Lasang via Buhangin with eight slots left; Bunawan via Buhangin with 13 slots; Panacan via JP Laurel with 49; Panacan via Buhangin, 25. “All should comply with the requirements and protocols given to them so that they will not be disqualified in this program,” Abude said. Following the suspension of the Tupad registration due to the unobserved social distancing, the CTTMO chief said that they have decided to implement the processing online. “Due to our recent experience of mass gathering
(during registration) even if we were constantly advising them (to observe social distancing) they won’t listen. All they do is rush each other so that anyone of them can go first,” he said, adding that the process is based on the “first come, first serve” basis. Abude also said that in every route, there should be a representative or leader who will be allowed to approach the CTTMO to give the list of those who will take advantage of the program. “For example, you will appoint a leader in Callawa. That leader will now list 19 drivers who want to avail the program, since there are only 19 slots left. This to avoid disorder and confusion,” he said. He said that those who wish to inquire can message them through their Facebook messenger at “TUPAD Program for PUJ Drivers due to Covid 19.”
“You can reach us through messenger for inquiries and clarification and for the processing method,” he said. The PUJ drivers can also inquire through the following contact numbers: For first district routes: Norman Baloro (TUPAD officer and PCUP commissioner for Mindanao) – 09771938176/ 092368851994 For second district routes: Ms. Shirley Sahid of Philippine Employment Service Office (PESO) – 233 6890 For third district routes: Ms. Malou Bermudo of City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) – 295 3500 For Toril and Calinan: Joel Santos of CTTMO – 298 3602 Dionisio Abude (CTTMO chief) – 09209460664
Bernardino Austidillo and 52-year-old former rebel Zaldy Ibañez. Lt. Col. Rolando Sarmiento, 60th IB commander, condemned the attack, with the CPP-NPA “shamefully taking advantage” of the situation while millions of Filipinos are facing the
threat of COVID-19. “ Wi t h o r w i t h o u t COVID-19 and despite the ceasefire, our orders remain to be that of maintaining the peace in the communities under our responsibility and we will continue to do just that," Sarmiento said.
NPA... (from page 2) using the government’s declarations of ceasefires to launch offensives” and other terroristic acts. On the first day of the unilateral truce, the NPA killed two civilians in Barangay Magroyong, Surigao del Sur--73-yearold tribal chieftain Datu
2,000 PPES... (from page 2) in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio on Tuesday, said that the acquired PPEs were purchased from China. She said that the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) was given 600 ICU PPEs and 600 ordinary PPEs. They were endorsed to SPMC chief Dr.
Leopoldo Vega. The remaining 800 PPEs have been sent to some private hospitals in the city, prioritizing infectious disease personnel. “We have provided them already with these protective gears. But we still have supplies to come,” she said.
7 15
She also said that Congressman Paolo Duterte also provided PPEs for SPMC health workers that will be good for a month. “Better, you can tell us to what unit or department (in the hospital who needs the PPEs), so that we can directly drop them off,” she added.
goods in the barangays. “We are using the wrong trucks. This has been a challenge during our first days of delivering these relief goods,” she said. She said the dump trucks cannot deliver the desired number of goods per barangay on the scheduled time due to space constraints. Duterte said they have already reserved four wing vans to be used to deliver the goods instead of dump trucks. In a wing van, she said, it can carry up to 5,000 grocery items, while dump trucks can only deliver around 800 goods. “Since our grocery items to be given to the beneficiaries are big be-
cause it should last six to seven days, it takes a lot of space. That is why, only 800 goods have been delivered instead of the desired number,” she said. She said that the frequency of the delivery should be every seven days, but due to this slow transporting of goods, they decided to extend the distribution and make a new system. “We should replace these dump trucks with wing vans, otherwise, if the delivery is this slow, (following) we have hundreds to thousands to deliver, then it can be that there will be a convergence of the first, second, and third round of distribution. If that hap-
pens, then people may not have time to rest,” she said. Once the wing vans are available, these dump trucks would be used for other projects. “We still have other projects. Even with COVID-19 around, we still are doing some things aside from the virus matters. If we will be allotting all our dump trucks to deliver these goods, then the City Engineer’s Office project will be delayed,” she said. Duterte also reminded the public and the barangay officials to observe the proper protocols while distributing the rationed goods. Everybody is mandated to observe proper social distancing.
USEP... (from front page) ern Philippines Medical Center and Davao Regional Medical Center where the confirmed cases of COVID-19 are confined. Dave Francis B. Batoon, DigiHub-FabLab Davao administrator, said they initially fabricated 54 pieces, but they are planning to continue making more in response to the requests of other hospitals in the region. “It's purposeful and inspiring because instead of
doing nothing in time of quarantine, we can make our time to support our frontliners who risk themselves to save lives,” he said. At present, there are six confirmed cases in the region with five who are still confined and one who already recovered. There are 141 patients under investigation (PUI) with nine deaths. Four already tested negative for the virus while the other five are still awaiting con-
firmation from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). Meanwhile, 71 PUIs are currently admitted and 61 are already discharged. For the persons under monitoring (PUM), the Department of Health already recorded 10,361 cases, where 3,589 are already cleared and 6,771 are still under observation. There was one fatality but caused by a falling accident, and not related to COVID-19.
DCOTT... (from page 2) observed that passengers chose not to travel to avoid being stranded. The major bus companies operating at the terminal are Bachelor Express, Yellow Bus Line, Inc., LCI Bus Line, ACF Bus Lines, Holy Infant Tours, Mindanao Star and the Davao Metro Shuttle.
Currently, the terminal has 50 bays for buses and during non-peak season, the terminal can accommodate 700 to 800 daily trips, she said. She noted that some buses have to leave at an interval of every 15 to 30 minutes to avoid stalling the flow of traffic in the
terminal and its peripheries. During peak season, specifically during the Christmas holidays and the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the daily trips would shoot up to 1,200 to 1,400, accommodating over 70,000 passengers.
GENSAN... (from page 2) several days. Rivera said they will not hesitate to file charges against traders who will take advantage of the general community quarantine here and the neighboring areas due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat. The mayor said he has directed the city’s price monitoring council to regularly check the prices and availability of rice supplies in the local markets. Rivera said he received reports that the prices of commercial rice in the public markets have increased
by up to PHP300 per sack and traders were charging an additional PHP5 for the sack. “We are currently looking into this. The retail prices should not just increase (because of the community quarantine),” he told reporters. Rivera said a series of inspections on rice outlets in public markets and other establishments as well as the warehouses of local traders will be conducted to determine the current inventory of rice supplies in the city. Jasmin Lintag, Nation-
al Food Authority-Sarangani-General Santos manager, said the commercial rice supplies in the area remain stable and that palay harvests coming from nearby localities are still pouring into the city. She said their monitoring showed that the available supplies were still enough to sustain the area’s rice needs. Lintag said the agency also has standby stocks that could be tapped to augment rice supplies in the markets. “We’re ready in case of an extended quarantine period,” she said. (PNA)