Friday, June 18, 2021

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Bansalan tightens quarantine status to GCQ

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:34 AM PDT

AFTER Digos City, the municipality of Bansalan is the latest local government in Davao del Sur to be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) from June 17 until June 30.

According to Executive Order (EO) 29 issued by Bansalan Mayor Quirina Sarte, the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) approved the request of the municipality to place the entire town under GCQ due to the steady growth of Covid-19 cases in the area.

"The current cases have been constantly rising every day, causing alarm and concern to the locality and its constituents," Sarte said in the EO.

The mayor ordered all government offices and private establishments to adopt the flexible, skeletal work schedule and work-from-home schemes, depending on the need of the institution and establishment.

"Business establishments who are non-compliant with the said rule may be dealt with accordingly with existing laws and ordinances and may be subject for revocation of permit and licenses," the EO reads.

For public transportation, a maximum 50 percent capacity rule for loading commuters and point-to-point schemes are advised for all public utility vehicles (PUV), buses and vans shall be observed.

Dine-in services for food establishments are strictly prohibited.

A 24-hour liquor ban was also imposed and curfew starts at 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Masses and other religious activities and celebrations are allowed up to 30-percent capacity.

Social gatherings are limited to 25 persons only, and for religious activities, only 30 percent are allowed.

Contact and non-contact sports are also prohibited.

As of June 18, Bansalan has a total of 296 confirmed Covid-19 cases, wherein 60 are active cases, and nine deaths.

Digos City recently reverted to GCQ due to the "exponential" rise of Covid-19 cases in the area from June 14 to June 27, 2021.

Meanwhile, the rest of Davao del Sur is currently under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) until June 30.

According to the June 17 data of the Department of Health, the entire province has a total of 2,540 confirmed cases, wherein 670 are active cases, 1,790 recoveries, and 80 deaths.

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Resumption of international flights to Davao still uncertain

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:33 AM PDT

THE resumption of international flights at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport) this year remains uncertain due to the unavailability of flights, the Davao City Tourism Office (CTOO) said.

CTOO head Generose Tecson said in a virtual presser that some airline companies have not yet committed to the resumption for outbound international flights to and from the city.

"It's on the part of the airline companies. They don't have their schedules," Tecson said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps virtual presser.

Initially, SilkAir said they were going to resume their international flights in the city in October this year. However, due to the current Covid-19 situation not only in the city but in some countries that are currently implementing lockdowns, like Singapore, this might not push through.

Tecson also cited the limitation of the number of passengers the airlines can cater.

This despite the recent issuance of Executive Order 26 on May 6, 2021, allowing the resumption of all kinds of flights, such as scheduled international flights, unscheduled domestic commercial flights (chartered), and other general aviation flights to and from Davao City.

The EO states the removal of all restrictions on flight operations to allow for more economic activities in relation to civil aviation.

The official admitted that the City Government is gearing toward the resumption of international flights.

"Siyempre magiging magandang opportunity po 'yan for the hotels, kasi alam natin na 10 days ang quarantine (It will be a great opportunity for the hotels because we all know they will undergo 10 days quarantine)," said Tecson, who also serves as the Airport Monitoring head.

According to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines, international passengers will a undergo 10-day quarantine at the city's facility and will be swabbed on the seventh day before they will be allowed to travel toward their destination and finish their four-day home quarantine.

Recently, various hotels were identified as quarantine facilities for international passengers after these were inspected by the Department of Health, Bureau of Quarantine, and the Department of Tourism.

On Wednesday afternoon, June 16, a total of 99 repatriated Filipino seafarers from Fiji arrived at the Davao International Airport.

Tecson said the repatriation served as a dry run for future international flights in the city.

She said the recent arrival of the repatriated OFWs served as a welcome development for the hotel industry in the city.

"Ready naman tayo (We are all ready) because we have all the [processes] in place at airports, and even with our hotels. This is a welcome development because at least 'yung (our) economic activity nila medyo gagana na (will gradually recover)," the official said.

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PGC-Mindanao to start detecting Covid-19 for Mindanao soon

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:32 AM PDT

CONFIRMED Covid-19 specimens from Mindanao will no longer be shipped for confirmatory test for the new variant, as the Philippine Genome Center (PGC)-Mindanao is targeting to start conducting genomic sequencing in Davao Region this June.

PGC-Mindanao Director Dr. Lyre Anni Murao said in a virtual presser on Friday, June 18, that the upcoming operation of the sequencing hub is in response to recent detection of the new Covid-19 variants in some parts of Mindanao and with the current surge of cases in the entire island, especially in Davao City.

Murao said this will decongest the specimens being processed at the main office of PGC in Metro Manila, although she said some specimens will still be sent to Manila.

She said PGC-Mindanao will be catering samples from the entire Mindanao to provide a "wider scope of sequencing" of Covid-19 specimens in the island.

Murao said genomic sequencing allows the identification of the Sars-CoV-2 variant and monitors how it changes over time into new variants. It also aims to study how these changes affect the characteristics of the virus and use this information to better understand how it might impact health.

"We will be able to identify the different variants that are currently circulating in our communities. This will give us an idea of what kind of Sars-Cov-2 viruses do we have right now," she said during the One Davao on Covid-19 virtual presser.

"Are these like the old original viruses or are they now more transmissible? That means they can spread easily, or do they cause severe diseases, or since vaccination is now rolling out, will we soon have viruses that can escape vaccines," she added.

While there is the contact tracing to curb the spread of the virus and give an idea to the Covid-19 situation, she said there are gaps in it because the information given may not be accurate or some may not be true.

"The beauty of sequencing is that we can also do a similar kind of analysis, but sequences don't lie. The information that we can get from sequences is accurate," Murao said.

Unlike in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, which can detect the virus, the genomic sequencing can provide in depth knowledge of the virus' structure.

For the entire project, she said they target to cater all specimens coming from the six regions in Mindanao. She said they already partnered with three labs in the island who submitted their samples.

"Mas maganda na makita ang buong story ng (It would be best to see the whole side of) Mindanao because we know recently that the entire Mindanao experienced this surge," Murao said.

According to the recent report from the Department of Health (DOH), Mindanao has now outpaced the National Capital Region (NCR) in the recent Covid-19 infection.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that Mindanao has contributed 25 percent of new cases in the country in the past few days.

In a previous report, Davao City Health Office acting head Dr. Ashley Lopez said that while this has yet to be confirmed, he suspected that the emergence of the new variants might be one of the factors for the sudden surge of cases in the city.

On the part of PGC-Mindanao, Murao said they do not have any available data to prove this claim but she said there are many factors to consider in analyzing the surge of a certain locality.

Regardless of the new variant, she said breaking the chain of transmission would still depend upon the compliance of the minimum health protocols, and limiting the mobility of the transmission.

The genomic sequencing project is in partnership with Accessible Genomics, which funded the materials needed for genomic sequencing. The project is also in partnership with Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and University of Glasgow.

Murao said the confirmatory reports of the sequencing will be relayed to the RITM and will be relayed to DOH and its regional offices.

PGC-Mindanao was launched in 2019, and was established by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through seed funding to initiate the center.

But Murao said this will be the last year the center will be sourcing its funding from DOST and it is scouting into more sustainable funding in the future.

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Monkayo barangay declares calamity over diarrhea outbreak

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:31 AM PDT

BARANGAY Pasian in Monkayo, Davao de Oro declared a state of calamity on Thursday, June 17, 2021, over an outbreak of diarrhea in the area.

Through Barangay Resolution 31 series of 2021, the village officials stated that nine of their 15 puroks were affected by the outbreak.

According to the Municipal Information Office of Monkayo, the barangay has registered 184 cases of diarrhea and 5 deaths as of June 18.

Joseph Anthony Crizaldo, Monkayo municipal information officer, said symptoms of the diarrhea like vomiting and more-frequent bowel movement were first recorded last June 11.

The Environment Sanitation Report from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) revealed that the source of the water system in the area was not disinfected since its installation on 2002, has no fence, and is located near a rubber plantation.

Dr. Antonio Ybiernas Jr, provincial health officer of Davao de Oro, said that there is an ongoing investigation as of today together with a team from the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH) and PHO.

The PHO report also stated that they have not discounted the fact the cases might be related to coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) since diarrhea is one of the criteria of its symptoms.

Mayor Ramil Gentugaya has also ordered its medical teams for immediate response in the area, while the Provincial Government, through the PHO, has provided a drum of chlorine granules for the water system. (PIA-Davao de Oro)

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Grasping financial literacy at a young age

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:30 AM PDT

OUT of nowhere, the Covid-19 pandemic struck the entire world, including the Philippines. Among the casualties of the restrictions are the business and employment sector.

The crisis posed a challenge to every household. With this, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) saw the need to improve financial literacy and capability to help Filipino families cope and recover from the socioeconomic impact of a crisis such as the global pandemic.

Financial literacy is a discipline that financial experts have been encouraging to the younger demographics. But only a few of them were able to grasp its importance.

Senior high school student Joseph Legarde, 17, can be likely dissociated with his fellow peers.

Unlike his fellow teenagers, who are currently enjoying their youth such as playing online games, Legarde devoted his youth to earning at a young age.

At his age, it is shocking to know that Legarde is already a foreign exchange (forex) trader.

According to investopedia.com, forex is a portmanteau of foreign currency and exchange. Foreign exchange is the process of changing one currency into another currency for a variety of reasons, usually for commerce, trading, or tourism.

Legarde shared that he was exposed to forex at the age of 15 by accident after joining a forex seminar with his father.

To his father's surprise, Legarde was fascinated with the concept and he invested his time learning.

"In forex, you can earn money while in your own comfort zone. That is why I got interested," he said in Filipino.

More than just earning, Legarde shared that he was driven to engage in forex trading for his family.

Originally residing in Manila, his family moved to Davao City.

He personally saw the financial struggles of his family, which made him mature in his point-of-view in life. Growing up, he became more thrifty, and lived a frugal youth.

When the opportunity of forex trading came, he saw this as an opportunity to help his family.

He said that he has a brother who was diagnosed with "violent autism."

"I was motivated because of my family. I want to help my brother who is a special child, and requires treatment and medicines," he said.

His mother is also struggling to walk because of a damaged cartilage.

Since he started forex trading, he learned how to do the tricks and trade.

Admittedly, trading currencies can be risky and complex, he said. Thus, forex cannot guarantee profit if actions will not be carefully strategized.

Two years in the trade, Legarde is now starting mentoring others at a young age.

"I am quite fascinated because I get to do mentorship. Adults are even surprised that I got to start at the age of 15. I have something that some adults do not even know," Legarde said in jest.

Legarde started his career in forex trading in late 2019, months before the pandemic.

The pandemic also saw a booming interest in this trade. However, he cautioned the public to be vigilant as many scammers proliferated.

More than ever, he always reminded those who wanted to try forex trading to find the right mentor.

He also hopes that schools would offer financial literacy to prepare students for the future.

Meanwhile, Legarde advised those who wish to pursue forex trading as a career to always put their heart if they wish to be financially successful

"You don't have to excel in class just to learn forex. All you need is basic mathematics, and dedication," he said.

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Dad & outdoor BBQing at Legacy Leisure

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:29 AM PDT

OUTDOOR barbecues and picnics are always exciting on any day. There is something about cooking food over fire that brings the family together. And the aromatic smoke fills the air, everyone will say "I'm hungry" in unison.

When it comes to manning the grill, it's the man of the house (usually) takes charge. Dad gets his chance to wear the chef's hat and brag about his barbecuing skills and recipe, which may have been taught by his own dad.

Backyard barbecues are the most convenient. It's an instant picnic one step away from the door. But what about if you live in a condominium?

"Moving to Davao in 2013, I chose to live in a condominium. It's easier to maintain because of the size and convenient because of the amenities—the pool, indoor games, park and security," said Chef Anton Abad, who nodded to a job offer to head a popular chain of restaurants, and eventually opening one of his own, the Olive Bistro.

"For a chef who loves to experiment, cooking can be limiting. I am not allowed to grill inside the unit and property. But that's understandable with enclosed, shared living spaces," shared the chef.

Legacy Leisure Residences, the rising condominium project along Ma-a Road, will be unique. In its vast open space that occupies 70 percent of the property will be an Olympic size swimming pool, spray park, jogging track, basketball court, tennis court, a putting green, a park and a barbecue pit. Yes, there will be an area for outdoor grilling, a novel feature for a condominium.

Planning the leisure space well, the developer addresses the issue of the grilling station's smoke emission. The designated area of this amenity is at the picnic area by the park, a good distance from the living spaces.

"That is indeed a fresh idea. I haven't encountered nor know of a condominium having a barbecue pit as an amenity for its residents. Having a barbecue station right at 'your own backyard' will provide easier and safer access to do a barbecue," said the chef.

"Davao has been tagged as 'Barbecue Country' with the countless barbecue food joints. From stalls to high-end restaurants, there is grilled food on the menu. The locals have a love affair with barbecued food. Adding a barbecue pit to the list of amenities, allowing residents to enjoy worry-free outdoor grilling, will make Legacy Leisure condominium living more attractive," said Wesley Bangayan, VP for Marketing.

He said that one of the reasons CrisRon Holiday Builders, Inc. went the opposite direction of the required open space and designed a big open, green space is to promote a more relaxing '"everyday staycation" atmosphere for the residents, a wellness-focused living. Wellness, according to Bangayan, includes establishing good rapport with neighbors.

Grilling is a communal activity where everyone in the family and community can take part in, from preparation to cooking. Chef Anton says, "Since Filipinos loves barbecue food, it is a good way to get together. A cook out is good for community bonding. Even more fun can be a barbecue cook-off between residents and see who can make the best barbecued dish."

Know more why living at Legacy Leisure Residences is right for you and your family. Visit their showroom along Ma-a Road.

Chef Anton Abad shares his Chicken BBQ recipe.

Ingredients

Barbecue

10 pcs chicken legs and thighs

Marinade

1 cup tomato ketchup

1 can 7-Up or Sprite

1 cup Soy sauce

1/2 cup sugar

1 whole garlic, minced

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a deep bowl, mix thoroughly all marinade ingredients.

Prick chicken with fork several times then coat them with marinade, set aside and keep in a fridge tightly covered for at least 24 hours.

Remove chicken from the fridge, it should be in room temperature before cooking. Drain chicken of its marinade, reserve the liquid.

In a sauce pan, mix water and cornstarch until free of lumps then combine with the separated marinade and oil.

Cook the sauce and simmer until it thickens.

Prepare your charcoal barbecue then grill your chicken, don't baste at this stage it will burn the chicken due to the sugar content. When chicken is nearly cooked baste chicken with the cooked sauce and cook for one more minute on each side. Serve with Java Rice and Atchara.

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All about dad

Posted: 18 Jun 2021 06:26 AM PDT

CHEERS to the man of the house! Father's Day is his time to get extra attention. What are your plans on spoiling him?

Cook for him or he cooks for the family?

Whipping up his favorite dish might get him to grin all day. But some dads would wear the chef's hat if his brood smooth talks him into it. That's the case with Dad Randall Ong. He can't say no to his three princesses when they bat their eyelashes and request for his Okonomiyaki.

Randall is a foodie and choosy with the food he eats. Often, he will recreate the dishes he loves, one of which is Okonomiyaki. Mastering his favorites is a way to add another savory dish on table if he wants the family to have a feast. Coincidentally, the Okonomiyaki has become his daughters' favorite, too. It's something the girls look forward to on that appointed day of the week when dad takes over the kitchen duties.

To the dads, Randall shares his Okonomiyaki recipe below, just in case you want to impress the family with your cooking expertise.

Something shiny, classy and personalized?

Argento del Salvador (AdS) also caters to men who prefer sleek, simple yet classy jewelry in silver. Because chunky doesn't equate to manly, dads will love the AdS Men no frills look of the collection. The cuffs are pieces that don't scream for attention rather exudes elegance worn on its own or as complement to a watch.

The AdS silver jewelry can last a lifetime -- and even passed on to the next generation -- and won't break the bank. Make it his own by engraving dad's name on it.

The emperor's new clothes (and prince's too).

Steffy de Maylo is known for her avant-garde designs for women. Lately though, there is a clamor from her followers to give her men's line attention, too. Their wish is her command. For Father's Day, she is launching her Like Father, Like Son collection, a twinning (and winning) look for the king and the prince.

The pieces are still is injected with her aesthetics using materials and implementing patterns she is known for. Men and boys will feel comfortable with the basic yet stylish articles, while those with a with a modern flair will have fun mixing and matching the basic with the bolder pieces to create a look they can call his own. Dressing up for dads and kids is made more fun.

Best dad advice.

Dads will be strict when they have to be and their advice is something we all have to listen to. At some point in the future, it's one thing we all can look back to. One of the best advice my ex-banker dad gave me was "don't spend more than you earn." That came when I ventured into business years back and along the way, I asked for a personal loan. When he didn't agree what it was going to be spent for, I got that advice. He said I can pay for it from the business earnings. It stuck and I'm practicing to this day.

How about you, what's the best advice you got from your dad?

Randall Ong's Okonimiyaki recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup okonomiyaki flour (you can buy at a Japanese grocery or Shopee)

1/2 cup water

2 eggs

2 cups cabbage

1/4 cup green onions

Oil for cooking

Garnish:

Okonomiyaki sauce

Japanese Mayo

Bonito flakes

Seaweed

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cabbage with water and dry well with paper towels, chop it to small pieces.

2. Mix the flour, water, and eggs.Once mixed add the cabbage and green onion. Stir well.

3. Heat the griddle or pan to medium add the oil of choice to the pan. Pour the Okonomiyaki batter into a round pancake shape in the center of the pan.

4. Cook for 3-4 min until golden brown on the griddle side.

Carefully flip the pancake over and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Check the center with a fork to make sure the batter is cooked through.

5. Top the hot pancake with drizzles of okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese Mayo. Top with bonito flakes and seaweed. Serve while hot.

***

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For more lifestyle features, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com.

For travel stories, visit www.jeepneyjinggoy.com.

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com.

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