BusinessMirror April 15, 2021

Govt, ISP close ranks against pirated sites B T J C. P @Tyronepiad

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HE government agencies and several Internet service providers (ISPs) are teaming up to streamline the mechanism in blocking pirated web sites.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said that it will be signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), along with local ISPs, to address the matter.

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based on the latter’s appreciation of a verified complaint from the concerned IP right holder regarding piracy,” the IP office said.

For the part of ISPs, they welcomed the collaboration as this will help in identifying fake web sites from “false positives” or legitimately lawbiding sites, avoiding the shutdown of the latter. In addition, the ISPs said this will also allow continued access to these legitimate web sites.

IPOPHL’s IP Rights Enforcement Office (IEO) Officer-in-Charge Director Ann N. Edillon said that the agency

The ISPs that will participate include Globe Telecom Inc., Smart Communications Inc., PLDT Inc., Sky Cable Corp., Converge ICT Solutions Inc. and DITO Telecommunity Corp.

IPOPHL said the MOU will cover the intercoordination guidelines for site-blocking process. The memorandum will also outline the parties’ commitments to assure the success of the site-blocking drive as this process usually takes around two hours once an order is received from NTC. “The order from NTC will result from IPOPHL’s order

has a “fine-toothed comb” for a complaint validation process. This ensures that all evidence will point out to a case of piracy before referring a site blocking to NTC, Edillon said.

“The duration of IPOPHL’s investigations will depend on the merits of the case and evidence submitted, but we always ensure a speedy and thoroughly validated decision,” she added.

Some ISPs said they were also open to having IPOPHL directly issue a blocking order, but this arrangement is yet to C  A

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Thursday, April 15, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 183

P.  |     | 7 DAYS A WEEK

IMF WARNS OF SLOWER RECOVERIES IN REGION ■

HEAVY equipment put new crushed dolomite on the edge of Manila Bay, months after the project drew controversy as environment and fisherfolk groups questioned the project.

The “white sand” spectacle, however, drew crowds eager to see a beach in the heart of the nation’s capital city, at a time when most people were chafing from long periods at home during Covid-19 lockdowns. NONIE REYES

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B B C

@BcuaresmaBM

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of potentially slower economic recoveries in the region, as governments reimpose strict movement, travel and operational restrictions amid the rising cases of Covid-19 in the region.

‘Govt must also import pork to make market competitive’

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O help stabilize prices and maintain market competition, an economist-lawmaker on Wednesday said the government must also be temporarily allowed to import pork at the new reduced tariff rates.

Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said reducing tariffs as a way to reduce market prices of pork makes perfect “economic sense,” but it also requires markets to be perfectly competitive.

“If government is allowed to import pork at the new reduced tariffs and sell directly to the consumers, then importers will now face competition. This is one way to ensure that reduced tariffs will translate to lower prices in the markets. Otherwise, importers can simply purchase low and continue to sell high in the

market, especially if they engage in anti-competitive practices such as price fi xing,” she said.

“In a less than perfect situation, reducing tariffs alone may not work.

Government must be part of the solution it must be temporarily allowed to import pork to help stabilize prices,” added Quimbo.

Earlier, President Duterte issued Executive Order 128 lowering tariff rates on fresh, chilled or frozen pork.

Moreover, Quimbo said the government must also provide cash assistance to domestic hog raisers to repopulate their hogs and to support investments needed so they can better compete with imported pork.

“Competition is key in making reduced tariffs pro-people,” she added.

In a virtual press conference on Asia Pacific economic developments late Tuesday, IMF Acting Director of the Asia and Pacific Department Jonathan Ostry cautioned of a weaker economic recovery, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-5 bloc due to rising cases.

Ostry particularly cited the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia as countries who are at risk to this scenario.

In its most recent issue of the

World Economic Outlook (WEO), the IMF raised the Philippines’s growth projection for 2021 from 6.6 percent to 6.9 percent.

Enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), however, has been reimplemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) along with other neighboring provinces as Covid-19 cases continued to rise in the country.

The IMF director asserted that C  A

17 HOUSE MEMBERS FILE RESO REVOKING EO 128 ON PORK TARIFF B J M N. D C

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@joveemarie

ROSSING party lines, 17 lawmakers on Wednesday filed a House Joint Resolution (HJR) immediately terminating or withdrawing Executive Order 128, temporarily modifying the rates of import duty on fresh, chilled or frozen pork meat and rejecting the staggering expansion of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) of pork imports.

In HJR 37, lawmakers cited Section 1608 (f) of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, saying Congress has the power to withdraw or terminate the delegated power of the President to reduce existing rates of import duties.

The lawmakers said EO 128 would create irreparable damage to the pork industry and to the agricultural sector as a whole and runs contrary to the promotion of the general welfare of the people which is a fundamental principle in the Constitution.

“By this reason alone, EO 128 must be withdrawn and terminated immediately,” the resolution said. The lawmakers said the government must instead implement more effective and long-term solutions to strengthen and address the repopulation and rehabilitation of the local pork industry.

The filing of the HJR 37 comes a day after three senators filed a resolution for the revocation of EO 128.

Showdown?

ON Wednesday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who had triggered the Senate Committee of the Whole hearings on food security with focus on the pork industry crisis, expressed hope Malacañang

would recall the EO, thus averting a showdown with Congress—a scenario that Palace officials had said was possible.

Last April 7, 2021, President Duterte signed EO 128 temporarily reducing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates on fresh, chilled, or frozen meat of swine with the objective of addressing the existing pork supply shortage, stabilize the prices of pork meat, and minimize inflation rates.

According to lawmakers, hog raisers and producers nationwide are also unanimous in opposing tariff reduction and the staggering expansion of the MAV of pork imports from 54,000 metric tons to 404,000 MT or an equivalent of 749-percent increase in the current quota.

“The Department of Agriculture, as well as hog raisers agree that the country’s consumption of pork is around 1,600,000 MT. However, hog raisers estimate that 160,000 MT of imported pork would be sufficient to cover pork deficiency in the country since local production can still supply 1,461,866 MT. Hog raisers fear that importing in excess of this would flood the market and defeat the local industry,” the lawmakers said in HJR 37.

“Tariff reduction and increased MAV of pork imports will further decimate the local pork industry as we know it and will also undermine our local production and food security, as what has happened to the rice industry,” they added.

According to solons, thousands of Filipinos depend on the pork industry for their livelihood and the impending production stoppage of many producers who cannot cope with the negative effects of the reduced tariff and MAV expansion will mean more loss of jobs and livelihood not only for

S “ H,”  A

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PESO EXCHANGE RATES ■ US 48.5540

■ JAPAN 0.4452 ■ UK 66.7763 ■ HK 6.2466 ■ CHINA 7.4183 ■ SINGAPORE 36.2073 ■ AUSTRALIA 37.1001 ■ EU 58.0317 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 12.9481

Source: BSP (April 14, 2021)

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Thursday, April 15, 2021

GOVT, ISP CLOSE RANKS AGAINST PIRATED SITES C  A

be discussed when finalizing the MOU. These telecommunication firms noted that the current protocol, which requires NTC to validate IPOPHL findings first before issuing a blocking order, meant additional days of waiting when ideally such pirated sites should be blocked real time.

IPOPHL noted that various bills are being consolidated currently to amend the IP Code, making it parallel with global practices. Expanding IEO’s administrative enforcement powers to issue blocking orders is among the proposed amendments.

IPOPHL Deputy Director General Teodoro C. Pascua, meanwhile, encouraged the IP rights holders to lodge complaints so they can “test the blocking process as soon as possible.”

He added: “With these intercoordination mechanisms being developed, IP right holders must be more active and emboldened to enforce their IP rights and file a complaint with our IEO. Rest assured that IPOPHL and its anti-piracy partners will work hard to ensure the successful and timely removal of their pirated content online and avert the losses of an already struggling industry.”

IPOPHL announced its partnership with Asia Video Industry Association (Avia) to curb piracy in the creative sector last week.

Apart from building the expertise and technical knowledge of local authorities, IPOPHL and Avia also want to establish piracy monitoring and rolling site blocking processes and strategies.

Last year, piracy complaints by right holders and reports by netizens reached 54, which is more than the 51 cases reported for all IPO violations elevated at IPOPHL’s IP Rights Enforcement Office in 2019.

Majority or 94 percent of the piracy complaints and reports last year took place online.

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DOH notes Covid-19 cases on the rise in 5 other regions

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B C M-C | Correspondent

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday disclosed an alarming trend: they are also seeing Covid-19 cases rising in five regions of the country.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that when the NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite) Bubble was implemented, they observed that cases

in other regions have also increased.

“As of yesterday [April 13], we saw that there is also a rise in cases in some regions—in Region 1, Region 2, Region 3,

Region 4A, and CAR [Cordillera Administrative Region],” Vergeire said, partly in Filipino, responding to a question by BM in an online press briefi ng.

Vergeire also said that the health-care system in these regions are “also being affected as well.”

However, the available data on DOH Situation Report is only as of April 12, showing that 2,317 new cases were recorded (29,733 active cases) in Region 4A, 309 in Region 1 (4,171), 582 in Region 2 (7,944), 1,156 in Region 3 (15,956), and 361 CAR with 4,292 active cases.

Covid cases

ON Wednesday, the DOH logged 8,122 new cases, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 892,880.

There were also 501 recoveries and 162 deaths. Of the total number of cases, 19.4 percent (173,047) are active, 78.9 percent (704,386) have recovered, and 1.73 percent (15,447) have died.

At least 64 cases previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation. Twelve laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System (CDRS) on April 13, 2021.

MOBILE HOSPITAL, VACCINATION SITE TO RISE AT LUNETA B M. S F. A

@akosistellaBM Special to the BM

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IZAL Park (formerly Luneta) will soon be hosting a temporary mobile hospital and drive-through vaccination site to help the government in its battle to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The projects were approved on Tuesday by the Board of Directors of the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

In a news statement, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said, “Through the temporary mobile hospital that will be constructed in Rizal Park, and the drive-through vaccination site at the Quirino Grandstand, the DOT has repurposed its tourism sites to support the current efforts to protect the public’s health and safety during this crisis.”

While both facilities will be constructed by the city of Manila, she stressed these “will be

open to all, not just the residents of Manila.” The DOT chief chairs the NPDC board.

Romulo Puyat said the mobile hospital will cater to patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms. The temporary drive-through vaccination site is projected to accommodate 350 to 400 persons for vaccination per day.

Just recently, the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) approved the DOT-initiative to use a portion of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation Inc.’s property at the Pagcor Entertainment City in Parañaque as a drive-through mega-vaccine center. The project will be fully funded by the ICTSI Foundation. (See, “Drivethrough Covid shots available soon at Nayong Pilipino–DOT chief,” in the BM, April 13, 2021.)

A major tourism destination in the National Capital Region, Rizal Park attracted some 11.5 million visitors in 2019, which was targeted to increase by 17.6

percent to 13.5 million in 2020, before the pandemic happened.

Mayor’s vow

MEANWHILE, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso wrote NPDC Executive Director Cecille Lorenzana Romero on April 12 regarding his proposal to construct a temporary mobile hospital at Burnham Green of Rizal Park, “in anticipation of a possible surge of Covid-19 cases.”

Domagoso had committed to design, construct, maintain, and manage the hospital “up to its logical conclusion,” at no cost to the national government. He also promised to restore Burnham Green back to its original condition.

The temporary drive-through vaccination site will be constructed specifically at the Independence Road (Parade Grounds) of the Quirino Grandstand, which is also under the management of the NPDC. It will be located beside the drivethrough RT-PCR testing facility managed by the City of Manila

together with NPDC. Launched last July 20, the drive-through testing has provided rapid-serology tests for up to 700 people daily, five days a week. It was then converted into RT-PCR testing on January 18, accommodating 100 persons daily.

Rizal Park is one of the largest urban open parks in the National Capital Region, spanning 53 hectares. It is a major tourist destination anchored on national hero Jose Rizal’s monument, and features other interesting sites like the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the towering statue of Lapu-Lapu.

Its adjacent Quirino Grandstand has been the traditional venue for oath-taking ceremonies of Philippine presidents, concerts, religious gatherings, and protest rallies.

It has also served as an evacuation site, a processing site for Locally Stranded Individuals, barracks for the military in times of war, and a military hospital during the Spanish colonial era.

IMF warns of slower recoveries in region C  A

the containment policies being put back in place are “costly economically” but are “necessary” for the economy and the local health systems.

At present, Ostry said, “there is no better investment that countries can make” than ensuring quick and efficient vaccine rollouts for most of the population.

“What we have emphasized is the need for accelerating the vaccine rollout for assuring fast, universal distribution at affordable prices throughout the Asia Pacific region,” he said.

“Only once populations are fully vaccinated will we get back to a healthy, sustainable recovery and that is urgently needed,” he added.

RCBC cuts forecast

RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort also announced on Wednesday they are cutting their growth forecast of the Philippines from their earlier estimate of 6 to 7 percent down to 5 to 6 percent.

Ricafort said this is largely due to the tighter quarantine standards in NCR Plus since March 29, 2021 in response to the new record-high Covid-19 local cases.

“GDP growth estimates could be reduced further if tiger quarantine standards [i.e. MECQ (Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine) in NCR Plus] are extended,” Ricafort added.

Earlier, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Benjamin Diokno said the Government will also likely revise their growth

target for the year. Diokno’s personal calculations point to a reduction of the range from the initial 6.5 to 7.5 percent down to 6 to 7 percent.

Fitch Solutions also slashed its 2021 Philippine growth forecast from 7.6 percent down to 5.8 percent, with risks “very much tilted to the downside.”

“We expect the lockdown measures to be extended given the continued surge in cases and the prolonged impact on hospital capacity,” Fitch Solutions said.

“The likelihood of further outbreaks in other regions remains high and given the slow vaccination rollout in the country as less than 1 percent of the population has been vaccinated as of endMarch, we believe the Philippines’ recovery will continue to be hampered by the pandemic,”

it added.

Moody’s Analytics—the research arm of Moody’s Group— also earlier said the Philippines “stands out as the laggard” in the region as it faces a surge of new infections and fresh lockdown measures.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Wednesday that the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country hit 892,880 after 8,122 cases were reported during the day.

The Philippines’s recent daily cases are the largest in the Asean-5 bloc. As of April 13, Indonesia’s 7-day average of new Covid-19 cases hit 5,001 cases, Malaysia at 1,516 cases,Thailand at 715 cases, and Singapore at 25 cases. The Philippines’s 7-day average as of April 13 is at 10,289 cases.

17 House...

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the owners but also for the entire work force of the industry.

They also said the further decline of the local pork industry will also affect many local allied industries, including poultry, corn farmers and coconut farmers, and other such industries using or dependent on pork products will likely impact on the country’s agricultural development.

“It is not an assurance that reduced tariffs and increased importation will stabilize or reduce the current high prices of pork meat products which has become unfairly exorbitant for consumers,” they added.

“The government must heed the urgent demands and sincere appeal of hog raisers, producers and farmers against tariff reduction and MAV expansion of pork imports,” the lawmakers said.

House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, one of the authors, said the multipartisan move will be considered soon by the leadership and adopted by the House.

“We also trust that a similar measure will also be filed and adopted by our Senate counterparts to avert this grave disaster that will certainly kill our local hog industry, in particular, and in general the agricultural sector,” he said.

Other authors of the resolution are Pangasinan Rep. Rose Marie Arenas, Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, Magsasaka Rep. Argel Cabatbat, Act Teachers Rep. France Castro, Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat, Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Kabataan Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Flores, Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, Agap Rep. Rico Geron, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman and Tarlac Rep. Noel Villanueva.

Call to reconsider

EARLIER, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, whose Committee on Ways and Means oversees tariff matters, also urged Duterte to reconsider his EO 128 lowering tariffs on pork.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Mark Enverga of Quezon amd Trade and Industry Chairman John Reynald Tiangco of Navotas, in a letter, also asked Duterte to reconsider his recommendation increasing the MAV for pork by 350,000 metric tons (MT) while retaining the existing 40-percent tariff.

House Deputy Speaker Bro Eddie Villanueva joined calls for the lifting of EO 128, saying the move is aimed at directly “killing” the local hog industry.

“The lowering of pork imports tariff in this period of pandemic and when our local hog industry is in ‘critical’ if not dying condition due to African swine fever is not only shocking but at the same time unbelievable! Allowing more pork imports to flood the market will surely kill the livelihood of our Filipino hog raisers! It is surely never the most apt policy to enforce, it is devoid of any serious concern for our local pork producers,” said Villanueva.

Lacson’s hope

ON Wednesday, Senator Lacson crossed his fingers Malacañang will recall EO 128, sparing lawmakers and the Palace from a looming showdown.

“Well and good if it [lifting of EO] actually happens. It would mean that the President is not impervious to valid criticisms against an ill-advised course of action that will bring more harm than good on all practical aspects involving the hog industry,” Lacson said.

He made the remarks after Malacañang warned lawmakers of a possible impasse over EO 128 if the lawmakers adopt a joint resolution to restrict the power of the President when it comes to imposing tariff rates.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque late Tuesday said the Palace “respects the call of some lawmakers to revoke Executive Order 128,” even as he added that “given the importance of the issue, the Executive and the Legislative branches can work together in protecting the interest of stakeholders such as consumers and our hog raisers alike.”

In a statement Wednesday, Senator Lacson aired hopes of affected hog raisers who had said lower tariff will cause imported pork to flood the local market. “I hope the President considers the plight of the dying industry affecting 80,000 backyard hog raisers along with hundreds of thousands of farmhands and their families—and the foregone revenues the government will deal with, especially at this time of the pandemic,” Lacson pleaded.

He said senators had based their opposition to the Department of Agriculture recommendations for lowering tariff while expanding MAV on the data provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“If you ask me, I’ll take the side of data anytime,” the senator said.

Thus, he added, “with an average yearly surplus of 400 million kilos from local hog production for the three-year period 2018-2020, it defies logic why they still allowed the importation of almost 200 million kilos year-on-year for the same period.”

With Butch Fernandez

‘GOVT MUST ALSO IMPORT PORK TO MAKE MARKET COMPETITIVE’ C  A

Basis for tariff cuts

MEANWHILE, Quimbo reiterated her request to the Department of Agriculture to submit the “basis” of the proposal lowering tariffs on pork products to the lower chamber. “There are three questions though that remain unanswered, hence, the policy issuance is arguably premature. First, what is the basis of the parallel proposal to increase the MAV by 645 percent?

Considering that only 70 percent

of the current MAV is utilized, there does not seem to be the need to expand MAV by a substantial amount, way more than the estimated shortage of about 150,000 metric tons,” said Quimbo.

“If the landed cost of a kilo of imported pork is about P145, with a tariff rate of 30 percent and distribution costs of about P50, plus margins, pork imported within the MAV can sell at about P280 per kilo. This means that importers can very well undercut domestically supplied pork. Retail prices

today average almost P400 per kilo—record high levels brought about by the supply disruptions caused by ASF and the series of typhoons last year,” Quimbo added.

Second, Quimbo also asked the DA to explain the basis for setting the new tariff rates.

“Why 5 to 10 percent? Why not 10 to 20 percent? Or 15 to 25 percent? A straightforward computation shows that even at 10 percent, imported pork can sell at P250 per kilo, assuming a retail margin of 10 percent. Are we assured that 5

to 10 percent are the appropriate rates to return inflation for the food sector to pre-ASF levels?” she asked. Several lawmakers have already urged President Duterte to reconsider his decision to lower import duties on pork meat from 40 percent to 15 percent for outquota pork, and from 30 percent to 5 percent for in-quota pork imports. See banner story on A1.

Third, Quimbo also wants the DA to explain how the reduced tariff rates will affect the local hog raisers.

“Can our local hog raisers compete against the very cheap imported pork? Will farm-gate prices of pork drop substantially more than the drop in the selling price of pork in retail markets?” she said.

“The Philippine Competition Commission has the mandate of looking into this important issue.

But while we wait for the PCC to take action, hopefully the government will be allowed to import pork to provide competition among pork importers,” she added.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

The Nation BusinessMirror

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House panels OK amnesty resolutions for rebel groups

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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HE House Committees on Justice and on National Defense and Security on Wednesday endorsed for plenary approval four House Concurrent Resolutions granting amnesty to rebel groups.

Approved during Wednesday’s joint hearing were the Committee Reports on House Concurrent Resolutions 12, 13, 14, and 15 authored

by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

The resolutions concur with Proclamation 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 granting amnesty to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), and former rebels of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), who have committed crimes punishable under Act 3815 or the Revised Penal Code, and special penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

The resolutions are expected to be adopted in the plenary when session resumes on May 17.

House Committee on National Defense and Security Chairman Rep. Raul Tupas said the grant of amnesty to former rebels is an integral component of the government’s comprehensive peace efforts.

“As the joint committees approve the committee reports for the House Concurrent Resolutions 12, 13 14 and 15, we have taken firm steps in concretizing the peace agenda. We have affirmed the peace process and expressed support to the government’s effort in attaining a just and hopefully sustainable peace for the Filipino people,” he said.

For his part, Velasco said, “The amnesty program is a huge step toward achieving just and lasting peace in the country and giving former rebels a path back into civilian life.”

“The amnesty will also provide a meaningful and complete transformation and assimilation of the MILF decommissioned combatants into peaceful and progressive lives towards national reconciliation and healing in the Bangsamoro,” he added.

In February, President Duterte issued Proclamation 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 granting amnesty to members of the MILF, MNLF, RPMP-RPA-ABB, and CTG who have committed crimes in “furtherance of their political beliefs.”

In his proclamation, President Duterte said there is a need to reintegrate as soon as possible all rebels and insurgents into the mainstream society under the rule of law, including those who may have committed unlawful acts.

The amnesty “shall extinguish any criminal liability for acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs” and restore political and civil rights, which were lost due to criminal conviction, the proclamation stated.

However, the amnesty would not cover kidnappings for ransom, massacres, rape, terrorism, drug trafficking and certain crimes the United Nations says should never be covered by amnesties, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and torture.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, April 15, 2021 A3

Guevarra says DOJ and NBI to probe PhilHealth insurance ‘upcasing’ fraud

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

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USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday assured the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are willing to help the state-run health insurer in investigating fresh reports of alleged “upcasing” of minor respiratory ailments to Covid-19 for higher insurance claims.

Guevarra issued the assurance following PhilHealth’s statement that it would probe deeper into video posts indicating the resurgence of upcasing schemes wherein healthcare providers allegedly collude with patients to declare minor respiratory symptoms such as asthma as

Covid-19 to claim higher benefits.

“The DOJ-led Task Force PhilHealth conducted a thorough investigation of upcasing schemes last year and cases were filed thereafter.

PhilHealth is currently looking into new incidents of upcasing in relation to Covid claims,” Guevarra stated.

“With a former NBI chief as president/CEO [Chief Executive Officer], PhilHealth can very well handle this new investigation, but the DOJ [and] NBI will be ready to provide assistance if requested,”thejusticesecretaryassured.

Last year, the Task Force PhilHealth had previously recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against seven officials of the agency for violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for their alleged involvement in the multibillion PhilHealth fund embezzlement.

The task force had wrapped up its investigation on reported anomalies in PhilHealth, but its composite teams are still continuing with the investigations to determine the liability of others involved in similar or other wrongful practices in the agency.

Early this year, the task force endorsed the report submitted by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) to the Office of the Ombudsman recommending the filing of criminal and administrative charges against 25 incumbent and former officials of PhilHealth Regional Office 1.

The said 25 individuals are now facing charges of (i) Falsification by Public Officer under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); (ii) Malversation under Article 217 of the RPC, (iii) Usurpation of author-

ity under Article 177 of the RPC; (iv) Violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act under Republic Act (RA) 3019; (v ) Violations of the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 under RA 7875, as amended by RA 9241 and 10606; and (vi) administrative liabilities for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

As a form of health-insurance fraud, upcasing refers to claiming for a related illness or procedure of higher severity or complexity to gain higher benefit payment.

Those found guilty may be fined P200,000 for each count, or suspension of contract up to three years of the health-care provider, or both.

It also constitutes a criminal violation punishable by imprisonment for six months and one day up to

Red Cross marks 1st anniversary launch of molecular labs for Covid-19 testing DENR taps

villagers in fight vs Sierra Madre illegal loggers

I

T was on this day last year when the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the country’s premier humanitarian organization, officially opened its first molecular laboratory to test for Covid-19 in its headquarters located in Mandaluyong City.

The Philippines was still in the initial phase of fighting against the invisible enemy during this time.

Prior to PRC’s intervention, the national government had to send swab samples abroad due to lack of local Covid-19 testing facilities.

Back then, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) was the facility capable of testing swab samples to detect Covid-19. RITM can process 300 samples per day.

Results of the tests can be received after a week.

On April 14, 2020, the RITM accredited the private humanitarian group’s laboratory to conduct Covid-19 RT-PCR testing.

From 300 patients being tested daily, PRC has helped test additional 4,000 patients per day and deliver test results within 24 to 48 hours.

The initial operations of the PRC molecular laboratories came at a time when the country was deluged with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were arriving in thousands daily because of the pandemic.The national government turned to PRC to test our countrymen who have been retrenched from their jobs abroad or who opted to be with their families in the uncertain times of the global outbreak. PRC was the first to collect the swabs of the OFWs by going to different hotels converted as quarantine facilities for OFWs. There were countless times when busloads of OFWs would come unexpectedly to PRC, without any advance notice for our swabbers to prepare, still the PRC accepted them and did its best to provide the test with utmost care and compassion for our OFWs. Amid the increasing local transmission in communities which rooted from the lack of testing facilities and meager testing output of local laboratories, the national government, through the Department of Health (DOH) and the

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

T

PHILIPPINE Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Sen. Richard Gordon oversees the launch of one of PRC’s molecular laboratories for Covid-19 testing. NONIE REYES

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), and several local government units (LGUs), through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), came to PRC. At that time, the PRC has already tested more than 15,000 samples from various government hospitals.

The PRC has also been conducting RT-PCR tests for healthcare workers, ensuring the safety of the country’s frontline heroes who are exposed to Covid-positive patients daily. The PRC continues this endeavor even up to this day.

Today, PRC has 13 Covid-19 testing facilities strategically located around Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Soon, PRC will open its 14th Molecular Laboratory in Cotabato.

It can test as many as 46,000 individuals daily which will further increase by 12,000 tests following the acquisition of PRC of new RT-PCR machines, effectively boosting the national Covid-19 testing capacity.

The group has contributed 24 percent of the national test output and 34 percent of the tests of Metro Manila—the epicenter of Covid-19 in the Philippines—conducting over 2.5 million tests. That means 1 out of 4 Filipinos was tested by the PRC. Indeed, the country could have had less than 2 million tests as of

today without the PRC. We can only imagine what would have happened if the PRC did not test.

But what drove the PRC to take on this huge challenge of building molecular laboratories with Biosafety Level 2 capacity?

“To save lives,” PRC Chairman and Sen. Richard J. Gordon says.

Witnessing that the Covid-19 death toll began to rise during the onset of the pandemic, Gordon looked at the attempts of other countries to curb the spread of the virus.

He was determined that testing was the “key” to drain the swamp.

The idea was to fight the deadly enemy, by testing and identifying those infected in the quickest possible time and covering as many people as possible and isolate those who tested positive.

This appeared to be a gigantic humanitarian task, but everyone went into overdrive.

Not known to many, the PRC has already capacitated itself to respond to a pandemic since 2019.

Chairman Gordon foresaw the need to prepare, knowing about the deadliest pandemic of 1918-1920 which took the lives of more than 100 million people.

He made sure that PRC was prepared should history repeat itself.

All his plans and goals, however, will never be fulfilled without the men of the women of the Red Cross who were in the frontlines regardless of the risks involved, and who, inspite of terminal ex-

haustion, continued to work hard to save the lives of people they did not even know.

The establishment and operationalization of PRC’s molecular laboratories was, and remains to be, hard work.

It is the product of the combined efforts of Chairman Gordon, Board of Governors, management, staff and volunteers who selflessly and tirelessly worked 24/7 to support the government win the battle against Covid-19.

But in spite of this accomplishment, PRC continues to work to provide a more accessible Covid-19 testing.

This year, PRC officially launched saliva RT-PCR test, providing the public with a cheaper and non-invasive option for Covid-19 testing.

The group also leads in distribution of face masks, protective gears and cadaver bags, provision of negative pressure ambulance services, cash assistance, food packs, hot meals, tents, hygiene kits, water, handwashing facilities and psychosocial support.It is currently involved in the establishment of isolation facilities in coordination with LGUs and schools.

PRC molecular laboratories represent PRC’s staff and volunteers’ unwavering commitment to its mission, that is to alleviate the suffering and uplift the dignity of the most vulnerable, during the worst health crisis this century has ever seen.

BI operatives nab Korea’s 3 ‘most wanted’ scammers in Parañaque, Nueva Ecija ops

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

T

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) bared the arrest of three South Korean nationals accused of masterminding a multimilliondollar online scam that duped thousands of their compatriots.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the three aliens as Jung Myunghun, 38, alleg-

six years upon the discretion of the court in accordance to Section 38 of the Universal Health Care Law. The PhilHealth, headed by former NBI chief Dante Gierran, vowed to look into the veracity of the video posts.

It also asked those who posted the videos to cooperate with the investigation by providing proof that would support the filing of criminal cases for those who may be involved.

At the same time, it also warned the public against posting information without any proof to support their claims, especially at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic as this is tantamount to cyber libel and violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code criminalizing publication of false information that may endanger the public order or cause damage to the interest or credit of the State.

edly the syndicate’s top leader; Yu Daewoong, 38, and Kang Wesung, 36, also leaders of the group.

The three are considered South Korea’s most wanted fugitives who are being sought by Korean authorities and the Interpol since 2014.

They were arrested on Tuesday in operations conducted in Parañaque City and Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija by operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) in coordination

with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Major Crimes Investigation Unit (CIDG-MCIU).

BI FSU Chief Bobby Raquepo said Korean authorities sought the assistance of BI in locating and arresting the trio.

Based on t he records, t he modus of the syndicate include the uploading and advertising of items on online second-hand markets, duping victims into pur-

chasing products, which turned out to be non-existent.

The syndicate victimized at least 2,600 people who incurred combined losses of more than 10 billion won, or close to $9 million.

It was learned that the warrants for the suspects’ arrest were issued in August last year by the Jeju district court in Korea.

If convicted, they could be sentenced to a maximum jail term of 30

years for violating their country’s law against economic crimes.

Their passports have likewise been revoked by Korean authorities, making them undocumented aliens.

“They will be deported to face the cases against them in Korea, and their names shall, likewise, remain on our blacklist, which effectively bans their reentry in the country,” the BI chief said.

HE Cagayan Valley Regional Environmental Law Enforcement Council (RELEC) will mobilize residents in illegal logging hot spots within the Sierra Madre ranges as “bantay bakir,” or forest protection officers.

One of the strategies agreed upon by the council composed of law-enforcement agencies, religious and media sectors during their virtual meeting on April 13, was the plan to organize “Barangay Bantay Kalikasan” in all identified sources of timber poachers in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to RELEC Enforcement Chief Joel Daquioag of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

To encourage community help and support, regular meetings with village chiefs and intensified information, education and communication activities among local communities within the identified recurring hot spots will be conducted.

Daquioag identified the recurring hot spots in the municipalities of Pamplona, Sta. Ana, Lal-lo, Baggao and Peñablanca in Cagayan; San Pablo, Tumauni, San Mariano and Palanan in Isabela; and Nagtipunan and Diffun in Quirino.

DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan, concurrent chairman of RELEC, has earlier called for an aggressive stance by the council on forest protection.

“We have to cut the route from the source to the market. We need to stop the cutting at source,” Director Bambalan said in a news statement. The highest DENR official in the Cagayan Valley Region underscored Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu’s order to strengthen surveillance operation to prevent the cutting of trees rather than apprehending or confiscating dead trees in the form of cut lumbers.

The regional environment chief also requested the uniformed officials who took part in the virtual meeting to prepare their respective tactical operational plans against destructive environmental activities.

As a strategy, the DENR will closely coordinate with the Philippine Army based in identified sources, routes and outlets of timber poachers. It will also monitor activities of suspected financers of timber smuggling and conduct counter surveillance with the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

A4 Thursday, April 15, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

Finland aims to expand economic cooperation with PHL, envoy says

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

F

INNISH Ambassador to Manila Juha Pyykkö said he aims to rekindle the interest of Finnish investors to invest in the Philippines following the reopening of the Finland embassy in Manila in September last year.

This was relayed by Pyykkö in his virtual meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to discuss ways on how the two countries can expand economic cooperation as Finland sees numerous opportunities in participating in the Philippines’s economic development.

The Finnish ambassador said he wants Finnish investors to “have another look at the Philippines” because of its stable economic fundamentals, positive mid-term outlook for the country’s economy, along with the reforms undertaken by the government on various areas such as corporate taxation and infrastructure development, according to a news statement issued by the Department

of Finance (DOF) on Wednesday.

For his part, Dominguez said it was under the Duterte administration that the Philippines sustained its strong fiscal position, enhanced the ease of doing business, improved peace and order, and ramped up spending on infrastructure to fuel economic growth, in line with the President’s 0-to-10-point socioeconomic reform agenda.

The country’s finance chief added the socioeconomic reform agenda also includes a Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), which is now benefiting 99 percent of individual taxpayers through savings on personal income tax payments equivalent to about a month’s salary.

He also told the Finnish ambassador that tax reforms supported the government’s infrastructure modernization program and later helped buttress the Philippines’s sound fiscal position, borrowing strategy and high investment-grade credit rating when the government needed to raise additional funds for its Covid-19 response measures.

By raising taxes on sugary beverages and “sin” products such as alcohol and tobacco, tax reform also helped fund the government’s Universal Health Care Program.

Apart from economic cooperation, Pyykkö said, Finland is also interested in cooperating with the Philippines on climate-change mitigation measures, digitalization, smart city development, education and web-based health-care services.

He suggested that the Philippines can explore Finland’s web-based tools and phenomenon-based budgeting strategy to help mobilize citizen action against the climate crisis and realize the country’s sustainable development goals.

Dominguez welcomed Finland’s offer on using web-based tools to encourage Filipinos at the grassroots level to act on measures to mitigate the climate crisis.

He also informed Pyykkö of his strong advocacy, as chairpersondesignate of the Climate Change Commission, on the ban against single-use plastics.

In response, the envoy congratulated Dominguez in supporting the ban on single-use plastics, adding that this would involve action down to the local level, which is what Finland has been doing as well to mitigate the impact of, and adapt to, the climate crisis.

Pyykkö also commended the Philippines’s active participation in the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, of which, Finland was among the key initiators.

Dominguez also ex pressed gratitude to Pyykkö for his offer to share Finland’s knowledge on phenomenon-based budgeting, and instructed Finance Assistant Secretaries Paola Alvarez and Edita Tan to discuss this issue further with the Finnish Embassy.

Pyykkö is the first resident Ambassador of Finland to the Philippines since Finland closed its Embassy in Manila in 2012.

During the interim, Finland was represented in the Philippines by its non-resident Ambassador based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Zambales workers bear brunt of Covid contagion

By Henry Empeño Correspondent

I

BA, Zambales—Economic frontliners in Zambales are now getting the greatest number of infections from the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19), as they participate in various economic activities to earn a living during the pandemic.

VENDORS sell local produce at a roadside market in Candelaria, Zambales, even as more economic frontliners fall victims to Covid-19 as they work for a living.

Figures from the Zambales Public Health Office (PHO) indicate a total of 175 new Covid-19 positive cases recorded in the last seven days, with the highest oneday count registering at 66 on April 12. The province also registered 19 new cases on April 13, 29 on April 10, 17 on April 9, 15 on April 8, 17 on April 7 and 12 on April 6.

In the biggest one-day tally of 66 cases, the bulk of the patients were 48 call-center agents working at a private firm in the capital town of Iba, PHO data showed.

Thirty-six of these call- center employees are residents of Iba, while 15 came from the neighboring town of Botolan, and with ages ranging from 21 years old to 40 years old.

The other patients recorded in the weeklong provincial tally included nine customer assistants and client support personnel; eight maintenance staff and laborers; six professionals and businessmen; six

caregivers and medical-related personnel; five managerial staff; and two teachers.

According to Dr. Noel Bueno, head of the Zambales PHO, most of the call-center agents who tested positive did not have any history of travel outside Zambales and did not show any Covid-19 symptoms before the company had them tested on April 9 after a coworker tested positive of the disease.

He added that most of the patients are now under care at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in this town, while others are isolated at the Kainomayan Annex Quarantine Facility in Botolan town, as well as a public hospital in Sta. Cruz town and a private hospital in Olongapo City.

In the same seven-day period, clustering of cases was also observed in the municipalities of Castillejos, which reported 12 new positive cases on April 10, some of which involved transmission in households.

Five new cases were also reported in San Antonio town on April 10; six in Masinloc on April 9 and involving workers in a private company; and

five cases, which broke out in two separate households in Candelaria on April 9.

In the same one-week period, new positive cases outpaced recoveries.

PHO data counted a total of 175 new cases from April 6 to April 13 while recoveries totaled only 132. A total of 26 recoveries were posted on April 6, 28 on April 7, three on April 8, four on April 9, 12 on April 10, four on April 12, and 55 on April 13.

The PHO did not put out any update on Covid-19 cases on April 11, as it was overwhelmed by information on the growing number of new cases, Bueno explained in a social-media post.

In neighboring Olongapo, meanwhile, 94 new positive cases were recorded from April 7 to April 13, according to daily updates from Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. The Covid-19 patients in Olongapo included government health-care personnel, teachers, and workers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

As of April 13, Paulino said that Olongapo has a total of 1,254 confirmed Covid-19 cases, 115 of which are active, as well as 1,085 recoveries and 54 deaths related to Covid-19.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Fewer excuses for banks not to lend small biz after Moody’s upgrade’ While I welcome the upgrade of our outlook, we must not deny that it came at the expense of credit growth, which declined recently for the first time in more than a decade.

BM

Rep. Joey Salceda

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

W

ITH Moody’s “stable” outlook to the Philippine banking sector, a leader of the House of Representatives on Wednesday said banks will have now “fewer excuses” to lend to small businesses in need.

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay issued the statement after international credit watcher Moody’s Investors Service have reverted their assigned outlook to the Philippine banking sector back to stable from “negative.”

“We currently have historic levels of liquidity expansion via monetary policy. Much of our policy interventions were around keeping our banks strong—from granting them the highest levels of capitalization ever in the history of our state banks, to allowing banks to dispose of nonperforming assets in tax-advantaged ways through the FIST [Financial Institutions’ Strategic Transfer] Act,” said Salceda.

FIST Act aims to help financial institutions in their bad debt resolution and management of their non-performing assets (NPAs) to cushion the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their financial operations.

“While I welcome the upgrade of our outlook, we must not deny that it came at the expense of credit growth, which declined re-

cently for the first time in more than a decade,” Salceda added.

Banks remained strong because they used the P1.9 trillion in liquidity that the BSP released to trade in the markets, instead of lending to struggling businesses, the lawmaker said.

“Now, more than ever, bank-initiated borrower relief is important.

Banks should offer ways to make existing debt payable on gentler terms for small businesses. Options for restructuring should be available to borrowers with existing payables. Flexible arrangements should be available to ensure that current debt load does not become non-performing,” he said.

In an outlook note, Moody’s said the main basis of their action reflects their expectations that a “mild economic recovery” will support the operating environment for Philippine banks.

The credit watcher particularly cited sufficient capital buffers, stable profitability and favorable funding conditions as positive support to the Philippine banking system’s outlook.

The ratings agency, however, warned that asset risks remain high because of a “prolonged curtailment” of business activity, high unemployment rate and weak consumer sentiment.

Meanwhile, Salceda said the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, which is now in effect, should further strengthen the banking sector, appetite for borrowing, and economic recovery in general.

Displaced Metro workers to be hired as contract tracers–DOLE

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

L

OCAL government units (LGU) in Metro Manila will finally start hiring this week displaced informal sector workers to become contact tracers through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In an online press briefing on Wednesday, Bureau of Workers With Special Concerns (BWSC) Director Karen Ma. Trayvilla said the hiring will run from April 17 to April 22, 2021.

Notices will be uploaded at the web sites and social-media accounts of “DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government], DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment], MMDA [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] this coming Saturday,” Trayvilla said.

To qualify for the positions, applicants must be at least high-school graduates, belong to the informal sector of the economy, and have skills related to contact tracing.

They must also submit a medical clearance from their local health office and barangay clearance.

Those interested to apply, Tray-

villa said, may do so through the nearest Public Employment Service Offices (PESO).

After the five-day selection process, she said they are targeting to start the deployment of the newly hired contact tracers

by April 26, 2021.

Initially, DOLE announced around 5,000 contact tracers will be hired for 30 days using the over P200-million funding from its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad).

Tupad is a temporary employment program of DOLE for displaced workers.

The contact tracers were supposed to be deployed in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite.

However, Trayvilla said they were forced to downscale its target beneficiaries to 5,000 and its area coverage to just Metro Manila since LGUs wanted to extend their employment duration to 90 days.

The labor official, however, said LGUs outside of NCR could still request to hire contact tracers using Tupad funds through DOLE’s regional offices.

BCDA’s five-year contribution to AFP breaches ₧17-billion mark

T

HE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has contributed a total of P17.8 billion to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the first five years of the Duterte administration.

In a news statement issued on Wednesday, BCDA said its contribution to AFP from 2016 to 2021 exceeded the agency’s disbursement to the military of P13 billion in the previous administration.

“The goal of BCDA is to breach or exceed the

contribution to the AFP by [the] previous administration as we still have around one year left of the Duterteadministration,”BCDAPresidentandChief Executive Officer Vivencio “Vince” Dizon said.

Under the Republic Act 7227, BCDA, as the corporate arm of the AFP and the Department of National Defense, has the authority to develop former military bases and is mandated to generate funds for the AFP modernization.

“We generate disposition proceeds from the sale, lease, or joint venture of the arrangements

with our private sector partners in Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Air Base,” Dizon said.

For the past 27 years, disposition proceeds generated by BCDA reached P112 billion, of which, 44 percent or P49 billion goes to the AFP. Dizon said despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the agency vows to intensify its development projects with the private sector to help in the economic recovery and restore jobs that were shed due to the global health and economic crisis.

He said BCDA projects have generated 400,000 jobs and brought in over 1,000 locators in special economic zones under the BCDA group, which poured in a total investment of $4 billion.

Combined asset value of BCDA amounted to $10 billion, with major assets include Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway, a seaport in Subic and in Poro Point in La Union, Clark International Airport, Subic International Airport, and a small airport in Poro Point Freeport Zone, La Union. PNA

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City 5/f To 10/f, Tower 4 Pitx #01 Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City CUSTOMER SERVICE LIN, CHIH-CHIEH 1.

REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN Taiwanese SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE YAN, XU 2.

REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN Chinese SPEAKING CHEN, GUOSHENG MANDARIN CUSTOMER 3.

Chinese SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE FANG, ZHIQUAN MANDARIN CUSTOMER 4.

Chinese SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE LIAO, LIPING MANDARIN CUSTOMER 5.

Chinese SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ZHANG, YU MARKETING STAFF 6.

Chinese MANDARIN SPEAKING AMUSETECH BUSINESS OUTSOURCING 2/f Rivergreen Residences 2217 Pedro Gil St. 096, Bgy 880 Santa Ana Manila CUSTOMER SERVICE ZHANG, JUNLONG 7.

REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN Chinese SPEAKING ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City DUONG THI THANH 8.

QUYNH CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE Vietnamese HO SAM NHIEN 9.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE Vietnamese NGO THI THUY LINH CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 10.

Vietnamese WEN, MINGZHU 11.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE Chinese WONG KIUNG YEW 12.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE Malaysian CHEN, LINGZHI CHINESE CUSTOMER 13.

Chinese SPECIALIST HUANG, XINXIN CHINESE CUSTOMER 14.

Chinese SPECIALIST LONG, CHAO CHINESE CUSTOMER 15.

Chinese SPECIALIST LU, CANYI CHINESE CUSTOMER 16.

Chinese SPECIALIST MENG, XIANGTAO CHINESE CUSTOMER 17.

Chinese SPECIALIST PAN, XUESHU CHINESE CUSTOMER 18.

Chinese SPECIALIST WANG, QIAN CHINESE CUSTOMER 19.

Chinese SPECIALIST WANG, YAN CHINESE CUSTOMER 20.

Chinese SPECIALIST WU, ZENGJUN CHINESE CUSTOMER 21.

Chinese SPECIALIST XIONG, JIE CHINESE CUSTOMER 22.

Chinese SPECIALIST XU, QINGCHI CHINESE CUSTOMER 23.

Chinese SPECIALIST ZHOU, SI CHINESE CUSTOMER 24.

Chinese SPECIALIST APLUS ACCEL INC. 9/f Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City SHEN, WENXIU CUSTOMER SERVICE 25.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINE TRAVEL AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES, INC. Unit Ug-50 Cityland Dela Rosa Condo., Dela Rosa St. Pio Del Pilar Makati City CHIANG, YU-CHI TRAVEL CONSULTANT 26.

Taiwanese BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. 5f-13f, Jiaxing Tower Building Aseana Avenue, Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City LIN, LIANJIE MANDARIN CUSTOMER 27.

Chinese SERVICE WANG, MINGLUN MANDARIN CUSTOMER 28.

Chinese SERVICE CHAILEASE BERJAYA FINANCE CORPORATION 5/f 45 San Miguel Building San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City LEE, CHIA-YING 29.

HEAD OF CREDIT Taiwanese CHINA COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 12/f One/neo Bldg 26th St. Cor 3rd Ave., Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City CAI, BOTAO MANDARIN SPEAKING 30.

Chinese PROJECT SUPERVISOR XIN, QIANG MANDARIN SPEAKING 31.

Chinese PROJECT SUPERVISOR CIPEC CONSTRUCTION INC. U-1202 Global Tower Condo Gen. Mascardo Cor. Capt. M. Reyes Sts. Bangkal Makati City LU, CHIEN-YI FIELD INSTRUMENT 32.

Taiwanese SPECIALIST COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 5th And 6th Floors, 8/10 Upper Mckinley Building Mckinley Hill Cyberpark Fort Bonifacio Taguig City GOPALAKRISHNAN, 33.

GIRISH GENERAL MANAGER - PEX Indian MICHAEL HARRY KAVIN 34.

PROCESS EXECUTIVE - DATA Indonesian CROWNTECH CORPORATION Unit 1203-1204 Techzone Bldg. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. San Antonio Makati City CHANG CHIEN, CHIAPRODUCT MANAGEMENT 35.

YUNG OFFICER Taiwanese CHEN, CHIEN-LIANG PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 36.

Taiwanese OFFICER DEWI SUMIANTI PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 37.

Indonesian OFFICER LY LE BOI PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 38.

Vietnamese OFFICER SUWARDI PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 39.

Indonesian OFFICER TOO TANG BOON PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 40.

Malaysian OFFICER CXLOYALTY PHILIPPINES, INC. 10f W Fifth Building 32nd St. Cor. 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 41.

42.

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

CYBER EVOLUTION SERVICES INC. 37f Lkg Tower 6801 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City CHAN SIEW LI MANDARIN SPEAKING43.

Malaysian MARKETING MANAGER DAXIFA CORPORATION Mpire Center 93 West Avenue Project 7 Bungad 1 Quezon City MANDARIN SPEAKING LIN, HANMING 44.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Chinese REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING SHI, YILANG 45.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Chinese REPRESENTATIVE DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534 Tomas Mapua St. 029 Bgy. 298 Santa Cruz Manila KIM, JUNSIK KOREAN CARGO OFFICE 46.

South Korean AGENT YEO, MYOUNGKI KOREAN CARGO OFFICE 47.

South Korean AGENT DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 10th/f Platinum Tower Building Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street Baclaran Parañaque City CHEN, PENGYU CUSTOMER SERVICE 48.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE FAN, TONGHAO CUSTOMER SERVICE 49.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE JIANG, LIXIN CUSTOMER SERVICE 50.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE LU, YUANFEI CUSTOMER SERVICE 51.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE NGUYEN THI NGOC CUSTOMER SERVICE 52.

THUONG REPRESENTATIVE Vietnamese PHAM DUC MANH CUSTOMER SERVICE 53.

Vietnamese REPRESENTATIVE RAO, RUI CUSTOMER SERVICE 54.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE SUN, GUANGXU CUSTOMER SERVICE 55.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE WAI PHYO AUNG CUSTOMER SERVICE 56.

Myanmari REPRESENTATIVE XU, XINGXING CUSTOMER SERVICE 57.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE YANG, CHEN CUSTOMER SERVICE 58.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE 59.

ZHANG, ZEWEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ZHOU, YAN CUSTOMER SERVICE Chinese REPRESENTATIVE EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila BI, YIHUI MARKETING AND SALES 61.

Chinese AGENT CHEN, CHENGQIANG MARKETING AND SALES 62.

Chinese AGENT CHEN, FEI MARKETING AND SALES 63.

Chinese AGENT LI, ZHIJUN MARKETING AND SALES 64.

Chinese AGENT LIU, WEI MARKETING AND SALES 65.

Chinese AGENT SUN, LIJUN MARKETING AND SALES 66.

Chinese AGENT WANG, LINGJUAN MARKETING AND SALES 67.

Chinese AGENT FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Malate Bayview Mansion 1781 M. Adriatico Street 076, Brgy. 699 Malate Manila 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal Tambo Parañaque City CAI, SHIYAN 68.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE Chinese GONG, YI 69.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE Chinese ZHANG, MENG CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 70.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE FUTURENET AND TECHNOLOGY CORP. Unit 2104 Robinsons Equitable Tower Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City ZHOU, YUKUN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 71.

Chinese CONSULTANT DU, JUAN PROJECT COORDINATOR 72.

Chinese FAN, JIAN 73.

PROJECT COORDINATOR Chinese LONG, RUIFENG 74.

PROJECT COORDINATOR Chinese LU, BOSONG 75.

PROJECT COORDINATOR Chinese MA, LIANGWEI 76.

PROJECT COORDINATOR Chinese PENG, JING 77.

PROJECT COORDINATOR Chinese TAN, LU 78.

PROJECT COORDINATOR Chinese TAN, RONGXIAN 79.

PROJECT COORDINATOR Chinese LIN, RUI 80.

PROJECT DIRECTOR Chinese SHI, LIN 81.

PROJECT MANAGER Chinese ZHANG, YINZUO 82.

PROJECT MANAGER Chinese ZHANG, JING 83.

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Chinese ZHANG, YAQI 84.

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Chinese ZHAO, YING 85.

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Chinese ZHOU, LIANG 86.

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Chinese 60.

87.

ZHOU, HONG Chinese

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor Silver City 4, Ortigas East Ugong Pasig City 88.

CHENG, YIDAN Chinese

89.

LI, DUAN Chinese

LUZAYADIO, BARDOSSY MATUTA Congolese

FRENCH CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST

90.

LIN, CHENG Chinese

QUINTANILLA CABRERA, LUIS ALFREDO Salvadoran

SPANISH CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST

91.

QIN, SHULIANG Chinese

Thursday, April 15, 2021 A5

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE WANG, HONGZHI 93.

REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN Chinese SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE XU, DENGKUI 94.

REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN Chinese SPEAKING GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING 2nd, 3rd & 6th Flr. Ortigas Technopoint 2 Ortigas Home Depot Complex #1 Doña Julia Vargas Ave. Pasig City ZHONG, LIUZHENG MARKETING STAFF 95.

Chinese MANDARIN SPEAKING ZHOU, HONGLIANG MARKETING STAFF 96.

Chinese MANDARIN SPEAKING HAITIAN DEVELOPMENT CORP. Ug 09 Tower B Palm Tower 7706 St. Paul Rd. San Antonio Makati City GUO, SHAOPING CHINESE MARKETING 97.

Chinese SUPERVISOR INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Six West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City ZHANG, QIAOLING COMPUTER TECHNICAL 98.

Chinese SUPPORT SPECIALIST LIU, SHIMIN 99.

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN Chinese XIONG, CHENG INFORMATION SECURITY 100.

Chinese ANALYST CHEN, YUXUAN IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN 101.

Chinese HOU, WENBIN IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN 102.

Chinese LIU, SHIJIE 103.

IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN Chinese LYU, SEN 104.

IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN Chinese WEI, SHUO 105.

IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN Chinese XIA, HAIBIN 106.

IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN Chinese CHEN, BINGXIU QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) 107.

Chinese SPECIALIST GAO, WEI QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) 108.

Chinese SPECIALIST LI, HAISONG QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) 109.

Chinese SPECIALIST LIANG, FEIJIAN QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) 110.

Chinese SPECIALIST YIN, YEQING QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) 111.

Chinese SPECIALIST GAO, WENTING QA(QUALITY ASSURANCE) 112.

Chinese SPECIALIST WANG, GANG QA(QUALITY ASSURANCE) 113.

Chinese SPECIALIST ZHOU, YUNTING QA(QUALITY ASSURANCE) 114.

Chinese SPECIALIST ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 7/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Avenue Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City SHI, HAIBING CHINESE IT SUPPORT 115.

Chinese SPECIALIST CHENG, HAIYAN CHINESE IT SUPPORT 116.

Chinese SPECIALIST LI, HONGYAO CHINESE IT SUPPORT 117.

Chinese SPECIALIST LI, PINGPING CHINESE IT SUPPORT 118.

Chinese SPECIALIST LI, YUHONG CHINESE IT SUPPORT 119.

Chinese SPECIALIST LIU, GUIXIN CHINESE IT SUPPORT 120.

Chinese SPECIALIST LU, XIAOKUI CHINESE IT SUPPORT 121.

Chinese SPECIALIST QIU, WENFENG CHINESE IT SUPPORT 122.

Chinese SPECIALIST WAN, HONGWEI CHINESE IT SUPPORT 123.

Chinese SPECIALIST WANG, ZHAOQIANG CHINESE IT SUPPORT 124.

Chinese SPECIALIST WANG, LINGFEI CHINESE IT SUPPORT 125.

Chinese SPECIALIST XIANG, YUFEI CHINESE IT SUPPORT 126.

Chinese SPECIALIST XIE, XIANCHAO CHINESE IT SUPPORT 127.

Chinese SPECIALIST XIE, LEI CHINESE IT SUPPORT 128.

Chinese SPECIALIST ZHANG, XIAOFEI CHINESE IT SUPPORT 129.

Chinese SPECIALIST ZUO, CHAO CHINESE IT SUPPORT 130.

Chinese SPECIALIST JINSHENGLONG BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Filinvest Bay City Brgy. 076 Pasay City TONG, ANLIANG CUSTOMER SERVICE 131.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE XIONG, HU CUSTOMER SERVICE 132.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE ZHONG, JIALI CUSTOMER SERVICE 133.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE ZHOU, QIAOHONG CUSTOMER SERVICE 134.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE 92.

135.

QIN, SHUGU Chinese

ZHU, XIAOBING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 136.

137.

138.

139.

140.

141.

DAI, XUE Chinese DING, HUAN Chinese GUO, JIAHUAN Chinese HU, XINQUAN Chinese LIU, YAN Chinese SHI, YAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

YANG, TIAN CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE Chinese GAO, XIAOLING CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 146.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE HUANG, PING CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 147.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE HUANG, JINPENG CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 148.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE HUANG, ZEPEI CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 149.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE LUO, JING CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 150.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE QIN, GONGFU CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 151.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE TANG, JINGJUN CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 152.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE ZHANG, DONGDONG CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 153.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE ZHENG, MENGXUAN CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 154.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE LI, AO CHINESE CUSTOMER 155.

Chinese SPECIALIST LI, YUAN CHINESE CUSTOMER 156.

Chinese SPECIALIST SU, ZHICHAO CHINESE CUSTOMER 157.

Chinese SPECIALIST TRAN TUE Y CHINESE CUSTOMER 158.

Vietnamese SPECIALIST ZHANG, XIAOZE CHINESE CUSTOMER 159.

Chinese SPECIALIST NGUYEN VAN HUNG VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER 160.

Vietnamese SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NEPC POWER CONSTRUCTION CORP. 15/f Cyber One Bldg. Eastwood Cyberpark City Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City NING, JUANBIN MANDARIN BUSINESS 161.

Chinese DEVELOPMENT MANAGER NOCMAKATI, INC. 8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18 & 19 Floors Century Diamond Center Kalayaan Ave. Cor. Salamanca St. Poblacion Makati City DAI, ZHONGCUN CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 162.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE HUANG, JINGJING CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 163.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE JIN, PINGPING CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 164.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE LIU, XUDONG CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 165.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE MING, KANG CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 166.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE SU, HANLIN CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 167.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE TIAN, MIN CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 168.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE WANG, JUN CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 169.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE ZHANG, XINMING CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE 170.

Chinese REPRESENTATIVE LE THE HIEN VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER 171.

Vietnamese SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NYNE BEAUTY INC. U-2603 Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower 2210 Chino Roces Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City GANESAN, VINOTH KUMAR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER 172.

Indian PACIFIC SEA BPO SERVICES, INC. 16/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City YESSY VARIANTY 173.

TALUMEPA DATA ANALYST OFFICER Indonesian PRIME GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. 3/f To 8/f, Nissan Sucat Zentrum Building 8390 Dr. A Santos Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City ZHONG, FEI 174.

IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN Chinese TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. Units 23/f, 31st/f - 37th/f Discovery Centre Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City KOULIBALY, MAMADOU 175.

FRENCH OPERATIONS CSR Guinean XINCHUANG NETWORK TECHNOLOGY, INC. 3rd, 5th-10th Flr. Alabang Zapote Rd. Almanza Uno Las Piñas City HU, YONGWANG CUSTOMER SERVICE 176.

Chinese RELATION WANG, YISEN CUSTOMER SERVICE 177.

Chinese RELATION YANG, MEI CUSTOMER SERVICE 178.

Chinese RELATION XIONWEI TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. INCORPORATED 2/f Upsi The Pearl Manila Hotel 1121 Gen. Luna St. 073, Bgy. 676 Ermita Manila SHI, ZHENGYI INFORMATION SECURITY 179.

Chinese ANALYST ZAPPORT SERVICES, INC. 36/f Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City DIAN ARISANDI INDONESIAN SPEAKING 180.

Indonesian CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER 145.

*Date Generated: Apr 14, 2021

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on April 13, 2021, the nationality of KHAN, MOHAMMAD LITON under TANZILA TRADING INC., should have been read as BANGLADESHI and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on March 19, 2021, the name of LI, XIAOLAN under RAPOO PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, should have been read as LAI, XIAOLAN and not as published.

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

142.

TAN, PAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

143.

WANG, WEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

144.

WANG, XIAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

TheBroa

Business

A6 Thursday, April 15, 2021• www.businessmirror.com.ph

Amid pandemic, insurers gra

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

N

@BNicolasBM

EARLY five years ago in Wulong, Chongqing, China, Maurizio Zavatta achieved a world record for the highest blindfolded tightrope walk at 698 feet and 1.9 inches. Many economies relying on fossil fuel—and companies supplying the power from them—have been doing that since 2015.

It was the year more than 70 countries committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to net zero by 2050. For more than a decade, it’s been a tightrope walk between supplying power and keeping fidelity to that goal.

But while the Philippines may not be one of the largest carbonemitting countries in the world, it is known to be one of the most vulnerable countries to the impact of GHG emissions on sustainable development.

Despite this, the Philippines has yet to finalize its commitment in cutting GHG emissions after it became a signatory to the Paris Agreement. Nonetheless, the Philippines has set a higher ambition of cutting these emissions by 75 percent by 2030 based on the latest draft text of the country’s Nationally-Determined Contributions it submitted “in accordance with Decisions 1/ CP.19 and 1/CP.20 of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).”

‘Soft’ market

MANY countries, such as Japan, China and Korea, have already pledged to go carbon-neutral in a few decades and global insurance giants are becoming a driving force to help the global business community cut carbon emissions by phasing out the underwriting of carbon assets.

Independent advisory firm John Foord CEO Andrew Slevin told the BusinessMirror that insurers are playing behind-the-scenes role by raising insurance premiums in carbon assets, such as oil and gas infrastructure, or in some cases refuse to insure them at all.

Over the last decade, Slevin said the cost of operating and underwriting the risk of carbon-producing traditional energy infrastructure has been less lucrative to insurers, prompting the shift to insuring low-carbon alternatives.

“What’s happening now is that the market for non-renewable energy infrastructure is entering a longer term ‘hard’ phase, in which fewer insurers are willing to underwrite the risk on these carbon-producing assets and, as a result, insurance policy coverage is increasing in price or coming with increased conditions attached,” Slevin explained.

“This is the opposite of a ‘soft’ market in which competition to underwrite risk, such as for wind turbines or solar panels, is high and energy companies can therefore benefit from lower insurance premiums on that infrastructure,” he added.

Active dialogue

SLEVIN cited, for instance, global reinsurance firm Swiss Re, which has introduced policies pledging not to provide insurance policies to businesses with more than 30 percent exposure to thermal coal

utilities or mining.

T he company has also announced that by 2023 they will no longer provide individual insurance cover for the world’s 10 percent most carbon-intensive oil and gas production companies.

In a statement last March, the insurer said another measure it has implemented “is the aspirational and new framework to engage with companies in the equity portfolio.”

“This includes taking an active dialogue with them to limit global warming to 1.5°C,” the company added.

“We believe that by engaging with the real economy and supporting the companies we invest in to develop a climate strategy and to manage related risks, we will improve our risk-adjusted returns, while also propelling the transition to a net-zero emissions economy,” Swiss Re’s Group Chief Investment Officer Guido Fürer was quoted in the company’s statement as saying.

Varying investments

APART from Swiss Re, several major financiers and insurers have also announced plans to diversify their investments away from coal and carbon-based fuel assets.

“Over the last 12 or 18 months, premiums across property damage policies within the downstream oil and gas sector have been going up on renewals significantly, for some by 5 percent to 10 percent but for many operators by 30 percent to 40 percent,” he said.

Slevin added that “this has disproportionately impacted poorly managed oil and gas facilities including in markets such as the Philippines that have high claims ratios, or that do not have detailed risk management processes and procedures.”

“The alternative for them is to decommission assets early, or self-insure, especially with older facilities.”

Energy infra

IN Asia and the Philippines, green underwriting or insuring risk of green assets like renewable energy infrastructure is a “growing market opportunity,” Slevin said.

Citing information from Climate Action Tracker, Slevin said the Philippines is implementing its ambitious Paris Agreement target as the first country in the Southeast Asian region to set a moratorium on new coal, and is implementing several measures to support renewables.

These actions would halt emissions growth and potentially curb the Philippines’ emissions by up to 35 percent below current policy projections in 2030, though the current reality is that the Philippines is not yet on track to achieve this target as emissions continue to increase, according to the Climate Action Tracker.

A lt hough Slev in sa id it is

“ likely” for insurers in the Philippines to similarly be raising premiums on carbon-producing assets, local non-life insurers have yet to put this into practice.

Topping concerns

UNLIKE the global insurance giants, Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (Pira) Executive Director Michael F. Rellosa said non-life insurers in the Philippines are not yet phasing out the underwriting of carbon assets as he expressed concern that this move may hurt their premium incomes.

“If you are writing a coal plant and then suddenly you won’t just because you want to be green e medyo mahirap [slightly difficult].

So I think, me, personally, this is going to be a slow and steady process. I would say there’s a certain awareness of it. I would say there’s a slow acceptance of it but we have to turn this into actual practice,” Rellosa told the BusinessMirror.

He said it would not be easy for non-life insurers to make the shift and phase out carbon-producing assets especially at this time when the industry is still recovering from the financial impact because

of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is on top of the pressure for them to meet the capital build-up and net worth requirements under the amended Insurance Code.

Hurting industry

UNDER the law, new insurance industry players are required to have P1 billion in paid-up capital, while existing insurance companies doing business in the country need to meet the minimum net worth requirement of P1.3 billion

by December 2022.

However, Rellosa is confident that the industry will follow in the footsteps of the global insurance giants to phase out carbonproducing assets in their portfolio, but pointed out it would be hard to say when this would happen.

This, as he pointed out that nonlife insurers have already started realizing that the adverse effects of climate change could also hurt the income of the industry since Super Typhoon Yolanda hit the country in 2013.

“Siguro it’s only in the last five years to eight years or specifically when Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda struck the country that insurance companies became more conscious

about the impact of climate change on their bottomline. This is the first experience [where they saw that there is an effect, after all],” he said, partly in Filipino.

For 2013 alone, the non-life insurance industry incurred a whopping loss ratio for typhoon insurance of -21,832.65 percent, based on the Insurance Commission data given by the PIRA to the BusinessMirror.

Loss ratio represents the ratio of losses to premiums earned.

Losses include paid insurance claims and adjustment expenses.

Environment-friendly

FROM 2011 to 2017, the non-life insurance industry posted a total loss ratio for typhoon insurance of 268.49 percent after its losses amounted to P3.896 million, more than twice as large as its premiums earned at P1.45 million. For the same period, the industry’s total loss ratio for flood insurance reached 130.4 percent while the industry clocked a total loss ratio of 33.09 percent for earthquake fire and/or shock insurance.

“Obviously, climate change has a big effect on the way beings live and work and the insurance

industry is starting to understand that, but locally medyo huli tayo [we are a bit late],” Rellosa said. “But PIR A, the association, is doing everything it can to drum up awareness of this to most of our member companies.”

While local non-life insurance industry has yet to follow the global giants on phasing out carbon assets, PIRA is one of the two signatories in the Philippines in the global campaign to promote environment-friendly practices in the insurance industry.

Rellosa said they are also still working on their plan to implement a Philippine Catastrophe Insurance Facility to increase the country’s financial resilience against natural disasters.

Investors in green bonds

APART from this, Rellosa said PIR A is supporting the World Wildlife Fund and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization to promote world heritage sites.

The association is also working with Earth Security Group to protect coastal ecosystems, which include mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs

aderLook

sMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, April 15, 2021

A7

BM GRAPHICS

apple with carbon asset risks

in a bid to prevent the detrimental effects of storm surge just like what happened in 2013.

In its quest towards a greener world, PIRA is not alone in this journey.

In fact, Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa told the BusinessMirror that the insurance industry is one of the leading investors in green bonds in the country.

According to Funa, the IC issued Circular Letter 2019-19 allowing insurers to invest in “environmental and solid waste managementrelated facilities, such as, but not limited to, collection equipment, composting plants, landfill and tidal barriers, among others and “climate change mitigation and adaptation infrastructure projects and related facilities.”

Level set

IN a copy of his yet-to-be-published book emailed to the BusinessMirror, Funa said the IC in 2019 approved requests related to green bonds, including $90 million in fixed rate green bonds issuance of International Finance Corp. (IFC); P3 billion fixed rate Asean Green Bond issuance of

Arthaland Corp.; and, P1-billion investment of Insular Life in IFC Green Bond issuance.

Fu n a a l so u nderscored t he cou nt r y ’s need for g reen f in a nce to f ig ht c l i m ate c h a nge wh i le c a l l i ng for more e x pend it u res t a rget i ng su st a i n able de ve lopment. T h i s, he s a id , sh i f t s aw ay f rom g reen hou se ga s, fossi l f ue l , c a rbon em i s sions and nat ura l resource i nten sive i ndu st r y.

“Climate change is the great challenge of our time. The Philippines is vulnerable to this challenge with numerous typhoons devastating the country every year,” he said.

Philippine Life Insurance Association Inc. (PLIA) President and Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head Benedict C. Sison said there is neither an industrywide nor an association-level set of initiatives to support the transition to low-carbon economy but he said multinational life insurance companies are driven by either their regional or group offices or their multinational bancassurance partners towards ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) objectives.

Ahead of schedule

LOCALLY, Sison said some life insurance companies, including Sun Life, have put up green office buildings that conform to internationally-recognized green building certification system or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Sison said Sun Life Center in Bonifacio Global City was one of the first Platinum-Certified LEED buildings in the country back when it was constructed in 2011.

“Being a smart building, it has several energy-efficient features, such as a green roof that collects rain water for flushing toilets, double-gla zed glass w indows with argon gas to help lessen the heat going into the building, and a host of other features to help save energy,” he said.

I nvest i ng i n g re e n bu i ld ing and energ y efficiency has been Sun Life’s way to meet its global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, he said, adding that Sun Life has already met its 2020 target of a 20 -percent reduction one year ahead of schedule and they are now working towards a further 30 percent reduction by 2030.

On top of this, Sison said Sun Life has more than CAD$19 billion in assets under management invested globally in sustainable real estate and infrastructure.

Novel plans

IT is also the first life insurer globally to issue sustainability bond enabling it to ra ise C A D$750 mi l lion to suppor t essentia l ser v ices, renewable energ y and energ y efficienc y projects.

“In the Philippines, we have provided long-term funding for several renewable energy projects over the last five years,” he said.

Moving forward, Sison also expects the insurance industry would be “more deliberate” in including more ESG practices in their plans.

Nonetheless, Slevin believes phasing out the underwriting of carbon assets is the way to go as this would benefit the insurer and the insured in the long-run.

“By insurers under w r iting more risk on more “green” assets, such as renewable energy infrastructure (i.e. wind turbines, solar panels, hydrogen, etc.), asset owners will over time benefit from

lower premiums,” he said. “As insurers shift to green assets, they will attract more capital, better meet staff expectations on ESG and be more attractive for investment as the sector continues to enjoy rapid growth.”

Early decommissioning

MOREOVER, Slevin said John Foord can also help both insurers and companies taking out insurance on green assets to sur vive in their transition towards going green.

Slev in a lso recog nizes that companies may also be worried that early decommissioning of infrastr ucture w il l represent a sig nificant impact on their ba lance sheets.

Before companies take out insurance on their green assets, he said they “should first have comprehensive valuations done by an independent firm like John Foord to ensure sums insured are correct.”

“Given the speed at which green energy infrastructure is developing and costs changing, it is important to check that current reinstatement cost estimates are up to date,” Slevin said.

Towards renewables

FOR Slevin, “this is an obligation on the asset owner rather than on the insurer or broker, and is important in the event of a loss where there may be a dispute with the insurer on the asset’s value (which could result in a lower pay-out for the asset owner).”

As for insurers, he said John Foord can help them survive the transition to green underwriting as they seek more supportive information on the values at risk they are being asked to underwrite in policies.

“A lot of facilities have not conducted independent assessments in over 10 years, and as independent assessors of asset reinstatement costs with specialist knowledge of the energ y sector, at John Foord we have been able to provide more transparency on reinstatement costs for ow ners and insurers,” he said. “ This is making it clearer to insurers how to price risk and is often demonstrating the falling costs of renewable assets, which in itself is an incentive to move away from carbon-intensive assets and towards more renewables.”

News

BusinessMirror

A4 Thursday, April 15, 2021 A8

www.businessmirror.com.ph

China’s expansive SCS claim may shatter UNCLOS validity–Carpio

C

By Rene Acosta

By Joel R. San Juan

@reneacostaBM

HINA’S expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea (SCS) may ultimately determine the relevance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said on Wednesday, even as an artificial intelligence (AI) firm bared that around 29 features within the Philippine maritime zone are still waiting to be occupied by the country.

Carpio, who keynoted a virtual forum of the Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute about the maritime order in the SCS, said that if an assertive China illegally foisting its might as a right were to succeed in making the regional water as its “own lake” may lead not only to the collapse of the UNCLOS but even its demise.

The former magistrate, who helped the country secure the UN ruling against China’s maritime claims over the Philippines’s territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in July 2016,

Physical closure of courts prevails in MECQ areas until April 30

issued the warning as the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reported that at least 240 Chinese vessels, including military ships are still in the waters that Beijing claims.

At least nine of the vessels identified as that of China’s maritime militias are still moored at the Whitsun Reef, or Julian Felipe Reef, where at least 222 ships were spotted to have moored on March 7, although most had dispersed three weeks later and redeployed in various parts of the WPS and KIG. Carpio warned that if Beijing were to succeed in transforming and occupying the SCS as its own, then the UNCLOS may cease to exist, and as a result, would usher in an era of “perpetual cha-

@jrsanjuan1573

T

IN this March 7, 2021, file photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard-National Task Force-West Philippine Sea, some 220 Chinese vessels are seen moored at Whitsun Reef, or Juan Felipe Reef in South China Sea. NATIONAL TASK FORCE-WEST PHILIPPINE SEA VIA AP

os” and trigger a naval arms race among countries.

“South China Sea is the battle ground. It will determine if rulesbased order remains,” he said.

At the same forum, maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal said that there are least 29 instances of attacks, intimidation and harassments that have been carried out by China’s Coast Guard against Filipino fishermen within the country’s maritime territory which Beijing disputes.

The incidents, including attacks with the use of water cannon and ramming, confiscation of fishing gears, intimidations where Chinese armed men uses small boats, interference in navigation and “shadowing approach” were committed from 2014 up to the first quarter of 2021,

and were mostly carried out at the Ayungin and Scarborough Shoals.

Batongbacal said China has maintained regular patrol in these features and their surrounding waters that it has occupied against the Philippines, with two up to four Coast Guard ships at Scarborough and one ship at Ayungin on any given day.

The NTF-WPS, which is monitoring the situation, said on Tuesday that 136 Chinese ships, including from Beijing’s Coast Guard and maritime militia, and even Chinese fishing vessels, are at the Gaven Reef; nine are at the Julian Felipe Reef; six at Panganiban Reef; three at Zamora Reef; four at Pagasa Islands; one at Likas Island; five at Kota Island and 11 at the Ayungin Shoal.

While the country, through the

military, has maintained that it has claimed or even occupied nine features in the WPS and KIG, it appeared that there are other features in those areas that the government is yet to take control of physically.

Liz Derr, founder and chief executive officer of a US-based an AI company that had also mapped the SCS, said at least 29 features located within the Philippines’s EEZ have not been occupied yet.

She encouraged the government to at least build outposts on these features. Otherwise, it may be taken by other states, Derr said.

She added that the country must protect and secure its EEZ, noting China’s activities, which destroyed reefs aside from giving way to artificial islands that host Chinese military bases.

HE Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it has extended the physical closure of courts in areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until April 30.

SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the physical closure of court until month’s end was in line with the schedule earlier announced

by Malacañang.

The areas placed under MECQ until the said period include the National Capital Region and the provinces of Abra, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Quirino and Rizal, and the province of Santiago City.

“The courts in other areas under localized enhanced community quarantine [ECQ] and MECQ shall likewise be physically closed for the duration of such ECQ and MECQ,” the chief magistrate said.

The SC said those who have businesses with these courts could reach them through their Judiciary hot line numbers and e-mail addresses that are posted in the SC web site.

The courts would also operate via videoconferencing.

“Judges may conduct fully remote videoconferencing hearings on pending cases and other matters, whether urgent or not, regardless of their physical location and without prior permission from the Office of the Court Administration,” he added.

The Chief Justice also ordered that the time for filing and service pleadings and motions during this period is suspended and shall resume seven calendar days counted from the first day of physical reopening of these courts.

Cops arrest nine for illegally selling ₧30M worth of Covid test kits in QC

O

PERATIVES of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Tuesday arrested nine individuals allegedly involved in the illegal sale of Covid-19 test kits in Quezon City.

In his report to PNP chief General Debold Sinas, CIDG Director Major Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro identified the suspects as Marize Santiago, 28; Joshua Raphael Bautista Ramirez, 21; Zeus Catamora Jimena, 27; John Vincent Almante Sumalabe, 23; Rio Joyce Mingay Perando, 20; Hermogenes

Rivero Villordon, 28; Jomari Pareja Estrada, 21; John Marthy De Jesus Parentela, 22 and John Paolo Solibaga San Pedro, 28.

The nine were arrested by policemen during an entrapment operation at 22 Scout Bayoran, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City.

The operation against the suspects stemmed from reports about the unauthorized distribution and selling of unproven illegally marketed medical devices such as Joinstar, Clungene rapid test kit, Innovita anti-body test, Sanli disposable virus specimen and Wondfo rapid test kit, which were

also placed advertised through an online selling web site.

Ferro said the nine suspects were arrested after they received payment from a police undercover, who ordered through online 30 boxes of Clungene rapid test kit, with each box containing 20 sets of test kit, amounting to P204,000.

During the operation, the policemen recovered the marked money and assorted volume of unauthorized rapid test kits with an estimated market value of P30,000,000.

The suspects, the CIDG, said failed to show

their license to operate or special permit to sell and distribute the test kits as required by the Food and Drug Administration.

One of the suspects, Santiago, was found to be connected to a Chinese online selling group that offers unauthorized rapid test kits for Covid-19.

“This operation is part of our continued efforts to run after those who take advantage of the pandemic to earn money by illegally marketing medical devices through illegal online selling by unauthorized online sellers of Covid-19 rapid test kit,” Sinas said. Rene Acosta

DFA fires 2 more protests vs Chinese vessels at WPS reef

Derr said the Philippines has 27 uninhabited features within its EEZ that are vulnerable to foreign occupation.

She listed the key features as: Hopps Reef, Sabina Shoal, Southern Banks, Hardy Reef, Boxall Reef, Iriquois Reef, Hopkins Reef, Third Thomas Shoal, Jackson Atoll, Livock Reef, Alicia Annie Reef, Empire Reef, Jones Reef, Higgens Reef, Holiday Reef and Hallet Reef.

Other uninhabited areas are: Pennsylvania South Reef, Southern Banks, McKennan Reef, Edmund Reef, Loveless Reef, Director Reef, Half Moon Shoal, Bombay Shoal, Northeast Investigator Shoal, Royal Captain Shoal, and Seahorse Shoal.

Constructing structures in these areas, such as lighthouses, can be done inexpensively “without provoking war,” Derr said, noting that the Philippines has

been very weak in protecting its territory compared to other claimants.

“If the Philippines occupies the unoccupied Spratlys features in its EEZ, with some research into prioritizing which to occupy and what the best level of occupation is, their EEZ will be protected,” she said.

The presence of Philippine-built structures in the area will also protect Filipino fishermen and defend their right to continue fishing within the country’s waters.

“If this weakness continues, we will surely see more features being occupied by foreign countries,” Derr warns.

Aside from the Philippines and China, the SCS is also claimed by four other countries: Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The Philippines renamed the WPS as areas that fall under the Philippines’s EEZ

in the South China Sea. Alarm bells have been sounded by military experts and analysts during the last few years; they said the SCS could be a flashpoint that could trigger a bigger conflict, leading to a major war among competing states.

This could arise from miscommunication or accidental collision of ships or aircraft in the air and in the strategic waters, where a series of military exercises have been held by both China and the United States and its allies for the past few years.

The 2016 Arbitral ruling handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, invalidated Chinese expansive claims in the SCS under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

The Asian giant, however, continues to ignore the ruling and the Unclos,

Covid-19 treatment facility opens in Subic Eisma had earlier defended the facility project after some Subic stakeholders expressed fear that it might lead to more Covid-19 exposure among local residents and workers.

The SBM A chief also assured stakeholders that the remote location of the facility, as well as strict health protocols obser ved in

Subic, would ensure the safety of the Subic community, as well as those involved in the management of the Covid-19 treatment and monitoring facility.

To this, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) President Benjamin Antonio III agreed, saying that the location of

the facility “provides a conducive environment for individuals who would need to be isolated because of the Covid-19 virus.”

Antonio said he was “quite confident in the arrangements our government will institute to protect our community, since the complex is well-guarded and fenced, and our healthcare workers are some of the

continued from a12

which it has ratified.

Some $3.7 billion worth of goods sail through the 1.3-million-square-mile SCS every year, while oil and gas deposits are believed waiting to be exploited.

In March, the Task Force on WPS reported the presence of more than 200 Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef, which the Chinese named Niu’e Jiao.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian claims their vessels were simply taking refuge from rough seas, in the calm surface of the boomerang-shaped lagoon, a claim that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the DFA have rejected.

Despite multiple protests from the Philippine government and demand for their immediate withdrawal, the vessels have remained, albeit scattered among the reefs and atolls of the WPS.

continued from a12 best trained.”

He added: “Moreover, I know that the stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport would take this as an opportunity to provide help to our countrymen. We cannot disconnect ourselves from their sufferings. We persistently speak of compassion—now is the chance to display it.”

TheWorld

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Thursday, April 15, 2021

A9

US recommends ‘pause’ for J&J shots in blow to vaccine drive

W

ASHINGTON—The US on Tuesday recommended a “pause” in use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine to investigate reports of rare but potentially dangerous blood clots, setting off a chain reaction worldwide and dealing a setback to the global vaccination campaign.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration announced that they were looking into unusual clots in six women between the ages of 18 and 48. One person died.

The acting FDA commissioner expected the pause to last only a matter of days. But the decision triggered swift action in Europe and elsewhere as the drugmaker, regulators and providers moved to halt the use of the J&J vaccine, at least for now.

J&J said in a statement that it was aware of the reports of blood clots, but that no link to its vaccine had been established. However, the company said late Tuesday it would delay the rollout of its vaccine in Europe and pause new vaccinations in its trials that are still underway until it can update its guidance on how to proceed.

Hundreds of thousands of doses were due to arrive in European countries, where vaccinations have been plagued by supply shortages, logistical problems and concerns over blood clots in a small number of people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is not yet cleared for use in the US. Any slowdown in the dissemination of the shots could have broad implications for the global vaccination effort. The J&J vaccine held immense promise because its singledose regimen and relatively simple storage requirements would make it easier to use, especially in less affluent countries.

The clots, which happened six to 13 days after vaccination in veins that drain blood from the brain, occurred together with low platelets, the fragments in blood that normally form clots.

More than 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been given in the US, the vast majority with no or mild side effects.

“We know there are plenty of critics who say, ‘Why? It’s just a couple of cases.

Why don’t we just move along?’” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s vaccine center. He noted past episodes when health problems surfaced in people who got new vaccines, such as the debut of the polio vaccine in 1955 and a vaccination campaign against a new form of flu in 1976.

When medical countermeasures injure people in the United States, “we don’t have a lot of tolerance for that, and that tends to undermine vaccine confidence,” Marks said.

“So we simply have to do whatever we can to minimize or eliminate issues that might be considered friendly fire.”

The decision immediately upended some vaccine programs around the US: In Atlanta, a mass vaccination event for public school teachers that was to have used the J&J vaccine was scrapped. St. Louis health officials said they would reach out to 1,800 people who got the shots to warn them of potential health issues. And in Montana, two colleges that had hoped to vaccinate students with J&J doses before they head home for the summer canceled clinics.

Authorities stressed they have found no sign of clot problems with the most widely used Covid-19 vaccines in the US—from Moderna and Pfizer.

Seth Shockley of Indianapolis received the J&J vaccine Sunday and was initially worried when he heard about the potential side effects Tuesday. His concerns faded when he learned there were only six confirmed cases of blood clots.

“I would much rather take the risk with the vaccine—a much smaller risk—than to risk it with Covid,” he said. Now he’s more worried that the reports could result in more people refusing to get vaccinated.

The FDA said the cases under investigation appear similar to the clots that are possibly linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

European regulators have stressed that the AstraZeneca risk appears to be far lower than the possibility of developing clots from birth control pills, which typically cause clots in about four of every 10,000 women who use them for a year.

Speaking at the White House, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top expert on infectious disease, said the pause would allow the FDA and the CDC to investigate the clotting cases and “to make physicians more aware of this.”

A CDC committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the cases, and the FDA has launched an investigation into the cause of the clots and low platelet counts.

FDA officials emphasized that Tuesday’s action was not a mandate. Doctors and patients could still use J&J’s vaccine if they decide its benefits outweigh its risks for individual cases, Marks said.

The agencies recommend that people who were given the J&J vaccine should contact their doctor if they experience severe headache, abdominal or leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks.

US health authorities cautioned doctors against using a typical clot treatment, the blood-thinner heparin. European authorities investigating the AstraZeneca cases have concluded that the clots appear to be similar to a very rare abnormal immune response that sometimes strikes people treated with heparin, leading to a temporary clotting disorder.

While it’s not clear yet if the reports among J&J recipients are related, doctors would treat these kinds of unusual clots like they treat people who have the heparin reaction—with different kinds of blood thinners and sometimes an antibody infusion, said Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, a clot expert at the University of Michigan.

Even without J&J’s vaccine, White House officials said they remain on track to have enough supplies to vaccinate most American adults by the summer.

“We believe there’s enough vaccine in the system—Moderna and Pfizer—for all Americans who want to get vaccinated by May 31 to do so,” said Jeff Zients, the White House’s Covid-19 response coordinator.

The J&J vaccine received emergency use authorization from the FDA in late February with great fanfare. Yet the shot only makes up a small fraction of the doses administered in the US. J&J has been plagued by production delays and manufacturing errors at the Baltimore plant of a contractor.

Last week, the drugmaker took over the facility to scale up production in hopes of meeting its commitment to the US government of providing about 100 million doses by the end of May. At the Green Wave Pharmacy in rural Clintwood, Virginia, many customers have specifically requested the J&J vaccine. Pharmacist Sheryl Pientka said the pharmacy in the Appalachian Mountains serves lowincome and elderly people who prefer to get one shot instead of two.

Although the pharmacy has Moderna vaccines in stock, some elderly and homebound customers may wait for the J&J shot to get cleared for use again, Pientka said.

“It’s a very small town where everyone knows everyone else, so people say, ‘I know so-and-so got the vaccine. If she doesn’t have a problem, then I’ll go get it,’” she said. AP

Kerry heads to China for climate meeting between top 2 emitters

U

NITED States climate envoy John Kerry is heading to China for talks between the world’s two biggest carbon emitters ahead of President Joe Biden’s climate summit of world leaders.

Kerry will travel to Shanghai and Seoul, from Wednesday to Saturday, the State Department said in a statement Tuesday. The former secretary of state has been expected to talk with China’s top climate negotiator, fellow veteran diplomat Xie Zhenhua.

The trip marks the highest-level travel to China known so far for officials of the Biden administration.

The governments of Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden are sparring over trade, human rights within China and China’s increasingly assertive actions in the

larger Indo-Pacific, among other points of tension. But China is the largest contributor by far of climate-damaging fumes from burning petroleum and coal, making its cooperation essential to any success of global climate accords.

Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Xi, to participate in an April 22-23 virtual climate summit. The US and other countries are expected to announce more ambitious national targets for cutting carbon emissions ahead of or at the meeting, along with pledging financial help for climate efforts by less wealthy nations.

Kerry has been pressing global leaders in person and over the Internet ahead of the summit for commitments and alliances on climate efforts. AP

A10 Thursday, April 15, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Pandemic fatigue

I

N recent weeks, many countries have been reporting an increase in “pandemic fatigue,” where people are feeling demotivated about following recommended behaviors to protect themselves and others from coronavirus infection. In many cases, they take their fight to the streets to protest restrictive measures adopted by their government to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In Romania, about 1,000 people converged last week on Victory Square and University Square, expressing frustration with an earlier curfew and shop closures that took effect at the end of March. Many demonstrators waved tri-color Romanian flags and chanted “Freedom!” and “Down with the government!”

On April 12, demonstrators of the “Io apro” (I open) movement scuffled with police during a non-authorized protest near the Parliament in Rome.

Italian restaurant owners from all over Italy and others are angry at having their businesses shut for weeks due to virus lockdown.

In Canada, hundreds of people gathered in Old Montreal in defiance of a new 8 p.m. curfew amid the coronavirus pandemic. Montreal police, however, caught and detained a number of protesters.

In the country, the Philippine National Police nabbed at least 6,498 quarantine violators in the National Capital Region, two days after the implementation of the uniformed curfew hours, according to data released by PNP on March 17. The PNP reported 19,809 quarantine violators from March 1 to 14.

Pandemic fatigue evolves gradually over time, especially in a country like the Philippines, which implemented one of the world’s longest and strictest lockdowns last year. Finding effective ways to tackle this malady is a growing challenge as the crisis continues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said pandemic fatigue refers to the reaction of the people to the prolonged nature of the pandemic and the associated inconvenience and hardship. It said this poses a serious threat to efforts to control the spread of the virus. Thus, until a vaccine or effective treatments are available, public support and protective behaviors remain critical to fight the pandemic. That’s why authorities need to safeguard the gains that were collectively achieved through lockdowns and other measures—sometimes at high social and economic costs.

WHO acknowledged that very limited experience exists on how to best maintain or reinvigorate public support during a global health crisis that expands over months, and that affects every member of every society in every country. Such demotivation is natural and expected at this stage of a crisis.

WHO said: “At the beginning of a crisis, most people are able to tap into their surge capacity—a collection of mental and physical adaptive systems that humans draw on for short-term survival in acutely stressful situations. However, when dire circumstances drag on, they have to adopt a different style of coping, and fatigue and demotivation may be the result. The pandemic fatigue reported from countries is expressed through an increasing number of people not sufficiently following recommendations and restrictions, decreasing their effort to keep themselves informed about the pandemic and having lower risk perceptions related to Covid-19.”

What can authorities do to fight pandemic fatigue and reinvigorate public vigilance against the virus?

WHO offers a number of practical recommendations: Avoid judgment and blame related to risky behaviors, as this can contribute to shame and alienation more than engagement and motivation.

Avoid an economy-versus-health dichotomy. Personal economic hardship can result in demotivation, and so pandemic response measures may include efforts to keep the economy and businesses going while taking into account the epidemiological risk.

Understand people. Collect and use evidence for targeted, tailored and effective policies, interventions and communication.

Allow people to live their lives, but reduce risk. Wide-ranging restrictions may not be feasible for everyone in the long run.

Engage people as part of the solution. Find ways to meaningfully involve individuals and communities at every level.

Acknowledge and address the hardship people experience and the profound impact the pandemic has had on their lives.

Be transparent by sharing the reasons behind restrictions and any changes made to them, and by acknowledging the limits of science and government.

Be as consistent as possible in messages and actions, and avoid conflicting measures.

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Dangerous persons in dangerous times John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

T

hese are the characteristics of the most dangerous persons on the planet. And by persons, I include governments, institutions, and private companies.

The first is, that person has nothing to lose. For example: You might have seen a video of some old guy being harassed or accosted by some young punk, then the old guy turns on that punk and beats the “arrogance” out of him. From the end of March: “Elderly Asian Woman in San Francisco Beats Attacker with Walking Stick.” The “grandmother” is a cancer survivor and also has had diabetes for over 10 years. She is 75 years old.

You can come to your own conclusions about the pandemic lockdowns, the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines, and the financial response of governments to the economic damage from the lockdowns. But at

this point in the game, the past year has been a catastrophe of biblical proportions. At least the Pharaoh knew when to change course and give Moses and the Israelites their freedom.

Then again, the Pharaoh went “full stupid” and decided to chase after the fleeing Israelites and ended up with another plague of having his troops drown. More than hating making wrong decisions, governments hate admitting their mistakes.

Therefore, it is much easier to continue on the same course much as the Titanic sailing at full speed into iceberg-infested waters.

Many if not most national governments around the world have acted like a spoiled, stubborn child that

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be found in the ongoing confrontation between China and the US. China treads a thin line between too little and too much aggression because it has everything to lose. China cannot afford, either economically or politically, a negative result in the situation with the US. By negative, I mean any sort of a genuine US military response that forces China to back down. Further, domestically, it cannot appear to cave in to US demands.

The Obama/Biden administration was weak with China in every respect, from economics to human rights. Biden needs to be “strong” for both domestic and geopolitical purposes. The danger is two-fold.

President Biden has nothing to lose by pushing China because he gains pogi points at home. Wanting to appear “strong” may move him to unnecessary actions if he felt that he had nothing to prove.

Dangerous persons and dangerous times are a bad combination.

World Wars One and Two proved that to us.

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Biden sets Sept. 11 target to pull forces from Afghanistan

By Daniel Flatley & Justin Sink | Bloomberg Opinion

P

resident Joe Biden will withdraw US troops from Afghanistan

by September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that precipitated the American invasion that ousted the country’s Taliban leadership, according to people familiar with the plan.

Founder Publisher

continues to misbehave because he/ she knows that the parents will not send him/her to an orphanage.

Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom allowed the economy to be destroyed with the same hardheaded approach as Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro.

The Brazilian economy is twice as strong as the UK, but its per capita death toll is 11 percent higher.

The world is now experiencing a massive wave of new infections even as “US risks third Covid wave as cases surge across nation—Fauci issues urgent warning.” And then, “Dr. Fauci Says You Could Get Covid After Your Vaccine.”

The point is that, at this time, governments have nothing to lose by continuing to do whatever they have been doing, and that is dangerous.

The second dangerous person is someone who is weak, seeking to show strength. New Zealand author Jocelyn Murray in her book The English Pirate wrote, “Weak men cannot handle power. It will either crush them, or they will use it to crush others.”

No free, democratically elected government ever gets crushed. Note: Myanmar was never free.

The second characteristic might

American forces, in conjunction with troops from NATO allies, will begin withdrawing before the end of this month, according to a senior administration official that briefed reporters on Tuesday. The September deadline isn’t “conditions-based” and could be completed early, the official added.

After a review of US policy that Biden ordered after taking office, the administration concluded it could address any terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan from elsewhere. The official also said the US will work with other countries to protect gains made by women in the country, a major issue given the Taliban largely barred women from education and employment when they were in power.

The new deadline means Biden will leave a few thousand troops in the war-torn country beyond a May 1 target set in an agreement between the Trump administration and the Taliban last year. Biden had signaled he viewed that original deadline as a “tough” one to meet given continuing violence in the country and a lack of progress in peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

The only US forces remaining in the country will be to protect US diplomats in Afghanistan, but the administration still hasn’t decided on the size and scope of its diplomatic presence—or the accompanying military footprint—the official said.

The president’s decision, which he’s expected to announce on Wednesday, came after his administration undertook a review of US options in Afghanistan in consultation with allies from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization also operating in the region. There are currently more than 2,500 US troops in the country, working alongside about 7,000 allied forces.

In delaying the troop removal, Biden risks Taliban-led retaliation for breaking the cease-fire agreement struck during the Trump administration, and political fallout from an American public weary from the two-decade long war. But military and diplomatic leaders had warned a rushed withdrawal could destabilize the country, leaving allied troops at risk and risking a resurgence of terrorist groups.

The US has warned the Taliban

A report on worldwide threats issued by US intelligence agencies on Tuesday forecast that “prospects for a peace deal will remain low during the next year. The Taliban is likely to make gains on the battlefield, and the Afghan government will struggle to hold the Taliban at bay if the coalition withdraws support.”

that it will respond with force if departing soldiers are attacked, and the Biden administration plans to ramp up humanitarian assistance and support for civil society as troops leave the country, the US official said.

His announcement comes in the lead up to a US-backed peace conference in Istanbul, set to begin April 24, that will include high-level representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban. The aim is to reach a political agreement that will pave the way for a road map to help end the conflict.

Republican criticism

Biden’s decision drew immediate criticism from Republicans.

“Precipitously withdrawing US Forces from Afghanistan is a grave mistake,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor. “It is a retreat and abdication of American leadership.” Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said on Bloomberg Television that “we’re

pulling out at a time when the Afghan government and the Afghan army may not be able to hold the country.”

Representative Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said it “will mean we are not leaving a residual force” to address the terrorism threats emanating from Afghanistan. It would also require “abandoning our Afghan partners during critical peace negotiations and allowing the Taliban a total victory despite their failure to fulfill their commitments under our agreement,” McCaul said.

But Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia backed Biden’s decision, saying in a statement that “it is now time to bring our troops home, maintain humanitarian and diplomatic support for a partner nation, and refocus American national security on the most pressing challenges we face.”

Beyond ousting the Taliban, who were hosting al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden when the US entered the war, the Pentagon has struggled to sustain gains in Afghanistan over the past two decades. The Taliban are at their strongest since being forced from power, opium production remains high and President Ashraf Ghani’s government has seen its legitimacy erode as it loses control of swaths of the countryside.

See “Biden,” A11

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Vaccine blood-clot side effect puts focus on immune reaction

By John Lauerman & Robert Langreth Bloomberg Opinion

R

are cases of clotting that have been seen with two Covid-19 vaccines have put the spotlight on an uncommon reaction that occurs when the body unleashes its immune firepower against blood platelets.

Health officials are exploring whether and how the immune reaction may occur in people who have received vaccines made by AstraZeneca Plc and Johnson & Johnson.

Concerns have risen so high that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration jointly recommended a pause in the use of the J&J vaccine on Tuesday.

The syndrome is highly unusual in that it involves increased clotting along with low levels of platelets, the blood component mainly responsible for coagulation, and has only been seen at low rates in vaccine recipients.

The pressure is on for governments that want to hasten immunizing millions of people over the next few months to understand the risk and avoid panic.

“The more challenging issue is how do we make a responsible, right communication to the public,” said Behnood Bikdeli, a cardiologist at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital who studies clotting and Covid. “We want to be transparent, but we want to make sure that we’re not scaring people out of proportion. In order of magnitude, the problem is Covid.”

Adenovirus link

The appearance of severe, hard-topredict blood clotting events in two leading vaccines is a setback in the race to vaccinate as many people as possible before next winter. It raises the possibility that some of the vaccines that were being counted on to deliver worldwide supply could have significant restrictions placed upon them that could limit their use, as is already happening with AstraZeneca’s vaccine in Europe.

The Astra and J&J vaccines both use an adenovirus to help the immune system identify and battle the coronavirus. Other similar vaccines, Russia’s Sputnik V shot and one from China’s CanoSino Biologics Inc., may also come under scrutiny.

Six women from ages 18 to 48 suffered a type of blood clot in the brain called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after getting the J&J vaccine, health officials said Tuesday, with one woman dead and another in critical condition. The patients all had low levels of blood platelets, a suspicious similarity to a complication that has been observed with the vaccine from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford.

It’s also similar to another rare clotting disorder that occurs in people treated with heparin. While the anticoagulant is normally used to prevent blood clots, in rare cases it will turn the immune system against a platelet protein, which leads to dangerous reduction of levels and substantial clotting.

Both the Astra and the J&J vaccines are “likely inducing antiplatelet antibodies,” leading to activation of the platelets and cerebral blood clots in rare cases, says Peter Jay Hotez, an immunization expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

“Each county will need to make decisions about continuing” with using the vaccines, or deciding on restrictions on their use, he said.

“This is a problem for Africa and Latin America” as those countries were heavily depending on adenovirus vaccines for their rollout.

Heparin concern

People who have the vaccine reaction probably shouldn’t receive heparin, said Jeff Weitz, a professor at McMaster University and president of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis.

Other options like Bristol-Myers

Squibb Co.’s Eliquis or J&J’s Xarelto are probably safer oral medications, he said.

The pause on the J&J vaccine will give CDC and FDA time to review the situation and make sure doctors who see the clotting syndrome know how to respond, said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. The events were seen between 6 and 13 days after vaccination, and were identified

by FDA through a government-run vaccine adverse event reporting system, Marks said in a webinar sponsored by the American Medical Association.

“Everyone knew it could cause a hit to vaccine confidence,” he said.

Though the cases “could just be a statistical aberration,” the health authorities sought to exercise an abundance of caution.

Safety issues have emerged with other Covid vaccines that clinicians have learned to cope with, he said.

For example, after a number of cases of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, were linked to mRNA vaccines, health authorities educated doctors on treatment.

Researchers think that the blood clots may be caused by a rare autoimmune reaction against the vaccine that leads to an unusual low platelets and severe clots. Just as heparin can in rare cases sensitize the immune system against platelets, the vaccines may create a similar reaction.

The vaccine-associated blood clots are “super rare” and show up with a very unusual patterns of clotting in the head or abdomen, said Mark Crowther, a hematologist and chair of the department of medicine at McMaster.

Unlike a stroke, where arteries bringing blood into the brain are blocked, with the vaccine-associated clots, the veins draining blood from the head get blocked, said Crowther, who’s also an officer of the American Society of Hematology. That’s one reason why patients often report severe headaches, he said.

In two studies published April 9 in the New England Journal of Medicine, a research team in Norway and another group in Germany and Austria found that patients who had severe clotting reactions to the AstraZeneca vaccine had antibodies to an important clotting protein called platelet factor 4.

New phenomenon

Six of the 11 blood-clotting cases reported by the German and Austrian researchers were fatal, while three of the five people with blood clots studied by the Norwegian scientists died, according to the New England Journal of Medicine studies.

The blood-clotting disorder “is a new phenomenon with devastating effects for otherwise healthy young adults,” the Norwegian researchers from Oslo University Hospital concluded.

Hints of a connection to clotting may have arisen during J&J’s final tests. In a report to the FDA, J&J said that a 25-year-old male trial volunteer in its phase 3 trial had suffered blood clotting in the brain, resulting in cerebral hemorrhage. After concluding that the event was unrelated to the vaccine, J&J resumed its US trial.

Overall, there were 14 cases of clotting and bleeding events among patients who received J&J’s vaccine in the trial, according to a report to the FDA. There were 10 in the group that received the placebo. Events so rare that they occur once in only thousands to millions of patients are very difficult to tie to a specific cause, said Weitz, the McMaster professor.

Dynamics of Easter faith Msgr. Sabino A. Vengco Jr.

Alálaong Bagá

A

S narrated by St. Luke (24:35-48), the appearance of the risen Jesus to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus contains certain features that are emphatically repeated a little later to the main body of the disciples as Jesus appeared to them gathered in Jerusalem: reflection on sacred Scriptures, eating, and setting forth to proclaim the good news. Thus the dynamics of our Easter faith is clarified and established for us by the evangelist.

He opened their minds AS in the Emmaus narration (24:2527) at the very start of the encounter with the risen Lord, the instruction from the Scriptures by Jesus was necessary to open the disciples’ minds on the mystery of his death and resurrection. Luke wanted to assure his readers that their faith was well-founded. Like the other evangelists, he filtered the Jewish Bible through the prism of Christian kerygma to show that the life, death and victory of Jesus were all fulfillment of sacred writings.

Jesus recalled that during his public ministry (“while I was still

with you”) he had said that everything written about him in the books of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled (18:31). Luke alone explicitly spoke of the suffering messiah (24:26); no Jewish text referred to a suffering messiah who would rise from the dead. The texts regarding kingship, the suffering of the just one, and the vindicated servant (cf. Psalms 16:8-11, 110:1; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; 2 Samuel 7:13-15, etc.) were applied to Jesus clearly only later. For it was in the light of the resurrection of Jesus that all these were deemed by the believers as in fact about him.

Thursday, April 15, 2021 A11

He ate before them

AS in the Emmaus account, Jesus ate in the presence of his disciples as proof that it was really he before them. “Startled and terrified,” “troubled,” with “questions” in their hearts, “incredulous for joy,” the amazed disciples thought they were seeing a ghost. The risen and glorified Jesus was different from the earthly one, though it was the primary intent of the gospel accounts regarding his appearances to show the continuity between the earthly Jesus and the risen Christ. To dispel the notion that the resurrection was fabricated by Jesus’ followers, their very own initial incredulity was met by Jesus showing them his hands and feet, and asking for food which he ate in their presence. His resurrection was a transformation of his humanness into immortality and triumph over sin and death as a pledge of victory for all who believe in him. It is remarkable how here Jesus received hospitality and food from his disciples, while elsewhere he was the one giving food to his followers. This is now sharing in the life of the risen Lord.

As in last week’s gospel account (John 20:21), what the two disciples in Emmaus did in rushing to share with the others their experience,

is now a formal commission from Jesus for his followers to be his witnesses, preaching in his name repentance to all the nations for the forgiveness of sins. This mandate by the risen Jesus is a reprise of major themes in Luke: conversion or repentance, forgiveness of sin, and witness. Fanning out from Jerusalem as the city of the promised salvation, all peoples would hear of the liberation from sin by way of conversion. As the resurrection of Jesus provided the light for his followers with which to understand Scriptures as they speak of his mission and saving death, so also the resurrection offers the foundation for the mission of his disciples.

Alálaong bagá, it can be said that in Scriptures all that went before Jesus anticipated his coming, and all that has happened after his resurrection witnesses to his glory and victory. All Christians are his witnesses by virtue of his death and resurrection. Our share in his victory means Jesus’ mission of forgiveness and reconciliation with God and with one another is now ours.

Join me in meditating on the Word of God

every Sunday, from 5 to 6 a.m. on DWIZ 882, or by audio streaming on www.dwiz882.com.

A green social contract without the people is anti-social

which guarantees justice, security and social protection to all citizens.

The “new deal” of US President Franklin Roosevelt belongs to the latter category. Based on his promise of a “new deal” to a desperate and jobless America, Roosevelt launched a massive government stimulus program —unheard of in the free-trade era of the early 20th century—to create millions of jobs during the Great Depression of 1929-1933 (Kelly, 2020).

Most of the jobs created turned out to be environmental in character, such as the hiring of men to plant trees, build flood barriers, fight forest fires, maintain roads and trails, and manage the National Parks. A Tennessee Valley Authority was established to build dams, stop flooding and generate affordable electricity for rural America. The social and labor aspects of the new deal included the passage of laws supportive of workers’ bargaining rights, enrolment in social security and financing of houses for the American working masses. Roosevelt’s “new deal” was in a sense the original “green new deal” or “green social contract.”

Now fast forward to 2009, the year the global financial crisis broke out and clobbered stock markets around the world and pushed the global economy on the brink. The UN Environmental Programme used the GFC as an opportunity to ask the world leaders to address the GFC challenge by embracing a “Global Green New Deal,” which is similar in intent to Roosevelt’s new deal.

The GGND appeal was specifically directed to the G-20 countries, which according to UNEP “produce 90 percent of the global GDP, 80 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions and command much of the world’s annual

$150-250 billion fossil fuel subsidies.” The UNEP GGND advisory is win-win: revive the global economy and boost employment “while accelerating the fight against climate change, environmental degradation and poverty” (UNEP, 2009a).

According to UNEP, the GGND (UNEP, 2009b) can achieve the following: n Creation of millions of “green jobs” in the expanding renewable energy sector, bolstered by the finding that investments in renewables create two or three times more jobs compared to the conventional energy development; n Enhancement of the energy security of countries as they become less dependent on the production and importation of fossil fuels, which are the primary cause of emissions and geo-political and geo-economic conflicts; n Reduction of climate risks, for inaction leads to higher costs; n Development of a green pathway for the realization of productive and sustained cooperation among government, private sector and other social actors; and n Green-house gas mitigation.

The UNEP concluded that the GGND means many winners. The GGND lays “the foundation for a new, self-sustaining cycle of green growth globally, while steering the world on a course to end the scourge of energy poverty and avoid the threat of dangerous climate instability” (UNEP, 2009b).

The overall framework of the GGND is that de-carbonization should go hand in hand with economic development. But why are governments, especially those from the advanced countries, hesitant to make commitments to the GGND? As it is, 12 years after the GGND proposal of UNEP, the world is still struggling to find ways to stop the catastrophic future arising from the runaway warming of Planet Earth.

Instead of taking the GGND seriously by realigning their national budgets and stimulus spending based on the GGND framework, most countries, with the exception of a few, simply went ahead with old-style budgeting unmindful of the urgent task of budgeting to combat the climate crisis.

The phasing out of fossil-dependent

power plants such as those running on coal, oil and gas did not happen, as monitored by the climate tracker in Berlin and as reflected in the continuing accumulation of GHG emissions in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Obviously, the transition to clean energy system has become a slow-byslow process because those involved in the transition include the big investors in the fossil-reliant power sector. They happen to have powerful backers in government. They are naturally hesitant to give up profitable commercial interests on existing power systems despite the emerging fact that renewables are getting cheaper and cheaper.

So how can governments and the big business players in the power sector be nudged or persuaded or even forced to go green? The answer is increase the pressure from below, from the citizenry, from the working people. There are examples given by the Transnational Institute based in Amsterdam (see Reclaiming Public Services, 2017) on how such pressure can help transform private/privatized public utilities to go green. One outstanding case is that of Hamburg, Germany, where a citizens’ movement succeeded in pushing the Hamburg local government to accept their collective demand for the city to go green and shift to renewable-energy generation (e.g., wind and solar).

The point is that it is not enough that a purportedly green social contract has social and labor clauses for the benefit of the people. A social contract is a contract with the people.

Therefore, the citizenry should not only be informed and consulted but they should also be involved in the design, planning and implementation of the social contract. People should not be treated as mere objects of development.

It is in this context that the workers’ movements, which represent the working masses, should and must play a major and distinct role. They should help shape the social contract based on the people’s interests and, yes, they should lead in the implementation of the contract. In short, they should own the contract.

2020, 8,820 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded, according to the United Nations.

At a news conference late last month, Biden telegraphed his intentions, saying it would be logistically difficult to withdraw US troops by May, while adding that he couldn’t picture remaining past

the end of the year.

“It’s going to be hard to meet the May 1 deadline,” Biden said. “Just in terms of tactical reasons, it’s hard to get those troops out.”

Biden added the withdrawal would be done in a “safe and orderly way.”

A report on worldwide threats

issued by US intelligence agencies on Tuesday forecast that “prospects for a peace deal will remain low during the next year. The Taliban is likely to make gains on the battlefield, and the Afghan government will struggle to hold the Taliban at bay if the coalition withdraws support.”

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS

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ike the Covid pandemic, the climate crisis is a threat to everyone. It is a threat to civilization. It clearly requires, policy-wise, a collective whole-of-society approach. All sectors of society, particularly the working people, should and must be involved.

In this context, the position taken by US Congressman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the authors of the book A Planet to Win (Aronoff et al., 2019) is the right governance approach. Their vision of a “Green New Deal” (GND) requires the mobilization of entire society. And the task of “greening” the economy is linked to the performance of two other major societal tasks: putting the economy on the path of sustainability while addressing social and economic inequality. In short, it is a social contract undertaken by the whole society for a clear social purpose.

Unfortunately, the GND’s being floated in many countries in Asia and other parts of the world are social contracts only in name. Social and labor clauses are either missing or are written in an abstract or obtuse manner.

Above all, there is no participation of the working people in the drafting of these GNDs. The overwhelming preoccupation of government agencies handling the climate and environmental issues is how to tinker or juggle the numbers on the mix of fossil fuels and renewables in order to show how their respective countries are complying with the mitigation targets of the Paris Agreement. But such an exercise, usually ending in a so-called net-zero emission target statement, is not a social contract.

Of course, the concept of a social contract between the governor and the governed is not new. Political scientists and philosophers have long been debating different theories on the social contract, from the divine right of kings to govern to the more enlightened concept that men and women, constituting a community or society, allow themselves to be under the rules of a government

Biden. . .

continued from A10

Violence has even climbed since peace talks started in September of last year, including targeted killings of journalists, civil society members and politicians. In

For inquiries, please e-mail reneofreneo@ gmail.com.

A12 Thursday, April 15, 2021

Covid-19 treatment facility opens in Subic

DFA fires 2 more protests vs Chinese vessels at WPS reef

T

By Recto Mercene

@rectomercene

HE Philippines on Wednesday fired off its second and third diplomatic protests within a week for the continued presence of what are suspected to be People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM) in the West Philippine Sea.

The “We Heal As One Center” will have a 500-bed capacity. HENRY EMPENO

By Henry Empeño Correspondent

UBIC BAY FREEPORT — A 500bed facility for the treatment and monitoring of patients infected with Covid-19 was opened here on Wednesday to increase the country’s healthcare system, surge capacity and allow hospitals in Metro Manila to care for more patients with medium to severe symptoms.

The “We Heal As One Center” located at the sprawling and gated former Cubi Hospital complex deep in the forest of Ilanin East here, was opened as the government sought to decongest public hospitals at the National Capital Region where occupancy rate was already at the breaking point.

The facility is an interagency cooperation project of the Department of Health (DOH), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ ), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

BCDA President and National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Viven-

S

The demarche came a few days after Philippine authorities celebrated the vessels’ alleged departure in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), only to find that the blue-hulled vessels had simply scattered among Philippineclaimed features.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) later clarified it actually sent two diplomatic protests on Wednesday to the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Chinese vessels’ continuing presence in the West Philippine Sea. “One counts as the daily protest the DFA said it would do as long as there are ships at Julian Felipe Reef.

“The second protest is on the dispersal/displacement of Chinese ships to other parts of the Philippine maritime zone,” the DFA explained.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., apparently read the presence of 240 Chinese ships swarming in the Philippines’s EEZ in a near midnight tweet from ABS-CBN: “At least 240 Chinese

cio “Vince” Dizon said during the inauguration here that the facility will benefit patients not only from the Subic Bay and Central Luzon areas, but also from Manila.

“In fact, I’ve already received calls from a lot of local government units that wanted to know if they can bring patients here,” Dizon revealed.

He said the “We Heal As One Center” will eventually have a 500-bed capacity from the present 371 beds, plus 100 beds that will be available at the former US Naval Hospital, which can take in patients with severe symptoms.

In the same occasion, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma pledged another 34 hospital beds to be transferred from the care and isolation facility that the SBMA has put up last year at the Subic Gym, which became a DOH-certified community isolation unit for Covid-19 cases on July 29, 2020.

“This will be SBMA’s contribution to this national effort,” Eisma said.

She added that with the operation of the Covid-19 wellness center at Cubi, the SBMA has been granted its request that a dedicated number of beds will be allotted for Subic Freeport stakeholders, including residents, business locators and SBMA employees.

“Tulong-tulong tayo rito [We will help each other in this project],” Eisma also said.

ships swarming in Philippines’s EEZ: NTF-WPS,” a reference to the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea. “I haven’t heard anything from the.... NTF-WPS but I’ll take ABSCBN News’ word for it. Changing my policy of acting only on NTF requests,” Locsin tweeted.

However, Locsin said the news of the swarming is not as bad as the Chinese fishermen having poached as much as they can from the contested waters.

“The really bad news is NOT that they’re swarming as a prelude to legal possession—legally impossible; they really are fishing—everything in the water that belongs by law to us: fish, clams, and in such big quantities as to wipe out sustainability.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) first filed the diplomatic protest related to the presence of 220 Chinese fishing vessels in Julian Reef on March 21, 2021, followed by another in April 6, 2021, where the DFA vowed to “file daily

protests over Beijing’s failure to pull out the vessels from the area.”

The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia is China’s alleged government-funded maritime militia operating in the South China Sea without clear identification. They are sometimes referred to as the “little blue men,” because of the blue color of the ship’s hull.

According to a Taiwan Congressional Research Service report, the PAFMM and coast guard are deployed more regularly than the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in maritime sovereigntyassertion operations.

This is in contrast to the “white hull” and “grey hull” vessels the PLA sends to the SCS, white hulls being associated with stabilizing presence, while grey hulls are regular navy forces, according to The National Interest, The South China Sea Hull Warfare.”

“White hulls” do not convey the same overtly militaristic, warfighting impression as regular naval forces (grey hulls) employed for this purpose,” it explained.

“The continuous swarming of Chinese vessels poses a threat to the safety of navigation, the safety of life at sea, and impedes the exclusive right of Filipinos to benefit from the marine wealth in the EEZ,” the NTF-WPS said, reiterating the government’s demand for China to withdraw all its ships in the West Philippine Sea. A report by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command said the PAFMM vessels were spotted in the territo-

rial waters of the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, and the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with 136 militia vessels spotted off Burgos (Gaven) Reefs; nine at Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef; 65 off Chigua (McKennan) Reef, six (6) off Panganiban (Mischief) Reef; three off Zamora (Subi) Reef; four off Pag-asa (Thitu) Island; one off Likas (West York) Island; five off Kota (Loaita) Island; and 11 at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

Also spotted during the April 11 sovereignty patrol were the following People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels: two Houbei class missile warships off Panganiban Reef; a corvette-class warship off Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef; and a Navy tugboat at Zamora Reef.

Build outposts

Meanwhile, an American tech firm on Wednesday suggested that the Philippines should build monitoring outposts in unoccupied features within its EEZ to deter foreign incursions in the WPS. Liz Derr, founder and CEO of Simularity, discussing geospatial analysis that also provides satellite data imagery, said the Philippines can choose “key unoccupied areas within its EEZ where it could put up stations while increasing patrols within its waters.”

Derr told an online forum hosted

by Stratbase ADR Institute: “If you are serious about protecting your sovereignty, and your people, you need to actively monitor, patrol and occupy features in your EEZ.” Continued on A8

Continued on A8

8 BIZ GROUPS TO CHINA: RESPECT PHL RIGHTS

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

S

EVERAL business groups called on Chinese authorities to respect the Philippines’s sovereignty as Beijing’s vessels have remained in Julian Felipe Reef despite the area being located within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Kalayaan Island Group.

On Wednesday, eight business groups released a joint statement backing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, other government officials and several organizations who are calling on the Chinese ships to depart the EEZ. “We call on the Chinese authorities to respect the sovereignty of the Philippines and other neighboring countries for it is only through peaceful co-existence that we can achieve prosperity for all,” the business groups said.

These include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference for Human Development, Filipina CEO Circle, Judicial Reform Initiative, Cebu Business Club and Iloilo Business Club Inc.

The joint statement highlighted that Julian Felipe Reef is indeed a Philippine territory, noting the 2016 ruling of the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (Unclos).

“Our exclusive right over the Julian Felipe Reef carries with it the utilization of, and the obligation to protect, its economic benefits, such as its rich marine life and mineral deposits, for the well-being of each and every Filipino,” the business groups said.

“China and the Philippines share many things in common including being subjugated by colonizers and having their natural resources plundered,” they said.

“Now that China is strong economically and militarily, we call on China to refrain from becoming an imperial power.”

On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, expressing the agency’s “displeasure” over the “illegal lingering presence”of Chinese ships in said location.

The presence of said Chinese vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef has been causing“regional tension,”DFA Acting Undersecretary Elizabeth P. Buensuceso told Ambassador Huang.

Lotto operations in areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) remain suspended until April 30, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office said. In an advisory issued on Monday night, the PCSO said this is in compliance with the government's directive placing Metro Manila, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under MECQ from April 12-30.

The suspension also covers Small Town Lottery (STL) draws. ROY DOMINGO

Unmanaged giving of ‘ayuda’ could be super spreader

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

A

Correspondent

N official of the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday appealed to the local government units (LGUs) to make sure that the giving out of cash assistance will not be a “super spreader” event.

As LGUs once again are distributing national government’s assistance, Health Undersecretary

Maria Rosario Vergeire warned of the possibility that long queues of people leaving their homes to receive cash assistance will end up as a super spreader event.

Although during the online press briefing of the DOH, Vergeire mentioned “bakuna,” a member of the communication team of the DOH clarified that the DOH spokesperson was referring to “ayuda.”

T he DOH descr ibed super spreading events as events where

the “transmission of the virus is suddenly amplified, that is, a single person transmits the virus to a disproportionately large number of contacts.”

In a radio interview earlier, Vice President Leni Robredo said that local officials should learn their lesson already from the previous experience.

She said there should be a system that should be followed in the distribution of the cash assistance.

She observed based on the photos and videos circulating in social media that some of the people lining up are not wearing masks or face shield and physical distancing was hardly being observed.

Several radio reports had said in some barangays, hundreds of people were lining up at dawn just to be the first to get their aid, and sometimes the crowds become unruly especially when they have been exposed to the elements for hours.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, April 15, 2021

B1

Sale of Chevron Malampaya stake to UC gets DOE nod

By Lenie Lectura

T

@llectura

he Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the sale and transfer of Chevron Malampaya LLC’s entire 45-percent stake in the Malampaya gas consortium to UC Malampaya Pte. Ltd. owned by Davao businessman Dennis Uy. The sale, which was finalized in March last year, is worth $565 million, according to DOE officials who made it public during a senate hearing held in November last year. Back then, lawmakers were alarmed by UC’s sizable stake in the gas field, which may have implications on security of the country’s power supply.

Energ y Assistant Secretar y Leonido J. Pulido III, who represented the agency in the Senate hearings that tackled the gas industry, said the Chevron-Udenna sale would be considered final and concluded once the DOE approves it.

On Wednesday, UC expressed its appreciation of the DOE’s ap-

proval of the transfer of rights and obligations of Chevron Malampaya LLC, now UC38 LLC, to UC Malampaya under Service Contract No.38.

SC 38 was awarded to Shell Philippines Exploration (45 percent), Chevron Corp. (45 percent) and PNOC Exploration Corp. (10 percent). The service contract will expire in 2024 unless the DOE extends it. With only 3 years left, the government is faced with a daunting task to discover another petroleum field the size of the Malampaya gas field.

“We reiterate our company’s commitment to support the country’s energy agenda on security, self-reliance and use of cleaner

energy sources, and the DOE’s approval of the transfer of rights is a welcome progress to reach this end,” said Dennis A. Uy, Chairman and CEO of Udenna Corp.

The Malampaya consortium safeguards the nation’s energy security by producing gas, which generates a fifth of the Philippines’s rapidly growing electricity needs.

As a consortium partner, UC38 works closely with SPEX, the current operator, and the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC).

UC Malampaya now officially holds the 45 percent of the Malampaya gas project.

“We are committed to the safe, reliable and sustainable development of the gas-to-power industry in the Philippines through Malampaya. UC38 continues to be led by the highly qualified team who were previously with Chevron and provide us with upstream technical, operational, and commercial expertise based on global industry best practices,” said Uy. “We are proud to be part of the successful Malampaya public-private partnership, providing indigenous, affordable and clean energy to secure the energy future of the Philippines. We will continue to explore the best avenue to provide

a continuous and sustainable supply to meet the growing demand for cleaner power generation.”

UC Malampaya also expressed interest to acquire the 45-percent operating interest of Royal Dutch Shell’s domestic exploration unit in Malampaya, alongside the PNOC-EC. If and when Udenna Malampaya once again secures an additional 45-percent, lawmakers are concerned about how the Uy-led firm would be able to operate the multibillion dollar deep water gas-topower project considering its lack of technical capability and experience in the oil and gas industry.

Udenna Malampaya’s corporate papers showed that the company was established only last year.

“The goal is to assure the country’s energy security. How do you do that? One, make sure the operator is technically qualified. Two, it must also be qualified to look for future gas resources because the Malampaya gas field is running low. In short, it should be qualified to operate the existing gas platform and qualified to explore and develop future gas resources.

These are the two most important goals,” said Senate Energy Committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian.

DDMP income declines by 24%

By VG Cabuag @villygc

D

DMP Reit Inc., the real estate investment trust of Double Dragon Properties Corp., on Wednesday said its net income last year slipped 24 percent to P5.08 billion from the previous year’s P6.69 billion.

The company reported a lower income despite a slight increase in revenues to P1.91 billion, up by 7

9 in 10 local firms willing to promote from within–survey

M

ore firms in the Philippines are willing to hire internally to fill available roles, according to LinkedIn’s Future of Talent Report 2021.

In the report, LinkedIn said 9 in 10 companies in the Philippines are willing to hire internally to leverage employees’ insider perspectives; provide a sense of progress to employees; and encourage loyalty.

The report was based on a 20-minute online survey conducted with over 3,500 respondents from small, medium, and large enterprises.

“The talent architecture within an organization has changed. Organizations have started to hire for open roles internally and now allow more of their workforce to work remotely. This looks set to continue as we move forward into a post-pandemic world,” the report stated.

When hiring internally, LinkedIn said firms look for communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills from employees.

However, the data showed that there are challenges to hiring internally. Many companies lack the time and other resources for training, which is a concern for 65 percent of companies.

Other concerns, LinkedIn said, were the difficulties of identifying employee aspirations, which is the case in the Philippines and Malaysia; lacking incentives to encourage internal mobility; and the lack of upskilling or reskilling programs.

“In order to circumvent these challenges, organizations can invest in tools that will allow them to engage their employees and better identify and understand their aspirations. They can also implement continuous learning programs to enable their employees to take on other roles within the organization,” LinkedIn said.

Tackling these challenges, LinkedIn said, would lead to the expansion of the roles of Human Resource teams in organizations. Cai U. Ordinario

percent from the previous year’s P1.77 billion due to the additional new tenants in Double Dragon Center West and the full year contribution of Double Dragon Center East.

The company said its core net income figures, which exclude fair value gains for 2020, reached P1.32 billion, an increase of about 6 percent from the previous year’s core income of P1.24 billion.

The company’s board also declared a cash dividend to all share-

holders as of record date on April 28 amounting to a gross of P365.05 million or P0.02047718 per share with payment date of May 10.

“We are glad to conduct the DDMP cash dividend declaration to from the business operations of the last quarter of 2020. The next round of cash dividend declaration for the first quarter of 2021 is expected to be declared next month in May 2021 for payment in June 2021,” company Chairman Edgar

Sia II said. “We expect the cash dividend value of DDMP to start to be most efficient to benefit from the REIT incentives by the second quarter of this year since DDMP only became a REIT company last month.”

At the moment, the properties included in DDMP are the first six completed buildings of Double Dragon along the main thoroughfares of Macapagal Avenue, EDSA Extension and Roxas Boulevard in Pasay.

RCBC sustainable portfolio hits P52.17B R izal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) announced on Wednesday that its sustainable lending portfolio reached P52.17 billion last year.

Broken down, the bank’s sustainable lending portfolio consisted of P32.72 billion worth of eligible green projects and P19.432 billion worth of eligible social projects in 2020.

These involved 15 green projects and 9,947 social projects.

“As the economy gradually rises from the ruins of the pandemic, RCBC will be a strong partner in support of the BSP, not just in rebuilding, but in championing the ESG [Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance] agenda and sustainable practices,” RCBC President and CEO Eugene S. Acevedo said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier urged companies and governments to invest in sustainable projects especially as the world “builds back better” from the effects of the pandemic.

“Pursuing a green recovery in the aftermath of Covid-19 might sound daunting, but it’s actually a great opportunity to direct recovery spending into stimulating sustainable jobs and growth,” IMF Fis-

cal Affairs Director Vitor Gaspar and IMF Asia and Pacific Department Chang Yong Rhee said.

“In the longer-term, Asian economies would become more sustainable and resilient, and could build on their lead in many of the emerging green technologies.”

For RCBC’s green portfolio, renewable energy had the biggest share at 61 percent. Clean transportation and energy efficiency activities each accounted for 18 percent, while sustainable water management projects accounted for 3 percent.

Meanwhile, for its social portfolio, affordable housing projects comprised 36 percent of the total; employment generation, 32 percent; access to essential services, 24 percent; and socioeconomic advancement and empowerment, 8 percent.

RCBC issued sustainability bonds in 2019 to refinance a combination of green and social projects. The P8-billion sustainability bond is maturing in June 2021, while the $300-million sustainability bond will mature in September 2024.

Just last month, the bank also issued a P17.8-billion Asean sustainability bond to refinance green and social projects. Bianca Cuaresma

GENCARS TURNS OVER TRUCKS TO NONPAREIL. Gencars, Inc.-Isuzu Makati recently turned over additional truck units to Nonpareil International Freight And Cargo Services, Inc. The units will be used for their clients with temperature requirements. Present during the turnover of units were (from left) Lech Amadeus P. Quiambao, Assistant Manager for Business Development of Nonpareil; Arnulfo Aglibot, Driver of Nonpareil; Erlinda M. Marasigan, Transport Manager; Ellenita Go, Isuzu Makati Sales Executive; Marlon Calicdan, Driver of Nonpareil; Marivic Albana, Isuzu Makati Sales Manager; and Remedios B. Redilla, Admin and Property Officer of Nonpareil.

SMC bent on opening southbound Skyway Extension in Q3–Ang

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an Miguel Corp. (SMC) is targeting to complete the construction of the southbound section of the Skyway Extension within the third quarter, its chief said on Wednesday.

Ramon S. Ang, the company’s president, said his group is bullish about meeting its target deadline, noting that certain portions of the right of way will be closed for the construction.

The Hillsborough off-ramp of the elevated southbound Skyway will be closed to traffic permanently starting April 19 at 6 a.m. As such, vehicles coming from the elevated Skyway will now exit at the steel ramp in Alabang. Heavy traffic is expected in this area.

“Unfortunately, there is no way around it, we need to close this portion to secure the staging ground for equipment and workers and to accelerate construction and ensure the safety of our motorists. I appeal to our motorists again for their patience and understanding. We expect heavy traffic to persist for the duration of the construction, but rest assured we will do everything we can to help mitigate this, and complete the project within the timetable,” Ang said.

Alternatively, motorists coming from Pasay, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City bound for the South Luzon Expressway may keep left to the Steel Ramp towards their destination. Those bound for Alabang may keep right to the AlabangZapote off-ramp.

The Skyway Extension southbound section has two lanes, and runs from the Skyway Main Toll Plaza to Soldier’s Hills in Muntinlupa, with a total distance of 4 kilometers.

Ang noted that the group has seen “a huge improvement in traffic flow” when it opened the fourkilometer northbound section of the Skyway Extension last Sunday.

“It’s only been a number of days since we opened the northbound section, free to the public until further notice, and already we have seen a huge improvement in traffic flow, particularly on SLEX and the Alabang

viaduct. That makes us even more determined to complete construction of the southbound section, so this project can fully serve motorists and improve traffic and connectivity to and from the south.”

Ang added that the soft-opening of the first two of the three lanes of the northbound Skyway Extension from Susana Heights to Sucat, Parañaque “proved to be timely, as it coincided with the easing of quarantine restrictions.”

“We’re already seeing how convenient and much faster travel is now, and it will become even more evident when traffic volume picks up and starts to normalize. That is why we’d again like to ask for our motorists’ cooperation and understanding as we move towards completion of the southbound Skyway Extension.”

The Skyway Extension project is part of the 38-kilometer elevated Skyway System, which includes the newly-opened Skyway Stage 3, also fully-funded by SMC. The Skyway system is seen as a gamechanger for Metro Manila as it eases traffic congestion along major thoroughfares and provides a seamless link from the South Luzon Expressway to the North Luzon Expressway. Lorenz S. Marasigan

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Metro Retail suffers ₧450-M loss due to sluggish sales

C

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ebu-based retailer Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. on Wednesday said it posted a net loss of P449.6 million last year, a reversal of the P775.6-million net income recorded in 2019.

The company that operates a chain of department stores and supermarkets attributed the losses to the sluggish sales of its general merchandise products and the temporary closure of its department stores. Net sales fell 15 percent to P31.3 billion from the previous year’s P36.8 billion.

Total food retail business rose

slightly but the company’s general merchandise business declined by 45 percent from last year due to the temporary closure of department stores in March last year.

While the stores were gradually re-opened, the segment continued to face customer traffic constraints as community quarantine levels were still in effect and consumers priori-

tized the purchase of essential goods.

Metro Retail also had to close down unprofitable department store operations, preparing for a better consolidation for the future.

Blended same stores sales declined by 19.3 percent over the same period last year brought about by the decline in sales of the general merchandise business.

“Looking at the history of Metro, we have had a track record of success and this is because we’ve remained flexible and have focused on our customers,” Manuel Alberto, the company’s president and COO, said.

“We will continue to explore opportunities and innovate amid the rapidly evolving landscape so we can bring our brand of excellence to consumers across the country.”

The company said it aims to continue to meet consumer demand in the areas where it operates and to

intensify its brand by expanding its offerings. The company is also ramping up its presence in multiple channels and continues to implement innovations and updates in its physical stores as well as on its e-commerce platform.

The company said it will continue to expand its network. Last January 29, Metro Ayala Cebu, the company’s flagship store reopened while two new stores—Metro Danao and Metro Tacloban—opened in February and March, respectively.

Metro Supermarket in Ayala Center Cebu was recently re-certified for Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points or HACCP seal. Currently, the company is the only retailer that holds GMP and HACCP citations for 4 of its supermarkets in Alabang, Cebu, Mandaue and Taguig.

Megaworld income declines by 45% M

egaworld Corp., the property development ar m of businessman Andrew Tan, said its income declined 45 percent last year to P10.6 billion from the previous year’s P19.29 billion.

T he compa ny ’s bu si nesses were affected by the series of lockdowns that closed down its shops and halted construction activities.

Consolidated revenues fell by 35 percent to P43.5 billion from last year’s P61.96 billion. Megaworld’s rental income slid 23 percent to P12.9 billion last year from P16.8 billion in the previous year, while real estate sales declined by 42 percent to P24.9 billion from the previous P42.6 billion.

The company said it saw some recovery during the fourth quarter in its shopping malls, hotels and even in its residential businesses as the country eased quarantine measures in time for the holiday season.

“The adjustments made by our various business segments amidst the challenging environment allowed us to benefit from the gradual reopening of the economy.

Nonetheless, the main priority of Megaworld during this time was to preserve the jobs of our workers and continue to provide the much needed services to the communities that we serve,” Kevin L. Tan, the company’s executive vice

president, said.

Megaworld Hotel booked P1.5 billion in revenues last year, down by 40 percent from the previous year’s P2.5 billion.

On the residential business, the company launched P7.8 billion worth of new projects last year, down from about P85 billion in the previous year.

On the office side, the company said around 135,000 square meters of fresh office space inventory were leased out in the company’s townships in Iloilo, Quezon City and Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.

Around 78 percent of these new leases are part of the expansion programs of existing office partners while the rest were taken by new client companies.

“These are mostly companies operating BPOs, e-commerce, logistics, and finance. And we are very happy to see the strong interest in our office developments in Iloilo Business Park. Approximately 20 percent of new leases have been booked there and we even cemented our dominance in terms of market share in the Iloilo office market,” Tan said.

T he compa ny a l so bag ged lease renewals of around 145,000 square meters of office spaces from various company tenants last year.

Megaworld Premier Offices ended 2020 with P10.4 billion in rental revenues, slightly down from the previous year’s P10.4 billion.

The company was also able to complete the construction of around 87,000 square meters of fresh office spaces last year, bringing the total leasable office inventory to 1.4 million square meters.

This excludes the office spaces that are for sale in Iloilo Business Park and Maple Grove in Cavite.

“At this point, we can say that our office business is the most stable income generator in our company’s revenue stream with or without this health crisis, and we continue to focus on the expansion of this business in the years to come and further strengthen our leadership in the country’s office property sector,” Tan said. VG Cabuag

mutual funds

April 14, 2021

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 207.37 12.23% -8.86% -4.15% -8.74% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.271 39.14% -7.74% 0.41% -3.2% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.8438 14.65% -13.11% -6.44% -9.23% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7334 16.27% -8.25% n.a. -8.77% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6756 5.94% n.a. n.a.

-8.9% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.5416 12.87% -6.78% -3.15% -8.09% 4.62% -10.64% -8.03% -13.64% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.6562 MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 97.13 37.38% -6.28% n.a. -4.72% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 42.5624 14.82% -6.93% -2.92% -9.15% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 446.05 12.66% -6.88% -3.41% -8.78% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5 1.0115 22.25% n.a. n.a.

-7.82% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.0868 14.68% -6.36% -2.32% -6.97% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 31.8889 14.67% -6.58% -1.94% -8.29% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8258 13.03% n.a. n.a. -9.55% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.3589 15.51% -6.56% -2.17% -9.02% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 729.07 15.6% -6.46% -2.31% -9.05% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6582 15.03% -10.45% -5.79% -8.44% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2962 12.32% -8.66% -3.71% -9.04% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.833 14.91% -6.81% -2.44% -9.23% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.0567 14.5% -6.04% -1.31% -7.9% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 97.8301 15.68% -6.25% -1.65% -9.04% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.2535 44.2% 3.86% 8.35% 4.21% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7384 46.73% 11.03% n.a.

3.92% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.6236 11.57% -2.86% -1.52% -2.7% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.1442 11.53% -3.22% -0.93% -6.18% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.4855 8.39% -2.3% -1.57% -5.39% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1869 4.24% n.a. n.a. -5.89% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.8914 6.99% -0.43% 0.44% -3.7% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.5325 9.09% -1.98% -0.78% -6.75% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 15.8386 8.93% -1.84% -0.85% -6.48% -2.75% -0.67% -5.36% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.9819 8.75% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.3572 8.13% -4.33% -1.9% -6.05% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9506 8.43% n.a. n.a.

-7.04% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.8617 11.16% n.a. n.a. -9.22% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8459 11.77% n.a. n.a. -9.35% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8277 10.33% -5.27% -2.57% -6.76% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.038 0.45% 2.43% 1.33% -2.86% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $1.1292 26.85% 2.02% 4.89% -1.83% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.6302 33.98% 8.09% 8.52% 2.6% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.1977 18.49% 4% n.a. -0.37% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 370 2.5% 3.05% 2.58% -0.29% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9099 -0.62% 0.71% 0.14% 0.51% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2197 1.99% 4.04% 4.48% 0.16% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2462 0.1% 2.13% 1.65% -2.17% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4275 2.03% 3.1% 1.71% -1.05% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.4473 1% 3.62% 1.85% -4.04% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.316 4.39% 4.18% 2.64% -0.39% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9545 3.5% 4.26% 2.8% -1.16% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0265 4.5% 3.93% 2% -1.49% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1705 2.68% 4.58% 3.03% -1.11% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7299 1.23% 3.85% 2.21% -1.43% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $482.51 3.41% 2.87% 2.3% -0.28% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.66 2.74% 1% 1.2% 0.22% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.177 1.08% 1.72% 1.1% -8.08% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0258 0.39% 1.33% 0.88% -3.01% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0526 1.17% 0.18% -0.61% -3.67% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.4708 4.53% 4.03% 2.03% -2.56% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0625765 5.53% 3.33% 2.19% 0.41% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1224 -0.24% 1.96% 0.85% -3.14% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 129.93 2.32% 3.18% 2.52% 0.09% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0502 1.44% n.a. n.a.

0.2% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.3015 2.04% 2.9% 2.58% 0.38% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0555 1.45% 1.74% n.a.

0.29% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.2247 n.a. n.a. n.a. 8.42% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.99 11.24% n.a. n.a.

1.02% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019.

4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019.

6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

April 14, 2021

Net Foreign Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Stocks Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

103.5 82.8 22.95 8.2 9.62 44.25 22.8 55.5 17.2 119 69.95 1.68 3.95 0.59 1.5 0.4 970 0.73 146 2,300 0.98

104 83.5 23 8.49 9.65 44.3 22.85 56.7 17.38 119.7 70 1.7 3.97 0.62 1.56 0.43 995 0.75 146.4 2,320 1.03

101.6 82 22.85 8.09 9.73 44 23 56.1 17.5 119.3 69.85 1.7 3.98 0.59 1.55 0.415 970 0.74 145.7 2,320 0.98

104 83.5 23 8.49 9.79 44.8 23 56.7 17.5 120.4 69.95 1.74 3.99 0.59 1.56 0.435 995 0.75 146 2,320 0.98

101.6 81.5 22.85 8.09 9.6 43.8 22.8 56.1 17.06 119 69.85 1.66 3.95 0.59 1.55 0.415 970 0.73 143.1 2,320 0.98

104 83.5 23 8.49 9.62 44.3 22.85 56.7 17.14 119 69.95 1.68 3.99 0.59 1.56 0.435 995 0.75 146 2,320 0.98

2,045,860 685,170 43,400 1,900 199,100 2,770,100 884,900 820 1,400 335,240 4,820 451,000 327,000 14,000 10,000 60,000 100 654,000 7,070 5 5,000

210,844,112 56,915,438 998,080 15,411 1,922,594 122,767,035 20,195,425 46,236 23,980 39,948,733 336,894.50 754,530 1,298,310 8,260 15,570 25,400 97,500 480,540 1,031,372 11,600 4,900

57,309,335 -18,946,000 -687,695 -1,096,714 -25,045,010 -13,445,540 1,714 -11,940,649 126,428.50 -5,040 -564,140 -350,030 1,021,336.00 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 7.39 7.43 7.32 7.48 7.32 7.39 13,462,700 99,777,701 ALSONS CONS 1.29 1.3 1.28 1.3 1.28 1.3 491,000 636,110 23.7 23.8 23.7 23.95 23.55 23.7 1,982,700 46,857,975 ABOITIZ POWER 1.01 1.02 0.97 1.03 0.97 1.02 86,751,000 87,577,680 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 30.8 30.9 30.8 30.9 30.5 30.9 320,000 9,875,275 67.7 67.75 67.75 67.85 67.7 67.75 29,460 1,996,227 FIRST PHIL HLDG 275 278 277.8 278.6 273 278 156,000 43,095,834 MERALCO MANILA WATER 14.74 14.78 14.82 14.82 14.66 14.78 623,600 9,187,946 3.16 3.18 3.2 3.2 3.15 3.16 438,000 1,386,360 PETRON 3.75 3.82 3.8 3.82 3.8 3.82 9,000 34,360 PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM 12.02 12.28 12.18 12.3 12 12.28 395,900 4,830,784 20.65 20.8 20.8 20.8 20.55 20.65 270,000 5,572,575 PILIPINAS SHELL 10.58 10.6 10.6 10.6 10.5 10.6 153,500 1,621,302 SPC POWER VIVANT 14 14.58 13.94 14.62 13.94 14.62 2,600 36,948 AGRINURTURE 6.9 7 7.09 7.1 6.88 7 12,990,400 91,165,660 3.42 3.45 3.45 3.48 3.42 3.45 669,000 2,303,490 AXELUM CENTURY FOOD 18.54 18.6 18.6 18.64 18.4 18.54 987,200 18,334,906 DEL MONTE 9.6 9.7 9.23 9.85 9.22 9.7 102,600 995,589 7.14 7.15 7.2 7.2 7.13 7.15 664,400 4,753,141 DNL INDUS EMPERADOR 10.48 10.5 10.4 10.5 10.36 10.5 849,800 8,879,900 SMC FOODANDBEV 67.55 68.05 67.5 68 67 68 266,230 18,070,218 0.63 0.65 0.64 0.67 0.64 0.65 185,000 119,180 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.38 1.39 1.39 1.39 1.37 1.39 3,211,000 4,417,130 GINEBRA 52.75 52.8 52.9 53.2 52.75 52.85 61,830 3,276,366.50 181 183.9 180 183.9 179.4 183.9 353,350 64,002,876 JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR 32.05 32.5 32.05 32.05 32.05 32.05 200 6,410 MAXS GROUP 5.94 5.96 5.98 5.98 5.91 5.96 85,300 507,358 0.345 0.355 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.355 8,840,000 3,099,550 MG HLDG 7.25 7.4 7.4 7.4 7.2 7.4 73,700 536,516 SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO 1.09 1.1 1.08 1.1 1.08 1.1 928,000 1,010,250 4.68 4.74 4.74 4.74 4.74 4.74 1,000 4,740 RFM CORP SWIFT FOODS 0.135 0.136 0.138 0.139 0.136 0.136 6,500,000 886,430 UNIV ROBINA 129.9 130 131.2 132.8 129 130 1,059,250 137,795,114 0.84 0.85 0.83 0.85 0.83 0.85 370,000 308,510 VITARICH VICTORIAS 2.26 2.3 2.26 2.26 2.26 2.26 7,000 15,820 CEMEX HLDG 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.23 1.2 1.2 1,466,000 1,770,970 3.06 3.08 3.1 3.18 3.04 3.06 1,701,000 5,277,120 DAVINCI CAPITAL 11.26 11.36 11.4 11.4 11.16 11.26 65,000 728,870 EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP 7.3 7.31 7.35 7.36 7.29 7.31 76,900 562,444 HOLCIM 5.52 5.54 5.5 5.64 5.5 5.52 169,300 939,083 6.95 6.97 6.7 6.97 6.7 6.95 1,162,800 8,023,486 MEGAWIDE PHINMA 12.2 12.3 12.3 12.32 12.3 12.32 2,000 24,628 TKC METALS 1.15 1.19 1.16 1.19 1.15 1.18 124,000 145,100 2.5 2.51 2.5 2.54 2.45 2.51 3,777,000 9,448,770 VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA 1.84 1.87 1.86 1.87 1.82 1.87 201,000 369,500 EUROMED 2.03 2.06 2.04 2.06 2.04 2.06 64,000 131,180 4.4 4.9 4.51 4.51 4.4 4.4 60,000 265,890 LMG CORP MABUHAY VINYL 4.52 4.63 4.52 4.63 4.52 4.63 3,000 13,670 PRYCE CORP 5.31 5.59 5.31 5.31 5.31 5.31 1,500 7,965 21.5 21.6 21.4 21.6 21.1 21.5 7,800 167,105 CONCEPCION 3.8 3.82 3.75 3.85 3.75 3.82 4,663,000 17,726,910 GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR 11.34 11.38 10.9 11.34 10.9 11.34 572,300 6,432,532 1.14 1.15 1.14 1.15 1.13 1.15 122,000 139,330 IONICS PANASONIC 5.62 5.86 5.9 5.9 5.61 5.61 7,200 41,862 SFA SEMICON 1.4 1.41 1.4 1.43 1.39 1.4 78,000 109,490 6.07 6.09 6.06 6.18 6 6.07 973,100 5,892,356 CIRTEK HLDG

-453,646 3,966,725 101,210 -3,357,960 -1,901,391 -23,209,624 -3,322,912 -9,440 -586,765 12,680 3,335,695 -485,550 6,759,376 -2,967,503 -842,534 -3,141,884.50 -14,100.00 558,165.50 -4,210,857 -28,528 -255,600 97,008 1,360 -88,947,847.00 -551,870 163,720 -261,636 -10,965 -92,456 -207,145 -12,320 -1,178,010.00 94,505 -1,894,050 539,120 -28,080

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.15 1.16 1.16 1.2 1.15 1.15 15,900,000 18,550,740 ASIABEST GROUP 7.3 7.4 7.48 7.48 7.42 7.42 1,300 9,657 766 769 755.5 773 750 769 196,640 149,835,010 AYALA CORP 35.2 35.8 35.45 35.8 34.85 35.8 988,500 35,142,465 ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL 10.8 10.86 10.66 10.8 10.64 10.8 2,766,500 29,707,164 3.28 3.29 3.1 3.3 3.1 3.29 21,015,000 68,166,730 AYALA LAND LOG 6.68 6.8 6.65 6.68 6.64 6.68 15,100 100,522 ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.69 0.7 0.67 0.72 0.67 0.7 1,229,000 854,350 0.73 0.75 0.74 0.75 0.74 0.74 690,000 511,450 ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B 0.73 0.74 0.77 0.77 0.74 0.74 154,000 115,020 COSCO CAPITAL 5.26 5.28 5.27 5.29 5.25 5.28 390,400 2,058,884 5.27 5.29 5.22 5.29 5.18 5.29 2,097,800 11,011,723 DMCI HLDG 8.35 8.59 8.25 8.25 8.25 8.25 200 1,650 FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC 0.25 0.3 0.242 0.242 0.241 0.241 210,000 50,810 GT CAPITAL 528.5 529.5 528.5 534.5 525 528.5 82,270 43,440,895 59.8 61 60 61 59.2 61 1,024,920 62,263,826 JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A 4.93 5.19 4.99 5 4.99 5 8,000 39,940 LODESTAR 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.22 1.11 1.16 10,393,000 12,135,510 3.33 3.48 3.35 3.49 3.35 3.49 8,000 27,740 LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP 13.42 13.7 13.58 13.7 13.32 13.7 1,390,800 18,761,258 MABUHAY HLDG 0.475 0.495 0.475 0.495 0.475 0.495 9,000 4,295 3.91 3.92 3.94 3.97 3.9 3.92 20,096,000 78,785,270 METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG 3.8 3.88 3.7 3.8 3.7 3.8 4,000 15,100 PRIME MEDIA 3.07 3.08 3.05 3.09 3.01 3.08 2,579,000 7,886,390 2.41 2.79 2.39 2.39 2.39 2.39 10,000 23,900 REPUBLIC GLASS SOLID GROUP 1.26 1.28 1.3 1.3 1.28 1.28 36,000 46,730 SYNERGY GRID 373 385 373 373 373 373 30 11,190 970 980 968 980 965.5 980 188,290 183,308,900 SM INVESTMENTS 117 117.1 118 118 116.8 117.1 166,420 19,487,904 SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES 0.73 0.77 0.74 0.77 0.72 0.77 221,000 163,910 130.2 135.5 131.2 135.5 131.2 135.5 27,690 3,641,528 TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS 0.265 0.275 0.285 0.285 0.255 0.265 7,050,000 1,863,650 ZEUS HLDG 0.204 0.214 0.214 0.214 0.21 0.21 160,000 33,640

-607,290.00 -15,111,190 -2,887,485 -15,713,868 68,330 -21,260 -1,573,150.00 -1,027,006 -20,842,490 -7,533,253 11,300 -12,823,952 -21,207,170 1,355,750 -5,048,035 -2,720,538 -

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP ANCHOR LAND AYALA LAND ARANETA PROP AREIT RT BELLE CORP A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON DDMP RT DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND 8990 HLDG PHIL INFRADEV CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

0.65 7.6 33.15 1.23 33.9 1.52 0.92 1.09 0.136 6.31 5.56 0.39 0.34 13.02 2.2 6.78 0.285 0.136 1.12 7.15 1.37 2.31 3.48 0.39 0.7 3.29 17.84 0.27 1.53 2.67 2.22 35.6 3.81 1.49 3.76

0.67 8.2 33.25 1.32 34 1.55 0.94 1.1 0.137 6.79 5.57 0.395 0.355 13.08 2.21 6.83 0.29 0.137 1.13 7.43 1.39 2.33 3.49 0.395 0.71 3.3 17.88 0.275 1.57 2.69 2.27 35.7 3.92 1.52 3.79

0.65 7.48 33.4 1.23 33.9 1.54 0.9 1.08 0.136 6.31 5.5 0.395 0.35 13.1 2.21 6.7 0.29 0.13 1.12 7.09 1.36 2.49 3.61 0.395 0.72 3.06 18 0.275 1.51 2.68 2.21 35.45 3.87 1.5 3.8

0.66 8.29 33.45 1.23 34.3 1.54 0.92 1.14 0.139 6.31 5.64 0.395 0.355 13.1 2.22 6.85 0.29 0.14 1.13 7.45 1.41 2.57 3.68 0.395 0.72 3.29 18 0.275 1.58 2.69 2.28 35.7 3.92 1.5 3.8

0.65 7.48 32.8 1.23 33.85 1.52 0.88 1.08 0.132 6.31 5.5 0.39 0.35 12.9 2.2 6.7 0.285 0.13 1.12 7.05 1.36 2.22 3.48 0.385 0.68 3 17.8 0.27 1.51 2.68 2.2 34.8 3.87 1.49 3.75

0.66 8.2 33.25 1.23 34 1.52 0.92 1.1 0.137 6.31 5.57 0.395 0.355 13.08 2.21 6.83 0.285 0.136 1.12 7.45 1.39 2.33 3.48 0.39 0.7 3.29 17.88 0.27 1.58 2.69 2.28 35.7 3.92 1.5 3.76

202,000 10,800 20,741,300 24,000 680,700 45,000 580,000 2,053,000 4,040,000 5,000 560,000 1,020,000 40,000 791,100 11,047,000 34,500 120,000 33,140,000 3,342,000 35,000 148,000 11,256,000 44,057,000 9,510,000 32,496,000 11,840,000 2,388,900 450,000 90,000 32,000 1,093,000 5,608,700 4,000 55,000 532,000

132,630 81,826 685,582,085 29,520 23,137,490 68,440 525,220 2,287,380 547,670 31,550 3,119,784 400,250 14,100 10,275,820 24,373,240 235,710 34,250 4,509,130 3,752,220 252,359 204,190 26,465,450 155,092,510 3,700,650 22,702,120 37,695,090 42,697,846 121,900 140,300 85,920 2,405,280 197,759,195 15,530 82,200 2,004,040

-347,359,675 -11,947,845 70,700 -395,640 5,500 -15,800 185,960 -134,980 20,310 -2,008,610.00 16,590 44,830 -794,350 -152,100 -14,200 11,076,310 -36,373,544 -43,640 -2,680 4,440 -47,504,680 15,000 -1,424,410

SERVICES ABS CBN 10.8 10.84 10.84 10.84 10.8 10.8 25,200 273,056 GMA NETWORK 9.02 9.03 8.88 9.08 8.86 9.03 4,632,000 41,521,407 0.46 0.49 0.49 0.495 0.46 0.46 450,000 211,850 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 1,841 1,843 1,830 1,844 1,825 1,843 49,010 90,134,850 PLDT 1,240 1,243 1,231 1,250 1,231 1,240 96,040 119,189,810 0.202 0.203 0.204 0.207 0.2 0.202 269,440,000 54,490,460 APOLLO GLOBAL 18.06 18.1 17.8 18.2 17.74 18.1 4,016,600 72,507,108 CONVERGE DFNN INC 3.97 3.99 4.06 4.06 3.71 3.99 439,000 1,667,010 10.68 10.7 10.54 10.84 10.54 10.7 7,684,100 82,357,534 DITO CME HLDG 2.1 2.18 2.11 2.19 2.11 2.19 4,000 8,520 JACKSTONES NOW CORP 2.87 2.88 2.98 2.98 2.8 2.87 3,526,000 10,078,830 0.445 0.45 0.445 0.455 0.445 0.445 4,460,000 1,990,600 TRANSPACIFIC BR 2.68 2.73 2.68 2.73 2.67 2.73 289,000 777,680 PHILWEB 2GO GROUP 8.45 8.49 8.48 8.49 8.4 8.49 20,900 176,709 ASIAN TERMINALS 15.06 15.24 15.5 15.5 15.24 15.24 10,400 158,600 3.34 3.36 3.43 3.43 3.32 3.34 588,000 1,971,530 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 49.2 49.25 48.45 49.25 48.4 49.2 465,500 22,699,590 INTL CONTAINER 126.4 126.6 126.9 126.9 125.4 126.6 1,009,950 127,800,165 16 16.24 16.38 16.4 16.38 16.4 900 14,750 LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.01 1.06 1.03 1.06 1.03 1.06 102,000 108,090 MACROASIA 4.94 4.98 4.88 5.1 4.81 4.95 1,297,000 6,458,920 2.51 2.53 2.5 2.53 2.41 2.53 210,000 519,670 METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG 6.11 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.11 6.11 10,600 65,182 HARBOR STAR 1.27 1.3 1.29 1.33 1.26 1.3 319,000 412,740 1.8 1.85 1.79 1.8 1.71 1.8 279,000 489,750 ACESITE HOTEL BOULEVARD HLDG 0.092 0.093 0.093 0.094 0.09 0.092 222,410,000 20,540,690 DISCOVERY WORLD 3.86 3.93 3.92 3.97 3.89 3.93 174,000 684,670 9.64 10.56 10.76 10.76 9.42 10.6 3,100 31,616 GRAND PLAZA WATERFRONT 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.66 0.63 0.66 7,053,000 4,532,770 STI HLDG 0.385 0.395 0.385 0.385 0.385 0.385 320,000 123,200 4.6 4.65 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 4,000 18,400 BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY 6.98 7 6.9 7.02 6.86 7 1,947,100 13,610,714 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.05 2.1 2.05 2.05 2.03 2.03 46,000 93,910 1.85 1.89 1.92 1.94 1.84 1.86 255,000 475,060 LEISURE AND RES 2 2.09 2.01 2.01 2 2 22,000 44,050 MANILA JOCKEY PH RESORTS GRP 2.2 2.21 2.16 2.3 2.16 2.2 1,647,000 3,609,260 0.4 0.415 0.4 0.415 0.4 0.415 1,450,000 586,550 PREMIUM LEISURE ALLHOME 7.9 8 7.95 8 7.75 8 96,900 770,706 METRO RETAIL 1.3 1.31 1.31 1.32 1.3 1.3 552,000 721,810 PUREGOLD 37 37.2 37.25 38.05 37 37 1,659,000 61,993,670 55.2 55.8 56.5 56.5 54.15 55.2 763,120 42,105,527 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 102.7 105 97 102.7 97 102.7 4,410 442,433.50 SSI GROUP 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.24 1.21 1.23 607,000 738,930 17.48 17.5 17.06 17.56 17.06 17.48 1,383,700 23,705,442 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.395 0.4 0.405 0.41 0.395 0.395 540,000 215,650 EASYCALL 6.45 6.7 6.77 6.79 6.45 6.45 17,300 112,962 2.21 2.22 2.21 2.27 2.2 2.21 17,448,000 38,685,680 PRMIERE HORIZON SBS PHIL CORP 4.5 4.79 4.21 4.5 4.2 4.5 21,000 91,870

-5,422,875 -3,101,405 1,300,250 -5,619,326 -1,245,050 1,419,966.00 -41,160 -31,850 -20,390 5,170,000 -18,127,214 -3,276 -166,310.00 -50,950 -524,600 9,450 -4,400,285 -19,200 -201,630 269,568 -495,370 -7,429,315 -28,327,926 239,915.50 -43,080 380,890 670 -1,139,710 -

MINING & OIL ATOK 10.5 10.54 10 10.68 10 10.5 3,706,200 38,526,280 -53,536 1.46 1.47 1.46 1.48 1.45 1.47 1,574,000 2,299,470 -604,910 APEX MINING 5.9 5.92 5.93 5.93 5.88 5.9 386,200 2,280,472 -27,820 ATLAS MINING BENGUET B 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.4 4,000 9,900 -2,400 0.29 0.3 0.29 0.31 0.29 0.29 620,000 180,000 COAL ASIA HLDG CENTURY PEAK 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 5,000 14,000 14,000 DIZON MINES 8.31 8.4 9 9 8.31 8.35 10,400 87,271 -897 2.5 2.55 2.5 2.55 2.49 2.5 4,272,000 10,699,830 843,880 FERRONICKEL 0.345 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.35 1,890,000 650,750 20,400 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.131 0.133 0.133 0.133 0.13 0.131 1,100,000 144,820 0.131 0.138 0.131 0.131 0.131 0.131 20,000 2,620 -2,620 LEPANTO B 0.0096 0.0097 0.0097 0.0097 0.0096 0.0097 126,000,000 1,211,100 MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B 0.0096 0.0099 0.0096 0.0096 0.0096 0.0096 24,000,000 230,400 MARCVENTURES 1.2 1.22 1.21 1.23 1.2 1.22 618,000 748,540 -94,550 1.79 1.82 1.89 1.89 1.78 1.79 784,000 1,408,240 NIHAO NICKEL ASIA 5.12 5.14 5.1 5.14 5.07 5.13 1,371,300 7,010,902 3,669,449 OMICO CORP 0.41 0.435 0.44 0.44 0.415 0.44 140,000 58,800 0.89 0.9 0.88 0.9 0.88 0.9 451,000 399,700 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 4.55 4.57 4.53 4.58 4.53 4.57 242,000 1,100,490 -354,870 SEMIRARA MINING 11.98 12 11.8 12.02 11.76 11.98 615,600 7,326,422 -1,583,078 0.0087 0.0089 0.0089 0.0089 0.0087 0.0087 28,000,000 246,600 UNITED PARAGON ACE ENEXOR 22.3 22.65 22.9 23.4 22.05 22.65 320,700 7,296,985 -917,150 ORNTL PETROL A 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 26,600,000 319,200 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.014 0.012 0.013 270,300,000 3,732,400 -6,500 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 133,600,000 1,627,200 PXP ENERGY 7.95 8 8.2 8.2 7.95 7.95 1,056,000 8,460,417 2,961,956.00

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 100.3 101 101 101 101 101 470 47,470 HOUSE PREF A 100 101 100 101 100 101 610 61,460 45.05 45.5 43.5 45.95 43.3 45.05 175,800 7,854,180 169,480 CEB PREF 99.5 103 100.8 103 100 100 130,510 13,094,808 309,334 DD PREF GLO PREF P 502 511 510 510 510 510 100 51,000 1,041 1,050 1,045 1,045 1,045 1,045 1,000 1,045,000 -1,045,000 GTCAP PREF B 101 101.7 101.7 101.7 101.6 101.7 1,290 131,119 MWIDE PREF MWIDE PREF 2A 100.2 105 101 101 101 101 3,130 316,130 100.5 101 101 101 101 101 100,500 10,150,500 MWIDE PREF 2B PNX PREF 3B 103 105 104 105 103 105 3,130 325,850 -102,650 PNX PREF 4 992 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,150 1,150,000 20,000 1,070 1,116 1,070 1,070 1,068 1,068 1,050 1,121,920 PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B 1,129 1,159 1,154 1,155 1,154 1,155 330 381,100 SMC PREF 2C 79.5 79.6 79.7 79.7 79.55 79.55 5,850 465,931 SMC PREF 2E 76.1 77.8 77.8 77.8 77.8 77.8 200 15,560 -15,560 76.95 77.95 76.95 76.95 76.95 76.95 36,000 2,770,200 SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I 78.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 29,510 2,346,045 SMC PREF 2J 77.05 77.1 77 77.1 77 77.1 46,610 3,590,603.50 76.55 77 77 77 77 77 20 1,540 - SMC PREF 2K

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR 8.39 8.44 8.32 8.4 8.3 8.39 284,900 2,381,579 196,518

WARRANTS LR WARRANT 2.19 2.2 2.15 2.25 2.14 2.2 3,415,000 7,461,780 68,260

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP 19.62 19.64 19.36 20.5 19.36 19.64 126,800 2,490,504 -18,036 ITALPINAS 2.51 2.57 2.55 2.6 2.51 2.51 197,000 499,690 7,390 5.55 5.6 5.52 5.78 5.33 5.6 126,700 701,963 KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE 2.53 2.74 2.53 2.53 2.53 2.53 14,000 35,420 MERRYMART 5.36 5.37 5.3 5.46 5.29 5.37 5,857,900 31,540,115 -1,102,528

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF 98.5 99.75 99.65 99.75 98 99.75 15,500 1,535,450.50 32,595

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

STRUGGLING

BECAUSE she was hard-pressed for money, the actress had no choice but to approach her ex to take care of their kids financially. But the problem is that her ex-husband wouldn’t talk to her. He would rather course everything through their kids. The actress is known to have anger management issues, and he didn’t want there to be any more trouble between them. The actress was so desperate that she talked to his girlfriend, who was hesitant to help because she knew this would escalate to something negative. So what happened next? The wife did get to ask money from the husband, who told her that he was also having some difficulties but he would share what he had for their kids.

OUTBREAK

IT’S not easy to navigate through this pandemic especially if your business is dependent upon things that require the personal presence of people. These things can include tapings for TV shows. A young star recently tested positive for Covid-19 and it happened while she was in a locked-in taping for a show. What is ironic about the locked-in taping is that it was held beside a mall, and there were no actual restrictions on the artists, staff and crew of the show. If the young star had Covid-19 during the taping, she could have infected anyone and everyone around her. Here’s the sad part: A family member of the young star’s got the virus before she did and she knew going into the taping but because she needed the money, she had to soldier on.

VIA INSTAGRAM ONLY

IF you follow these personalities, you’ll see that a comedian has been leaving comments on the Instagram posts of his kids asking how they are and saying he misses them. The kids grew up with their mom, from whom the comedian is separated. The dad is now married with kids. The comedian’s grown children seem to be so awkward about acknowledging him in person when, according to sources, it was their mom who caused the breakup of the marriage. The comedian is struggling financially but he isn’t doing it to ask his kids for money. Reportedly, he really just misses them. To be fair to the mom, she is past the point of forbidding her kids to stop talking to their dad. She doesn’t care at all as she has her own life and she’s happy.

STALLED PLANS

LIKE many Filipinos, the star’s source of livelihood was badly affected by the pandemic as there are hardly any tapings nor personal appearances. Even her husband’s income suffered greatly. The couple had been building their dream house but the pandemic happened and this had to stop. The star and her husband are not poor but in order to maintain the lifestyle that they’re used to, they’ve had to let go of some of their staff. Their family is growing and they cannot afford to continue spending so much without regular income coming in. The dream house can wait.

The important thing is to survive these difficult times, especially with the future so uncertain.

Mick Jagger, Dave Grohl team up for pandemic anthem NEW YORK—Mick Jagger and Dave Grohl have teamed up for a hard-rock pandemic anthem, called “Eazy Sleazy.”

“It’s a song that I wrote about coming out of lockdown, with some much needed optimism,” Jagger said in a statement on Tuesday. “Thanks to Dave Grohl for jumping on drums, bass and guitar.

It was a lot of fun working with him.”

The duo recorded the song and video in different studio locations—Jagger at home and Grohl in the Foo Fighters studio—and the lyrics mention “prison walls,” “virtual premieres,” numbers that are “grim” and Zoom calls. Jagger complains: “I’ve got nothing left to wear.”

The song also name-checks Bill Gates, lampoons conspiracy theories and those who deny climate change and gleefully reveals “There’s aliens in the deep state.”

But there seems to be hope. Jagger looks ahead and sees a “garden of earthly delights” when vaccines are administered and lockdown ends.

“Everything’s gonna get really freaky/Alright on the night/Soon it’ll be a memory/You’re trying to remember to forget.” AP

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Thursday, April 15, 2021

B3

‘Divine Comedy’: Journeying through truth and love

D

IVINE Comedy begins with a book and ends with a book. And, in the 27-plusminute short film of Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, Dante Per Nostra Fortuna/ Dante, Our Luck, Dante Alighieri’s eternal masterpiece is introduced with a little boy reading a book, which turns out to be the commedia. In between is a dense, complex and complicated journey through love, truth, desire and back to love again. The film, in a way, reintroduced us to Purgatory, Hell and Paradise as no more sites of trespasses than tunnels through which we get to learn again the lessons about love. Through words and through bodies.

The words live in the text of the book; on film, bodies are the ones that tell the cantos of Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. Half-naked figures writhe and contort in pairs, trios and choruses. They dance to a thundering beat of a music so primeval it begs the elegance of the written allegory.

As the dance continues, it is apparent what the filmmaker is trying to tell us: these are the souls as they cope with the geographies of Hell, Purgatory and Heaven or enlightenment. Interestingly, these dances happen in bright lights, as if darkness is not necessary to induce terror. The sight of bodies eternally being punished to move is scary in themselves. Eternity, it seems, is the curse in Hell and the gift in Heaven.

Through the years, the students of literature or Big Books have known Dante’s Divine Comedy not only by reading it but by seeing the many illustrations honoring such a great work. For originating the illustration for the epic poem, Sandro Botticelli with his some 90 sketches and paintings comes to mind.

Then there is Gustave Dore. In mid-1800s, he came up with the ambitious project of visualizing the lines of Dante. When the images came out, the readers saw such a kinship between the literature and the visual arts that there were rumors of Dore, a young man then, being in occult conversation with the poet of 14th century Italy.

One of the most monumentally horrifying illustrations done by Dore is this image of the Greyon, the Monster of Fraud, taking on its wings, Virgil and Dante, as they journey to the eighth level of Hell.

According to filmmaker Flory, the present-day value of Divine Comedy is in the universality of its message: “We all imagine through images hell and heaven. We all see Dante’s places beyond words, as if in front of us we had a screen that makes us live psychic mental projections, and this is cinema.

Luckily for us, Dante wrote Divine Comedy like a compelling TV series from which we feel the flow of

a story episode after episode. For ‘our luck’ it’s not just the title of a movie but the awareness that when a country has a poet among its founders, that country is universal.”

In my book, I like the idea of retribution as contrapasso. This to me is Dante’s brilliant contribution (outside of his massive contribution to the development of Italian language, following the experts on Italian literature): the punishment should reflect and/or refract the sin committed. For example, outside the gate of Hell is a vestibule where sinners who could not decide when they were alive kept going back and forth, uncertain of what they would do.

There is also the punishment for the fortune tellers who are punished to walk with their back turned to where they are going, because on Earth they were always trying to foretell what would happen in the future or where people were going. Writers have a term for this—poetic justice.

There is the other universality of Dante’s Divine Comedy and we find it in the recognizable protagonists that inhabit the grand tale: Dante in his flowing robe, the face not revealed to the audience; his companion, Virgil, the laureled poet who represents knowledge; and Beatrice, Dante’s muse and beloved. Beatrice stands for enlightenment.

The screening of Dante Per Nostra Fortuna/Dante, Our Luck was made possible through the initiative

of the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), which was represented by Alessandro Milani, the Dante Alighieri Society in Manila (SDA), and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI), under the auspices of the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines, collaborating with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), and other university partners. Included as one of the partners was the Ateneo de Naga through its university press.

This is not my first encounter with Massimiliano Finazzer Flory. In 2019, I wrote of his work: Being with da Vinci: The Impossible Interview. In that review, which appeared in this space on October 31, 2019, I spoke of the charm of the film as coming from the presentation of da Vinci in a matter-of-factly manner. He was not a phantom. He was a real man, manifesting himself because the world still had many questions to ask.

Certainly, when he was alive, much as he was already great, the questions would have been different. But after hundreds of years, the questions and the doubts have accumulated regarding da Vinci—his intellect, his beliefs, his humanity.”

Directed by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory from his screenplay, the film utilized the original texts attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. They were taken from da Vinci’s journals and letters. The director also acted as Leonardo da Vinci. n

THE damned in Divine Comedy

Atom Araullo special wins at 16th Lasallian Scholarum Awards SHEDDING light on the struggles of Filipinos in the education sector, GMA Public Affairs’s The Atom Araullo Specials: Batch 2020 was named Outstanding Video Feature Story on Youth and Education at the 16th Lasallian Scholarum Awards. The virtual awarding ceremony was held on March 26.

Batch 2020 featured four stories of students, teachers and members of the education sector who were forced to adjust to meet the demands of studying under the new normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

These stories included a Grade 7 student who collects and sells crabs to save money for his online schooling; a teacher juggling her responsibilities as a mother of three and as an educator; an overseas Filipino worker working as a tutor; and residents of the municipality of General Nakar, Quezon—considered as the most secluded place in the Philippines that does not have electricity for online classes.

Various GMA entries were also shortlisted in the same category, including iJuander’s “Edukasyon” episode which also showed the struggles of Filipinos in this pandemic. The news magazine show is hosted

by Susan Enriquez and Mark Salazar.

Select episodes of GMA News’s #BetterNormalPH were also recognized as finalists. These were “Project WIFI: Ayudang Free WIFI para sa Estudyanteng

Pilipino;” “National Teacher’s Month Hindi Ramdam ng mga Guro Ngayong New Normal;” “Bayanihan para sa Online Class Shed;” “Online Classes ng mga Anak, Naka-Enroll nga rin ba ang mga Magulang?;” “Edukasyon sa ‘New Normal’;” and “Paano Hihikayatin ang mga Kabataang Magbasa Ngayong Quarantine?”

Hosted by veteran journalist Malou Mangahas, #BetterNormalPH explores how Filipinos are adjusting to the new normal brought by the pandemic.

Also making it to the list was the episode of the weekly online series RTx, titled “Magkakapatid, Naghihiraman sa Isang Cellphone Makapag-Aral Lang sa Online Class.”

Meanwhile, GMA News Online’s Here’s How Schools Can Move Forward Amid Covid-19 Threat, Expert Says, written by Kaela Malig, was also shortlisted under the Outstanding Online Feature Category.

De La Salle University’s Lasallian Scholarum Awards celebrates the outstanding professional and student media coverage of youth and education stories. The ceremony’s theme focused on “Adapt-ed: Youth and Education in the Time of Pandemic,” which highlighted the resilience of the country’s youth and education sectors in the face of the unprecedented challenges brought by Covid-19.

THE Atom Araullo Specials: Batch 2020 was named Outstanding Video Feature Story on Youth and Education

Envoys& BusinessMirror

B4 Thursday, April 15, 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE

US-PHILIPPINES SOCIETY:

Harnessing historic bonds, forging a dynamic future

I

by Mike Policarpio

N 2021, diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States take a momentous turn, as both nations commemorate 75 years of friendship, partnership and alliance.

They encompass a wide spectrum of cooperation in various sectors: from business and commerce, military and security, education and culture, and various others in between.

While two-way relations are described as ironclad-strong, owing to the deep engagements of both countries forged through time and destiny, the US-Philippines Society has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral links of both countries. The private, nonprofit organization endeavors to further interaction and understanding from both fronts covering the entire gamut of engagements between Washington, D.C. and Manila which are seen to benefit the American public and the Filipinos.

From the society’s establishment in the American capital on May 7, 2012, founders of the nonprofit, independent, and binational group have been realizing their vision of elevating the profile of the Philippines in the US. Referencing its web site usphsociety.org, its officials and members are driven to “build on the rich and longstanding historical bonds between the two nations, and help to bring that unique relationship fully into the 21st Century, at a junction when US policy interests are increasingly focused on East Asia.”

Executive Director Hank Hendrickson recently accorded an exclusive interview to the BUSINESSMIRROR, as he discussed the workings of the US-Philippines Society, as well as its position on current realities and relevant issues against changing dynamics affecting the long-standing alliance of the two sovereign countries.

ENVOYS&EXPATS: For further appreciation of the society’s purpose of being, what are some of its most significant undertakings benefiting the Philippines?

HENDRICKSON: One of the things the US-Philippines Society is chartered to do is promote economic, business and trade ties between our two countries. There are also some strategic reasons in terms of providing balance for the Philippine economy: to have strong partnerships all around, not just to rely on one country.

We have provided assistance to the Philippines when it faced challenges of building resilience after Supertyphoon Haiyan in November 2013. In the US, we campaigned to raise millions of dollars in funds for projects targeted in areas hit by the natural disaster. The society was heavily involved in areas of immediate reconstruction and recovery, as well as in health, education and livelihood. Major donors were our Honorary Chair Hank Greenberg and the Starr Foundation. A strong partnership with Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia and the Philippine Embassy bolstered these efforts and other key initiatives during that period.

The Vietnamese community in America also provided assistance through the society, because they remembered, when they were “boat people” refugees, the helping hand offered by Filipinos and wanted to “give back” during their time of need.

The US-Philippines Society also supported in recovery and development programs after the Marawi City siege of 2017. With major

EXECUTIVE Director Hank Hendrickson

funding from Project Handclasp Foundation supported by American companies as well as charities and aided by US Navy sailors, the society provided livelihood assistance for internally displaced persons there, the children’s education, and the setup of a health center in an evacuation site. We work very closely with partners, including the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, which is co-chaired by two of the society’s leading Filipino members: Manuel V. Pangilinan and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

The way we do these things is really through partnerships, because we are a small organization, and we have very good people, leadership and support, especially from our cochairs Pangilinan and Ambassador John Negroponte. Our work is bound with US universities, think-tanks, embassies in the diplomatic side, as well as development and recoveryassistance groups based in both countries. When we put everything together, it can make a difference.

Whatarethepointsofstrength in the economic ties between our countries?

Since their relations go way back, American companies operating locally in the Philippines remain important. They provide food, agricultural services, and much more to a huge consumer market of more than 100 million people. On the other side, there’s an important niche for American firms offering high-tech, leading-edge products manufactured in the Philippines, which aren’t easily available elsewhere.

American businesses are likewise present in Philippine business-process operations. They pump-in millions of dollars into the local economy and generate employment. Beyond call centers, there’s back-end office work, and that’s an important area.

Another is in manufacturing and production, which are part of the global supply chains. That’s where competition exists within Asean for American businesses.

For instance, we had a delegation led by former ambassador Tom Hubbard and Ambassador John Maisto which visited Clark City in February 2020, where we had excellent briefings and meetings with executives and officials there. Given the historic association between the place and the US, the ambassadors were really impressed by its seeming “swords to ploughshares” transformation: from a military base, to a modern commercial and manufacturing hub.

Opportunities abound. It reminded us of business opportunities that the “modern” Philippines have to attract, and America is part of that. I'm sure there are examples in other parts of the Philippines, but that one struck us. We thought

HENDRICKSON (from right), Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Noel Izon and Dr. Bonnie Harris at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, January 2020.

it was worth visiting, and we came away impressed.

There's a major briefing happening between US and Philippine economic leaders. What role would the society play in that gathering?

The program is part of the efforts highlighting the 75th year of our two countries’ diplomatic relations. The initiative of Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and the embassy is to make sure the relationship that’s been long-standing between the two countries gets headlines. I think the military alliance, or the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (SCS/WPS) issue, is incorporated in that.

Investors are looking at the Philippines. They are interested in attracting companies that can be involved in manufacturing or technologies, as the complexities of the supply chain face trading interactions, particularly with respect to the China-US trade relationship.

As I’ve mentioned, opportunities are teeming for countries like the Philippines. Huge businessprocess operations are all very modern. Global operations bring our two countries together in the economic and business spheres.

What the society tries to do is to highlight opportunities in those areas, and remind people that the US, as a Pacific power, with its long relationship with the Philippines in business and commercial areas, wants to build on that and move ahead. I think that’s what this program is going to show.

One point I'm keenly interested in is a presentation by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Acting Administrator Gloria D. Steele. Those who will tune-in on this program will learn about the relationship between the said agency and the Philippines in areas outside of just building infrastructure. But it’s working on supporting a rulesbased and transparent environment for business operations to make the Philippines more competitive at the international level.

They can attract business investments. It's important in a number of areas, and there's a major USAID commitment in working with local partners.

The other idea that’s important is with the US International Development Finance Corp. It is designed to give government support for American businesses overseas. They're looking at the Philippines and are opening an office. That’s going to be an important, tangible reflection of the US government's interest in supporting American business engagements abroad; specifically, in the Philippines.

THE executive director (from left) with Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, William Wise and Ambassador Thomas Hubbard at the Southeast Asia Forum at the Stimson Center, Washington, D.C. in March 2020

Speaking of the disputed waters, what is the society’s position with regard to issues involving China?

I think it’s fair to say our members support a rules-based approach to solving disputes in the SCS/WPS. The arbitral court is very clear in rejecting sweeping and historic claims.

I remembered when this case was first launched: the Philippines was all by itself in facing and bringing the case to the United Nations tribunal.

But at the end of it, China was pretty much by itself after the decisions came down rejecting its claims. So the society certainly supports the decisions of that court that favored the Philippines.

We see value in maintaining a strong alliance under the defense treaty. We’ve done programs concerning the Visiting Forces Agreement founded during the time Ambassador Hubbard was envoy to the Philippines to address needs that would offer ways for the US to operate in the SCS/WPS in the post-bases era. Since there are no more bases in the Philippines, that’s an important reminder that the US respects Philippine policy preferences. You’ve heard statements from American officials in support of the Philippines with regard to the disputed waters.

But we also recognize that there are Philippine preferences in security cooperation. I know right now they’re looking ahead for ways to do at least at the staffing level cooperation for Balikatan 2021, even in the face of the pandemic. So these kinds of cooperation do continue.

I think it is fair to say our members would support statements by US officials on Chinese Coast Guard Law, and what they've done in various areas in terms of the application of the US Defense Treaty: “We've got your back” statements by former Secretary (Michael R.) Pompeo, and also by the current administration, and a very strong reiteration of support for the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) alliance.

Please describe the society’s stand about the current situation involving Asian Americans, especially those of Filipino descent.

Following our meeting on March 22, the board of the US-Philippines Society issued a statement condemning bias against Asian-American Pacific Islanders community. It includes condemnation of this violence and harassment.

We recognize that people-topeople exchanges represent enduring and underlying strengths in our bilateral relationship. Inherent in those exchanges is a commitment to support a welcoming, respectful and inclusive society to reach diversity, while providing an opportunity for all.

Also in that statement, we took the occasion to salute with deep appreciation the work of tens of thousands of Filipinos and Filipino-American public-health professionals who risk their lives to protect our fellow citizens and others around the world from the pandemic.

We're confident the overwhelming majority of Americans understand that our Filipino-American neighbors are deserving of thanks and respect, and not suspicion or harassment. We ask people to join us in promoting acceptance, respect and dignity throughout our community.

Speaking of such, are there initiatives from the society pertaining to the health crisis? Has it extended help to the Philippines during the pandemic?

Certainly. Most of it is aimed at providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and assistance for front-line workers, as well as medical equipment for health facilities. The US-Philippines Society had also sent out appeals for assistance.

It likewise partnered with the American Chamber Foundation Philippines and joined them in their campaign: “Covid Appeal for Solidarity.” Funds were allocated for PPE purchases, adopted hospitals, as we

also provided testing kits to several hospitals across the archipelago.

That said, our model for fundraising is through contributions, and many have responded. We tip our hats to compatriots and members of the Filipino-American community who have been helpful in these areas.

One of our board members, Henry Howard, lent a hand to Filipino seafarers who were stranded in Florida.

He helped with logistics to send them back home. Those are just some of the few things the board has done here from the US side.

Here in the US, we've highlighted the role of Filipino and American health-care professionals. Our members are also actively working to promote access to vaccines.

The society has underscored issues and performed a great deal talking about the importance of cooperation in meeting the health needs during this pandemic. We try to remind people that this pandemic knows no boundaries, and that we can help people beyond their borders.

We are advocates of that.

Aside from trade and economics, what other dimensions of Philippine-US cooperation do you see with much activity in the future?

It ranges across the board, and it would include a long-standing alliance. 2021 marks not only the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, but also the 70th year of the MDT. In areas of cooperation, the challenge all along has been to bring the defense and alliance relationship into the modern era. There was cooperation during World War II, during the Cold War, the era of the bases, and beyond.

Looking at the cooperation meeting modern challenges, I remember when I was in Manila in the mid-’90s.

The first aspects of international terrorism were evident with plots that had connections to the Philippines being used by international terrorists.

Decades since then, we've seen the way that threat has manifested. The beginnings of strong cooperation between the Philippines and the US in meeting the threat of international terrorism were strengthened.

I think the US is generally recognized in the Philippines for their helpful role with the Philippine Army in the Marawi siege and providing support there, as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) was trying to exploit what they thought might be an “opening” in Southeast Asia. So cooperation in international terrorism is one area. There's a whole range of transnational issues where our countries will cooperate: Human trafficking, illegal-drug trafficking, climate change...the list goes on.

In other areas, I know Ambassador Maisto is deeply involved in working with the USAID and American universities to promote support for education in the Philippines in a variety of ways. The key here is to get American firms, the governments and aid agencies to see where they can best fit and work cooperatively in partnership; to see how far together these programs can go.

There's also a big one we're trying to support focusing on resilience-building in the face of weather and climate challenges to help build resilience in five key Philippine cities. We have the whole range of climate-change issues, education, transnational issues, alliance relations in the face of Chinese assertiveness in the SCS/WPS, and the Asean preference for the US to remain engaged as a balancer of choice in strategic and defense areas and in business.

We are not going away at all, and I think there are areas where you will see an expansion of American interest and activities.

&Expats

www.businessmirror.com.ph |Thursday, April 15, 2021 B5

‘Agri-Negosyo’ urges OFWs to invest in coffee sector W

ASHINGTON, D.C.— On April 8, the Philippine Embassy in the United States hosted the first agriculture-business webinar for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which highlighted investment opportunities in the country’s coffee sector.

A presentation by TJ Ryan, chief of party of the Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise Project, entitled “Agri-Negosyo for Overseas Filipinos (USA): Insights from the PhilCAFE Project,” was the focal point of the online meeting.

Agriculture Undersecretary for High Value Crops and Rural Credit Evelyn Laviña and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Regional Director for the Cordillera Administrative Region Myrna Pablo shared their agencies’ respective programs supporting OFWs who may want to go into the business of producing and distributing Philippine coffee. Pacita Juan, president and co-chair of the Philippine Coffee Board Inc., rounded up the panel discussion as she shared perspective from the private sector.

“It is such a testament to the strong resolve of President Duterte’s administration to help our repatriated OFWs and their families begin to make a brandnew start by putting together responsive and sustainable social protection packages with programs supporting food production and agribusiness, as this field has been a bright spot for investments,” said Ambassador of the Philippines to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, as he opened the virtual event.

“The…program offers strengthened and more efficient delivery of agribusiness-related [initiatives] and services from the concerned agencies to address the urgent need to provide livelihood for repatriated [Filipino laborers].”

The Philippines is currently the fourth-largest coffee consumer in the world, but it imports 93 percent of its coffee requirement.

The country grows all four coffee species: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica—with “kapeng barako” as the latter’s one specific variety.

Focusing on the insights gained from the PhilCAFE Project, Ryan explained, “The opportunity in the Philippines is tremendous. It’s spectacular. Ninety-three percent of the coffee is imported, and the growth of brewed coffee is likely to grow in a robust way. Buyers are, of course, looking for producers who can deliver quality on a consistent basis. It’s a question of getting quality planting material, learning, good agricultural practices and good processing practices.”

PhilCAFE is an investment in the coffee sector that leverages private and public capital to put the National Coffee Roadmap into action. The project empowers legacy institutions such as the Philippines Coffee Council, state universities and colleges, private universities, and industry actors to support the sustained development of the coffee sector.

“Coffee is a high-value crop. It cannot be denied, however, despite being...a value crop and a priority commodity, the full potential and growth of the industry are yet to be realized,” Laviña stated during her presentation of the current government-support programs for potential investors in coffee farms and related industries. “[Within a] limited budget, the Department of Agriculture has been implementing programs toward the development of the Philippine coffee industry.”

Meanwhile, Pablo referred to her agency’s Industry Cluster Enhancement Program, which is a national strategy to enhance industry competitiveness to develop and expand exports, generate investments, and create jobs: She

said, “Trainings and other technical assistance are given to coffee micro, small and medium enterprises like good manufacturing practices, roasting, green grading, cupping, product development, training [sessions] on e-commerce, and marketing activities like participation to trade fair exhibits.”

For her part, Juan explained that their organization “has always promoted niche markets. This is our marketing strategy, if you will.

Since we don’t have a lot of coffee to export, we have to find certain niches in the markets for coffee.”

She also highlighted opportunities for overseas Filipinos such as in planting coffee, providing the coffee farm experience, importing green coffee from the Philippines, or investing in the roasted coffee business.

“I know some of you are not ready to come home. You can help us promote...by bringing Philippine coffee to America—albeit in green form—so that you can roast it freshly…and put up a neighborhood café,” Juan told the audience.

“I think there is a future to come home to.”

The event was moderated by Philippine Agricultural Attaché to the US and the Americas Dr. Josyline Javelosa, while Philippine Labor Attaché Angela LibradoTrinidad gave the closing remarks.

The webinar was jointly organized by the Philippine Embassy in the US through the Office of the Agriculture Attaché, Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Washing-

WEBINAR speakers (top row, from left): Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, Department of Trade and Industry’s Myrna Pablo, Department of Agriculture’s Evelyn Laviña; (middle row, from left) Agricultural Attaché Dr. Josyline Javelosa, Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise Project’s TJ Ryan, as well as Labor Attaché Angela Trinidad; (bottom row) Philippine Coffee Board Inc.’s President and Co-Chair Pacita Juan.

ton, D.C. and the Public Diplomacy Section, with support from the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers and Philippine Consulates

General in the US. Those interested in the program may visit http:// innovate.dti.gov.ph/programs/agrinegosyo-para-sa-ofws/.

B6 Thursday, April 15, 2021

DSWD continues to monitor payouts in NCR+

Udenna Land and DITO Telecommunity break ground in Clark Global City

ATTENDING the ground breaking rites, from left: Mr. Luo Bo – Vice GM GEDI Philippines, Mr. Jian Zhimin – President, NEPC Power Construction Corp., Retired PBGen. Manuel R. Gaerlan – President and CEO, Clark Development Corp., Mr. Benedicto Lacsamana – Project Director, DITO Telecommunity, Mr. Wilfredo A. Placino – President, Udenna Land, Inc., Ms. Rynah F. Ventura – VP of Business Enhancement, Clark Development Corp., Retired Gen. Ralph L. Mamauag – VP of Engineering Service, Clark Development Corp., and Mr. Ryan Xiayu - Project Director, CEEC.

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DENNA Land, Inc. (ULI), represented by its President, Mr. Wilfredo Placino, and DITO Telecommunity Corporation (DITO), represented by DITO PMO Lead Mr. Benedicto Lacsamana, together with Retired Police General Manuel Gaerlan, President and CEO of Clark Development Corporation, were present at the recently held groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of DITO’s first state-of-theart Data Center in Clark Global City (CGC).

As part of the DITO main campus headquarters, the Data Center will rise on the first hectare of its 8-hectare property.

The master-planned development in CGC includes a fully equipped network operations center, a serve-call center, a regional center, and the well-anticipated Research and Development (R&D) segment of the company: the main hub for research and development as DITO continues to improve internet connectivity in the country. The proposed headquarters

is expected to generate thousands of jobs at full completion.

Due to its strategic location and disaster resiliency, DITO envisions CGC to be a key area in the ongoing infrastructure rollout, and to be the main location where it will host its central telecommunications infrastructure network.

In a conversation with ULI President Placino, he said, “We are very pleased that DITO chose Clark Global City to be the home of the DITO Data Center. The decision of DITO is continued testament to CGC’s vision to create a smart, safe, and sustainable environment for Philippine and international businesses in the country.”

“The DITO Data Center is a critical component to sustain DITO’s commercial operations center, designed after Google’s campus-style headquarters: to hold operational departments, a Network Operations Center, its very own call center, and regional center, and this must be located in an ideal location,” added DITO PMO Lead Benedicto Lacsamana during the ceremonies.

ULI’s CGC, envisioned to be one of the country’s truly smart cities, is designed to be a strategic location for businesses. With its proximity to the Clark International Airport and other critical transportation hubs, and provisions for structures that are disaster-ready, on top of ready access to the educated and skilled talent pool within the area, CGC poised to be the central business district of North and Central Luzon.

Teleperformance Philippines’ leadership and safety programs win in 18th Quill awards

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ELEPERFORMANCE Philippines was once again recognized for its leadership and employee programs at the recently held 18th Philippine Quill Awards by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

The company received an Award of Excellence in Leadership Communication for its “A Message from Mike” video series, and an Award of Merit in Safety Communication for its “TP is a Safe Place to Work for all” campaign.

When Covid-19 first reached the Philippines, the government implemented a strict lockdown to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Recognized as an essential service provider, Teleperformance Philippines was tasked to remain operational as the company provided essential support to government services, and industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, banking and finance, logistics, travel and hospitality.

Within the first year of his tour of duty, Mike Lytle, CEO of Teleperformance USA, Canada, and Philippines, led the organization of 47,000 people through the COVID-19 crisis. Using his personal leadership approach of empathy and mindfulness,

the “Message from Mike” video series was an effective tool that offered an accessible and transparent channel of communication to reach TP employees.

Published in the company’s official Facebook page, the videos featured Lytle giving his personal messages to employees, providing updates, responding to their questions, and reminding them of essential health and safety protocols.

The video series was also part of a larger communication campaign that empowered Teleperformance employees to be well-informed advocates of responsible behaviors and decisions.

At the core of the “TP is a Safe Place to Work for All” campaign was keeping every employee alert and equipped with useful information to help them navigate through a life-changing time.

A variety of communication materials were produced and disseminated and batches of signage were placed in all Teleperformance sites and facilities, including physical distancing markers, indoor traffic directional signage, elevator reminders, shuttle reminders and markers. Health and Wellness engagement activities such as yoga and mindfulness sessions were promoted through both internal and external channels. There were also

forums and talks conducted by experts and professionals to help employees understand the virus and how to protect themselves.

“Through this continuing crisis, our commitment was to create a safe place to work for all, not only through strict compliance with our government’s health and safety protocols, but by empowering and enabling our people with essential knowledge and skills so that they can effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from the pandemic,” shared Lytle.

These wins are a testament to Teleperformance Philippines’ commitment to their employees’ health and safety, which was also reflected by the recently awarded extension of their certification as a Great Place to Work®.

Leading up to the certification, over 34,000 employees of Teleperformance Philippines were asked to anonymously rate the company in several areas and measured how employees perceive the organization based on the quality of workplace experience.

Teleperformance Philippines became the first company in any industry in the country to win Great Place to Work certification in 2018 and the only company in the country who has won for three years straight.

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S part of its technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) in NCR+ areas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to monitor the payouts of financial assistance to qualified low income constituents affected by the declaration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Based on the April 10 report from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), covering the payouts from April 7 to 9, more than P1.1 Billion has already been distributed to over 1 million beneficiaries from the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

Meanwhile, some members of the Executive and Management Committees of the Department led by DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, went to payout areas last week to monitor the distribution.

Secretary Bautista joined other members of the Joint Monitoring and Inspection Committee in the payout in Paranaque City on

April 7 while Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje attended the distribution in Caloocan City on the same date.

On April 8, Undersecretary Felicisimo Budiongan monitored the payout in Navotas and Valenzuela while NCR Director Vicente Gregorio Tomas joined the distribution in Malabon. On April 9, Assistant Secretary Joseline Niwane monitored the distribution in Quezon City. On April 10, Secretary Bautista together with Assistant Secretary Niwane monitored the payout in Marikina. On April 10, Director Wilma Naviamos attended the payout in Bacoor.

The Department will continue to coordinate with concerned LGUs to ensure that the distribution of financial assistance will be efficiently conducted amid the pandemic.

MERALCO ENERGIZES NEW COVID-19 TREATMENT CENTER IN PASAY. In its continuing support to the Government and Private Sector’s fight against COVID 19, Meralco energizes a new DPWH-initiated COVID-19 treatment center located at J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City. The project involves the installation of six (6) 15-meter concrete poles, six (6) spans of covered overhead conductors, three (3) 100-kVA distribution transformers, service drop and metering facility. This new treatment center is one of the many vital COVID-19 facilities in the Meralco franchise area that are given the highest priority in terms of providing safe, adequate, and reliable supply of electricity, in line with the company’s thrust to assist the government during the pandemic. To date, more than 95 vital COVID-19 facilities have already been energized

by Meralco and these include government offices, hospitals, testing laboratories, quarantine and vaccination centers, and vaccine storage facilities.

Set for Success: How Cetaphil Sun and Body products nourish skin that help skinthusiasts be #CetForLife

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N a time when routines make up our day-to-day lives, having a proper skincare regimen is one of the more important routines beauty enthusiasts strictly follow. This is important as skin acts as the largest barrier against infection, needing constant maintenance.

As an indicator of one’s health, building a habit of skincare can go a long way, which officially starts by making the right skinvestment. Skinvestment is the action of investing time, money, and effort on your skincare routine in order to bring out a healthier skin. In doing so, skinthusiasts will achieve the skin that will help them reach their personal goals and pursuits in life, stress-free and worry-free.

And how does one make the right investment? Aside from seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist, seeking for dermatologist-recommended products is also a must, as these products have been proven to be safe and effective even to sensitive skin. Another part of skinvestment is having a complete regimen and doing it consistently until desired results are achieved.

Dermatologist-recommended Cetaphil is a brand beloved by skinthusiasts thanks to its wide range of products formulated with gentle yet effective ingredients appropriate even to sensitive skin. The cult favorite brand offers products that not only cleanses skin but also protects against the 5 signs of skin sensitivity (dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, weakened skin barrier), giving skin #CompleteCare with every wash and application.

Cetaphil Sun is a lightweight, dermatologically tested and highly waterresistant face and body sunscreen suitable

for sensitive skin. With its SP 50+ and UVA and UVB protection, Cetaphil Sun is the perfect sunscreen for daily use without leaving any white cast on the face.

Meanwhile, Cetaphil Body includes:

ULTRA Gentle Body Wash, a fragrance free body wash that delivers a unique nourishing combination of hydrating pro Vitamin B5 and Aloe Vera extract that leaves dry and sensitive skin feeling soft and replenished during and after shower.

Deep Cleansing Bar, a hypoallergenic cleanser that effectively removes skin contaminants including dirt, impurities, pollution and oils.

Antibacterial Bar, a mild antibacterial non-soap cleansing that is suitable for all skin types.

Moisturizing Cream, a rich cream that intensely hydrates for a full 24-hours replenishing moisture for softer, smoother, healthier looking skin.

With products that gently cleanses skin and give all-around protection daily, Cetaphil is the ultimate everyday regimen that lets skinthusiasts feel the confidence with their skin as they set forth conquering their personal pursuits, letting them be #CetForLife.

Cetaphil Sun and Body products are available in Mercury Drug and Watsons stores nationwide, as well as via online at the official Cetaphil Philippines stores in Lazada and Shopee.

To learn more about the Cetaphil Sun and Body ranges and how to be #CetForLife with the help of Cetaphil, follow Cetaphil Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.cetaphil.com.ph.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Thursday, April 15, 2021 B7

Religious order advocates humanization of health care

By Rory Visco

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Contributor

here was a time when people never really went to a hospital whenever a member of the family, whether young or old, had an ailment.

There was a time when a doctor was called a “family physician” or “family doctor” because they conducted home visits since most hold clinics within the town or city, checks on a family member and most likely will check all the others. Then as the doctor leaves, almost the entire family sees him off at the door, waving goodbyes and expressing wholehearted gratitude for the visit.

The doctor, then, was seen as if he (most family doctors then were male) is a member of the family, some even staying for a quick chitchat while having sips of black coffee and partaking of native snacks with the heads of the household.

They were almost never in a rush to go back to the clinic.

That was a time when doctors looked at people as human beings and not just patients. They were willing to go out of their way to provide service and proper care to cure people not just of their sickness but be an eager ear as well, willing to listen to other concerns,

not just medical.

Humanizing health care Humanization in health care is defined as a state of well-being involving affection, dedication, respect for the other, to consider the other person as a complete and complex being.

Just recently, the St. Camillus Center for Humanization in Health (SCCHH), an institution with the mission of taking the lead in the development and engagement of pastoral care, health, and wellness programs for the humanization of health care, was launched virtually. It was made possible with the support of the Camillians’ longtime partners, namely, Unilab Inc., RiteMed Philippines Inc. and the Alaga sa Kalusugan ng Pamayanan (AKAP) program.

Under the SCCHH, their modules on pastoral care in health such as Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control in Home and Community Setting, Grief Counseling, Pastoral Care for the Sick and the Elderly,

Compassion Fatigue, Role of the Health Care Workers in Humanization of Health, Understanding Dementia, Hospice and Palliative Care, among others. These can be tailored by the Center for specific target participants. The Center also offers health and wellness programs, online stress debriefing and self-care activities.

There is also a unique but critically relevant service most especially at this time, the St. Camillus Center for Listening, which provides a by-appointment service for online, phone, or face-to-face meetings.

SCCHH’s programs follow the three strategic thrusts of the country’s Universal Health Care (UHC) provisions: 1) Financial risk protection through expansion in enrollment and benefit delivery of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP); 2) Improved access to quality hospitals and health-care facilities; and 3) Attainment of healthrelated Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The SCCHH is ready to provide help “When we are sick, injured, or facing an existential life crisis, those are our greatest human need—to be treated with loving kindness and compassion. It speaks volumes because not only does it help in the physical healing process, but it contributes emotionally and spiritually as well,” says Fr. John Jay Magpusao, MI, RMT, STL, executive director

of the SCCHH. He said that we can all imagine being sick or suffering from some illness, and there is a great team of doctors and nurses constantly checking on the patient.

“But there is one you can talk to and unburden your worries with, someone who can calm you down or assure you that everything will be okay. Sometimes, a sympathetic ear and words of encouragement can make a world of difference to someone.”

Fr. Magpusao’s words ring true, especially these days with the growing number of Covid-19 cases. Daily, we read of a person, probably a friend or a friend’s friend or relative, succumbing to this deadly disease.

The sad part is that no one can visit the patient to provide comforting words. This situation prompted some people to comment that social media pages like Facebook have somewhat become a virtual obituary page.

Covid-19 cases are on a rapid and treacherous rise, growing exponentially, faster than our health facilities can accommodate and attend to. Every day, we read about patients waiting outside emergency rooms for days because hospitals are at full capacity. Where else can these patients go? What alternative do they have?

“This is our current scenario. The question now is: How can we help?” asks Fr. Magpusao.

What to do when Covid-19 hits home?

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s everyone prepared? That is the question, especially now that there is a terrifying surge of the Covid-19 virus because of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants. This dangerous virus is hitting many homes nowadays and affecting a family member is a most dreaded thought, no matter how we try not to think of it.

But how do we prepare against an unseen enemy? For the past year, the idea of the virus hitting many homes was not really given much thought until a few months ago.

In the webinar “What to do when Covid hits home: solutions for the current surge” organized by the Santuario de San Antonio Parish, Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, Professor and Division Chief, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, presented some ideas on how people can tackle having a Covid-19 patient at home.

First, the numbers

There are about 132 million confirmed cases globally, which means every man, woman or child in the Philippines has tested positive already. With almost 2.9 million deaths, it is like saying that everybody in Quezon City has died of Covid-19.

Last year’s statistics were still low but in the course of 12 months, and in particular, in the past two weeks, the numbers have increased exponentially to about 828,366 cases already.

“In contrast to the global data of about 2.9 million deaths, we have about 14,000 deaths here. For a country with very meager resources and very low critical care capacity, this is a very respectable number. But the 14,000 still includes people we know, people we love, people we work with, our mentors, our friends. This is not something that we can allow. We need

to find better solutions,” she said.

Unfortunately, by the middle of February, the cases started to reach 2,000, 4,000, 8,000 and now it’s 11,000 or 12,000 already. “If you think that it might not be surprising for our numbers to reach a million very soon, I think you will understand that this can be a very realistic projection.”

So what do we do now?

The situation in terms of health-care capacity is already challenging and because the majority of cases are expected to be mild, home care can be an option for family members or people who have suspected or confirmed Covid-19.

The WHO has released guidelines on home care since last year, where it recognized that home care can be considered for an adult or child with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 if in-patient care is unavailable or unsafe. Patients already discharged may also be cared for at home, if necessary. Though caring for an infected person at home instead of a medical facility may pose higher risks, the isolation of an infected person can help break the virus’ transmission chain.

She said isolation at home depends on three factors—clinical evaluation of the patient, evaluation of the home setting, and ability to monitor clinical evaluation of the patient at home. “But key questions have to be answered first, like if the patient is qualified for home care. Patient should be asymptomatic or mild/moderate without risk factors, meaning no shortness of breath, no difficulty in breathing, respiratory rate should be less than 30 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation rate should be 94 percent or higher.”

Another thing needed to look at are risk factors, if they are above 60 years old, smokers,

obese, or with non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, if their immune systems are not functioning normally.

And if they have cancer, then this category of patients will not qualify for home care.

“Whoever is left behind and fulfills the criteria for mild disease, then maybe consider treating or caring for them in the home for as long as appropriate infection prevention and control measures are implemented. Close monitoring by a trained health-care worker is also feasible,” Dr. Ong-Lim emphasized.

Quarantine vs isolation

When it comes to the home setup, there is a need to understand the difference between quarantine and isolation. Isolation is done on a person who has already tested positive for Covid-19 by separating that person into an individual room, if possible, with a separate bathroom and with good airflow, and with good delivery system so the person gets his daily needs with less or without contact and should be sanitized and disinfected regularly.

“The objective of isolation is to prevent the person from spreading the disease to someone else by staying at home until at least 10 days have passed. The patient should also have had no more fever and symptoms for at least three days before they are discharged from isolation.”

In contrast, quarantine observes people who have been in close contact with a positive case for 14 days over which symptoms are expected to develop. “People can be contagious even before they test positive or even before they start having symptoms. What you want to happen is for that person to stay home for 14 days since the last contact and for those people to watch their symptoms,

check their temperatures, and also to stay away from people who are at high risk, so that they don’t inadvertently infect others who may be at risk.”

Dr. Ong-Lim explained that it’s very important for people to continue practicing infection prevention and control, one of the critical objectives that need to be achieved in homecare, while making sure that the person who is positive is provided with the appropriate level of intervention.

Finally, there should be a reliable caregiver who can do the monitoring, and relay the information to the health-care professional with accuracy and validity of information. “If it is a civilian or a layperson who’s providing care, then the lines of communication between caregiver and trained health-care worker or public health personnel should be open. This has to be established so should there be any emergency, the channels of communication, whatever is available, are already open.”

Essentially, Dr. Ong-Lim said the objective of monitoring, whether daily or as frequent as possible, is to detect worsening signs and symptoms at the earliest possible time. Whenever the patient’s symptoms become worse from the initial assessment, then they should be an indicator to see urgent care. Among these signs, she said, can take the form of an increasing respiratory rate, or difficulty speaking and forming complete sentences, shortness of breath, disorientation or inability to wake up or stay awake, or looks pale or bluish gray skin, which can be signs of decreasing oxygen levels in the body.

“If each of these points are carefully assessed, then we see that there is good capability to provide care should we proceed with the decision to provide home care for our Covid-19 family members.” Rory Visco

Look for Taiwanese excellence seal for premier beauty products

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f you are a big fan of Taiwanese skin products, always make sure to look out for products with the Taiwan Excellence tag.

Adjudged as the “Oscars” for Taiwanese products, Taiwan Excellence recently showcased through a webinar three new brands that had come up with innovations in skin care.

Leonor Lim, President and CEO of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), said the revenue in the skin-care segment amount to $64,208.8 million so far.

Asia remains to be the highest-value region for

skin care with 53 percent of global sales. The most dynamic growth is observed in emerging markets such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

During the webinar, the three cosmetic enterprises provided a full-scale skin solution when it comes to facial and scalp care. The Shiny Brands Group, through their International Sales Specialist Alina Hu, introduced the company’s full line of Dr. May Series products on anti-acne, moisturizing, whitening, and anti-ageing for all skin types. The various

combinations, ranging from cleaning, daily care to primer, all promise to provide 100 percent satisfaction for all consumers with their skin-care needs.

Wendy Sun, the Ambassador of Natural Beauty, introduced their winning product “rPGH Deep Hydration Moisturizing Cushion Mask” which was specifically designed and introduced to cater to the Asian skin type. It contains natural botanical fiber and dialom mud which greatly enhances the carrying capacity of the essence that enables the mask

to perfectly cover the entire facial area via physisorption and ion-exchanging function.

For her part, Mimi Chien, Deputy General Manager of MacroHI, said its a Juniper Scalp Purifying Liquid Shampoo with the brand name Aromase, is their award winning shampoo. It contains gentle formulate herbal extracts developed by dermatologists to solve all scalp problems. It leaves a cool refreshing sensation on the scalp when applied. It is also the first scalp care product that achieved the “Cradle to Cradle Bronze Certification” In Asia.

A message of support and encouragement from the Vatican His Eminence Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, sent his message of support and encouragement from the Vatican, delivered on his behalf by Most Rev. Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD, Diocese of Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

Cardinal Turkson said “the humanization of health care must be considered as a priority of modern medicine in their approach to the sick. In other words, caring for the whole person means that the care offered should not be limited to the treatment of a disease or bodily ailment, but embraces the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of the human person.”

He said places of care should become houses of welcome and comfort where the sick person will find friendship, understanding, kindness and charity, and find humanity. This, of course, requires collaboration among all caregivers so that they attend to the needs of the sick person with a spirit of service and an attitude of generosity and sensitivity.

C a r d i n a l Tu r k s o n w a s pleased with the launching of

the SCCHH, calling it an awaited response to the call of the Holy Father to “embrace the responsibility of promoting the culture of humanization.”

Reaction from the CBCP For his part, Bishop Virgilio David, Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) noted the overemphasis on drugs, invasive surgery, expensive technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence, over promoting a healthy lifestyle, building immunity, proactive disease prevention. All of these, he said, is making the health-care system sick. “The focus on cure rather than on care, the tendency towards an over-compartmentalized and over-specialized medical practice, while it can be treated as an advancement, is also signaling regression.”

We need to be more present in the health care, he said, and be able to help form health-care workers in the spirituality of Christian mercy and compassion to make a big, big difference. He urged the Camillians to assist in getting the national health-care system to become more functional, more effective, and efficient, less prone to corruption and commercialization, and hopefully more ethical and more humane.

MPHHI inoculates nearly 80 percent of work force

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

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ETRO Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. (MPHHI) has vaccinated the majority of the frontliners in all of its 18 health-care institutions in the shortest possible time in support of the national vaccination program that aims to inoculate all medical workers by the end of April.

As of the end of March, MPHHI hospitals have administered jabs to 20,492, or nearly 80 percent of their 25,717 workers, with the first of two doses of either Sinovac or AstraZeneca.

Some of their bigger member-hospitals in Metro Manila, namely, Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, and Manila Doctors Hospital, have reached worker vaccination rates of 91 percent, 98 percent, and 89 percent, respectively.

Other hospitals in the network have also undertaken equally aggressive vaccination programs as supplies have become available.

“The rollout of safe and efficient vaccines is critical to the welfare of our people, as well as to the revival of our economy,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of MPHHI. With the arrival of more vaccines in the next few months, he noted that the challenge will shift to getting people injected by as many frontliners as possible.

“Our hospitals are perfecting this process as we speak, and I think we’ll be in a position to offer even greater help to the government and to the wider community very soon,” he said.

Protection and relief MPHHI President and Chief Executive Officer Augusto Palisoc

Jr. underscored the protection and relief this has provided to health-care workers.

“Our hospital workers have been bravely caring for our patients for an entire year, amidst the global pandemic We really wanted to make these vaccines available to them as soon as possible, especially now that we are experiencing a much bigger surge in cases,” he noted.

“The vaccines give our people an additional layer of security, and perhaps helps their families rest a little easier. This also makes our hospitals safer for all our patients and their families,” Palisoc added.

Pangilinan is among top business leaders in the country to support the national government in providing frontliners with an additional two million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines developed by the Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

Through Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and its logistics arm MetroPac Movers Inc., Pangilinan initiated the storage of the initial 487,000 vials of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines and the 600,000 doses of the CoronaVac vaccine from the Beijing-based biopharmaceutical company Sinovac.

“It is our privilege to assist the government in bringing the vaccines to Filipinos, particularly to medical frontliners.

As the Philippines continues to move towards economic revival, it is in everybody’s best interest to protect as many Filipinos as possible from the virus. This additional batch of vaccines, this time from Oxford-AstraZeneca, is a great start,” Pangilinan said.

Four athletes test positive for coronavirus

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Sports

NOTHING is certain as Tokyo’s postponed Olympics hit the 100-days-to-go mark on Wednesday. AP

BusinessMirror

By Josef Ramos

OUR national athletes— including two who are supposed to vie in a Tokyo Olympics qualifier in Thailand next month—tested positive of Covid-19.

The recent infection hiked to seven the number of reported virus infections among national athletes.

The four athletes were among those tested under the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) health and safety program. The PSC’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services are monitoring the infected athletes with two of them quarantined at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum healing facility.

The tests were done on Monday with 63 PSC personnel yielding positive results. BusinessMirror learned that 11 more PSC staff were infected by the virus, forcing the sports agency to lock down the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and PhilSports Complex in Pasig City for 10 days.

PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, Team Philippines’s chef de mission to the Hanoi 31st Southeast Asian Games, confirmed the reported infections and said the vaccination of athletes would be a main concern when PSC and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) officials meet on Thursday.

“All options are open in tomorrow’s meeting with POC officials,” Fernandez said.

POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino committed a $40,000 grant from the Olympic Council of Asia for the procurement of vaccines for members of the national team to the November 21 to December 19 SEA Games.

Ports tycoon Enrique Razon has also earlier vowed to provide Moderna vaccines for all members of Team Philippines to the Tokyo Olympics.

The vaccines, however, aren’t expected until the latter part of June or early July.

B8

| Thursday, April 15, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

NOTHING’S CERTAIN

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OKYO—Tokyo pitched itself as “a safe pair of hands” when it was awarded the Olympics seven-and-a-half years ago.

“The certainty was a crucial factor,” Craig Reedie, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice president at the time, said after the 2013 vote in Buenos Aires.

Now, nothing is certain as Tokyo’s postponed Olympics hit the 100-days-to-go mark on Wednesday. Despite surging cases of Covid-19, myriad scandals and overwhelming public opposition in Japan to holding the Games, organizers and the IOC are pushing on.

Tokyo’s 1964 Olympics celebrated Japan’s rapid recovery from defeat in World War II. These Olympics will be marked by footnotes and asterisks. The athletes will aim high, of course, but the goals elsewhere will be modest—get through it, avoid becoming a super-spreader

event, and stoke some national pride knowing few other countries could have pulled this off.

“The government is very conscious of how ‘the world’ views Japan,” Dr. Gill Steel, who teaches political science at Doshisha University in Kyoto, wrote in an e-mail. “Canceling the Olympics would have been seen, at some level, as a public failure on the international stage.”

The price will be steep when the Olympics open on July 23.

The official cost is $15.4 billion. Olympic spending is tough to track, but several government audits suggest it might be twice that much, and all but $6.7 billion is public money.

The Switzerland-based IOC generates 91 percent of its income from selling broadcast rights and sponsorship. This amounts to at least $5 billion in a four-year cycle, but the revenue flow from networks like American-based NBC has

been stalled by the postponement.

What does Tokyo get out of the 17-day sports circus?

Fans from abroad are banned, tourism is out, and there’ll be no room for neighborhood partying.

Athletes are being told to arrive late, leave early and maneuver around a moving maze of rules.

There are also reputational costs for Japan and the IOC: a bribery scandal, botched planning, and repeated misogyny in the Tokyo Olympic leadership.

The IOC is betting Tokyo will be a distraction—“the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel”—as the closing ceremony comes just six months before the opening of the boycott-threatened Beijing Winter Olympics.

Various polls suggest up to 80 percent of Japanese want the Olympics canceled or postponed. And many scientists are opposed.

“It is best to not hold the Olympics given the considerable risks,” Dr. Norio Sugaya, an infectious diseases expert at Keiyu Hospital in Yokohama, told The Associated Press.

Japan’s vaccine rollout has been almost nonexistent, few will get shots before the Olympics open, and Tokyo has raised its “alert level” with another wave predicted about the time of the opening ceremony. About 9,500 deaths in Japan have been attributed to Covid-19, good by global measures but poor by standards in Asia.

And what’s the impact of 15,400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from more than 200 countries and territories entering Japan, joined by tens

of thousands of officials, judges, media, and broadcasters?

“The risks are high in Japan. Japan is dangerous, not a safe place at all,” Sugaya said.

The heavily sponsored torch relay with 10,000 runners crisscrossing Japan also presents hazards. Legs scheduled for Osaka this week were pulled from the streets because of surging Covid-19 cases and relocated into a city park— with no fans allowed. Other legs across Japan are also sure to be disrupted.

The IOC and Japanese politicians decided a year ago to postpone but not cancel the Olympics, driven by inertia and the clout of Japanese ad giant Dentsu Inc., which has lined up a record of $3.5 billion in local sponsorship—probably three times more than any previous Olympics.

“I think the government knows full well the Japanese public doesn’t want the Olympics as of now,” Dr. Aki Tonami, who teaches political science at the University of Tsukuba, wrote in an e-mail to AP. “But no one wants to be the one to pull the plug.”

The Olympics may also determine the fate of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who replaced Shinzo Abe seven months ago. It was Abe who famously told IOC voters in 2013 that the Fukushima nuclear disaster of March 11, 2011, was “under control.”

Despite being billed as the “Recovery Olympics,” the northeastern area of Japan is still hurting a decade later. Many blame the Olympics for the slow recovery and siphoning off resources.

“Suga’s fate is sealed,” Tonami said. “I think he knows his tenure as a PM will not be a long one, so even though it would be nice for him personally to pull it off, it probably doesn’t change the political conditions around him.”

Steel was more optimistic.

“His government has a higher chance of surviving, even thriving, if they can pull off a successful Olympics—risky strategy, obviously, if it is a disaster.” AP

Pacquiao remains dangerous FOE for Garcia, Crawford

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OR renowned strength and conditioning Coach Justine Fortune, eight-division world champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao remains a dangerous foe for potential opponents Mikey Garcia or reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Terence Crawford.

Fortune believes Pacquiao is still the strongest and fastest fighter at 147 pounds despite the pandemic that kept him without a fight for almost two years.

Age, Fortune stressed, is not also a factor because of Pacquiao’s dedication and discipline

in training.

“Everybody who fights Pacquiao has a very dangerous task. Mikey [Garcia] is a great fighter, but Pacquiao is a bigger and better fighter,” Fortune told BusinessMirror through overseas call from his home in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday. “He has speed, immense power, experience and everything he needs to win the fight against Garcia,” He added Garcia (40-1 win-loss record with 20 knockouts) fought successfully in the 135-lb division before trying his luck in the welterweight

class where he lost to unified champion Errol Spence Jr. via unanimous decision last March 16, 2019.

But he bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Jessie Vargas last February 29, 2020.

“At 147 [lbs] is a very, very dangerous jampacked division,” Fortune said. “They don’t understand that Manny still has it and is dangerous.”

On the unbeaten Crawford (37-0 record with 28 knockouts), Fortune said he hasn’t faced anyone in the caliber of the 42-yearold Pacquiao (62-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts) who faced the strongest and fearsome fighters in the division for decades.

“I’d like Crawford, he is a good guy, a good fighter, but he hasn’t fought anyone on the level of Pacquiao,” he said. “It’s the same thing, everyone says they can beat Pacquiao, but until they face Pacquiao with his speed and power, his punching output, everyone says everything.”

Pacquiao has been in beast mode while training in his gym in General Santos City for the past month. His head trainer Buboy Fernandez joined him on Monday, according to assistant trainer Nonoy Neri.

Josef Ramos

JUSTINE FORTUNE works on Manny Pacquiao prior to the fighting senator’s duel with Keith Thurman in July 2019 at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. COURTESY WENDELL ALINEA

Brownout cancels VisMin game

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POWER outage forced the cancelation of the game between ARQ Builders-Lapu Lapu City and Siquijor in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup at the Civic Center in Alcantara, Cebu, on Wednesday afternoon.

Lapu Lapu City was leading 27-13 at half time when power went out, according to VisMin Cup Chief Operating Officer Rocky Chan.

Chan said Lapu-Lapu Heroes head coach Francis Auquico, Mystics head coach Joel

Destiny’s children Tessa Jazmines |

tessa4347@gmail.com

PART OF THE GAME DO you believe in destiny? I do.

I always look for signs of it in the encounters of teams or athletes seemingly tied together by fate.

In 2008, archrivals the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves at both ends of the rope in that year’s National Basketball Association Finals. Both arrived at their respective destinations—the Eastern and Western Conference championships—through very interesting zigs and zags. How they got there was classic “let the chips fall where they may”—like following a script written by a divine playwright.

I again see and smell destiny working the ropes on her willing marionettes. This time it’s in the realm of mixed martial arts where Filipino folk hero, Eduard Folayang of the fabled Team Lakay is set to meet his twin in fate, Shinya Aoki.

They weren’t meant to meet. It was 25-year-old American “Super” Sage Northcutt who was scheduled to tussle with Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki at ONE on TNT IV on April 29. The match-up would have had huge consequences, as the winner would climb up ONE’s athlete rankings and get a shot at challenging reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee. Northcutt, a 77-time Karate World Champion, with an 11-3 record (eight of those victories were via knockout or submission), had been pumped up about Aoki after waiting two years in the wings. His debut in May 2019 on ONE: Enter The Dragon had been disastrous after he was knocked out early by Cosmo “Good Boy” Alexandre. He suffered serious facial injuries that needed long and extensive rehabilitation. But now in 2021 Northcutt was ready.

Aoki, 46-9 (1 NC) is still surging at 37.

When he fought former ONE Welterweight World Title challenger James Nakashima in ONE: Unbreakable last January, Aoki outgrappled Nakashima and punished him with a neck crank in the first round, forcing him to tap. That win was Aoki’s 29th career submission, and his eighth in ONE Championship. He is also currently on a three-bout winning streak.

But alas, the Northcutt-Aoki encounter is not meant to be. Northcutt, who got infected with Covid-19, still suffers from the lingering effects of the virus and has withdrawn from the fight.

In the same ONE MMA event, Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, 36, who is out to prove he is back indeed after losing successively to Peter Buist, then Antonio Caruso during his last appearances, was scheduled to face 45-year-old Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama, a two-time Asian Games judo gold medalist and a K-1 Hero Light Heavyweight Grand Prix World Champion. Unlike the surging Aoki, Folayang had had frustrating runs since 2019, winning only one out of five fights. The Akiyama fight was to have been his resurrection.

But Akiyama too has pulled out of the contest due to a bicep tear. So the doors have opened for what Destiny had decreed all along: the third part of the Folayang-Aoki trilogy, what would settle their longstanding rivalry on the global stage.

If we were to keep score, it was Folayang who started the grudge match going. It was he who snatched away the revered Japanese MMA hero’s belt after a spectacular third round TKO that ended Aoki’s long reign at the top in September 2017.

The Team Lakay star enjoyed a relatively

Palapal and their respective team owners agreed to restart the entire game on the final day of the elimination round.

The game was stopped once after the power went out midway the second quarter.

The games between Tubigon Bohol and KCS Computer Specialist-Mandaue and Dumaguete and MJAS Zenith-Talisay will be played when power is restored later in the day.

long and prosperous reign after that. Aoki meanwhile, worked his way up again to the top, dismissing opponents like Rasul Yakhyaev and Shannon Wiratchai easily in the process.

Folayang’s last win—against Amir Khan in ONE: Conquest of Champions in July 2019—was most impressive. According to ONE, “in front of a partisan home crowd in Manila, “Landslide” put on the most complete display of his career to overwhelm the Singaporean, take a wide unanimous decision, and begin his second reign as lightweight king.”

That reign would be stopped by Aoki, however, in March 2019­—Part 2 of the trilogy.

In ONE: A New Era held in Tokyo, Aoki gave the Filipino hero an arm-triangle choke in the first round that forced him to submit. Home court advantage does seem to work, after all.

Now comes Folayang-Aoki III, with the battleground is Singapore, neutral territory.

“This will be a monumental test for me. It’s a sudden change of our preparation, but I’m a professional athlete, so I have to be prepared for anything, at any given time. I have to be ready to calibrate for what will be served for that perfect aim. I want to show the best highlight of my career as a mixed martial artist. I want to give my all so there are no regrets,” Folayang said.

Aoki is just as pumped as Folayang, if not more so.

“This is the last event of the ‘ONE on TNT’ series, so it’s meant to be, and it’s going to be a great one for fans. A lot of people have been waiting for this trilogy with Folayang,” said Aoki.

“Looking back at the past two fights against him, I am very motivated to perform well. I think this fight has a lot of meaning. It’s fate that we meet again. As always, I will fight anyone, because I am a proud wrestler and fighter.”

Folayang and Aoki will compete in a rubber match at “ONE on TNT IV,” the final installment in the four-part “ONE on TNT” event series which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday, April 28 (April 29 in Manila).

Who will win Folayang-Aoki III? Let destiny decide.