BusinessMirror August 22, 2019

OVER 10 DEPARTMENTS FACE BUDGET CUTS

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

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ORE than 10 departments are set to face possible budget cuts next year, including the Departments of Health (DOH), Trade and Industry (DTI), Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

This, despite the 2020 proposed national budget increasing by 12 percent at P4.1 trillion, compared to P3.66 trillion for 2019.

Interestingly, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which submitted the 2020 National Expenditure Program (NEP) or the

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proposed national budget to Congress on Tuesday, is leading those departments with slashed budgets.

Data from the 2020 NEP showed DBM proposing a P2.33-billion budget for itself next year, down by 35.96 percent or P1.31 billion from its approved 2019 budget of P3.64 billion.

In contrast, the Department of Transportation’s proposed national budget for 2020 is more than double than what was allotted in the 2019 national budget. From P69.4 billion this year, it will rise by 111.8 percent or P77.6 billion to reach P147 billion.

The data on the budget allocations per department already included the automatic appropriations.

Coming in second after DBM in

terms of budget reduction is the Office of the Ombudsman, the budget of which is being cut by 32.99 percent. The proposed 2020 budget for the office is P3.15 billion, significantly lower than its budget this year of P4.7 billion.

Also suffering double-digit cuts are the DICT and other executive offices, with a decrease of 27.85 percent and 25.89 percent, respectively.

The proposed 2020 budget for DICT is P5.15 billion, far from its approved budget this year at P7.14 billion. Other executive offices also got P50.89 billion, a P17.78-billion drop from their P68.67-billion budget this year.

See “Budget cuts,” A2

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A broader look at today’s business n

Thursday, August 22, 2019 Vol. 14 No. 316

China wants Philippines to stop all online gaming

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HINA wants the Philippines to stop all forms of online gambling, as it continues cracking down on a practice it says causes illegal outflow of money.

While China appreciates the move to halt the issuance of new licenses, “we hope the Philippines will go further and ban all online gambling,” China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said, according to the transcript of his August 20 briefing posted on the

web site of its Philippine Embassy.

The comments are the latest signal that China is mounting pressure on Southeast Asian nations in its effort to stamp out online gambling, which it says causes hundreds of millions of yuan to illegally flow out of its economy. Online and phone

betting has exploded in countries such as the Philippines and Cambodia over the last few years due to demand from gamblers in mainland China.

The Philippine regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), said on Monday that

₧9B

Expected revenue in 2019 from the offshore gaming industry, according to Pagcor. More than 50 Philippine offshore gaming operators have received licenses since 2016, and the industry employs about 138,000 workers, most of them from China it won’t halt existing online casinos but will stop accepting applications for new licenses at least until the end of the year to review concerns about the burgeoning sector.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday that Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Continued on A2

Borrowings shrink 66% in June ’19

See “Borrowings,” A2

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Dar’s ‘Mission Impossible’: Rebuilding a damaged agricultural sector

Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS

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ILLIAM DAR, the new Secretary of Agriculture, has one of the most difficult jobs in President Duterte’s Cabinet: stop the downhill slide of a broken agricultural sector.

Agriculture’s share in the GDP is now a measly 8 percent, and yet its contribution to employment is still around 25 percent. In 1980, agriculture accounted for 25 percent of the GDP, and over 50 percent of employment.

Poverty is deepest and widest in the countryside. This explains why rural insurgency in the Philippines, one of the world’s longest, has persisted.

Continued on A7

Tax reform part 2 is not anti-incentive, says DOF

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SLOW PORK SALES A meat vendor in Metro Manila arranges various cuts at his stall on Wednesday (August 21). An informal poll showed vendors reporting declines in pork sales since news reports broke of a mysterious disease killing hogs in Rizal province. On Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture announced more measures to control the spread of the unidentified disease. Story on page A2. NONIE REYES

World Bank warns of ‘invisible water crisis’

By Cai U. Ordinario

External borrowings

EXTERNAL borrowings, meanwhile, surged 166.31 percent to P14.365 billion in June 2019 from P5.394 billion in June 2018.

However, June 2019 foreign borrowings contracted 80.77 percent from the P74.699 billion recorded in May 2019.

BUSINESS NEWS SOURCE OF THE YEAR

By Bianca Cuaresma

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HE national government’s gross borrowings contracted 66.43 percent in June, according to data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.

Data showed the country’s gross borrowings at P53.709 billion in June 2019, significantly lower than the P159.982 billion posted in June 2018.

Gross domestic borrowings, which continued to account for the bulk of the government’s loans, reached P39.344 billion in June this year. This is a contraction of 74.55 percent from the P154.588 billion posted in June 2018.

Domestic borrowings in June was also 22.72 percent lower than the P50.908 billion posted in May 2019.

These borrowings were composed mainly of treasury bills worth P19.344 billion and fixed-rate treasury bonds amounting to P20 billion in June 2019. There were no retail treasury bonds secured in June.

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HE world is facing an invisible water crisis due to poor quality found in polluted areas globally, according to the World Bank.

In the report, titled “Quality Unknown: The Invisible Water Crisis,” the Washington-based lender said the combination of bacteria, sewage,

chemicals and plastics in water is a threat to the economic and overall well-being of people.

The report named India, Japan, Lebanon, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, Turkey and Gaza among those already experiencing unsafe levels of nitrates in drinking water.

“Clean water is a key factor for economic growth. Deteriorating water

quality is stalling economic growth, worsening health conditions, reducing food production, and exacerbating poverty in many countries,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass. “Their governments must take urgent actions to help tackle water pollution so that countries can grow faster in equitable and environmentally sustainable ways.”

See “Water crisis,” A2

@BcuaresmaBM

HE Department of Finance (DOF) on Wednesday allayed fears of businessmen that firms will no longer get tax incentives under the Package 2 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP). “ The fear-mongering about the removal of incentives should stop. Package 2 will actually give superior incentives for the right reasons, such as the creation of good jobs, investment in research and development, and expansion in the countryside among others,” said Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua.

“These types of activities will be able to claim additional deductions, which will reduce companies’ tax liabilities,” he added.

Chua cited an example under the provisions of the CTRP 2, where the government will allow an additional deduction of up to 50 percent on direct labor expense. This means that for every job created, companies may deduct up to 150 percent of direct labor expense, compared to just 100 percent in the present regime.

Chua said this particular incentive would benefit work force-heavy industries like manufacturing and the IT-BPO sector, and encourage new investors to create jobs.

Skills upgrading

ANOTHER incentive under Package 2 is that companies that invest in upgrading the skills of their

“The fear-mongering about the removal of incentives should stop. Package 2 will actually give superior incentives for the right reasons, such as the creation of good jobs, investment in research and development, and expansion in the countryside.”—Chua

Filipino employees may receive an additional deduction of up to 200 percent of the cost of their workers’ training, or double the 100-percent deduction given now.

“Incentives are meant to encourage positive behavior, and we want to make sure our incentive system benefits firms whose activities are beneficial to the Philippines like job creation and training,” Chua said.

From 2015 to 2017, the Philippines gave away an estimated P1.12 trillion in tax incentives and exemptions to a select group of 3,150 companies, according to the DOF. Among the other deductions firms may access under the DOFproposed incentive system includes up to an additional 50 percent on top of the 100-percent deduction now allowed on the purchase and use of inputs from domestic suppliers. This, the DOF said, will benefit local industries and producers. Up to an additional 100 percent or double the current 100 percent may also be deducted on research and development costs

by R&D firms.

See “Tax reform,” A2

US 52.3080 n JAPAN 0.4906 n UK 63.4444 n HK 6.6682 n CHINA 7.4186 n SINGAPORE 37.7294 n AUSTRALIA 35.3707 n EU 57.9573 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.9473

Source: BSP (20 August 2019 )

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A2 Thursday, August 22, 2019

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DA tightens swill feeding ban as mystery disease kills hogs

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) is keen on disallowing the sale of swill feeds, which experts suspect as one of the possible causes of the abnormal hog deaths in backyard farms recently.

DA Spokesman Noel O. Reyes said on Wednesday the government’s crisis management team (CMT) is now investigating swill feeding practices in areas where there are reported abnormal hog deaths.

Reyes said Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar instructed the CMT to come up with measures to “cut” supply lines of swill or kaning baboy, especially those leftovers coming from restaurants and hotels, to prevent them from reaching backyard raisers.

Reyes revealed that Dar got angry after he learned that swill feeding practice continues among backyard raisers amid the global threat of fatal swine diseases.

The still unidentified disease that caused unusual hog deaths was described by Reyes as one of

Tax reform. . .

Continued from A1

the “major economic diseases” on animals.

Alert for ASF

AT present, countries are on the lookout for the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) after it showed its potential economic devastation in China and Vietnam, where millions of hogs have already died.

Swill feeding has been identified by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as “one of the major risks for introduction and spread” of major swine diseases since pathogens could still thrive in meat-based products.

“That’s the direction of our CMT on where [the disease came from].

Secretary [Dar] wants to investigate why there is still swill feeding and what are possible sources [of swill feeds],” Reyes said in a news

Water crisis. . .

Continued from A1

The World Bank explained in a statement that nitrogen is a key contributor to poor water quality. Usually applied as fertilizer in agriculture, nitrogen eventually enters rivers, lakes and oceans where it transforms into nitrates.

The Bank said if children are exposed to nitrates, it will affect their growth and brain development. This will ultimately affect their health and adult earning potential.

Stunting risk

THIS could impact child stunting in countries.

The World Bank said every additional kilogram of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare could increase childhood stunting by as much as 19 percent and reduce adult earnings by 2 percent, compared to those who were not exposed.

In the Philippines, childhood stunting remains high and accounts for the country’s poor ranking in the World Bank’s Human Capital Index (HCI)—84th out of 157 countries.

Borrowings. . .

Continued from A1

These were composed mainly of project loans worth P4.022 billion and program loans worth P10.343 billion in June 2019. There were no global bonds,

Avoid swill

GOV ER NMENT of f icia ls and private stakeholders have been encouraging backyard raisers to avoid—or if possible stop—swill feeding since it could be a vector of diseases like ASF and foot and mouth disease.

In fact, about 62 percent of China’s first 21 ASF outbreaks were caused by swill feeding, according to a study by Beijing’s agriculture ministry.

Vietnam also blamed swill feeding as one of the reasons for the spread of ASF in the country, resulting in the death and culling of at least 4 million hogs as of today.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) advises backyard raisers to properly boil the swill if they cannot avoid feeding them to their hogs.

Cheaper than feeds

BACKYARD raisers prefer to buy swill since they are way cheaper than commercially available animal feeds.

In Rodriguez, Rizal, where an unusual mortality of hogs has been observed, backyard raisers told the

BusinessMirror that they are able to buy swill at P180 per sack compared to the P1,500 per sack of animal feeds.

“The DA-BAI urges swine raises to improve their biosecurity measures and prohibit swill feeding,” Reyes said.

Reyes added that they are “closely monitoring” the situations in Regions 3 and 4A for unusual mortality of pigs.

Indemnification, confiscation

REYES said authorities would confiscate meat being transported without proper government documentation, such as shipping permit and veterinary health certificate.

“We strongly require that movement and trade of live animals, meat and processed products be accompanied with appropriate veterinary health certificate, shipping permit and meat inspection certificate,” he said.

“We also urge the consumers to remain vigilant when buying meat and meat by-products, which should be duly inspected by the DANational Meat Inspection Service,” he added.

Reyes said the CMT has started crafting an indemnification program for backyard raisers whose hogs would be culled by the government.

China wants Philippines to stop all online gaming Continued from A1

This, the DOF said, is to encourage innovation in such firms as semiconductor and technology companies. Infrastructure development is also encouraged through a deduction of up to 100 percent on expenses for public infrastructure, utilities, irrigation and drainage.

“We see this as being useful to companies located in less-developed or far-flung areas, where their operations will benefit from the infra they build, while they can deduct part or all of this as a tax expense,” Chua said.

“So you see, we are not anti-incentives, and it is not true that we are removing them altogether,” he added. “We are giving superior incentives through a system where both the Filipino people and firms with registered activities benefit.” Under Package 2 of the CTRP, the government plans to lower the corporate income tax (CIT) rate gradually from 30 percent to 20 percent, and modernize the fiscal incentive system to establish a single menu of superior incentives.

briefing on Wednesday in Makati City.

“Secretary [Dar] wants stricter measures on swill feeding. We will cut the supply lines [of swill feeds],” Reyes added.

Sen has ordered a stop on new licenses for online gambling operations. Existing licenses won’t be renewed upon expiry, said the report.

Peace and stability

“WE hope it will further strengthen law enforcement with China and jointly tackle criminal activities including online gambling and cyber fraud,” Geng said. This will help create “peace and stability in the region,” he said and lauded Cambodia’s steps to curb the practice.

The changes in Philippines’s gambling policy will hurt its flourishing online casinos that target Chinese gamblers as well as hire Chinese citizens, after

In a briefing in April, World Bank Program Leader for Human Development Gabriel Demombynes said one in three Filipino children below five years old are stunted, a ratio that has been unchanged in 10 years. He said the ratio remained at one in three children in 2015 from 2005.

“Not only are average concentrations high, but in areas with hard rock aquifers, nitrate contamination is found at staggering depths of more than 350 meters, showing that even deep groundwater is not safe from contamination,” the report stated.

“Furthermore, the presence of nitrates in groundwater enhances the mobilization of other deadly pollutants such as uranium, compounding the threat of groundwater pollution,” it added.

President Duterte awarded more gaming licenses. Earlier this month, the Chinese Embassy in Manila had urged the Philippines to stop its casinos from hiring Chinese citizens.

“We will have to ask the President on his policy on this,” Philippines Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters Wednesday when asked about China’s request for a ban.

More than 50 Philippine offshore gaming operators have received licenses since 2016, and the industry employs about 138,000 workers, most of them from China. Revenue from the offshore gaming industry is projected to touch P9 billion ($172 million) this year, according to Pagcor.

The online casinos boom had spurred property prices and boosted consumption, especially in and around Manila. The uncertainties surrounding the online gaming industry have now begun hurting property stocks, with the index tracking the performance of listed builders hitting its lowest level since March.

The online gambling centers quickly became popular since they allow wagers as low as 10 yuan ($1.4) and have round-theclock live streams. That makes them easily accessible to lowerincome Chinese in rural areas, who may not have the means to go to Macau—the only place in China where casinos are legal.

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IN the 2017 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (Apis) and Water Quality Testing Module, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said 94 percent of the country’s 24 million households have improved source of drinking water.

However, only a third have access to E. coli-free water supply. E. coli, PSA said, is a fecal

indicator bacteria and is likely to be present when feces or raw sewage enters the water supply.

PSA said that while most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make a person sick.

Further, some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.

“The presence of E. coli in drinking water does not necessarily mean that the person drinking it will become sick, but it indicates that over time the household is at a higher risk for waterborne diseases,” PSA said.

Data showed that only one in every three families or 34 percent have their drinking water at the point use free from fecal contamination. In this module, free from fecal contamination refers to drinking water with zero E. coli.

The PSA said households located in urban areas are more likely to have drinking water that is free from contamination of E. coli, compared with those in rural areas.

“The percentage of families with drinking water with no contamination of E. coli is higher in the point source [50 percent] than from

point use [34 percent]. This may indicate that handling and storage may affect the quality of water,” the PSA added.

PSA data also showed that around 94 percent of the 24 million Filipino families have improved source of drinking water.

In the urban 97 percent of households have access to improved sources of drinking water while it is a bit lower at 91 percent in rural areas.

Residents in rural areas are more likely to have an unimproved source of drinking water than those in urban areas. Almost four in every five families or 77 percent do not practice any method or treatment in ensuring their drinking water is safe to drink.

On the sufficiency and accessibility of drinking water, majority or 88 percent of the families reported that drinking water is sufficient while 4 percent of families are unable to obtain sufficient water because it is not available from source. Three in every four families or 75 percent obtain their drinking water within the premises or within their yard/ plot. Families in urban areas are more likely to have their water sources within their premises compared with families in rural areas.

Panda bonds and Euro bonds secured during the period.

For the January-to-June period or the first semester of the year, BTr data showed total government borrowings grew 82.46 percent.

In the first six months of the year, gross borrowings amounted to P840.837

billion in 2019, significantly higher than the P460.822 billion in 2018.

Total domestic borrowings reached P615.360 billion in the January-to-June period in 2019, a 101.73-percent growth from the P305.037 billion posted in the same period last year.

External borrowings grew 44.74

percent to P225.477 billion in the first semester 2019 from the P155.785 billion posted during the same period in 2018.

The government is eyeing a borrowing mix of 75:25 for this year, with domestic sources accounting for 75 percent and foreign sources at 25 percent.

Danger from E. coli

Cai U. Ordinario

‘Duterte’s P19.1-B drug purchase a right move, prevents DOH spoilage’ S ENAT E P resident P ro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday backed President Duterte’s decision to buy P19.1 billion worth of drugs and vaccines, the bulk of which—estimated at 80 percent—will be distributed to provincial health centers “to avoid spoilage.”

Duterte’s directive, which Recto described as a “purchase order,” is found in the President’s 36-page Budget Message for 2020, which served as the cover letter to the voluminous documents detailing the proposed P4.1-trillion 2020 national budget sent to Congress early this week.

Recto noted that the Presidential message sent to Congress had directed that 80 percent of 2020 medical purchases “shall be allocated to provinces where the incidence of diseases is highest.”

The Senate President Pro Tempore acknowledged that Duterte, in imposing the earmark, made the “right drug prescription.”

He pointed out that “by adopting this new distribution formula, government is saying that it has learned its lesson and that there will no longer be a repeat of drugs spoiling in Department of Health [DOH] warehouses.”

Recto sug gested t hat t his new for mu l a shou ld now be the norm. “Kung ang gamot ay dapat fast-acting, ganoon din dapat ang distribution nito [If a drug is meant to be fact-acting, so should its distribution be]. This rule in dispensing drugs is as old as the proverb ‘Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo [what’s the grass for, when the horse is dead]?’”

The senator reported that funds

for the purchase of pharmaceutical products are lodged in the DOH budget and account for 20 percent of its proposed P92.2-billion allocation for next year.

He expects that more stocks in the “government’s medicine cabinet,” will effectively reduce Filipino households’ “out-of-pocket” yearly expenditures for drugs, a whopping P187 billion in 2017.

In a statement, Recto recalled that the Commission on Audit (COA) earlier flagged the DOH’s large hoard of medicines, noting that the watchdog’s finding showed DOH had an end-2018 inventory of P18.5 billion worth of medicines, with P295 million worth “nearing expiry as of January this year.”

Still, Recto voiced confidence that the DOH leadership is now “competently handling” the drug distribution problem. “I know that Secretary [Francisco] Duque is now addressing this problem, and being an old hand at the DOH, he knows what to do. The good doctor will certainly not allow this wastage to happen during his watch,” he said.

For 2020, the total budget imputed to the DOH is P166.5 billion —broken down as P92.2 billion for the “DOH proper,” P67.4 billion in premium payments of sponsored sectors to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., and other health agencies like the four Quezon Citybased specialty hospitals, among others. He suggested that “if we use P166.5 billion as the reference figure, then about 12 percent of this amount will be for drugs, medicines and vaccines.” Butch Fernandez

Mimaropa wage board okays ₧1K-hike for HSW

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OUSEHOLD service workers (HSW) in Mimaropa region will be getting an additional P1,000 on their next pay day.

The new wage order for HSWs issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-Mimaropa) finally took effect on Wednesday.

It raised the minimum-wage rates for HSWs in the region from P2,500 to P3,500.

RTWPB-Mimaropa made the decision after conducting public consultations on May 23 and a hearing on June 13.

“The board deemed it necessary to provide domestic workers with immediate relief measure to enable them to cope with the rising cost of living,” the order said.

“This wage order does not allow exemption,” it added. The last minimum-wage hike for HSWs in

Budget cuts. . .

Continued from A1

DOLE is also poised to suffer a doubledigit decrease in its budget as the DBM only approved P14.91 billion. This is 11.79 percent lower than P16.9-billion approved budget allocation in 2019.

Meanwhile, the DBM also approved a lower budget for the DOH next year at P92.2 billion, a 9.6-percent decrease (P9.8 billion) from its P102-billion budget allocation this year.

The Department of Finance also received a cut of P1.54 billion or 7.62 percent, as the DBM only approved a proposed budget allocation of 18.72 billion compared to P20.26 billion this year.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the DTI are all poised to face more than 5-percent budget cuts for next year.

The DTI may have to make the most out of the DBM-approved 2020 budget at P18.1

Mimaropa was in July 2017.

The new wage order will apply to HSWs in the Provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, otherwise known as Mimaropa, including the City of Calapan and the Highly Urbanized City of Puerto Princesa.

Aside from Mimaropa, other regions which adjusted the minimum-wage rates of HSWs this year are Calabarzon, Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Western Visayas.

Data from the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) show that the Ilocos region currently has the highest minimum-wage rate for HSWs with P3,500 to P4,500.

Those with the lowest rate of P2,000 to P2,500 are in Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccsksargen. Samuel P. Medenilla billion, which is lower by 5.22 percent than its 2019 budget of P19.1 billion.

The proposed budget for Comelec and CSC for 2020 are P9.82 billion and P1.79 billion, respectively. The 2019 budget allocation for Comelec is P10.38 billion while the CSC had P1.9 billion.

Other offices which may also have reduced budgets for 2020 are the Department of Science and Technology (-0.39 percent), JointLegislative-Executive Council (-2.95 percent), the Judiciary (-2 percent) and the Commission on Human Rights (-0.86 percent).

Congress is set to start its budget deliberations on Thursday and vowed to pass the budget on time.

Last year, the budget cuts in the proposed 2019 national budget earned the ire of lawmakers. The DBM has since said the budget cuts last year were due to a shift in the budgeting system, from obligations-based to cash-based budgeting system. However, the budget cuts in education, health and infrastructure were restored by Congress.

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Thursday, August 22, 2019 A3

DTI seeks ‘right amount’ of cement safeguard

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By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

RADE Secretary Ramon M. Lopez is hinting at imposing a safeguard duty of lower than P12 on a 40-kilogram bag of cement—the recommendation of the Tariff Commission—to pressure local manufacturers to improve their competitiveness.

Lopez said, however, that he has yet to decide on the definitive rate to apply on imported cement. He said his trade policy advisers are still going over the Tariff Commission report endorsing the application of a safeguard duty of P297 per metric ton (MT), or P12 per bag, on cement.

He said he wants to strike a balance between the interests of manufacturers and the welfare of consumers.

“That is all being reviewed right now by a technical group as to the appropriate level [of tariff]. We are coming from P8.40 [per bag], but the recommendation is P12 [per bag],” Lopez said in an interview

with reporters on Tuesday.

“We are looking at the basis of that recommendation, [but] there is also this principle we need to implement enough protection only not really to cover for everything because you want local companies to improve competitiveness,” he explained.

Implementing a safeguard duty of P12 per bag on cement will consequently result in prices of imports going higher. This could leave consumers with no other option but to resort to buying cement produced locally.

“We will just review it but in principle we want to find that balance without rocking the boat in the market as to prices, while, at

WORKERS pour cement from a mixer onto a street as part of a road reconstruction project in Makati City in this BusinessMirror file photo.

the same time, allowing the right amount of safeguard for the local companies,” Lopez added.

The trade chief said he has resolved that the tariff should not go

beyond the recommended rate of P12 per bag and that the government will not come up with a suggested retail price (SRP) on cement for the purpose of managing prices.

“Right now, there is no need [for an SRP on cement]. If you look at prices, they have not really moved, which is good. We don’t want the safeguard to be the reason for higher prices, [and]

we understand that is also what we have to watch out for,” Lopez said.

Last week the Tariff Commission recommended raising to P297 per MT the safeguard duty on cement after upholding the findings of the Department of Trade and Industry that the import surge between 2013 and 2017 injured the domestic industry. The recommended tariff is the difference between the average landed cost of imported cement, which is P3,578 per MT, and the average domestic plant selling price of locally made, which is P3,875 per MT. “Since it addresses the extent of price undercutting by cement imports based on the latest available data, the commission believes that this level of safeguard may prevent the occurrence of serious injury to the domestic cement industry and will facilitate said industry’s adjustment to the adverse effects of increasing cement imports,” the Tariff Commission said in its recommendation to the DTI. Based on the DTI’s preliminary investigation, the market share of imports jumped to 15 percent in 2017, from 0.02 percent in 2013. Further, the domestic industry’s revenue in 2017 shrank 12 percent, or by P11.1 billion, from 2016, as local manufacturers were forced to reduce prices by nearly 10 percent to compete with cheaper priced imports.

Groups throw support behind ‘pro-labor’ versions of SOT bill

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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A BOR g roups sa id on Wednesday they are willing to back four of the six versions of the security of tenure (SOT) bill introduced in the 18th Congress.

The United Workers, which is comprised by leaders of the Nagkaisa labor coalition, K ilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), and labor bloc, Paggawa, said it has narrowed down the SOT bills it will support.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) Vice President and United Workers member Julius Cainglet said these include the “pro-labor” SOT bills filed by Senators Joel Villanueva and Risa Hontiveros.

At the House of Representatives, he said they are considering the versions filed by the CIBAC Party-list, which is the exact copy of Villanueva’s refiled SOT bill and that of the Makabayan bloc.

“Based on our initial comparison [of the existing SOT bill] these are what we have considered, which could represent the posi-

tion of labor when it comes to the Security of Tenure bill,” Cainglet told reporters in a news briefing.

KMU Chairman Elmer Labog said his group will only support SOT bills that will declare direct employment as the norm.

‘Dangerous policy’

UNITED Workers did not include in its list the ongoing SOT version being drafted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) out of concern it will favor management.

Partido Manggagawa Chair-

man Renato Magtubo said his group is willing to engage with the DOLE if they will be consulted about the crafting of its SOT bill.

He said his group will oppose the DOLE version if it will contain the provisions indicated in President Duterte’s veto message.

To recall, President Duterte vetoed Villanueva’s SOT bill in the 17th Congress last month due to concerns it will diminish the competitiveness of businesses.

In his veto message, Duterte stressed that the flexibility of management on contractualiza-

tion should be maintained and that employers should be allowed to contract out even jobs, which are directly related to the operations of a business.

Duterte then ordered the DOLE to draft a new version of the SOT bill, which would balance the interest of labor and management on the issue of contractualization.

The DOLE earlier said it is targeting to complete its draft within the month.

Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino President Luke Espiritu said they consider Duterte’s veto message

a “dangerous” policy since it will open all positions to contractualization.

United Workers said it will mount a demonstration on Friday in Makati, and on August 26 at Mendiola in Manila during the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day to generate support for pro-labor SOT bills.

“We will continue to push for an SOT bill, which will reflect the interest of workers. If businesses would like to protect their interest, they should just craft their own bill and call it Security of Business,” Magtubo said.

IPOPHL eyes rewards system to encourage innovation among academic partners Lorenzana awaits formal report on Chinese ships at Ayungin Shoal

By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

D

EFENSE Secretar y Delf in N. Lorenzana said his office had not been furnished the formal report about the presence of Chinese ships at Ayungin Shoal.

“We haven’t received the official report yet. So we’re trying to get it from Wescom [Western Command], requiring them to make the official report to us,” Lorenzana said.

The Wescom has reported the presence of Chinese ships, including a Coast Guard vessel at the shoal since August 1, apparently monitoring the military’s activity there.

Ayungin Shoal is guarded by the Philippine military aboard the partly sunken BRP Sierra Madre.

The military said the Chinese Coast Guard vessel was spotted in the area on August 1, before it disappeared for three days. It reappeared after it apparently ran out of supplies.

As Lorenzana awaits the formal report of

the Wescom, he was also tasking the Navy to determine as to how it will carry the compliance ordered by President Duterte for ships, especially Chinese warships that are passing the country’s waters.

On Tuesday, the commander in chief ordered the military to get compliance in “friendly manner” or secure it in an “unfriendly manner.”

Duterte’s order was prompted by reports of the Armed Forces of the Philippines about Chinese warships passing through the country’s waters. The ships reportedly concealed their identities by shutting off their automatic identification system.

If challenged or requested to identify themselves, the Chinese ships also ignored such communication from the Philippine Navy.

Lorenzana said he would leave it up to the Navy to determine how it would get compliance from the transiting ships.

But he said the Navy could cut the bow of these ships or escort them out of the country’s waters.

T

HE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is planning to implement a clustering and rewards system for its network of academic partners to push them to go beyond publishing and shift to creating new products.

IPOPHL Information Bureau Director Mary Grace Cruz-Yap disclosed the agency is planning to cluster the membership of its Innovation and Technology Support Office. The ITSO is a network of nearly 100 universities and research institutions with respectable reputations in the creation of intellectual property (IP), particularly in invention and utility model.

Under the proposed classification system, ITSO members will be grouped into four depending on their competencies: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

Institutions with at least 12 IP foundation courses, two patent search training courses and one patent drafting course for internal and external clients will fall under bronze. Those that rendered or provided at least 24 patent search services for internal and external clients will be listed as silver.

The gold cluster will be comprised of institutions with at least six invention patent

applications drafted and filed either by the institution itself or for external clients.

Platinum—the highest cluster—will be made up of ITSO members with more than six invention patent applications.

To be promoted to this group, the institution is required to commercialize or assist in the commercialization of at least one technology through licensing, among other modes, including the putting up of one start-up for the technology.

Yap added the IPOPHL is also proposing the implementation of a rewards system “to motivate ITSOs and to aptly recognize those who are performing so well as gauged from their locations in the clustering continuum.”

The ITSO Excellence Award will be honored to the best performing members of the network. It shall be granted annually based on the performance of ITSO members the prior year.

Universities and research institutions will be judged based on three categories: IP creation (25 points), IP protection (30 points) and IP utilization (45 points), each of which are composed of at least three subcategories measuring the pro-

grams and projects of ITSO members.

To veer away the publish and perish culture in the academe, the IPOPHL will propose to the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Budget and Management and accreditation institutions increasing accreditation points for professors and researchers for their IP work. The agency is proposing raising to 14, from seven at present, points for invention and reducing to two, from five, points for utility model.

Moreover, an ITSO member who makes it to a specific cluster at any given year will earn points for level accreditation: 10 points for landing in the platinum group, five points in the gold group, two points in the silver group and one point in the bronze group.

Yap presented the recommendations before ITSO members at the annual Presidents’ Summit on Monday. The proposed reforms are part and parcel of IPOPHL’s program to reengineer the ITSO and resolve issues and concerns, including the “publish or perish” mindset of professors and researchers and the lack of support from the government on IP work. Elijah Felice E. Rosales

Marikina’s city council orders removal of gates in subdivisions to ease traffic

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

T

HE Marikina City Council has approved an ordinance mandating the removal of gates in subdivisions so that motorists can use private roads to ease traffic congestion.

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro also ordered the strict implementation of the “no garage, no building permit” ordinance to reduce the number of vehicles parked on the city’s streets.

Teodoro said the ordinance, “Regulating the Installation and Gate Barriers and Guard Houses in the City of Marikina” authored by Councilor Donn Favis was greenlighted by the council to alleviate traffic in the city.

The local officials, however, admitted that some homeowners’ associations have objected to the ordinance.

“There are objection [to the ordinance] from some homeowners’ associations, but they have to comply. We have already passed this in the council,” Favis said.

He said the removal of the gates will allow motorists to access alternate routes within the city.

The ordinance removing the gates in subdivisions was done in compliance with the memorandum circular of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año said he is considering opening up gated subdivisions so that motorists can use their roads during rush hour traffic.

Residents of exclusive subdivi-

sions, however, opposed the plan due to security concerns.

Parking facilities

THE local government of Marikina has also required business owners to provide proof of parking space before they can obtain a permit from the city hall.

Teodoro said this rule will discourage residents who do not have a garage from parking their cars on side streets.

Under the “No garage, No Build-

ing Permit Ordinance of 2019 in Marikina City” Ordinance, businesses are required to provide adequate garage facilities as a requirement on the issuance of a building permit for the construction of their structures in Marikina City.

“Anyone who intends to construct a structure shall be required to show proof like the presentation of a building plan or blue print or, attesting to the availability of a permanent parking space or facility on his/her proposed construction as a requirement

for the issuance of a building permit,” read the amended ordinance, primarily authored by Favis.

The councilor explained this will declog or reduce the number of vehicles parked on some roads where the city government allows parking.

Favis said the amendment on the ordinance was done to make sure that roads in Marikina City will be used by motorists, saying it was in compliance with the directive of the DILG to clear roads and sidewalks of obstructions.

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TheBroa

Business

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Organic farming in the PHL: Le

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO ORGANIC FARMING MAY HELP THE PHILIPPINES LEAP TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas & VG Cabuag | Reporters & Dominique Nathanielle M. Muli | Intern

T

HERE is a sprawling space of greenery north of the capital that was once steeped in chemicals, which slowly clawed the once rich soil into the valley of barrenness. It is the middle ground between the aggressive push of urbanization and the stubborn defense of countryside.

It is one of the bastions of organic farming. It is owned by the Leonie Agri Corp. (LAC), the country’s first and biggest certified organic farm.

LAC’s farm was once a huge chunk of barren land carpeted by nothing but wild grass. For three years, the agriceutical firm’s farm hands nursed the land back to health. Eventually, Mother Nature lent a hand and soon from the land sprouted organic herbs and crops enjoyed by the second tier in the food chain: livestock.

LAC’s farm has contributed to the slow growth of hectarage returning to organic farming. It is a testament to the determination of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) to reach this year its target of converting 5 percent of total agricultural lands into organic farming.

Data from the NOAP, an agency attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA), reveals that from 2011 to 2017, total organic agriculture area has hit 349,041.28 hectares, about 4.86 percent of the total agricultural area of 7,165,815.61 hectares.

GAP-certified

FOUNDED by Leonora Pascual, the

LAC decided to rehabilitate what it calls “cursed land” to supply Lagundi to its parent company Pascual Laboratories Inc. Lagundi (Vitex negundo L.) is the main ingredient needed for the latter’s line of Ascofbrand cough medicine.

It is one of only 39 farms that have been awarded the Philippine National Standard for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification. LAC received its certification in 2009, a year earlier than the formal establishment of the NOAP and the NOAB through the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

Most of these GAP-certified farms are dedicated to fruits and root crops for export.

According to the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), the certifying body in charge of “ensuring consumer safety and promoting competitiveness of Philippine agriculture and fishery products,” the GAP stamp seen on organic products sold in markets was applied for food quality and safety. A mere look at a freshly picked, vibrant fruit or vegetable would not guarantee the absence of chemicals, according to BAFS documents.

The country’s GAP is inten-

tionally harmonized with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean) GAP and other existing international GAP-standards.

LAC President Antonio L. Causing said in an interview their farm had been strictly complying with these standards because, otherwise, the certification could be stripped away from them immediately, regardless of how it was hard-earned.

Own course

LAC’s CAUSING explained that organic farming is a method of selfsufficiency.

He told the BusinessMirror that the materials used in making organic fertilizers and concoctions are made from the organic waste present in the farm. He added that manufacturers of chemical fertilizers and pesticides only make it seem like the farmers cannot grow their crops independently when, in fact, they actually can.

However, Causing said these commercial chemicals leave residues on crops that accumulate in the human body in the long run and might cause grave illnesses.

“Although a lot of people are already aware of the benefits organic products give, majority of Filipinos still stick to practicality and spend their money on conventional products,” he said.

Causing noted that making organic fertilizers takes an amount of time to complete, given the natural decomposition and composting process, and that organic farming basically means letting nature run its own course.

Nevertheless, organic farming has proven to be a sustainable way of bringing balance to all things living. It does not only promote respect for nature, but also prevents health risks, from its farmers to its consumers, he added.

Observing measures

LAC Farm Manager Leni M. Rebut-

iaco explained in an interview that there are four important principles in organic farming: health, ecology, fairness and care.

Rebutiaco said these principles are being observed to sustain the health of the soil, plants, animals, humans and the environment, as well as the balance of the living systems and cycles for agricultural diversity and soundness. She added these principles are being observed to sustain the promise of quality life for everyone handling environmental resources with respect to the future generation.

Finally, the principles are observed to apply the precautions needed to protect the well-being of everyone, the environment included.

“The relationship of humans with the environment is prioritized in this kind of farming,” Rebutiaco said.

Rebutiaco added that the essential and natural way of recycling organic production waste is called composting. This, she said, is done by shredding and mixing brown organic materials like animal manure with green organic materials like fruit skins.

It can also be mixed with beneficial microorganisms or different species of worms to increase “NPK”—nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium—content to produce high-quality organic fertilizer, she explained.

“Another thing that separates organic farming from conventional farming is that organic farms check the soil condition thoroughly and let it breathe right after a massive harvest, unlike in conventional wherein they maximize their soil productivity with chemicals,” Rebutiaco added.

Revenue, profit

REBUTIACO said that while a lot of farmers think of organic farming as the ideal system to do, majority of them would not take the risk of transitioning into it.

“A

lthough a lot of people are already aware of the benefits organic products give, majority of Filipinos still stick to practicality and spend their money on conventional products.”

ANTONIO L. CAUSING

Leonie Agri Corp. President

Al Pineda, a farmworker for LAC, agrees with Rebutiaco. Pineda spent eight years in conventional farming before going organic.

According to him, this alternative farming system, aside from its unhazardous ways, is highly sustainable and did not require a large sum of money. Pineda said this is especially true when it comes to managing waste “because it would provide you the fertilizer you need for growing.”

Causing, the CEO of Pascual Laboratories’ subsidiary, said it is wrong to say that organic farming entails higher costs compared to the conventional.

“Organic farming is cheaper.

It is not true that it has a high cost because the materials needed in organic farming are already present in the farm itself,” he said. “It just takes time before a farmer gets used to it and makes a good harvest.”

Going into organic farming has also been good to LAC. In the latest statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, LAC’s revenues doubled from P26.79 million in 2014 to P53.33 million the year after. Its net profit hit P8.82 million in 2015 from only P765,164 the year before, according to its statement submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Going slow

REBUTIACO said that although organic farming requires lower capital, farmers would rather go into conventional farming because it takes years to rehabilitate soil from chemicals and the yield is lower as there are things, like climate, to consider.

Without chemical pesticides it is difficult for farmers to fend off pests from crops, she added.

“The making of organic fertilizers takes time as well,” Rebutiaco added.

“And it generally is time-consuming to grow organic crops because nutrient absorption is done slower in nature’s way compared to conventional.”

According to the NOAP, these are included in the challenges they face in expanding organic areas in the country. The primary challenge is persuading farmers to change their planting practices, a document from the NOAP said.

Farmers “find it hard to shift from conventional to organic farming [because] it takes years,” NOAP said. “Since their soil is used to chemicals, it would take some time before their farms are considered organic or even chemical-free.”

Usual questions raised by farmers in shifting to organic farming include where to get organic-based planting materials and doing away with chemical uses, NOAP said.

aderLook

sMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace | Thursday, August 22, 2019

A5

SKYPIXEL | DREAMSTIME.COM

eafing behind a chemical future

A combination

ARNEL LABIOS, an LAC executive, said in an interview the combination of low yield and the absence of perfect competition accounts for why organic vegetables are double or triple the price of vegetables grown through conventional farming.

This combination is what prevents organic vegetables from entering the mainstream market, Labios said. Hence, the failure to integrate organic vegetables in the lifestyle of common folk, unlike in countries likes the United States and Japan, he added.

“The demand for organic vegetables is increasing but frankly speaking, it’s maintaining in 3 percent to 4 percent in sales because it is not patronized enough by the masses,” he explained. “It caters to the higher class and middle class for now.”

While Rebutiaco agrees with Labios, she notes “the supply is still insufficient.”

“We must highlight the fact that in order to produce healthy food, we must keep the soil healthy, as well as the animals that live on it.”

Labios said that in organic farming, a farmer can only use his soil at least twice a year to maintain its proper mechanism, unlike in conventional where it could go up to five times with the intervention of commercial chemicals.

Natural, healthier

FOR couple Eda and Walter Pontillano, age 74 and 78, respectively, the price is not an issue.

“We’re not getting younger but we still have people relying on us, so we decided to resort to a healthier way of consuming,” Walter said from their home one kilometer away from LAC’s farms.

“Honestly, organic vegetables deserve more recognition, because aside from their taste—yes, they do have a difference from the ones sprayed with chemicals—and health benefits, they give the envi-

ronment more years to live in good condition,” Mrs. Pontillano added.

The Pontillanos have been consumers of organic vegetables for more than a year and counting.

They said that when they learned about organic vegetables, although it is still pricey, they realized how a lot of Filipinos are deprived of quality food, especially those who live in the metropolis.

While only at least 5 percent of Filipinos nationwide consume organic vegetables, Labios believes organic production is the best opportunity for the country.

“If you’d take a good look at people today, they all want to go back to basics, to the natural and healthier way, because there are lots of illnesses and diseases in which the human body cannot simply fight,” he said.

IFOAM ranking

ACCORDING to the global data of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) in 2015, the Philippines ranked fifth on the list of countries with the largest number of organic producers with over 165,958; and ranked eighth on the list of countries with the largest number of hectares of organic land with over 234,642 hectares, landing fourth in Asia.

According to the NOAP, the lead agency for Republic Act 10068 (Organic Agriculture Act of 2010), as of December 2016 the share of organic area over a particular region’s total agricultural area varied and reached over 100 percent of its 5-percent target (the Cordillera Autonomous Region, Regions 3, 11, 12 and 13).

The total volume of organic production was 525,863 metric tons, reaching 106 market destinations (86 domestic and 20 export markets) with over 116,558 farmer beneficiaries.

There are also 63 certified farms and establishments to date, 29 of

which were certified in 2016 and 88 more applicants yet for certification assistance the following year.

Certification woes

HOWEVER, Montes and BAFS Senior Science Research Specialist Vera Ysabel V. Dela Cruz explained that until today the biggest challenge faced by independent organic growers is the expensive certification.

While big companies like LAC can afford the certification, independent organic growers who cannot are given organic directories.

They are also usually taken by certified organic companies under their wing, like how LAC has done with formerly independent farmers from Bataan who help supply them more organic herbs.

Still, organic farmers have a hard time complying with certification due to high costs.

Since there are only two accredited organic certification bodies nationwide, the cost of being certified ranges from about at least P100,000 to P160,000 per commodity.

“We’re trying to solve it by providing farmers with certification assistance,” the NOAP said. “We subsidize farmers’ certification costs.”

Currently, the NOAP said it is carrying out provisions on inputs, production materials, machineries and equipment, solar pumps, etc., and extension supports consisting of seminars.

“A certified organic producer can avail himself of all our services,” NOAP Development Management Officer Kristine Marie Bernadette M. Montes told the BusinessMirror.

The DA, through the NOAP, provides inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, organic farming trainings, production assistance, animals, for farmers keen on shifting to organic farming.

Among the benefits they promote among farmers is premium

buying price, higher income and safer environment.

For compliance

DELA CRUZ said that “aside from the certification fee, another of the biggest problems in organic farming is the farmers’ level of compliance because all of them may know the organic standards, but not all of them have consistency.”

The NOAP addresses the problem with what they call certification subsidy, for farmers applying for third-party certification. Often, organic farmers would rather have a big organic company assist them in inspections rather than getting certified.

“An alternative certification scheme is the PGS [Participatory Guaranteed System],” Dela Cruz said. “In this scheme, a group of organic farmers, say, in a province, will have their own internal control system in which they are the ones accountable to inspect each other’s farms,” she added.

PGS groups will still be under a central authority, recognized by the government for continuous monitoring.

Two other certifying bodies in organic farming that conduct analyses to help the legitimization process are the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines and the Negros Island Certification Services, both accredited by the BAFS.

Assistance

MOREOVER, the DA’s marketing assistance consists of support researches and events promoting organic products by providing organic trading posts, a market facility where first-, second- and thirdparty organic producers meet to facilitate market-matching activities, locally or internationally.

“NOAP just changed its executive board members last year, hence the new program document for 2017 to 2023, based on the previous concerns of farmers and a

series of consultation workshops with the organic stakeholders,” Montes said. “We also look into the local government units we reach to—if their municipality prioritizes the rightful help we allocate to them—because we do not want to waste what little budget we have for intervention.”

Resolutions

DELA CRUZ cited Bacolod as an example where the local government officials issued an ordinance to promote organic products, releasing the goods themselves on small markets.

“We should give more emphasis [to] the consumers’ demands to encourage the farmers to go organic, because the persuasion of farmers to transition into organic is another thing, as it takes a minimum of three years to free the soil of chemicals,” she said.

According to the NOAP, the League of Organic Agriculture Municipalities and Cities (LOAMC) has a total membership of 100 as of December 2016. The NOAP said the LOAMC is composed of 59 incumbent mayors, 34 non-incumbent mayors and seven advisers.

While the development of organic agriculture is holistic with other government agencies contributing, Montes explained that operating units in organic farming clamor for budget increase. However, this could not be granted easily because it all depends on the utilization, unlike the rice and corn programs which participants prioritize well.

Dela Cruz also noted that the BAFS’s long-term plan has something to do with major changes on the flaws of RA 10068 given that they have already filed amendments in Congress.

She disclosed that the organic stakeholders carefully base their resolutions on the issues of the farmers and estimated that this will be effective in about three years.

Measures

SEVERAL measures amending RA 10068 have been filed at the Senate in the current 18th Congress.

One of the bills was proposed

by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.

Villar filed Senate Bill 146 that seeks to promote and institutionalize the PGS as a low-cost alternative for organic certification.

In her bill, Villar noted that the “high cost of certification creates a very big barrier for small farmers to overcome, thus preventing them to participate, which ultimately hurts the growth and development of organic movement.”

“PGS, as a complementary method to third-party certification, is essential to the continued growth of the organic agriculture anywhere,” she said in her bill.

“This will encourage poor and small farmers to adopt organic agriculture standards and methods to the benefit of everyone,” she added.

Other lawmakers who filed bills improving the Organic Agriculture Act are Senators Francis P. Pangilinan, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Grace Poe. All of their bills also seek to institutionalize PGS to help small farmers shift to organic practice.

Security

FOR Labios, the promise of organic farming is bright in the Philippines.

“With the help of these big companies investing in and partnering with organic farms and doing concrete advertising, enhancing what is left of our nature and the security of the Philippines’ economic growth is not far-fetched,” he said. “Organic farming transition is always possible if a farmer is willing and determined enough to reform his farming ways and land.”

A6 Thursday, August 22, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Protecting the youth is everybody’s business

A

N Army general’s claim that the Communist Party of the Philippines has been recruiting students in the country’s colleges and universities to join the CPP and its armed wing, New People’s Army, is nothing new. What’s shocking, if true, was the recent revelation by a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that, as of September 2015, the CPP-NPA has recruited 8,635 minors and students that remain missing until today.

Four former rebels confirmed before the Senate that students are being recruited from various schools nationwide to join the CPP-NPA. Testifying before the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs headed

by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the former rebels also shed light into the recruitment methods employed by the legal front organizations of the CPP to recruit unsuspecting students. Distraught parents of a number of missing schoolgirls allegedly recruited by communist front organizations have organized a Facebook group where they share experiences and news about their missing children.

President Duterte has branded the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand also list the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group. Despite this, the communist group still manages to continue its recruitment activities in university campuses nationwide. Which leads us to the sixty-four-dollar question: Why is radicalization still growing in campuses?

Certain quarters say that poverty is the main reason why the CPP-NPA continues to attract new recruits. But an official of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said “it is not poverty that causes this insurgency because there are millions of poor people all over the world who are not insurgents.” PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said: “It is appalling that because of CPP Founding Chairman Jose Maria Sison, millions of Filipinos live in dire poverty with the theft, murder, torture, rape of fellow Filipinos. That is his business model—to keep the poor poor and to cow them into submission to do as they please with them.”

Communist-front organizations, Badoy said, sign up unwitting Filipinos into joining their fronts that spread a false picture of gloom and doom of our country at a time of great positive change. She added that President Duterte’s Executive Order 70 institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, which is why he created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

However, logic says we won’t see the end of local communist armed conflict without bloodshed. After all, the President has permanently ended peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines, and he is no longer entertaining any interventions or moves to persuade him to change his mind.

On the flipside, the CPP will continue to recruit students. As Sison pointed out in his Philippines: Society and Revolution, the CPP bible: “The majority of party cadres and regular NPA fighters are, as a matter of course, from the youth. The mobilization of the youth ensures the continuous flow of successors in the revolutionary movement.”

President Duterte wants to end communist insurgency in the country. Government must develop and implement effective policies related to counterradicalization programs.

Universities and colleges must do their part and look after the safety of students in their respective campuses. But above all these, parents and guardians must strengthen their relationship with their children. In the age of social media and instant messaging, parents need to know who are befriending their children because they can help determine the motives of these people making social acquaintance with their children. As Nelson Mandela said: “Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.”

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PPPs to hasten Philippine economic growth Val A. Villanueva

BUSINESSWISE

T

WO major infrastructure projects have been placed in succession in the pipeline to finally address the country’s airport congestions.

This month alone, the Clark International Airport in Pampanga, touted to be the biggest air access in Central Luzon, has been turned over to a joint venture of JG Summit Holdings, Filinvest Corp., and a unit of Singapore’s Changi Airport—the Luzon International Premier Airport Development (Lipad) Corp.—which will operate the facility for 25 years under the public-private partnership (PPP).

Also to commence under the PPP scheme and after a much-delayed notice of award from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is the P734billion Bulacan International Airport project of the San Miguel Holdings Corp. With the award, SMHC got the green light to take charge of the airport project’s financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance.

Both the Clark and Bulacan airport projects are meant to free up the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) from the congestion hassle that air travelers have to endure.

I’m not sure if these developments signal the Duterte administration’s change of heart regarding PPP, which it views with derision. Nonetheless, I believe that this is a step in the right direction.

During its early years, the Duterte administration has scoffed at the protracted execution and lulls in PPP projects. Since the program commenced in the third quarter of 2010 under the Aquino administration, only four of the 56 PPPs that were initiated were completed as of end-2016. The delays were caused by funding, right-of-way acquisition, and contract changes.

But what really triggered Duterte’s aversion to PPPs is his infatuation with China’s money. In his visit to Beijing, he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to 13 “mutually beneficial deals,” involving transportation and infrastructure projects.

Since then, the government has shifted to Official Development Assistance (ODA) for infrastructure projects, and less PPPs. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III

reasoned that avoiding the PPP route on certain infrastructure projects would fast-track completion and save on costs.

The BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Ratings, noted then that with the Philippines’s friendlier ties with China, the Duterte administration had taken a “government-centered investment approach,” in blunt contrast to former President Benigno Aquino III’s reliance on PPPs to finance big-ticket infra projects.

But has China delivered? So far, the only visible signs of Chinese money are the Chico River Dam project, which has yet to take off, and the expensive retrofitting of a bridge in Makati City. Instead, what China has given us are multitudes of Mainlanders engaged in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, which China itself deems illegal and the Philippine military with espionage-related suspicion. Chinese bureaucracy also stifles China’s pledged financial assistance to the Philippines.

With public spending on infrastructure expected to breach the P1trillion mark next year to support the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the Philippines could do well in entering into more PPP projects.

PPP is a predetermined deal between the government and a private firm, which is focused on financing, designing, implementing and operating infrastructure facilities and services that would otherwise have been taken cared of by the public sector.

It minimizes costs while achieving project-evolving goals. It also tenders

fiscal and nonfiscal benefits for the public sector since it solves the inadequate capital assets intended for the public sector’s infrastructure or development projects, and allows the provision of public funds for other local priorities. It’s an instrument to disperse project risks to both the public and private sectors.

PPP is meant to gain improved efficiency for both parties in delivering services to the public.

Most important, the government gets more value for money. PPP is focused on reducing costs, better risk allocation, faster implementation, improved services and possible generation of additional revenue: It encourages the injection of privatesector capital.

The national budget and ODA are limited and subject to government prioritization. Private-sector funding, on the other hand, is readily available. It may be tapped to augment ODA funds and the government budget to implement critical government projects. PPPs give the government the leeway to take on fewer risks because of shared risk allocation. The private sector shoulders the project’s life cycle cost risks, while the government undertakes site risks, legislative and government policy risks, among others.

The Asian Development Bank is, in fact, pushing for PPPs in line with its priority to support infrastructure development. Mobilizing private resources for development was, along with infrastructure development, one of ADB’s five priorities.

See “Villanueva,” A7

Economic success is making many Egyptians poorer

I

By Amr Adly | Bloomberg Opinion

F Egypt is the Middle East’s fastest-growing economy, why are more and more Egyptians becoming poorer? The question has exercised economists since the country’s statistics authority released figures on poverty rates indicating a 5-percent rise over the past three years. This is a period in which growth has spiked, thanks in no small part to a continuously rising foreign debt.

It is easy to interpret the poverty numbers as the social impact of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-prescribed reform program that kicked off in November 2016, including the massive devaluation of the pound, followed by rounds of subsidy cuts and increases in consumption taxes. These measures, some commentators argue, have impoverished many Egyptians, despite the stable macroeconomic indicators—for instance, inflation is under control, interest rates have been reduced and the exchange rate has been steady.

But the trend in the poverty data long precedes the recent IMF program.

Official statistics show that poverty rates have increased steadily since the early 1990s; the rate has almost doubled since 2000. The recent hike is a continuation of an older and consistent trend that either went untouched by rounds of fiscal and

monetary reforms under the auspices of the IMF and the World Bank, or was exacerbated by them.

Those who focus on the role of the IMF austerity program to explain growing poverty are missing some other contributing factors.

The first is the sectoral composition of economic growth. In Egypt, the sectors that have generated the most growth and created economic value are traditionally capital- and energy-intensive, and create relatively little employment—such as oil and gas, banking, and telecommunications. Some growing sectors like construction have generated jobs, but these were of low quality, requiring low skill and paying low wages. The same can also be said of tourism.

Sectors that might create jobs characterized by high productivity and wages— such as skill-intensive services and high

value-added manufactured exports that require skill and technology inputs— have not grown, certainly not at a rate to influence the overall poverty data. These sectors require large public investments in education and vocational training, and in research and development, as well as an institutional infrastructure friendly for innovation and entrepreneurship.

None of this has been prioritized by Egyptian governments.

Much of Egypt’s employment, at least since the 1980s, has been in the informal sector, either through self-employment or in microbusinesses that produce jobs that pay subsistence income. An International Labor Organization study in 2009 showed that 91 percent of the employed young people in Egypt worked informally, in jobs characterized by low productivity, low wages and no social protection.

According to the World Bank’s vulnerable employment indicator, the average proportion of vulnerable employment in Egypt between 1997 and 2007, as a percentage of total employment, was as high as 24.09 percent.

The second factor contributing to the spike in poverty numbers has to do with redistribution. With a rudimentary capacity to collect wealth and income taxes and historically low—and declining—

tax to GDP ratios, the Egyptian state has been in chronic fiscal crisis since the 1980s. This malaise has often been treated by episodic austerity measures, often under the auspices of the IMF, cutting public expenditure and raising indirect taxes on consumption. Both measures have usually resulted in throwing the brunt of fiscal-crisis management unevenly on the shoulders of the poorer and more vulnerable populations.

International financial institutions have been at least complicit in the recurrent use of these impoverishing policies as necessary reforms for stabilizing macroeconomic indicators and relaunching the economy. For decades, their socalled reforms—in Egypt as elsewhere in the Global South—have focused on stabilizing macroeconomic signals as a necessary and sufficient condition for market-led development.

The trouble is, aggregate indicators like the budget deficit, GDP growth rates and foreign reserves are too abstract, too economistic to capture the social and political dimensions and implications of the economy. The challenge is to enable more and more people, especially women and men of working age, to take part in the generation of economic value.

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Boris Johnson needs something from everyone at the G-7

B

The last as first through the narrow gate Msgr. Sabino A. Vengco Jr.

ALÁLAONG BAGÁ

By Alex Morales | Bloomberg Opinion

ORIS JOHNSON wants something from everyone at the Group of Seven (G-7) meeting in Biarritz, France, this weekend. He’s hoping the half of the room that’s in the European Union (EU) will give him a better exit deal, and the half that isn’t will offer him free-trade deals.

The United Kingdom leader’s international debut will follow visits to German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Wednesday and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. With Brexit looming large, the tone of those meetings will affect his interactions at G-7, notably with US President Donald J. Trump, who cut an isolated figure at last year’s gathering and sees an ally in Johnson.

As the gap between the EU and the US yawns wider than it has for decades, the big question is where a post-Brexit Britain will land. Johnson seeks closeness with both and could potentially tip the balance on key issues from Iran to China’s Huawei Technologies Co. It’s a unique position that Trump could seek to exploit. As Jonathan Eyal, international director at the Royal United Services Institute in London, put it: “Trump will be the president who will not try to heal European divisions but rather try to explore and see how much wider they can be pried.”

With that in mind, here is a rundown of the key relationships.

deal that his predecessor Theresa May negotiated. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have much goodwill there: During the Brexit campaign, he compared the bloc’s goals with those of Adolf Hitler.

The risk for Merkel and Macron is that if they push back too much, they’ll drive Johnson toward Trump on issues, such as Iran and the reach of China’s telecoms giant, where they want to retain European unity. Britain already broke with its EU allies to join a US-led initiative to protect shipping in the Persian Gulf, which European nations had spurned.

That followed concern in Merkel’s administration that EU unity over Iran was under strain.

Italy, for its part, has its own grievances with Germany and France, from EU-inflicted austerity to open borders. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has just resigned and waiting in the wings to seize power is anti-immigration hardliner Matteo Salvini: he’s the country’s most popular politician, a euro-skeptic and keen to be Trump’s closest ally in Europe.

The US

Japan and Canada

THE UK loves to boast about the “special relationship” it enjoys with the US. After Brexit, it’ll take on a new importance because a trade deal with the world’s biggest economy was touted as one of the great prizes of leaving the EU. Johnson needs to forge a close relationship with Trump. But not too close. “If he wants to fight and win a general election quite soon, if he’s seen as Trump’s poodle, that won’t help him,” said Centre for European Reform (CER) Director Charles Grant.

The early signs are good. Johnson has spoken at least four times by phone with Trump since becoming premier, most recently on Monday. “He’s going to do a fantastic job,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday. “We have a great relationship.” And in a further overture, Trump made clear how much he dislikes the EU: “I hate to say this to you, dealing with the European Union is very difficult.

They drive a hard bargain.”

The US leader has pledged to move “rapidly” to a trade deal with Britain, yet earlier this month, National Security Adviser John Bolton said that with the UK so focused on Brexit for now, the administration isn’t “pushing for anything on these broad and complex questions” such as Iran and Huawei.

But opposition Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn has identified the rapprochement with Trump as a weakness. He described Johnson’s strategy as a “Trumpdeal Brexit” that would open up the country’s beloved National Health Service “to takeover by US private corporations.” The president’s description of the prime minister last month as “Britain Trump” wasn’t viewed as helpful by Johnson’s office.

The EU three

JOHNSON w i l l meet Merkel and Macron just before the G-7.

He needs them onside if he’s to persuade the EU to reopen the

Villanueva . . . continued from A6

“This includes promoting greater and more effective use of public– private partnerships, or PPPs. This

IF Brexit is to appear a success, Johnson needs to strike trade deals not just with the US, but also with large economies, such as Japan and Canada. Both have agreements with the EU, and have refused to roll them over for Britain after Brexit, while they await the outcome of the divorce. “How can you do a trade deal with Britain when you don’t know what its relationship with the EU is going to be?” said Grant at the CER. “That is so important for any trade relationship they would want from us.”

Johnson has to tread carefully in particular with Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe, whose administration has spoken out about its anxieties around Brexit and the sort of no-deal departure that Johnson insists is on the table.

In June, Foreign Minister Taro Kono warned “some companies are already starting to move their operations to other places in Europe.” Japanese companies including the Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. established factories in Britain precisely because of the access to EU markets.

Despite his stance on Brexit and his mowing down a schoolboy at a rugby event in Tokyo a few years back, there’s goodwill toward Johnson in Japan. If you search online for Johnson’s name in Japanese, the first video is of him drinking peach juice from Fukushima and proclaiming it delicious—the sort of gesture that goes down well in Japan.

That just leaves Canada, just the sort of former member of the British Empire that Brexiteers held up as future partners after Brexit. Its trade deal with the bloc has also frequently been cited as a model for Britain’s future relationship with the EU, with Johnson himself repeatedly calling for a “super‑ Canada deal.”

This is ironic, as the British government has so far struggled to get any kind of Canadian trade agreement at all. approach is not new. In the late 19th century in Japan, for example, many railways and electricity services were started through innovative private companies under concessions granted by the government,” according to ADB President

Thursday, August 22, 2019 A7

T

HE formation of the disciples of Jesus intensifies in the lengthy account by Saint Luke of the journey of Jesus toward Jerusalem as the focal place of his saving mission.

It dramatizes life for his followers as a pilgrimage where the only sure route is the way personified by Jesus (Luke 13:22-30).

No favorites “WILL only a few people be saved?”

The question addressed to Jesus by a man originated from the prevailing view then that only a few would actually be saved. The man was, perhaps, not even worried that he might not be saved, but was just looking for some personal affirmation. The Jews as Abraham’s descendants considered salvation as their birthright. They were the “few,” while the many others to be excluded were the tax collectors, prostitutes, sinners and gentiles.

Jesus did not give the usual and expected answer that “all children of Abraham” would have a guaranteed place in the coming kingdom of God. First of all, salvation is

offered to all without exception. In God’s universal love there are no favorites. There are no privileged heirs apparent to the kingdom. The First Reading (Isaiah 66:18-21) tells of God who gathers all nations to His holy city, where people once considered unclean would be performing sacred functions. Open to all peoples and races, the saving love of God is inclusive, not exclusive.

The narrow gate

SEEING themselves as God’s only elect, the assumption of the Jews had become a presumptuousness that they would, of course, be saved.

Jesus warned all then, as He warns us today, about the narrow gate. The kingdom of God has only a narrow

gate which is not easily entered and which will not be open indefinitely.

“Many will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” Though everyone may be invited, not everyone will be strong enough to actually make it. There is no intention here to quantify the number of people who will be saved, and so it is futile to specify any number in some sort of a heavenly census of the saved as some religious groups have been claiming.

Many will turn away from the narrow gate because it means the difficult way of the cross. There are people who will not accept Jesus and His cross. But it is a prerequisite to salvation that one must follow Jesus and carry one’s cross (Luke 9:2324). As we have seen in the previous Sundays, one must make the right choices: not hoarding wealth but rich in what matters to God, behaving as “faithful and prudent servants” waiting for the arrival of their master, even when it means being in a divisive conflict with others. Clearly, one cannot enter the narrow gate without effort, generosity, steadfastness and self-denial.

Alálaong bagá, lip service will gain nobody entrance into the kingdom of God. The incantation “Lord, Lord!” and “Praise the Lord!” means

Dar’s ‘Mission Impossible’: Rebuilding a damaged agricultural sector

The explanations given by the neoliberal economists advising the pro-WTO senators on how the above forecasts are going to be realized are, briefly, as follows: greater market access for Philippine agricultural exports, higher foreign exchange earnings because of rising global prices for agricultural commodities, and higher earnings for farmers due to the greater agricultural tradeability of agricultural commodities.

At home, consumers were projected to gain from the regime of general agricultural trade opening because accordingly, prices of agricultural commodities sold in the domestic market would go down and there would be more “efficient allocation” of resources within and across the different economic sectors.

Based on the foregoing arguments, the Agricultural Tariffication law was fast-tracked for all agricultural products, with the exception of rice. Once in place, the tariffication was followed with the downward restructuring of the tariffs themselves, in line with the IMF-World Bank’s structural adjustment program. Under the SAP program of “unilateral tariff liberalization,” the Philippines became one of Asia’s radical trade and

tariff liberalizers because its trade negotiators agreed to tariff slashing targets that were lower than those of China, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries. To reassure those doubting the viability of wholesale agricultural trade liberalization, the “pros” pushed for an agricultural modernization programs dubbed Agriculture Fisheries and Modernization Act and the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Act, with billion-peso annual budgetary allocations.

And yet, the nation’s agricultural performance from 1995 to the present has been a complete disaster.

From a net agricultural exporting country, the Philippines has become a net agricultural importing country beginning, ironically, in 1994, the year the Senate approved the ratification of Philippine membership in the WTO. The deficits grew from million dollars a year to $2 billion to $4 billion a year. The United States, the world’s leading agribusiness power, now ranks the Philippines as one of the top 10 US customers.

In 2018, an artificial rice shortage occurred. This was artificial because it was created by the policy conflict between the so-called Cabinet-led NFA Council and the DA-NFA leadership

on whether to import rice or not. The conflict led to delays in rice importation, resulting in shortages, which, in turn, were blamed by the Council on the bad management of NFA and the Department of Agriculture.

Against this backdrop, the Rice Tariffication law was pushed and fast-tracked by the economic technocrats and their supporters in the Congress. Like the 1995-1996 Agricultural Tariffication law, the rice tariffication law was justified based on simplistic assumptions and optimistic projections—rice import liberalization would benefit consumers in terms of lower rice prices, and yet, the palay producers would also benefit because incomes would rise because of stable prices and higher productivity under a so-called Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP). Clearly, an imaginary win-win world for the rice industry of the Philippines.

Today, we all know what happened. Rice prices indeed dipped a bit, with a group of nameless private traders suddenly able to import 2 million tons of rice from Thailand and Vietnam. However, palay farmers, from Luzon to Mindanao, are devastated: palay prices went down, from P17 a kilo to P12 a kilo, which is the average cost of producing palay. In some places, palay prices even dipped to as low as P7 and P8 a kilo. As to the RCEP, it is nowhere to be found in the rice areas, for it is simply not yet in place.

Secretary William Dar, a cautious man, is one of those who cautioned against the fast-tracking of the rice tariffication law, explaining that the rice sector needs a gradual phase-by-phase transition to trade liberalization. He was for the vetoing of the Rice Tariffication law.

The problem is that this “transitioning” issue, which requires a series of adjustments and consultations between and among policy-makers and producers, was ignored by those who pushed for the 2018 RCEP and the much earlier 1996 Agricultural Tariffication law. Adhering dogmatically to their neoliberal economic paradigm, they held on to the assumption that a liberalized market for inputs and outputs will sort out

Takehiko Nakao.

ADB Private Sector Operation Director General Michael Barrow said he is seeing more and more countries open up to PPPs. “Every government, wherever I go, is talking about PPPs. It’s accepted, the

modality is accepted. I hope in the Philippines it continues…it is important to continue pursuing PPPs in the Philippines, which is behind in infrastructure due to years of underinvestment, lagging behind neighbors like Thailand, Malaysia

and Singapore.

ODA has its merits, but I believe that the government has to be extra cautious in managing the budget. In ODA, the country faces long-term repayments of fiscal burden. For me, it is more judicial to go though the

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS Continued from A1

A

ND yet, the country has not been lacking in prophets who have been proclaiming an agricultural renaissance for the country and redemption of the masses of rural poor from abject poverty. The most influential among these boom sayers are those pushing for the total deregulation of the sector in the name of global integration and competition. In 1994, at the height of the Senate debate on Philippine membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), they came up with the following projections for the agricultural sector: n 500,000 new jobs a year; n P60 billion gross value added a year; and n P3.2 billion net export surplus a year.

nothing unless in the context of a committed Christian way of life.

Locked out of the kingdom are those who cannot really claim to know Jesus and to be known by Jesus: only in the intimacy of love is one enabled to know Jesus as the Lord, and only through our deeds of love are we known for who we really are and where we are from. And mere familiarity with Jesus does not guarantee admission: listening to the words of Jesus without putting them into practice surely does not a Christian make, nor do inane rituals please God, for they wrong Him. Demanded is an authentic faith relationship with God manifested in the imitation of Jesus.

We have to humbly open ourselves to the divine criteria in contradiction to the standards of the world. It would be a painful paradox to end up looking in from the outside and seeing at the table in the kingdom of God people from the east and the west, and from the north and the south, defying our ideas of who deserve to be saved. It is part of the gift of salvation that some who are thought last will be first, while some who are thought, or who think of themselves, as first will be last.

Join me in meditating on the Word of God every Sunday, from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. on DWIZ 882, or by audio streaming on www.dwiz882.com.

things for producers and consumers, and in the end, efficiency and higher palay production would even be realized.

The Thai and Vietnam palay producers and rice exporters must be ecstatic over the rice tariffication/liberalization program of the Philippines. Their rice policies and programs are starkly different.

Thailand’s military government has continued the rice subsidy program of the past Thaksin government, which amounts to several billion dollars a year. It is supplemented by other support programs, such as assistance in irrigation, marketing and procurement of seeds.

Vietnam has a similar subsidy program, complemented by policies on the preservation of lands for the small holders (no to FDI on land management), promotion of rice intensification technology, and so on. Additionally, the Vietnamese rice farmers are fully supported by the Agricultural Bank of Vietnam, the country’s biggest bank with over 100,000 employees. This army of bank employees are the steady partners of the Vietnamese farmers, from production to trading.

Does the Philippine palay producers have similar credit partners and supportive government policies?

Obviously, this is one of the critical issues that Dar has to attend to. The RCEP, with its P10 billion a year budget, promises on paper the distribution of agricultural machinery and modern hybrid seeds. How this will be done in a segmented palay production system characterized by varying sizes of rice lands, varying land ownerships, and varying capitalization is still a puzzle that remains to be solved. The RCEP is also silent on the other requirements of successful palay production, such as support for the credit, irrigation, input procurement, marketing and human resources development requirements of palay producers. There is also the knotty issue of land reform.

And here, we are talking only of the palay-rice production-importation-distribution issues. There are other problems plaguing the agricultural sector. More on this in the next column.

PPP mode, most especially in commercially viable projects, to cash in on private capital flows and leverage private sector’s technical expertise.

For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at mvala.v@gmail.com

2nd Front Page BusinessMirror

A8 Thursday, August 22, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

MinDA wants Bangsamoro to export coco

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

M

@BNicolasBM

INDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Emmanuel F. Piñol will meet with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim chief Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim soon to discuss the possible enactment of a measure allowing the export of mature and green coconuts.

After seeking legal help, Piñol said on Wednesday the move could help Mindanao farmers “skirt restrictive national policies like the Marcos-era ban on exporting matured coconuts to the United States, China and the Middle East.”

“As President Duterte’s Point Person for the BARMM, I will meet with Chief Minister Ahod ‘Murad’ Ebrahim very soon to present the idea of helping the coconut farmers of the Bangsamoro region by asking the Parliament to enact a measure which would specifically allow the export of mature and green coconuts,” he said in his Facebook post.

Piñol said legal experts told him that it is within the powers of the BARMM parliament to pass

legislation that supports trade and commerce and enhances agricultural benefits for the Bangsamoro farmers, as well as allows the export of agricultural products.

The MinDA chief said legal experts cited provisions in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, particularly Article IV Section 2, giving the BARMM the freedom to pursue its political, economic, social and cultural development in the exercise of its right to self governance.

Aside from this, the Bangsamoro government shall also exercise its authority over the specified matters without prejudice to the general supervision of the President of the Philippines.

Among the matters cited in the

provision are agriculture, livestock and food security; ancestral domain and natural resources; and barter trade and countertrade.

Last week, the former agriculture chief renewed his call for Malacañang to lift the ban on the export of mature coconuts, noting that the Philippines is the world’s second biggest coconut producer and the largest exporter of coconut products. The ban on the export of mature coconuts has been in place since 1985 during the term of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Piñol added the ban was “mainly based on fears that the genetic materials from Philippine coconuts would be used by other countries to improve their coconut industry

and compete with ours.”

“Importers from the US, the Middle East and China have long been waiting for this and are offering a good price. The measure will certainly alleviate the hardships of coconut farmers in Mindanao,” he said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed coconut output in the fourth quarter of 2018 reached 4.03 million metric tons, up by 2.7 percent from 3.93 MMT in 2017.

Davao region topped the list of the top producers with a 12.8-percent share of total production followed by Northern Mindanao (12.2 percent) and Zamboanga Peninsula (10.8 percent).

Red Cross deploys tents to Iligan for dengue patients

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

F

OLLOWING the alarming surge of dengue cases in Iligan City, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon has ordered the immediate deployment of medical tents to the southern city to decongest several hospitals now overflowing with patients affected by the mosquito-borne disease.

“The rapid increase in dengue cases and deaths in Iligan requires an immediate action. We at the Red Cross are taking such action to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are

addressed,” Gordon said.

He said one of the hospitals to be supported by Red Cross through its medical tents is Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital, which requested the organization’s assistance.

Last August 6, the Department of Health officially declared a dengue epidemic.

Gordon cited reports showing that cases in Northern Mindanao have surpassed the epidemic threshold.

Iligan City ranks fourth in the region in number of dengue cases and tops the list in terms of death percentage.

PRC has been monitoring dengue cases all over the country through its

local chapters and earlier deployed medical tents in Cavite, Iloilo and Capiz.

Aside from emergency medical units (EMUs), the PRC has also provided almost 600 units of blood products to hospitals in areas with high dengue cases.

Chapters have also taken the initiative to lead cleanup efforts accompanied by beefed-up information dissemination about the disease.

The EMU 20-capacity cot bed tents are currently in Iligan City to accommodate dengue patients at Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital.

NINOY REMEMBERED Motorists pass the statue of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue in Makati TROPICAL STORM “INENG” ESTIMATED AT 1,135 KM EAST OF INFANTA, QUEZON SOUTHWEST MONSOON AFFECTING WESTERN SECTIONS OF LUZON AND VISAYAS as of 4:00 pm - August 21, 2019

City on Wednesday (August 21), his 36th death anniversary. Aquino was a former senator and opposition leader in exile who was gunned down at the airport tarmac as he returned home. His death sparked massive protests that culminated in the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship. ROY DOMINGO

Huge gaps in mobile broadband speeds seen across 5 PHL cities

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

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HERE is a huge disparity among five Philippine cities in terms of mobile broadband speeds and it comes as no surprise that Manila gained the top spot in a crowdsourced list.

Data from mobile analytics firm Opensignal revealed that mobile data Internet users in Manila enjoyed much faster download and upload speeds than their counterparts in Angeles, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. On the average, Manila had 81-percent faster average speed than Cagayan de Oro, a 73-percent margin versus Cebu and Davao, and a 47-percent difference from Angeles.

In terms of download speed experience, the Philippine capital clocked in 11.6 Mbps, with Angeles trailing behind at 7.9 Mbps, Davao at 6.7 Mbps, Cebu at 6.6 Mbps, and Cagayan de Oro at 6.4 Mbps.

“The Manila metro area is by far the largest urban zone in Manila, and we expect speeds to be faster in cities than in the country as a whole. But in this case, one city in the Philippines is much faster than the rest—and the differences in speed are quite large,” the Opensignal report read.

Manila also posted the fastest average upload speed in the Philippines at 3.4 Mbps. Angeles came in second at 2.7 Mbps, Cebu at 2.5 Mbps, Davao at 2.4 Mbps, and Cagayan de Oro, 2.3 Mbps.

“In upload speed experience the distance between Manila and the other cities wasn’t quite as large, but it was still significant. Our users in Manila experienced overall upload speeds of 3.4 Mbps, which was 26 percent higher than the average Upload Speed Experience in

Angeles and at least 36 percent higher than the average for Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro,” the report read.

While these results paint a picture of how operators have been focusing their resources in Manila over the past few years, this prioritization comes at no surprise to Opensignal.

“Operators typically focus their infrastructure and capacity upgrades in a country’s largest cities as it allows them to target a large portion of their potential customer base in relatively compact areas,” the report read.

It also cited that the populace in capital cities are often “wealthy and tech-savvy,” which “make excellent candidates” for new products and services.

‘Not just network resources’

BUT for Smart Communications Inc. Spokesman Ramon R. Isberto, the speed imbalance between Manila and the other cities in the Philippines is also due to the fact that people living in the capital have better handsets than those in other areas.

“One of the reasons for the difference of speeds is not just the network resources available in the cities, but also the handsets,” he explained to the BusinessM irror . “We have customers in Manila with handsets capable of carrier aggregation.”

Carrier aggregation pertains to the ability of a mobile device to mix different frequencies together to sport faster speeds. It could combine two frequency bands (2CC), three frequency bands (3CC), four frequency bands (4CC), or even five frequency bands (5CC).

Isberto further explained that while Smart has adopted a “default policy” of enabling carrier aggregation in its base stations equipped

with LTE, without the handset capability users cannot achieve speeds like that of Manila.

“The key there really is having the right handsets,” he said.

Smart is gearing up to enable all of its base stations with carrier aggregation technology by year-end. Currently, it is at around 80 percent to target, Isberto said.

Officials of Globe Telecom Inc. have yet to reply to the BusinessMirror’s queries as of writing time.

Striking a balance

OPENSIGNAL cautioned operators, however, to strike a better balance in the development of their infrastructure in other cities and provinces.

“Manila isn’t just the population center of the Philippines, it’s the cultural, economic and political hub as well. But Angeles, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Davao are hardly small towns,” the report read.

The four cities surveyed, it said, are “important regional business hubs and many of them serve as the administrative centers of their regions.”

It seems that the telcos are proactively building network resources outside of Manila.

The two companies, Globe and Smart, have so far signed several contracts with tower operators to build shared telco infrastructure in other areas, such as Cebu, Davao, Olongapo and Calabarzon.

For now, until those towers are set up, the speed gap between Manila and other cities may continue to persist, and this will set the capital apart from its neighboring Philippine cities.

“The Philippines clearly has two tiers of speed when it comes to urban areas: there’s Manila and there’s everyone else,” the Opensignal report read.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, August 22, 2019

B1

DUs with voided PSA may get 1-yr reprieve from DOE to allow time for holding CSP

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By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

OWER-SUPPLY agreements (PSAs) affected by the Supreme Court decision may apply for a temporary exemption before the Department of Energy (DOE).

Based on an advisory issued by the agency, the affected distribution utilities (DUs) may exercise

the provisions in Sections 2.2.2 and 2.2.4 of Department Circular (DC) 2018-02-0003, subject to

the limitations stated therein— specifically for not more than one year—during which time the DU must conduct the competitive selection process (CSP) for its longterm power supply.

“DUs with PSA that have been invalidated by the SC decision can apply for CSP exemption as provided in the 2018 DC. The exemption will only be for one year,” DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola said, adding that the one-year exemption will assure the DU of steady supply for one year while a

DOTr on COA report: Revenue down on fewer trains to meet safety issues

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

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HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified on Wednesday that the decline in revenues of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 that the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged earlier this month stems from its initiative of reducing the number of operating trains due to safety concerns.

In a statement, the DOTr said it decided to operate the train line with an average of 13 train sets instead of its whole capacity of 20 trains to prevent accidents from sudden breakages.

“Revenues require ridership, ridership requires trains, and it is unfortunate that the number of reliable and safe trains available to MRT 3 in 2018 went down due to years of neglect, bad maintenance practices, and failure to undertake scheduled overhaul and upgrading works,” the statement read.

The COA had concluded that the 26-percent decline in revenues in 2017 to P2 billion from P2.77 billion ultimately stemmed from the termination of the maintenance contract of Busan Universal Rail Inc., which, during its stint as upkeep provider, certified and deployed up to 18 op-

erational trains. The DOTr alleged that Busan was “force-deploying unreliable and unsafe trains” due to “commercial considerations of earlier maintenance providers, who get paid based on number of deployed trains, regardless of whether those trains break down during operations.”

The DOTr said it ended this practice when its maintenance transition team took over the upkeep of the railway, adopting a “no force deploying” policy to ensure the safety of passengers.

“These policies include not force deploying unreliable and unsafe trains, even if this lowers ridership and revenues, because current DOTr policy does not condone putting a price tag on passengers’ lives and safety,” the statement read.

Aside from this, the department also blamed the previous administrations for not implementing the “general overhaul” for the train line, as required every eight years.

Due to this alleged mismanagement, the rails started to degrade, the signaling system became obsolete, and the train’s wheel lathe machine became inoperable, among others.

This has led to reduced average running speed on commercial operations to reduce the safety risk of the train line. With fewer trains

and slower speeds, the MRT 3 was only able to serve 104.28 million passengers in 2018, a 26-percent decline from 2017’s annual ridership of 140.15 million.

Jica loan

THESE issues, the department said, are being addressed through a multibillion-peso deal with Japanese contractors and maintenance providers, which are being paid through an official development assistance (ODA) package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

“By July 2021, MRT 3 ridership is expected to increase from the current workday average of 320,000 up to 650,000, or near its peak of 622,880 passengers carried on a single day on August 17, 2012, addressing concerns raised by COA in its recent report,” the statement read.

The agency added: “In the meantime, the DOTr will remain committed to its passengers’ safety first policy, and will not gamble with passengers’ lives and safety, in exchange for increased revenues.”

Generating revenues from the railway line is crucial for the government as these are partly used to compensate the rent of the facility, which is owned by MRT Corp. of businessman Robert John L. Sobrepeña.

ONE OF ASIA’S TOP 100 BEST EMPLOYERS Emperador Inc., the world’s largest brandy company that owns Spanish brandy and sherry brands led by the iconic Fundador, as well as Scotch whiskey brands led by the Dalmore and Jura, was awarded as one of the region’s “Best Employers” at the recently concluded “Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2019” at Pan Pacific, Singapore. The recognition puts the spotlight on the culture of inclusivity and excellence that thrives within the company, as well as the organization’s efforts in cultivating the skill sets and competency of its employees. Shown in photo receiving the award is Kelsey Tan, managing director for international operations, Emperador Distillers Inc.

CSP is being conducted to replace the contracts affected by the SC decision.

During the one-year exemption, the rate shall not be higher than the latest Energy Regulatory Commission-approved generation tariff for the same or similar technology in the area. “It has to be lower than the approved rate of the same technology in the area,” stressed Delola.

The DOE said that affected DUs that will apply for CSP exemption shall submit documents in support

of their application, including but not limited to Board Resolutions, a copy of the negotiated PSA and supply and demand scenario showing impact of the SC decision on its supply profile.

The application for CSP exemption must also be accompanied by an updated Power Supply Procurement Plan of the concerned DU. The SC decision requires all PSAs forged after June 30, 2015, to undergo CSP. The CSP requires DUs to hold competitive bidding for their

supply requirements as against securing power deals via bilateral contracts. This is meant to ensure transparency and fair competition.

The SC decision stemmed from allegations that the ERC gave due preference to Meralco by extending the deadline for compliance of CSP. The ERC appealed the SC ruling.

However, this was denied recently.

The ERC said it would file a Motion for Clarification on how to implement the SC decision.

Del Monte to dispose of US production facilities as it restructures its operations

By VG Cabuag @villygc

C

AMPOS-LED fruit canner Del Monte Pacific Ltd. said it will dispose of many of its production facilities in the United States as it moves to an asset-light strategy as a means to restructure its operations.

The company said it will divest many of the production facilities of US subsidiary Del Monte Foods, a much bigger company than

Del Monte Pacific.

Facilities to be closed are located at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota and Mendota, Illinois, the company said, adding that production will cease at these facilities at the end of the current pack season.

Meanwhile, Del Monte’s Cambria, Wisconsin facility will be sold as an operating facility after completion of pack, it said.

The company said it will also be selling manufacturing assets at its Crystal City, Texas facility and intends to transfer production at this site to

outside locations later this year.

“This decision has been difficult and has come after careful consideration. This restructuring is a necessary step for us to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Our asset-light strategy will lead to more efficient and lower-cost operations,” Joselito D. Campos Jr., the company’s CEO and managing director, said.

“We are committed to doing all we can to provide the affected employees with resources and support,” he added.

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, August 22, 2019

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

August 20, 2019

Net Foreign Stocks Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Buy (Sell) FINANCIALS ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BDO LEASING COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

57 145 88 26.3 11.7 71.15 20.55 45.85 57.85 27.9 190 59 2.06 18.2 4.9 0.44 720 0.97 187.1 1.13

57.05 145.5 88.7 26.35 11.76 71.25 22.25 45.9 57.95 27.95 190.6 59.05 2.18 18.58 4.91 0.455 750 0.98 188.1 1.16

57.05 147 89.7 26.4 11.7 71.5 20.7 46.1 57.95 28 191.7 59.55 2.18 18.2 4.86 0.435 750 0.97 188.1 1.19

57.05 147 90 26.4 11.8 72 20.7 46.15 57.95 28 192.1 59.55 2.18 18.58 5.08 0.455 750 0.98 188.1 1.19

57.05 144.1 88 26.3 11.66 71.05 20.4 45.65 57.95 27.95 186.2 59 2.18 18.2 4.86 0.435 750 0.96 187 1.12

57.05 145 88 26.3 11.76 71.15 20.4 45.85 57.95 27.95 190.6 59 2.18 18.58 4.91 0.455 750 0.97 187.1 1.13

4000 1054810 1754730 76900 380200 890330 11400 522100 2660 1500 379950 21380 7000 1600 304000 70000 20 295000 2270 21000

228200 152918838 156030275.5 2026155 4446036 63523566.5 233510 23931865 154147 41945 72222769 1262325 15260 29196 1498380 31450 15000 286070 424803 24230

8796882 -25499245 -932495 -812996 -19335925.5 -10087900 3297310 -789505 -81480 18800 -

INDUSTRIAL ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO MANILA WATER PETRON PETROENERGY PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER VIVANT AGRINURTURE BOGO MEDELLIN CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV ALLIANCE SELECT GINEBRA JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR MACAY HLDG MAXS GROUP MG HLDG PEPSI COLA SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VICTORIAS CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP HOLCIM MEGAWIDE PHINMA TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR IONICS PANASONIC SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG

1.31 36 0.244 26.3 84.2 360.4 22.1 5.39 4.45 2.91 10.78 37 7.1 16.1 14.1 90.55 15.54 13.98 5.91 9.06 7.34 97.2 0.69 54.5 225.2 42 8.28 14.14 0.186 1.88 12.4 1.79 5.04 2.26 0.127 167.5 1.13 2.45 78 88.6 3.08 5.7 15.1 9.26 14.46 18.4 8.71 1.04 1.21 2.05 4.3 3.3 4.96 35.8 1.96 8.12 1.49 5.4 1.12 11.54

1.34 36.2 0.246 26.4 84.35 361 22.15 5.4 4.54 2.92 11.2 37.3 7.17 16.88 14.36 104 16.16 14.42 5.97 9.07 7.35 99.5 0.7 54.6 227.2 - 9 14.2 0.195 1.89 12.42 1.8 5.09 2.32 0.131 168 1.14 2.55 80 90 3.1 5.75 15.18 9.35 14.48 18.46 9.09 1.05 1.22 2.07 4.47 3.39 5.19 36.3 1.98 8.2 1.54 5.49 1.13 11.92

1.3 36.3 0.244 26 83.5 365 22.55 5.3 4.45 2.78 11.1 37.1 7.1 16.1 14.28 109 15.56 14.1 6.05 9.15 7.34 98 0.7 55 233.6 43.5 8.8 14.2 0.195 1.92 12.5 1.81 5.1 2.32 0.133 171.9 1.15 2.55 78 92.4 3.17 5.75 14.8 9.11 14.1 18.48 9.1 1.08 1.17 2.02 4.28 3.39 4.97 35.9 1.99 8.25 1.55 5.49 1.1 12.16

1.32 36.3 0.246 26.5 84.45 365 22.55 5.41 4.55 2.94 11.2 37.4 7.19 16.1 14.36 109 16.16 14.4 6.05 9.15 7.36 99.5 0.71 55.4 233.6 43.5 9 14.28 0.196 1.95 12.5 1.86 5.1 2.32 0.133 171.9 1.15 2.55 81.4 97 3.17 5.77 15.18 9.5 14.56 18.48 9.1 1.14 1.23 2.08 4.58 3.39 4.97 35.9 2 8.25 1.55 5.49 1.15 12.18

1.3 34.55 0.244 25.75 83.45 360 22.05 5.29 4.45 2.77 10.64 36.95 7 16.1 14.08 109 15.56 13.98 5.9 9.02 7.34 97.1 0.69 54 224.6 43.5 8.28 14.06 0.195 1.87 12.4 1.73 5.05 2.32 0.133 165.3 1.12 2.55 77.3 88 3.08 5.7 14.8 9.11 14.1 18.36 9.05 1.04 1.16 2.01 4.28 3.39 4.97 35.9 1.95 8.1 1.54 5.49 1.1 11.5

1.31 36 0.246 26.4 84.2 361 22.15 5.4 4.45 2.92 11.2 37 7.17 16.1 14.36 109 15.56 13.98 5.91 9.06 7.35 99.5 0.69 54.6 225.2 43.5 8.28 14.2 0.195 1.89 12.42 1.8 5.09 2.32 0.133 168 1.14 2.55 80.5 90 3.08 5.75 15.18 9.35 14.46 18.4 9.05 1.05 1.22 2.05 4.47 3.39 4.97 35.9 1.98 8.2 1.54 5.49 1.12 11.92

1088000 1461100 250000 2220300 306880 82340 1558000 2102700 37000 24055000 29500 155100 95300 2300 1489900 60 2500 225300 108700 377900 246500 119520 740000 102500 1045490 300 35700 91600 790000 16323000 286900 6901000 776900 12000 20000 539100 3934000 9000 7060 29430 6555000 19100 103200 1995900 590100 2004200 961100 360000 5439000 275000 144000 1000 24300 2000 8403000 52800 13000 3000 177000 168900

1424650 -1347150 52,473,840( 21,840,684.9993) 61060 58492495 29016325 25841768 4994887.5 29757936 -4169018 34648105 -9884270 11302415 4793337 165480 69,114,410( 3,068,450.0001) 326970 5742170 -2497480 676601 -107400 37030 21277428 8081128 6540 38960 3151580 -2820764 650135 -174596 3430998 -2186805 1810333 -1543850 11762660.5 -7278753.5 514620 5616992.5 762884.5 237298812 -104462122 13050 318070 1296918 -272660 154250 -17640 31183590 -3098080 3563600 -210970 12451950 -64000 3947083 -191099.0003 27840 2660 90842078 -5812491 4456860 -580 22950 553032 2645565.5 2767.0003 20325600 2065520 109605 1544472 882710 18474357 7218764.9997 8490730 405584 36877874 12170096 8698010 381150 6571890 -69190 566650 634350 3390 120771 71800 16578910 3107180 430664 22047.9999 20130 16470 198600 1992868 174732

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.82 14.54 945.5 50.7 13.18 3.73 7 0.68 1.21 1.23 6.76 9.22 13.7 4.14 0.225 880 67.15 5.24 6 0.495 4.63 13.46 0.58 4.98 0.038 1.33 2.78 1.39 1000 175.9 0.79 250 0.227 0.235

0.83 14.66 953.5 51.05 13.2 3.74 7.1 0.69 1.22 1.25 6.89 9.37 13.8 4.67 0.235 888.5 67.2 6.2 6.15 0.5 4.64 13.5 0.6 5 0.039 1.34 2.88 1.41 1010 177.3 0.81 256.4 0.23 0.239

0.84 14.78 951 51.7 13.3 3.79 7.1 0.68 1.23 1.24 6.94 9.46 13.6 4.67 0.225 883.5 67.15 5.5 5.97 0.5 4.64 13.5 0.58 5.09 0.038 1.25 2.88 1.41 1020 177.2 0.8 256.4 0.23 0.241

0.85 14.88 953.5 51.8 13.38 3.79 7.1 0.69 1.23 1.25 6.98 9.47 13.8 4.67 0.235 888.5 67.2 6.2 6 0.53 4.65 13.68 0.6 5.09 0.038 1.38 2.89 1.41 1020 178 0.83 256.4 0.23 0.241

0.8 14.4 941 50.55 13.08 3.64 7 0.68 1.2 1.23 6.76 9.18 13.6 4.67 0.225 865 65.8 5.21 5.97 0.5 4.6 13.44 0.57 4.96 0.038 1.25 2.88 1.39 997 175.5 0.78 250 0.23 0.235

0.83 14.56 953.5 50.7 13.2 3.74 7 0.69 1.22 1.25 6.76 9.24 13.8 4.67 0.235 888.5 67.15 6.2 6 0.5 4.63 13.5 0.59 5 0.038 1.34 2.89 1.41 1010 175.9 0.81 250 0.23 0.235

36308000 31500 263270 681420 10724000 2115000 12100 135000 737000 325000 153800 2763600 206100 1000 20000 73420 1271880 2700 19000 14000 299000 2043400 874000 46476600 1400000 815000 24000 40000 322340 168380 1290000 4790 10000 3130000

29825990 459192 249992085 34650573 141706450 7837390 85419 92310 895440 401950 1054600 25725160 2842960 4670 4600 64574530 85255336.5 16083 113810 7120 1380090 27577290 510710 232561280 53200 1082430 69330 56220 323363500 29644678 1025610 1203604 2300 736610

HOLDING & FRIMS

945110 37420180 -15027765 -37835656 -343190 113930 -316337 -6276108 -2314260 -19170265 18705251.5 1071 -441590 4831432 82378159.0001 -49400 -65681857.5 -10834658 -1070912 -21240

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.97 0.98 1.01 1.02 0.95 0.98 7211000 7048660 317990 ANCHOR LAND 10 10.38 10.38 10.38 10.38 10.38 5000 51900 AYALA LAND 49.35 49.5 48.6 49.5 48.5 49.5 7877600 387443275 -42529040 ARANETA PROP 1.93 1.98 1.93 1.98 1.93 1.98 7000 13760 BELLE CORP 2.17 2.19 2.15 2.2 2.15 2.17 312000 682130 -39170 A BROWN 0.81 0.82 0.8 0.81 0.8 0.81 190000 153000 CITYLAND DEVT 0.86 0.88 0.82 0.88 0.82 0.88 72000 60860 CROWN EQUITIES 0.233 0.235 0.225 0.235 0.225 0.235 410000 93070 CEBU HLDG 5.83 6.16 5.85 6.16 5.84 5.84 100900 589348 -408850 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.75 4.77 4.76 4.77 4.74 4.77 155000 736120 85420 CENTURY PROP 0.56 0.58 0.57 0.58 0.56 0.57 16168000 9202320 -282000.0001 CYBER BAY 0.4 0.405 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 30000 12000 DOUBLEDRAGON 23.2 23.55 23.4 23.6 23 23.55 149300 3483275 1141355 DM WENCESLAO 9.85 9.94 9.95 10.18 9.85 9.85 142700 1411265 -2985 EMPIRE EAST 0.46 0.47 0.46 0.47 0.46 0.46 3820000 1767450 -1200950 EVER GOTESCO 0.125 0.134 0.125 0.125 0.125 0.125 40000 5000 FILINVEST LAND 1.72 1.73 1.69 1.73 1.68 1.72 39975000 68548500 25163780 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.29 1.3 1.31 1.31 1.29 1.29 574000 744430 8990 HLDG 15.5 15.56 15.5 15.6 15.42 15.56 228600 3548352 -305060 PHIL INFRADEV 1.44 1.45 1.46 1.48 1.44 1.44 1440000 2096960 144340 CITY AND LAND 0.74 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.73 0.77 86000 64560 730 MEGAWORLD 5.27 5.29 5.3 5.34 5.25 5.29 20392700 107754385 30377686 MRC ALLIED 0.3 0.305 0.31 0.31 0.3 0.3 11840000 3594850 36350 PHIL ESTATES 0.435 0.445 0.435 0.435 0.435 0.435 120000 52200 PRIMEX CORP 2.03 2.05 2.01 2.05 2.01 2.04 517000 1057380 ROBINSONS LAND 24.7 24.8 24.75 24.8 24.5 24.7 3377800 83448030 -36159570 PHIL REALTY 0.385 0.395 0.385 0.385 0.385 0.385 170000 65450 ROCKWELL 2.4 2.41 2.38 2.41 2.35 2.4 557000 1333580 -201600 SHANG PROP 3.32 3.35 3.31 3.35 3.29 3.35 539000 1782040 732600 STA LUCIA LAND 2.49 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.35 2.49 3182000 7872760 190690 SM PRIME HLDG 35.4 35.7 34.75 35.7 34.7 35.7 11271800 398591015 -17061575 STARMALLS 5.65 5.92 5.96 5.96 5.63 5.88 66900 391741 -29350 SUNTRUST HOME 1.03 1.05 0.92 1.05 0.87 1.04 24577000 24535550 7059820 PTFC REDEV CORP 50 54 50 59 50 54 11600 619270 VISTA LAND 7.56 7.59 7.65 7.65 7.55 7.59 3993700 30276211 -21682709

SERVICES ABS CBN 18.7 18.9 18.3 18.7 18.3 18.7 569400 10557134 GMA NETWORK 5.3 5.39 5.31 5.41 5.3 5.39 401800 2139700 MANILA BULLETIN 0.44 0.465 0.445 0.465 0.44 0.465 270000 120200 MLA BRDCASTING 12.52 14 14 14 14 14 400 5600 GLOBE TELECOM 1899 1900 1930 1930 1883 1900 59930 113924545 -58317115 PLDT 1105 1108 1118 1118 1105 1105 132770 147408750 -80388130 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.046 0.047 0.046 0.048 0.046 0.047 3700000 173600 ISLAND INFO 0.109 0.112 0.109 0.111 0.108 0.111 710000 77580 ISM COMM 5.05 5.06 5.1 5.1 5.04 5.05 2043300 10331377 -525284.9998 NOW CORP 2.12 2.13 2.19 2.19 2.12 2.13 883000 1894100 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.315 0.325 0.315 0.325 0.315 0.325 590000 186650 PHILWEB 3.35 3.36 3.38 3.41 3.31 3.35 1197000 4015630 39920 2GO GROUP 9.9 10.18 9.9 10.2 9.9 10.18 10100 101224 -7920 ASIAN TERMINALS 18.52 18.8 19 19 18.52 18.52 630000 11958000 -11660 CHELSEA 6.73 6.74 6.74 6.8 6.66 6.73 486600 3269601 -32529 CEBU AIR 95.6 95.75 95.5 95.9 95.45 95.6 333640 31901576.5 -1510293.5 INTL CONTAINER 130.4 131 131.8 132.5 130 131 897960 117725537 33222216 LBC EXPRESS 14 14.62 14.02 14.62 14 14 2400 33668 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.92 0.89 0.92 242000 215860 MACROASIA 19 19.04 19.08 19.08 19 19 599500 11392748 2787020 METROALLIANCE A 1.26 1.43 1.2 1.5 1.2 1.43 58000 76610 METROALLIANCE B 1.29 1.56 1.27 1.27 1.27 1.27 9000 11430 PAL HLDG 8.1 8.12 8.05 8.2 8.05 8.12 11700 95770 HARBOR STAR 1.63 1.65 1.62 1.68 1.61 1.65 738000 1209650 29369.9999 ACESITE HOTEL 1.51 1.54 1.47 1.54 1.46 1.54 22000 32660 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.058 0.059 0.057 0.059 0.057 0.059 5730000 332270 11400 WATERFRONT 0.68 0.69 0.67 0.69 0.67 0.68 1647000 1119780 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.57 6.99 6.99 6.99 6.99 6.99 5000 34950 IPEOPLE 9.23 9.65 9.23 9.23 9.23 9.23 5000 46150 STI HLDG 0.68 0.69 0.69 0.7 0.69 0.69 443000 306330 BERJAYA 2.22 2.29 2.26 2.3 2.22 2.22 153000 344620 BLOOMBERRY 10.64 10.68 10.78 10.8 10.6 10.64 4009900 42690950 -27297230 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.64 2.65 2.62 2.66 2.62 2.64 33000 87390 LEISURE AND RES 3.2 3.22 3.18 3.22 3.18 3.21 177000 563820 -95400 MANILA JOCKEY 3.1 3.15 3.15 3.15 3.1 3.1 79000 245300 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.68 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.69 0.7 480000 331760 TRAVELLERS 5.46 5.47 5.45 5.46 5.45 5.46 4235300 23106932 -496860 METRO RETAIL 2.51 2.52 2.53 2.54 2.51 2.52 339000 853120 2520 PUREGOLD 45.2 45.5 45.05 45.5 44.8 45.2 623700 28145625 -139985 ROBINSONS RTL 77.3 77.55 77.5 78 77 77.55 518220 40191629.5 -13599721 PHIL SEVEN CORP 136 144.4 135.1 144.4 135.1 144.4 250 34312 SSI GROUP 2.74 2.75 2.94 2.94 2.74 2.75 10178000 28500140 1262380 WILCON DEPOT 16.58 16.6 15.88 16.72 15.86 16.58 3255300 53754678 15106814 APC GROUP 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.5 0.52 942000 471360 25000 EASYCALL 8.82 9.2 9.26 9.26 8.72 8.82 26500 237820 GOLDEN BRIA 423 425 425 425 423 425 1160 491940 127500 IPM HLDG 5.05 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.05 5.05 1600 8155 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.53 0.54 0.55 0.55 0.52 0.53 14160000 7549700 144510 SBS PHIL CORP 9.11 9.37 9.1 9.37 9.1 9.1 4600 41941

MINING & OIL ATOK 12.5 12.6 12.76 12.76 12.76 12.76 100 1276 APEX MINING 1.29 1.3 1.34 1.35 1.3 1.3 7236000 9504600 -148600 ABRA MINING 0.0016 0.0017 0.0017 0.0017 0.0016 0.0017 15000000 24500 ATLAS MINING 2.52 2.53 2.56 2.56 2.52 2.53 113000 286730 BENGUET A 1.15 1.22 1.11 1.15 1.11 1.15 20000 22800 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.27 0.28 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 50000 13500 CENTURY PEAK 2.72 2.75 2.72 2.72 2.72 2.72 411000 1117920 DIZON MINES 7.74 7.83 7.88 7.89 7.75 7.83 3300 25773 -3135 FERRONICKEL 1.41 1.42 1.45 1.45 1.42 1.42 2889000 4111970 -3135470 GEOGRACE 0.199 0.204 0.207 0.208 0.2 0.205 690000 140480 LEPANTO A 0.113 0.115 0.112 0.116 0.112 0.115 1800000 204910 MANILA MINING A 0.009 0.0097 0.0092 0.0097 0.009 0.009 18000000 165100 MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 24200000 256000 MARCVENTURES 1.05 1.06 1.03 1.06 1.01 1.05 80000 82330 1010 NIHAO 0.98 1.02 0.99 1.02 0.98 1.02 26000 25600 NICKEL ASIA 2.55 2.6 2.6 2.62 2.55 2.55 1307000 3360910 -5760 OMICO CORP 0.49 0.51 0.48 0.5 0.47 0.49 160000 78800 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.82 0.83 0.82 0.83 0.81 0.83 487000 397560 PX MINING 3.76 3.78 3.82 3.82 3.75 3.76 1090000 4110950 138750 SEMIRARA MINING 22.85 22.95 23 23 22.5 22.95 228700 5235330 2594640 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 9600000 111100 PHILODRILL 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 65300000 718300 5500 PHINMA PETRO 6.1 6.11 5.67 6.11 5.46 6.1 1362600 8060189 11400 PXP ENERGY 13.06 13.08 13.3 13.4 12.96 13.06 1840000 24137736 -1074684

PREFFERED

HOUSE PREF A 98 100 100 100 100 100 14070 1407000 AC PREF B1 495.2 499.6 499 499 499 499 1330 663670 AC PREF B2 498 504 504 504 504 504 10 5040 ALCO PREF B 101 104.9 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 1000 101200 DD PREF 101.1 101.8 101.2 101.5 101.1 101.5 14000 1418300 FGEN PREF G 105 107.3 107 107.3 105 105 17700 1864230 GLO PREF P 505 510 505 505 505 505 100 50500 GTCAP PREF A 970 995 967 970 967 970 270 261615 GTCAP PREF B 970 975 970 970 970 970 330 320100 LR PREF 0.99 1 1 1 0.99 0.99 58000 57600 MWIDE PREF 101.1 102 101.1 101.1 101.1 101.1 10 1011 PCOR PREF 2A 996 1020 996 996 996 996 120 119520 PCOR PREF 2B 1020 1030 1021 1021 1020 1020 5000 5101000 PCOR PREF 3A 1040 1045 1040 1040 1040 1040 1120 1164800 PCOR PREF 3B 1031 1040 1038 1040 1038 1040 860 894380 SMC PREF 2B 76 77 75.6 77 75.6 77 80 6136 SMC PREF 2C 78.3 78.5 78.65 78.65 78.5 78.5 113950 8945686 SMC PREF 2D 75.55 75.6 75.5 75.55 75.5 75.55 750 56630 SMC PREF 2F 76.95 77.2 76.95 76.95 76.95 76.95 2700 207765 SMC PREF 2G 75.65 76.1 75.8 75.8 75.65 75.65 8000 605950 SMC PREF 2I 75.6 76.4 76.4 76.4 75.6 75.6 40 3040 -

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

17.38 5.16

17.4 5.2

17.3 5.2

17.5 5.2

17.12 5.16

17.38 5.18

886300 329900

15397122 1710696

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.54

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ITALPINAS 7.38 KEPWEALTH 12.22 XURPAS 0.96

1.7

1.69

1.69

1.62

1.62

52000

85920

-

7.39 - 0.98

7.4 8.2 0.98

7.53 12.22 0.98

7.36 8.2 0.96

7.39 12.22 0.96

2365900 43404500 942000

17579081 454007176 914820

-273182 226742 -21370

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

118.6

-9130240 -303160

118.7

119

119

118.2

118.6

12970

1536792

1188548

www.businessmirror.com.ph

8990 to launch more projects outside MM for rest of the year

M

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ASS-HOUSING developer 8990 Holdings Inc. said it will launch three more horizontal projects worth P14.5 billion for the rest of the year.

Willibaldo Uy, 8990’s president, said the company will launch a total of 5,000 units of mass housing in Meycauayan in Bulacan, 3,200 units in Talomo in Davao and 2,100 in Leganes in Iloilo.

The Meycauayan project is seen to generate P8 billion in sales, the Davao project P4 billion, and Leganes P2.5 billion, Uy said.

“Iloilo is a good market. We keep on pushing and advancing our schedules because the units are being taken up. It seems there’s a lot of money in

Iloilo,” he said.

However, its condominium projects in Metro Manila will drive the growth of the company, since it earns more from it rather than the horizontal projects, he said. The company currently has projects in Tondo, Manila and in Ortigas Avenue extension in Pasig.

“Metro Manila is one where we can hit our targets and even surpass it. And the past few weeks, sales have gone up. July and August have not really been the best months for

us. It’s raining; its hard to bring people to the site, but now we get surprised when we get sales of 15 to 25 units per selling day,” Uy said.

“It’s a good sign,” he added.

8990 income rose 18 percent during the six months of the year ending June to P2.82 billion, from last year’s P2.39 billion, but this time mainly from the higher sales of its condominium buildings in Manila instead of its low-cost, horizontal projects.

Total revenues for the first six months of the year rose 17 percent to P7.01 billion, from P6 billion last year, the company said.

The company’s sustained bottom-line growth is being driven by its flagship project, Urban Deca Homes Manila with total units sold equivalent to around two buildings, the company said.

Some 42 percent of revenues came from sale of high-rise buildings, 23 percent from medium-rise

buildings and 35 percent from horizontal projects. On a regional basis, 67 percent came from Luzon, 23 percent from Visayas and 10 percent from Mindanao, the company said.

In the second quarter alone, the company had a P1.64-billion income, 19 percent higher than last year’s P1.38 billion.

Total housing units delivered rose 19 percent year-on-year to 4,934 units, the company said.

“Rising demand for affordable housing in the country has allowed us to sustain our revenue growth in the first half of 2019.

We are very confident of meeting our P13.5 billion target for the year,” Uy said.

Sales reservations increased 28 percent year-on-year to 5,785 units from 4,535 units last year.

Unrealized sales for the period stands at P1.32 billion which the company expects to realize toward year-end.

NREB pitches extended application for FiT

T

HE National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) will recommend to the Department of Energy (DOE) the extension of the deadline and expanded allocation target for run-of-river and biomass projects.

At present, developers of run-ofriver and biomass power generation plants have until end-2019 to finish their projects to qualify for the feed-in-tariff (FiT) that guarantees payment for their capacity output for 20 years.

The DOE has set an installation target capacity of 250 megawatts (MW) for run-of-river and biomass, respectively.

Att y. Monalisa Dimalanta, chairman of NREB, said the allotted capacity for biomass has been filled up while only less than 100 MW out of the 250 MW capacity for run-of-river has been filled up.

“For NREB, we will request.

We’ll formalize our request to the secretary to accommodate all the capacity that will be tested for FiT eligibility.

“For run-of-river, there’s no excess capacity. It will be filled up but they won’t be able to meet it within the year. It’s just that they can’t do the testing this year. For biomass, they will meet it within the year but it’s excess capacity,” said Dimalanta.

She concluded: “So, the request we’ll make to the [energy] secre-

tary is to accommodate both the extension on timeline for run-ofriver hydro and the excess capacity within the timeline for biomass.”

NREB is the advisory body tasked by law to recommend policies, rules and standards to govern the implementation of the renewable-energy (RE) law, which granted fiscal and nonfiscal incentives to RE projects.

For run-of-river projects, NREB will propose to extend the deadline to second quarter of next year from end-December this year. “I need to check the timeline but definitely by next year, second quarter,” she said, adding that for biomass there’s “no more deadline but [we] accommodate them because they already have their certificate of confirmation of commerciality.”

She said it is up to the DOE to decide. “We don’t know if the secretary will agree but that’s going to be our request to him that we accommodate both. I think the secretary is open to accepting the hydro one. It’s the 100 MW excess in biomass that we are still trying to convince [him about] because that one has the impact on FiT-All.” The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved a FiT rate of P5.90 per kWh for run-of-river hydro covering an installation target of 250 MW in 2012. The regulator then reduced the run-of-river hydro FiT to P5.8705 per kWh for projects completed in January to December

SEA Games facility contractor on track to meet deadline using Holcim stabilization technology

A

MID the rainy season, Holcim Philippines said that its partner-contractor is on track to finish the 7-hectare parking lot of the 2,000-seat Aquatic Center in New Clark City which will host several water events for the 2019 SEA Games from November 30 to December 11.

Using the cement-maker’s soil stabilization technology, Rapid Road Stabilizers Inc. (RRSI) has adopted a practice common abroad to make sure that the base is sturdier and less prone to erosion caused by inclement weather.

This allows the builder to prevent issues on durability that cause delays and reworks. Also, it helps the contractor manage costs as it reduces the requirement to replace existing ground with more suitable base materials from another location.

More than a thousand tons of Holcim binders are being utilized by RRSI to stabilize the ground for the parking area and help it meet the October deadline.

According to Holcim Philippines Head of Infrastructure John Edward Reyes, the project allows the company to further show the advantages of

soil stabilization, especially during rainy season.

“This is the biggest project thus far to use soil stabilization technology. We are confident it will deliver the promised benefits which will support our efforts to make the technology more widely used in the country,” he said.

Soil stabilization technology is part of Holcim Philippines’s continuing thrust to provide innovative offerings to help local builders amid the construction boom.

Currently, the building solution provider is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways-Bureau of Research Standards for its accreditation in government road projects.

Introduced in 2017, this technology has proven effective in delivering cost and time savings to several private road and pavement projects.

In March of this year, Holcim launched Solido, a blended cement alternative for infrastructure applications. It is touted as having superior performance over Ordinary Portland Cement in durability, strength and environmental footprint. Roderick L. Abad

2017 after reviewing and implementing the 0.5 percent digression rate.

The ERC also approved a FiT rate of P6.63 per kWh for biomass

MUTUAL FUNDS

in 2012 but reduced it to P6.5969 per kWh in 2017 to reflect the digressed rate for projects completed within the year. Lenie Lectura

August 20, 2019

NAV ONE YEAR THREE YEAR FIVE YEAR Y-T-D

PER SHARE RETURN* RETURN STOCK FUNDS ALFM ALFM GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 261.34 1.31% -1.52% 0.65% 3.62% ATRAM ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 1.5524 4.5% 2.31% 1.83% 7.75% ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 4.0542 -0.72% -2.88% -0.57% 3.87% CLIMBS SHARE CAPITAL EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND CORP. -A 0.9596 5.15% N.A. N.A. 6.5% FIRST METRO CONSUMER FUND ON MSCI PHILS. IMI, INC. -A 0.8688 2.28% N.A. N.A. 5.86% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN EQUITY FUND,INC. -A 5.4506 2.01% -0.45% 0.71% 3.36% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,6 0.8757 2.06% -4.73% N.A. 4.66% MBG EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND, INC. -A 119.01 7.28% N.A. N.A. 2.45% PAMI EQUITY INDEX FUND, INC. -A 52.2916 4.44% -0.52% N.A. 6.23% PHILAM STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 545.98 4.45% -1.37% 0.35% 6.07% PHILEQUITY DIVIDEND YIELD FUND, INC. -A 1.3232 3.77% -0.03% 1.77% 5.52% PHILEQUITY FUND, INC. -A 38.833 4.02% 0.71% 1.81% 6.01% PHILEQUITY MSCI PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,3 1.0372 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILEQUITY PSE INDEX FUND INC. -A 5.3092 5.35% 0.41% 2.34% 7.07% PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND CORP. -A 886.16 5.35% 0.11% 2.28% 6.97% SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 0.9188 5.89% -0.76% N.A. 6.84% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE EQUITY FUND, INC. -A 4.3456 5.32% 0.39% 1.88% 7.06% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND, INC. -A 1.0185 4.91% 0.07% N.A. 6.73% UNITED FUND, INC. -A 3.7381 4.83% 1.87% 2.73% 6.78% EXCHANGE TRADED FUND FIRST METRO PHIL. EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND, INC. -A,C,2 118.7562 5.79% 0.95% 3.33% 7.23% ATRAM ASIAPLUS EQUITY FUND, INC. -B $0.9249 -7.57% 0.86% -2.19% -0.45% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD VOYAGER FUND, INC. -A $1.266 -0.42% 6.53% N.A. 14.55% BALANCED FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ATRAM DYNAMIC ALLOCATION FUND, INC. -A 1.6892 0.72% -2.93% -2.09% 2.3% ATRAM PHILIPPINE BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 2.3242 1.99% -1.18% 0.52% 5.21% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN BALANCED FUND INC. -A 2.67 3.35% -0.25% -0.96% 4.99% GREPALIFE BALANCED FUND CORPORATION -A 1.3523 1.36% N.A. N.A. 3.68% NCM MUTUAL FUND OF THE PHILS., INC. -A 1.962 5.65% 0.28% 1.36% 6.45% PAMI HORIZON FUND, INC. -A 3.8277 6.65% -0.57% 0.8% 8.45% PHILAM FUND, INC. -A 17.1355 6.85% -0.59% 0.67% 7.72% SOLIDARITAS FUND, INC. -A 2.1603 3.61% 0.36% 1.85% 4.4% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 3.9215 6.19% 0.23% 1.41% 7.4% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2028, INC. -A,D,4 1.0287 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2038, INC. -A,D,4 1.0173 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2048, INC. -A,D,4 1.014 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A 1.0033 6.41% 0.18% 1.04% 8.85% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES COCOLIFE DOLLAR FUND BUILDER, INC. -A $0.03872 9.88% 2.35% 2.74% 9.69% PAMI ASIA BALANCED FUND, INC. -A $0.9633 -1.66% 0.89% -1.74% 5.43% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ADVANTAGE FUND, INC. -A $3.7137 2.63% 4.8% 2.63% 12.24% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR WELLSPRING FUND, INC. -A $1.1117 4.68% 3.14% N.A. 10.07% BOND FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 353.56 3.86% 2.25% 2.34% 2.94% ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC. -A,1 1.9113 2.59% 0.06% 0% 2.8% COCOLIFE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 3.075 5.5% 5.38% 5.3% 3.32% EKKLESIA MUTUAL FUND INC. -A 2.2188 4.51% 1.44% 2.18% 4.21% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND,INC. -A 2.3497 5.99% 1.46% 1.73% 6.56% GREPALIFE FIXED INCOME FUND CORP. -A P 1.6078 1.62% -1.48% 0.2% 2.77% PHILAM BOND FUND, INC. -A 4.3265 9.8% 0.81% 1.94% 10.38% PHILEQUITY PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.7492 7.75% 1.46% 1.78% 6.6% SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. -A 0.9542 5.82% -0.21% N.A. 7.07% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.0303 9.47% 1.94% 2.68% 9.56% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY GS FUND, INC. -A

1.6806 9.49% 1.47% 2.21% 9.14% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $462.87 4.21% 1.69% 2.78% 3.23% ALFM EURO BOND FUND, INC. -A Є220.02 2.9% 1.33% 1.58% 3.46% ATRAM TOTAL RETURN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -B $1.1945 6.83% 2.02% 2.54% 6.11% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $0.0259 4.44% 0.92% N.A. 4.44% GREPALIFE DOLLAR BOND FUND CORP. -A $1.7173 0.72% -2.16% 0.52% 1.6% PAMI GLOBAL BOND FUND, INC -A $1.1052 6.48% -0.3% -1.61% 6.65% PHILAM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $2.4139 11.11% 1.48% 3.65% 11.2% PHILEQUITY DOLLAR INCOME FUND INC. -A $0.0600888 5.8% 1.82% 2.04% 5.42% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ABUNDANCE FUND, INC. -A $3.1758 9.33% 0.91% 3.2% 10.57% MONEY MARKET FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 124.41 4.12% 2.61% 2.06% 2.92% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A,5 1.0203 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILAM MANAGED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 1.2382 5.59% 2.35% 1.44% 4.76% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 1.2513 3.92% 2.76% 2.14% 2.63% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR STARTER FUND, INC. -A $1.0309 2.2% N.A. N.A. 1.48%

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 - ADJUSTED DUE TO CASH DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JANUARY 29, 2018. 2 - ADJUSTED DUE TO STOCK DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JUNE 5, 2018. 3 LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 3, 2019.

4 - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 28, 2019. 5 - LAUNCH DATE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2019. 6 - RENAMING WAS APPROVED BY THE SEC LAST OCTOBER 12, 2018 (FORMERLY, ONE WEALTHY NATION FUND, INC.).

"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 | Editor: Angel R. Calso

The World BusinessMirror

Trump admits China policies may mean US economic pain

W

ASHINGTON—President Donald J. Trump acknowledged on Tuesday his aggressive China trade policies may mean economic pain for Americans but insisted they’re needed for more important long-term benefits. He contended he does not fear a recession but is, nonetheless, considering new tax cuts to promote growth.

to stimulate faster growth. He downplayed any idea that these thoughts indicate a weakening economy, saying, “I’m looking at that all the time anyway.”

Asked about his remarks, White House Spokesman Judd Deere said, “The president does not believe we are headed for a recession.

The economy is strong because of his policies.”

Trump faces something of an inflection point on a US economy that appears to be showing vulnerabilities after more than 10 years of growth. Factory output has fallen and consumer confidence has waned as he has ramped up his trade war with China. In private, Trump and his advisers have shown concern that a broader slowdown, if not an outright recession, could arrive just as he is seeking reelection based on his economic record.

Trump rattled the stock and bond markets this month when he announced plans to put a 10-percent tax on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports. The market reaction suggested a recession might be on the horizon and led Trump to delay some of the tariffs that were slated to begin in September, though 25-percent tariffs are already in place for $250 million in other Chinese goods.

The president has long maintained that the burden of the tariffs is falling solely on China, yet that message was undermined by his statements to reporters on Tuesday prior to a meeting in the Oval Office with the president of Romania.

“My life would be a lot easier if I didn’t take China on. But I like doing it because I have to do it,” Trump said.

The world economy has been slowing in recent months, and recent stock market swings have added to concerns that the US economy is not immune. A new survey on Monday showed a big majority of economists expecting a downturn to hit by 2021.

Addressing that possibility, Trump focused anew on pressuring the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. Presidents have generally avoided criticizing the Federal Reser ve publicly, but Trump has shown no inclination to follow that lead. Rather, he’s positioning Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to take the fall if the economy swoons.

“I think that we actually are set for a tremendous surge of growth, if the Fed would do its job,” Trump said. “That’s a big if.”

Trump recommended a minimum cut of a full percentage point in the coming months. AP

Asked if his trade war with China could tip the country into recession, Trump brushed off the idea as “irrelevant” and said it was imperative to “take China on.”

“It’s about time, whether it’s good for our country or bad for our country short term,” he said.

Paraphrasing a reporter’s question, Trump said, “Your statement about, ‘Oh, will we fall into a recession for two months?’ OK? The fact is somebody had to take China on.”

The president indicated that he had no choice but to impose the tariffs that have been a drag on US manufacturers, financial

markets and, by some measures, American consumers.

Trump was clear that he didn’t think the nation is at risk of a recession and that a boom was possible if the Federal Reserve would slash its benchmark interest rate.

“We’re very far from a recession,” Trump said. “In fact, if the Fed would do its job, I think we’d have a tremendous spurt of growth, a tremendous spurt.”

Yet, he also said he is considering a temporary payroll tax cut and indexing to inflation the federal taxes on profits made on investments—moves designed

OIL ADVANCES AS U.S. STOCKPILES REPORT OFFSETS RECESSION WORRIES

US sanctions are forcing Iran to ditch push to cleaner fuels

O

IL climbed after an industry report indicated that US crude inventories fell for the first time in three weeks, countering growing concern that the global economy is headed for recession.

Futures in New York rose as much as 0.6 percent after rebounding to close up 0.2 percent in a volatile session on Tuesday. The American Petroleum Institute reported a 3.45 million-barrel drawdown last week, people familiar with the data said. President Donald J. Trump said on Tuesday he could cut taxes without congressional approval as the US economy flashes recessionary warning signs.

Oil has slumped around 15 percent since late April as the trade war between the world’s two largest economies weighed on demand. Simmering tension in the Middle East and efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers to curtail output haven’t been able to arrest the slide.

“After a couple of surprise builds in the inventory, the drawback will certainly help support sentiment,” said Daniel Hynes, a senior commodity strategist at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. in Sydney. “But the market is definitely taking the glass-half-empty type approach to data” due to fears about the trade war and slowing growth, he said.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for October delivery added 20 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $56.33 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 7:28 a.m. in London after being up as much as 31 cents earlier. The September contract settled 13 cents higher at $56.34 as it expired on Tuesday.

Brent for October settlement climbed 35 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $60.38 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange after closing up 0.5 percent on Tuesday. The benchmark crude traded at a premium of $4.04 to WTI. The decline in US stockpiles in the API data is more than double the 1.5 millionbarrel-drop forecast in a Bloomberg survey. Inventories at the storage hub of Cushing, Oklahoma, fell by 2.8 million barrels, the API said, which would be the biggest decrease since February 2018 if confirmed by the official Energy Information Administration figures that are due later on Wednesday.Bloomberg News

I

RAN is about to burn a lot more fuel oil as a result of United States sanctions and new global shipping rules, reversing the nation’s progress in sw itching to cleaner-burning natural gas.

Power plants and other industrial facilities will burn more than 200,000 barrels a day of highly polluting fuel oil next year, double the amount Iran used in 2018, according to a forecast by Iain Mowat of consultant Wood Mackenzie Ltd. Iran produces a surplus of fuel oil, and the excess has swelled since the US began restricting the Opec member’s exports last year.

Sanctions also prevent Iran from importing the equipment it would need to refine the heavy oil product into less-polluting products like gasoline, and, even if they find a way, building refineries takes time.

The situation will only worsen once the International Maritime Organization (IMO) restricts the use of high-sulfur fuel oil for

most vessels starting January 1.

Commercial ships and power stations are the two main sources of demand for fuel oil. By curbing the shipping industry’s appetite, the UN agency’s new measure will leave Iran little choice but to burn more fuel oil at home to generate electricity.

Iranians “will have no choice but to dump it at whatever low price they can get for it, cut back on refining or use it themselves,” said Robin Mills, chief executive officer of Dubai-based consultant Qamar Energy. Since anyone buying Iranian fuel oil would run afoul of US sanctions, even rock-bottom prices might not be enough to stimulate sales, he said.

Iran is a prime candidate for flouting the next year’s new IMO rules by using high-sulfur fuel oil in its own fleet, Mills said. International ports, however, have arranged for harsh penalties for violators.

Iran’s government says it wants to build new refineries to process fuel oil into other products. Although refineries typically take

four years to complete, Tehran is hoping for faster results, said Sakineh Almasi, a spokesman for the Parliamentary Energy Commission, according to the parliament’s Icana news service. Almasi didn’t say how the government plans to work around US sanctions.

Meanwhile, Iran’s storage facilities for oil and fuel are filling up fast. Because the government prefers to reserve precious spare storage capacity for higher-value products, such as condensate, it can’t accumulate surplus fuel oil for long, Mills said.

Iran’s use of fuel oil to produce electricity peaked in 2013 and has since fallen sharply, as the country’s power plants switched to cleaner-burning natural gas. In the Iranian year ending in March 2018, they consumed about a quarter of the fuel oil they burned four years earlier, according to stateowned Thermal Power Plants Holding Co. A TPPH representative wasn’t immediately available to comment on the outlook for future consumption. Bloomberg News

Chinese papers attack Twitter, Facebook for shutting accounts

T

WITTER Inc. and Facebook Inc.’s move to close accounts that the companies said were backed by China and attempting to manipulate news about the protests in Hong Kong drew swift backlash from Chinese state media and Internet users.

The Communist Party’s Global Times and People’s Daily newspapers, as well as the state-run China Daily called the crackdown a “double-standard” in editorials published late on Tuesday.

“This is a full display of a double standard in action: saying one thing while doing another,” the People’s Daily said. “They suppressed Chinese netizens’ voices, but can’t suppress people’s motivation to reveal the truth.”

Twitter and Facebook have claimed that the Chinese government operated all the deactivated accounts, but they have given no “credible evidence” of their claims, Global Times wrote. “In addition, as Chinese government is so big, there are numerous links between the public opinion institutions and the government, but a large number of media also have a strong market orientation.”

None of the commentaries in Chinese media acknowledged that both Twitter and Facebook are already censored in China.

Internet users can access the web sites using special software, but this can also face government restrictions. Even though they are banned at home, many Chinese statemedia companies use them to advertise and put out news in English and Chinese. Twitter also said it would stop accepting advertising from state-run media worldwide.

China has long exercised tight control of its domestic media, censoring news on certain topics and muzzling critical coverage of the government. Its control of the Internet has intensified under President Xi Jinping, with restrictions on sending some political news via messaging apps and the deletion of thousands of social-media posts in a “Cleaning the Web” campaign that began in 2014.

Public ire

THE removal of accounts also drew the ire of Chinese social-media users. A post questioning Facebook and Twitter’s motives by a blogger using the moniker Yuanmuqingfang was viewed more than 95,000 times on WeChat, the nation’s most popular messaging platform.

“How do they confirm the governmentlinked backgrounds of these accounts, by

guessing? Even if they are linked, do they have no right to speak?” the blogger asked. “Freedom of speech should mean that as long as you don’t break the law, anyone has the right to say anything, including the government itself.”

A Weibo user called SpaceMusic said his Facebook account had been shut down. “When we don’t go there, they mock us for having no freedom; when we go there and state our stance, they accuse us of being instigated by the government and shut us down. Is this the freedom of speech that they touted?”

“Ludicrous claim”

THE two firms made the “ludicrous and irresponsible“ claim that the Chinese government was behind the “fake accounts” but failed to provide evidence, the Englishlanguage China Daily newspaper said in a commentary. The move is an attempt to “claim the moral high ground and abuse their monopoly to control information and stifle freedom of speech.”

The China Daily article ends by suggesting the two firms reflect on “their inglorious record of being accomplices of the US government in inciting revolutions” around the world. Bloomberg News

Thursday, August 22, 2019

B3

UK, EU harden their conflicting positions on Brexit as G-7 nears

B

RUSSELS—The European Union and Britain, which are hurtling toward a costly, damaging no-deal split in a little over two months, kicked off a high-wire week of diplomacy on Tuesday by entrenching themselves deeper in their irreconcilable positions.

H i g h l i g ht i n g ne w Br it i s h Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s determination to leave the bloc on October 31, even if no Brexit divorce deal is in place, his government said, as of September 1, it would stop attending all EU meetings where its vital interests were not at stake. Johnson’s Downing Street office doubled down on the message later, stating that unless the trade backstop on the Irish border was abolished “there’s no prospect of a deal.”

The EU, which is not known for its speedy diplomacy, took only half a day to rebuff a four-page proposal by Johnson on breaking a deadlock over ensuring a transparent border between the EU’s Ireland and the UK’s Northern Ireland. The bloc said one key part of the proposal was “incorrect” and another “misleading.”

In the diplomatic note from the EU Commission and Council to the EU’s remaining 27 nations, which was obtained by The Associated Press, the member states were strongly urged not to give in to Johnson’s demand that the legal withdrawal agreement the EU negotiated with his predecessor, Theresa May, be changed at this late stage.

Johnson demanded late Monday that the EU reopen Brexit negotiations, scrapping “antidemocratic” provisions for the Irish border that he said would threaten the peace process in Northern Ireland.

European Council Chief Donald Tusk responded quickly and vigorously, defending the so-called backstop—an insurance policy meant to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“Those against the backstop and not proposing realistic alternatives, in fact, support reestablishing a border,” Tusk tweeted on Tuesday. “Even if they do not admit it.”

The backstop would keep Britain closely aligned with the European customs union if the two sides can’t agree on other ways to prevent the reintroduction of border checks on people and goods moving between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

The EU’s diplomatic note said it needed to counter Johnson’s assertions, insisting, “It is incorrect to state that the people of Northern Ireland have no influence over the legislation that would apply to them.”

Similarly, it said “the letter’s suggestion that two separate legal, political, economic and monetary jurisdictions already exist on the island and can be managed with an open border is misleading.”

Such words left a huge rift be-

IN this July 31, 2019, file photo, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during the first meeting of the National Policing Board at the Home Office in London. A key part of the divorce proposals between the EU and Britain centers on keeping the island of Ireland free of physical borders between EU-member Ireland and the Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. AP PHOTO/KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH

tween the sides, just as Johnson was preparing to visit German Chancel lor A ngela Merkel in Berlin on Wednesday and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. His trips should culminate in more talks at a summit of G-7 leaders this weekend in Biarritz, France.

On a rare note of guarded optimism, Merkel suggested on Tuesday that a “practical solution” could still be found for the Irish border issue, making the backstop superfluous. But she said finding such a solution wouldn’t require reopening negotiations on the current Brexit deal.

Johnson has vowed to leave the EU “come what may” on October 31, with or without a deal aimed at softening the transition.

To that effect, UK Secretary of State Steve Barclay said on Tuesday that the diplomatic corps “will only go to the [EU] meetings that really matter, reducing attendance by over half and saving hundreds of hours.” He said that would free up time for ministers and staff “to get on with preparing for our departure on October 31 and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.”

But Johnson is facing rising criticism of his Brexit strategy at home. A leaked report showed that the British government is preparing for widespread shortages of food, fuel and medicines in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party, vowed late Monday to do “everything necessary” to prevent the UK from leaving the EU without a deal. That includes calling a no-confidence vote in Johnson’s government and, if it succeeds, competing in the ensuing general election with a pledge to hold a second public vote on Brexit.

After a 2016 referendum in which the public voted to leave the EU, May spent more than two years negotiating a Brexit divorce agreement with the bloc. It was repeatedly rejected by British lawmakers, primarily because of concerns about the Irish border. AP

B4 Thursday, August 22, 2019

AsianSIL Junior Scholars’ Conference fosters emerging international law practitioners in Asia

Judge Iwasawa

Judge Jin-Hyun

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HE AsianSIL Junior Scholars’ Conference convenes on August 21 at the University of the Philippines College of Law and serves as a prelude to the 7tth Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law. Following the main conference’s theme, “Rethinking International Law: Finding Common Solutions to Contemporary Civilizational Issues from an Asian Perspective”, the Junior Scholars’ Conference highlights the work of junior academics, academic fellows, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students.

Prof. Jean Allain of Monash University and Beijing Normal University is slated to give the keynote speech. Prof. Allain is a prominent legal scholar on issues relating to human trafficking and modern slavery. He is a Special Adviser to Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organization working to free the world from all forms of slavery and related abuses.

Judge Owada Topics such as “Law of the Sea, Transboundary Environmental Harms and Global Commons”, “International Legal Norm Entrepreneurship, International Legal Theory and Foundational Issues”, “Comparative Approaches to International Human Rights Law and Mechanisms, Women and Gender”, “International Law and Domestic Courts and International Economic Law Contributions and Challenges in Asia”, and “Armed Conflict and Terrorism in Asia and International Criminal Law” will be tackled during the event.

More than 60 junior academics from Asia and across the globe will be presenting at the conference, with foreign and local senior academics and international law practitioners on hand to provide guidance and serve as senior commentators.

The Junior Scholars’ Conference is organized by the Asian Society of International Law with its partners, the Department of

Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Society of International Law (PSIL), the UP Diliman Law Center, and the University of the Philippines College of Law. The Junior Scholars Conference Committee is headed by Professor Elizabeth AguilingPangalangan of PSIL. The conference is supported by Sycip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, the Department of Tourism - Tourism Promotions Board, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Divina Law, Estelito Mendoza and Associates and Fortun Narvasa & Salazar.

The Asian Society of International Law is an international non-partisan, non-profit, and non-governmental organization based at the University of Singapore - Faculty of Law. AsianSIL serves as an international forum for scholars and practitioners of international law, and promotes research, education, and practice of international law by serving as a center of activities in Asia. It fosters and encourages Asian perspectives and promotes awareness and respect for international law in Asia.

AsianSIL is headed by its President, Atty.

Harry Roque.

Registration for the Junior Scholars’ Conference is free. Law students are encouraged to attend and expand their knowledge of international law and the academe. Registration and further information can be accessed through the event’s website at https:// asiansilconf2019.com and through AsianSIL’s website at https://www. asiansil.org.

Be healthy inside and out with Max International’s patented, science-based health products

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EAUTY that is literally beyond skin deep, according to Max International Vice President for Asia Joey Sarmiento, is what Filipinos should aspire for, given today’s fast-paced lifestyle that has likewise accelerated the aging process.

“Health should be our barometer for what is beautiful. Pretty features can do very little if you are unhealthy or are suffering from a chronic disease,” Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento knows fully well where he is coming from – Max International which has been in the country for a decade now, after all, is known as THE Glutathione Company, and glutathione has become synonymous with achieving fair skin.

Glutathione is known to strengthen the immune system, neutralize many different types of free radicals, and protect

against oxidative stress.

According to clinical research, glutathione, chemically known as GSH, is the “most important” antioxidant produced within body’s cells, playing a key role in tissue building and repair and in supporting the immune system.

It is, however, difficult to supplement the glutathione already present in one’s body the way vitamins or other nutrients can be easily taken. The digestive process breaks down GSH into unusable components before it can reach the cells, making oral consumption almost impossible.

RiboCeine™ was the end-result of the years of research done by Dr. Herbert T. Nagasawa, who, through the 1960s and 70s, saw how the Second World War left veterans in despair and dependent on alcohol,

including his own brother who suffered from cirrhosis.

This prompted Dr. Nagasawa to develop a way to better prevent alcoholics from developing fatty livers, thereby reducing the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure. He and his team sought to boost the body’s natural production of GSH through RiboCeine™, which, once ingested, enters the bloodstream and delivers cysteine and ribose direct to the body’s cells, not only supporting glutathione production but also providing important fuel and energy for those cells.

Today, RiboCeine™ is the keystone ingredient in several of Max International’s products, including Cellgevity and MaxOne. MaxOne, in particular, is purely 100% RiboCeine™, which means it is safe even for people with allergies to shellfish and mushrooms as there are no additional active ingredients.

Cellgevity, on the other hand, features an advanced RiboCeine™ formula with 12 synergistic ingredients – including aloe leaf, Vitamin C, broccoli seed extract, resveratrol, and grape seed extract, among others.

“We at Max International believe that you should be healthy inside and out,” said Max International Global President Jim Stevralia. “Glutathione is the most powerful component of our body’s antioxidant defense system. It is even more powerful than Vitamin C – increasing our energy and slowing down the aging process,” he added.

MORE THAN 13,000 STUDENTS AND YOUTH LEADERS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND ABROAD, gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena last August 17, 2019, for the annual Global Youth Summit, organized by Global Peace Foundation and SM Cares. Global Youth Summit (GYS) is the country’s largest gathering of future leaders, who came to engage with industry experts, and discussed concrete actions on global issues that mattered to them the most. GYS supports the United Nations Youth Strategy for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Klook celebrates 2nd birthday, finds its new home in Manila

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MBODYING its commitment to serve the Philippine market, Klook has invested in a new home in Metro Manila. Located at The Curve at Bonifacio Global City, the chic office takes design cues from local Filipino heritage, with wooden rattan accents, vibrant wall murals, and hints of local culture in its 500 sqm space. The beautifully-designed interior and overall construction created

by Fadz Construction Inc. provided Klook employees with an ideal work environment that would allow their rapidly growing team of young professionals to function optimally and create more exciting offerings for Filipino travelers.

As it also marks its second birthday in the Philippines, Klook has lined up amazing plans to outdo itself and bring even better travel deals and experiences to those eagerly planning their next trip.

Among the things to look forward to is the upcoming Klook Travel Fest 2019 on September 7 - 8, 2019 at the World Trade Center.

Travelers can look forward to huge discounts on popular attractions like

Hong Kong Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan while learning insider tips from travel icons and rocking out to live music during the 2-day travel fest —all free of charge. For even more excitement, there will be giveaways galore, such as free flights, luggage sets, cars, travel accessories, and the like. Klook will also offer fabulous birthday deals, such as buy two, take one deals, and a VVIP Monsta X concert with tickets priced at Php 12,500.

“We’re glad to know that Klook has been warmly received by many Filipinos travelling both locally and to other destinations around the world. With the travel market growing quickly, Klook will definitely expand its presence and offerings in the Philippines as we evolve together with traveler’s needs and continue to provide value-laden, one-of-a-kind deals that people will enjoy,” said Michelle Cruz, Market Lead of Klook Philippines.

To join the biggest, and most out of this world Klook Travel Fest 2019, sign up at https://www.klook.com/en-PH/ activity/24283-travel-fest-2019-manila/.

Piolo Pascual is new ambassador for Andok’s Spicy Dokito

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AUNCHED in 2004, fried Dokito now comes with spicy version using real chili during marination to ensure both spiciness and flavor will penetrate the meat of the chicken for a real hot treat down to the last bite. Andok’s uses only the best hot peppers in the market to bring daredevils a culinary adventure with Spicy Dokito.

Things get spicier as Andok’s welcomes its first-ever celebrity brand ambassador, Piolo Pascual.

Andok’s sili-est brand ambassador, the well-loved TV and movie actor, singer, model, producer, animal advocate and sought-after brand ambassador, is already a household name.

Beyond the cool and professional persona that Piolo projects to his fan, colleagues regard him as funny and makulit, with his “kakulitan”

not annoying and in fact made even cuter by his charm and good looks.

“I feel blessed to be trusted by brands and their customers. Andok’s is a brand that offers affordable and delicious products to positively impact the lives of Filipinos one product at time.

I have been a big fan of Andok’s products and I am honored to have been chosen as their firstever celebrity ambassador,” Piolo shares.

“Piolo embodies the Andok’s brand, which is about bringing joy and having genuine love for one’s craft. Having him as our first celebrity ambassador was an easy decision for us as he embodies joy, life and enthusiasm. He is here to really bring out the sili-ness out of everyone.

We are very excited to have him as part of the Andok’s family,” said Maverick Javier, Andok’s Executive Vice President.

CDO TO ATTRACT MORE DOMESTIC TOURISTS THROUGH REGIONAL TRAVEL FAIR. The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), will expand its domestic footprint with the commencement of the 5th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in the City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de Oro. Around 100 participants from different travel trade sectors, government agencies, and exhibitors, including local travel and tour agencies, hotels, resorts, and airline operators, are expected to be onboard at the Limketkai Center from August 23-24 to showcase the best of the Philippines. The RTF program includes a 2-day business-to-consumer (B2C) expo wherein exhibitors shall offer exclusive and affordable tour packages that will ultimately increase the volume of domestic travellers around the country. Additionally, a half-day travel exchange (TRAVEX) table-top session will take place for participating buyers and sellers to generate direct sales and business leads, meet new partners and renew deals. Through the event, the TPB will highlight how domestic visitors play a significant role in the entire Philippine tourism industry.

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Thursday, August 22, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

ALL ABOUT MONEY

TIGER WOODS greets fans as he walks to the 14th fairway after hitting his tee shot during the final round of the BMW Championship at the Medinah Country Club on Sunday. AP

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By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

TLANTA—The FedEx Cup is still about the money.

Whoever wins this week at the Tour Championship gets $15 million, more than Greg Norman’s career earnings on the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour.

The FedEx Cup might one day be as much about prestige.

Tiger Woods (twice), Vijay Singh and Jim Furyk won the first four FedEx Cup titles, and all four will be in the World Golf Hall of Fame if they’re not in already. The last four winners were Justin Rose, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. That’s good company to keep.

The FedEx Cup was never about major championships.

Woods is absent from East Lake, this time not by choice but because he didn’t qualify.

It stands out because of his last two victories, Nos. 80 and 81, both in Georgia.

The first was the Tour Championship, the most electric moment in golf all of last year. Woods won at East Lake to cap a remarkable return from four back surgeries, a DUI arrest stemming from his reliance on painkillers and his own fears that he would never compete again.

Memories would be a lot stronger if he were here.

Instead, he becomes the seventh player to win the Tour Championship and not be eligible to return the following year during the FedEx Cup era.

Should he be at East Lake?

It seems that way because of his other victory, this one in April at Augusta National, as captivating as any of his 15 majors. Woods said Sunday at Medinah when his season officially ended that he was disappointed and he wished he could be at East Lake. But he hardly was torn up over it, for one reason.

“I’m the one with the green jacket,” he said of winning the Masters.

He also has company.

British Open champion Shane Lowry didn’t make it to East Lake, either. He has a claret jug at home in Ireland to console him.

This is the fifth time in 13 years of the FedEx Cup that at least two major champions were not at the final event, usually with extenuating circumstances involved. Five major champions who didn’t make it to East Lake were not PGA Tour members, three of them in 2010—Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen and Martin Kaymer.

The last time was in 2016, when Masters champion Danny Willett and British Open champion Henrik Stenson fell short. Willett didn’t become a PGA Tour member until after he won the Masters. Stenson had a knee injury he wanted to protect for the Ryder Cup and wound up playing just two playoff events.

Given their stature, it would seem the majors should get more FedEx Cup points than a measly 20 percent bump. For example, Woods received 600 points for winning that little invitational at Augusta National. That’s only 100 points more than Kevin Tway got for winning the Safeway Open.

Could it be more? Sure.

Does it need to be? Not necessarily.

Would anyone even be talking about major champions not being at East Lake if not for Woods being one of them?

FOR WOODS, MASTERS WIN MEANS MUCH MORE M

EDINAH, Illinois—For the fifth time in the last six years, August on the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour means no more Tiger Woods for the rest of the season. Only now he’s healthy.

He also is the Masters champion. And that makes it a season he wouldn’t trade.

“Very special to win my 15th major and get my fifth jacket,” Woods said Sunday. “Those are special moments to be able to have an opportunity like that.

And the rest of the tournaments I didn’t really play as well as I wanted. But at the end of the day, I’m the one with the green jacket.”

Rarely has Woods smiled so wide after not meeting a goal.

His season ended at Medinah, where he won two PGA Championship titles at the peak of his game and his health. He closed with an even-par 72 in the BMW Championship and tied for 37th, nowhere near what he needed to move into the top 30 in the FedEx Cup and advance to the season-ending Tour Championship next week at East Lake.

“It’s disappointing,” Woods said about not returning to Atlanta. “I wish I could have. Last year culminated in a pretty special moment for me, and it would have been nice to go back there. But I’ll be watching the guys on TV.” It will be the 15th time in his career that Woods did not show up to defend a title on the PGA Tour, remarkable considering that Fred Couples only won 15 times in his career. The other occasions of not defending a title usually involved a change in the schedule, a tournament ending or health reasons.

This is the first time because he wasn’t eligible.

He started the PGA Tour postseason at No. 28 but withdrew after a 75 in the first round at Liberty National with what he called a mild oblique strain. That dropped

him to No. 38 in the FedEx Cup, and he finished at No. 42.

It was mildly surprising that Woods even made it to Medinah to give it a try, and he looked fairly normal, except for some rust. He gave it his best shot at returning to the scene of perhaps the biggest moment in golf last year—a victory at East Lake, with thousands of fans spilling inside the ropes to watch Woods cap off his comeback from four back surgeries by beating the best players.

And then he did it again where it really matters—a major.

Woods needed some help from Francesco Molinari’s tee shot into Rae’s Creek on the 12th hole in the final round at Augusta National, and similar blunders by Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau, but he looked like the Woods of old instead of an old Woods with his mistakefree finish for a 15th major, his first in 11 years.

Just like that, the count to Jack Nicklaus and his 18 majors was on again.

Instead, that was as good as it got.

Woods spoke vaguely of his back not being right in the cold of Bethpage Black for the PGA Championship in May, his first tournament since the Masters. He never got on track at Pebble Beach for the US Open. After another long break, he missed the cut at the British Open and then simply wanted to get home.

But he won the Masters, and that makes up for a lot.

“It’s like I told him coming off 18, he’s got the jacket.

That’s all that matters,” caddie Joe LaCava said. “I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t disappointed with the second half of the season. If I was happy and satisfied, I shouldn’t be in the industry.”

LaCava also has a sense of how Woods is feeling at age 43 with eight surgeries—four on his knee through 2008, four on his back since 2014.

“By the time we get around to next year, he’ll be

refocused and be ready and get after it,” La Cava said.

The season is over. The year is not.

Woods heads home for a nine-week break before returning for the first PGA Tour event in Japan at the end of October. He has his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas the first week of December, followed by his role as US captain in the Presidents Cup at Australia’s Royal Melbourne.

He did not make the team. It would be surprising if he picked himself, especially playing only one tournament in Japan, for one of his four captain’s choices.

Woods finished the season with 12 tournaments, his shortest PGA Tour season when healthy without any outside distractions. He wasn’t always tournament sharp, and now he has two months of no competition.

“I think right now the most important thing is fitness, for sure,” Woods said. “Keep going the way I’m going right now because I need to get a little bit stronger in certain body parts, activate different areas. I need to get those parts stronger and then starting building up my game for Japan.”

He won’t be in Georgia next week for the Tour Championship.

Instead, Woods will be at home in South Florida, where he has a green jacket to remind him that yes, it was a year worth celebrating. AP

Because while the PGA Tour has drastically changed its season with the FedEx Cup format, what hasn’t changed is what matters—winning majors. The reward for capturing a Grand Slam event is worth far more than having a tee time at East Lake and a chance to win $15 million.

Besides, it’s not like Woods and Lowry didn’t have the opportunity.

Woods played only six times after he won the Masters—three times he failed to make the cut, the other three he was a combined 39 shots behind the leader—and finished the season with 12 events.

Lowry played 14 times, a product of having only conditional status at the start of the year. He had middleof-the-pack performances at two playoff events. He finished 57 points short of East Lake, which equates to being two shots better at Liberty National and at Medinah.

“I think what it says is that it’s really hard to get to Atlanta and the Tour

Championship,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “You’ve got to play exceedingly well over the course of an entire season. And with volatility, there’s risk.”

The volatility refers to the playoff events offering four times as many points. If any change should be considered, perhaps triple the value would do the trick.

Or the tour could double the points for the first event and triple the points for the next one.

It really doesn’t matter.

The majors are over. Names are etched on silver trophies and in golf lore.

The FedEx Cup is merely an end-of-the-year competition to keep golf compelling and to give the PGA Tour season a definitive end. It hasn’t done any harm. If anything, it has kept the best players competing against each other after the majors.

And they all get rich when it’s over.

Total bonus money for the 30 players who made it to Atlanta is $46 million. That’s what they will be chasing over the next four days.

Woods and Lowry now can only look behind them.

The view is just as sweet.

EYES ON PUTT Andy Ogletree eyes his putt

during the final round against John Augenstein at the US Golf Association Amateur Championship at the Pinehurst Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina, over the weekend. AP

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Thursday, August 22, 2019

HOOPS STAR FIGHTS CANCER S

YRACUSE, New York—The question “Why me?” has entered her mind, but Tiana Mangakahia knows these things happen all the time.

The 24-year-old star point guard for the Syracuse women’s basketball team was diagnosed with breast cancer about two months ago, and now she is halfway through chemotherapy.

Mangakahia spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday since acknowledging on July 1 she had the disease. The announcement by the red-shirt senior sent shock waves through the Syracuse program.

The Australian is one of the nation’s top women’s players. She said her condition has caused her to think more about life’s simpler things, but she maintains she’s still the same person.

“There are certain things you can’t control,” she said. “You just have to kind of handle it and get through it.”

In early June, Mangakahia noticed a lump on her left breast, and things progressed quickly. She received a biopsy in mid-June and a mammogram. On June 18, her doctor called

her and told her she had Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma.

When she asked the doctor to explain what it was she couldn’t comprehend it. She had stage 2 breast cancer. When the shock subsided, she called Coach Quentin Hillsman to ask if they could meet.

Hillsman said the two cried for 30 seconds.

Hillsman said that after wiping away the tears they started thinking of a plan: how to fight this.

Mangakahia met with numerous members of the athletic department. She decided to go public because of all the backing she gets from fans. #Tough4T trended on Twitter. An outpouring of support came from all over.

“When you recruit a kid and you tell their parents, ‘Have them come here. We’re going to take care of them. I’m going to look out for them. I’m going to make sure nothing happens to them,’” Hillsman said. “...We have an obligation as coaches, as a university to make sure that our student-athletes are well taken care of.”

She has completed four of eight treatments.

Mangakahia said the feedback from doctors has been good, and she will have a better understanding

of her status after more tests Friday. She will apply for an extra year of eligibility and hopes to return to Syracuse for one last year in 2020-2021.

There are bad days, of course.

Hillsman can only think of one, but in the days following her chemotherapy treatments Mangakahia said she feels fatigued and remains mostly immobile. But everything otherwise feels pretty normal, she said, and now she envisions a day when her fight will end, and she’ll win.

Nowadays, support comes from many places: family, the Syracuse program, fans.

On a good day now, she’ll wake up, have something to eat, shoot around and in the afternoon and spend time with friends. That’s when things are good.

“It’s just a part of the process,” she said. “I know I need to go through more bad days to get to the better days.” AP

Athletes warmly welcome para badminton worlds

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TIANA MANGAKAHIA knows these things happen all the time. AP

Sun gets public trial for doping hearing

Gasly demoted, Albon promoted

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ENEVA—Chinese swimmer Sun Yang will get the rare public trial he asked for to answer an appeal by the World AntiDoping Agency (Wada) that could lead to his ban from the 2020 Olympics.

The open hearing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will probably be in Switzerland but is “unlikely to be before the end of October,” the court said on Tuesday.

Sun is following another three-time Olympic swimming champion, Michelle Smith de Bruin of Ireland, as the only athletes opting not to have a closed-door hearing in the sports court’s 35-year history. She lost her case in 1999.

His lawyers said last month that Sun “objects to being tried by the Australian press.”

Details of evidence in the previously confidential court process were published on the eve of the world championships held last month in South Korea.

Swimmers from Australia, Britain, and the United States objected to Sun being allowed to compete in Gwangju while the appeal case was pending. After Sun won the 200 and 400 meters freestyle events, medalists from Australia and Britain made silent protests at the podium.

China’s first Olympic swimming champion won two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and one in Rio de Janeiro four years later. He could be banned from the Tokyo Games next year because of incidents at his home in China last September.

A collection team sent to take blood and urine sample failed to complete its work in an escalating late-night dispute.

Sun disputed an official’s credentials, and a vial of blood handed over to his entourage was destroyed with a hammer.

Wada challenged swim body Fina’s verdict in January that a warning was enough for Sun, who served a three-month ban in 2014 for a positive test.

The first case involving a substance then classed as a stimulant was conducted in relative secrecy in China and only later announced by Fina.

The CAS hearing should be the first in public since the European Court of Human Rights last year said athletes should have more rights to open the sports court to scrutiny. AP

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ILTON KEYNES, England—Red Bull Racing has demoted Pierre Gasly after just 12 races of the Formula One season and promoted Alexander Albon to race alongside Max Verstappen.

The team says French driver Gasly will return to Toro Rosso while it uses the next nine races “to evaluate Alex’s performance in order to make an informed decision as to who will drive alongside Max in 2020.”

Gasly has struggled to keep up with Verstappen since being promoted from Toro Rosso at the end of last season. He has just 63 points compared to Verstappen’s 181 and failed to make the podium this season.

Albon became the first Thai driver in F1 in 65 years when he made his debut at this year’s Australian Grand Prix. He impressed in races in

THE US’s Gwen Berry competes in the women’s hammer throw at the Golden Grand Prix track and field event in Kawasaki, Tokyo, in May 2017. AP

12 MONTHS PROBATION FOR PROTESTERS

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ENVER—The letters went to the two protesters. The message was meant for a much wider audience.

The CEO of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee sent letters of reprimand to hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden for protesting on the medals stand last week at the Pan American Games, but the 12-month probations that came with the letters also included a none-too-subtle signal for anyone vying for next year’s Olympics.

“It is also important for me to point out that, going forward, issuing a reprimand to other athletes in a similar instance is insufficient,” Sarah Hirshland wrote in the letters sent Tuesday.

The Associated Press obtained copies of the documents.

Neither Berry’s raised fist nor Imboden’s kneel-down on the Pan Am medals stand were met with immediate consequences, in part because they happened at the tail end of the

games that were wrapping up in Lima, Peru.

Hirshland’s letter was as clear a sign as possible that athletes who try the same next year in Tokyo could face a different reaction.

It’s the International Olympic Committee’s role to discipline athletes who break rules that forbid political protest at the Olympics— much the way the IOC triggered the ouster of John Carlos and Tommie Smith after their iconic protest in 1968—though national federations can get into the mix, too. Before going to the Olympics, athletes sign forms stating they’re aware of the rules and won’t break them.

“We recognize that we must more clearly define for Team USA athletes what a breach of these rules will mean in the future,” Hirshland wrote. “Working with the [athletes and national governing body councils], we are committed to more explicitly defining what the consequences will be for members of

Team USA who protest at future Games.”

Neither athlete immediately returned messages sent to them by AP via their socialmedia accounts and agents.

Both will be eligible for the Olympics next summer, when the United States will be in the heat of a presidential campaign.

In a tweet sent shortly after his team’s medals ceremony at the Pan Am Games, Imboden said: “Racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list” of issues that need to be addressed.

Berry said she was protesting social injustice in America, and that it was “too important to not say something.”

Hirshland said she respected the perspectives of the athletes and would work with the IOC “to engage on a global discussion on these matters.”

“However, we can’t ignore the rules or the reasons they exist,” she wrote. AP

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and moved to Florida when she was 3, is currently ranked 24th and would have been seeded for the US Open.

She is an up-and-coming star in women’s tennis who reached the semifinals at the French Open in June at age 17.

Anisimova upset defending champion Simona Halep in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, before losing to eventual champion Ash Barty in three sets.

Her first WTA title came in April at Bogota, Colombia.

As a junior, Anisimova won the 2017 US Open girls’ title, beating Coco Gauff in the final.

Wimbledon semifinalist Barbora Strycova, meanwhile, was knocked out of the Bronx Open on Tuesday with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 loss

to Bernarda Pera.

Strycova was the No. 3 seed and was playing her opening match in the new Women’s Tennis Association tournament after receiving a first-round bye. But the 33-year-old Czech, the oldest player in the field, was handled easily by the American wild-card entrant over the final two sets on a hot afternoon after winning the first set.

Pera will play No. 5 Katerina Siniakova, who had rolled to a 6-0, 3-0 lead over Anastasia Potapova before the Russian qualifier retired.

The other quarterfinal matchup set up Tuesday will feature Camila Giorgi, who outlasted Andrea Petkovic ,3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3), against Alizé Cornet, who was leading 7-6 (5), 4-0 when Zhu Lin had to retire with an injury. AP

China, Monaco and Germany.

Formula One has extended the Mexican Grand Prix through 2022, keeping a race that draws some of the season’s biggest crowds on the calendar.

The Mexican Grand Prix is in the final year of its original five-year contract and there were doubts about its future as the federal government wanted to stop its financial aid for the race.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Scheinbaum said recently the new deal will not use government money and the race will be supported with private funds.

The Mexico race has been the event where Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton clinched his season championships in 2017 and 2018. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the race both of those years. AP

Japanese more aware of Paralympics than Britons were before London 2012

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ITH just over a year to go until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons has cited survey data which shows higher levels of awareness within Japan than in Britain at an equivalent time before London 2012.

The findings were accumulated by a survey on a sample of 3,000 people by Dentsu, the giant Japanese advertising and PR agency. It comes with the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics opening on August 25 of next year.

“We are now seeing the results of some interesting research,” Parsons told insidethegames. “We have found that the awareness of and interest in the Paralympics in Japan was much higher with two years to go than it was in Britain at the same stage before the London 2012

American teen out of US Open after dad’s death EW YORK—American teenager Amanda Anisimova withdrew from the US Open on Tuesday because of the recent death of her father and coach, Konstantin.

A statement from family members, released by Anisimova’s representatives, said: “We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our father. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and ask that you respect our privacy.”

The US Tennis Association announced that Anisimova had pulled out of the year’s last Grand Slam tournament, where main-draw play begins Monday.

Anisimova, who was born in New Jersey to Russian parents

HE Badminton World Federation (BWF) Para Badminton World Championships will get under way this week with eyes already on the sport’s Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 next year.

The 2019 Championships will take place in Basel, Switzerland, from tomorrow until August 25, with more than 300 athletes from 49 nations taking part.

It is the 12th edition of the Championships and is the first to be held concurrently with the BWF World Championships at the same venue, the newly renovated Saint Jakobshalle.

Athletes are excited about the competition and the exposure it can provide for their sport.

“It is a big opportunity for us as the Parabadminton athletes, because I’ve never seen such a big media interest in our sport before,” said Karin SuterErath of Switzerland at the welcome press conference.

“I think having both these events together will help grow the sport of Para-badminton,” Jack Shephard of England, the reigning SS6 men’s singles world champion said. “I’m looking forward to watching the matches and learning from the able-bodied athletes so that I can include some of the skills into my game.”

The World Championships also offer qualification places and points for the Paralympics, meaning there is more pressure on the athletes than ever before.

“It is great that these events are together this year as it provides the last opportunity for all our athletes to be in one place before we embark on our quest for the Olympics and Paralympics,” said Japan’s Yuma Yamazaki, currently ranked No. 1 in the world in the women’s doubles wheelchair category with partner Sarina Satomi.

Insidethegames

AMANDA ANISIMOVA withdraws from the US Open. AP

Paralympics—which is incredible.”

“And of course London went on to have a fantastic Paralympics. There were questions like ‘can you name a single Paralympics figure?’ and ‘how many Paralympic athletes do you know?’ and ‘what do you know about Paralympic sport?’” Parsons said.

“This result has been achieved because our commercial partners are making such a good job of promoting Paralympic athletes ahead of the Games. So the Japanese know more about Paralympic athletes at this stage than the UK population did,” he added.

Data from the Dentsu survey shows that 23 percent of Japanese people knew about wheelchair tennis player Shingo Kuneida, the former world No. 1 who won Olympic golds at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

The general figure for awareness of the Tokyo Paralympics was 95.6 percent, compared to 96.8 percent for the Tokyo Olympics. Insidethegames

orts

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Thursday, August 22, 2019 C3

GRAND SLAM WITHIN SIGHT T PACIFICTOWN Army’s Jem Nicole Gutierrez scores against Choco Mucho’s Madeleine Yrenea Madayag (7) and Mary Grace Ng Masangkay. NONOY LACZA

51-MINUTE SET PLAYED IN PVL! T

HIS is for the books—a set played for 51 minutes!

Veteran-laden PacificTown Army rallied from a draining loss in the opening set to hack out a 39-41, 19-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-12 decision over Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season 3 Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.

The first set marathon is the longest ever played in Philippine volleyball in recent memory.

The set could already stand alone as a completed lopsided match.

The entire duel was over in two hours and 56 minutes.

The Lady Troopers came back strong late in the third set then forced the decider by dominating the fourth but nearly blew a four-point lead in the fifth and needed some a break from a crucial non-call to complete their come-from-behind win—their second straight after toppling BanKo-Perlas in four last Wednesday.

The Flying Titans, impressive in their sweep of the BaliPure Water Defenders last week, dropped to 1-1 won-lost after failing to complete their own comeback from 6-10 down in the fifth set.

The league’s one of two newcomers came charging back behind Cindy Imbo’s three straight hits and the Flying Titans forced a tie at 10 on a Jem Gutierrez’s attack error.

But after Royse Tubino and Imbo traded hits, Nene Bautista’s attack failed to sail over the net but escaped the eyes of the refs, paving the way for a Jovelyn Gonzaga attack that sparked a 4-1 windup for the Lady Troopers to the chagrin of Choco Mucho Coach Oliver Almadro and to the disappointment of the Flying Titans’ fans.

The result, however, failed to take the luster off the match that set a new standard in the league organized by Sports Vision with the longest set ever disputed that saw the Flying Titans save 11 set points.

“We tried to keep pace and I told them that we should control the tempo,” said PacificTown-Army Coach Kungfu Reyes.

Gonzaga flashed vintage form and fired 24 points and finished with 26 digs and 16 excellent receptions while Tubino backed her up with 21 points, Bautista chipped in 13 points and Gutierrez and Malaluan added eight hits apiece.

Kat Tolentino topscored for Choco Mucho with 23 points while Maddie Madayag and Bang Pineda ended up with 15 and nine points, respectively.

Air Force, meanwhile, proved too much for Lyceum of the Philippines University and fashioned out a 25-11, 25-15, 25-18 romp in a big start to its title-retention drive as Adamson University rallied to stun Emilio Aguinaldo College at the start of the Spikers’ Turf Season 4 Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila also on Tuesday.

The Jet Spikers unloaded 30 attack points, twice more than their rivals, came through with 11 blocks as against the Pirates’ six and scored 30 points off the latter’s miscues to complete the 59-minute victory in Pool B action of the fourgroup tournament that drew 24 teams.

Madz Gampong fired 10 points while Alnakran Abdilla turned in a superb all-around game of nine markers, seven digs and four receptions for the Jet Spikers, who also got contribution from almost all who saw action, including Fauzi Ismail (seven points) and Nino Jeruz and Kim Malabunga, who scored five markers each.

Juvic Colonia scored nine points while Kier Tibayan had six markers for the Pirates.

The Falcons, on the other hand, overcame a 1-2 set deficit and hacked out a 20-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 15-12 decision in Pool A. University of Perpetual Help shook off a shaky start and dominated Coast Guard in the next three for a 22-25, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21 victory in Pool C.

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“I mishit my approach shot on No. 1 and it went into the water. But I was able to recover again and my putting clicked,” added Juntanaket, who birdied the next six holes after that double-bogey start, added two more on Nos. 9 and 11 then negated a bogey mishap on No. 13 with back-toback birdies before dropping another stroke on the 17th.

Coming off a missed cut stint in Taiwan, Pattaranakrueang was more than satisfied with her fiery start she anchored on superb putting then said she would rather play it smart tomorrow and stay focused on the task at hand.

“My game is great compared to last week in Taiwan. I missed just three fairways and two greens and my putting had been very good,” said Pattaranakrueang, who nipped Cyna Rodriguez in playoff to snare the Luisita crown last year.

“Tomorrow [today] I will just play my game and try to control myself and be not too aggressive but smart,” added Pattaranakrueang, who made the turn with a mediocre one-birdie, one-bogey card but got into the groove and birdied Nos. 10, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17.

Sangkagaro and Hwang hit five birdies each to negate their bogeys on the par-5 16th as they stayed in the mix after finishing second and joint third, respectively, last week in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Sharing the day’s spotlight was Yoopan, who aced the 157-yard No. 6 with an 8-iron Callaway EP using a Titleist Pro V1 ball that went with her two birdies against a lone bogey for solo fifth while Ikeda, winner at Midlands last May, birdied the first two holes but failed to sustain her charge, ending up with two bogeys against two more birdies.

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Gerry Peñalosa, said the fight is the biggest challenge of his life.

“This is a world championship. It’s my biggest challenge. It’s the first time I’m facing a Mexican,” he told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at Amelie Hotel in Manila.

Peñalosa carries a 14-1 won-lost record with

career, even as a junior standout and a top Tamaraw for Far Eastern University.

The former KaTropa proved his mettle off the bench and because of his consistency in the entire series highlighted by clutch hits, Romeo hoisted the Finals MVP trophy.

Austria said the winning attitude has turned into a tradition for the Beermen.

“The players just don’t want to stop winning.

They can still do it. They are able to compete the young guys and how important experience is in winning the championship,” Austria said.

The Beermen tapped National Basketball Association G-League player Dez Wells as reinforcement in the Governors’ Cup. Besides San Miguel Beer, only two other teams in the PBA’s fabled history have completed a grand slam—Crispa Redmanizers in 1976 (Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan) and 1983 (Tommy Manotoc) and Alaska in 1996 (Tim Cone).

Ramon Rafael Bonilla

Enriquez resumes hunt in Cotabato netfest

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YDNEY ENRIQUEZ hopes to flash top form coming off a break as she shoots for another two title sweep in the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Cotabato City national age group tennis tournament which gets going on Thursday at the Cotabato City Tennis Society courts.

Close to 200 players are vying for top honors in various divisions in the Group 2 tournament with the sponsoring PPSPEPP and host Cotabato City Tennis Society putting up a novel 8-under unisex division to accommodate the kids wanting to get a feel of tournament play.

“It’s inspiring to see that players as young as eight years old and below have shown interest in playing in a tournament format and we hope to put up more of this [8-under unisex] category in our future tournaments,” said Palawan Pawnshop President and CEO

Bobby Castro, referring to the youngest division that features siblings Matteo and Uno Calingasan, Rafa Ubag and Reuben Calzado, among others.

But focus will still be on the 16-year-old Enriquez, the star from Salug, Zamboanga del Norte, who has dominated her age bracket and the premier 18-under category in the General Santos City, Kidapawan, Ozamis, Tangub, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental stops of the nationwide circuit presented by Dunlop.

The Palarong Pambansa champ, however, expects to have her hands full this week against the likes of Judy Ann Padilla, Mae Gulagula and Teya Quinanola with Zkyla Cervantes, Joanne Gornez, Shiela Balinas and Jlo Ramirez joining the title chase in 18-under play.

Keen competition is also seen in the boys’ 18-U side headlined by Eric Jay

Cignal all out to dethrone Petron in Superliga semis

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TIRANAN YOOPAN aces the 157-yard No. 6 with an 8-iron Callaway EP using a Titleist Pro V1 ball

Peñalosa-Flores fight for IBO flyweight crown set

HE stage is set for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) world flyweight title clash between Filipino Carlo Peñalosa and Mexican Maximino Flores at the TV5 Studio on Saturday in Novaliches.

The 26-year-old Peñalosa, nephew of former two-division world champions Dodie Boy and

complacency.

“When you win two championships, there’s a tendency to relax—and that’s exactly what happened in 2017,” said Austria, who was feted for his eighth PBA championship as a coach by no less than San Miguel Corp. top honcho Ramon S. Ang during the celebration.

Import Chris McCullough rose to the occasion for the Beermen when it mattered most and outmaneuvered his most illustrious counterpart, Terrence Jones of TNT who was named Best Import, to help deliver the team to a record 27th crown in the league.

But it was also the toughness of the local veterans of San Migiel Beer who stood out in the classic six-game series. Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo were indefatigable with Christian Standhardinger playing like a bull on a mission and, of course, Terrence Romeo.

Romeo achieved his fervent goal—a championship—that has eluded him his entire

SAN MIGUEL Corp. top honcho Ramon S. Ang fetes the Beermen in a victory party on Tuesday night. NONOY LACZA

Thai Nemittra, Pattaranakrueang share Lipa golf tilt lead with 66s EMITTRA JUNTANAKET picked up from where she left off last week, shooting a six-under 66 for a share of the lead with a latecharging fellow Thai Supakchaya Pattaranakrueang as they wrested control by two at the start of The Women’s Championship at Summit Point in Lipa City on Wednesday.

Five days after scoring a wire-to-wire breakthrough triumph in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Mount Malarayat Classic, Juntanaket is at it again, bucking another fumbling start with a startling run of birdies although she missed grabbing the solo lead with a bogey on the par-three 17th of the par-72 layout which boasts of 18 of the world’s premier golf holes.

That enabled Pattaranakrueang to grab a piece of first day honors as she gunned down six birdies in a flawless backside finish that lined her up for a crack at the second Ladies Philippine Golf Tour crown following her maiden romp at Luisita last year.

But Korean Hwang Min-keong and another Thai Pimpadsorn Sangkagaro churned out a pair of 68s and Tiranan Yoopan, also from Thailand, shot a 69 she spiked with an ace on No. 6 and Chihiro Ikeda, Ajira Nualraksa and defending champion Yupaporn Kawinpakorn turned in identical 70s in a first day battle marred by early drizzle and ended in scorching condition.

“The course is great and very easy to manage,” said Juntanaket, whose faulty start sparked hopes of another successful campaign in the P750,000 tournament sponsored by ICTSI. The 22-year-old Pha-yao native also made a triple-bogey to open her campaign at Mount Malarayat but bounced back to salvage a 72 and went on to win the event by six for her first LPGT triumph and second career win.

HERE’S no other way but toward a grand slam for two-conference champion San Miguel Beer.

But the Beermen, in the words of Head Coach Leo Austria, must first share off the ghost of the 2017 season.

San Miguel Beer was on the verge of bagging its second grand slam in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)—after its successful run in 1989 under Norman Black—in 2017 when they were halted by sister team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals of the season-closing Governors’ Cup. “We have another chance and I hope the team has learned its lesson,” Austria said on Tuesday’s party celebrating the Beermen’s conquest of the Commissioner’s Cup at the expense of the TNT Katropa at the SMC Headquarters at the Ortigas Center.

The Gin Kings went on to win the crown, 4-2.

Austria said that his wards’ biggest foe is

seven knockouts.

The 28-year-old Flores, who will challenge Peñalosa for the vacant crown, also graced the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The more experienced boxer with a record of

FTER posting an earthshaking win in their first encounter, Cignal tries to dethrone Petron in a sudden-death semifinal battle of the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Action fires off at 7 p.m. with the HD Spikers looking to complete a massive upset of the Blaze Spikers to punch a ticket to the best-of-three finals.

F2 Logistics had already booked its finals ticket following a masterful 25-19, 25-23, 17-25, 25-19 conquest of Foton in the other semifinal battle late Tuesday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

That makes this do-or-die match doubly interesting as Petron suddenly finds itself

fighting for dear life after ruling this midseason conference for the past couple of years and winning all but one game in the double-round preliminaries.

Veterans Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga spearheaded the ambush, delivering clutch hits in the deciding set to power the HD Spikers to a 25-20, 10-25, 16-25, 27-25, 15-11 win in their first semifinal encounter.

Cignal Coach Edgar Barroga lauded his wards, saying that the pressure is on Petron as it tries to keep its dream of winning a three-peat alive.

“We came here with nothing to lose.

The pressure is now on Petron,” said Barroga following their thrilling encounter that lasted until the wee hours of Tuesday. “We’re going to do our best in this fight of our lives.”

24-4-1 and 17 knockouts, Flores said he trained three months for the fight.

“I’m physically and mentally prepared. It doesn’t matter what the judges will say. It’s up to them. Even if he [Peñalosa] wins as long as I win the hearts of the fans, it’s okay with me,” said Flores through an interpreter.

Also gracing the forum were the four finalists of the Ultimate Boxing Series: Kamaong Pinoy, a reality show put up by Gerry Pennalosa’s boxing

promotions company and fully backed by TV5.

“This is our way of giving young and promising boxers a break as we search for our new boxing heroes,” said Penalosa of the series that began four months ago with over a hundred undefeated boxers.

It’s now down to four—April Jay Abne and Ronel Sumalpong for the UBS flyweight title, and Lienard Sarcon and Aljum Pepesio for the bantamweight crown. The event is free to the public.

Tangub, Nilo Ledama, Steve Aton and Kris Espinoza with Tangub and Espinoza also leading the 16-under roster that includes Aslan Carbonilla and Rene Lagamon.

Carbonilla, on the other hand, gains the top seeding in 14-U class which also drew the likes of Armando Saldivar, Jason Flores, Wayne Jumawan and AJ Bering with Padilla, Gulagula, Alyssa Dino and Marie Josue topbilling the girls’ 14-under cast.

Pete Bandala, Jairez Ramirez, Yusuf Maldo and Inigo Barros loom as the players to beat in 10-under unisex with Bandala also vying in the boys’ 12-under category along with Bering, Jumawan and Saldivar with Marilyn Mesiona and Dyan Natano set to dispute the girls’ 12-under diadem in the event sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-MEG.

Aquathlon up in Imus

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LOSE to 300 young and seasoned multisport athletes from all over the country are vying in the Vermosa Sports Hub Aquathlon 2 set on Sunday at the Vermosa Sports Hub along Daang Hari in Imus City, Cavite.

The event is part of the Vermosa Sports Hub Multisport Series 2019 and the Sun Life Aquathlon Series organized by Bike King Philippines.

The shortest course in the event consists of a 100-meter swim and 600-meter run for kids (age 7 to 10), while the longest course is a 1-km swim and 1-km run (15 and older).

At stake in the event are specially designed medals and gift packs for the top three finishers of each agegroup category.

The event serves as the final race of the Vermosa Sports Hub Multisport Series 2019 which included an aquathlon (March) and a triathlon (June). The year’s top athletes will receive awards also on Saturday.

The awarding ceremony is set at 10 a.m. at the swimming pool area.

Ex-baseball players linked to drug ring

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ANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic— Authorities in the Dominican Republic have arrested former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and cited ex-infielder Luis Castillo for their alleged links to a drug-trafficking and money-laundering ring, officials said Tuesday.

Dominican Atty. General Jean Alain Rodríguez said police are also actively pursuing the alleged leader of the ring, César Emilio Peralta, also known as “César the Abuser.” Castillo—not the current Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher—has not yet been arrested.

“Eighteen other people are linked to this network, including athletes and baseball players Octavio Dotel and Luis Castillo,” Rodríguez said in a news conference, calling it

“the most important drug-trafficking structure in the region.”

He said Peralta created a complicated system of companies to hide the origins of his assets, using members of his family and social circles, “including two sports figures in the Dominican Republic.”

Rodríguez said the US government and police agencies participated in the investigation.

Dominican officials say a 1,050-kilogram shipment of drugs heading from South America to Puerto Rico was one of several seizures attributed to this ring.

On his Instagram account, Castillo denied any ties to drugs.

CHICAGO White Sox pitcher Octavio Dotel, in a cowboy hat, has fun with the Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot, during a water pistol fight in a country night promotion prior to their game in Saint Petersburg, Florida, in May 2008. AP

“The truth is my country no longer works, my God, do you think that after making millions of dollars in Baseball I am going to dirty my hands with drugs?” the former player wrote.

Castillo was a three-time All-Star, won three Gold Gloves and was a member of the 2003 Florida Marlins team that won the World Series.

There was no immediate comment from Dotel, who set a record for playing on more MLB teams than any other player.

The teams were: the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros and New York Mets. Right-hander Edwin Jackson broke Dotel’s mark earlier this season by playing for his 14th franchise. AP

Sports BusinessMirror

CURACAO’S kind of Little League dominance has been reinforced by big league success. AP

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| Thursday, August 22, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

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By David Eckert The Associated Press

OUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pennsylvania—Jurdrick Profar was just looking for a challenge.

He hadn’t received much of one from an overmatched Australian team, which trailed Jurdrick’s group from Curacao, 10-0, in the third inning in the Little League World Series’ opening game recently.

So Jurdrick found a way to test himself.

Standing on third base as the Australian pitcher held the ball in his glove, Jurdrick broke for the plate. He was there before the Australians could even make a throw, sliding in for the final run of an 11-0 blowout.

SMALL ISLAND, BASEBALL GIANT

“I asked the manager, and he laughed,” Jurdrick said with a big smile. “Neither the pitcher or the catcher looked, so I went for it.”

Just about everything that Curacao tried worked out against Australia. Shendrion Martinus threw a no-hitter, walking just one batter over the course of a four-inning game shortened by Little League’s mercy rule.

The victors notched 10 hits, and Curley Martha punctuated the rout with a two-run homer.

It was just the latest example of a thriving baseball culture on Curacao, a 171-square-mile island not far from Venezuela’s coast.

The island has produced stars such as Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies, Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen and Jurdrick’s big brother, Jurickson. They’re among the 11 current and former big

leaguers born in the town of Willemstad, the same place these little leaguers call home.

This is Pabao Little League’s ninth trip to the Little League World Series, and the 13th time a team from Curacao has been represented.

Not bad for an island with a population of 162,000.

Pabao outlasted Caribbean powerhouses Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic—along with new Little League country Cuba—to get here.

In fact, its greatest threat came from another Curacao Little League team. Pabao bested Pariba in the Caribbean Regional championship game, 8-3.

Together, the two Curacao teams went 11-0 against the competition.

That kind of Little League dominance has been reinforced by big league success.

Players including Andruw Jones, Andrelton Simmons and Jonathan Schoop have provided examples for kids on the island, showing them where baseball can take them if they put in the work.

“The kids are very interested to see them play, and have the urge to play baseball,” Curacao Manager Michelangelo Celestina said, adding that they derive a bit of satisfaction from beating larger countries.

Jurdrick Profar is the charisma and the muscle behind this Curacao team.

He’s charming, enthusiastic and speaks English well.

At 5-foot-9, 148 pounds, Jurdrick, who started at catcher in Curacao’s first game, has one of the most powerful frames in the tournament. Celestina said Jurdrick will be the starting pitcher Sunday when Curacao takes on Little League power South Korea.

Jurdrick also benefits from his bloodline. Two of his older bothers, Jurickson and Juremi, made stops at the Little League World Series on their way to professional baseball careers.

Jurickson won an LLWS title for Curacao in 2004, and then made a return trip in 2005, when his team lost to Hawaii in the title game. He now plays second base for the Oakland Athletics.

Juremi, who plays in the Texas Rangers organization, played for Curacao in 2007 and 2008 in South Williamsport.

Jurdrick speaks with them almost every day.

Asked if he had received any advice from his brothers, Jurdrick said they kept it simple.

“Just keep your eye on the ball, never take your eye off it, and just have fun,” he said.

gender discrimination lawsuit filed by the women’s national team against US Soccer.

District Judge R. Gary Klausner assigned the date at a hearing Monday in Los Angeles, which came less than a week after mediation between the two sides broke down.

The players sued US Soccer in March, alleging institutionalized gender discrimination that includes inequitable compensation when compared with their counterparts on the men’s national team.

The federation claims that compensation for each team is the result of separate collective bargaining agreements, and that the pay structures are different as a result.

The sides had agreed to mediate the dispute after this summer’s World Cup in France. The US beat the Netherlands in July for its second straight title, and fourth overall.

The players and US Soccer had requested a trial date after the Tokyo Olympics, which start July 25.

BECKHAM STADIUM UNSAFE?

IRAQ players (in green) see action against Jordan booters in a friendly in Basra in June 2017. AP

Fifa clears Iraq to host qualifiers in Basra Z

URICH—Fifa says the southern Iraqi city of Basra can host the national team’s return to playing World Cup qualifying games at home.

Security concerns since the 1980s have forced Iraq to host most qualifiers in neutral countries. Iraq played “home” games in Iran, Jordan and Malaysia in a failed attempt to reach the 2018 tournament.

Fifa says “following a security assessment by a Fifa delegation” Basra can stage games in qualifying for the 2022 edition.

Iraq hosts Hong Kong on October 10, likely at the 65,000-capacity Basra Sports City stadium.

Top-ranked Iran visits on November 14.

Iraq’s group in the current phase of qualifying also includes Bahrain and Cambodia.

Amid widespread pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong against China’s rule, Fifa says it is “closely monitoring the situation” ahead of the national team’s September 10 qualifier against Iran.

EMERGENCY TEAM TO EGYPT

ROCKED by the surprise early exit of a national team featuring Mohamed Salah at its home African Cup of Nations last month, Egyptian soccer is getting an emergency management team from Fifa.

Soccer’s world body says it appointed a panel of four

men and one woman to manage the Egypt soccer federation until fresh elections within one year.

Egypt’s round of 16 loss against South Africa provoked Coach Javier Aguirre and his staff to be fired before federation President Hany Abo Rida and other board members resigned. Abo Rida remains on Fifa’s ruling committee, where he has represented Africa for 10 years.

The Egypt federation is getting millions of dollars from Fifa for a project in Cairo to build a new headquarters and housing base for national teams.

LAWSUIT GOES ON TRIAL IN U.S.

A JUDGE has set a May 5 trial date in Los Angeles for the

AN environmental report poses a new problem for the proposed site of David Beckham’s Major League Soccer stadium in Miami: Tests show the soil is far more toxic than expected.

According to the Miami Herald, the analysis found arsenic contamination reaching more than twice the legal limit and hazardous debris in surface-level soil samples at the Melreese golf course, where people have played for more than 50 years. The 131-acre (53-hectare) site is being considered for a sprawling $1-billion commercial and stadium complex that would be home ground for Beckham’s MLS team, Inter Miami.

According to the consultant’s report, the pollution underneath the grass on the golf course was caused by contaminated ash from a municipal incinerator shut down long ago. In some spots, the contamination is near the surface, as shallow as a half-foot (15 centimeters) deep. AP

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Tent of Meeting

EAR God, we wish to have a “Tent of Meeting”—(Exodus 33:7) with You. Like in the perpetual adoration chapel as our safest haven on a one-on-one conversation to pour out our hearts and release all our emotions, worries and heartaches in an hour or more.

We feel relieved because we tried to convey to God all our petitions in complete surrender. To Moses who used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, the Lord would speak to him face-to-face at the tent of meeting “as one speaks to a friend.” We wish to have a heart-to-heart talk with God at our own tent of meeting. Oh God, You are everywhere, listen to us especially when we need You. Amen.

GIVE US THIS DAY, SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

PHOTOS BY NICK OLAYAO

Life BusinessMirror

Shanghai is more than just the Paris of the East

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By Dinna CHan VaSQuez

HERE is one thing I won’t forget about Shanghai and it’s not the food, although every bit we tried was delicious; or the sights and sounds because, every moment was memorable. It is that the people who live in Shanghai take so much pride in coming from the city that it is enviable.

Known as the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai is one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities. Most people use iPhones. They love Starbucks. They’re dressed in Western clothes. They speak English and other foreign languages. They even have a Disneyland.

But at the heart of it is their pride in being from Shanghai. I remember buying something that is being endorsed by K-pop star Jackson Wang, who is Chinese, and our guide telling me, “His mother is from Shanghai.”

Shanghai used to be an isolated village relying mostly on fishing and agriculture until it was discovered and turned into a sea port. In the 1850s, Shanghai became the major Chinese base for commercial activities by Western nations.

After China was defeated by Great Britain in the first Opium War (1839–42), they surrendered Shanghai and signed the Treaty of Nanjing, which opened the city to foreign trade. Certain areas of the city were occupied by the British, French and Americans who were also given special rights and privileges. In 1895 the Japanese received a concession under the Treaty of Shimonoseki.

In the 1930s, Shanghai attracted not just people from the West but also the Chinese living in different parts of the country. It became a melting pot of different cultures, and languages and dialects.

Shanghai went through many changes and struggles but today, it remains one of China’s most open cities.

The Bund is regarded as the symbol of Shanghai.

It is located on the west bank of Huangpu River and stretches from the Waibaidu Bridge to East Jinling Road. It has the best view of Shanghai at night. A group of us took the Huangpu River Cruise during a Shanghai familiarization tour organized by Cebu Pacific. This cruise has the best view of the Bund’s famous buildings. If you are in Shanghai for a limited time only, the Huangpu River Cruise is the best way to see Shanghai at night, and it really is breathtaking beyond words. We were in Shanghai in June and the weather was not cold and not warm, but I was told that the best time to take this cruise was March to May and September to November.

The cruise also gives you a nighttime view of the more modern buildings, such as Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Yuyuan is also a famous destination in Shanghai.

This was a private garden of a wealthy family in the Ming Dynasty. The garden, also known as Yu Garden, has decorative halls, pagodas, archways and many other architectural features. If you walk through Yuyuan, you need to pay attention to details, such as the carvings, sculptures and inscriptions. During the spring, the garden is in full bloom, making it very Instagram-worthy.

Beside Yu Garden is Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can find restaurants, tea houses and shops to buy souvenirs.

For serious shopping, it is best to go to Nanjing Road, a 5.5-kilometer stretch that starts at the Bund and ends at the junction of Jing’an Temple and West Yan’an Street. The stores include high-street fashion

brands like Zara, and gadgets and tech accessories like Apple and Huawei. There are more upscale stores like Tiffany, Omega and Mont Blanc. I am not sure if this was where I saw a row of stores for high-end watches but, yes, there is such as place in Shanghai.

One of the must-go-to stores in Nanjing Road are those that sell traditional delicacies like moon cakes with meat fillings, traditional cakes, wontons and wine-cured crabs.

Xintiandi is the place that Shanghai’s young people love. Truthfully, if someone gave me $100 for every designer bag that I saw in the hour-and-a-half that I spent in that place, I would be able to buy a Chanel purse.

Xintiandi is made up of the Shikumen houses of ancient Shanghai on the outside with thoroughly modern interiors. The road is lined with bars, restaurants, boutiques and themed cafés. A Shikumen house, by the way, is a typical structure that represents Shanghai’s traditional architecture.

Shikumen houses date back to to the 1870s, when the Taiping Rebellion against the domination of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) broke out and wealthy people had to move to French Concession for safety and protection.

There is so much to see in Shanghai that a typical tourist would probably need a week just to cover the most popular spots. It is easy to see why the people who live there are very proud of Shanghai. n Cebu Paci�ic o�fers daily �lights between Manila and Shanghai, with lowest year-round base fares starting at P5,888. The Cebu and Shanghai route, which was launched last April 16, has �lights six times a week (MondaysSaturdays). Cebu Paci�ic now also �lies to Shenzhen, the airline’s �i�th destination in China.

TPB supports Get Global exhibition in Australia THE Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), as part of its strategic thrust to strengthen its Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) campaign, supports Get Global: Where the World Meets, an industry exhibition in Australia at the International Convention Center (ICC) Sydney.

Launched in 2017, Get Global has become a reputable platform that connects international MICE suppliers with buyers, including corporate meeting planners, incentive houses and professional conference organizers (PCO), and has been recognized as “Exhibition of the Year” by Meetings & Events Australia for two consecutive years.

With the assistance of DOT Sydney, the

Philippines was promoted to Australia’s outbound MICE market with increased exposure through Get Global’s digital platforms, as well as through unlimited face-toface quality meetings within the one-day event.

Participation in the event also generated new leads, established relationships, and explored new networks of contacts for the expansion of the Philippine MICE market, especially among senior buyers in Australia and New Zealand.

Australia is one of the Philippines’s top tourism markets and the month of April this year saw a 13.41-percent increase in tourist arrivals from Down Under. With improved connectivity between Sydney and Manila arising from new and increasing flights, more Australian visitors are expected to keep the upward trend sustained.

MOMMY NO LIMITS: HOMEWORK...LET’S PLAY! (PART II) D3

Thursday, August 22, 2019

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GRAND STAYS AT THE BEST OF RWM

RESORTS World Manila (RWM) celebrates its 10th year as the Philippines’s integrated resort pioneer by letting guests have a taste of its world-class hotels and signature Filipino hospitality without having to break the bank.

For only P28,000 net, guests can avail themselves of RWM’s Grand Staycation Package and enjoy overnight stays at six of RWM’s eight acclaimed accommodation brands, including three global five-star hotels: Marriott Manila Hotel, Sheraton Manila Hotel and Hilton Manila.

Guests also get overnight stay vouchers at RWM’s practical luxury accommodations, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City (HIEx Manila), Belmont Hotel Manila and Savoy Hotel Manila.

Be one of the first to experience two of RWM’s newest five-star additions, with a voucher for an overnight stay for two in a Guest Room at the Hilton Manila, and an overnight stay voucher for two in a Deluxe Room at the Sheraton Manila Hotel. Staying at either hotel gives guests access to the Vega Pool Club, which features the largest outdoor hotel pool in the city.

Guests can also enjoy the classic opulence of the Marriott Manila Hotel, with a voucher for a Deluxe Room for two. Depending on availability, guests can request for rooms that offer sweeping views of the scenic Villamor Golf Course.

Belmont Hotel Manila guests can enjoy views of the Metro Manila skyline, as well as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport runways when they redeem their Grand Staycation vouchers for a stay in the Belmont’s Superior Room for two.

For a laidback staycation experience, Savoy Hotel Manila lets guests enjoy the sociability and openness of a hostel, with the full services, comfort and privacy of a hotel. By redeeming their Grand Staycation voucher for a stay at Savoy’s Essential Room, guests can drop by Savoy Hotel Manila’s Squares, a shared space where guests can meet, mingle and relax.

Smart travelers will appreciate HIEx Manila’s optimized approach to hotel accommodation, with carefully selected creature comforts and amenities that have become the brand’s signature in all its properties around the world.

The HIEx Manila Grand Staycation voucher entitles the package holders to an overnight stay in a superior room for two with buffet breakfast.

More information is available at www.rwmanila. com, or download the RWM Mobile App for free on the AppStore and GooglePlay for updates and complete information on Resorts World Manila’s 10th anniversary offerings.

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Thursday, August 22, 2019

Entertaining BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: James Corden, 41; Kristen Wiig, 46; Ty Burrell, 52; Valerie Harper, 80.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: You’ll have to balance intelligence and emotions to prevent you from making a hasty choice that will take time to reverse. Slow down, smell the roses, enjoy the moment and double-check everything before you make a move. Precision and detail will lead to far greater success than winging it or trusting others to do their fair share. Your lucky numbers are 7, 12, 21, 29, 34, 41, 46.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Try something new. Explore the possibilities to see what you are capable of doing. Your only limitation is not believing in yourself. Speak up and share stories and experiences, and new friendships will develop. HHH

New food hub in McKinley West b is the Asian tour for your palate c

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Refuse to let your emotions interfere with what you are trying to accomplish. Set your course, and don’t stop until you reach your goal. Physical action will make the difference between failure and success. HHH GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Think matters through before you decide to make a change that can alter your lifestyle or domestic routine.

Question anyone who is offering incorrect information or suggestions. A joint venture may be tempting, but if it’s not sound, take a pass. HHH

By Pauline Joy M. Gutierrez

RIBBON-CUTTING ceremony of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ AsiaTown food hub. From left: Host Janeena Chan, Senior AVP for Retail Partner Management Lorence Aurelio, Chief Strategy Officer of Megaworld Corp.

Kevin L. Tan and First Vice President and Head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Graham Coates.

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CKINLEY West’s AsiaTown has a little bit of everything.

Bookended by the posh neighborhood of two Megaworld townships and the Bonifacio Global City lifestyle district, this food hub along Le Grand Avenue carries quite an impressive catalog of global restaurant chains specializing in pan-Asian cuisine, including three new dining establishments that making their debut in the Philippines.

First on this list is Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh, a Singaporean restaurant famous for its authentic Teochew bak kut teh, a traditional pork rib dish slowly simmered in a complex broth of Chinese herbs and spices.

The restaurant’s newly opened Taguig location features a cozy and chic atmosphere compared to the outlet’s quick-service concept in Marina Square and Punggol Central. Despite the change in interiors, however, the menu retains its signature soup specialties like Pig’s Tail Soup and dishes such as Stir-Fried Ginger Garlic Chicken and Hometown Fried Chicken.

Then there’s Black Sugar Taiwan Tea, a quintessential specialty drinks shop popular with students and downtown business-process outsourcing (BPO) employees. The shop makes use of freshly brewed tea leaves, as well as sugar canes in place of artificial fructose sweeteners. Its best sellers include the Black Sugar Healthy Grain, Black Tea Macchiato and Blue Sky Bubble Soda, as well as food items like egg waffles and Taiwanese comfort food.

Chao Tian Men is an emporium of all things Chinese.

The food hall houses China’s prominent regional cuisines:

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Participate, offer your services and make a difference to others. How you proceed and what you are willing to do will mark your character and position you for opportunities. HHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Pause before you share your thoughts. Someone will take credit for a plan you came up with. Don’t be afraid to forge ahead alone. Trust in your instincts and your experience to help you bring your projects to fruition. HH

Cantonese, Shandong, Jiangsu and Sichuan. It measures up to 700 square meters with VIP rooms for private meetings and gatherings. Within the food hub, more dining establishments complete the flavors of the region, like Kisoya, a traditional Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant founded in 1988 in South Korea; Madrone, which serves lip-smacking Mediterranean kebabs and local beers on a laidback outdoor setting; Samgyeopmasarap, an unlimited Korean barbecue outlet; and Banh Mi Kitchen, which offers scrumptious Vietnamese sandwiches for harried meal-eating office workers looking for a healthy and refreshing grub.

For local food flair, there’s Salu, a play on the word salu-salo, which refers to a gathering of family and friends

over food. This restaurant by husband and wife-turnedbusiness partners Harlene Bautista and Romnick Sarmenta differentiates itself in the already crowded local restaurant scene–it serves Filipino food, yes, but it does not limit itself to familiar dishes, such as adobo, sinigang and lechon. The menu here is substantial, with specialties and ingredients coming from Luzon to Mindanao.

According to Patricia Alfonso of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, in addition to these food stops, AsiaTown also has international coffeehouse chains: global brand Starbucks and Malongo Atelier Barista, a French Living Heritage Company.

She added that the hub also serves as a venue for weekend outdoor performances and art installations. n

The famous Hong Kong MX Mooncake arrives in Manila THE season of mooncakes is once again upon us as the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches. With the vast community of Filipino-Chinese families celebrating the festival, Hong Kong MX enters the Philippine market just in time to serve as the perfect encapsulation of a grand harvest.

The mooncake is more than just a staple on a menu during this momentous holiday; it specifically represents family, unity, prosperity and the significance of the full moon for a bountiful harvest. As such, uncompromising Filipino-Chinese are not going to settle for just any option on the market.

Hong Kong MX, officially Hong Kong’s bestselling brand of mooncakes for 21 years, launches a limited run of its exceptional line in select locations in Metro Manila. Boasting reliability and gold-standard quality that matches the grandness of the occasion, the brand’s flavors range from the classic lotus seed paste mooncake with two yolks that they perfected and brought them renown, to special variations such as the reduced sugar series, mixed nuts series, yolk series— and the fan-favorite and first of its kind: the lava and custard mooncake series.

Also known as “mooncake royalty,” the top-tier brand will be launching pop-ups in SM Mall of Asia (August 20 to September 22) and Unimart Capitol Commons (September 1 to 22). As an extra treat for SM Mall of Asia regulars, each buyer will get a chance to play a dice game with each purchase at the booth. With a single receipt purchase worth P5,000, customers can also win a mini mooncake.

To meet the market’s demands beyond their physical stores, Hong Kong MX will also be partnering with Lazada to serve two select flavors for delivery until September 22, perfect for those on the go.

As deeply woven into the culture as the MidAutumn Festival is, Hong Kong MX upholds this authenticity by preserving their seal of excellence through a stringent security check and authentication to assure consumers they get legitimate mooncakes from the best. Each mooncake is meticulously created to match the traditional palate of its consumers while revolutionizing the industry with new whimsical flavors.

For this 2019 Mid-Autumn Festival, the FilipinoChinese will finally be able to get their hands on the multiawarded No. 1 mooncake.

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Business trips, educational pursuits and networking will lead to exciting opportunities. Do what you do best; show your talents, skills and dedication, and you will command attention, as well as leave an unprecedented impression. HHHHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Taking a diplomatic, intelligent approach and making suggestions that are valid and will also benefit someone likely to cause a fuss will make whatever transition you are trying to achieve more inviting. Peace and love conquer force. HHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Make physical changes that will help you improve your game. What you do will have more of an impact on the way others respond to you and the offers you receive than talking about what you plan to do. HHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be careful how you use information that others reveal. You may be given false data, or someone may set you up to look bad. Listen, observe and wait to see what develops before you let others know where you stand. HHH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You can move forward. Clear up unfinished business, and make room to build a new foundation for a better future. A chance to improve your financial status is within reach if you do the work required to forge ahead. HHHHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Someone will play with your heart if you aren’t careful.

Walk away from unpredictable situations and people. Be smart, use diplomacy and protect what’s yours. Ulterior motives, compliments and unwarranted generosity should raise red flags. HH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Change can be useful, but going overboard is not. If you want to do something, be reasonable, think your plans through and avoid overspending or overdoing. Stick to a safe, steady path forward. HHHH HONG Kong MX’s Mooncake line offers the classic lotus seed paste mooncake with two yolks and its variants, as well as assorted flavors like the mixed nuts series, egg roll series, and the bestselling lava and creamy custard mooncake series.

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are smart, dramatic and colorful.

You are friendly and charismatic.

‘term papers’ BY WREN SCHULTZ The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Pillows’ places 5 Ireland’s best-selling solo artist 9 Sometimes-heavy music genre 14 Furniture store that sells Swedish meatballs 15 Middle letters in “letter” 16 Love, in Venice 17 New York paper pusher’s slogan?

20 Org. with body scanners 21 Fossil-preserving gunk 22 Brit’s ancestor 23 News items that honor lives, briefly 25 Beehive, for one 28 Breakfast joint 31 End zone marker 32 Dashboard pressure indicator 34 Pull along 36 Dressing ingredient, to Rachael Ray 37 He said “I pity the fool” 38 Bostonian’s suggestion on how to find Red Sox stats?

42 In the style of 43 Inner self 44 Mile’s 1,760: Abbr.

5 French bread 4 47 2010’s dance craze with a dental name 51 Common Swedish boy’s name 52 French bread?

54 Kind of bond 55 Piece of Greek architecture?

57 Fleur-de-___ 59 Summer, to Suzette 60 Excited Baltimore newspaper subscriber’s morning cry?

65 Worry 66 Teen follower?

67 Ready for picking 68 Food and water, for humans 69 Small equine 70 Mysterious loch DOWN 1 It’s a circus in there 2 Just manages 3 Clean a car thoroughly 4 Dated 5 Wonder Woman’s best friend 6 First prime minister of India 7 Even so

8 Kool waste 9 Buck, for a doe 10 Clarke of Game of Thrones 11 Tiny folktale character 12 Violets-blue connector 13 ___ Schwab 18 “I give up!”

19 Environmental field 24 Dog role that reportedly paid more than a Munchkin 26 Funny Amy 27 Belly flop, e.g.

29 Not a nice giant 30 24-Down, to Dorothy 33 Crackers that are vegetarian, despite their name 35 Sent a letter, say 38 Belarusian, for one 39 How some chickens are raised 40 Ballet class wear 41 Norway’s capital 42 Core muscles 46 Like an e-mail that just arrived 48 Baby shower gift 49 Core-building exercises

0 Play parts 5 53 TV twins’ surname 56 Play parts 58 “Just doing my best” 60 QVC competitor 61 Dolly the sheep, e.g.

62 Mall guide 63 Narcissist’s trait 64 West end?

Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Parentlife BusinessMirror

Thursday, August 22, 2019

D3

FROM left: Marcus learning colors by arranging his toy cars in a rainbow; one of our “Game Mornings” playing Math Bingo; I love tangrams for my kids and I even have a Learning Journey carry-along tangram kit in our car to avoid screen time.

Homework... let’s play! (Part II) MOMMY NO LIMITS

MAYE YAO CO SAY

mommynolimits@gmail.com

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AST week, I shared why play has eased my kids’ daily subject learning. This week, let me share more concrete examples.

Do you remember your child’s first year in school? Did they look forward to it? Did they cry a lot? I remember how nervous Marcus was on his first year of school. I searched for ways to ease this anxiety. I discovered that if we gave him a few minutes of art and play in the morning, he became more emotionally ready to go to school. So we would wake him up 15 minutes earlier, finish all the school preparation including breakfast, then play and color for 15 minutes. I believe it set the initial stage on relaxed learning for Marcus. By being relaxed, I knew he would be able to absorb information better in class.

Most of us send our kids to traditional school environments. I believe many of us faced decision points on whether to choose a progressive, traditional or home-schooling route for our child’s education at one point in time. I made a mental note then that even if I chose a traditional learning environment for my kids, I would employ a more progressive approach at home. I knew content work would be more demanding, and it was my hope to ensure they would love learning despite the load.

My kids are currently in Grade 8 and Grade 4. They both started in a highly traditional school setting with tons of homework. Despite times in their grade-school years when they needed to come home from tutor almost past 9 pm, I did not recall them complaining.

I believe that play has been their biggest learning enabler.

When I see topics in school that they get a bit anxious on, I would find play activities related to the subject. At times, I would do these activities on actual homework time. Most of the time, I would inject them in our game nights. Below are my personal insights and tips on play-based learning by subject: MATH MANY times, we fall into the trap of labels. We would hear one child being called a math genius, and another being told he is poor in math. We also often attribute this to genes, and that if we as parents were either good or challenged in certain subjects, we carry these preconceived expectations on our children.

However, if we truly want to prepare our kids to be future-ready, we need to accept the complexity of their future world. Tomorrow, in my opinion, requires solutions that cut across disciplines. All subjects are important.

Math is a subject that is often polarized in interest.

We see kids either extremely loving it or being averse to it. I believe early introduction with the right play activities, especially art, paves the way. We often think of math as numbers, but based on the DreamMakers Series—Mathematics Edition by Long, McCracken and Willett, all Masters of Education, I discovered that math can actually be introduced in a more playful way.

Below are skills in math, matched with play activities, that I incorporate in subject learning with my kids: n Sorting: sorting blocks by color n Organizing: stacking books or blocks by size n Classifying: classifying animal figurines by type—land or sea animals, by family n Comparing: showing house objects like a pot and put it side by side with a play pot to introduce concept of size. n Pairing: showing two pairs of the same object.

Then I would get one, then I would ask them to give

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM

me the similar one. n Repetition: creating a pattern like putting all red cars together, all orange cars together and so on, to form a rainbow n Symmetry: using paint to put on one side of the paper then folding to create similar image on the other side. n Problem solving: using games and puzzles n Operations: Math Bingo According to Justin DeLeo’s Paper, Arts and Mathematics: An Integrated Approach to Teaching, from Expressions Learning Arts Academy, “When thinking about arts and mathematics, people frequently view them as two separate domains. For a long time in education, mathematics was treated as a cognitive, thinking, rational, left-brain activity, while art was considered to be an affective, feeling, right- brain activity.” I took note of his three points on the interdependence of math and the arts. First: “Both mathematics and the arts can be used to observe, describe and imitate the natural world.” Second: “Learning mathematics and the arts together fosters this whole brain development.” And third: “The ‘hands-on’ nature of teaching art and math in combination helps build bridges between concrete and abstract mathematical ideas.”

There are many resources available online on fun activities that combine math and art as seen below: n Use a hard surface like wood and compass to draw out a clock and put number stickers to make your own clock. (www.artforkidsandrobots.com/colorwheel-for-kids) n By using a regular compass, paintbrush with a skinny handle, masking tape and watercolor paint, you can make your own art on any white paper. (www. housingaforest.com/compass-painting) n Recycle old CDs to erasable math flash cards using dry erase crayons or whiteboard markers. You can even decorate them with stickers and paint.

AUTISM spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a broad range of symptoms, and cases don’t always look the same. Many patients are challenged, to varying degrees, with social skills, speech and nonverbal communication.

Since each child’s development is unique, it isn’t surprising that most parents face the difficulty of deciding whether their child’s symptoms are worrisome or not. Makati Medical Center, a top hospital in the Philippines, lists down some of the more common signs to look out for in your child.

Parents may notice poor eye contact or difficulty engaging their infant in social interaction. The child may have trouble responding to his name or to physical contact, according to Ana Maria M. Treichler-Borgaily, MD, head of the Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at MakatiMed. A child with autism, for instance, may not be able to respond to you when you cuddle him. He may also be incapable of pointing to objects or making a sound to get your attention. Children with ASD may, therefore, appear to be unengaged and antisocial. When it comes to speech, a simple delay in learning words may not be the only clue to possible ASD. Some children may learn to speak but will do so using odd tones and intonations. They may exhibit echolalia (where they repeat words and sounds said to them) or have difficulty with pronouns. Conversational skills may also a problem.

Children with ASD like structure, and so they often throw tantrums when you change their bedtime or rearrange the furniture in the house. They may also form obsessive interests, line things up in a certain order, or stare at a single object for extended periods of time. Sometimes, a child may seem to be developing normally but certain milestones that were already achieved suddenly disappear.

The possibility of a child being autistic is a challenging prospect for parents, but Dr. Treichler-Borgaily reminds them that “observing one or two symptoms in your child does not a diagnosis make.” The disorder is diagnosed based on the presence of multiple factors that disrupt his ability to explore, communicate, build relationships, learn and play. It is, therefore, very important to consult with medical professionals to get a proper diagnosis.

To learn more about ASD, or to consult with a doctor about your child’s development, you may book an appointment at MakatiMed (www.makatimed. net.ph) where ASD is addressed holistically and strategically by highly skilled professionals.

More next week.... n

Exercise affects breast milk—and other myths on breastfeeding FALLACIES about breastfeeding still abound even as decades of research have proven its benefits to a child’s growth and development. The good news is that the number of babies being exclusively breastfed in the first six months almost doubled in the last 18 years, according to the latest Philippine National Nutrition Survey. Still, 45 percent of Filipino infants are not being exclusively breastfed.

Breastfeeding remains the best nutrition for babies early in life which sets their path to better health, nutrition, education and well-being as they grow up.

Unicef, the United Nations organization working for children’s rights, sits down with lactation expert Dr. Michele Griswold, for a mini-parenting master class to debunk myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding. Dr. Griswold is a registered nurse, breastfeeding researcher and an advocate.

She also represents the Global Breastfeeding Collective, an initiative by Unicef and the World Health Organization which calls on governments and society to provide mothers the support they need to breastfeed.

“Did you know that your nipples have good bacteria, so you don’t have to wash them before breastfeeding?” Dr. Griswold starts.

“When babies are born, they are already familiar with their own mother’s smells and sounds. The nipples produce a substance that the baby smells and has ‘good bacteria’ that helps to build babies’ own healthy immune system for life,” she says.

Here are some of the common myths on breastfeeding every mother, father and caregiver should know: n I CAN BE SEPARATED FROM MY NEWBORN BABY AFTER BIRTH SO I HAVE TIME TO REST. The skin to skin practice between mother and baby immediately after birth—also called “kangaroo care”—is encouraged and widely practiced by doctors, nurses and midwives. This is very important to help babies find and be attached to their mother’s breast. “Keeping the baby against the mother’s skin will calm the baby enough to find the mother’s breast on their own within 30 minutes to an hour after birth,” Griswold explains. A baby’s reflexes are very strong at this time, making it easier for a mother to start breastfeeding. A healthcare provider can help a baby latch on to her mother’s breast if difficulties arise. Frequent skin to skin contact and putting the baby to the breast will help to get breastfeeding going. n I SHOULD BE WORRIED BECAUSE MY NIPPLES ARE SORE FROM BREASTFEEDING. Many mothers experience discomfort in the first few days after birth when they are learning to breastfeed. With the right support with positioning your baby for breastfeeding and making sure the baby is correctly attached to the breast, sore nipples can be avoided. If you face breastfeeding challenges like sore nipples, support from a doctor, nurse, midwife or a healthcare worker can help. n I SHOULD ONLY EAT PLAIN FOOD WHILE BREASTFEEDING. Generally, there is no need to change food

habits. Mothers who breastfeed still need to eat a balanced diet like everyone else. While in the womb, your baby was already exposed to your food preferences. Once born, your baby will taste whatever you eat through your milk, which will prime them for table foods when they’re about six months old. If your baby reacts to a specific food that you eat, consult a specialist. n EXERCISE AFFECTS THE TASTE OF MY BREAST MILK. There is no evidence that exercise affects the taste of your milk. Exercise is healthy even for breastfeeding mothers. n I SHOULD NOT BREASTFEED WHILE I’M SICK. Depending on the kind of illness, mothers can usually continue breastfeeding when they’re sick. You need to make sure you get the right treatment, and to rest, eat and drink well. In many cases, the antibodies your body makes to treat your disease or illness will pass on to your baby, building his or her own defenses. n I CANNOT TAKE MEDICATION WHILE I’M BREASTFEEDING. Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding and read the instructions with any medications you buy over the counter. It might be necessary to take medications at a specific time or in a specific dosage, or to take an alternative formulation. You should also tell the baby’s doctor about any medications that you’re taking. n MY BABY SHOULDN’T EAT SO MUCH AS A NEWBORN. Your baby should show signs of hunger about eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Newborn babies need to eat a lot because

they’re growing rapidly. They double their birth weight in the first six months of life, or before. So you can imagine how much you would need to eat if you had to double your weight. n I SHOULD WEAN MY BABY RIGHT AWAY. Babies will naturally wean starting around one year of age or so because developmentally, they’re changing so much. They’re becoming less focused on their mother, and more focused on learning about the world around them. n I WILL HAVE TO WEAN MY BABY WHEN I GO BACK TO WORK. As a lactating mother, you need time and support to continue to breastfeed, so it is important to get support from family, your workplace, employers and the entire community.

Breastfeeding is part of a nurturing care package that helps children to grow and thrive throughout their entire life. n THERE ARE NO FAMILY-FRIENDLY POLICIES THAT SUPPORT LACTATING MOTHERS LIKE ME. The Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act 2009, or Republic Act 10028, mandates employers to provide safe and hygienic lactation rooms in places of work. Lactation periods should be no less than 40 minutes within an eight-hour work period, in addition to meal breaks.

Additionally, the Expanded Maternity Leave Act, or Republic Act 11210, states that all working mothers in the government and private sector are guaranteed with 105 days of paid maternity leave credits, with seven days transferable to fathers. An additional 15 days of paid leave will be granted to single mothers.

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Thursday, August 22, 2019

Show BusinessMirror

Virulent, violent society: The tale of ‘John Denver Trending’ REELING

TITO GENOVA VALIENTE

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JOHN Denver Trending, which tells the story of a young boy who figures in a fight with a bully, has captured the attention of moviegoers throughout the country.

scissors who the thief is.

If there is something that is terrifically compelling in John Denver Trending, it is this attempt of the film to situate a story of bullying, fake news and the unlimited evil forces of a video gone viral in a community imbued with a different logic and where an altogether different way of seeing eludes reason and any notion of verifiable truth. What the film appears to tell us is that in this small community where witches are haunted—and decimated—any accusation that is supported by authorities is declared to be right and proper.

The trope of a witch hunt is localized in John Denver Trending. The metaphor saves the film from the pit of hopelessness but there is a stronger light (or darkness) emanating from it. This is the moralizing, usually misguided and bigoted, assumed in authorities who do not know any better, or those kind souls that do nothing in the face of cruelty made by adults on children.

Let the viewers be cautioned that bullying is just the surface story of John Denver Trending.

Hiding and hidden, liminal and submerged are images compelling us to be more critical of cinema.

In the hands of its director, Arden Rod Condez, images pass before the eyes of John Denver Cabungcal—and our own. We are not witnesses but voyeurs as we glance at the suspected witch

The Rock announces wedding on Instagram NEW YORK—With a simple “We do,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced his wedding to his longtime girlfriend on Instagram.

A photo of the movie star and Lauren Hashian was posted on the social-media site. Both were wearing white, and they were standing overlooking the ocean. The post said the date of their apparent nuptials was Sunday, in Hawaii.

Johnson’s representative did not immediately return calls asking for comment.

The couple have been dating for several years and have two young daughters. Johnson also has a teenage daughter from a previous marriage.

Johnson has a lot to celebrate this month.

His movie Hobbs and Shaw has been a box-office success since being released earlier in August. AP

Korean actor Lee Seung-Gi to hold fan event in Manila

By Dinna CHan VaSQuez

titovaliente@yahoo.com

HERE was really no other way for the film John Denver Trending to end. With young students acting like upstart viragos, local politicians out to amicably settle everything and displaying no leadership skills at all, teachers so tame they are helpless, a social worker who is inept enough to leave a distraught young “suspect” in a room with a policeman who materializes from nowhere in order to extract suspicion from a boy— how can one ever live happy in a place like Antique? (unless Pandan, Antique, is just an incidental location).

John Denver Trending tells the story of a young boy who figures in a fight with a bully (if we are following the story from one angle). As the fight ensues, a classmate documents the scene with the ubiquitous cell phone. The video is uploaded and goes viral.

John Denver develops overnight a notoriety beyond any one’s imagination. The response to the video is relentlessly against the boy.

Recall another similar event, which transpired in Ateneo de Manila several months back. Immediately, after the video was seen by many, there was a debate that raged online. There were many sides, the majority being judgmental, but there was also a critical mass who positioned themselves outside the event and posited questions. These “other” voices helped calm the situation and allowed the parties involved to pause and rethink.

In John Denver Trending, no online debate took place.

The world is one in saying the boy is the devil. No one sides with John Denver. The closest sympathetic voice outside of his mother’s is another teacher who consistently provides a modulated voice to the hysteria. This is the teacher who leaves her room so as to remind the head teacher (or is she the principal?) that the mother of John should be summoned at least.

This is the same teacher who assures the mother that John must be somewhere taking stock of things and that she should not worry.

In terms of screenplay, John Denver Trending has a densely exotic structure. First, the narrative unfolds in a rural community and not in a city.

The sociologists are right—the city does not need to bring urbanization to the towns; the towns get closer to urbanized settlements because of technology. There is a compelling assumption here: that technologies at present have somewhat breached the great divide between the urban and the rural. More than just the socioeconomic status locating the story, the difference between the young consumers of mobile phone culture in the big, rich city and those in the small, subsistence societies is blurred. Everyone is tied to each other online and everyone appraises everyone through the small screen of cell phones.

There is a second layer of complexity and exotica involved in the narrative of John Denver Trending, and this has to do with that part in any of our rural societies, the segment of everyday living contending with the unseen and the nonrational. Here is a community where some subscribe to the belief of witches causing harm and death, where diviners can find out through the swinging of a pair of

www.businessmirror.com.ph

IN this February 22, 2015, file photo Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian arrive at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. AP

walking at night, of a policeman arresting a y0ung man, of the witch ending by the roadside, of a healer performing rites not of propitiation but of exorcism.

Let us not forget one of the earlier comments made on the bullying video involving students of the Ateneo asking that we should not stop sharing the video until it reaches “Digong.”

This is my politics and I do not expect my readers to share this, but I dread the day when our young children pin their hope on the administration that is being accused of murdering the children and the marginalized.

For all these negative traits, the film, John Denver Trending remains an important film deserving of our own attention. Meryll Soriano gives a decent performance although her dialogues in Tagalog/ Pilipino are a dissonant sound against the Karay-a language used by the rest of the actors. Every time she speaks, we are dislocated from the scene and brought back to the greater artifice of the film. With due respect to Soriano, who is a fine actress, what stopped the production from getting an actor who could at least approximate the piquant—pardon my ethnocentrism—tone of the Antique language?

Jansen Magpusao as John Denver has been discovered and awarded already as Best Actor. His pauses and troubled glances are for the books. His boy-actor does not bear the bad, workshop-induced skills of Manila-based child actors, and that is good.

But why give him “moments,” when he is good enough, enduring and authentic in silence. He has no need for the gratuitous and predictably vulgar breakdown scenes required in many films aiming to tap the thespian in any actor. Jansen Magpusao has all the time in the world (god forbid!) to do that when he does commercial films.

As I write this, I have been watching also the hot welcome the town of Pandan is giving the film.

Young boys and girls and the great portion of the population line up along the street waving white flags to welcome the filmmakers and the actors. The film indeed deserves the honor for it has put on the map not only Antique but this fourth class municipality known for having the cleanest inland body of water in the country.

I wonder though if the proud welcoming pumuluyo (citizens and inhabitants) of Pandan are discussing among themselves what John Denver Trending has told us: that a society that does not examine its thoughts properly can be a violent, killing society. n

THIS is really the year they all come to Manila.

Lee Seung-gi, called South Korea’s Ballad Prince, is the latest in the list of Korean celebrities to hold a fan event in the Philippines.

Lee Seung-gi is bringing the 2019 Lee Seung Gi Asia Fanmeeting—Vagabond Voyage in Manila on October 12, 6 pm, at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta Center, Cubao.

Lee Seung-gi is a multi-awarded Korean celebrity who excels in almost all fields of entertainment. He sings, acts and hosts.

Filipino fans will most probably remember him in the fantasy-drama My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, which aired on ABS-CBN in 2011.

He recently played the role of a mischievous immortal in another fantasy-drama, titled Hwayugi, which also aired on ABS-CBN. This year, Lee Seung-gi will star in a new spy-action drama, titled Vagabond.

Tickets to the fan meeting went on sale last August 18 via TicketNet. The MVP tickets (P9,500) comes with a group photo op with Lee Seung-gi, special MD gift, one official poster and a chance to win one of 70 signed posters.

The VIP tickets (P6,850), meanwhile, each come with one official poster, a chance to win a group photo op with Lee Seung-gi (300 winners will be randomly selected) and another chance to win one of 30 signed posters. The Airen Pass (P4,000) comes with one official poster and a chance to win one of 20 signed posters.

The 2019 Lee Seung Gi Asia Fanmeeting in Manila is presented by Hook Entertainment and Applewood, and promoted by ABS-CBN Events and CDM Entertainment.

JORDAN RAKEI

GLOBE OFFERS EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT ON KARPOS LIVE MIX TICKETS

NOTHING beats the experience of seeing your favorite artist perform live, churning out music to fill your senses for one whole evening. The lights, riffs and beats blaring from loudspeakers, and the creative energy flowing onstage make every gig, concert, and music festival worth it.

Globe and Karpos Multimedia bring Karpos Live, a series of intimate shows featuring some of the most sought-after local and international music acts at the ABS-CBN Vertis Tent in Quezon City.

Brace yourself for a great night of soul, jazz, and rock pop from New Zealand-Aussie musician, singer, songwriter and record producer Jordan Rakei and fast-rising Filipino act Unique at Karpos Live Mix 6 on September 1.

Lose yourself in a soothing repertoire of synth-based and colorful melodies when English indie-pop artist The Japanese House and Filipino folk-pop quintet Munimuni perform at Karpos Live Mix 7 on September 12.

Get ready to witness the best of rising pop with genreblending beats and contemporary R&B hits of Jeremy Zucker and Kiana V at Karpos Live Mix 8 on September 24.

Globe is giving customers priority access to and a 20-percent discount on tickets to all these mentioned Karpos Live shows. To avail yourself of the discount, log on to the GCash app on your mobile phone, select the Globe Exclusive Sale tab and buy GoSAKTO90. You’ll receive a confirmation message regarding your GoSAKTO90 purchase, as well as a unique promo code for Globe Exclusive Sale for your preferred Karpos Live Mix show. Log on to KarposLive.com on redemption dates and purchase tickets to avail yourself of the discount on your show ticket. Discounted tickets go for as low as P1,600 once the discount has been applied.

The Globe Exclusive Sale for the tickets to Karpos Live Mix 6 will be on August 28, while the tickets for Mix 7 will be sold at special prices on September 4 and 5.

You can also get first dibs on Mix 8 during the Exclusive Sale on September 14 and 15.

Make all your weekends matter and create your own kind of extra with GoSAKTO, now with free GCash voucher to enjoy discounts when you shop, dine or watch a movie using GCash. You can also go watch and play your favorite videos and games on the go with free 2GB data.

Envoys&Expats URCC CHAMP GOES FOR SEA GAMES GLORY

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Thursday, August 22, 2019 E1

Fighting under the Philippine flag N OWADAYS, it’s even harder to “pin down” mixed martial artist (MMA) Mark Striegl.

The gladiator of the octagon ring, aside from further sharpening his fighting acumen, is in the midst of a rigorous training for what could very well be a defining moment in his career, as he will don the country’s colors in November for this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Of late, Striegl has been shuttling around various venues: from gyms in Greenhills, San Juan City for high-intensity workouts, to as far as up north for high-altitude endurance training.

As reported early this y e a r o n B u s i n e s s M i r r o r’s Health&Fitness, Striegl, at the age of six, had already manifested his very competitive nature when he joined combat sports in school. His innate passion for fight sports and other fitness activities introduced him to different arena of contact sports.

It eventually opened avenues for the fighter toward international recognition. “[Striegl] was a wrestler back in high school, and later on trained for taekwondo, aikido, Brazilian jujitsu and other forms of MMA, until he realized that he was really meant to embrace the world of combat sports,” according to the weekly health guide.

En route to Baguio City, Striegl indulged Envoys&Expats on a quick e-mail interview: Envoys&Expats: Your family name sounds European… Please share with us your journey coming to the Philippines.

STRIEGL: Actually, my dad, Frank Luther, an American, is of German descent. It’s a strange last name; it actually means a horse’s bridle.

I am Filipino-American. My mom, the former Sonia Martinez, is from Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro, but I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. My parents were international schoolteachers over there.

Not many are aware that you have been competing under the Philippine f lag. Brief ly tell us about your athletic career.

I grew up in Tokyo and went to college in San Diego, California.

After college, I moved to the Philippines and started my professional mixed martial arts career. I’ve been fighting professionally since 2019 and have been representing the country since.

I am the current URCC global featherweight champion, having won the title last year here in Manila.

What got you into martial arts?

What is it about competing that gives you a sense of fulfillment?

My older brother got me started on taekwondo and wrestling when we were young. Being the younger brother, I looked up to him and copied what he was doing.

Then I slowly went into training. I just took one step further and went professional.

I enjoy martial arts because I believe it is the purest form of competition. It’s “black-and-white:” there’s always a winner and a loser.

It always comes down to two people expressing themselves and all their years of training.

You go by a certain moniker, “Mugen.” Tell us about its essence

(Editor’s note: This week, Envoys&Expats is featuring an “ambassador of Philippine sports,” Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) titleholder Mark Striegl, who will be competing for the Philippines in the 30th edition of the biennial regional sporting spectacle.

Striegl will participate in combat sambo, a fighting sport that originated from the former Soviet Union. The word “sambo” was derived from the first letters of its original Russian term, samozashchita bez oruzhiya, which means “self-defense without weapons.”)

and why it speaks about you.

Mugen means “limitless” in Japanese. It became my mantra and fight moniker early in my fight career.

As a wrestler, MMA and now sambo athlete, I’ve had to deal with adversity throughout my career. It’s normal to have these struggles. It’s about rising to the occasion.

I believe that we all have the potential to do great things and that we should always strive to be limitless in whatever we do in life. Anything is possible with the right attitude.

E&E: We heard you will compete for the 2019 SEA Games.

Which categories will you be in?

Could Filipinos expect a podium finish from you?

STRIEGL: I will be competing in combat sambo. It is a hybrid form of martial arts. To put it simply, it is basically a sport version of MMA. I definitely hope to medal and get that podium finish here in Manila. It would be an honor, and I am working very hard to make it happen.

E&E: What is it about the Philippines that you love, or have come to love?

STRIEGL: I love the culture and food here in the country. I consider eating sisig a guilty pleasure. But since I’m on training, I have my meals specifically designed for that.

I’m all about family and friends, which I believe is a very Filipino trait. The family unit is very important to me.

E&E: What pieces of advice could you give to aspiring martial arts fighters like yourself, as well as athletes who compete for the country?

STRIEGL: My advice to aspiring martial artists or fighters competing for the Philippines would just be, to do your very best and surround yourself with good people.

Fight sport is a crazy game, so it’s important to have good people around to support and cheer you on. I know every Pinoy has got my back and will be there to rally and even pray for me.

And lastly, but not least: Watch your diet. Train smart, and be disciplined if you want to be among the best in the world.

E&E: Where can we check on your progress and learn more about you?

STRIEGL: Please follow me on my Instagram and Facebook page under the handle, @markmugen.

I promise to fight my hardest and represent the country this coming SEA Games.

Envoys& BusinessMirror

E2 Thursday, August 22, 2019

MARTIAL ARTS, SPORTS AND GAMES

Filipino martial arts training for women held in Israel

PHL embassy promotes Pinoy games to Spaniards

PHILIPPINE Embassy in Madrid’s Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mikhal de Dios demonstrates arnis techniques to children in Spain. MADRID PE

STUDENTS are invited to try arnis. MADRID PE

ARNIS master John Escudero demonstrates self-defense moves to the participants. TEL AVIV PE

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EL AVIV—The local Philippine embassy, in partnership with the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), organized a workshop on self-defense for Filipino women working in Israel in celebration of International Women’s Month.

Arnis master Jon Escudero, global ambassador for Lightning

Scientific Arnis and chief instructor of Jon Escudero-Light-

ning Combatives-Lightning Scientific Arnis, led the workshop.

Escudero opened the workshop by discussing two key aspects in defending one’s self: awareness and prudence. He reminded participants that in all situations, they should remain aware of their surroundings and any possible threats to their safety and security, and be always prepared to defend themselves, if necessary.

Following the brief lecture, the arnis master led partici-

pants in a series of exercises designed to help them block and stave-off potential predators or attackers.

Speaking on behalf of Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial, Consul Reichel Quiñones explained that the embassy and the OWWA organized the workshop to encourage Filipino women in Israel, especially overseas workers, to take charge of their own well-being.

The workshop was part of a series organized by the OWWA. DFA

NY basketball clinic highlights Pinoy’s love of the sport

CHILDREN get their game on with patintero. MADRID PE

M

ADRID—The Philippine embassy in Spain’s capital city, in coordination with the San Cristobal Nursery and Primary School, held its first-ever Ciclo Laro Tayo! – Es Más Divertido en Filipinas cultural program in June at the school’s grounds.

Around 75 children aged nine to 11 and their teachers participated in the activities.

Embassy Third Secretary, Vice Consul and Cultural Officer Raisa Mabayo introduced the traditional kadang-kadang race, while Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mikhal de Dios demonstrated the Philippine national martial arts arnis to the attendees.

The children were also exposed to the team game patintero and taught the folk song Bahay Kubo in Tagalog and in Spanish, with the use of photos of the mentioned vegetables—some bearing near-identical

names in the two languages.

The activities, met with massive enthusiasm from the young audience, helped promote the children’s familiarity with the Filipino language, as well as Philippine history and culture. It also encouraged them to be more receptive of multiculturality, especially considering the significant Filipino presence in Spain.

In April 2019, the school came up with the initiative to present their own Spanish version of the Masskara Festival celebration. A Filipino teaching assistant at the school was instrumental in introducing Philippine culture to the school, and added that the programs have been particularly impactful for young Filipino students who were pleasantly surprised to see their own culture celebrated by their classmates and teachers. DFA

Japan supports Olympic Day event for Tokyo 2020

COACHES give final instructions before ending the session. NEW YORK PCG

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EW YORK—What better way to engage the FilipinoAmerican community in the United States’s northeast region, than to appeal to the innate Pinoy exuberance toward basketball?

The Philippine basketball team, under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, held its maiden Philippine Basketball Clinic in May at the Our Lady

of Mt. Carmel Gym in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The team was composed of consulate general officers and staff, including their family members and friends, who volunteered to teach and share their technical knowledge of basketball.

Majority of the participants came from the New Jersey-New York area.

A total of 40 participants composed

PARTICIPANTS carry out ball-handling drills. BEVERLY PELLOSIS/DFA

of young players three to 14 years old participated in the first day of the four-day clinic. The children’s parents, relatives and friends were present to cheer them on, as the children ran through basketball drills designed to improve footwork, passing, dribbling and shooting ability.

The event is the result of the consulate general’s recognition of the concept of a sound mind in a sound

body, as well as its commitment to its sports diplomacy program.

The clinic instructed kids on the skills necessary to be better players.

More important, the program aimed to teach players the right attitude to make it as team members, and that everyone has a role to play—albeit small—and in doing so, to perform that role to the best of their abilities. DFA

SCENES at the Olympic Day. EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN THE PHILIPPINES

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HE Embassy of Japan supported the “Olympic Day–Lakad Para Atleta” event, which was organized by the Philippine Olympic Committee at the College of Science Oval in the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus.

Attendees learned more information about the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, as they were encouraged to witness their staging in the Japanese capital city. Many of them

also enjoyed taking pictures in the photo wall of 2020 Summer Olympic Games mascot Miraitowa and 2020 Summer Paralympic Games mascot Someity.

The audience also regaled at the exhibitions of various sports, including arnis, skateboarding and karate. It made people even more excited for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Embassy of Japan in the Philippines

&Expats

envoys.expats.bm@gmail.com | Thursday, August 22, 2019 E3

PHL to host Asia’s biggest intl law confab

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OME 400 delegates from all over the world will converge in Manila for a landmark law conference on August 22 and 23, in what Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. described as the “most important international law event that will take place in the Philippines this year.”

The seventh Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law will be held in the Philippines for the first time at the Novotel Hotel in Araneta Center, Quezon City.

The conference will be hosted by the AsianSIL and copresented by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Society of International Law (PSIL), the University of the Philippines-College of Law and the UP Law Center, with the theme: “Rethinking International

Law: Finding Common Solutions to Contemporary Civilizational Issues from an Asian Perspective.”

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Treaties and Legal Affairs and PSIL Vice President J. Eduardo Malaya said, “the DFA is pleased to host and be associated with the forthcoming AsianSIL Biennial Conference, as it reaffirms the role of international law as a guide to Philippine foreign policy.”

Locsin will deliver the welcome

remarks during the opening ceremonies on August 22, while Judge Yuji Iwasawa of the International Court of Justice will deliver the keynote address. According to the DFA, it will be the first time a sitting ICJ judge will visit the Philippines.

Legal ‘who’s who’

DISTINGUISHED legal personalities scheduled to speak at the opening ceremonies are Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis H. Jardeleza representing Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, AsianSIL President Prof. Harry L. Roque Jr. and PSIL President Prof. Elizabeth AguilingPangalangan.

Three publications will be launched at the conference: the newly revived Philippine Yearbook of International Law, Treaties: Guidance and Practices, and Enhancing International Legal Cooperation: Extradition, Mutual Legal Assistance, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and Cooperation in Transnational Organized Crimes and Narcotic Drugs [Treaties, Laws

and Procedures].” These books are all published from the UP Law Center.

On August 23, the conference will highlight a special plenary panel in honor of the late Supreme Court Associate Justice Florentino Feliciano, with the theme, “International Legal Scholarship and Judicial Theory: International Law as Shaped by Asian Judges and Lawyers—What Do We Bring to the Table?”

Justice Jardeleza will chair the special plenary, as notable legal luminaries who will speak will include former Judge and ICJ President Judge (ret.) Hisashi Owada, International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (Itlos) President Judge Jin-Hyun Paik, University of Denver-Strum College of Law Prof.

Ved Nanda and University of New South Wales-Faculty of Law Prof.

Natalie Klein.

More than 30 plenary and parallel sessions over the course of the two-day conference would engage the legal scholars on various

EU extends aid to earthquake survivors

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ESPONDING to a series of powerful earthquakes and aftershocks that hit northern Philippines in late July, the European Union (EU) is providing €90,000 in humanitarian funding to address the urgent needs of the most affected families.

The aid will directly benefit 1,000 people in some of the heavily hit areas in the remote, northernmost island of Itbayat, Batanes province.

This EU funding supports the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in delivering much-needed humanitarian assistance through the provision of emergency-relief items, such as tarpaulins, mosquito nets and temporary latrines. The aid will also ensure access to clean water, good hygiene practices and psychological support to the affected communities.

Moreover, cash grants will be distributed to enable displaced

Chinese investors explore Davao’s business potentials

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AVAO CITY—A group of investors from Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, arrived in the city on August 15 to explore business opportunities.

April Marie Dayap, head of the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center, said that among the projects that the investors are eyeing is the development of an industrial park.

“Chongqing is known as an industrial municipality that has partnerships with different countries like the United Kingdom,” she said.

If it pushes through, Dayap said the industrial park would draw more investors and create more jobs for Davaoeños.

She noted that the establishment of a government-owned industrial zone of at least 20 hectares and with direct access to port and airports has been one of the city government’s priorities.

However, the official acknowledged the lack of huge tracts of land in the locale’s coastal areas may discourage potential investors from putting up industrial zones.

She said the city government has been counting on private landowners who have properties in the city’s northern coastal area to partner with foreign investors and help propel Davao City’s economy.

The industrial zone is seen as a magnet to investors with the city’s potentials for agricultural tourism and manufacturing.

Che Palicte/PNA

people to meet their immediate household and food needs following the disruptions of livelihoods caused by the earthquakes.

Gravity of damage

THE funding is part of the EU’s global contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Almost 3,000 people—the entire population of Itbayat—were displaced when three strong earthquakes of Magnitudes 5.4, 5.9 and 5.8 successively struck near the town at shallow depths in the early hours of July 27.

The tremors, followed by at least 13 aftershocks, caused devastating damage to a number of structures.

According to data from the government, 290 houses sustained damage, with more than 85 percent completely destroyed.

In addition, local health facilities and water-distribution systems also absorbed the impact, which have hampered access to medical services and safe-water resources among the quake-hit populations.

Fund sources

TOGETHER with its member-states, the EU is the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid, according to a statement from the delegation’s embassy in the Philippines.

It said relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity toward people in need around the world. The continent’s citizens aim to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, as well as safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.

Through its European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the EU helps more than 120 million victims of conflicts

and disasters every year. (For more information, visit ECHO’s web site.)

The European Commission has signed a €3-million humanitarian contribution agreement with the IFRC to support the DREF. Funds from the latter are mainly allocated to “small-scale” disasters—those that do not give rise to a formal international appeal.

The DREF was established in 1985 and is supported by contributions from donors. It can provide funds to the National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society should they need immediate financial support to respond to a disaster. For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates grants from the fund, which can then be replenished by the donors.

The contribution agreement between the IFRC and ECHO enables the latter to replenish the DREF for agreed operations that fulfill its humanitarian mandate, up to a total of €3 million.

topics, including Hague Conference on Private International Law Secretary-General Dr. Christophe Bernasconi and African-Asian Legal Consultative Organization Secretary-General Dr. Kennedy Gastorn, among others.

Supplementary activities

SIDE events are also slated as part of the conference, which are open to all interested lawyers and law students.

On August 21, the DFA and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines are scheduled to host a forum led by ICJ Judge Iwasawa, with the theme, “The Future of the International Court of Justice: Prospects and Challenges,” at the UP College of Law’s Bonifacio Global City (BGC) campus in Taguig City.

On August 22, the DFA and the Institute for Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea will hold a forum with Itlos Judge Paik entitled, “The Role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the Settlement

of Disputes Related to the Law of the Sea: Current Trends and Other Developments,” also at the aforementioned venue.

The Junior Scholars Conference is also slated to precede the main conference on August 21 at the UP College of Law and UP Law Center in Diliman, Quezon City.

Nearly 100 junior scholars from Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Africa and North America will participate in workshops designed to help them sharpen their academic craft.

The Philippines has seen a resurgence of interest in international law after the country demonstrated thought leadership in various international law tribunals and releasing significant scholarly publications. At the same time, Filipino students have bested other countries in several international law moot court competitions.

Information about the conference may be sourced at http://asiansilconf2019.com/.

UAE opens Marawi rehab projects

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ARAWI CITY—The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government will launch several intervention projects for the ongoing rehabilitation of war-ravaged capital city of Lanao del Sur. UAE Ambassador Hamad Saeed Al-Zaabi said the projects include architectural and operational plans requested through the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and funded by the embassy.

Al-Zaabi recently visited the displaced families of Marawi from the 2017 siege by Islamic State-linked militants.

The ambassador said the UAE-funded projects, in particular, will focus on rehabilitation of schools, construction of a child-and-youth center, construction of a center for orphans, as well as a ruralhealth unit in nearby Butig town in the same province.

UAE Embassy’s IT Manager Faisal Mohd Nabil said the projects are already funded for this year as they are on standby for the local government unit (LGU) to identify the beneficiaries.

Nabil said that since they have a budget, they will implement these projects

based on the approved funds in coordination with the LGU. Al-Zaabi visited the former main battle zone, now referred to by the government as most affected area (MAA), and also went to see the transitory shelter site in Barangay Sagonsongan, where more than a thousand internally displaced persons (IDPs) live.

The ambassador then headed to the Grand Mosque and the Bato Ali Mosque where a Catholic priest, Fr. Teresito Soganub, was held hostage by the Dawlah Islamiya extremists for 100 days during the siege in 2017.

There are 31 mosques inside the MAA destroyed during the war and are in need of rebuilding.

It was Al-Zaabi’s first visit to Marawi City, where he also celebrated Eid’l Adha with the IDPs staying in the transitory shelters in the said barangay.

The ambassador led the distribution of beef to the displaced families, around 200 sacks of fertilizer and five carabaos to farmers of Tamparan town, which is about a 30-minute drive from Marawi City. Divina Suson/PNA

Weekend film screening commemorates Iron Curtain’s fall

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HIRTY years ago, a series of movements in East and Central Europe caused the “tearing down of the ‘Iron Curtain,’” leading to the breakdown of the communist regime in the region.

The fall of the Berlin Wall that divided East and West Germany, as well as the nonviolent protests in former Czechoslovakia known as the “Velvet Revolution,” brought an end to communist totalitarian regimes and began the said countries’ ascension toward democracy.

In commemoration of these significant historical milestones, the Czech Embassy in Manila and Goethe Institut, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Film Institute, will screen films that tackle life during the Communist era at the Videotheque of the UPFI Film Center from August 22 to 24.

The three-day film showing will commence with a panel discussion among Ambassador of the Czech Embassy Jana Šediva, UP Department of Political Science Prof. Dr. Aries Arugay and Far Eastern University’s Department of International Studies Program Head Francis Esteban, among others.

The term “Iron Curtain” is a metaphorical description of the imaginary boundary that divided Europe into two areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the “Cold War” in 1991. It became more

SCENE from Ucho, one of the movies to be featured.

tangible as the Berlin Wall was put up in August 1961 and served as a visible reminder of the rift between Communist East and Democratic West.

Nineteen-eighty nine was a historical year for many countries, when dissenting voices eventually moved past the divide and led to peoples´ revolutions. The communist-led totalitarian regimes ceased to exist in the whole Central and Eastern Europe. Apart from Czechoslovakia and Germany, it also included Poland, Hungary, the former Yugoslavia, Romania and Bulgaria, followed by the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1990.

“I have experienced both the Communist era and our country’s transition to democracy. In 1989, people were united in their desire

to break with the past and see the end of communism, full of hardships and oppression of freedom.

We hope that, thanks to the Iron Curtain Film Festival, we can help the Filipino audience better understand the history of 20th century and appreciate the freedom that we have as democratic nations,” said Šedivá, who will expound more about the former Czechoslovakia and the communist regime during the panel discussion on Thursday, August 22 in the UPFI Film Center.

For the duration of the event, three Czech films and two from Germany will tackle communism and life under its shadow. The screenings are free for the public, subject on a first-come, first-served basis.

IRON Curtain film festival poster

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

E4 Thursday, August 22, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

EMBASSIES, EVENTS, ETC.

1st Filipina honored in Japan’s new era

AMBASSADOR Koji Haneda confers the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays to Ma. Elena Laurel-Loinaz for her contribution in bridging relations between Tokyo and Manila. CESAR M. CRUZ JR., EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN MANILA

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By Cesar M. Cruz Jr.

HE excellent relationship between Japan and the Philippines would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of individuals, who have dedicated their time and energy in strengthening the ties binding the two nations.

One such person recently accorded for enabling this was Ma. Elena Laurel-Loinaz.

In his residence and before esteemed guests, Ambassador Koji Haneda celebrated, on August 16, the conferment of a national decoration—the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays—upon LaurelLoinaz by the government of Japan on May 21, 2019.

The Filipina was among the first recipients of the Japanese order in the new imperial era, or Reiwa, which

translates to “beautiful harmony.”

According to Haneda, LaurelLoinaz has served as president of the Philippines-Japan Ladies Association (PJLA) for 13 years. Under her stewardship, the said organization has entered various educational and sociocultural programs, which encourage intensified exchange between Japanese and Filipinos.

She led various activities, such as visits to historical places, museums, as well as factories and the like, which provided members and non-

members the opportunity to share the richness of the Japanese culture.

Those eventually paved the way for mutual understanding between the two Asian countries.

“It is worth noting that her mother, Beatrice Castillo-Laurel, lead the establishment of the PJLA in 1975, and served as the first president of the association for 14 years,” the Japanese ambassador shared.

Alumna from Japan

ASIDE from being the head of the PJLA, Laurel-Loinaz also holds administrative positions in other affiliate organizations, such as the Philippine-Japan Society, the Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni, the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture, as well as the Nihongo Center Foundation.

Haneda capped off his speech by extending his congratulations to the awardee and her family: “In whatever capacity you find yourself in, we hope that you will remain

steadfast in helping promote goodwill, and broadening the friendship between Japan and the Philippines.

We wish you all the best. Maraming salamat and mabuhay!”

Taking her turn at the podium, Laurel-Loinaz felt nostalgic as she brought out her graduation invite from the Tokyo University of Sacred Heart in 1970. She studied in the institution around the time her father, the late Ambassador Jose S. Laurel III, served as the country’s envoy to Japan. She was vocal for being its proud alumna, where the former Japanese empress Michiko also graduated: “Tonight, 50 years later, I am here because I received another invitation: to accept the award of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays from the Japanese government. I am so humbled by this honor…”

Laurel-Loinaz waxed sentimental as she continued: “In many ways, I feel that my life has come full circle. Many, many years ago when I accepted that graduation invitation

Visiting foreign affairs official bolsters PHL-Italy bilateral relations

ITALY’S Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Manlio di Stefano (from left), Embassy of Italy in Jakarta’s Atty. Sanen Santos and Military Attaché Otello Orsini, Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines Giorgio Guglielmino and Embassy of Italy in Manila’s Deputy Counsel Eugeniu Rotaru EMBASSY OF ITALY IN MANILA

PGA Cars Inc. Chairman and CEO Roberto Coyiuto (from left), Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and Guglielmino

AMBASSADORS Jaideep Mazumdar of India (from left), John Holmes of Canada and Bjørn Jahnsen of Norway EMBASSY OF

EMBASSY OF ITALY IN MANILA

ITALY IN MANILA

from Sacred Heart, I could never have imagined that 50 years later, I would be standing here in another stage in front of all of you.”

Laurel legacy continued

THE award-recipient envisions the conferment as a continuation of a rich legacy, as she is the fifth member of her clan to receive such. The first one was her late grandfather, former President Jose P. Laurel; then her father; third was her uncle, former Speaker Jose V. Laurel Jr.; and more recent, her brother Francis C. Laurel.

The awardee noted, “[Our family has] always been affiliated in pursuing friendly relations with the Japanese people, so I will continue as a member of the family and as a member of the affiliate organization.”

“This award is more than a tremendous honor for me and my family. In many ways, it is the continuation of a rich legacy,” she said.

Extending her appreciation, she said: “My profound and sin-

cere gratitude to all: the board of trustees; the officers and staff of the affiliate organizations for their unwavering support; and most of all, to our Almighty One who made all these possible. Thank you!”

As noted in phiippinesjapansociety.com, the Order of the Rising Sun was established by Emperor Meiji in 1875, and “is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.”

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), LaurelLoinaz said she would continue to play an active role in bringing the peoples of the two nations closer.

Present during the ceremony were past Japanese order awardees including Philip Sanvictores, and former prime minister under the Marcos administration, Cesar Virata. With a report from Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA

Libya addresses concerns of Filipino hospital workers

CHARGÉ d’Affaires Elmer G. Cato and Libyan Health Minister Ahmed Mohamed Omar

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ITALIAN Chamber of Commerce in the Phils.’ Lorens Ziller (from left), di Stefano and Atty. Anthony Abad EMBASSY OF ITALY IN MANILA

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TALY’S Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Manlio di Stefano arrived in Manila recently to further strengthen his country’s relationship with the Philippines.

Di Stefano’s visit marked the 72 years of diplomatic relations, as it showed the speed at which the Philippines’s economy has risen due to and aided by the extent of trade between the two countries.

To wit, Italy’s exports to the Philippines in 2018 alone equated to nearly €662.5 million, mostly on machineries, electronics, food and leather goods. On the other hand, Italian imports

AMBASSADORS Nicolas Galey of France (from left), Holmes, and Steven Robinson of Australia EMBASSY OF ITALY IN MANILA

from the country during the same year equaled to €255.55 million, which concentrated on food, clothing and electronics.

According to the embassy of Italy in Manila, the visit by di Stefano is expected to further strengthen the partnership between the European country and the Philippines, in realizing these potentials. It stated that this can be achieved by forming new areas of cooperation, especially in deepening the ties in the cultural sector, as well as employing Italian technologies to help modernize the Philippine agricultural sector, and improve its produc-

AMBASSADORS Dr. Aman Rashid of Pakistan and Harald Fries of Sweden EMBASSY OF ITALY IN MANILA

tivity. The embassy projected that there are various areas of potential growth, as estimated by the Italian government. Under the Duterte administration, Rome sees Manila holding incredible amounts of untapped potential in terms of infrastructure projects, beverages, pharmaceuticals and in the automotive industry, while still capitalizing on machineries.

The two countries have enjoyed a warm and cordial relationship since 1947 after the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and General Relations in Rome. Since then, the Philippines and Italy have forged several

agreements, including those for scientific and technical cooperation, investments, small- and medium-sized enterprises, as well as various transportation and communication initiatives.

Di Stefano’s arrival also coincided with the celebration of the recent knighthood of Robert Coyiuto Jr., the chairman and CEO of privately held Prudential Guarantee & Assurance, one of the country’s largest nonlife insurance companies.

He is also the owner of PGA Cars, a Philippinebased distributor of luxury car brands, such as Audi and Bentley.

RIPOLI—The Philippines has welcomed the assurance of Libyan authorities that the salary and other concerns of hundreds of Filipino hospital-based workers in the Middle East capital city are being addressed.

In a statement issued ahead of the visit to Manila of Libyan Health Minister Ahmed Mohamed Omar, the Philippine embassy in Tripoli said it is hopeful that problems encountered by Filipinos working in most government hospitals and in some private clinics across Libya would soon be resolved.

“We welcome the assurances given to us by the Libyan government that the concerns our nurses and hospital workers asked us to bring to their attention are being acted upon,” Chargé d’Affaires of the Philippine embassy to Libya Elmer G. Cato said.

These concerns include not only delays in the remittance of salaries and benefits, but in some cases, even nonpayment of wages of the more than 1,000 Filipino nurses and hospital workers in Libya.

Cato said Omar, who was in Manila on

August 19 and 20, gave an assurance that steps are being taken to address the concerns that the embassy first brought to his attention in May. The Libyan official said he is coordinating closely with the Office of the Prime Minister and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Finance, in resolving the issues.

Omar said a comprehensive review of existing policies in the payment, as well as the remittance of salaries and benefits of expatriate health workers is now ongoing, and a focal person has been designated to work closely with the embassy to resolve monetary claims of Filipino hospital workers.

The Libyan minister also mentioned that representations have been made with the Central Bank of Libya to allow Filipinos, other expatriate nurses and hospital workers to remit as much as 70 percent of their salaries.

He said the Libyan government is also planning to adjust the salaries of foreign hospital workers to ensure they will continue to get the original dollar equivalent, as indicated in their employment contracts. DFA