BusinessMirror August 24, 2020

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Monday, August 24, 2020 Vol. 15 No. 319

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 16 pages |

‘NG MAY UNFUND P225-B PROJECTS ON SC RULING’

By Cai U. Ordinario

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@caiordinario

HE Supreme Court ruling that would lead to higher funds for local government units (LGUs) may prompt the national government to unfund P225.3 billion worth of projects and programs, according to a study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

This is possible, former PIDS Senior Research Fellow Rosario G. Manasan said in a recent webinar, given that there are projects included in the budgets of national agencies that can and should be undertaken by local governments.

Manasan said if this is going to be followed, the national government may even free up a higher amount of P247.583 billion. This leaves P22.3 billion that can be used for other important expenses.

“Some of the functions in Section 17 are stated in broad sectoral terms so that said functions may not appropriately be assigned to LGUs when considered in their entirety based on principles of expenditure assignment in the fiscal decentralization literature [so there is a] need to unbundle/deconstruct these broadly defined functions,” Manasan said in a presentation.

Equalization fund

In order to maximize the P22.3 billion, Manasan said this can be distributed as an equalization fund and as national government counterpart in conditional matching

grant or cost-sharing arrangement.

This, Manasan said, will act as an incentive to LGUs to spend in a manner that is consistent with national priorities and objectives.

An equalization fund, Manasan said, can address “vertical imbalances” in fiscal resources across different LGUs. Even with the increase in IRA, the net incremental IRA is negative for provinces and cities, with provinces having a larger negative transfer compared to cities.

This, Manasan said, was also observed in the net incremental IRA transfer that is positive for municipalities and barangays where municipalities have higher transfers than barangays. Apart from this, there are horizontal imbalances between and among LGUs. Manasan said this refers to the low resources that LGUs have versus the amount they need to provide local services.

Manasan said the top 10 provinces who received the higher percapita net transfers were Batanes and Dinagat Islands which received P4,577 per-capita transfer and P1,135 per capita transfer.

Continued on A2

DOMINGUEZ-LED PANEL EYES MANDATORY FUND FOR RETIREMENT

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

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HE Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III is considering making it mandatory for private companies to partially or fully fund retirement plans for their workers.

In a statement, the Department of Finance said Dominguez backed the recommendation by Fund Managers Association of the Philippines (FMAP), saying this will help provide sufficient funds for the pension or retirement plans of private sector workers, while boosting the demand side for investments that could boost the growth of the Philippine capital market.

Dominguez also wrote a letter to Labor Secretary Silvestre

PESO exchange rates n

Bello III, saying the CMDC has decided to consult the Department of Labor and Employment, given DOLE’s regulatory authority on the implementation of the Labor Code and Republic Act 7641 or the Philippine Retirement Pay Law. The latter mandates private companies employing more than 10 workers to either provide a retirement plan or retirement pay for their respective qualified employees.

“A mandatory partial or full funding of pension obligation would address concerns on insufficient funding upon retirement of employees as the investment will generate returns to cover the required growth in the fund over time. Such pension investments will boost the demand side of the capital markets as well,”Dominguez said, citing the recommendation of FMAP. Continued on A2

Passengers of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Carriedo station in Manila line up to board train from theup operation of their system resume Light RailonTransit Line 1downstairs passengersasline yesterday in time of General community Quarantine.Photo

by ROY DOMINGO to board the train from the ground floor of the Carriedo Station in Manila, as the operation of the system resumed under a general community quarantine. ROY DOMINGO

House vows strict oversight on ‘Bangon Fund’

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

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HE leadership of the House of Representatives vowed on Sunday to immediately activate its oversight function to strictly monitor the “Bangon Fund” under the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said provisions of the bill or the Bayanihan 2 allow Congress to scrutinize the strict implementation of programs related to coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) response and emergency subsidy to cashstrapped individuals.

“We are set to ratify the Bayanihan 2 bill when when we resume session [Monday]. But this time, we made sure that certain provisions are set in place for a strict implementation of the law,” said Romualdez.

“From Day One of the implementation of the law, the House of Representatives will closely monitor how government agencies dis-

burse the budget allocated to them.

Delays in disbursing funds to the needy are no longer acceptable,” Romualdez said.

He said the bill, once signed

by President Duterte, provides an emergency subsidy of P5,000 to P8,000 to affected low-income households in areas under granular lockdown and to households with recently returned overseas Filipino workers. The amount will be computed based on prevailing regional minimum-wage rates.

This time, however, Congress mandated that the “vetting and validation of beneficiaries of the Socia l A melioration Prog ram [SAP], and the related liquidation report thereto shall be simplified to expedite the distribution of the subsidy.”

Romualdez also said the law now mandates all government agencies concerned to submit to Congress a definitive and actual list of SAP beneficiaries.

“This will allow Congress to exercise its oversight function more

efficiently in monitoring how these funds are disbursed to the beneficiaries. We do not want a repeat of Bayanihan 1 where the absence of database resulted in confusion in the distribution of funds,” he said.

The P5,000 to P8,000 subsidy will also cover unemployment or involuntary separation assistance for displaced workers or employees due to Covid-19, including probationary, project, seasonal, contractual and casual employees.

Other major items included in the P165 billion Bangon Fund of Bayanihan 2 are:

■ P39.47 billion for capital infusion to government banks; ■ P24 billion to boost agriculture and provide assistance to farmers and fishermen; ■ P13.5 billion for benefits and hiring of more health-care workers; ■ P13 billion for cash-for-work program; ■ P9.5 billion for assistance to public utility drivers and other programs of DOTr;

■ P6 billion for “individuals in crisis” and other programs of DSWD programs; ■ P5 billion for hiring of contract tracers; ■ P4.5 billion for construction of temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities, and for expansion of government hospital capacity; ■ P4.5 billion for isolation facilities, hotel accomodation, food and transportation of Covid-19 patients; ■ P4 billion for tourism industry; ■ P4 billion for DepEd’s implementation of digital learning; ■ P3 billion for procurement of personal protective equipment, face masks, face shields; ■ P3 billion for development of smart campuses; ■ P2 billion subsidy for LGUs paying interest on loans secured from government banks; ■ P1.5 billion assistance to local government units ■ P1 billion for Tesda scholarships; See “Bangon Fund,” A2

US 48.5610 n japan 0.4580 n UK 63.6878 n HK 6.2659 n CHINA 7.0182 n singapore 35.4356 n australia 34.8765 n EU 57.5205 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.9482

Source: BSP (20 August 2020)

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Garment groups seek priority for local PPE makers in govt deals

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By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

ARMENT manufacturers are asking the Department of Health (DOH) to prioritize the purchase of local personal protective equipment (PPE) over imports to grow the domestic industry for PPE and health essentials production.

The Confederation of Philippine Manufacturers of PPE (CPMP) is requesting the government to source more of its face mask and coverall requirements from the industry group. At present, firms belonging to the CPMP have a combined capacity to make 57.6 million face masks and 3 million coveralls monthly.

According to the CPMP, the state demand for face masks ranges between 30 million and 80 million a month, of which only 10 million is being bought from domestic manufacturers.

CPMP President Lawrence de los Santos said what the DOH can do is plan ahead its purchase of PPE and

face masks. This way, PPE makers here can allocate ahead of time and see if they can supply the government’s requirements.

“Key challenge is demand. The biggest customer for PPEs is Philippine government. There is a problem we are facing with the way the government secures and procures PPEs. It’s not in sync with our production,” de los Santos said in a virtual briefing last week.

De los Santos claimed 80 percent of PPEs and face masks the government buys are imports, and this is just discouraging for local producers since most of them invested

‘NG MAY UNFUND P225-B PROJECTS ON SC RULING’ Continued from A1

The provinces with the lowest per-capita transfers are the Mountain Province at -P3,229; Abra with -P2,752; and Palawan, -P2,346 percapita transfer.

In terms of municipalities, the one that received the highest per-capita net resource transfer was Kalayaan, Palawan, with P125,150 followed by Uyugan, Batanes, with a far P5,673 per capita.

ThemunicipalitieswiththelowestwereBotolan, Zambales, at -P2,942 and Candelaria, Zambales, at -P2,626 per-capita net resource transfer.

Across cities, those which received the highest were Santiago and Iligan cities with P3,274 and P3,129 per-capita net resource

transfer, respectively.

The lowest were Kabangkalan, Sipalay, and Bislig with -P2,523, -P2,488, and -P2,251 per-capita net resource transfer, respectively.

“Horizontal imbalance indicates need for equalization grants,” Manasan stressed.

Devolved services

Apart from using the P22.3 billion that is in excess of the amount required to fund the increase in the IRA, Manasan recommended the creation of local demand for devolved services.

She said this entails raising public awareness of the roles played by the national and local governments in local services. Instead of holding national governments accountable for traffic or poor health care, citizens should look to local

executives since these services are devolved.

Manasan said this should also prompt the national and local governments to include citizens and civil society organizations in local planning and budgeting.

Underthe LocalGovernmentCode,agriculture extension services and on-site research; natural resources management; environmental; health; and local infrastructure services are part of the responsibility of the local government.

The list includes social welfare; housing; disaster risk and reduction management; tourism; intermunicipal telecommunication; planning; and regulatory services such as business permits and zoning are also under the purview of LGUs. In January 2012, former GovernorHermilando Mandanas asked the Supreme Court to compel

the national government (NG) to include the internal revenue taxes collected by the Bureau of Customs (e.g., VAT, excise taxes, documentary taxes) in computing the aggregate share of LGUs in national internal revenue taxes as provided under Section 284 of the 1991 LGC. He also questioned the deduction of tax revenues earmarked for LGUs (or some subsets of LGUs) from the base used to compute the IRA (e.g., share of tobacco producing LGUs in excise tax on cigarettes), and other deductions like the 1⁄2 of 1 percent of national taxes as auditing fee of the Commission on Audit (COA).

In July 2018, the SC ruled that: the aggregate IRA should be computed as 40 percent of all taxes; deductions from the IRA being questioned by Mandanas are valid; the application is prospective on the basis of the post-operative doctrine; and the increase in the IRA arising from this ruling will start in 2022.

Impact of ruling

In December 2019, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) estimated that the Mandanas ruling will increase the aggregate IRA in 2022 to P1.102.7 trillion or 0.9 percent of GDP. This is an increment of P225.3 billion from P847.4 billion.

Further, Manasan cited the more recent DBM estimates of increase in aggregate IRA in 2022 of P234.4 billion to P1.083 trillion from P848.4 billion.

Bangon Fund…

Continued from A1

■ P820 million for assistance to overseas Filipino workers; ■ P600 million in subsidies, allowance for students severely affected by the pandemic; ■ P300 million in subsidies, allowance for teachers, part-time faculty, other employees of state universities and colleges; and ■ P180 million in allowances for national athletes and coaches

Vaccine

Meanwhile, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said the race to get Covid-19 medication and vaccine to the people got a boost as the bicameral panel adopted the House’s initiative to waive the Phase IV trialrequirementsetbytheUniversalHealthCareLaw. The bicameral version of the Bayanihan 2 is based on Section 9 of House Bill No. 6953, which is intended to expedite the procurement and distribution of medication and vaccine for Covid-19 subject to conditions set by the committee.

“This early we are preparing for the vaccine. We can’t start looking for the funding only when the vaccine becomes available.

This is what I mean when I say we have to be equipped,” he added.

Phase IV trials are required under Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law, and the approved provision waives it under the following conditions: ■ The medication and vaccine are recommended by theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and/or other internationally recognized health agencies; ■ Minimum standards for the distribution shall be set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), as may be applicable; ■ Nothing in the proposed act shall prohibit private entities from conducting research, developing, manufacturing, importing, distributing, or selling Covid-19 vaccine sourced from registered pharmaceutical companies; and ■ The said provision shall remain in effect three months after December 19, 2020.

capital in order to retrofit their facilities.

At present, most of CPMP’s clients are private sector firms who sells face masks at the retail level.

However, CPMP member-firms admitted the government remains to be the largest buyer of health essentials in the time of Covid-19.

“The government is still the most important buyer. Most of us are quite new to this. We need government procurement to grow this industry. An immediate demand from the government will help us secure our capacity and production,” de los Santos said.

Recruiters who abandon stranded clients face sanctions Continued from A8

The concerned establishments must submit a status on the condition of these workers to POEA’s Welfare Service Branch (WSB) or face possible suspension and other administrative sanctions.

Escrow access

To provide financial relief to recruitment and manning agencies, Bello said POEA allowed them to withdraw from their escrow deposit in excess of P1 million.

Furthermore, POEA suspended for the next two years the requirement for them to increase the amount of their escrow.

The escrow, which is deposited in commercial banks, is used to pay for the possible contract violations by these agencies.

Establishments interested in availing themselves of the said benefit should first submit the following documents to POEA’s Licensing Branch: bank certificate representing the total amount of escrow deposit; certification from the Adjudication Office indicating the number of pending recruitment violation case/s; Board Resolution/Partnership Resolution (for corporation or partnership) or Letter of Intent (for sole proprietorship) on the decision to withdraw the additional escrow deposit; surety bond for two years; and Affidavit of Undertaking.

The application must be approved by the POEA administrator before it may be implemented.

New requirement

In a related development, POEA also issued an advisory on a new requirement for Filipino seafarers onboard sea vessels bound for China.

POEA administrator Bernard P. Olalia said they should now test negative for Covid-19 through a “nucleic acid testing” within three days before boarding.

“Without such negative testing results, the seafarers may be denied entry into China,” Olalia said.

China imposed the new requirement after 23 Filipino seafarers who arrived in China last month, tested for Covid-19.

Samuel P. Medenilla

DOMINGUEZ-LED PANEL EYES MANDATORY FUND FOR RETIREMENT Continued from A1

With representatives from the public and private sector, the CMDC is a coordinating body tasked to facilitate the development of the Philippine capital market. Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, the cochairman from the private sector, spearheaded the project on the implementation of reforms in the corporate pension system.

In his letter to Bello, Dominguez said studies done by FMAP found that RA 7641 does not require companies to fund their retirement liabilities that are calculated based on the prescribed benefits. Under this law, companies are mandated to pay pension benefits only upon retirement of their employees, usually based on the minimum requirements set by RA 7641.

“One of the conclusions in the studies is that this creates a social problem because people in their retirement may not have enough retirement savings. As to economic and capital market aspects, the absence of an effective pension fund system affects the demand side for investments that could contribute to the development of the Philippine capital market,” Dominguez said in his letter.

Dominguez said the FMAP studies also found that pension benefits for private sector employees are usually insufficient, and that the new generation of workers is at risk of receiving even smaller pensions later with the current system, adding that the low accumulation of pension assets limits the development of capital markets.

As time passes, the issues hounding corporate pensions will become more difficult to solve, according to the studies.

The studies done by FMAP formed part of the process done by the CMDC in identifying projects, programs, and action plans under the Capital Market Development (CMD) Third Blueprint 2019-2025.

One of CMDC’s priority projects is the implementation of reforms in the corporate pension system to achieve a robust supply and demand resource in the Philippine capital market and ensure adequate retirement benefits for private sector workers.

Dominguez also told Bello that CMDC has created a technical working group (TWG), headed by National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon, for this priority project that will coordinate with DOLE to discuss the FMAP recommendation, which was supported by the Asian Development Bank.

Fiscal risk

In a separate message to reporters on Sunday, Dominguez also said the CMDC is studying higher levels of funding for pension and retirement pay system compared to the present situation.

“This is to reduce fiscal risk in the system as the country ages over the longer term and also as an ancillary measure to make pensions more portable,” he said.

While he said encouraging the adoption of Personal Equity and Retirement Accounts (PERA) under Republic Act 9505 helps increase funding levels, the finance chief said increased funding over broader pension system like the popularity of the 401k product in the United States is “similarly desirable.”

Filipinos are able to prepare for their eventual retirement by opening a voluntary account or PERA. Unlike existing national or corporation pension schemes, PERA does not require deductions from one’s salary to accumulate funds but relies on local worker’s decision to invest up to P100,000 annually to prepare for retirement and up to P200,000 annually for overseas Filipino workers. Contributions to employees’ PERA can also come from employers.

On the other hand, the 401k plan in United States is a qualified plan that includes a feature allowing an employee to elect to have the employer contribute a portion of the employee’s wages to an individual account under the plan.

“Promoting the more widespread adoption of PERA beyond their use as a tool to satisfy the Retirement Pay Law [RA 7641] is also meant to augment average retirement incomes in the Philippines, which are currently insufficient to replace worker incomes,” he said.

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‘Raw sugar production could hit 4-year high’

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HE country’s raw sugar output in crop year (CY) 20202021 is projected to hit a four-year high, prompting the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to announce that it will consider the export of more sugar to prevent a supply glut.

The SRA said raw sugar output in CY 2020-2021 could reach 2.19 MMT, 2 percent higher than the 2.145 MMT produced in the current crop year which will end on August 31.

The last time the Philippines produced more than 2.2 MMT of raw sugar was in CY 2016-2017, according to SRA data.

The agency is expected to issue its Sugar Order (SO) 1 for CY 2020-2021 soon. SO 1 outlines the allocation for the country’s sugar output.

“We forecast that we will have excess sugar this crop year 2020-2021, which will need to be exported,” SRA Administrator Hermenegildo R. Serafica said in a statement.

“Export of domestic sugar will ease and help stabilize prices—at levels that are reasonably profitable to producers and fair to consumers,” Serafica added.

The anticipated higher production and “huge” carryover stocks would result in a glut that may depress prices, especially since the sugar consumption of the food industry declined during the lockdown.

The Philippines currently exports

sugar to the United States under a preferential trade scheme. For fiscal year 2021, which will kick off in October, Manila again obtained the same sugar quota of 142,160 MT raw value (MTRV), or 136,201 MT commercial weight.

This is the fourth consecutive fiscal year that the US has given the Philippines a sugar quota of 142,160 MTRV. Countries authorized by the US to export sugar under the TRQ scheme may do so at lower duties.

On Sunday, the Confederation of Sugar Producers (Confed) urged the SRA to allocate at least 6 percent of the country’s sugar output next crop year as “A” (for US market). The proposal is a percentage higher than 5-percent allocation for “A” sugar in the current crop year.

The remaining 94 percent shall be allocated as “B” sugar or sugar that is to be sold in the domestic market, based on a position paper submitted

by Confed to the SRA. “There is no need for any ‘A’ sugar replenishment in the coming crop year and that early swap must come from sugar produced in the same crop year. Furthermore, any ‘A’ replenishment for CY 20192020 must be done by September 30, 2020,” the group said.

The group also said it doesn’t see the need to allocate sugar as “D” or sugar sold to other foreign importers. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Monday, August 24, 2020 A3

PHL formally notifies WTO of ban on poultry products from Brazil

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

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HE Philippines has officially informed other members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it is temporarily closing its borders to Brazilian poultry due to the threat of Covid-19.

In its notification to the WTO, Manila said it is temporarily disallowing Brazilian foreign meat est abl ishments (FMEs) f rom exporting chicken meat to the Philippines pending the results of “a thorough assessment” to be conducted by the Department of Agriculture on the matter.

On August 14, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar ordered the import ban following reports that a sample of Brazilian chicken wings shipped to China tested positive for Covid-19.

The DA said the ban was also based on the fact that a lot of workers in Brazilian FMEs contracted Covid-19, raising concerns over the health and safety standards being observed by exporters.

The Bureau of Animal Industry, the agency that regulates meat imports, said the safety and wellness of workers in FMEs is one of Manila’s export accreditation re-

quirements (Related story: “PHL wants firmer assurance Brazil meat exports safe,” in the BusinessMirror, August 19, 2020).

The Philippines stressed that food safety was its paramount concern when it imposed the ban. It also noted that there is no relevant international standard regarding the import ban.

“There have been numerous reports on the detection of SARSCoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19, in a surface sampling conducted in chicken meat imported from Brazil to China,” Manila said in its August 21 notification to the WTO.

‘No justification’

MANILA’S notification to the WTO came a few days after international poultry exporters said they follow the “highest level” of safety in their production line and argued that there is no scientific basis for the transmission of Covid-19 from food to humans.

American exporters have called out the import bans imposed by countries on Brazilian poultry, saying these were “unjustified” and were based on “scientifically unfounded fears.”

“There is no justification for any

country to ban poultry imports based on scientifically unfounded fears prompted by unsubstantiated reports in the media. Such action would only be a disadvantage to its own consumer population,” USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) President Jim Sumner said.

USAPEEC pointed out that the Covid-19 detected on the surface of a Brazilian chicken wing sample was reported by the Shenzhen municipality and has not been confirmed by the General Administration of Customs China (GACC). The group noted that GACC is China’s lead agency in charge of Covid-19 testing conducted on products at customs clearance.

“Despite the fact that this report has not been confirmed by GACC, other countries might be consider ing banning imports based on that report.”

The International Poultry Council (IPC), which accounts for 95 percent of global poultry meat trade and 90 percent of world production, also assured consumers that they have nothing to fear about reports that Covid-19 was detected on the surface of food packaging.

The IPC noted that to date, not a single case of Covid-19 transmission from food products to humans has been recorded.

The group also said the detection of genetic material belonging to SARS-CoV-2 “is not an index of infectivity of the package or product sampled” but only an indication that the tested surface came in contact with the viral material that “may not be, alive, viable and infectious.”

“Inactive fragments of the virus may remain on surfaces, but these inactive fragments cannot transmit Covid-19 and most tests cannot differentiate between inactive non-infectious virus fragments and viable virus,” it said in a recent statement. “Therefore, caution in the interpretation of test results is required.”

Citing international organizations like the World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, Codex and WTO, the IPC said Covid-19 is not a “food safety issue” but a “respiratory illness,” that is primarily transmitted person-toperson via respiratory droplets.

“The virus cannot multiply in food and it does not affect poultry, it can only infect people when present in its intact form,” it said. “Currently, there is no evidence that the Covid-19 virus can be transmitted by food or by meat, whether fresh or frozen.”

INVESTING IN THE NEW NO

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A BusinessMirr

Monday, August 24, 2020 | www.businessmirror.com.ph

THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN DISTANCE LEARNING

EDUCATION IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

WO decades into the 21st century but none of us has come prepared for a pandemic caused by a deadly strain of a viral disease. Indeed, everyone has been caught off guard—changing the dynamics of our society and forcing us to adapt the “new normal.”

Realistically, the Philippines is far behind many neighboring countries in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, when it comes to the integration of technology into the education system. The current health crisis, however, is paving the way for a more advanced method of learning, which would help the younger generation to pursue their studies even in the comfort of their home.

While there has been a lot of debate about whether distance learning is plausible in a country where the majority of households do not have a stable Internet connection, many people are hopeful that the government will make this ambitious plan possible, as the new school year unfolds.

DepEd’s initiatives

THE Department of Education (DepEd) is currently on the move to strengthen the capacity of public schools by introducing the DepEd Commons, an online platform for public school teachers to support distance learning modalities, which will be one of the alternative delivery modalities to be implemented.

This platform was originally de-

signed as a direct solution to provide access to online review materials and Open Educational Resources (OERs) during class suspensions or circumstances.

DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua pointed out that they are upgrading the DepEd Commons to double the number of learners that can access it simultaneously.

The question is, can this online platform handle the number of prospective users?

Pascua said that DepEd Commons is stable. He even recalled an occasion when more than 45,000 participants joined the webinars organized by the department using the “learning management system”. He then boasted the stability of the platform since it did not crash and they did not have any other problems.

Furthermore, the DepEd Commons can be accessed free of data charges by all mobile subscribers of Globe, TM, Smart, Sun, and TNT, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Commission (NTC).

Apart from using this online platform, other modalities will include modular, television (TV), and radio-based instruction.

DepEd is also determined to boost

education delivery through TV, whether it is through commercial broadcasts, free channels, government-owned TV stations, and even cable TV networks.

With the integration of the Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) to these alternative delivery modalities, the DepEd assures that all learners will have access to quality basic education, despite the suspension of the traditional face-to-face classes.

“The SLMs and the other alternative learning delivery modalities are in place to address the needs, situations, and resources of each and every learner and will cover all the bases in ensuring that basic education will be accessible amid the present crisis posed by COVID- 19,” said DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones.

For learners with special needs, they will have access to video sessions with proper guidance from trained teachers.

Support from private sectors

WHILE the government is on top of the general educational plans during the pandemic, many private institutions are showing their support to make the ambitious distance learning possible.

Globe Telecom, one of the leading telecommunications companies in the Philippines, is looking for ways to help provide different educational institutions with information and communications technology (ICT) tools.

In line with the company’s sustainability programs, such as electronic waste management, 21st-century education, and teacher training, Globe will distribute preowned laptops used by their employees.

Recently, it has delivered 10 laptop units to San Vicente National High School in Baguio City; seven units to San Pedro Elementary School in Sasmuan, Pampanga; and 32 units to the DepEd Division in Cagayan de Oro City for Cadayonan Elementary School, Donggoan Elementary School, Iba Elementary School, and Magayad Elementary School.

“Instead of disposing the pre-owned

PIXABAY.COM

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By Trisha Jean V. De Leon

laptops when many Filipinos have no access to a computer, we decided to refurbish the units and give them a new purpose to schools.

This way, we are able to help our teachers and students as well as extend the usable life of the devices,” Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications, pointed out.

Moreover, Globe also conducts the Global Filipino Teacher (GFT) Training Pro-

gram that focuses on preparing public school teachers to develop 21st-century skills, including digital literacy, to help them adapt to the new normal.

School opening

IT was previously announced that classes in public schools will resume on August 24. Ten days before the scheduled resumption, however, President Rodrigo Duterte decided to

Battling the invisible: Mental health support amidst COVID-19

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ranges telepsychotherapy for free, workshops, organizational training and consultation, and research in the growing body of academic literature for Filipino mental health.

To get in touch with the UPD PsycServ, you may send a text or Viber message to 09063743466 or 09167573157 with your name and concern. You may also fill out their online form to receive a call from PsycServe volunteers.

Private Entities’ Initiatives

By Trisha Jean V. De Leon

physical and mental health aids.

In fact, the National Center for Medical Health (NCMH) has reported increased mental health concerns experienced by local residents, frontliners, and repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Jean Goulbourn, the founder of the HOPELINE hotline in the country, also stated that the coronavirus threat has resulted in a near 200% increase in calls in the past few months—70 to 85% of which are triggered by high anxiety.

Unfortunately, in a country with over 100 million population, Goulburn pointed out that there are less than 5,000 licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and guidance counselors available to provide mental health assistance.

Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Concerns

INDEED, community lockdowns are designed to minimize COVID-19 transmission, but the strict

UNSPLASH.COM

HE once busy street outside your home has become an eerily quiet road for nearly four months now.

Unsurprisingly, the unfamiliar and deafening silence has plagued your mind ever since—tormenting a part of you that often seems distant and unreachable.

Sociology has taught us that humans are inherently social beings, epitomized by the old catchphrase, “no man is an island.” Isolation or solitude for an extended period may then affect their mental wellbeing or worse, cause behavioral changes.

Thus, being “cut off” from one’s social circles, colleagues, and family can spark different mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

With the onslaught of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) recognizes not only the immediate physical harm that the virus has been prompting but also its mental and psychosocial impact to Filipinos.

However, just like the rest of the world, the pandemic has posed many challenges to our health sector, especially when it comes to balancing

quarantine measures have caused unintended consequences on the mental health of many Filipinos.

Studies show the prolonged confinement may provoke depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness, pessimism, deteriorations in cognition, and disruption in sleeping patterns.

Many of these symptoms are due to the constant distress over routine activities, lack of opportunities to socialize, absence of emo-

tional support, and the feeling of uncertainty as the current health dilemma remains unsolved.

Government Response

RECENTLY, the NCMH has launched its Telemental Health Response program, an internet platform for remote psychosocial support sessions.

Dr. Bernard Argamosa, NCMH’s psychiatrist, stressed out how mental health must be included in the re-

move it on October 5.

Based on Republic Act 11480, the president is allowed to set a different date for the start of school year in the country during a state of emergency or state of calamity, upon the recommendation of the DepEd Secretary.

The said law also states that the deferred school opening shall apply to all basic education schools, including foreign and international schools.

sponse and recovery initiatives from the COVID-19 pandemic. She also assured that medical health professionals are doing their best to provide all the services the patients need.

To contact their mental health crew, dial one of their hotline numbers: (917) 899-8727 or (917) 989-8727.

Apart from NCMH, the University of the Philippines- Diliman (UPD) also offers their hand through psychosocial services or UPD PsycServ. The organization ar-

THE deadly strain of coronavirus has truly tested our country’s healthcare system as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase. When it comes to mental health, however, many private organizations and non-governmental institutions show their support.

For instance, Globe Telecom has made the toll-free HOPELINE 2919, a suicide prevention hotline, possible by providing the necessary technology for it. With the creation of HOPELINE in 2012, over 14,000 calls, relating to depression, suicidal thoughts, and relationship problems, have been received.

The company also renders New Good Feelings (NGF) MIndstrong with free hotline service so that its responders can continue to receive and process calls from the 2919 HOPELINE even while working from home.

Globe believes that this project can help turn the tide and raise awareness on mental health by offering various opportunities for people to seek help and support.

On the other hand, online consultations via Konsulta MD allow individuals to speak with a doctor at any time of the day. All you need to do is give their 24/7 hotline a call by dialing 79880 on mobile and (2) 779-88000 (toll-free for Globe/TM) on a landline to start your basic consultation session.

Lastly, if you are seeking a safe space for mental support, join Hope Bank, a public Facebook group that imparts encouraging content through music, quotes, art, and poetry.

ORMAL

ror Special Feature

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Monday, August 24, 2020

Challenges and opportunities in education under the new normal I

By Leony R. Garcia

N the recently published Framework for Reopening Schools from UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Food Programme and UNHCR, these reputable international organizations are all one in saying that “the best interest of every child should be paramount.”

“When deciding whether to re-open schools, authorities should look at the benefits and risks across education, public health and socio-economic factors, in the local context, using the best available evidence,” they pointed out.

Perhaps this is the reason why the Philippine Department of Education decided to postpone the class opening for school year 2020-2021 from August 24 to October 5.

Indeed, with the world’s greatest disruption upon us, more than 1.2 billion students worldwide have been affected by

school closures.

Effect on children

SCHOOLS educators are considered as by many children as their second family as these are the parent figures that teach how to read, write, count and so much more. Schools also impart knowledge on nutrition, health and hygiene services; mental health and psychosocial support; and dramatically reduce the risk of violence, early pregnancy and more.

Prolonged closure of schools can only have an unfavorable effect on them.

“We know from previous crises the longer the children are out of school, the less likely they are to return,” the Framework further underscored.

Prolonged closures also disrupt essential school-based services such as immunization, school feeding, and mental health and psychosocial support.

Loss of peer interaction and disrupted routines also result in

stress and anxiety.

These negative impacts will be significantly higher for marginalized children, such as those living in countries affected by conflict and other protracted crises, migrants, refugees and the forcibly displaced, minorities, children, living with disabilities, and children in institutions, the report added.

United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres also called on governments and donors to prioritize education for all children, including the most marginalized. And the Global Education Coalition was established to support governments in strengthening distance learning and facilitating the reopening of schools.

“National governments and partners must simultaneously work to promote and safeguard every child’s right to education, health and safety, as set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” the Framework further cited.

School re-openings, however, must be safe and consistent with each country’s overall COVID-19 health response, with all reasonable measures taken to protect students, staff, teachers and their families.

Technical and vocational students

STUDENTS in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system are also affected by the challenges in school re-opening. Dr. Shyamal Majumdar, TVET Expert, and former head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, has come up with the reflective paper, Technical Vocational Education & Training – Reflections that zeroes in on the issues facing TVET and its potential in the time of COVID-19.

Given the circumstances, many TVET institutions are expected to come up with out-ofbox responses. Interestingly, the current pandemic offers a host of opportunities for TVET students.

In her paper, Majumdar noted

that Top 4 industries for which vocational training program will be in a great demand are health care, green jobs, service sector and agricultural sectors.

TVET’ being focused on practical skills and workreadiness makes remote learning particularly challenging.

Practical skills are often acquired through learning-by-doing, which occurs in school-based workshops and laboratories or through hands-on experience at the workplace.

For beauty guru Antonio “Tony” Galvez, the new normal calls for highly professionalized services and hence TVET education and training in the Philippines should be uplifted to the highest level.

He said it is time for the country to follow the astringent international standards that is globally recognized and acclaimed in progressive countries like the US, Canada, Australia, Korea, Japan, England and in many parts of Europe.

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Galvez, a tech-voc practitioner himself and founder of The Tony Galvez School of Cosmetology (1989) challenges the ongoing training system for the creation of various industry boards leading to professionalization of tech-voc career.

“Let us keep our focus on uplifting the image of tech-voc in the Philippines by upgrading and professionalizing our occupations to techvoc professions with prestige and dignity. Let’s improve our schools and training centers. Let’s improve our curriculum and adapt modernday practices,” he said.

Filipinos are regarded to be the best workers in the world. With internationallyrecognized transcript of records and professional license at hand, these skilled workers are expected to perform better. They would work with pride in the same way that university graduates do. They would be encouraged to further hone their skills and knowledge and become experts in their chosen occupation.

“Let us make every opportunity to make our citizens professional because they would eventually boost the economy of our country. And that starts with the quality education before us: blended and flexible couple with the students’ strict adherence to self-discipline,” Galvez concluded.

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Monday, August 24, 2020 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Still waiting for ‘The Plan’?

T

he Duterte administration has been severely and relentlessly criticized for not having a comprehensive plan to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is certainly justification for that condemnation if what you are looking for is “The Plan” web site, as you would for “List of Department of Tourism Accredited Tourism Enterprises.”

We all wish it were that simple. But it is not, particularly since “The Plan” must encompass and address both the health and economic effects of the pandemic. Those two are not “mutually exclusive,” meaning that both must be considered at the same time. Given the current circumstances, what might be a solution to the health problem could be even a cause of the economic problem, as we have seen.

Never in the history of the world has there been a situation where large numbers of healthy people were put under mass quarantine. It is true that during the Black Death Pandemic of the 1300s many healthy towns were isolated and “quarantined.” But the purpose was to keep sick people out.

Mistakes were made on the health issue. While some people would like to talk about Vietnam, the best success story is Thailand. What initially saved Thailand was its strong health security system. This included 1 million health volunteers working in over 75,000 villages around the country.

Each worker was assigned 10 families to visit, monitor, and report to the “Communicable Control Disease Unit” in all 77 provinces. Note that this infrastructure was in place before 2020. In 2011, a committee was formed that released a complete medical and economic plan called “Thailand’s National Strategic Plan for Emerging Infectious Disease” in 2013. Once again, as has been the case for decades in the Philippines, every current administration takes the blame for past failures.

A year 1316 copy of a series of discourses by Persian Islamic scholar Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī is titled Fihi Ma Fihi or “It Is What It Is.” Trying to formulate an economic plan is a nightmare without an end.

Note the following: “New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio bluntly said he has “no plan” for the return of indoor dining in New York City.” The NYC Hospitality Alliance reported 83 percent of its members could not pay full rent in July, while 37 percent paid no rent at all. And from our part of the world, “South Korea closes all bars, nightclubs, entertainment and sports venues countrywide indefinitely.”

“No plan for indoor dining” and South Korea’s “indefinitely” are economically chilling.

In the Philippines, it costs about P50,000 to open a new business and that is only for the clearances, permits, and licenses almost all paid to local government units. Department of Trade and Industry figures show that about 50,000 new businesses are registered every year. That is P2.5 billion in fees that may not go to the LGUs in 2020. Add to that the actual start-up and initial operating costs to establish a business and we are talking about tens of billions of unspent pesos for the year.

How can any government hope to fully mitigate that economic decline? They cannot, and we should not expect them to be able to lighten the load.

Individually, we are responsible for our own health and safety. Observe social distancing protocols and avoid unnecessary trips. Collectively, we are responsible for the economy. Start with “Buy Philippine Made.”

The last journey of Ninoy Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II

RISING SUN

“If they have me killed, that’s the best thing. I have always wanted to die for my country.”—Ninoy Aquino

‘T

he Last Journey of Ninoy” is streaming on iwant.ph. It is a 55-minute documentary by Jun Reyes released in 2009 by the Benigno Aquino Jr. Foundation with Tony Gloria as producer. Bam Aquino played Ninoy in the re-enacted scenes, interspersed with actual footage from the martial law period and up to the days surrounding the Edsa revolution.

Cory Aquino lends her voice as the lone interviewee for the documentary film, this being one of the last interviews, if not the last one that she gave before she died in the same year that it was released. The film was a finalist in the 2009 Aljazeera International Documentary Film Festival and in the 2009 New York Film Festival.

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footage or commentaries from his widow, Cory.

Particularly moving is the presentation of the events related to his incarceration and solitary confinement. Ninoy was imprisoned for more than seven years and experienced isolation, loneliness, extreme helplessness and eventually, illness, which led to a triple bypass surgery in the US. There was a time when he went through a 40-day hunger strike and at another time, visits from his family were suspended, making him believe that he would not see his loved ones again.

The jeepney’s road to perdition

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The film chronicles the events of the last 10 days of Ninoy’s life and presents the details of his final days in Boston, Los Angeles, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taipei before flying to Manila on August 21, 1983. In between, details from his life since the time he was born in 1932 up until his death at 50 are presented either by way of actual

What Ninoy did for the country and the Filipino people must never be forgotten; it is important that we remember his sacrifices and be inspired by his life.

Most importantly, we need to “continue the struggle and carry the torch...to stand up now and be the leader [because] when all of us are leaders, we will expedite the cause for freedom.”

Thomas M. Orbos

STREET TALK

P

assing through Katipunan Avenue near the UP campus, one would see a number of jeepney drivers huddled together, waving their handmade signs asking for financial assistance from passing motorists. With their old jeepneys parked nearby, these men—like other groups of jeepney drivers all over Metro Manila—have been out of work since the lockdown started almost five months ago. They were forced to resort to begging for themselves and their families.

One of them is 64 years old Lauro Avila, who was featured in my radio program, “Usapang Kalye” (Street Talk). Lauro narrated how desperate their situation has become, with some of his fellow drivers and their families forced to live in their jeepneys as they had been thrown out of their rented houses. During pre-Covid times, life was a day-today struggle for these drivers. With the pandemic, their situation has gotten worse. That’s why they are begging the government to be allowed to ply their routes. As things stand, however, they fear that this is the end of the road for jeepneys.

The government has given them up to the end of the year to convert to modern jeepneys, something that they definitely cannot afford, more so during this pandemic. It is indeed heart-rending to hear their plight, even in these times of un-

precedented hardships that we are all experiencing.

From their point of view, it does seem to be the road to perdition.

While other forms of public transport such as buses, taxis, and even tricycles have resumed operations, the jeepneys, in particular the “old jeepneys,” are still prohibited from plying their routes, except for some routes that were opened up lately.

Based on recent government pronouncements, it is likely that their resumption of operations will not be happening soon. No specific reason had been given for the decision not allowing these vehicles to operate.

Scheduled dates for their routes to be opened were moved several times.

The decision is purportedly for safety reasons because old jeepneys are configured to allow more points of contact among passengers, hence the danger of infections. This, however,

To be fair, the government, on the other hand, is not deaf to their plight. A bundle of assistance has been earmarked for the sector from the Bayanihan Act, amounting to P5 billion. This is on top of the programmed financial aid that has been dispensed in the past four years. Included are the subsidies that had been doubled to P160,000, not to mention a preferential terms of payment from government financial institutions offered only to the jeepney sector. had been disputed no less by some members of the academe and the medical community. They pointed out that jeepneys at the very least allow the free flow of air, critical to controlling the virus in a confined environment, unlike their modern air-conditioned counterparts. Moreover, jeepney operators have shown their willingness to adhere to safety protocols in order for them to be allowed to operate.

To be fair, the government, on the other hand, is not deaf to their plight. A bundle of assistance has been earmarked for the sector from the Bayanihan Act, amounting to P5 billion. This is on top of the programmed financial aid that has been dispensed in the past four years. Included are the subsidies that had been doubled to P160,000, not to mention a preferential terms of payment from government financial institutions

The strength and grace of Cory and her unconditional support for her husband shone through in the movie. It was impressive how she managed to keep her composure, to raise their children very well, and to endure the emotional and psychological stress of having one’s life partner imprisoned for so many years, his fate left in the hands of one man.

Aside from the sometimes confusing arrangement of events in the documentary, the film presents a raw and poignant picture of an important period in our history. I would like to encourage the younger Filipinos to set aside an hour to watch this documentary to learn all about Ninoy’s life and heroism.

What Ninoy did for the country and the Filipino people must never be forgotten; it is important that we remember his sacrifices and be inspired by his life. Most importantly, we need to “continue the struggle and carry the torch...to stand up now and be the leader [because] when all of us are leaders, we will expedite the cause for freedom.”

offered only to the jeepney sector.

In addition, training programs are also available, with emphasis on alternative livelihood for those who will be left out of the modernization program. Never has any administration provided as much assistance to this sector.

It can be argued that the government cannot just concentrate appropriating from its dwindling resources to support this sector. A recent survey showed that 45 percent of our adult population are now unemployed. The jeepney drivers are more fortunate in a way. For the majority of the affected citizenry, there is no defined financial package from the government and no media hype as well to highlight their plight.

But these jeepney drivers are not asking for dole outs. These drivers just want to have a fighting chance to survive. And this they can do by being allowed to do their only means of livelihood. It may be that this is indeed their road to perdition—not just because of the pandemic but because, from all angles, it would seem that the deadline to modernize will not be postponed anymore.

But if this were their fate, they would prefer doing it driving their vehicles to the very end and have a chance to survive. The least that we can do is to give them our support.

Thomas “Tim” Orbos was formerly with the DOTr and the MMDA. He has completed his graduate studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University and is an alumnus of the MIT Sloan School of Management. He can be reached via e-mail at thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The crippling return of long-term unemployment

By Michael R. Strain Bloomberg Opinion

M

ore than 10 percent of Americans say they have recently given serious consideration to suicide. Among younger adults, that figure rises to over one in four. Thirteen percent of people have reported starting or increasing drug or alcohol use to cope with pandemic-related stress.

Nearly one in three say they have symptoms of anxiety or depression.

These alarming statistics, based on a survey from late June, come from a report released this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and show that the nation’s mental health has significantly deteriorated during the pandemic.

Unfortunately, there’s no end in sight to the economic uncertainty, closed schools, cramped quarters and social unrest, let alone the fear and risk of illness and death. And if those who are unemployed now continue to go without a job for longer periods, more people will suffer from depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.

The CDC report, which is based on a web survey and may not be fully representative of the US population, did not find that employment status played a large role in people’s assessment of their mental health. And there is plenty to be stressed about regardless. A lot of people who still have jobs—including me—are surely in that 13 percent who are drinking more to cope with pandemic-related stress. But in the discussion of the economic emergency facing the US, we need to pay more attention to how long-term unemployment affects people’s health, including mental health.

In a 2012 paper, economists Timothy J. Classen and Richard A. Dunn studied the effect of job loss and the duration of unemployment on suicide risk in the US. Using mass layoffs—when more than 50 workers from the same employer apply for unemployment benefits in a 30-day period—they found that the probability of suicide does not increase in the period immediately after workers lose their jobs.

Instead, the primary factor pushing up suicide rates is longer spells of unemployment. Specifically, they document one additional suicide death for roughly every 20,000 workers who have been unemployed between 15 and 26 weeks.

As the current economic weakness continues, longer periods of unemployment are becoming more common. In March, when the pandemic recession began, 808,000 workers had been unemployed between 15 and 26 weeks. In May, this measure, at 1.1 million, had not risen significantly because the downturn was only two months old. But in July the number of workers who had been unemployed between 15 and 26 weeks shot up to 6.5 million.

The evidence suggests that a large increase in the number of workers suffering from poor mental health will soon follow.

Unemployed workers’ physical health is likely to deteriorate as well.

Economists Daniel Sullivan and Till von Wachter estimate that male workers in the 1980s who had long tenures with their employers saw

their mortality risk increase by 50 percent to 100 percent in the years immediately after job losses that were part of mass layoffs or similar events. Over the long run, the annual probability of dying for these workers increased by 10 percent to 15 percent per year for at least the following 20 years.

The challenge for the US right now is to prevent the shorter spells of unemployment currently experienced by millions of workers from becoming a long-term unemployment crisis.

To address this, public officials and citizens need to do at least three things.

First, Congress should be acting quickly to support the economy. I still expect a deal to be struck on another recovery package by midSeptember, but the lack of progress in late July and so far in August is not encouraging. The sooner additional support arrives, the stronger the economy will be and the faster it will recover. This will result in less long-term unemployment.

An important component of that deal should not be to extend the $600 weekly federal supplement to standard, state-provided unemployment benefits. As the economy continues to recover and the labor market strengthens, benefits that generous will keep the rate of unemployment higher and lengthen its duration.

Instead, Congress should find other ways to support consumer spending and to help low-income and vulnerable Americans, including one-time re-employment bonuses for those who are jobless and more generous federal earnings subsidies.

Second, it is not too early for Congress to consider measures to help unemployed Americans who will face a harder time getting back into paid work. For example, it will be more difficult for unemployed movie-theater workers to find jobs because many will have to change industries, perhaps becoming homedelivery drivers. The pandemic recession will cause some industries to shrink and other industries to expand. Congress should consider skills and training programs that would help unemployed people who will need to change sectors.

Another group of workers who could face a relatively tougher time with re-employment are those who live in places with worse job markets.

As the recovery continues, labor markets will return to normal in some states faster than in others. A policy that offers long-term unemployed workers in high-unemployment areas assistance to relocate would help the overall economy, as well as mitigate the destructive impact of longterm joblessness on individuals.

Finally, note that the spread of the virus will continue to play a large role in the economy’s performance. And the decisions individuals make— say, whether to go to a large party, or to wear a mask in public—help determine how fast and far the virus spreads. In this sense, there is a direct link between individual prudence and the health of workers: the stronger the epidemic, the weaker the economy, and the greater toll on workers’ lives.

The pandemic affects physical and mental health in many ways. All the more reason to slow the spread.

Keep your word Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE PATRIOT

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whiff is defined as a slight gust or a quick puff. It means something insignificant or too small to pay attention to. The presidential statement—“even a whiff, or a whisper, of corruption and you’re out” is now resurrected as corruption allegations are exposed, in all places and at this time, at the agency mandated to provide health insurance to Filipinos—PhilHealth. It was one of President Duterte’s campaign promises way back in 2016, which he kept when he practically took out some generals involved in illegal drug syndicates. He has kept this promise when he also removed top officials at the NIA, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Social Security Services on a whiff, as there were no charges, no Senate inquiry, and no official complaint filed against them.

Early this year, immigration officer Allison Chong courageously exposed the pastillas scheme at the Bureau of Immigration. There were marathon hearings, both informative and accusatory, before the Senate until the pandemic arrived. At a time when the coronavirus from China has slowly spread around the world, the revelation could not have been timelier as visitors from China reportedly entered the country indiscriminately for a fee. From a statistical point of view, it is not improbable that the virus entered our country by way of one of these escorted visitors early this year. The fact remains that the testimony of an insider should be more than enough to establish a “whiff of corruption” in that agency. Sadly, I have yet to hear some firings, suspensions, or any administrative actions taken against any of the officers implicated by whistleblower Chong.

In contrast, there have been a few administrative actions taken against PhilHealth officials. Thorsson Keith, the anti-fraud legal officer of PhilHealth, has accused top officials of committing corruption of “pandemic proportions”. In a Senate hearing, Keith testified that P14 billion were advanced unevenly to 771 hospitals, with two hospitals in Davao City getting the biggest payments. The Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM), which was approved by the PhilHealth board, was just a scheme to siphon funds from the organization whose mandate includes providing “health insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available and accessible health care services for all citizens of the Philippines.” Alas, the IRM runs contrary to this simple mandate as it gave Covid-related funds way before the pandemic entered Philippine soil.

Two other whistleblowers, retired

Monday, August 24, 2020

There was no hint of hyperbole, levity, or metaphor when President Duterte promised to fire government officials on just a whiff of corruption. Forget about that Jet Ski to the Spratly Islands. What most Filipinos and I would hope to see is that President Duterte can show to his countrymen that some politicians can still keep their word. Even a few promises fulfilled will suffice.

AFP officer Etrobal Laborte and an accountant Alejandro Cabading also exposed some overpricing in the procurement of IT equipment by some PhilHealth officials.

Exposing corruption schemes can be an occupational hazard.

In 2019, Dr. Roland Cortez audaciously exposed the anomalies and even went to the extent of filing Ombudsman charges against erring officials in his capacity as the Director of the National Mental Health Center. I am not sure how his anti-corruption crusade will end up inasmuch as he was ambushed by assassins riding in tandem last month. There was not much fanfare, no Senate hearing, just a news item describing how he was killed and speculations as to why.

I hope Chong, Keith, Laborte, and Cabading will not suffer the same fate as Cortez. Well-meaning crusaders are endangered species these days. Unless leaders seriously address these concerns of corruption, these whistleblowers will remain endangered and corrupt practices will remain prevalent in government.

As they took their Oath of Office, these crusaders have kept their

Regulatory compliance ecosystem Joel L. Tan-Torres

DEBIT CREDIT First of a series

G

overnment regulators are mainly focused on what their mandates provide, which clearly is to regulate. On the other hand, the general public transacting with these regulators are compelled to do what these agencies expect, which is to comply with all the regulations and rules. The perfect ecosystem should have these two engagements efficiently functioning. Unfortunately, this is not the situation today.

A typical business should have to contend with at least 11 government offices before it can even start its operations. A business enterprise has to secure registrations or permits from the Department of Trade and Industry, Securities Exchange Commission and the local government offices (barangay and city) where it will conduct its business.

Then, the business should transact with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to complete the tax compliance requirements, including securing a taxpayer identification number, official receipts, books of accounts,

and tax payment obligations. The use of cash register or point of sales machines should also have prior BIR authority. If the business will have to import or export, it has to contend with the Bureau of Customs. The business should address the requirements of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Social Security System, and the Home Development Mutual Fund or PagIBIG fund on the welfare benefits of the employees of the business enterprise. A permit from the Department of Labor and Employment must be obtained to ensure compliance with the occupational

safety and health standards of the physical office or business premises.

More requirements from more government regulators are expected, depending on the nature of business of entrepreneur or company.

Business enterprises, and even private citizens, have long been complaining about the regulatory impositions and compliance requirements imposed by these government agencies dealing with business persons and companies. Complaints on voluminous requirements, long processing time, and even corruption are often raised by the citizenry and business groups.

On the other hand, the perspective of the government regulators should also be considered. These government offices reason out that they need to discharge their responsibility of ensuring that public order, welfare and other interests are maintained.

They have to look after such concerns as public health, collection of taxes, employee welfare, city development planning and zoning. One way of attaining these is to impose rules and regulations that the general public should heed and comply with.

Are the positions of the regulator and regulatee (the one complying) conflicting? Are these irreconcilable? Or, are there positive directions and solutions under way and

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word as they pledged to “faithfully discharge to the best of my (their) abilities the duties and functions” of their respective positions. People above them should do the same and keep their word.

In the Bible, Numbers 30:2 tells us, “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”

Despite what he has said against some biblical doctrines, I still believe that President Duterte is aware that there is a God! In the past, President Duterte has blasphemed the Church and our Almighty God but, at the same time, he has sought His divine intervention especially during this pandemic. His statements might be misinterpreted many times. But his anti-corruption promise has been kept before and should be kept consistently.

There was no hint of hyperbole, levity, or metaphor when President Duterte promised to fire government officials on just a whiff of corruption. Forget about that Jet Ski to the Spratly Islands. What most Filipinos and I would hope to see is that President Duterte can show to his countrymen that some politicians can still keep their word. Even a few promises fulfilled will suffice.

A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission.

For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.

forthcoming?

I have been both a regulator and a regulatee. As the former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, I have taken the role of a regulator imposing rules and requirements for the public to comply with.

I am also a regulatee who has faced the challenge of complying with tons of requirements when dealing with government. Now, as Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business, I am able to take the scholarly and objective perspective that the regulatory compliance ecosystem has a bright future ahead of it with the government regulators and the citizenry able to come up with win-win outcomes.

(To be continued) Joel L. Tan-Torres is the Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business. Previously, he was the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy and partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. and the SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co. He is a Certified Public Accountant who garnered No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979.

This column accepts contributions from the business community. Articles not exceeding 600 words can be e-mailed to boa.secretariat.@gmail. com.

How Filipinos can achieve financial security amid a recession using their smartphone

By Ney Villasenor

I

N the world before Covid-19, most of us prepared only for the emergencies that occur in the normal course of life: home repairs, accidents, or sudden bouts of illness.

But then the coronavirus pandemic happened, and even the best preparations could not have braced us enough for its consequences.

With a nosedive in economic activity in the second quarter of 2020, the Philippines recorded a 16.5 percent drop in gross domestic product (GDP).

The past few months have also seen a rise in unemployment. In July, adult unemployment in the country reached an all-time high of 45.5 percent. Even as lockdown restrictions ease for most parts of the country, the pandemic has

adversely affected the economy in such a way that its effects will be felt long after it is over.

In dealing with unprecedented events, it is important to have more than one backup plan. Aside from an emergency fund and insurance, there is also another financial tool that Filipinos have to consider: credit.

Financial safety nets should not only be reserved for those who can afford to have cash sitting idly at the side.

Credit is an affordable security for those whose paychecks are just about enough

to cover a month’s worth of expenses.

Not only does it provide temporary relief by giving more spending power to a person, it also buys more time to strategize on budget.

Certain problems have to be taken into consideration for a person who wishes to use his credit. The banking queues take up to almost three hours for a single transaction because of lack of people in the bank. Some banks impose impossible restrictions to the point that availing yourself of a loan is almost exclusive for the rich. Others, such as loan sharks, impose usurious interest rates. But modern technology has revolutionized the concept of credit.

Now, with the help of their smartphone, people can enjoy the same benefits and do more with less. To meet their regular spending needs, they no longer have to waste time in the process of trying to

use their credit.

GCash is giving Filipinos the access they need to a credit line they can trust for personal or family emergencies amid the time of coronavirus.

GCredit is a personal revolving credit line that users can use anytime, anywhere. It functions like a flexible loan or credit card where GCash users set the limit of money they can avail whenever they need it, without going through the tedious application processes in most banks, which often require many documents.

GCredit can be used to transact with over 6,000 merchants, including service providers such as Globe, Meralco, and Maynilad, among others. As household expenses soar with all family members depending on basic services for work, school, and other chores, the credit line can save the stress of budgeting because

it extends the family’s financial threshold for the month.

GCredit is closely linked to GScore, which is the first trust score in the Philippines. Each user’s credit score increases or decreases, depending on their GCash activity. The more they use their credit line, the higher their credit limit.

As the country transitions into the new normal of living, a conscious effort should be made to remove the barriers that discourage individuals from availing themselves of solutions, which can improve their financial stability. These include additional charges that can be higher than the awards they reap, or even extensive requirements or long lines in banks for applications for saving accounts or loans. More often than not, however, lack of financial literacy or basic knowledge on these matters leave a majority of Filipinos in the dark. In the

case of credit, for example, at least 81 percent of Filipinos have not tried using a credit line according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

With innovative digital solutions provided by top tier fintech companies such as GCash, the country can bounce back from the decline in the economy by addressing the inaccessibility of financial services to the average Filipino. As the country drums up support for digital services, we might see a better tomorrow after this pandemic has been solved.

For more information, please contact: Ney Villasenor, Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, GCash—(Mynt—Globe Fintech Innovations Inc.) 8th Floor, W. Global Center, 9th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Landline: +63 2 7967848. E-mail: corpcomm@mynt.xyz

A8 Monday, August 24, 2020

Recruiters who abandon stranded clients face sanctions

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ECRUITMENT and manning agencies that fail to provide aid to their clients who were “stranded” because of Covid-19 face possible suspension from Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

At the same time, POEA also provided help to those agencies facing financial woes during the pandemic, by allowing them to tap their escrow deposits.

In its resolution No. 11, the POEA governing board (GB) issued the warning amid “alarming” reports that many recruitment and manning agencies have “abandoned, neglected or evicted” their locally stranded overseas employment applicants during the Covid-19 crisis.

“All PRAs [private recruitment agencies] are directed to provide assistance to the abandoned LSI [locally stranded individuals]. Such assistance shall be in the form of but not limited to temporary accommodation/shelter, food, Covid-19 test and transportation to their respective provinces,” Labor Secretary and POEA Chairman Silvestre H. Bello III said in the issuance.

The aid should be extended to: overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose deployment was deferred due to the community quarantine; those housed in the accommodations provided by PRAs; and those promised employment overseas.

Continued on A2

Biz groups hail SC ruling vs arbitrary search, arrest

S

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

EVERAL business groups in the country have hailed a recent decision of RT Supreme Court where it reminded law enforcers to respect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the people in implementing the all-out war against illegal drugs.

In a statement, the groups also called on all sectors of the government and individuals to be vigilant and “to help ensure that constitutional rights are always protected.”

The statement was issued by the Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Shareholders Association of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

In a decision issued last week, the SC reversed and set aside the

Court of Appeals ruling which affirmed a regional trial court’s decision convicting a certain Jerry Sapla on charges of transportation of illegal drugs.

Sapla was caught by policemen in January 2014 with four bricks or almost 4,000 grams of marijuana while on board a jeepney in Tabuk City, Kalinga province.

He was subsequently convicted by the Regional Trial Court of Tabuk City on January 9, 2017.

His conviction was affirmed by the CA in a ruling issued on April 24, 2018.

However, the SC held that law enforcers cannot conduct an invasive and warrantless search of a vehicle based on unverified information or tip relayed by an anonymous informant.

It declared that unverified information from an anonymous in-

formant alone is not sufficient to constitute probable cause to justify the conduct of extensive and intrusive search by law enforcers inside a vehicle.

It added that police must have personal knowledge leading to suspicion, and not rely on suspicion of another, adding that in prior cases where it validated warrantless searches and seizures on the basis of tipped information, the seizures and arrests were not merely and exclusively based on the initial tips but were also prompted by other attendant circumstances.

The SC pointed out that the war against illegal drugs becomes “self-destructive and self-defeating” when the Bill of Rights under the Constitution is violated.

“We join the voices of several groups who commended the Supreme Court in a landmark decision upholding the primacy and inviolability of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution,” the business groups said.

“We thank the Court for delivering a message that no citizen should be deprived of his personal liberty based on unlawfully obtained evidence, such as in illegal search or a warrantless determination to uphold the rule of law over the rule of men,” it added. The 35-page ruling was penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

PhilHealth’s fate aside, jailing execs priority–Ping

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE government has three options in charting the future of the crisis-ridden Philippine Health Insurance Corp. It can abolish, privatize or overhaul the state insurance system, but prosecuting officials linked to anomalies is top priority, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said at the weekend.

Lacson listed PhilHealth officials—President and Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Morales, Senior Vice President Rene Limsiaco and Vice President Jovita Aragona among those likely to face anti-graft cases for various anomalies, including the controversial Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM), under which, Lacson said P14 billion was released during a period when the governing PhilHealth circular was not yet in effect.

The three options possible for PhilHealth’s fate—abolish, privatize, or overhaul—all have serious implications for policymakers and legislators to consider, Lacson said in an interview with radio DWIZ. The report of the Senate Committee of the Whole is being rushed by the staff of Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who last week said the chamber will conclude its hearings after hearing a “carousel of lies.”

In recent Committee of the Whole hearings on PhilHealth, officials had justified the IRM by say-

T

ing it was meant to ensure timely availability of funding for healthcare institutions during crisis, such as the pandemic.

In an interview, Lacson asserted, however, P14 billion of the IRM releases was “illegal because it was disbursed before the PhilHealth Board circular authorizing the IRM became effective on June 11.”

He added that even the issuance of the IRM circular was “highly questionable.”

He recalled it was triggered by a board resolution. “Gen. Morales signed it on March 20, but the PhilHealth board resolution that will ratify issuance of the circular was on March 31. That’s their document, they can’t deny that.”

At the Senate hearing, Lacson said he asked Senior Vice President Rodolfo del Rosario about the effectivity date because Chapter 8 of the circular said the date of effectivity is reckoned from the time notice is sent to the Office of National Administrative Registration. From this, June 11 is the date of effectivity. “How could they release funds on March 25?” he asked. That means, he added, that releases from that date “until June 10, about P14 billion in all, all of that is illegal because the order was not yet effective.”

In a mix of English and Filipino, Lacson said: “There are enough SC rulings on that matter, stating that an administrative order cannot take effect until the actual date of effectivity.”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Companies BusinessMirror

Monday, August 24, 2020

B1

Govt wants to throw lifeline to firms in CARS program

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By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

articipants in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program may get an extended period to deliver their obligations as part of state efforts to help them recover from the impact of the pandemic on their operations.

In an interview with reporters, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is willing to look into proposals of CARS program participants on how they can fulfill their production contract with the government.

One of the reprieves the DTI is considering is to give Toyota and Mitsubishi more time to deliver their obligation under the CARS program.

“We know that they are operating at a very difficult economic en-

vironment. That’s why we are willing to look at their proposals,” Rodolfo said last week.

“If they have proposals on time and volume, we will take a look at it.

The policy direction is to look at a longer time to comply without reducing the volume requirement,” he added.

Toyota and Mitsubishi are the two vehicle assemblers with enrolled units in the CARS program. The two firms are entitled to P9 billion in fiscal incentives from the government for as long as they accomplish their

contracts under the program.

The CARS program requires participants to produce 200,000 localized units of their enrolled models in a span of six years. Mitsubishi’s deadline for its Mirage is in 2023, while Toyota’s time period for its Vios is until 2024.

The car firms, however, are facing one of the most difficult operational challenges in history. The pandemic held most of the operations at bay, as quarantine restrictions make it difficult for workers to get to work and for factories to run in full gear.

The automotive industry showed no signs of energy at the start of the second semester, as sales fell by more than 35 percent even with quarantine protocols relaxed in July. Both passenger car (PC) and commercial vehicle (CV) segments sustained declines of more than a third.

According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association, July sales slipped 35.42 percent to 20,542 units, from 31,810 units during the same month last year.

Broken down, sales of PC crashed over 34 percent to 6,157 units, from 9,397 units, while those of CV plunged nearly 36 percent to 14,385 units, from 22,413 units. All types of CV, from Asian utility vehicles to light commercial vehicles to trucks and buses, posted double-digit slumps.

In total, sales from January to July tumbled close to 49 percent to 105,583 units, from 205,945 units during the same period last year, signaling a long and winding road ahead for the industry for the rest of 2020.

Campi President Rommel R. Gutierrez admitted it will be difficult for sales to hit the same levels as before the pandemic, especially with the Philippines now officially in recession. He warned this slowdown may impact on the operational and financial standing of car makers.

For this reason, the industry decided to relay recommendations to the Department of Trade and Industry for market support, Gutierrez disclosed.

SMC unit puts up energy storage systems

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

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MC Global Power Holdings Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is investing heavily in battery energy storage systems (BESS), which store energy to be used at a later time.

The company has identified 31 sites all over the country for its BESS projects that can store a total of 1,000megawattshour (MWh).

In Luzon, 18 BESS will be put up. These will have a total of 720MWh capacity.

Eight BESS, with a capacity of 190MW, are being constructed in Visayas.

In Mindanao, there are five BESS being put up with a total capacity of 90MW. Substantial completion of 15 BESS projects, with 470MWh of capacity, is being eyed between the last quarter of this

year up to the first quarter of next year.

Sixteen BESS projects, with 530MWh, would be substantially completed in the second up to the fourth quarter of 2021.

Substantial completion means that all facilities would have been tested and commissioned within the period.

Currently, there are four BESS projects that are in advance stages of construction. These are located in Pangasinan, Davao, Cebu and Bataan.

The power firm have partnered with leading BESS EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractors such as Wartsila, ABB and Fluence. The company has also signed a deal with battery module manufacturer Samsung SDI. Aside from the 31 BESS projects, it has identified 12 more sites where it can put up more BESS with 400 to 500MWh of capacity. These sites, which are cur-

Gonzales: SEC decision on The Medical City takeover ‘arbitrary’

By VG Cabuag

T

@villygc

he Medical City may have to return some P10 billion in cash to the group of Jose Xavier Gonzales following the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) decision to nullify his group’s takeover of the hospital.

Gonzales, the current chairman of The Medical City, said in a statement that the amount was what his group invested in the hospital since 2013.

“This adds further pressure and uncertainty to a hospital network already straining with the many problems caused by the Covid-19 crisis, including its cash flow. Currently, The Medical City continues to wait for PhilHealth [Philippine Health Insurance Corp.] to settle an estimated P750 million worth of reimbursements,” he said.

“By forcing The Medical City to give us back the cash we have been investing in its growth since 2013, the SEC risks depriving the hospital network of badly-needed resources in its fight against Covid-19. My co-investors believe it is far more important, at this critical time, to ensure that The Medical City can continue to provide world-class healthcare to Filipinos during this century’s worst health-care crisis.”

He said his group will exhaust all legal means possible to ensure that the SEC’s decision will not affect the operations of The Medical City.

Gonzales is the majority owner of Fountel Corp. He also represents Felicitas Antoinette Inc. and his Singapore partners Viva Healthcare Ltd. and Viva Holdings (Phil.) Pte. Ltd. “We are disappointed with the questionable decision of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which our legal team believes to be

arbitrary, unfounded, and, to a certain extent, overreaching. Fortunately, the law provides remedies that will allow these errors to be corrected,” he said.

In its decision dated August 13, the SEC nullified the transfer of shares of Professional Services Inc. (PSI), the operator of the hospital, to a group of firms led by Gonzales, nephew of former Health Secratary Alfredo Bengzon, a founding shareholder of the hospital.

The SEC declared null and void with immediate effect all share acquisitions made by the Gonzales camp, which booted out Bengzon as the chairman of the hospital in 2018.

Gonzales was able to increase their shareholdings to over 50 percent from a series of increases in authorized capital stock of PSI since 2013.

The collective actions of the said firms, however, were not communicated in the board meetings and said they were doing the acquisitions independent from each other, which the SEC said was fraudulent.

The SEC said the increases in the authorized capital stock of PSI will remain valid but it will be considered as unsubscribed and allocated for subscription by investors.

Shares acquired from other shareholders— Splash Corp., San Miguel Corp. and Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd.—will also be canceled and reverted to PSI as treasury shares, which may be sold to other persons.

Once the shares are sold and paid for, PSI shall reimburse Viva Holdings, Fountel and FAI for the subscriptions that were nullified.

Bengzon, a founding shareholder of The Medical City, was responsible for rescuing the institution from near bankruptcy in the 1970s, and building it up to become one of the biggest healthcare institutions in the Philippines.

rently being evaluated, are near the substations of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and in areas where frequency regulation may be necessary.

BESS has been classified by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) as a new source of Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCASs).

FCASs are required by NGCP to ensure supply and demand balancing in the power system. The system frequency is the fundamental indicator of the real time condition of the power system as it provides an immediate indication of the balance between generation and load.

The ERC said frequency drops when load exceeds generation and rises when generation exceeds load. Large frequency deviations result in equipment damage and power system collapse. To avoid this, adequate reserves suitable

for various contingencies are needed by the system and small, manageable frequency deviations must be corrected immediately.

SMC Global Power said it sees “a massive and timely” opportunity for BESS. The company also sees an opportunity to contract more than 2,200MW in capacity across the country via Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement (ASPA) deals. Of this, around 1,300MW are for frequency regulating reserves.

“Frequency is crucial to power systems. Currently, the grid is highly susceptible to automatic load shedding and frequency violations beyond limits.

To maintain grid reliability and stability, and prevent dropping and blackouts, the grid requires AS [ancillary services], particularly regulating reserves, to maintain frequency every second,” it said in a report.

PHL hopes to become crew-change capital of the world–official

In this May 7, 2020, file photo, the cruise ship MV Ruby Princess (second from left) stays anchored with other ships waiting for clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine before they dock in Manila. Philippine Coast Guard via AP

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

T

he Department of Transportation (DOTr) is gunning to make the Philippines an international hub for crew change, which could also create more revenue streams for the government.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said this vision came after the government activated three new crew change locations in the country, namely: the Port of Panila, the Port of Capinpin in Bataan, and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“It is my hope for the Philippines to become a major international hub for crew change,” he said.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has repeatedly said that crew change is crucial to ensure the safety, health, welfare, and employment of maritime employees. Seafarers are only allowed to be onboard a vessel without leave for up to maximum of 11 months, based on the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention.

Transportation Assistant Secretary for Maritime Narciso Vingson Jr. explained that crew change hubs will primarily benefit seafarers, recognized globally as key workers, who are stranded onboard ships with expired contracts due to travel restrictions aimed to curtail the spread of Covid-19.

“To guarantee that the health and safety of seafarers and the public are protected while we work on this endeavor, the DOTr and its attached agencies are activating hubs in close coordination with various government agencies and units involved in crew changes,” he added.

Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Robert Empedrad noted that crew change is closely linked to

the safety of maritime employees, some of whom have taken their plight to social media recently.

“This has been a significant cause of worry, as seafarers of all nationalities are already experiencing immense physical and mental fatigue brought on by overstaying onboard ships at sea. If this continues, delivery of essential cargo will be affected. Having crew change hubs in the country will solve this problem and give our seafarers the advantage of swift processing due to the established protocols,” he said.

For his part, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said crew change hubs in the country are also expected to generate economic activities and revenues in the areas where they are located, with the collection of port dues and charges from ship dockage or anchorage.

“By becoming a crew change capital of the world, we would not only prime up our seafaring and maritime industry. We also expect to boost our hospitality industry,” he said.

Santiago cited that in the last four months, a total of 734 ships docked or anchored in the Port of Manila for the purposes of crew change. A total of 34,000 seafarers were served, wherein 28,000 seafarers disembarked while 5,800 joined the ships.

“We can look forward to the same maritime traffic in other hubs as more foreign shipping principals are expected to patronize our ports for crew change.

Aside from opening our ports for crew change, the Joint Circular for Green Lane for seafarers provide speedy movements of seafarers in our country,” he said.

“Three major shipping companies of Japan already bannered our green lane program in the conduct of crew change. We expect other flags to follow their lead.”

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Companies BusinessMirror

Monday, August 24, 2020

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

August 20, 2020

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE SUN LIFE

44.85 89 63.1 20.4 8.15 34.7 8.12 19.78 16.4 96.35 53.9 0.84 21.95 2.51 0.96 0.28 690 0.62 1901

45.45 89.05 63.5 20.5 8.17 34.9 8.5 19.8 16.6 96.5 53.95 0.85 22.3 2.69 0.98 0.29 755 0.64 1915

45 91.85 63.5 20.4 8.14 36 8.12 19.86 17 98 54 0.84 21.95 2.7 0.99 0.28 760 0.65 1900

45.1 91.95 63.85 20.5 8.15 36.2 8.12 19.86 17 98 54 0.85 22.35 2.7 0.99 0.28 760 0.65 1920

45 88.55 62.55 20.25 8.07 34.7 8.12 19.74 16.4 96 53.8 0.83 21.95 2.51 0.99 0.28 760 0.63 1900

45 89.05 63.5 20.5 8.15 34.7 8.12 19.8 16.4 96.5 53.95 0.85 22.35 2.69 0.99 0.28 760 0.64 1915

356700 2715500 1785050 58400 807800 2711800 276700 135800 50000 413040 7280 223000 1400 103000 1000 50000 20 88000 755

16051780 242562285 112938874 1192860 6570052 95108995 2246804 2687760 830240 39887776 392426.5 185960 30770 267560 990 14000 15200 55490 1438350

112500 -150062573.5 -26147561 190105 8910 -48688185 -2198584 -311850 -12758620.5 -15120 1390450

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 2.75 2.76 2.75 2.83 2.73 2.76 31037000 86226220 ALSONS CONS 1.28 1.29 1.28 1.3 1.27 1.29 2117000 2727250 ABOITIZ POWER 25.65 25.8 25.8 25.8 25.3 25.8 336700 8635230 0.159 0.16 0.16 0.163 0.16 0.16 1170000 187290 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 23.3 23.4 23.7 23.7 22.85 23.3 534800 12379765 60.6 60.65 60 61 58.8 60.65 21500 1303642.5 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 270 272 273.4 273.4 266.2 270 221750 59683366 MANILA WATER 13.5 13.6 13.1 13.6 13.02 13.6 4607200 61478434 3.08 3.1 3.09 3.1 3.08 3.1 231000 713810 PETRON 11.1 11.28 11.08 11.28 11.08 11.28 240900 2713312 PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL 17.04 17.1 17.04 17.2 16.98 17.04 209500 3567240 SPC POWER 8.4 8.43 8.55 8.55 8.4 8.4 46800 395186 AGRINURTURE 7.69 7.83 7.9 7.95 7.65 7.83 80700 622398 AXELUM 2.42 2.45 2.49 2.53 2.38 2.42 2090000 5070680 11.4 11.68 12.98 12.98 11.1 11.4 29900 335624 CNTRL AZUCARERA 16.18 16.2 16.4 16.5 16 16.2 1716600 27754698 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 4.99 5 5.04 5.04 4.97 4.99 102500 512186 DNL INDUS 5.03 5.05 5.1 5.12 5.02 5.05 1345800 6,825,871( EMPERADOR 10.1 10.14 10.1 10.1 9.88 10.1 745100 7434176 66.1 67.4 67.5 67.85 66.1 67.4 266000 17906164.5 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.66 453000 294620 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.18 1.19 1.23 1.24 1.17 1.19 6361000 7572250 GINEBRA 39.1 39.45 39 39.1 38.95 39.1 71600 2796330 JOLLIBEE 139.5 140 141.4 141.4 139.5 139.5 1407640 196522704 8.51 8.79 8.05 9.4 8.01 8.79 220800 1938439 MACAY HLDG 4.7 4.74 4.9 4.9 4.61 4.7 552000 2607220 MAXS GROUP 0.131 0.134 0.132 0.132 0.131 0.131 660000 86970 MG HLDG SHAKEYS PIZZA 5.52 5.55 5.8 5.86 5.5 5.55 1090000 6068608 ROXAS AND CO 1.28 1.29 1.2 1.29 1.2 1.28 28683000 36400400 4.31 4.4 4.44 4.44 4.4 4.4 6000 26440 RFM CORP SWIFT FOODS 0.106 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 100000 11000 137.2 137.4 138.8 139 135.1 137.2 1609910 220743646 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.77 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.77 0.78 969000 754330 VICTORIAS 2.25 2.41 2.39 2.39 2.39 2.39 1000 2390 CONCRETE A 52.5 52.9 51.8 52.9 51.4 52.85 400 20737.5 53.5 54.9 53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5 30 1605 CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG 1.3 1.31 1.3 1.31 1.28 1.31 22060000 28604480 DAVINCI CAPITAL 3.91 4.07 3.91 3.91 3.91 3.91 128000 500480 EAGLE CEMENT 10.32 10.48 10.1 10.48 10.02 10.48 3129000 32205776 EEI CORP 5.42 5.43 5.38 5.48 5.35 5.42 1890800 10245892 5.22 5.24 5.51 5.57 5.22 5.22 1911000 10231702 HOLCIM 6.4 6.41 6.61 6.73 6.4 6.41 1610500 10471597 MEGAWIDE 8.5 9 9 9 9 9 2500 22500 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.66 0.69 0.66 0.7 0.64 0.69 973000 635900 VULCAN INDL 0.74 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.72 0.74 316000 233330 1.93 1.95 1.93 1.95 1.93 1.95 131000 253960 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 1.88 1.92 1.94 1.94 1.83 1.9 271000 507850 3.8 3.89 3.86 3.86 3.85 3.86 21000 80930 MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP 4.05 4.13 4.04 4.06 4.04 4.05 11000 44500 CONCEPCION 18.42 19 19 19 19 19 594200 11289800 GREENERGY 1.78 1.79 1.84 1.85 1.79 1.79 2975000 5394080 4.79 4.83 4.77 4.8 4.77 4.79 58000 277760 INTEGRATED MICR 0.98 0.99 0.97 0.99 0.97 0.98 70000 68770 IONICS PANASONIC 4.21 4.66 4.25 4.68 4.24 4.68 4000 17420 SFA SEMICON 1.43 1.44 1.43 1.46 1.43 1.43 859000 1231790 CIRTEK HLDG 5.7 5.73 5.8 5.85 5.63 5.7 1533100 8806614

434100 130790 -2145765 1993320 325925 -27908196 5876776 6180 2253138 5040 88221 -330990 11160 -7943104 -52294 2,094,508.9997) -1123680 11547265 34370 2324430 6694142 -163840 187820 563146 -981340 -9900 -20791101 9628110 -4277160 4451858 -807015 -3560634 271500 -6750 -244910 -60800 23270 -191600 170313

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 0.475 0.48 0.475 0.475 0.465 0.475 3980000 1868950 ASIABEST GROUP 7.38 7.8 7.89 7.89 7.36 7.82 1900 14250 AYALA CORP 729 730 744 744 722 730 109690 80094560 49.15 49.8 49.9 49.9 49 49.8 624100 30789820 ABOITIZ EQUITY 6.19 6.2 6.41 6.43 6.15 6.2 13673400 85336835 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 1.72 1.73 1.75 1.75 1.71 1.73 246000 423990 AYALA LAND LOG ANSCOR 6.31 6.48 6.31 6.48 6.31 6.48 1100 7111 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.52 0.53 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.52 198000 101960 0.56 0.57 0.58 0.58 0.56 0.57 680000 382360 ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL 5 5.04 5.05 5.1 4.99 5 3820700 19129946 3.9 3.91 3.98 3.98 3.86 3.9 5933000 23095140 DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV 8.6 8.74 8.74 8.74 8.74 8.74 100 874 GT CAPITAL 404.2 407 412 412 403 407 199490 81234472 HOUSE OF INV 2.97 3.13 2.9 2.97 2.9 2.97 74000 215230 62.15 63.45 63.5 63.5 61.1 63.45 532810 33477060 JG SUMMIT 0.59 0.6 0.61 0.61 0.58 0.59 337000 199080 LODESTAR LT GROUP 8.42 8.43 8.6 8.6 8.41 8.42 2219800 18750658 MABUHAY HLDG 0.5 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 1000 560 METRO PAC INV 3.2 3.21 3.26 3.26 3.17 3.21 16310000 52203540 2.88 2.98 2.88 2.98 2.88 2.98 4000 11620 PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA 0.75 0.78 0.76 0.79 0.76 0.79 45000 34270 SOLID GROUP 0.99 1.01 1 1.06 0.97 1 152000 153600 SM INVESTMENTS 889.5 900 900.5 907 881 900 614140 546589790 SAN MIGUEL CORP 100 103 102.1 103 99.25 103 99480 10062664.5 0.65 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68 50000 34000 SOC RESOURCES TOP FRONTIER 131 132 128 132 128 132 1190 157020 ZEUS HLDG 0.146 0.151 0.148 0.152 0.146 0.151 340000 49970

-248800 -47798075 -9608535 -47958311 -60200 510 -4048374 -1868820 -44182338 -0 -10043284.5 14750 1344171 -22209710 10620 435860060 -2507573 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.52 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.52 0.52 828000 432360 AYALA LAND 31.35 31.4 31.85 31.9 31.15 31.35 5512600 173141860 ARANETA PROP 0.97 0.98 0.99 1 0.97 0.98 240000 235120 25.85 25.9 25.95 26.1 25.75 25.9 5656800 146593165 AREIT RT 1.35 1.37 1.35 1.35 1.34 1.34 45000 60500 BELLE CORP A BROWN 0.82 0.83 0.87 0.88 0.82 0.83 3919000 3253070 CITYLAND DEVT 0.8 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.8 0.81 88000 70780 CROWN EQUITIES 0.122 0.125 0.123 0.126 0.123 0.126 800000 98430 4.99 5.01 5.01 5.02 5 5.01 1043300 5224037 CEB LANDMASTERS 0.35 0.36 0.365 0.365 0.355 0.36 3470000 1235850 CENTURY PROP CYBER BAY 0.25 0.27 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 20000 5000 DOUBLEDRAGON 15.4 15.46 15.2 15.5 15.14 15.46 145500 2231336 DM WENCESLAO 5.92 5.95 6 6 5.95 5.95 684200 4071436 EMPIRE EAST 0.255 0.26 0.255 0.26 0.255 0.26 40000 10250 0.089 0.093 0.09 0.09 0.088 0.088 1200000 106760 EVER GOTESCO 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.92 0.93 5953000 5521040 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.79 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.81 10000 8100 8990 HLDG 7.9 7.99 8.1 8.1 7.9 7.99 42300 336085 PHIL INFRADEV 1.01 1.02 1.04 1.06 1 1.01 5701000 5752720 3.07 3.08 3.1 3.1 3.04 3.07 3722000 11388270 MEGAWORLD 0.246 0.248 0.245 0.249 0.244 0.246 27280000 6713510 MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES 0.285 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.285 0.285 570000 170500 PRIMEX CORP 1.23 1.24 1.22 1.27 1.17 1.23 401000 496320 ROBINSONS LAND 14.76 14.8 14.96 14.96 14.5 14.8 1297500 19151910 0.227 0.23 0.228 0.228 0.228 0.228 40000 9120 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 1.52 1.57 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.53 12000 18360 SHANG PROP 2.63 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 3000 8130 STA LUCIA LAND 1.73 1.85 1.85 1.86 1.85 1.86 25000 46290 SM PRIME HLDG 31 31.1 31.1 31.15 30 31 4846200 149399265 3.71 3.82 3.82 3.82 3.72 3.82 26000 97330 VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME 1.2 1.21 1.15 1.21 1.15 1.2 1811000 2143720 3.17 3.18 3.26 3.27 3.15 3.17 2555000 8116240 VISTA LAND

-46800 -131544330 -106680120 -44860 -445100 -445568 -164596 9000 -2524540 -2356250 -12950 -2323162 8130 -7440 -20156270 -11700 -518600

SERVICES ABS CBN 7.28 7.29 7.26 7.44 7.25 7.28 514800 3758559 GMA NETWORK 5.06 5.08 5.19 5.19 5.01 5.08 583400 2962547 MANILA BULLETIN 0.395 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.39 0.395 520000 205200 11.6 12.12 12.12 12.12 12.12 12.12 100 1212 MLA BRDCASTING GLOBE TELECOM 2112 2114 2130 2138 2102 2112 40420 85288390 1368 1374 1380 1382 1361 1368 24270 33293615 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.053 0.054 0.054 0.054 0.052 0.054 7930000 421430 DFNN INC 3 3.13 2.96 3.13 2.95 3.13 147000 438460 3.14 3.15 3.2 3.2 3.11 3.15 35747000 112334740 DITO CME HLDG 1.23 1.37 1.29 1.29 1.23 1.23 3000 3750 IMPERIAL ISLAND INFO 0.072 0.074 0.072 0.072 0.072 0.072 490000 35280 JACKSTONES 1.61 1.66 1.61 1.66 1.61 1.66 11000 17930 NOW CORP 2.21 2.22 2.15 2.24 2.15 2.21 8339000 18292990 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.177 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.176 0.177 5220000 925280 1.93 1.94 1.95 1.95 1.9 1.94 413000 796600 PHILWEB 2GO GROUP 8.62 8.67 8.7 8.7 8.61 8.62 25000 215707 ASIAN TERMINALS 15.72 16.76 15.82 15.82 15.72 15.72 3700 58240 CHELSEA 3.3 3.33 3.34 3.34 3.25 3.33 522000 1707040 CEBU AIR 38.4 38.5 38.65 39 38.4 38.4 122600 4745795 107.9 108 107.1 109.6 106.6 108 1030100 110849740 INTL CONTAINER 14.56 15.4 15.8 16 15.4 15.4 16600 262962 LBC EXPRESS 0.75 0.79 0.74 0.78 0.74 0.78 41000 31180 LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA 5 5.02 5.06 5.1 4.95 5 1374500 6891728 METROALLIANCE A 1.62 1.64 1.69 1.69 1.61 1.62 242000 398000 5.99 6 6.1 6.1 5.99 6 10200 61667 PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR 0.89 0.9 0.93 0.93 0.85 0.89 1708000 1516710 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.029 0.03 0.032 0.032 0.03 0.03 75600000 2288600 WATERFRONT 0.37 0.39 0.395 0.395 0.37 0.39 150000 58300 FAR EASTERN U 564 580 560 580 560 580 30 17000 7.24 7.5 7.25 7.5 7.24 7.24 30100 218600 IPEOPLE STI HLDG 0.3 0.315 0.305 0.31 0.3 0.3 6160000 1862500 2.13 2.17 2.17 2.17 2.17 2.17 3000 6510 BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY 6.2 6.22 6.16 6.22 6.08 6.22 2130800 13140256 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.97 2 2.07 2.07 2 2 20000 40870 LEISURE AND RES 1.23 1.28 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.23 7000 8560 2.11 2.43 2.07 2.07 2.07 2.07 1000 2070 MANILA JOCKEY PH RESORTS GRP 2.14 2.24 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 8000 17600 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.285 0.29 0.295 0.295 0.285 0.29 18960000 5497750 ALLHOME 6.19 6.2 6.39 6.39 6.1 6.2 2074800 12844673 METRO RETAIL 1.43 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.42 1.43 1257000 1806720 51 51.05 51.8 51.8 50.9 51 2021090 103212864 PUREGOLD 66.35 66.4 67 67 65 66.35 92810 6,096,217.5( ROBINSONS RTL 121.1 125 125 125 125 125 22350 2793750 PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.03 1.03 2394000 2484850 WILCON DEPOT 15.72 15.8 15.94 15.94 15.7 15.8 359200 5674984 0.295 0.3 0.305 0.305 0.295 0.3 2470000 742900 APC GROUP EASYCALL 6.26 6.44 6.26 6.26 6.26 6.26 3300 20658 GOLDEN BRIA 283 299 299 299 299 299 10 2990 IPM HLDG 4.2 5 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 1000 4200 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.224 0.225 0.223 0.233 0.222 0.225 35980000 8155300 SBS PHIL CORP 4.53 4.85 4.86 4.86 4.86 4.86 1000 4860

-30102120 -3677820 -177130 366200 -37460 -87828 6500 -1888440 2413617 249002 -8580 -875019 -1200000 2779883 -722250 -6097603 -915370 -36253273.5 1,958,090.0003) -0 -733800 -1761918 66070 -

MINING & OIL ATOK 7.6 8.14 8 8.38 7.6 7.6 20300 155496 APEX MINING 1.61 1.62 1.59 1.64 1.57 1.62 11450000 18307850 728160 0.0009 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.0009 0.001 806000000 739000 ABRA MINING ATLAS MINING 2.93 2.94 2.77 2.93 2.77 2.93 1314000 3740070 -1376620 2.14 2.24 2.2 2.3 2.12 2.26 290000 634330 BENGUET A BENGUET B 2.08 2.19 2.24 2.24 2.08 2.19 135000 284190 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.191 0.205 0.201 0.218 0.191 0.191 2810000 571340 2080 2.59 2.66 2.59 2.65 2.59 2.65 246000 647080 450000 CENTURY PEAK 7.45 7.55 7.58 7.58 7.41 7.55 13300 99512 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 1.1 1.11 1.11 1.11 1.09 1.11 3520000 3872890 -114280 GEOGRACE 0.238 0.24 0.239 0.243 0.238 0.239 80000 19120 LEPANTO A 0.143 0.144 0.144 0.145 0.138 0.143 17090000 2423110 LEPANTO B 0.146 0.15 0.146 0.15 0.144 0.15 1550000 225780 58439.9997 0.0099 0.01 0.0099 0.01 0.0099 0.0099 16000000 158800 MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 35200000 366200 MARCVENTURES 0.91 0.92 0.91 0.93 0.91 0.92 1113000 1022270 NIHAO 1.91 1.92 1.86 1.93 1.86 1.91 1723000 3275410 -38400 NICKEL ASIA 2.93 2.94 3 3 2.87 2.93 25047000 73208620 -14686970 0.38 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 10000 3800 OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA 0.56 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.57 0.59 523000 300650 PX MINING 3.29 3.3 3.35 3.35 3.21 3.3 2276000 7504440 -62740 SEMIRARA MINING 9.47 9.48 9.55 9.55 9.31 9.47 3198500 30212972 -10681577 UNITED PARAGON 0.0053 0.0056 0.0056 0.0056 0.0053 0.0053 5000000 27200 5.51 5.68 5.65 5.69 5.5 5.68 282500 1564660 423885 ACE ENEXOR 0.0086 0.009 0.0088 0.009 0.0088 0.009 9000000 79600 ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL 0.0096 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.0099 0.01 3400000 33800 PXP ENERGY 5.63 5.67 5.9 5.9 5.62 5.63 1097300 6250690 1414694

PREFFERED CPG PREF A 101 102.2 101 101 101 101 740 74740 -24240 DD PREF 100.7 103 101.5 101.5 100.7 100.7 47600 4794680 152250 FGEN PREF G 105 105.5 104.9 105.5 104.9 105.5 120110 12611599 504 516 504 516 504 516 6620 3375880 5150 GLO PREF P 1011 1090 1010 1250 1010 1010 840 869900 GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B 1007 1030 1010 1010 1010 1010 8410 8494100 MWIDE PREF 100 100.1 100.3 101 100.1 100.1 2820 282431 PNX PREF 3A 99.05 100 100 100 100 100 6000 600000 101.1 102.9 103 103 100.6 102.1 14280 1451063 -448000 PNX PREF 3B 963 965 960 965 950 965 13290 12713030 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 3A 1055 1060 1055 1055 1055 1055 50 52750 PCOR PREF 3B 1070 1090 1071 1071 1070 1070 100 107045 SMC PREF 2C 78 78.1 78.15 78.15 78 78.1 1570 122650.5 SMC PREF 2D 75.2 75.5 75.2 75.5 75 75.5 77830 5851116 75.3 76.8 75.3 75.3 75.3 75.3 13700 1031610 SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G 76 76.55 76.6 76.6 75.7 75.7 26900 2036420 -7659.9999 SMC PREF 2H 76.5 77.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 5000 382500 SMC PREF 2I 78.3 78.5 78.3 78.3 78.3 78.3 10000 783000

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 6.84 6.99 6.7 7.1 6.62 6.99 238200 1619314 -159970 GMA HLDG PDR 4.74 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 144000 691200

WARRANTS LR WARRANT 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 103000 63860

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP 13.48 13.5 13.94 13.94 13.48 13.5 429700 5849610 193462 ITALPINAS 1.79 1.8 1.79 1.81 1.76 1.8 1471000 2615540 KEPWEALTH 5.17 5.18 5.18 5.19 5.18 5.18 30200 156499 1.94 2.14 2.14 2.14 2.14 2.14 3000 6420 MAKATI FINANCE MERRYMART 3.24 3.25 3.15 3.25 3.11 3.25 64621000 207338540 31590210 0.54 0.55 0.56 0.56 0.55 0.55 1752000 964580 70400 XURPAS

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF 91 91.15 93.9 93.9 91 91 37060 3395060 530709

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Industrial property segment grappling with low demand’

A

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

yala Land Inc. said the industry property business will not record significant growth in the medium term given limited industrial expansion and the decline in foreign investments.

The property developer said many of the locators still prefer to go to established locations rather than explore new ones.

“Overall, the industrial property segment is not likely to show significant demand improvement in the medium term,” the company said.

The company said, however, that it is still is exploring potential areas in Central Luzon that it could develop into an industrial park for light manufacturing activities, a portion of which will be offered to Chinese companies.

It said Laguna Technopark, a development of its unit Laguna Technopark Inc., remains a pre-

ferred location for locators and has been expanding its offerings at a time when industrial parks in the Calabarzon area have been experiencing the effects of an oversupply of manufacturing and processing facilities.

Cavite Technopark is the company's newest industrial park development located in Naic, Cavite, with an initial area of 118 hectares.

It offers similar service like the Laguna Technopark, catering to manufacturing locators that specialize in electronics, automotive, consumer products, food processing and pharmaceuticals.

“At full development, the locator companies of Cavite Technopark are

STOCK-MARKET OUTLOOK Last week

Share prices went down last week, as the gains earned from expectations that the modified enhanced community quarantine will be lifted were immediately erased by the general weakness of the market.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell 71.51 points during the fourday trading week to close at 6,005.40 points.

The market recorded gains only after President Duterte announced that Metro Manila and the nearby provinces will be reverted back to the less stringent general community quarantine on August 19.

The modest gains in sectors, such as the Holding Firms and the Services failed to lift the market, even as the central bank decided to keep its rate steady during its policy meeting on Thursday.

Average daily trading for the week was low at P4.56 billion, while foreign investors were net sellers at P1.92 billion.

Most subindices ended in the red led by the broader All Shares index that fell 23.13 points to close at 3,573.06 points, the Financials index declined 30.98 to 1,130.94, the Industrial index retreated 163.83 to 7,792.26, the Holding Firms index gained 2.03 to 6,247.05, the Property index was down 60.86 to 2,884.63, the Services index rose 10.54 to 1,450.27 and the Mining and Oil index dropped 186.33 to 5,682.91.

For the week, gainers managed to edge losers 119 to 105 and 16 shares were unchanged.

Top gainers were Macay Holdings Inc., Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc., Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc., Makati Finance Corp., Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. and Abra Mining and Industrial Corp.

Top losers, meanwhile, were iPeople Inc., Manila Jockey Club Inc., Atok-Big Wedge Co. Inc., Synergy Grid and Development Phils. Inc., Ever-Gotesco Resources and Holdings Inc. and Nickel Asia Corp.

This week

Share prices may continue its downward trend this week as investors are still concerned over the effects of the pandemic on the economy particularly since Covid-19 cases continue to rise.

“The Bicameral Conference Committee’s approval of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act could somehow provide relief but may not be enough to bring forth a sustainable rally as risks remain elevated," Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst at Philstocks Financials Inc., said.

“As local covid-19 cases continue to rise at an intensified scale with this week’s new cases averaging 4,224 per day so far, the recovery of investor confidence towards the economy and jobs lost remains difficult. This in turn will keep the economy operating below full capacity.”

He said the market may trade with a downward bias within the 5,700 - 6,100 range.

Meanwhile, 2TradeAsia said at 6,000-point level, the PSEi is back to where it started during the beginning of the second quarter earnings report in late July.

“And barring further black swan events plus steady stream of fiscal support, the opinion that fundamental drivers could only improve relative to second quarter is not unreasonable at all,” the broker said.

Stock picks

Broker Regina Capital Development Corp. advised to take profits on the stock of Axelum Resources Corp. after its stock price rose and broke what used to be its month-long resistance at P2.40.

“The sudden spike in buying pressure pushed the stock higher, with the next resistance now at P2.60. Indicators are heavy on buy signs. Continued upturn may be possible, but watch out for brief pullbacks as it nears the said resistance,” the broker said.

Axelum shares closed Thursday at P2.42 apiece.

Meanwhile, the broker also advised to take profits on the stock of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RHI) after it managed to sustain a two-day breakout. It is nearing the twomonth resistance at P68.

“All indicators are still on strong buy signs. This could point to a looming correction that may see RRHI pulling back on or before it reaches the peak at P68. Should the rally persist past that level, the stock could go as high as P70. Now remains as good a time as any to take profits for investors that have a position,” it said.

Robinsons Retail's shares closed last week at P66.35. VG Cabuag

expected to generate employment for over 20,000 employees,” the company said.

Ayala Land said its growth will still come from property development and as such, will continue to develop large-scale, mixed-use integrated communities while diversifying its revenue base across its wide portfolio of businesses.

“Ayala Land believes that the Philippines continues to be fundamentally strong, having remained resilient amid the challenges in the global economy. As the Philippines is experiencing the Covid-19 global pandemic, Ayala Land has acknowledged this as a prominent risk which will affect its business in 2020 with possible spillover effects to 2021,” it said.

At the moment, most of its real estate segments are affected by the pandemic, especially its high-end residential market, where it has dominance over other property developers.

“Real estate has always been a major investment vehicle for the affluent. However, in a volatile environment, such as the recent financial crisis and the subsequent global economic downturn, the

mutual funds

high-end market tends to ‘wait and see,’ or they simply choose to place their money in other investment instruments,” it said.

As of end-June, Ayala Land Premier’s revenues fell by 76 percent to P2.8 billion, from P11.5 billion last year, due to the lower incremental progress of the completion of West Gallery Place, Park Central South Tower and Garden Towers 2, and lower bookings in Alcoves.

Alveo Land, meanwhile, had a decline in revenues of 68 percent to P3.13 billion, from P9.69 billion last year, due to the lower completion of High Park Tower 2, Travertine and the Residences at Evo City Phase 1, and lower bookings in Orean Place Tower 1.

Ayala Land last week said it will sell some P6.25 billion in five-year, fixed-rate bonds and has offered its holders of October 2020 paper to exchange their holdings with the new debt.

Proceeds of the said bond offering will be mostly spent on refinancing the company’s P4-billion debt maturing in October, and the rest will also be used to pay for short-term existing loans of the company.

August 20, 2020

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 198.69 -23.97% -10.61% -5.31% -21.1% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.0244 -34.01% -13.55% -4.94% -25.88% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.6474 -34.7% -15.5% -7.76% -28.02% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.6824 -28.89% -12.16% n.a. -24.01% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6923 -20.32% n.a. n.a. -18.49% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.274 -21.59% -8.9% -4.74% -19.79% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.6698 -23.51% -11.36% n.a.

-21.53% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 77.76 -34.66% n.a. n.a. -24.67% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 39.875 -23.74% -9.28% -4.25% -22.24% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 428.68 -21.48% -8.45% -4.31% -19.54% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5 0.892 n.a. n.a. n.a. -13.41% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.013 -23.44% -8.82% -3.93% -21.28% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 29.7688 -23.34% -8.37% -3.61% -21.45% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.7904 -23.79% n.a. n.a. -22.37% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.0703 -23.33% -8.71% -3.48% -22.08% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 680.45 -23.21% -8.72% -3.68% -21.96% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6078 -33.85% -12.97% -7.84% -28.61% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1488 -27.54% -10.09% -4.87% -25.19% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.7798 -23.44% -8.91% -3.69% -22.08% United Fund, Inc. -a 2.8461 -23.86% -7.82% -3.11% -22.09% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 91.3847 -23.05% -8.25% -2.86% -21.86% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.0658 15.23% 1.08% 2.88% 3.64% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.5091 19.2% 8.54% n.a.

9.46% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.5757 -6.72% -4.31% -3.13% 0.83% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.0669 -11.07% -4.69% -1.64% -5.24% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.4191 -9.4% -3.27% -2.51% -8.07% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1847 n.a. n.a. n.a.

-19.17% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.8399 -6.22% -1.56% -0.1% -6.2% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.5099 -8.3% -2.53% -1.18% -7.37% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 15.6228 -8.83% -2.86% -1.37% -7.89% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.9169 -11.27% -4.12% -1.38% -9.67% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.2844 -16.25% -5.08% -2.62% -14.99% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9466 -7.98% n.a. n.a.

-6.8% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.8482 -16.62% n.a. n.a. -14.87% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8211 -19.02% n.a. n.a. -17.33% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8125 -19.02% -6.06% -3.55% -16.65% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03915 1.11% 3% 1.94% 2.49% 9.16% 1.87% 3.16% 3.9% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $1.0515 Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.1361 11.37% 6.04% 5.09% 5.76% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.1657 5.38% 3.31% n.a.

3.28% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 368.1 4.11% 3.22% 2.58% 2.84% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9498 2.01% 1.1% -0.01% 2.51% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.1982 4.01% 4.95% 5.03% 2.58% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.3155 4.36% 3.3% 2.39% 4.14% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4626 4.8% 3.63% 2.03% 4.39% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.7123 8.92% 4.93% 2.86% 7.76% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.3105 5.84% 4.38% 2.46% 4.28% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.96 5.62% 4.39% 2.27% 4.54% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0461 9.63% 4.09% 1.95% 8.48% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1991 5.57% 5.13% 2.87% 4.02% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7595 4.69% 4.53% 2.37% 3.43% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $478.21 3.31% 2.59% 2.8% 2.1% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є217.02 -1.36% 0.73% 1.08% -1.26% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2385 3.68% 2.66% 2.59% 3.08% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0265 2.32% 1.96% 1.66% 2.71% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0907 -1.31% 0.34% 0.53% -0.27% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.5076 3.88% 3.89% 3.4% 4.33% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0610772 1.64% 2.12% 1.93% 1.29% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.2334 1.81% 2.3% 2.63% 1.83% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 128.77 3.5% 3.28% 2.49% 2.34% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0442 2.34% n.a. n.a.

1.74% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.288 2.93% 3.05% 2.61% 1.82% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0473 1.59% n.a. n.a.

0.87% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.0246 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.95 n.a. n.a. n.a.

-4.04%

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

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

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

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

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Perspectives

The new reality customer

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lobally, consumers believe they will be living their lives very differently for the foreseeable future. They feel more vulnerable, less secure and less in control than ever before. They expect the brands they have to interact with—digitally or, as lockdown eases, physically—to deliver better, safer and more seamless interactions at a lower cost.

They are financially constrained, want touchless experiences and are more thoughtful and selective in their decision-making giving preference to brands they trust. They have a deeper appreciation of family, friendship and health and are keen to see Covid-19 as an opportunity to reset their values in the world while getting value in all they experience. As a consequence, we see some new and different behaviors because of the way that we have had to adapt to life in lockdown. Some were already present and have been accelerated or sharpened but many are new and likely to remain and indeed impact customers’ purchase behavior.

Purchasing patterns are also changing as consumers shift from discretionary spend to essentials and it is likely to stay that way as the finances come under pressure and they seek to rebuild their financial safety net.

Value and price are becoming equals for customer loyalty

Consumers’ spend is impacted by both the decrease in disposable income and the psychological impact of Covid-19. We see new segments arise, separated by a need to group products and services into categories of necessity, with spend moderated by financial attitudes.

Consumers in Germany, France and Hong Kong (S.A.R), China, feel more calm and secure, fitting into the financially comfortable category. In Brazil, Japan, Italy and Spain, consumers have stopped all nonessential purchases and are more selective, feeling more financially overwhelmed and giving their financial recovery priority.

Value for money, and its corollary price, is the single most important factor in decision-making and our research this year shows that it has become a significant driver of loyalty.

In addition, in previous years of our CX (customer experience) study we have seen that “Cost” or “Value” has had little impact on how a customer’s assessment of their experiences translates into advocacy and loyalty. This year, however, for those countries experiencing severe economic impact at the time of the study, we have seen that“Value”as a determinant of loyalty is second only to Personalization. In addition, brands are perceived to be providing more value for money with the results revealing a 3-percent uplift.

Consumers have become more digitally savvy

Covid-19 has amplified the need for easy access to products and services and information.

Most customers are now comfortable using online channels to buy what they need. They are reducing physical purchase occasions and are gravitating towards touchless shopping and contactless payments. Eighty-two percent of consumers stated that they are more likely to use digital wallets or cards in the future. Use of chat technologies and social media has grown with a threefold increase in consumers claiming they will use social channels, webchat, messenger apps and SMS (short-message sending) chat as their main means of communicating with organizations in the new reality.

Trust becomes multi-dimensional

Trust underpins the commercial cadence between customers and organizations. Integrity and trust are therefore two sides of the same coin.

Integrity is how the organization thinks and behaves and trust is the outcome gained as a result from its customers.

During lockdown, customers have become more aware of environmental and corporate behaviors. They are more questioning as to whether brands behave credibly when it comes to their environmental and social obligation.

They have added further dimensions such as safety and support of the local community.

The excerpt was taken from KPMG article, “Customer experience in the new reality, Global Customer Experience Excellence research 2020: The Covid-19 special edition.” © 2020 R.G. Manabat & Co., a Philippine partnership and a member-firm of the KPMG network of independent member-firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative, a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines.

For more information on KPMG in the Philippines, you may visit www.kpmg.com.ph.

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Monday, August 24, 2020 B3

AMLC, DOJ-led team to probe PhilHealth’s ‘mystery’ account

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By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

enate probers are leaving it up to the interagency committee probing anomalies in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to investigate the “mystery” behind the P9.7 million meant for payments to a controversial dialysis center that was erroneously credited to the Balanga Rural Bank (BRB).

“The role of the AMLC [Anti-Money Laundering Council] is important [in the parallel investigation by the team led by the Department of Justice or DOJ],” Sen. Panfilo Lacson said in a radio interview with DWIZ at the weekend.

Alluding to what he called “the mystery of Balanga Rural Bank,” Lacson said the Senate Committee of the Whole, which held three hearings on

PhilHealth, had shared with Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra all documents on that matter.

“It is up to him [Guevarra] to handle it, since the AMLC is a member of their task force, as well as the Ombudsman. So I hope they can ferret out the mystery behind the account number involving the P9.7 million that was said to have been erroneously credited to BRB. Until now,

Realign budget, tax the super-rich–Ibon

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ealigning the budget and taxing the “superrich” would allow the government to provide a larger stimulus package that could ensure the recovery of the economy from the pandemic, according to Ibon Foundation.

In a statement, Ibon said the “obsession with creditworthiness” by the President’s economic team has placed a “straightjacket” on the government, thereby constricting its ability to spur economic growth through the stimulus package. The nongovernment group said the government can allocate more resources for the stimulus package through realigning funds from infrastructure projects, debt servicing and taxing the country’s “super-rich.” “The economic managers’ obsession with creditworthiness is the binding constraint to fighting Covid-19 and the economic misery in its wake. This selfimposed fiscal straitjacket is misguided. Spending less, not spending more, is keeping the country off the path to health and recovery,” Ibon said.

“The country is grossly short-changed by Bayanihan 2. It’s all the people are getting not because it’s all the government can afford but rather because it’s all the Duterte administration wants to give,” the group added.

Ibon said the government can free up resources by shelving big-ticket infrastructure projects that are no longer economically or financially viable as well as those that are too capital intensive. The government, the group added, can also increase income tax and wealth tax on the country’s super-rich. This will provide additional resources to finance a higher stimulus package.

Ibon explained that a wealth tax on the country’s super-rich will allow the government to raise P240 billion annually from just the 50 richest Filipinos.

It added that higher personal income taxes on the richest 2.5 percent of families could raise P130 billion while a two-tiered corporate income tax scheme could yield P70 billion. “The accumulated wealth concentrated in the few is more than enough for all the stimulus the country needs and can be the foundation of a credible medium-term fiscal plan,” Ibon said.

Further, debt service to development banks and the like can be restructured on the argument that there are more pressing uses for scarce government funds.

It added that the government can also wield its creditworthiness to borrow if needed on favorable terms.

Ibon said the Bayanihan 2 bill passed by the bicameral conference committee and ratified by the Senate is worth just P165.5 billion. Of this, P25.5 billion is even just a “standby fund,” only available once “additional funds are generated.”

“Looked at in aggregate, Bayanihan 2 pales compared to the as much as P1.9 trillion lost in GDP [gross domestic product] in 2020 because of the pandemic,” Ibon said. “This includes not just what is lost from the economy contracting but from what it should have been if it kept on growing.”

Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said rolling out a larger stimulus package during the Covid-19 pandemic does not guarantee that a country will undergo a milder recession.

Addressing local business chambers in North Luzon on Thursday, Dominguez argued that at least three countries experienced significant economic downturn despite having massive stimulus packages.

The country’s finance chief, who also heads the government’s Economic Development Cluster, noted that the economies of Malaysia, the United Kingdom and Sweden “retreated significantly despite massive stimulus packages.” Malaysia’s economy contracted by 17.1 percent in the second quarter of the year in spite of a bigger stimulus package equivalent to 18.2 percent of its GDP, he said. On the other hand, the UK’s economy went down by 21.7 percent although it had a total stimulus of 23.4 percent of its GDP. Meanwhile, Sweden’s economy decelerated by 8.2 percent despite rolling out a bigger stimulus package of between 10.8 percent and 16.6 percent of GDP. Cai U. Ordinario

that hasn’t been resolved,” Lacson said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Besides the hearings in aid of legislation at the Senate and the House of Representatives, the interagency task force was created on orders of President Duterte, to make a comprehensive report within 30 days on PhilHealth’s situation amid allegations of massive, systemic fraud.

Led by the DOJ, it also counts the AMLC and the National Bureau of Investigation among its members.

The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has also been doing its own investigation.

During the Senate hearings, the senators learned from one whistleblower that at least P9.7 million in payments supposedly for B. Braun Avitum Philippines Inc., a chain of dialysis centers that was allegedly favored by certain PhilHealth officials, was credited to an account at the BRB. However, bank secrecy laws stymie revelation of the account holder; hence, the key role of the AMLC. The whistle-blower had said a senior PhilHealth official may be the real account owner.

Asked by DWIZ if the DOJ-led task force, with AMLC help, will be the one to pursue investigation of the BRB erroneous credit, Lacson replied, “yes, that’s correct.”

“Until now, it’s a mystery and I’m interested to find out who got the [money]. BRB claimed the money is theirs; a demand-deposit account.

That means it’s supposed to be part of BRB’s reserve fund as a requirement of BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas]. On the other hand, PhilHealth said B. Braun had complained because the payment [for dialysis sessions] did not get to them and instead went to the designated bank of B. Braun in Region 2. But why did it get diverted to Region 3, in Balanga, Bataan? Besides, why should PhilHealth advance the inconvenience fee imposed for erroneous deposit? That’s a very messy issue.

The DOJ and the task force really has to focus closely on what really happened at BRB. That’s P9.7 million,” Lacson pointed out.

At the same time, the senator said they have not passed judgment on B. Braun’s culpability in this issue.

“What is clear now in the B. Braun issue is PhilHealth’s accountability, considering they have this Midas tracking system. We showed in the hearings that the Society of Nephrology …had said that B. Braun’s billings from PhilHealth already exceed their capacity—there was 130 percent, 167 percent, 124 percent [for some billings].”

This means, Lacson explained, that based on the tracking system of PhilHealth, normally 90 percent of a dialysis center’s capacity or 72 sessions per machine, is billed for.

“But in their [B. Braun] case, it was far in excess; so, why did PhilHealth pay for it? Not only that; if we link this to the IRM [Interim Reimbursement Mechanism], why did PhilHealth keep transacting with B. Braun for dialysis centers, when their own tagging system on B. Braun showed the probability— we’re not yet saying this has happened—of ghost dialysis patients or ghost dialysis machines, because, how can you conduct dialysis sessions in excess of your capacity?

That’s a physical impossibility.”

B4

Style

BusinessMirror

Monday, August 24, 2020 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Lipstick collection celebrates dreams and empowerment

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WITH makeup by Lala Flores, Bea Alonzo wears Floral Wonderland in Dainty Coral. @LALAFLORES16 ON INSTAGRAM

F there is one thing I think I know about Bea Alonzo’s personal life, it’s that she is a makeup enthusiast. The actress knows how to apply her own makeup and even reportedly owns an airbrush kit.

As the face of Avon’s Floral Wonderland Collection (six lipstick shades in Avon’s best-selling matte finish), Bea swatched the lovely lipsticks in an online press conference and told of how it related to her life.

Floral Fuchsia, a vivid mid-tone pink with blue undertones, reminds the 32-year-old actress of her early years in show business when she’s go for auditions. I remember Bea wearing a similar shade in the 2010 drama Magkaribal, where she played young aspiring designer Gelai. Everybody (meaning beautyobsessed people) wanted to know what the shade was.

As Bea’s character in Magkaribal matured and became more successful career-wise, her lipstick preference changed.

These days, Bea uses Ruby Rose Red lipstick, a red shade with blue undertones, more because she feels empowered when she’s wearing this burgundy shade (my favorite from the collection).

Another lipstick from the Floral Wonderland Collection that gives Bea courage is Midnight Orchid, a deep plum.

She uses this lipstick, she said, “to feel more confident.� If others have “liquid courage, I have lipstick courage,� said Bea. Dainty Coral, an apricot, reminds the actress of “quiet fire,� which is slow, steady and lasts a long time.

It’s her interpretation of strength in a lipstick tube.

When choosing a lipstick, Bea wants it to be longlasting and in a shade that she loves. She also wants her lipsticks to come from a company that stands for

something. Nude Petals, a neutral brown, is the shade that represents self-assurance for Bea. “You know yourself well enough that even if the public doesn’t see you, you’re fine; you can live with it,� she said.

Confidence is represented by Red Poppy, a bright red lipstick. Confidence is something that the actress, entrepreneur, aspiring screenwriter and pastry chef has a lot of. She also cofounded the nonprofit organization I am HOPE, which helps provide frontline workers with personal protective equipment and other medical supplies. As an actress and the owner of a Dean & DeLuca franchise in Quezon City, Bea’s livelihood has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic but she chooses to believe that she has a bigger purpose in life as a public figure.

Anna Fernandez-Llamas, Head of Beauty at Avon Philippines, said the Floral Wonderland Collection is a reminder for people to constantly nurture their dreams because “they are the key to overcoming challenges and living life in full bloom.�

Fernandez-Llamas said Bea was chosen to be the face of the collection because she believes in the power of dreams. “The collection benefits those whom we empower with our color products and the Avon representatives whose dreams we support by doing business with them.�

The Floral Wonderland collection can be purchased through an Avon representative or online via Avonshop.ph. Each lipstick is priced at P349 each, or you can get any two colors for P399.

Before the pandemic hit the world full force, Avon unveiled its world-class showcase at the Taft branch, as the brand moved to become a digital beauty company. The Taft store, located at Victoria de Manila, 1655 Taft Avenue, is the #AvonBranchOfTheFuture.

The Taft store was designed to be something like a supermarket for Avon products so that even those who are exploring the brand for the first time will get to try the merchandise with the help of in-store Avon Ladies. The plan was for all the existing branches nationwide to be prepared to be part of a digital beauty company.

I can imagine this pandemic will fast-track the company’s digital progress in the Philippines and Avon representatives, like many Filipinos, will be doing business online. â–

SPOTLIGHT ON KANKEN ART WHEN Swedish illustrator, artist and graphic designer Moa Hoff was a child, she visited Northern Sweden with her father, where they spent the time trekking the mountains together. A nature lover who always loved the forest and thought trees had a secret life, she remembers “the light, the crisp colors, and the small knobbly mountain birches.�

These adventures left a lasting impression on her, and it was these glimpses of childhood memories and the associated feeling—of hope, happiness, an awe at the vastness and beauty of nature—that served as her inspiration when she was asked by iconic Swedish brand Fjallraven to design a collection for its limited edition of Kanken Art. Every piece of Kanken Art, which was designated as craft art by Svensk Form (The Swedish Society of Craft and Design) in 2017, will support the Arctic Fox Initiative, which that aims to protect the environment and inspire people to spend more time outdoors.  The good news is that Moa’s limited-

edition designs for Fjallraven are now available at Outdoors by SM, a concept store in SM Makati that is both a one-stop shop for every adventure needs and a go-to store for the urban dweller.

Each piece in Fjallraven’s new collection—a laptop bag which can fit a 15-inch laptop, a mini backpack, card wallet, travel wallet, toiletry bag, and pen case—has Moa’s handmade, illustrative and imaginative artistic approach.

Always creating her designs by hand, Moa “wanted each bag to be unique, so that everyone could choose their own individual design.�

The result is a mesh of semi-abstract patterns and doodles of nature in a handful of creamy colors that best represent her love for nature.

The limited-edition Kanken Art line is exclusively available at Outdoors by SM, which offers call-to-deliver service (bit. ly/3dk7SH2) and can also be found on www. lazada.com.ph/shop/thesmstore/Â and www. shopsm.com.

A BACKPACK with so much character— Kanken Art and Kanken Art Mini.

The Kanken Art has a spacious main compartment while its Mini counterpart fits both children and adults.

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Rupert Grint, 32; John Green, 43; Dave Chappelle, 47; Cal Ripken Jr., 60.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Put the past behind you, and prepare to initiate a change. Opportunity is within reach and will be your ticket to a better future. Channel your energy into the relationships and pastimes that will bring you the happiness and peace of mind you deserve. Make romance a priority, and share your intentions with someone you love. Your numbers are 8, 14, 22, 26, 32, 38, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Avoid taking on too high a financial burden or giving the impression you are capable of doing something you cannot. Take a moment to rethink your strategy and the best way to keep the peace with someone who has a different opinion. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t let someone’s flirting or poor judgment lead to a wrong decision. The more hands-on you are when making decisions, the easier it will be to control the outcome. Reassess a partnership that is not living up to its expectations. ★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t let your personal life interfere with your work responsibilities. Recognize when someone is taking advantage of you. Your most significant effort and contribution will lead to advancement and a better future. ★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A hobby or selfimprovement project will push you to pursue a unique and exciting path. Reconnect with old friends, and plan a virtual reunion. Bridge the gap between your past and the present. A forgive-andforget attitude is favored. ★★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Finish what you start, and honor promises you make. A lifestyle change will improve a relationship you have with someone special. If you have doubts, say what’s on your mind and find out where you stand. ★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A virtual journey will lead you in a new direction. A chance to use your skills differently will encourage partnerships that can change the way you work or do things in the future. Reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in a long time. ★★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t overspend or let anyone take advantage of you financially.

Unfinished business will leave you in an awkward position. Don’t let ulterior motives lead to a problem with someone you need to work alongside.

Damage control will be necessary. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Use reason when dealing with people offering ultimatums, and you will find a way to get them to see things your way. A change is likely to happen quickly. Go with the flow, and the result will be better than anticipated. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Helping someone who has assisted you in the past will make you feel good. A sales pitch may entice you, but before you decide to dole out cash, consider if your budget can handle the pressure. ★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen, but don’t buy into someone’s plan. Concentrate on personal health and emotional well-being. The ideas you come up with will far exceed what someone is prompting you to do. ★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Being observant will keep you out of trouble and allow you to make a wise decision. Distance yourself from a situation that is causing confusion or making you feel bad. ★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You can repair a partnership that experienced troubled times if you are willing to accept half the blame. An exciting new interpretation on something you’ve always wanted to do will encourage you to take a chance. ★★★★

THE Kanken Art Toiletry Bag in durable, waxed G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S. It features two spacious compartments with several inside pockets making organizing a breeze.

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are practical, reliable and helpful. You are independent.

Company launches collagen drink that helps boost immunity CONSUMERS are used to collagen drinks being manufactured by companies based in Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. These drinks are usually marketed as beauty supplements meant to give you flawless skin and shiny hair.

Everything else is just a bonus.

But collagen has other benefits. The most abundant protein in the body, it helps in improving skin health, relieving joint pain, preventing bone loss, boosting muscle mass and promoting heart health. It can also help strengthen the immune system.

A US-based food supplement company recently introduced a new collagen supplement that supports the body’s immune system, which defends it against infection, along with providing aesthetic benefits.

4Life Research Philippines launched its flagship product, called 4Life Transfer Collagen, which provides wellness through hydrolyzed collagen, antioxidant protection and patented 4Life Transfer Factor. 4Life Transfer Factor Collagen improves skin moisture, tone and elasticity, while promoting overall longevity and healthy aging. It slows down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also dermatologisttested. Studies showed skin, nails and hair improvements in just eight weeks.

Today’s Horoscope

4Life Transfer Factor also promises to boost, “educate� and balance the immune system. Recent independent laboratory studies showed that core 4Life Transfer Factor products bolster Natural Killer cell activity in the presence of a health threat. NK cells play an important role in the hostrejection of tumors and virally infected cells.

4Life sources its collagen from Asia, Europe, North America and South America. 4Life Transfer Factor Collagen contains hydrolyzed collagen, which breaks peptides into smaller units that are easier for our body to use.

4Life Transfer Factor Collagen contains 5,000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen per packet. 4Life Transfer Factor is extracted from cow colostrum and chicken egg yolk. “It is a product made by the immune system for the immune system,� said the company.

The collagen drink also contains vitamin C and E, and provides additional antioxidant support. In addition to being IFANCA Halal Certified, it is also gluten-free and soy-free.

Transfer factors give the immune system the ability to identify harmful cells. The inducer fraction of transfer factors warns the immune system of impending threats. The antigen-specific fraction helps the immune system identify enemy microbes and remember them, while the regulator

fraction keeps the immune system in check and prevents it from being overactive.

4Life Research Philippines said that based on independent laboratory findings, their core Transfer Factor products increase NK cell activity in the immune system when a health threat is imminent and provide immune support. “At 4Life, we take pride in providing our consumers products that are well-researched and scientifically-backed.

4Life Transfer Factor Collagen boosts the immune system and slows down the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. We are very proud of this unique formula,� said 4Life Research Philippines General Manager Eileen Tan-Dario. “4Life Transfer Factor Collagen is the accumulation of many years of research on ingredients that support healthy skin, hair and nails. We included 4Life Transfer Factor, which also has known benefits for the skin. This product gives our distributors and customers a first-in-class product that cannot be matched anywhere else,� said 4Life Research USA Chief Scientific Officer David Vollmer, PhD. You can drink 4Life Transfer Collagen by dissolving a sachet in a glass of cold water. You may also enjoy it with your favorite cold drink like fruit juice. It has a neutral taste.

DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ

Marketing BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Monday, August 24, 2020 B5

The coronavirus chronicles: What lies ahead for marketing events D

By Millie F. Dizon

n Knox says that “time will be needed to sanitize and clean exhibit halls, session rooms, and other gathering areas.” And this can be tedious—wiping down and sanitizing high-touch points, microphones, presentation laptops, door handles, restrooms, registration counters, dining tables—the list goes on. n Likewise, “social distancing/spacing will need enforcement in expo areas, receptions, session rooms, meeting rooms, and registration areas.” This means fewer people will be able to attend live events. n Knox observes that “additional items must be provided...including hand sanitiz-

n Insight: Covid-19’s economic impact assessment on Southeast Asia’s super apps

by Oxford Business Group

After enjoying years of exponential growth, Southeast Asia’s super apps have been forced to reassess their business models as a result of Covid-19, with many refocusing their priorities as they plan for the postpandemic world.

In recent years so-called super apps—online or mobile platforms that combine multiple services into one app—have sought to continuously expand their offerings. While many started off with one core business, such as online messaging, ride-hailing or digital payments, they have expanded into increasingly diverse areas.

The development of super apps has been more prominent in Asia than anywhere else. Among the world’s largest are Chinese platforms WeChat and Alipay, Indonesia’s Gojek and the Singaporeanheadquartered Grab.

Gojek and Grab play a particularly significant role in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia.

Starting off as a motorcycle ridehailing service in Jakarta in 2010, Gojek launched its app in 2015 and has since expanded into a multipurpose platform offering 18 different services, including food delivery,

financial services, telehealth services and video streaming.

The company, Indonesia’s first unicorn, is valued at $10bn. In addition to its home market, it is active in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Similarly, Grab was formed in 2012 in Malaysia as a taxi-booking mobile app, but has since moved its headquarters to Singapore and expanded into food delivery, financial services and hotel booking, among other segments. It is valued at $14bn and operates in eight countries across the region.

Closure of non-core services

Despite this recent growth, the economic fallout of Covid-19 has forced these apps to reconsider their plans for ongoing expansion, with many looking toward consolidation rather than expansion.

For Gojek and Grab, this has meant a reorganization of operations and a closure of some lowprofit services, along with those that would struggle to comply with social distancing measures.

For example, Gojek announced in June that it would lay off 9 percent of its work force and close GoLife, which offers household cleaning and on-demand massage services, and GoFood Festivals, the arm that operates physical food halls.

The decision came on the heels of Grab’s decision to lay off 360 employees—around 5 percent of its workforce—and an announcement that it will close some “non-core projects.”

In an analysis published in late June, Fitch anticipated that the companies may also look to reduce

WWW.FREEPIK.COM

PR Matters

URING this time of the year, marketing professionals would normally be busy organizing conferences, trade shows, concerts, and onsite events. They would also be preparing plans for Christmas, which for many businesses is the happiest time of the year.

But that was it seems, in another life—meaning before March this year, when the impact of the coronavirus struck like a bolt out of the blue.

But health concerns, and the restrictions that go with it—like social distancing and travel constraints—have put live events on a temporary hold.

What, we ask, is the outlook on marketing events in the new normal?

In a marktingprofs.com article, “The Future of Marketing Events in the Age of Covid-19,” Don Knox says that now, “they face an uncertain future,” as there’s no telling when large crowds will be able to gather for events.

To begin with, event planning has become more challenging during these times. This is what preparing for an event today would look like:

ers, masks, keyless check-in at hotels, and boxed food, as well as other resources that will be needed, such as attendant-assisted coffee stations or water stations.” Additional items will entail an additional budget.

All of these will entail more time consumed, bigger budgets, and less attendees.

Indeed, “the challenge for events in the rest of 2020 is how they can remain profitable while keeping the best interests spending or disband operations in the hotel booking and ticketing segments, if sustained economic pressure continues.

Food delivery sees gains

But while the companies are cutting back on some segments, Fitch expects them to “refocus resources into three core businesses: ride hailing, food/grocery delivery and payments.”

In particular, food and grocery delivery services have proved to be big winners in the pandemic, with demand increasing significantly as consumers sought to adhere to social distancing guidelines and avoid crowded supermarkets.

On the back of rising food delivery orders and a fall in ride-hailing demand, Grab’s two-year-old food delivery platform overtook the established transport service in 2020 as its main business line.

While this meant that some taxi drivers lost their jobs, the company says that 150,000 switched over to become delivery drivers. The trend towards food delivery was also felt

by Gojek.

“Many industries were directly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Notably, ride-hailing apps witnessed a decline in use as Indonesians began to self-isolate,” Kevin Aluwi, the co-CEO of Gojek, told OBG for their annual 2020 report on Indonesia.

“However, the isolation period has simultaneously enabled expansion in other industries, such as food, grocery and package deliveries, as people turned to mobile and online purchasing options.”

This shift has not been restricted to Southeast Asia or emerging mar-

of the industry they serve—and the safety of speakers, sponsors, and attendees—at the forefront.”

With this, Knox sees more of hybrid and virtual events, with gamification as a tool.

Hybrid events, which have both in-person and remote audiences and speakers, would give producers an opportunity to satisfy multiple audiences.

The hybrid approach “presents challenges and opportunikets, with Uber acquiring Postmates, the fourth-largest food delivery service in the US, for $2.65bn in early July.

The move highlighted how critical food delivery services have become during the pandemic, with Uber’s first quarter results showing that while demand for its ride-hailing service was down by 80 percent year-on-year, bookings on its UberEats platform were up by more than 50 percent.

However, despite this recent fall in demand, transport services are expected to remain a crucial aspect of super apps once the pandemic subsides, as they have traditionally been the companies’ largest earners.

Financial services tipped for growth

In addition to food delivery, financial services are also expected to play an increasingly important role in the plans of super apps moving forward.

After introducing GoPay and GrabPay to process payments for ride-hailing bookings, both Gojek and Grab have rapidly expanded their financial services into point-ofsale and online payments, as well as ride insurance for its riders and drivers, travel insurance, and business loans for small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Access to services including affordable health care, insurance, smart mobility and financial services remains a key barrier [to growth] in the region,” Ming Maa, president, Grab, told OBG in Q1 2020.

“These are issues that multi-service tech platforms must target as they

ties as organizers may have new tactical gating factors to consider, but this is how you can reach new audiences. Remote attendees may be willing to pay for the repurposed content— even if they’re unable to hop on a plane to join in person.”

Virtual events, on the other hand, “are already gaining traction, thanks to accessible and effective technology/solutions being launched daily-in good part due to low-code/no code expand their offerings to give users greater convenience and choice.”

Given the increase in e-commerce that has accompanied the pandemic, the Southeast Asian market leaders have made moves to further expand their financial footprints.

In April Gojek finalized the acquisition of local Indonesian payments start-up Moka, in a deal estimated to be worth $130m, while in June it was confirmed that Facebook and PayPal were participating in Gojek’s Series F round of financing, which had raised around $3bn.

Analysts have suggested that the investment could be strategic, and that the US duo could be looking to further develop Gojek’s payments business.

For its part, Grab—in partnership with Singaporean telco Singtel—is vying for one of two digital banking licences to be allocated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore before the end of the year.

n New Business: UM win Lazada Group in Asia, UM announced AOR across Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand

SINGAPORE—UM, the global media agency network of Mediabrands, today announced that it has been named Media Agency of Record for Lazada Group, Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce platform and regional flagship of the Alibaba Group.

UM’s remit which covers Southeast Asia markets Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand; will encompass all media duties including strategy, planning, buy-

development platforms giving us virtual experiences on our mobile devices in weeks instead of months.”

Virtual events have been helpful in creating awareness about brands and bringing people together. While these have been generally no-frills occasions, we can see that in time their production will be more sleek and creative.

Gamification, which is the application of game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts, is a widely applied tool in marketing. This has been used for loyalty programs, as well as for customer engagement and encouraging desirable web site behavior.

All in all, “it comes down to which technology the organizers choose and how they opt to engage their attendees.”

While Knox admits that as marketers, “we are all weathering the same storm, even if in different boats,” he is “confident that as an industry we’re going to come together with plans and precautions, with the hope that everyone can strike a balance between staying healthy, protecting the vulnerable, and moving our industry forward.”

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the senior vice president for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the former local chairman.

We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.

ing, research, and data and analytics for Lazada Group.

The news comes following a competitive pitch review which commenced in March this year, and was held virtually across multiple markets. The UM agency network were praised for their professionalism, their competitiveness, and their ability to transform media excellence into real business results.

“Lazada Group is an exciting company that continue to push boundaries in how they empower brands to connect with consumers,” said Kasper Aakerlund, president UM APAC. “It is a premier retail destination that has redefined the retail experience through world-class technology, and we could not be more thrilled to partner with them on a strategically unified marketing approach that moves beyond conventional media placement.”

This regional win closely follows the news of UM winning Energizer Holdings Inc., across seven APAC markets as part of a global pitch which concluded in May this year, in addition to expanding their AsiaPacific remit for leading platforms including foodpanda, Netflix, and Spotify. “Clients like UM for its application of emerging technologies, its partnership with agencies and publishers, and its data technology strategy” stated The Forrester WaveTM: Global Media Agencies 2020 Report which ranked UM as a clear leader in the space.

UM’s agency of record duties for Lazada Group Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, are effective immediately. Media duties for Lazada Group Thailand will be effective January 2021.

B6 Monday, August 24, 2020

EK's 'You're My Hero' pays homage to unsung heroes in the time of the pandemic

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HE spotlight will gleam on the tireless individuals who are working above and beyond the call of duty in these challenging times as Enchanted Kingdom officially announces the opening of nominations for the 6th Enchanting Heroes of Change: You’re my Hero.This year, the

premier and word-class theme park is paying tribute to these unsung heroes of today who are selflessly devoting efforts on the frontlines and continuously making positive impacts in many lives during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

For kids ages 4-12 years old, this is your

chance to show your support and give cheers to the real-life superheroes. If you know an individual, a friend or a family member that you consider a hero, nominate them by sharing a photo as well as their inspiring story. Enchanted Kingdom wants to hear about them.

Terms and Conditions: Like Enchanted Kingdom’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/enchantedkingdom.ph/).

Nominate your hero by posting his/ her photo with a description of his/her incredible deeds to the community and tell us why he/she deserves a trip to EK. Post the photo entry at EK Heroes of Change 2020: You’re My Hero FB post’s comment section Tag your hero on the post (if they have an FB account).

Use the hashtags: #EKHeroesOfChange2020, #iloveEK and #EKatHome.

Submission of entries is until August 28, 2020 and winners will be announced on August 31, 2020 (National Heroes Day). Five (5) chosen heroes will win three Regular Day Passes each, and the kids who submitted the winning entries will also receive two Regular Day Passes each plus a special Eldar Doll!

Enchanted Kingdom is excited to read different stories of hope and inspiration from all you, EK Kids, as the invaluable services from these extraordinary people deserve honor and are worthy of celebration.

For more information, visit Enchanted Kingdom’s official website and Facebook page at www.enchantedkingdom.ph and www.facebook.com/enchantedkingdom.ph or check on https://www.facebook. com/notes/enchanted-kingdom/6thenchanting-heroes-of-change-youre-myhero/3860612573955040/ to know the complete contest mechanics.

Calcium Cee is key to stronger immunity and keeping healthy

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ITH COVID-19 still a raging health concern, we need to protect ourselves from this virus by strengthening our immune system in as many ways as we can. One of the best immunity boosters is our daily dose of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals. It also plays a role in controlling infections and healing wounds.

We get our Vitamin C from many fruits and vegetables like apples, asparagus, berries, broccoli, cabbage, melon, watermelon, and cauliflower; citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges; kiwi; fortified foods like bread, grains, and cereals; dark leafy greens like kale and spinach; peppers; potatoes; and tomatoes. When these sources are not available, however, we can take food supplements that contain Vitamin C. But before we take just any Vitamin C supplement, we have to make sure that it is one that is most beneficial to our wellbeing.

Now, when combined with calcium, Vitamin C becomes even more potent.

Together, Vitamin C and calcium form calcium ascorbate, a formulation that gets rid of the acidity of pure Vitamin C. This is essentially what Calcium Cee is made of. With a pH level between 7.2 and 7.4, it is safe to take even on an empty stomach while still providing the benefits of both of these nutrients. That is why we can take Calcium Cee

any time and anywhere, without the acidity.

This formulation also makes it safe to take in higher doses, especially for those who really need the extra vitamins.

Calcium Cee is a very good source of Vitamin C that fortifies our immune system.

Taken regularly with Vitamin C-rich food, Calcium Cee shields us from viruses and helps to keep us healthy and strong every day.

Calcium Cee also reinforces bone density, eases stress, manages blood pressure, boosts collagen formation, helps repair tissues, and preserves clear eyesight, among other benefits.

Calcium Cee is available at Mercury Drug (https://www.mercurydrug.com/) and Watson’s (https://www.watsons.com.ph/calciumascorbate-1-tablet/p/BP_10076743). For more details, visit Calcium Cee on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/calciumc/. or call Calcium Cee hotline: 09175642233.

SM Foundation donates more ventilators to hospitals with high COVID-19 cases

Security Bank and Edukasyon.ph bridge the education gap amid pandemic

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OVID-19 is not just a health crisis, it has since affected many sectors including education, ultimately changing the way we provide and receive schooling. Conversations have now shifted from class suspensions to the adoption of e-learning. But a common challenge is making e-learning inclusive considering the socio-economic background of Filipino students.

To help address the problem, Security Bank Foundation pursued a partnership with Edukasyon.ph, one of the country’s top online education platforms, to provide e-learning access to displaced students.

The Foundation is no stranger to education initiatives, having spearheaded major projects such as the construction of school buildings, conducting training programs, and providing scholarships to deserving college students. The partnership allowed Security Bank Foundation to automate its scholarship application process and extend Edukasyon.ph online education platform to its external college scholars.

SBFI promoted Edukasyon.ph's online education platform through the Bank’s various channels as well as through communications to its scholars.

Ivie Azor, a student from the University of the Philippines Diliman, complimented the program, “The Edukasyon.ph online courses are comparable with the free courses offered by Harvard. They tackled the discussions in senior high school already, so it was more of digging deeper and giving complex examples.”

Security Bank Cards also partnered with Edukasyon.ph to offer Security Bank Cardholders access to their paid courses through its platform. Senior high school and college students of cardholders can access the free specialized e-learning course from online institutions such as Udemy, Kadenze, and Google Garage.

Jay-ar Guyena, an accounting student at De La Salle University found

SMFI's recipients of ventilators, (left photo) Calamba Doctors Hospital and (right photo) Tarlac Provincial Hospital

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M Foundation (SMFI) donates 25 ICU-grade ventilators to hospitals with high COVID-19 cases across the country, as part of its continuing COVID-19 response.

This additional donation of ventilators will help augment each hospital’s capacity to manage severe COVID-19 cases, particularly with patients who require intubation.

The hospital recipients include Tarlac Provincial Hospital, Calamba Doctors

Hospital, General Emilio Aguinaldo Hospital, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, West Visayas Medical Center, Cebu South Medical Center, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, and other government hospitals.

To date, SM has donated almost Php 400 million in essential medical supplies, equipment, rt-PCR testing, and assistance to help national efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

PCI stages free online learning readiness webinar for parents

Maria Janina Alparo, a first year college scholar taking up BS Business Administration major in Financial Management in the University of Santo Tomas taking the “Ready for the Interview” e-learning course at Edukasyon.ph.

the partnership as beneficial saying, “Edukasyon.ph has easy access to tertiary programs for online learning. It offers various online learning courses for different undergraduate programs.”

Overall, Security Bank Foundation scholars were grateful for the chance to expand learning while in quarantine since adjusting to the new normal has been difficult for many students.

Security Bank Foundation Scholars for Better Communities Scholarship Program provides educational assistance to underprivileged students with exemplary academic potential who plan to study in any of its eight partner schools namely, Ateneo de Manila University, Chiang Kai Shek College, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Diliman and University of Santo Tomas.

Interested applicants must be incoming college freshmen of School Year 2020-21 and may apply through www.securitybank. com/sustainability/scholars-for-better-

communities/ Aside from providing financial assistance, Security Bank Foundation also extends developmental activities to its scholars and offers opportunities to be hired in Security Bank upon graduation.

Edukasyon.ph online education platform offers free and paid e-learning courses to senior high school and college students. They can choose from a wide array of topics on Business, Arts and Design, Foreign Language, General Academics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Information Technology, Lifestyle and Vocational Training, Marketing and Communication, and Health Sciences.

Students can access the platform through https://portal.edukasyon.ph/online-ed.

Security Bank is one with the nation in providing e-learning access to Filipinos through partnerships with Edukasyon.ph, 88Tuition and Knowledge Channel. The bank is with every Filipino in overcoming the pandemic and believes that together, we can get better. To know more about its responses to COVID-19 you may visit Securitybank.com/Get-better

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EARNING amid a pandemic is a challenge that students and parents will have to face. That's why PCI believes that with enough knowledge and preparation and a little help from seasoned parents with experience in homeschooling, and school administrators designing the best learning continuity plan for their students, mommies and daddies will be geared up for the changes in the coming school year.

PCI Innovations Tech Center, Inc. is an Education Technology (EdTech) company aims to bring excellent, interactive, and

immersive learning to every corner of the country with new and engaging activities.

Last August 21, PCI staged 'G KNB this School Year?', an online learning readiness webinar for parents, via Zoom. This free webinar is the first installation of PCI's EduAksyon Webinar Series.

Parents and guardians who have questions on how to facilitate learning through online platforms, or simply interested in learning from experiences of other parents, are to join PCI's upcoming activities. Learn more via info@pcitech.com. ph and hub.pcitech.com.ph.

Assurance of continuing PhilHealth benefits

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HILHEALTH assures the public that members can continue to avail of their health insurance benefits as normal through the PhilHealth accredited Healthcare facilities especially during this time of the pandemic despite the recent suspensions of some senior officers and the ongoing Senate and Congressional hearings regarding allegations of corruption.

We also wish to clarify that the preventive suspension orders recently issued by the Ombudsman to some of its current and former officers is not in any way connected with the on-going hearings in both houses of Congress regarding the above-mentioned alleged corruption.

The Ombudsman order stemmed from

the complaints of “grave misconduct, oppression and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service” filed by some regional officers in connection to the administrative cases filed against them between 2017 to 2019.

Amidst all of these, PhilHealth reiterates its commitment to fully cooperate with all the investigating authorities.

Sports BusinessMirror

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph / Editor: Jun Lomibao

Johnson grabs 5-stroke lead with big finish in third round

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ORTON, Massachusetts—Dustin Johnson arrived at the TPC Boston this week, headed to the practice range and then looked at his swing coach.

“He said, ‘Bro, what am I supposed to be working on again?’” Claude Harmon said Saturday as he watched his pupil set another personal record in The Northern Trust.

Johnson isn’t doing much wrong at the moment, a daunting prospect to the guys trying to chase him. His birdie-eagle finish gave Johnson a seven-under 64 and stretched his lead to five shots over Harris English and Scottie Scheffler.

The finish would have come in handy the day before. Johnson was an astounding 11-under par through 11 holes Friday and had the golf world curious if he would go as low as 57 to set the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour record. Instead, he finished with seven straight pars for a 60, his best ever but not what it could have been.

Johnson put that behind him and looked just as good. Instead of the fast start, it was a big finish. He rolled in a 20-foot birdie on the 17th, and then holed a 40-footer up a ridge and down toward the hole for eagle on the par-5 18th.

That put him at 22-under 191, his lowest 54-hole by three shots.

In his mind, there is still work to be done.

“I’m in a great position and like where I’m at, but I’m still going to have to go out and shoot a good score,” Johnson said. “You can go low out here and guys are going low every day, especially with the conditions we have—perfect greens, golf course is in great shape and not a lot of wind.”

Johnson knows better than to think it’s over. Just an hour before he signed for his 64, he was tied for the lead until English made bogeys on the 16th and 17th and missed a seven-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 66.

He could also think back to the HSBC Champions in Shanghai three years ago, when he had a six-shot lead in the final round and lost to Justin Rose, matching a PGA Tour record.

As well as he’s playing, he’s only thinking of going as low as he can.

“Doesn’t matter what the other guys are doing,” Johnson said. “I’m just going to play my game and I’ll be aggressive when I can be and be a little more conservative when I have to be.”

Scheffler, coming off the 12th round of 59 or better on the PGA Tour, had a 67.

He played in the final group with Johnson, just like he did two weeks ago on the final day of the PGA Championship. On this day, it was a final pair of two players who had the lowest rounds in TPC Boston history.

Only one of them shot golf’s magic number, and that wasn’t a topic of conversation for either of them.

“I just told him nice playing,” Johnson said.

Scheffler said his text messages included one from Ben Crenshaw, a big supporter of all Texas Longhorns.

Otherwise, as a local NFL coach might say, it was on to Saturday.

“Yesterday was awesome and the only difference going into today was everybody was telling me good round still, and that’s pretty rare,” Scheffler said. “Once I got on the course, I didn’t think once about it.”

Johnson is going for his second victory of the year and could go to No. 1 in the world— provided Jon Rahm doesn’t finish second—for the first time since May 2019.

Tiger Woods predicted Friday there would be low scoring in the third round, and he was right— just not from him or Rory McIlroy, a star pairing for the breakfast hour. Woods birdied the last hole for a 73. McIlroy made two triple bogeys in his round of 74. They get to play again Sunday morning. AP Dustin Johnson holds an umbrella on the ninth fairway during the third round on Saturday. AP

Monday, August 24, 2020 B7

‘BUBBLE’ STORIES

How did UST Tigers get far Patafa eyes training down south to Sorsogon? camp in Canlubang

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HE University of Santo Tomas’s (UST) Growling Tigers coached

by Aldin Ayo are on the hot seat for allegedly clandestinely returning to training in a facility in Sorsogon City.

The Tigers allegedly trained in an undisclosed gym in Sorsogon in June, but it was only recently when the UST men’s team “bubble” got pricked, prompting national government, health and sports officials to order for an investigation.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Imerging Infectious Diseases still do not allow team training and competition and indoor sports amid the existing quarantines during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) called the team’s attention, but handed the task of investigating the team to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

UST officials also said it would conduct its own investigation.

“Today, we heard the news about the alleged breach of quarantine protocols by the UST Basketball Team in Sorsogon City.

Accordingly, we created a committee to investigate and to inquire into the matter,” UST said in a statement on Sunday.

On Saturday, the PSC expressed alarm over the alleged violation but heeded the UAAP’s authority over the Growling Tigers.

“The PSC recognizes the UAAP as the mother organization of the concerned team and trusts that proper actions shall be done on this matter,” the PSC said also in a statement.“Above all considerations at this time, the safety of the athletes must always be paramount.”

Just how the team got to Sorsogon City from Manila when domestic flights were scarce is a wonder for officials. Travel by land between

Ayo

both cities covers 515 kms and officials said it would require extreme effort and connections to penetrate stiff checkpoints in between regions, provinces, cities and towns.

Ayo is a former councilor of Sorsogon City. He is affiliated with the Nationalist Peoples Coalition, the same party as incumbent Sorsogon City Mayor Ma. Ester Hamor and Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero.

Speculations also arose that leads to the Tigers’ “bubble” leaked following the expulsion of one of the team’s stars, team captain CJ Cansino.

Cansino claimed he wasn’t officially informed of the grounds of his expulsion from the team, prompting allegations that he was dropped for refusing to join the Sorsogon “bubble.”

He is now with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons although he has to complete a year’s residency before being able to play in the UAAP. Ramon Rafael Bonilla

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juico

HE “bubble” is turning out to be as contagious as the Covid-19.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) President Dr. Philip Ella Juico reiterated in an online press conference on Saturday night that the federation wanted its athletes to return to training in an enclosed facility in Laguna.

“I assure you, you will like it,” Juico said about the Patafa’s proposed bubble at the De La Salle campus in Canlubang, Laguna. “This is going to be expensive, but it’s fine.”

Major leagues in the US, foremost of them the National Basketball Association, has returned to training and competition in the so-called “bubble,” an enclosed all-inone facility that is virus-free.

Entry and exit from the “bubble” is restricted unless extremely essential and the individuals inside the facility are periodically tested and are regularly disinfected.

Bleachers’ Brew

“There, the athletes will be restricted to move out, and will be provided with ‘the best food and accommodation’ once they hit the ground,” said Juico, adding they are targeting a November 1 date for the “bubble.”

Juico, however, said they couldn’t just go on with the “bubble” saying they would need an approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Imerging Infectious Diseases.

The Patafa head added that the “bubble” is initially intended to run for a month and that it would accommodate 22 athletes and 10 coaches—all of whom are potential qualifiers for the postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Juico said athletes and coaches from the provinces would be fetched from their homes—all expenses paid—once they are selected for the “bubble.” One of them would be 30th Southeat Asian Games women’s marathon gold medalist Christine Hallasgo, who is locked down at home in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

“I’ve been training here but long runs are not enough,” Hidalgo told the same online press conference. “I only do road runs.

But what I need is to train for speed and endurance.”

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena is so far the only Patafa athlete who has already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. The World Athletics set a December 1 start for the qualification season which ends in May 2021.

Ramon Rafael Bonilla

HEAT HOT IN FLORIDA L

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida—Jimmy Butler scored 27 points and the Miami Heat held off a furious rally to beat the Indiana Pacers, 124-115, on Saturday to take a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference playoff series.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder also clinched victories on Saturday to go up 2-1 in their own playoff series.

Goran Dragic added 24 points, Bam Adebayo had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Tyler Herro scored 20 points for the Heat. They plan to close out the first-round series Monday.

“We’re never going into any game thinking that we’re going to lose,” Butler said. “We want to win. We know what we’re capable of.”

Malcolm Brogdon set career playoff highs with 34 points and 14 assists for the Pacers. TJ Warren scored 23 points, and

Victor Oladipo added 20.

Now, the Pacers are on the brink of elimination.

“We know what Game Four is about,” Pacers Coach Nate McMillan said. “We’re down 3-0. It’s win or go home. As I told our guys, you’re not dead. We’re not dead. We showed this second half what we’re capable of doing, but we’ve got to put together that type of intensity, that type of belief for 48 minutes.”

More of a spectator than a supporter for LeBron James in the first half, Anthony Davis had a message for his teammate.

“I told LeBron at half I’ve got to take some of the pressure off of him,” Davis said.

With both superstars rolling and another dominant defensive effort, the Lakers again looked like the best of the West.

James had 38 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, Davis scored 23 of his 29 points in the second half, as the Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 116-108.

The Lakers shut down the high-scoring Blazers for the second straight game after the No. 1 seed was knocked off in Game 1.

This was Portland’s highestscoring performance in the series and it wasn’t close to good enough.

“That’s just who we’ve always been,” James said. “That has not changed since the first day we stepped on the floor at training camp.”

Damian Lillard scored 34 points playing with a dislocated left index finger, and CJ McCollum added 28 for the Trail Blazers. They will try to even the series in Game Four on Monday.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, had 35 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the Bucks’ 121-107 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Antetokounmpo went 12 of 14 as the topseeded Bucks shot 56.1 percent from the floor.

Khris Middleton had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

“I was just trying to play hard,” Antetokounmpo said. “Obviously it was an early game today, we played at 1 p.m., [when] usually we’re not as focused, when the game starts, we’re kind of a little bit lazy. I was trying to set the tone, play hard, guard my guy, take that individual challenge with my guy, trying to be active. I was just trying to be all over the place.”

Dennis Schroder, on the other hand, scored 29 points and Chris Paul added 26 points as the Thunder dominated the Houston Rockets in overtime for a 119-107 victory.

“We just wanted to fight,” Paul said. “We

Rick Olivares bleachersbrew@gmail.com

THE Heat’s Jimmy Butler (22) is fouled by the Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon during the second half of their game on Saturday. AP

know how tough it is coming back down 3-0.

We wanted to fight tonight, and I think that’s what we did.”

James Harden scored 38 points for Houston, but fouled out 53 seconds into overtime—the first time he’s fouled out this season.

The Thunder scored the first 12 points of overtime, powered by two 3-pointers from Paul, to take a 116-104 lead. They didn’t look back after that.

“The biggest message I wanted to give the guys was play aggressive an attack,” Thunder Coach Billy Donovan said. “I thought Dennis set a great tone for that early in the game, and you know what? I’m going to trust those guys.” AP

Facing this pandemic I WAS going to write about the upcoming UEFA Champions League Finals between two of the richest clubs in the world in Bayern Munich and Paris St. Germain (PSG) in a literal battle of champions.

Then I saw a media colleague of mine say that his spouse was tested positive for the Covid-19 and his entire family—who were exposed—are undergoing testing and observation.

On a daily basis, you are confronted by the news of more infections and more death. I have written about frontliners who I all know personally. Just hearing about their daily battles is already heart-rending.

This sad news from a colleague adds to the face of the effects of this virus—invisible like to the human eye—that has taken the life of a classmate of mine and some other people I previously worked with before.

Having taken the swab test before as a pre-requisite to go to work was enough cause for concern (I tested negative). Imagine living with it.

Seeing a statement from the World Health Organization that it will take about two years for this virus to be defeated has me very much concerned.

When the Philippines, like the rest of the world went into lockdown this past March, I— like I am sure most everybody else—had to deal with anxiety and all sorts of other things.

I constantly thought about food, water and basic services running out. People like myself lost my job. So imagine when people have no money or access to life’s necessities...we saw a sampling of that during Ondoy and Yolanda.

It is shocking to see people act like we are not in the midst of a pandemic. I can understand the cabin fever they have felt, but the fact that there isn’t a vaccine available and that infections keep rising should be cause for much concern.

I can understand going to the grocery but people going to the mall with their pet dogs, biking around in groups or plain hanging out is just beyond me.

I went to a hardware store to buy some light bulbs and dog food last Friday when this couple in line literally stood a footstep away. The cashier reminded them of keeping their social distance...twice. Each time they ignored it. When I finally had enough to ask them to observe it, they got mad.

Either they believe they are immune to the virus or they don’t really care for the protocols says something about why people are outside trying to pretend as if there is no killer virus rampaging throughout the world.

Incensed, I put my things down and made a move in the man’s direction. The security guard and two store personnel stepped in and asked the man to get out of the store if he isn’t going to abide by the rules.

He chose to leave rather than abide by social distancing rules.

On one hand, I feel for my media colleague and the friends I have lost. On the other hand, I don’t feel any sympathy for those with a careless disregard for the simple rules such as practicing social distancing and staying home.

The sad thing is their stupidity and disregard for rules also affects other people.

I am even more careful now when I go out.

I bring my own sanitizer and gloves. I sanitize everything in the car including the wheels every time I go out. We have a disinfecting pad outside the front door. We disinfect door knobs and the gate on a daily basis.

As I have hit mid-age, I started to think of my own mortality. This pandemic has made me think of that and more. even for my own family.

I am going to watch that Champions League Final. But this will be the first of this annual event that will be held without fans. Television, streaming sites, and well, sports were supposed to take my mind away from my problems. At least for a while. But watching that final...there will be a constant reminder of the frightening state of the world we live in.

But I guess that footballers like Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and Benjamin Pavard and PSG’s Neymar and Kylan Mbappe will offer me faces of hope. That when a vaccine is found, we can go back to the world we once lived in.

Perspective BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Monday, August 24, 2020 B8

Medical and health education under the new normal

E

By Stephanie Joy Ching

VEN as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the world, life still needs to go on despite the quarantine.

Like many businesses, the education sector also found ways in adapting to the digitized new normal while at the same time adapting to the needs of both the students and personnel.

At De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, although the transition to digital was not without its share of challenges, it was still manageable for the most part. According to Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Johnny Cabanias, one of the first things the educational institution did was to introduce a “Strategic Management Framework in response to COVID-19.”

“My line has always been: ‘learning knows no boundaries and learning must continue.’ What we are doing right now is anchored on that particular rationale,” he said, “There is no perfect system and I think everybody would agree that there is also no perfect strategy right now. Everyone has to be informed that despite the pandemic, learning must continue. So from there, we introduced the HomeBased Alternative Learning Modalities (HBALMs) framework.”

Dr. Cabanias said this framework, which is divided into two parts, primarily focuses on providing students “adequate instructional delivery” during these trying times. The first part focuses on technology initiated and mediated platforms while the rest deals with mailing non-electronic material such as handouts, modules and other learning materials to students.

In addition to this, the institute also addressed the severe connection problems experienced by select students by providing iPads along with free pocket wi-fis. This way, no student should be left behind as fully online classes open this August.

But since there is no such thing as a one size fits all plan, the indi-

vidual deans and academe heads had to modify the plans in accordance with individual needs.

“I called all the deans of the academics and presented to them the framework. From there, I asked them to come up with their own creative learning and action plans. So for example, the colleges focus on instructional delivery,” Dr. Cabanias explained.

“Since lectures and laboratory sessions are really difficult to do now because face-to-face interaction is no longer allowed, we produced videos on how laboratory sessions are done during the months of June and July. Our Center for Innovative Education and Technology Integration helped the colleges to come up with videos and other learning materials.”

As for non-teaching services such as registration, library services and guidance counselling, the departments created infographics and videos to help students and parents understand how to use their services. E-guide services such as e-connect ensures that the guidance and counselling department are always accessible.

“We constantly communicate with our students through different platforms,” Cabanias noted.

Just the same, no matter how well students are prepared for their classes under the new normal, they will still have a difficult time learning if their professors and teachers are not prepared and well-equipped for the job.

“That’s one of the challenges,” he shared, “so June and July were spent on online trainings and webinars for our faculty members,”

Center of research, innovation and inspiration

DESPITE all these measures in place, Dr. Cabanias stated that they were expecting a low census of students this school year. To his and other department heads’ surprise, almost all of their students enrolled for the term. Moreover, they also noticed an increase of incoming medical students for the coming term. They were expecting about 200 incoming medical students, but as of this writing, the total number of incoming medical students is already at 310.

“I realized that in this kind of situation, our advantage as a medical and health sciences institution is that more people would like to enter into the field of medical and health sciences because of the pandemic,” he said. “They are more inspired now to enter into this kind of profession because they see how we value our health professionals, how they help the people of the country—that inspires them to enrol.”

For Dr. Cabanias, there is indeed a “light at the end of the tunnel,” as they will be able to train better doctors, health professionals and researchers that could serve the community under the new normal.

He also stated that this is an opportune time to improve all aspects of DLSHMI’s work, from education to hospital care to research.

“We have our own research center here, and we have our own DOH-accredited COVID-19 testing center, established in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cavite. Our researchers are venturing into writing more papers relative to COVID-19. Even our students are encouraged to do their thesis focused on COVID-19 and other related topics.”

Plans for the future

WHILE in the middle of the pandemic, it is currently impossible to fathom when it will end. Despite this, DLSHMI hopes to employ blended learning by the next term, which will start in January 2021 and will continue to do so even after the pandemic is over.

“We would still continue with the HBALMs framework, but we will identify courses that can be fully conducted online,” Dr. Cabanias explained. In addition to shifting the classrooms online, the institute will also continue their informa-

tion campaigns and e-guide services even after the pandemic subsides.

They will also be looking into providing students with vaccines in addition to the current vaccination protocol once face to face classes resume. This vaccine will be partially subsidized by the institute and will help keep the

campus safe from infections.

This pandemic has made us all realize that there is no perfect system, perfect strategy, perfect process, perfect plan for this kind of extraordinary situation, but we do believe there is a right and proper way of handling this situation. We

are optimistic but realistic at the same time. We need to positively respond to the issue, learning must continue and students deserve to acquire the necessary knowledge given the available opportunities and platforms,” Cabanias concluded.