BusinessWeek Mindanao (August 24, 2020)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE

Volume XI, No. 34

Market Indicators FOREX 10.50

X

cents

PHISIX

X

6,005.40

36.72

RELIABLE

www.businessweekmindanao.com

AS OF 6:00 PM AUGUST 20, 2020 (THURSDAY)

US$1 = P 48.680

YOUR MINDANAO-WIDE BUSINESS PAPER

points

Briefly

Durian export DAVAO City — It’s durian season in Mindanao and growers are struggling to find a market for their produce — so they’ve set their sights on China.

“This is a major challenge in the fruit industry. Mahirap magpalabas ng mga prutas ngayon (It’s difficult to transport fruits nowadays),” Candelario B. Miculob, former president of the Davao City Durian Industry Council, said in an online interview.

While agricultural products are exempt from quarantine restrictions imposed to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Mr. Miculob said they are limited by available land transport services and flights.

IN-DEPTH

Monday|August 24, 2020

Davao to reinvigorate sluggish tourism sector

D

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

AVAO City – The City of Davao is preparing to reinvigorate its tourism industry that has suffered a major slump this year due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the country.

Mayor Sara Duterte said in her live interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) the local government has been preparing for the possibility of reopening the city to tourists, by working doubly hard to establish a

separate COVID-19 testing laboratory devoted for air travelers since tourism establishments are allowed to operate at limited capacity under a modified general c om mu n it y qu ar ant i ne (MGCQ).

“For local (travelers), yes, within the region but if you are outside of Davao Region since there is a requirement of a travel authority, this makes our movement difficult. Under MGCQ, TOURISM/PAGE 10

Lanao Norte to open P30-M biomolecular COVID-19 lab

By RICHEL V. UMEL, MindaNews

KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte – The provincial government of Lanao del Norte will soon operate a P30-million biomolecular COVID-19 testing laboratory to process swab samples from persons suspected of infection through Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction process.

“We are conduc t ing inspection and evaluation of the testing laboratory as per authorization and

Diplomatic protest MALACAÑANG expressed confidence on Friday that the Philippines’ latest filing of diplomatic protest against China would not affect the ties between the two countries.

This, after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, lodged a diplomatic protest against China over the illegal confiscation of some Filipino fishermen’s equipment at the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in May. “Hindi po makaka-apekto iyan doon sa kabuaan ng ating matalik na pagsasamahan sa panig ng bansa natin at ng bansang Tsina [The filing of the diplomatic protest] would not affect the very good relations between our country and China),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

P15.00

in behalf of DOH Health Services Regulatory Bureau with the partnership of Research Institute of Tropical Medicine and the World Health Organization,” Dr. Cherryl Balane, chief of the Regulation Licensing Enforcement Division of the Department of Heath Region 10 told MindaNews Friday.

Balane said the laboratory can start doing tests once the DOH Central Office approves OPEN/PAGE 10

THERMAL SCANNER. The city government of Cagayan de Oro has installed a thermal scanner at Lugait, Misamis Oriental for motorists coming from COVID-19 hit-Iligan City. cagayan de oro city information office photo

Cag. de Oro welcomes Iligan LSIs

By FROILAN GALLARDO, MindaNews

T H I S “C it y of G ol d e n Fr i e nd sh ip” i s helpi ng neighboring Iligan City in its fight against COVID-19.

A team from the Cagayan de Oro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on Thursday fetched

at least 19 returning Iligan residents at the Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental and brought them to a hotel here for a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said

the Iligan City government will be paying for the hotel of its returning residents.

“We will shoulder the food expenses as our way of helping Iligan cope with its crisis,” he said.

The city government of Iligan had earlier asked WELCOMES/PAGE 11

PROTECTION GOOGLES. A frontliner from the Cagayan de Oro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office adjusts her safety goggles over her personal protection gear as she and other team members prepare to fetch returning Iligan residents at the Laguindigan Airport in Misamis Oriental. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

Editorial and advertising email : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com • Cell Number : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

2

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

PCCI pushes Biz Sector Rep in IATF

Endorses April Reso earlier passed by PCCI Mindanao THE Philippines’ largest business group is pushing for active private sector representation and participation in the InterAgency Task Force against Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in a bid to expedite the reopening of the country’s economy.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) passed a strongly worded resolution on August 20, 2020 urging the IATF-EID to include the business sector in its policy decisions amidst the worst slump in the country’s economy in decades.

“We are appealing for the inclusion of the private sector in the IATF. The IATF will be able to use the on-the-ground experience of the business sector to come up with a holistic approach that will make it easier for businesses to resume

operation and for workers to return to work,” said PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said.

PCCI chambers all over the country noted the government’s apprehensions in fully opening the economy, incoherence in the regulations of the IATF and local government, as well as the stringent guidelines imposed on enterprises allowed to operate under general community quarantine.

The PCCI further cited the limited modes of public transportation, inconsistencies in implementation and policies, weak consumer confidence, and issues with cash flow and liquidity.

“For instance, mandating the use of face shields for workers, the observance of 2-meter physical distancing and the designation of an

President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico , Secretary General Ruben Pascual , Chamber Mgt Institute Chairman, Rene Simbulan and Deputy Secretary General, Edwin Glindro with PCCI Mindanao Regional Governors.

isolation area of one room for every 200 employees, is simply not realistic in a production-line setting,” Yujuico added.

He added that the health and safety protocols being mandated of businesses means additional costs which would eat up the already minuscule income, especially of daily wage earners in the informal sector.

“Despite our persistent call for a holistic approach that would address the need to immediately restart the economy, and, at the same time, ensure compliance with health protocols, it seems we have yet to see a coherent gameplan that will hold back the continued downward spiral of the economy,” he noted.

PCCI Mindanao Initiative

As early as 15 April 2020, PCCI Mindanao under Area Vice President for Mindanao Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio already urged the inclusion of private sector groups in the planning and formulation of specific guidelines on how the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) should be properly lifted in a manner that will not compromise the life and livelihood of the people, among other measures aimed at reopening the economy in the region.

“The Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Mindanao have been actively participating in the local Disaster

Risk Management and Mitigation Councils and have their members across all sectors ranging from agri-business, manufacturing, industry and services to prepare a rapid impact assessment on the displacement of workers as well as business disruption losses as a consequence of Enhanced Community Quarantine,” Alegrio noted.

In fact, the regional chambers of PCCI Mindanao have been working hard to prepare their respective Contingency and Recovery Plans under the various scenarios such as the Extension of Enhance Community Quarantine

(ECQ); Selective Lifting of the ECQ; and the Lifting of Travel Restrictions, she added.

Also earlier this year, PCCI Mindanao recommended measures for mitigating the spread of COVID 19, as well as mechanisms to cushion the impact of business disruptions on MSME’s in two resolutions which were endorsed by PCCI National.

“The local chambers have contributed in the distribution of food packs and supported local communities in the production of PPEs for health care workers and front-liners, and PASSED/PAGE 11

Pinoy Teacher JINE MELODY S. PARISTA, PhD.

“Whether they teach or don’t teach, I can tell, but at least they come to school”.

This is statement is reminds me of my responsibilities as a teacher which is critical for students success.

My life as a teacher has gone through different challenges. I been to different kinds of school so as different culture.

With my experience as a teacher, I am proud to say that I am a Filipino teacher “Pinoy”, why? Because once in my life as a teacher I was assigned to a school far away from home and from the city. I have to wake up at 2am on Monday morning and ride three times just to reach my station before 7:15 am to attend the flag ceremony. Distance was not a hindrance for me to deliver quality education, in fact it was one an experience I could not forget. I was so happy that the students experience using a Day Light Projector (DLP) at the first time even if that means I have to carry it from one classroom to the other. I enjoy how the students and parents care for us teacher. The Brigada

Eskwela, Reading Camp, Community work, the day to day lessons and activities was a lot of fun field memories. I guess it is not only me who have experience those things also those teachers that was assigned far from home.

The “Pinoy” Teachers have a great love and passion for teaching. It does not matter how long we walk or ride just to reach our station as long as we reach there. Our simple joy is seeing our students. Sometimes, we have to sacrifice our individual needs just to send our students to a contest. In fact, when one is absent we look and reach to them. This is how we Filipino teacher play our role as a teacher.

Teachers see to it that quality education deliver in every way they could. The role of a teacher is so vital in a students’ life.

In life, many people come and go, some will be forgotten and some will be remembered. But one thing for sure we can never forget the persons who we call as teachers. I am proud to say that I am a Pinoy teacher!

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

3

CorporateWorld

Car firms seek review of gov’t plan as sales fall C AR MANUFACTURERS are asking the government to review the conditions of support programs for the sector as the pandemic slows down production.

The government in June said that it had no immediate plan to revise a fiscal support program for automotive companies investing in local production after industry sales slumped due to the pandemic.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. are participating in the Comprehensive Automotive

Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, which offers fiscal support to car companies that locally produce 200,000 units of high-volume car models for six years.

“We are quite concerned about the survival of the auto industry,” Toyota Motor Philippines First Vice-President Rommel R. Gutierrez said in a press conference on Thursday.

Mr. Gutierrez, who is also the president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), said that it is possible that participants

in the CARS program will not be able to reach their target volumes.

“On manufacturing, you know the CARS program, it’s ongoing and it’s an industry issue actually because we’re talking of manufacturing here. Because of the slowdown in sales, the local manufacturing, specifically the Vios and the Mirage — these are the models enrolled under the CARS program — also are badly hit,” he said.

“The danger there is that there are commitments under the CARS program that we have to meet and REVIEW/PAGE 11

Aboitiz units remit P26-M to Davao ABOITIZ POWER CORP.’s power generation units in Davao have remitted about P26 million to the city through a program that allows host communities to directly access funds derived from the operations of power plants in their areas.

The units — Hedcor and Therma South, Inc. — remitted the funds under the Department of Energy’s (DoE) policy Energy Regulations 1-94 (ER 1-94). The

amount may be fully used for initiatives to fight the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a statement on Wednesday, AboitizPower quoted Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as saying: “This funding relief couldn’t have come at a more opportune time when resources are badly needed by local governments to battle COVID-19.”

The company said Therma South had

also generated funds for its other host communities. It said the unit along with the Energy department had completed its remittances of P17.5 million to Brgy.

Binugao, P4 million to Brgy. Inawayan, and P9 million to the province of Davao del Sur. It added that the unit had also generated P4.6 million for the municipality of Sta. Cruz, with the DoE still set to deliver P1.1 million more.

AboitizPower said

beyond Davao City, its hydro unit Hedcor is completing the ER 1-94 remittances for its other host communities within the Davao region, including Brgy.

Kapatagan, Brgy. Sibulan, Brgy. Darong, Brgy.

Astorga, the municipality of Sta. Cruz, and the province of Davao del Sur. Hedcor is also host to areas within the Bukidnon province in Mindanao, as well as in Northern Luzon, it added.

Rollback eyed for diesel; marginal hike for gasoline IT will be another mixed cost movements for fuel commodities this week, with slight rollback of P0.15 to P0.30 per liter for diesel, which is a socially sensitive product generally used by the transport sector.

For gasoline products, industry players indicated probable marginal increase of P0.10 to P0.20 per liter, while kerosene prices may likely be on rollback also of P0.15 to P0.25 per liter.

Prices at the domestic pumps will be adjusted on Tuesday (August 25), taking on the usual course of cost movements in the deregulated oil industry.

Price swings are generally anchored on trends set off by the Mean of Platts

Singapore.

There had not been massive cost movements in recent weeks, as global oil prices had been more constant at $42 to $45 per barrel across basket of crudes.

The main factor that will trigger possible nosedive in prices in the coming weeks, according to experts, would be the economic recession reports of most economies or countries, given the affliction of the coronavirus pandemic.

For an importdependent country like the Philippines, that will entail probable softening of prices that could set off respite in the pockets of consumers in the coming week.

4

Opinion

The BusinessWeek Mindanao is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Corporation every Monday to Friday with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Company Registration No. CS201531633 with BIR Certificate of Registration No. 2RC0000831068, TIN No. 463-826-272-000 – VAT. Reg., and with Business Permit No. 2020-04015. Tel. Nos.: (088)856-3344, (088) 810-100, 0923-432-0687, 0917-7121424

SPEAKING OUT

BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO CORPORATION Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO Vice President for Events and Promotions JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice President for Finance MIKE BAÑOS Vice President for Digital

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

GILBERT Y. CHAO

JUN AYENSA

Motoring Editor

Regional Editor - Caraga

MIKE BAÑOS Contributing Editors

ATTY. ANTONIO S. SORIANO

Feature Editor

2f, ICS Building Tel.No.: 881-0176 Tiano cor. Montalvan sts.

Legal Counsel

CLIFFORD SANTILLAN

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

CHAINCERLIE SUMALPONG Advertising

Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., CDO Legal Counsel

JOE PALABAO Layout Artist

Cell No: 09352379999

MANILA OFFICE: 9th Floor, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino Cor. Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel. # : 5555392,Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 LANI VALLIDO-Marketing Manager

DAVAO MARKETING OFFICE Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City Telephone #: (082) 298-8815 Regional Mktg Manager-JOE PALABAO- 0926-8430152 Circulation-JOHN PAUL AQUINO, 0907-331-5640

Member: Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

Use all you've got Think a minute… Have you ever felt like you did not get a fair start in life? Do you feel that the cards you were dealt have made it impossible for you to win? Listen to this true story.

John Herreshoff was just 14-years-old in Rhode Island, U.S.A. when he built his first sailboat: a racing yacht called the Meteor. By the time he was 20 he had built another boat called Faustine. It was the first boat of its size to cross the Atlantic Ocean in only 17 days. Later when John was 27-years-old he built a steam yacht called the Annie Morse. At age 37 John formed his own boat building company named Herreshoff Manufacturing.

Together with his brother Nathaniel they built steam yachts and torpedo boats.

Then in 1892, England challenged America for the America’s Cup, the leading international trophy for yachting or sailing. Sir Thomas Lipton’s yacht called the Shamrock represented England in this world-famous competition. America had to choose its best boat to compete for this highly

THINK A MINUTE

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

A dinner with Ninoy

Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com

ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

IGNACIO BUNYE July 1981. My wife Mira and I were vacationing in the United States and we spent a few days with her medical school classmate and best friend forever (BFF), Dr. Erie Miraflor Bague. Erie whom I also grew up with at the New Bilibid Prison reservation, was married to Dr. Fer Bague, a fellow UST medical school graduate.

Since they migrated to Boston, Massachusetts in the late 60s, Erie and Fer Bague had hosted over the years quite a number of Filipinos who were either just passing

through, or attending courses in Harvard. They also met regularly with members of the Filipino community in and around Boston.

Fer Bague became more than friends with Ninoy Aquino. Ninoy was also Fer’s physical rehab patient. Ninoy tore a tendon in one leg and he regularly visited Fer at his clinic. Erie also became close to Cory Aquino and the elder Aquino children.

During our visit to the Bague lakeside vacation house, I mentioned to Fer that my father, former prisons director Alfredo M. Bunye, knew Doña Aurora Aquino. I recounted that Doña Aurora used to visit the Bureau of Prisons and during those frequent visits, she managed to ‘convert’ my father.

My father was baptized a Catholic but he never went to church except when he got married to my mother and when his children were baptized.

Doña Aurora convinced my father of his errors. Soon my

father was again regularly attending church. To celebrate my father’s return to the fold, Doña Aurora gifted him with an autographed bible and a rosary.

The following morning, while we were having breakfast, the phone rang. “It’s for you,” Fer said. It was Ninoy at the other end. He greeted me profusely as if he had personally known me all his life. And then he invited us for dinner which I gladly accepted.

At the Bisuteki, Ninoy, Fer and I were huddled while the wives – Cory, Erie and Mira - had their own woman talk.

I could overhear the wives discussing where to go for bargain dresses.

Ninoy was practically nonstop. He talked about what was happening here, there, everywhere. But most of all, he talked about the Philippines. At one point, he apologized for his propensity to talk. He said: “Pasensiya ka na. For 7 years and 7 months, I had nobody to talk to.”

Of course, that was an understatement. Articles written about Ninoy’s long solitary confinement in Laur, Nueva Ecija describe how the moments of solitude brought him in closer communion with God and steeled him spiritually for the struggle that lay ahead.

After dinner, Ninoy asked if we would like us to join him for coffee at his home. I readily accepted. At Newton, we picked our discussion where we left off. Before parting, Ninoy autographed a copy of book which he was giving away to friends. It was entitled “When Two Dictators Meet.”

That was the first time I would meet Ninoy up close. The second and last time I would see him again was two years later. I was among thousands who lined up for hours to pay our last respect as Ninoy, face badly bruised, lay in his coffin still wearing his bloodstained clothes.

Note: You may wish to share the foregoing via Facebook, Twitter and/or Linked-In.

Erring To err is human - to forgive is divine. The British poet Alexander Pope (1688-1744) created this saying. And, in my opinion, he was so very right. Erring - having failed to adhere to the proper or accepted standards. How many times have we done something wrong?

In our daily life struggles, we also pass innumerable periods of splendid isolation and act, as William Shakespeare said, "Thoughts are free" by hurting and insulting relatives, friends, and colleagues. Many times we err, and, even if we know it, we don't care. BAHALA SILA...

Maybe we pray and ask for forgiveness. And, we are so sure of having our complimentar y ticket in

our pockets and pouches.

Nobody is perfect - sure!

Me too! Yes, I confess! But that's no excuse for broken promises.

How many times do we commit a mistake? How many times are we mistaken, or get astray? How many times do we sin?

How often do we catch ourselves being roving, w and e r i ng , and a c t i ng e c c e nt r i c , c h a n g e a b l e , capricious, and not dependable? Or, how many people in our surroundings do we meet daily, who err terribly on their decisions?

I am not talking about the deviation from right or truth and the sins, blunders, and mistakes, which we make in our daily life.

To err is human, sure -

but not if we err willfully, intentionally, or if legal premeditation is done. But the second part of my today's column here is much more impor tant: forgiveness!

Yes, forgiveness is divinity - meaning to say: godhead and theological together.

I looked into my dic tionaries and found innumerable explanations: "If we can forgive, we are belonging to, or, we are having the nature of God. We might be holy, sacred, heavenly, or a superhuman -being a priest, a pastor, a clergy, or theologian!"

I guess it's already a wonderful situation, after being insulted or hurt by someone to hear the simple expression "SORRY!" Yes, it's coming from the bottom of

HAVE MY SAY

KLAUS DORING the heart. "SORRY!" ... - and I ask God also to forgive all my sins and my wrongdoings to others.

Regarding "seeking forgiveness" we can find plenty of passages in our Holy Bible. The most touching part for me is being found in Proverbs 28:13: "You will ERRING/PAGE 11

Forget recovery: Coronavirus could get 10 times more infectious JHAN TIAFAU HURST prestigious prize. Ever y boat builder in the U.S. was hoping to be given such an honor. Finally, based on his past achievements, John Herreshoff ’s company was chosen. So John and his brother Nathaniel designed and built a racing yacht named Vigilant. It won the race.

In the following years, John and his brother designed and built many more winning boats. But you have not yet heard the most amazing part of this true story. John, who built his first boat at age 14… and went on to set many world-records in yacht racing… whose second handmade boat set a transAtlantic record… and whose HURST/PAGE 11

Sometime in May it has been reported the risk of getting infected by COVID-19 could become 10 times higher, according to a study released in Malaysia. The detected is a new coronavirus strain that is ten times more infectious, said Dr. Noor Hisham bin Ab du l l a h , a Ma l ay s i an endocrine surgeon who has served as the DirectorGeneral of Health since March 2013. He is widely known for playing an outstanding and prominent role in leading Malaysia to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also during that time another research, which was carried out by a joint American and British team led by Los Alamos National Laboratory. It was released ahead of peer review as ‘an early warning’ to other researchers. As it stands, s cient ists study ing t he coronavirus around the world may have been analyzing the

genetic sequence of the older strain, and therefore it is crucial that they collaborate with this team to get the latest information. “We cannot afford to be blindsided as we move vaccines and antibodies into clinical testing,” the lead author Dr Bette Korber, known for her work on HIV, said.

Ru s s i a h a s l i ke w i s e reported the same strain but because the paper has not yet been peer-reviewed, it has been published online on the server BioRxiv. However, the reputations of the scientists involved suggest that the findings are sound and must be taken with the utmost seriousness — the report is 33 pages long, and short on laughs. “This is hard news,’’ said Korber of the findings.

The mutation, earlier seen in other parts of the world and called D614G, was found in at least three of the 45 cases in a cluster

that started from a restaurant owner returning from India and breaching his 14-day home quarantine. The man has since been sentenced to five months in prison and fined. The strain was also found in another cluster involving people returning from the Philippines.

US Top immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci now says new mutation may speed the spread of coronavirus. The strain could mean that existing studies on vaccines may be incomplete or ineffective against the mutation, said Director-General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah.

“The D614G mutation m a ke s t h e v i r u s m ore infectious. It can spread faster and overwhelm the healthcare systems if we don’t double our control efforts,” Dr. Edsel Salvana stated.

Dr. Salvana is the Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

at the National Institutes of Health at the University of the Philippines Manila, and is Clinical Associate Professor and Research Coordinator at the Section of Infectious Diseases of the Department of Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital. He is also Adjunct Professor for Global Health at the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently the head of the subcommittee for HIV of the Philippine Society for Microbiology INFECTIOUS/PAGE 11

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

5

Banking&Finance

ADB okays $300-M loan to boost PH inclusive growth

T

HE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300-million policy-based loan to support the Philippine government’s efforts to boost inclusive growth by implementing reforms to expand Filipinos’ access to financial services, especially in unserved and underserved areas across the country.

ADB’s Inclusive Finance Development Program, Subprogram 2, is supporting reforms to help the government reach targets linked to the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion.

These measures will strengthen the institutional and policy environment for financial inclusion, improve financial infrastructure,

and increase the capacity and reach of service providers, especially rural banks and non-bank financial institutions.

“The Philippine government’s antipoverty strategy aims to equip Filipinos in the bottom 40 percent of the income strata with education, skills, and livelihood assistance so they can break away

from a vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Ensuring all Filipinos are part of the financial system is important to this approach,” ADB VicePresident Ahmed Saeed said.

ADB Senior Financial Sector Specialist for Southeast Asia Kelly Hattel said “through this loan, ADB is partnering with the Philippines to

implement innovative initiatives around digital finance to significantly improve poor Filipinos’ access to financial services and products as a way to lift their incomes and wellbeing”.

According to the 2017 Global Findex Survey, the Philippines ranked among the lowest in Southeast Asia on almost all financial inclusion indicators. Only

34 percent of Filipino adults have an account at a formal financial institution, compared with 49 percent in Indonesia, 82 percent in Thailand, and 85 percent in Malaysia.

The Philippines can expand financial access to poor Filipinos through credit, savings, insurance, pensions, and remittances.

Reforms supported LOAN/PAGE 11

BSP hikes real estate BSP: Rural banks adequately capitalized for pandemic shock loan limit to 25% PHILIPPINE monetary officials have expanded the real estate loan limit for universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) from 20 percent to 25 percent, a move aimed at supporting the sector during the pandemic.

“The increase translates to additional liquidity for real estate lending amounting to around P1.2 trillion based on end-March 2020 numbers,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno told journalists in a Viber message Thursday.

In a press statement, the BSP said real estate loan limit for thrift banks (TBs) was also eased.

U/KBS and their subsidiary TBs are required to conform to the real estate stress test (REST) limit after assuming a 25-percent exposure to real estate.

Specifically, U/KBs and their subsidiary TBs are required to heed the 10-percent capital adequacy ratio (CAR) and 6-percent common equity tier (CET) 1 capital ratio while HIKES/PAGE 11

RURAL banks are sufficiently capitalized to weather the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said.

Mr. Diokno said stress tests and simulations suggest that the rural banking industry can withstand scenarios where they have to write off three months’ worth of interest income on all loans and all fees and commissions.

“This is expected as banks recording high pre-shock capital

adequacy ratios. This enabled rural and cooperative banks to yield above-10% minimum capital adequacy ratios after the simulation,” Mr. Diokno said in an online briefing Thursday.

Mr. Diokno also said other scenarios that assumed a 5% to 20% reduction in net interest income over the three months of quarantine left them with healthy capital adequacy metrics.

“The results of this test show that post-shock, capital adequacy ratio of the rural and

operative dynamics remain comfortably above 15% over the first, second and third month periods of the quarantine even under a 20% reduction in net interest income,” he said.

As a group, rural and cooperative banks have a capital adequacy ratio of 19.79%, well above the 10% regulatory minimum.

The gross non-performing loan ratio of the rural and cooperative banking industry was at 11.21% at the end of SHOCK/PAGE 11

BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE

RELIABLE

Editor: GILBERT Y. CHAO

MOTORING IN-DEPTH

Monday|August 24, 2020

6

Suzuki Unleashes the V-Strom 1050XT EXPLORATION has no limits, brace yourself for a new level of adventure as Suzuki Philippines brings the much awaited Master of Adventure – the V-Strom 1050 XT. Coming from the renowned V-Strom lineage, this bike promises two-wheel adventure seekers to freely escape into the wilderness and explore places to their heart’s content. It has a sleek look with features that allow one to have a smooth and comfortable

ride.

Since the inception of V-Strom, the Japanese brand always finds a way to continuously improve and create the best touring bike for the adventure lovers. The V-Strom 1050XT is considered as Suzuki’s most powerful machine (yet) with a V-Twin engine characterized by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1037 cm3 90O engine while meeting the new Euro 5 emission control standard and the low fuel consumption of

4.9L/100km.

One of the banner features of the new V-Strom 1050Xt is the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), which is a first in Suzuki’s Big Bikes technology.

S.I.R.S. provides intelligent and comprehensive controls from Motion Track Brake System, Hill Hold Control System, Slope Dependent Control System, Cruise Control System and Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, Traction Control System to enhance

ease of use and convenience in touring and daily commute providing a worriless riding experience.

Alongside the powerful engine, the V-Strom 1050XT also offers a convenient ride with its multi-function instrument cluster, USB outlet, and adjustable suspension with excellent wheel selection, durable twin-

spar aluminum frame, height adjustable windscreen, comfortable seat and aluminum tapered handlebars.

This technologically advanced ride is inspired by the elements of both Suzuki’s legendary DR-Z desert racer and the large offroad model DRBIG giving it a more aggressive and bolder look.

Combining everything and

you own the ultimate ride for the masters of adventure – the Master of Adventure itself – the new Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT. The V-Strom 1050XT is priced at Php 859,000 and is available in three different colors. One can take their pick from Champion Yellow, Pearl Brilliant White/ Glass, Glass Sparkle Black and the heritage special Blaze Orange. Inquire and order your unit at any Suzuki Big Bikes Center nationwide or visit mc.suzuki. com.ph for more information.

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

7

8

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

CORNERSTONE ORIENTATION on “The overview of Literacy Program for Grades ll & lll pupils and Formation Program for Parents”

By LOLITA A. LOFRANCO,T-lll School Cornerstone Coordinator

It’s another year of bountiful blessings for t he most challenged group of learners in our school. As a way of sharing one’s responsibility with the stakeholders “The Cornerstone Staff and tutors of Sector B2 Bugo to Gusa Area, Mrs. Virginia D. Mendoza, the new Assistant to the Principal of Bugo Central School who was officially deployed last July 16,2019 with our new School principal “Dr. Marichelle F. Saga , mentioned about the importance of Cornerstone Program as a way of enhancing the reading capabilities of our slow readers in school. She also recognized the 30 beneficiaries ,20 slots for Grade Three and 10 for Grade Two. The 6th year efforts of the teachers handling this program was also mentioned. These young beneficiaries” accordingly will stand as pillars in our society in the future.

In behalf of Dr. Marichelle F. Saga , she was expressing her gratitude for the partnership

of our school with the Ateneo C e nt e r f or E du c at i on a l Development (ACED), with the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation , Inc. CFC ANCOP Global Foundation, Inc. as stakeholders handling the Cornerstone Tutorial Program.

Christian song as energizer was facilitated by titos and titas, headed by Jeff Acaso ,the YFC ROCK Team Leader . It was instantly taught to kids step by step with out music at first. The overview of Literacy Program for Grades 2 and 3 pupils and Formation Program for parents was discussed by Bro. Ruthe Apdian, the ANCOP Head of Sector B2. Accordingly, there are 2 programs of Cornerstone, the High School Program to reach out student leaders like giving out sponsorship to gifted ones and the Elementary Program to reach out slow readers in the public schools in a form of reading tutorials and Values Formation for parents of beneficiaries.

As part of orientation, Mr Apdian tried to unlock the words “tutees and tutors” which seemed difficult for kids to understand. He was then citing a simple analogy to the beneficiaries about HIPHOP for kids by pointing out the tarp posted outside the covered court which are always practiced in school .

Likewise parents of recipients are entitled to undergo training for Values Formation under the Cornerstone Program . He further stated that “Scholarship” for kids is one of the programs as well as to parents who are slanted to technical courses. Provision of medical services shall continually be catered.

In a brief inspirational message, Tito Susarmo said that education must start in a very early stage. He added that this program is intended for non readers. It’s a grace from God that we should be thankful everyday. He reported the Cornerstone beneficiaries at Claveria and Manolo to have done their best by availing themselves as tutors of their

illiterate parents as they arrived home. He encouraged then all parents of Bugo Central School beneficiaries to be always present every Saturday session. He reminded that Cornerstone has only a limited slot of 30 kids and and there are those who are more willing to join so he is expecting of a perfect attendance to those who are luckily chosen . Under the umbrella of Cornerstone program, all kids must equally be treated accordingly in reading, and medical program shall be extended like giving of vitamins to recipients. In the previous years, handouts or activity sheets were provided . For the current year, books are to be provided for kids.

He informed everyone of the BSC Cornerstone Scholar “June Corby A. Diones” for this school year 2019-2020. The scholarship shall be granted from elementary up to college.

Finally, he was thanking the presence of all the parents attending the orientation.

Ma a m Nor y E s t re l l a informed us that there will be 23 reading tutorial sessions

The impact of work environment on employee productivity

By JOEL A. APALE, Account Specialist Rural Bank of Tangub City Ozamis Branch, Ozamiz City

OFFICE employees spend a lot of their time inside a bui lding , w here t he physical environments influence their well-being and directly inf luence their work performance and productivity. In the workpl ac e, it is of ten assumed that employees who are more satisfied with the physical environment are more likely to produce better work outcomes.

Temperature, air quality, lighting and noise conditions in the office affect the work concentration and

productivity. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that characteristics of the physical office environment can have a significant effect on behaviour, perceptions and productivity of employees.

There are several things that can affect productivity, such as engagement, good people management practices, workplace environment, appropriate tools, use of technology as an advantage, etc.

Organizations today are fighting tooth and nail to be

able to stay in the market, let alone keep playing the game. To this end, they know that they have to be a step ahead of everyone else, constantly coming up with new ideas and ways to improve their current ones, as well as managing to maintain a better than average level of productivity without negatively affecting the quality of the service offered.

A satisfied happy and hardworking employee is biggest asset of any organization. Effective work

environment encourage the happier employee with their job that ultimately influence the growth of an organization.

An employee's motivation to work is heavily influenced by his or her environment will yield better results for the employees and the company.

Workforce management began as a scheduling process but has since grown into a complex framework for maintaining human capital, budgeting and scheduling for your workforce.

Modular distance learning: coping up and challenges

By RUBY ELLIS PERALTA Cagayan de Oro City National High School

TRADITIONAL face-to-face classes will not happen until January 2021, when limited physical classes might be allowed in low-risk areas.

Individualized instruction in modular distance learning is useful in remote areas with limited internet access such as mountains. Learners use self-learning modules in print or digital format.

They may need home visits by teachers for learners’ remediation or assistance. If it is workable, students could reach their teacher via email, telephone, text message or instant messaging. Angeline told me the mothers with kids from kindergarten to Grade 3 worry that they

might spend less time in their vegetable farms. Hiring teaching assistants or parateachers to help parents who cannot monitor and guide their children is being considered by DepEd in the new-normal setup.

In the long term, faceto-face learning structures will have to be in smaller class sizes to accommodate social distancing.

This will b e a ne w arrangement for all basic education schools save for a handful of elite schools who already do some amount of online learning. For all public schools where 95% of all elementary students attend and 80+% of all high school students are

enrolled and most nn-elite private schools, this form of distance learning will be a new experience forced by the realities of this pandemic.

The learning curve will be very steep.

While the curriculum (the subjects comprising a course) is the same whether classes are face-to-face, remotely delivered, or through homeschooling, the pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching) is going to be different for each.

Think of the difference between having a meeting where all participants are in the same room and a meeting via Zoom or Teams w here a l l p ar t icip ants

are plugged in remotely.

Participating in the latter requires different attentions, protocols and methods of managing meetings. (Think about how much more tiring participating in such online meetings are than in faceto-face meetings.)

Teaching such distance classes will require new methods and practices.

In the same way, keeping children engaged over long periods of time without physical activity to break up the learning day will be a major challenge, especially for younger children. How to engage children creatively in Learning, particularly distance learning under a new normal?

for this school year 20192020. Likewise, parents shall undergo 9 sessions on Values Formation. Varied activities will be catered from letter recognition up to higher reading level through games, puzzles ,sand writing using finger, spelling of words t h rou g h b o d y ge s tu re s , groupings, one on one attack in reading, singing, dancing, chanting, and availing the opportunity to be apart of the contest .She informed that kids and parents should come early as 7:30 because foods like arrozcaldo ,etc will be catered before the start of the reading activity. And before leaving the school, pupils will be served again with snacks.

The CFC Senior Scholar “Jeff Acaso” led the closing prayer of the said Orientation

Program and at same time an opening to PART ll ACTIVITY . The prayer was done , through speaking, singing and dancing.

Three songs of praise were sung while dancing with musical accompaniment. Kids activity was done right after the live prayer . It was facilitated by the Single for Christ. The kids were so happy playing with the “Boat is sinking”. At 11:30 A.M ,packed lunch was served to each parent, tutee ,tutor, and Cornerstone staff after the games.

Sa “CORNERSTONE LITERACY PROGRAM”, Ang mga “tutees” ay isatisang tinuturuan Laging busog ang tiyan sa taong nakaraan, sa kasalukuyan, at sa darating na kapanahunan.

The Leader in Me JINE MELODY S. PARISTA, PhD.

Teachers’ are one of the leaders of the school system that is why we should be a good example. Being a leader means accepting his mistakes. 2017 up to the present year is a challenging school year for me. I have my responsibilities in school and any other work related activities. I am asked to go to seminars, training and coaching. Because of this reason often live behind my advisory class.

As an adviser I feel sorry for myself to my students because I am not always with them 100% in a week.

As a leader and their second mother at school I was not afraid to ask sorry to them and explain the things that I need to do not for me but for the

school. But even though I am not always with them I see to it that every performances they have I am their number one fan.

Win or lose I will always be proud of them.

I am so blessed that they understand what I am doing. Their responses were positive which made me feel better. They said “It’s alright teacher because even if you are away you still calls us and monitor ask. You teach us to be responsible not only with our lesson but also with our acts inside the classroom”.

As a leader we should not be afraid to accept our mistakes as long as we work for it in order for that mistake not to be repeated.

A true leader accepts his weakness and work for it.

The School Learning Continuity Plan PAUL Y. BADON, ESP - I

When Baikingon Elementar y School decided to utilize the modular distance learning, it encountered several challenges that needed to be addressed in order for the modality to be implemented successfully. a. Preparation of Modules and Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) This task proved to be a great concern among teachers since numerous Modules and LAS must be prepared for different subjects and grade levels. It was quiet challenging also since this work needed to cover all the competencies in the MELC. b. Printing of the Modules and LAS A n ot h e r c h a l l e nge e n c ou nt e re d w a s t h e

printing of the modules. This task requires considerable amount of resources in terms of printers, ink, and paper. c. Cascading the modality to the parents and other stakeholders Under the new normal, things were not the same.

More than ever, the school needed the cooperation and collaboration of the parents.

There was a need to make the parents understand why these things needed to be done. d. C a p a c i t a t i n g t h e teachers The greatest challenge of all in implementing this modality was capacitating the teachers. Some teachers were not ICT proficient so they needed the appropriate training.

9

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

Tambo Central School champions Search Best Home Learning Space Prototype 2020

By REMEDIOS S. LOANG Teacher 1 – TCS Reading Clinic Coordinator

Division of Iligan City declares Tambo Central School champion in the S earch for B est Home Learning Space Prototype. It showcases different learning delivery modalities to be used in this time of pandemic such as Online Distance Learning, Modular Distance Learning

and TV and Radio-based Instruction, respectively.

The Home Learning Space Prototype encourages parents to create a space at home for the learners to use when face to face is not allowed in the SY 2020 – 2021.

Four (4) other schools are

awarded runners-up; Doña Juana Actub Lluch MCS, Severo Sara MES, Iligan City CS, and Tubaran CS. The schools receive Plaques of Recognitions during the Flag Raising Ceremonies at the Conference Room of SDO-Iligan City.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12TH Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte IN RE: In the matter of petition for the

SPL. PROC. NO. 350-07-2020 (i) Correction of Entries in the registered Certificate of Live Birth specifically the Date of birth of JORDAN M. TABAMO and the inclusion of the date of receipt of birth by the Local Civil Registrar in the PSA Records as well as that of the For: Local Civil Registrar.

Correction of Entries JORDAN M. TABAMO.,

Petitioner.

-versus-

The LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KOLAMBUGAN,LANAO DEL NORTE. AND THE ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL, PHILIPPINES STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA), East Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila,

Respondent.

X --------------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Filed before this Court is a Petition for Correction of Entries in the Birth Certificate of JORDAN M. TABAMO in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, LanaodelNorte and in the Administrator and Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)by the herein Petitioner praying among others that upon due notice, publication and hearing, judgment be issued granting the petition.

Petitioner alleges that he is a Filipino citizen, married and resident of Purok 3, Poblacion, Kolambugan, LanaodelNorte. The Respondents are sued in their official capacitiesas such. Petitioner was born on October 11, 1991 at Kolambugan District Hospital, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte to spouses Noel A. Tabamo and Veronica G. Mutia. His birth was duly reported, received and recorded in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) of Kolambugan, LanaodelNorte under Registry No. 01-00551 on 28 October 1991.In Petitioner’sPSA authenticated birth certificate, it appeared that his year of birth is not indicated therein. Instead of reflecting his true and correct date of birth which is “11 October 1991”, what was indicated therein is only 11 October.

Also in the said PSA authenticated birth certificate, the date of receipt at the office of the LCR which is “28 October 1991” was not reflected. Since he was a child, in all the official forms where the date of birth is being asked for, petitioner and his parents would always provide the above-stated complete date and year which is 11 October 1991 as his date of birth and not 11 October. On 13 September 2019, petitioner filed an Affidavit of Supplemental Report with the PSA through the Municipal Civil Registrar of Kolambugan, LanaodelNorte. In the said Affidavit, petitioner stated that he was born on 11 October 1991 at Kolambugan, LanaodelNorte and such fact of birth was registered on 28 October 1991 at the LCR of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. Further, petitioner requested the LCR of Kiolambugan, Lanao del Norte and the PSA to affix in his birth certificate his correct date of birth especially the year “1991” and the date of receipt of the LCR which is “28 October 1991”. However, on 14 October 2019, the PSA issued a Feedback Form indicating therein that the supplemental report on the entry in the year of birth of petitioner is not applicable. He was then advised to file a Petition for Correction of Entry in the proper court as per PSA Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 dated 16 January 2013. Hence the instant petition praying that the PSA and the LCR of Kolambugan, lanao del Norte would affix in his birth certificate his correct date of birth especially the year “1991” and the date of receipt of the LCR which is “28 October 1991”. That the petition is made in absolute good faith and without any intention of defrauding any person or entity but solely for the purpose of correcting petitioner’s birth record to conform to the truth.

Set the initial hearing of this petition to September 29, 2020 at 8:30 in the morning before the sala of this Court. Any person interested to the said petition may come to Court on said date and time to show cause why said petition should not be granted.

Furnish copy of this Order to the Office of the Solicitor General in Makati City, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Tubod,Lanao del Norte, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Kolambugan of Lanao del Norte, the Philippine Statistics Authority at East Avenue, Quezon City,Atty. LarizaAidie R. Ugsod of the Public Attorney’s Office, Tubod, LanaodelNorte, the Petitioner’s counsel and to the Petitioner himself, Jordan M.Tabamo of Purok 3, Poblacion, Kolambugan, LanaodelNorte.

Let copy of the Order containing the petition be published in a newspaper of general circulation for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner. Another copy be posted at the Bulletin Board of this Court.

SO ORDERED. August 03, 2020.

Tubod, LanaodelNorte.

RICHIE GAY T. MENDOZA Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 17 Cagayan de Oro City OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF-2020-846 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act No. 3135 filed by UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK, mortgagee, with principal office and postal address at UCPB Executive Bldg. Makati Ave., Makati City, Metro Mania, against SPOUSES ELINEL T. JARUDA & MARICAR A. JARUDA, mortgagors, residing at Zone 2, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 26, 2018, amounts to ONE MILLION THREE HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS & 65/100 (Php 1,338,250.65), plus interest, penalties, reimbursements, other obligations and charges, as well as attorney’s fees and all other necessary expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or her duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on September 17, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Branch 17, Hell of Justice, Goldridge Bldg., Mastersons Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City to the highest bidder, for cash or manager’s check and in Philippines Currency the following property with all improvements, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATION OF TITLE NO.1372016001789 LOT : Lot 24, Block 20, PSD 10-062039 PORTION OF LOT : Lot 7-A, PSD-10-058649 AS SURVEYED FOR : Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation LAND USE : Residential LOCATION : Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City, Island of Mindanao BOUNDARIES : West 1-2 by Lot 23, Block

20, PSD-10-062039; xxx . . .

AREA : One Hundred Twenty Three

(123) square meters, more or less All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated date, time and place.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date for whatever reason, the public auction will proceed on the next working day, without further notice, posting and publication.

Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title herein-above described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

August 4, 2020, Cagayan de Oro City

BWM: Aug. 24, 31 & Sept. 7, 2020

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

https://www.facebook.com/BusinessWeek.Mindanao

(SGD) FE O.BONTUYAN-BULARON Sheriff IV BWM: Aug. 17, 24 & 31, 2020

10

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

Tourism... from page 1

leisure establishments are allowed open,” she said.

Under MGCQ, she said the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) prohibits the operation of cockpits, beerhouses, and kids’ entertainment or playrooms.

City Tourism Office and Operations head Generose Tecson said on Wednesday that hotels, with a provisional certificate of authority to operate from the Department of Tourism, are allowed to resume operations.

The city’s eco-tourism destination, Eden Nature Park & Resort, has already resumed operations while Davao Crocodile Park is slated to reopen next month, Tecson added.

She said that more tourism establishments would reopen gradually.

But Duterte reminded the public to not lower their guard and practice the basic

health protocols since the quarantine measures remain due to COVID-19.

“Our priority is ‘stay home’,” she stressed.

The local government of D av a o re qu i re d a l l inbound passengers who have no negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result issued within 72 hours before scheduled departure from the airport of origin, to undergo COVID-19 testing at the Davao International Airport, at the expense of the local government.

Passengers will be placed in isolation facilities within the airport where they will have to wait for RT-PCR test results to be issued within 24 hours.

Duterte said the COVID-19 laboratory of DOT-Davao would be placed at the Los Amigos Health Center.

She said that the local government is complying with the requirements to accredit the health center as a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory.

Open... from page 1

its license to operate.

Gov. Imelda QuibranzaDimaporo said the laboratory had been planned as early as March during a meeting with DOH. Dimaporo said the P30-million budget for the laborator y came from President Duterte’s Bayanihan Grant.

Balane said it would be the biggest testing laboratory in Region 10 and the first to be owned and operated by a local government unit.

She said the inspection covered the various aspects of its physical setup, equipment, personnel compliment and management policy.

Its medical technologists h av e a l re a d y p a s s e d a prof i c i e nc y te st at t he Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao C i t y, a n d i t s m e d i c a l personnel will undergo fitness training to prevent infection of the virus, she added.

Dra. Lilibeth Galbinez, molecular laboratory analyst and chief of the testing facility said the waiting time for the result would be reduced once it becomes operational.

Galbinez said the laboratory could address the rise in local transmission of COVID-19, as it can release 60 to 100 test results in less than 48 hours.

“We usually send swab samples to Nor thern Mindanao Medical Center and wait for the result for the next four to five days,” she said.

Acting Provincial Health Officer Dr. Teresa Reponte said the facility will have two ambulances.

As of August 18, the official report signed by Reponte said that of the province’s 198 COVID-19 cases, 89 are active cases 2 5 of w h i c h a re l o c a l transmissions, while 108 have recovered and one died.

Reponte attributed the “high recovery rate” to early detection.

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with WAIVER OF RIGHTS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

Republic of the Philippines EGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte

ATTER OF N FOR UANCE OF AL COMMISSION

Pet. for Not. Com. No. 061-07-2020

ROOKE LOU TAPUYAO, Petitioner.

---------------------/ NOTICE OF HEARING

CE is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition al commission of ATTY. BROOKE LOU TAPUYAO shall be mber 25, 2020 at 8:30 in the morning at RTC, Branch 07, anao del Norte. Any person who has any cause or reason to he grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition eceived by the undersigned before the date of the summary this 13th day of August, 2020 at Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

(SGD) RICHIE GAY T. MENDOZA Presiding Judge

17, 24 & 31, 2020

That the late VICENTE YAP EMANO, who died on 7 May 2019 in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, that the deceased left the following personal properties which are conjugal in nature, and owned in common with his surviving spouse and heir, ALOMA B. EMANO, more particularly described as follows: 1. Shares of stocks YEVNA CORP., 18,750 no. of shares, par value per share P 10.00, total value P 187,500.00, Eater Realty Corp., No. of shares 5,000, par value per share P 10.00, total value P 50,000.00, 2. Motor vehicles Certificate of Registration No.: 64690536, date Issued: 25 September 2001, MV File No.: 1008-62,407, Plate No.: KCC-912, Make: Toyota, Series: Hi-Lux, Type of Body: P-up, Motor No.: 3L-4458988, Serial/Chassis No.: LN166-0003638, Year Mode: ’97, Acquired From:Gonzalo Go, JR., Details of First Registration: Official Reciept No.: MVMRR-68501092, Date: 09-05-01, Certificate of Registration No.: 7664473-5, date Issued: 14 November 2008, MV File No.: 1036-00000118465, Plate No.: KDY-148, Make: Toyota, Series: HIACE GRANDIA, Type of Body: Van, Engine No.: 2KD-1810350, Serial/ Chassis No.: JTFRS13P700012623, Year Mode: 2008, 3. Cash in Bank (GSIS Pension), GSIS Pensioner Account Number: 109566797460, Amount: P 2,352,174.18, Unionbank Cagayan de Oro- Lapasan Branch”, 4. “KATIBAYAN NG ORIHINAL NA TITULO BLG. P-29588, situated at Barrio of Casinglot, Municipality of Tagoloan, province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao containing an area of TEN THOUSAND (10,000) square meters, more or less, 5. KATIBAYAN NG ORIHINAL NA TITULO BLG. P-29589, situated at Barrio Casinglot, Municipality of Tagoloan, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of FORTY FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FORTY ONE (44,941), KATIBAYAN NG ORIHINAL NA TITULO BLG. P-29589 (PORTION ONLY) 1. TAX DECLARATION NO. 08-14-0009-07495, situated at Sta. Cruz, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of 11,872 square meters, more or less, 2. Tax declaration No. 08-14-000907509, situated at Sta. Cruz, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, KATIBAYAN NG ORIHINAL NA TITULO BLG. CARP-2014000318, situated at Barrio of Sta. Ana, Municipality of Tagoloan, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of FORTY TWO THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY NINE (42,499) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 16547, situated in the Island of Mindanao, containing ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (1,500) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 16548, situated in the Barrio of Poblacion Mun. /City of Tagoloan Province of Mis. Or. Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (1,500) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 18445, situated in the barrio of Gusa, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area THREE HUNDRED (300) square meters, more or less., TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-17222, situated in the barrio of Gusa, City of Cagayan de Oro, island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX (386) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-183267, situated in the barrio of Macasandig City of Cagayam de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIX THOUSAND (6,000) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-183268, situated in the barrio of Macasandig, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO THOUSAND (2,000) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-183269, situated in the Barrio of Macasandig, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO THOUSAND (2,000) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-185174, situated at Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE (3,375) Square meters, more or less, ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. P-11488, situated in the barrio of natumolan, Municipality of Tagoloan, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of 1 hectares, 16 ares, 00 centares, and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with WAIVER OF RIGHTS, filed by the heirs of VICENTE YAP EMANO, per DOC #23; PAGE #6; BOOK #XII; Series of 2020, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. LIZZAMAE GRACE A. LAVIÑA. BWM: August 10, 17 & 24, 2020

Design of the isolation rooms, toilet, and bath rooms now being constructed by DPWH-Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office as additional COVID-19 Isolation Facilities in Brgy. Acmac and Brgy. Tomas Cabili, Iligan City. (VNL/DPWH-PIO)

DPWH constructs additional isolation facilities

ILIGAN CITY – After just completing the isolation facility in Brgy. Poblacion, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office (LDN2 DEO) is constructing again isolation facilities in barangays Acmac and Tomas Cabili, both in this city.

In the past few weeks, Iligan City has seen a surge of COVID-19 cases, prompting local officials to request the National COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force to place Iligan City under an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The request however was not heeded as Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, declared last Saturday night that all of Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities will be under MGCQ from August 16 to 31.

On Monday, Iligan’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Health Cluster reported 18 new cases, the highest so far, with 17 of these cases due to local transmission.

“We do not want our healthcare facilities to be overwhelmed with these new COVID-19 cases. We need our doctors and medical personnel to focus more on patients who have mild to

moderate symptoms. For those who are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms, they can stay in our new isolation centers so their families will be safe and the patients will have a decent and comfortable place to finish their isolation period," explained District Engineer Alykhan Ali. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar has classified COVID-19 facilities as urgent projects following the recent announcement of the Department of Health that hospital bed occupancy for coronavirus and noncoronavirus beds is now at “warning zone” nationwide.

On Tuesday, members of the Iligan Inter-Agency Task Force (Iligan IATF) led by FCI Butch Baulete, visited the identified sites to evaluate its suitability for an isolation center.

“Initially, I was apprehensive that our barangay might be stigmatized because of our acceptance of COVID-19 patients. However, when DPWH District Engineer Alykhan Ali explained the importance of this facility, we began to see the impact of this project in our fight against the pandemic”, said Brgy.

Acmac Chairwoman Juvilyn Claveria. (VNL/DPWH-PIO)

11

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

Hurst... from page 4

boats won the America’s Cup 5 times in 10 years… was totally blind from the age of 12.

Even though he lived his life in the dark, he did not let that stop him from doing His very best and making his mark in the world. You may not have every ability and advantage that someone else does, but that does not mean you do not have all you need to be successful. So won’t you ask Jesus to take complete control of your heart and way of living? Only your Maker is the One Who can help you start making your mark and filling your place in the world. Just think a minute…

Erring... from page 4

never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up, then God will show mercy to you!"

"Erring" taxi drivers never die out. When I returned f rom my last long trip before Covid-19 stopped all travel plans, I met one, asking me an extra charge of 50 Pesos because of the incalculable waiting period at the airport. The taxi number and company are noted. Just in case... Of course, I didn't pay the extra charge and boarded another taxi.... +++ Email: dor ingklau s@ gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Infectious... from page 4

and Infectious Diseases and led the formulation of local clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV. He also sits as an institutional representative on the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism.

The mutation has become the predominant variant in Europe and the U.S., with the World Health Organization saying there’s no evidence the strain leads to more severe disease. A paper published in Cell Press said the mutation is unlikely to have a major impact on the efficacy of vaccines currently being developed.

The D614G mutation in SARS-CoV-2 is infamous for its rising dominance worldwide. This mutation changes the amino acid at position 614, from D (aspartic acid) to G (glycine) — so, D-614-G. The initial D614 is now the G614 variant. The question is: What real-life implications do this mutation or G614 variant brings, in terms of transmission, disease severity, treatment, and vaccines?

In a July study printed in Cell, Dr. Bette Korber, a computational biologist, and population geneticist, and colleagues at the Los Alamos National Laboratory a n a l y z e d S A R S - C o V- 2 sequences from 999 patients

in the UK. Results showed patients infected with the G614 variant had a higher viral load compared to D614.

In human cell cultures in a lab dish, Korber et al. showed that the G614 variant displayed increased infectivity than D614.

Shock... from page 5

March, down from the yearearlier 11.65%.

The central bank has implemented regulator y relief measures for banks, including the classification of loans to small businesses as reserves, to help them comply with reserve standards while ensuring funding for businesses remains available.

The BSP said smaller lenders have been availing of such relief measures, with 66 rural and cooperative banks lending P1.5 billion as of the week ending July 23, compared to the P1 billion by 39 banks during the week ending April 30.

Meanwhile, 10 rural and cooperative banks registered P100 million worth of loans to large enterprises as reserve compliance.

“Preliminary data show that rural and cooperative banks were at 674 as of December 2009 and are now down to 444 as of endJuly 2020,” he said, noting smaller lenders were either clos e d or abs orb e d by healthier banks. The industry contraction reflects a process of consolidation encouraged by the BSP.

Loan... from page 5

by t he l o an are b e i ng implemented by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Philippine Guarantee C or p oration (Philguarantee), the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Department of Justice, and the Insurance Commission.

These reforms, which focus on the poorest 40 percent of the population and rural residents, aim to more than double the number of Filipinos holding an account at a formal financial institution by 2023.

Key reforms include the rollout of the country’s National Ident if icat ion System, which will benefit all Filipinos and help speed up the delivery of social assistance programs, the launch of pilots on agriculture value chain finance, and public-private partnerships for crop insurance.

The loan also supports government reforms to incorporate financial literacy programs in the country’s K-12 basic education curriculum and increase the use of digital payments in the country.

It will help reorganize and strengthen Philguarantee’s operations, expand coverage of the credit reporting system, promote the use of cloud-based core banking technology among rural banks, and support the development of Islamic finance in the country.

These reforms will complement other programs ADB is supporting in the Philippines. For example, the USD400-million Competitive and Inclusive Agriculture Development Program approved by ADB in August 2020 to help the government increase agricultural productivity; and the USD500-million Expanded Social Assistance Project approved in June 2020 to support education and health conditional cash transfers to poor households.

(PR)

Hikes...

from page 5 stand-alone TBs are required to meet the 10-percent CAR and 6-percent Tier 1 ratio.

The BSP said the new guidelines on computing the REST limits exclude residential real estate loans to individuals for their own company and foreclosed real estate property, which aims to allow banks to have exposure to the real estate sector “for as long as it is able to demonstrate ability to manage risks.”

“The forthcoming guidelines reinforce this approach by relating assessment of risks by a covered bank on its real estate exposure to its Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process or capital planning process. This ensures that a holistic approach is adopted by banks in the management of their risks vis-à-vis their capital position,” the BSP said.

During a virtual briefing made through the central b a n k’s Fa c e b o o k p a g e T hu rs d ay, B SP D e put y Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said the slowdown in bank lending is expected because of the impact of the pandemic.

“This one (the easing of loan limits for real estate loans) is going to help support bank lending to the real estate sector,” he said.

He added bank lending continues to grow year-onyear, although at a slower pace because of weaker demand.

(PNA)

Review... from page 3

definitely, with all this negative impact on the automotive industry, there is a threat that the participants of CARS program may not be able to achieve the target volume as committed.”

He said that sustaining competitiveness is one of many issues the industry is facing.

“At this time, we think it’s very appropriate that we review the policies and the conditions of government support. We need appropriate assistance and collaboration with the government so that we could maintain local production and at the same time be competitive.”

Car sales saw a 48.7% decline in the seven months to July to 105,583 units compared with the same period a year ago, a joint report by CAMPI and Truck Manufacturers Association said.

Year to date, commercial vehicle sales dropped 47.6% to 75,514 units, while passenger car sales fell 51.4% to 30,069 units.

Toyota retained its spot as the market leader with 43% market share in July, with sales tumbling 37.4% to 8,833.

Passed... from page 2

likewise supported local universities in the production of 70% ethyl alcohol and s o dium hydro chlorite (disinfectant),” Alegrio said.

In addition, local Mindanao chambers organized Rolling “Kadiwa” Stores in key cities and provinces, enabling residents of far-flung barangays to have access to basic commodities such as rice, vegetables, fruits, wet meat products, hygiene kits, over-the-counter medicines, and cleaning materials without leaving their homes during ECQ. Meantime, the Regional Chambers and LCCIs established Trade Information Exchanges and logistic networks during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period to provide basic commodities such as rice, vegetables, wet meat products, canned goods and alcohol to Local Government Units outside of the main Cities.

Aside from Alegrio, the resolution was also signed

by PCCI Mindanao Regional Governors Arturo Milan (South Eastern Mindanao); Pete Marque z (C ent ra l Mindanao); Cioney Paqueo (Eastern Mindanao); Roderico Bioco (Northern Mindanao); Paul Gudmalin ( We s t e r n M i n d a n a o ) ; Loreta Sy (Southwestern Mindanao); Aldrin Ibbo (BARM Mindanao) and Promote Normin Foundation President Elpidio M. Paras.

ARISE & CREATE To allow businesses and the economy to get back up on their feet, the PCCI stressed the need to immediately pass the Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy (ARISE) bill which seeks to provide over P1.3 trillion stimulus package, which government discarded in lieu of the cheaper P140billion stimulus package.

The PCCI is also pushing for t he p ass age of t he Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, which would give corporate tax cuts and rationalize tax breaks.

PCCI is urging for the full resumption of economic activities to avert the country from plunging deeper into the current recession. The pandemic and the lockdown meant to contain it had sunk the economy to its lowest in four decades during the second quarter.

“We acknowledge the hard work the IATF is doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We understand the precarious situation of our medical workers and frontliners,” Yujuico said.

“But we also need to stress that the longer our economy stays in its current state where

businesses cannot function 100 percent, nor even up to 75 percent, the more protracted the recession that will follow and the more people will be permanently out of jobs,” he added.

The PCCI is hopeful the government would recognize the vital role of businesses in creating jobs and providing income, as well as the need to address the issue of livelihood and poverty to avoid social unrest,” Yujuico said.

The group also reiterated its call to the government to allow the full resumption of economic activities.

“We acknowledge the hard work the IATF is doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We understand the precarious situation of our medical workers and frontliners. But we also need to stress that the longer our economy stays in its current state where businesses cannot function 100 percent, nor even up to 75 percent, the more protracted the recession that will follow and the more people will be permanently out of jobs,” he said. (PCCI Mindanao)

Welcomes... from page 1

Moreno to allow it to rent hotels in Cagayan de Oro for its returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and retur ning overs e as Fiipinos (ROFs).

At t he Nor t her n Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), the main referral center for COVID-19 in Northern Mindanao, officials said five COVID-19 patients from Iligan City, one of whom had to be i ntub ate d, ar r ive d for treatment yesterday.

Moreno allayed fears that coronavirus infections would spike in Cagayan de Oro as a result of bringing in returning residents of Iligan.

He said the Iligan residents would be under t i g ht watch of me d i c a l teams of the City Health Office during their 14-day quarantine.

“Returning (Iligan) re s i d e nt s f rom Ma n i l a are not infected with the virus. In fact, only a few p ercentage of them are f ou n d t o b e i n f e c t e d ,” Moreno said.

The Department of Health’s Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao reported a total of 173 COVID-19 cases in Iligan City as of August 20, up from 122 on August 13.

Out of 173 cases, 116 are classified as local cases while 57 others are Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs).

In the entire region, the number of COVID-19 cases as of August 20 is 1,050, with Cagayan de Oro City and Lanao del Norte recording the highest at 234 cases each.

But Moreno said that should a returning Iligan resident test positive of SARS-C oV-2, t he vir us that causes COVID-19, he or she will be moved to a treatment facility.

“There is no chance that they can infect Cagayan de Oro residents. They go straight to the hotel after they arrive in Laguindigan or Macabalan,” he said, referring to the airport and seaport.

Moreno said helping the local government in Iligan cope with the crisis will also help Cagayan de Oro because if the COVID-19 cases in Iligan will continue to rise, many patients will be brought to the NMMC. “If the NMMC collapses, t o o, t h e re i s n o o t h e r recourse but to imp ose a strict lockdown which would be detrimental to our economy,” he said. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews) EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late decedent of Mr. EDWIN GALICIA SR. died instate on November 6, 2019 at Cagayan de Oro City, leaving two (2) parcels of land described and bounded as follows: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T117039, situated in the Barrio of Poblacion Tankulan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of Three hundred eighty-seven (387) square meters, more or less and Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-64531, situated in the barrio of Poblacion, Mun. of Manolo Fortich, Prov. Of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of Two Hundred Twenty Two (222) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS, filed by the heirs of EDWIN GALICIA, per DOC #441; PAGE #89; BOOK #52; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JUVY IND V ARUBIO.

That the late SPS. CARLITO APAG, SR. and LILIA S. APAG, who died intestate on March 30, 2020 and October 22, 2010 in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, that our deceased parents left a parcel of land with Declaration of Real Property TD. No. 02-026024, situated at Poblacion, El Salvador City, containing an area of 1,979 square meters, we hereby SELL, CEDE, TRANSFER and CONVEY unto JIM S. RAMOS, JR. of legal age, married to Sherady P. Ramos, Filipino and a resident of Zone 3, Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, his heirs, successors and assigns the following portion of the above-described parcel of land consisting as area of ONE HUNDRED {100} square meters, and more particularly described as follows, Declaration of Real Property TD. No. 02-026024, situated at Poblacion, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED {100} square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of SPS. CARLITO APAG, SR. and LILIA S. APAG, in favor of JIM S. RAMOS, JR., per DOC #318; PAGE #64; BOOK #70; Series of 2020, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MIGUEL M. SABACAJAN.

BWM: Aug. 17, 24 & 31, 2020

BWM: Aug. 10, 17 & 24, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

12

Billboard Heated tobacco products will benefit public health

T

HE US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization for IQOS to be marketed as a modified risk tobacco product is aligned with the claims of a leading tobacco harm reduction expert that the introduction of heated tobacco products (HTPs) as better alternatives to

conventional cigarette will see public health gains.

Helen Redmond, adjunct professor at New York University-Silver School of Social Work, said the introduction of HTPs or heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco products will benefit public health.

She noted that there is a widespread,

mistaken notion that nicotine causes cancer and other health problems.

“That is false,” the professor said. “The use of nicotine is no threat, because nicotine is not the problem.

Combustible tobacco is … What causes health problems is lighting tobacco on fire. The combustion releases

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MONDAY|AUGUST 24, 2020

thousands of toxic chemicals.”

The US FDA, in its recent issuance, concluded that the commercialization of IQOS in the US, a heated tobacco product, developed by Philip Morris International, is “appropriate to promote the public health.”

“The availability of IQOS is an incredibly

important development for the millions of Americans who continue to smoke and who suffer almost half a million preventable deaths each year,” Redmond said.

It has been known for decades that tar, and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, causes the death and disease associated with smoking, and not nicotine. HTPs are smoke-free devices that heat, instead of burn specially-designed tobacco units to release a flavorful nicotinecontaining tobacco vapor. The most popular HTP brand today is IQOS—an electronic device that heats tobacco-filled sticks wrapped in paper to generate a nicotinecontaining aerosol.

“Several tobacco companies have developed HNB products like IQOS from Philip Morris and Glo Pro and Glo Nano from British American Tobacco. The technology is constantly evolving and becoming more user-friendly,” Redmond said.

A recent study by Dutch researchers entitled, “A Method for Comparing the Impact on Carcinogenicity of Tobacco Products: A Case Study on Heated Tobacco Versus Cigarettes” assessed eight carcinogens (cancercausing substances) to understand the likely health impact on individuals who switch to IQOS, compared to those who continue smoking.

The researchers concluded that while not risk-free IQOS is associated with 10 to 25 times lower exposure to these carcinogens, and that this could translate

into a substantially improved risk profile.

The study was published on May 1, 2020 in the monthly peer-reviewed academic journal Risk Analysis.

Smoke-free nicotine products include electronic cigarettes or vapes and Swedish snus.

Public Health England consistently conclude in its annual reviews of all available evidence that E-cigarettes are around 95-percent less harmful than smoking.

Redmond also noted that e-cigarettes and HNB proved effective in making smokers switch since they offer the same pleasure, rituals and relaxation associated with smoking. The UK's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) concluded in its February 2019 clinical trials that e-cigarette was twice as effective as nicotine replacement treatments such as patches and gum in helping smokers quit.

“E-cigarettes and HNB products make nicotine consumption much safer. In that, they are similar to patches or gums. The crucial difference is they look and feel like cigarettes, replicating the rituals and the enjoyment of smoking for people who switch from combustible tobacco—and therefore reducing the risk of relapse,” said Redmond.

Redmond cited the case of Japan where nearly a third of smokers have already switched to HNBs. “HNB products have been available in Japan since 2014. The result—cigarette sales in the country have plummeted, outstripping anything abstinence-only messages have achieved” she said.