BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 14, 2020)

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Briefly Workers aid SOME 93% of the funds designated for distribution as worker aid by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has been disbursed to DoLE regional offices, the Labor department said.

In a briefing Monday, Labor Undersecretary Renato L. Ebarle said most of the funds provided by the Bayanihan to Recover as One Law (Bayanihan II) have been disbursed to the regions offices. It expects complete payout of the aid by next week to all beneficiaries.

“We have downloaded 93% of the P16.4 billion for aid and it is with the regional offices,” he said.

Bridge project BUTUAN City – Agusan del Norte officials led Saturday's groundbreaking ceremony for the Las Nieves Bridge project, which will connect 11 villages to the center of Las Nieves town.

Gov. Dale B. Corvera and Agusan del Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Maria Angelica Amante-Matba said the project is expected to further boost development opportunities in the area.

Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales said the bridge project was conceived in 2015 when Rep. Amante-Matba was still the governor of Agusan del Norte.

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Rare Photo of Past Oro Chamber Presidents during a 2017 Reunion at David's Tea House. Standing (left to right): Robert Pizarro, Efren Uy, Jess Paras, Jeffrey Ang, Elpie Paras, Ruben Vegafria, Tony Uy, Guido Delgado, and Bob Togle. Sitting (left to right): Ralph Paguio, Bobby Sebastian, Bong Pelaez, Dodong Donggay, Al Mañus, Ghaye Alegrio, and Milton Along. photo courtesy of guido alfredo a . delgado

House Majority Leader files 3rd bill to extend Bangsa transition period

By MIKE BAÑOS Editor-at-Large

HE premier chamber of commerce in Northern Mindanao marks another milestone today with the induction of its 34th set of Officers and Board of Trustees.

First convened by then PCCI Northern Mindanao Regional Governor Dante P. Sarraga on December 1982 with a group of 25 founding member companies, this first iteration elected the late Dr. Virgilio Neri, Sr. as its first president.

H o w e v e r, w i t h t h e untimely demise of Dr. Neri, the chamber went into an unplanned hiatus until revived with a new board on CHAMBER/PAGE 15

By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS, MindaNews

DAVAO City – House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday filed House Bill 8161 seeking an extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by

moving the first regular election for the Bangsamoro government from May 9, 2022 to May 12, 2025.

Romualdez’ bill is the third filed in the House on the transition extension.

EXTEND/PAGE 15

DA, MinDA launch for P14-M food terminal in Bukidnon THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) broke ground for PHP14 million food terminal in the Bukidnon town of Talakag on Thursday.

DA-Region 10 (DA-10) Technical Director for Operations Carlota S.

Madriaga said the facility will include cold storage.

"It is already complete with the (structural) design, and the next step will be the implementation," Madriaga said, adding that the funds were downloaded LAUNCH/PAGE 8

VEGETABLE FESTIVAL.Lumad leaders gather before a feast of sacrificial chicken meat during the ritual marking the opening of the vegetable festival in Miarayon, Talakag town in Bukidnon on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Miarayon is one of the five top vegetable producing areas in Region 10. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

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LIGAN CITY – The immediate action of maintenance personnel from DPWHLanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office to release the built up pressure from a busted main water line averted a major accident from happening along a busy stretch of Tibanga national highway, this city.

Around 4PM, people started to notice water leaking through the asphalt overlay of the national highway, prompting them to call local authorities. Upon learning of the water leak, Assistant District Engineer (ADE) Maria David dispatched maintenance teams to the area to inspect and assess the situation.

“When we got to the area, we were shock to see that there was a huge bulge in the highway. The asphalt overlay has risen to

A motorist (upper left) stopped to look at the bulging road segment at Tibanga national highway in Iligan City while DPWH personnel cordoned off the critical area.

about 8 to 10 inches. It was ready to explode”, narrated Maintenance Point Person Hadjinor Sukarno.

The DPWH team immediately coordinated with officials of the Iligan City Waterworks System

(ICWS) to lower the water pressure in the area so maintenance crew can slowly release the water pressure beneath the asphalt overlay.

“I am very grateful to the DPWH team led

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL National Highway Balingasag, Barangay 4, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Mobile Number/s: 0933-823-3161, 0933-823-3304 Tel. Number: 333-5161 CAGAYAN DE ORO P&J Lim Building, Tiano Kalambagohan St., Barangay 14, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel No. (08822) 727-829 / 231-6629 Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0933-823-3303 / 0943-708-7065 CAGAYAN DE ORO WAREHOUSE Warehouse 7, Bonbon Road, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Mobile No. 0917-825-4149 / 0943-708-7065 CARMEN, CAGAYAN DE ORO Vamenta Blvd., fronting CEPALCO, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 233-2011 Mobile No. 0933-823-3159 CORRALES, CDO Corrales Ave., Barangay 29, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 231-2055

A DPWH backhoe slowly digs through the asphalt overlay to release the water pressure building up beneath the road surface in a section of Tibanga national highway, Iligan City.

and very much willing to extend its assistance anytime that ICWS calls on us’.

“We’re all on this together. Iligan will suffer if there is shortage in water supply. As Iliganons, and as public servants we are here to serve the people of Iligan. Our help is available 24/7”, concluded District Engineer Ali. (VNL/DPWH-PIO)

Engr. Sukarno for their prompt response to this emergency. Thank you DPWH-Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office for the assistance especially to ADE David and District Engineer Ali”,

expressed ICWS Head Josephus Albao.

Among the barangays affected by the reduced water pressure are Tubod, Ubaldo Laya, Pala-o, Villa Verde, Tibanga, Bagong Silang, San Miguel, Hinaplanon, San Roque, Sta. Felomina, and Acmac.

For his part, District Engineer Alykhan Ali assured the Iligan City LGU that ‘DPWH is ready

DIVISORIA, CDO A. Velez St., Barangay 9, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0917-841-4000 / 0933-823-3164

Iligan EOC: Follow health rules during Christmas’

GINGOOG CITY G/F Wyne Militante Bldg., Lugod St., Barangay 22, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 861-0104 Mobile No. 0933-823-3168 LAPASAN, CDO National Highway (FICCO Bldg.), Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 231-6739 Mobile No. 0933-823-3160 PUERTO, CDO Purok 6, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 859-0574 Mobile No. 0943-708-7537 CAMIGUIN B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Telefax No. (088) 387-0491 Mobile No. 0943-708-7539

ILIGAN CITY - The Iligan Emergency Operations Center reminded anew the public to strictly observe the minimum public health standards during the holiday season as the

city continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

"Kung mag Christmas party ug merry-making gathering, limitahan ra gyud nga within the family ra ninyo, unya the family should be less than 10 persons," EOC Health Cluster manager Dr. Belinda Lim emphasized in a COVID-19 virtual presser, Wednesday, as she shared the salient provisions of Executive Order (EO) 144.

(If you will have Christmas party and merry-making gatherings, limit it within the family, and the family should be less than 10 persons.)

The said EO issued by city mayor Celso Regencia last week provided additional guidelines for COVID-19 mitigation during the holiday season.

Lim pointed out that even if the gatherings are among family members, attendees should remain to be vigilant in applying standard minimum health protocols such as proper physical distancing, avoidance of physical contact, frequent hand washing, and non-sharing of plates, utensils, glasses and others.

The EO also requires elderly, pregnant, or those with comorbidities to stay in one area while the younger ones or those who have high levels of exposure should stay in another during family RULES/PAGE 17

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Wonders of work (Pt. 2) Think a minute . . . The famous African-American Booker T. Washington was extremely poor. He was only 16-years-old when he traveled 500 miles to attend university.

After he finally arrived, a teacher ordered him to sweep the room. Booker swept the room not just once, but three times! Then he dusted the furniture four times! That was the kind of person Booker was. He always went “the extra mile” and did his very best to finish all his work well.

Ye a r s l a t e r B o o k e r became a professor himself and actually started his own university, the Tuskegee Institute. This was still in the late 1800’s when most white southerners treated African-Americans horribly as an inferior, lower class of people. One day as Booker was walking past a southern mansion, the lady of the house called out and ordered him to chop some wood. So he pulled off his coat, chopped the wood and carried it into her house. One of the servant girls recognized Professor Washington and told her boss and owner of the house, Mrs. Varner. The next morning

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST this wealthy woman, Mrs. Varner, went to Professor Washington’s office and apologized. She also gave a large amount of money to help his university, and persuaded many of her rich friends to also give money to Washington’s school.

As it did with Booker T. Washington, when diligence, humility and honestly become a part of your character and daily way of working, it brings good things to you and others.

Real success comes when you work to help make the lives of others better. The wonder of work is that it makes both you and your family better.

You get more in return than what you gave. It is simply a WONDERS/PAGE 19

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Guessing game

HOT on the gossip mill is Cagayan de Oro’s clannish politics.

This early, loose whispers reverberate the grapevine as familiar names surface and keep on the loop in the guessing game of local politics.

Star ting to f loat as contenders for City Hall’s incoming tenants are the Uys of Carmen, the Unabias of the famous Sr San Pedro chicken inasal, the Emanos of Tagoloan, the Rodriguezes of Nazareth.

Eyeing to take another try is Pompee Lavina who recently took over the helm of Phividec Industrial Authority.

Playing dark horse is newbie Girlie Balaba who easily won a

front seat in the City Council in the last local election.

Of course, the city’s incumbent Mayor Oca Moreno is eyeing to level up his grip (again) at the Misamis Oriental capitol, or run as Balaba’s running mate in the city. Or safely gun his sight in congress the second time around.

The tandems would be too early to tell, but worth the spell.

As fresh rumors would tell us, there are the Uy-Balaba, Balaba-Moreno, or Balaba-Uy tandem in that particular order.

On the other side of the fence, an Emano-led coalition is in the offing, yet still needs a final nod from his camp.

Or as his close wards would

love to say it, Bambi opts to retire from local politics to seek his lovelife somewhere else.

A seat in Congress is also considered by his camp, but your guess is as good as mine.

At the City Council, early birds from the media industry are spreading their wings this early— COC Phinma Dean Gerry Cano and Dr. Manny Jaudian, sitting president of Cagayan de Oro Press Club.

Nonetheless, expect politics in Cagayan de Oro to bleed like the synch, dancing holiday colored lights now delightfully adorned at the city hall and across the iconic Gaston park.

Simply put, Cagayan de Oro’s politics is techcolored

The U.S. Food and Drug Ad m i n i s t r at i on ( F DA ) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the first at-home COVID-19 self-test that provides rapid results.

The test made by Lucira Health, dubbed the COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit, is a single use nasal swab test that is intended to detect SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, in 30 minutes or less.

The California-based comp any’s test w i l l b e available by prescription only. It’s expected to cost about $50.

The FDA authorized the test for home use among people age 14-years and older with suspected cases of COVID-19. The test is also authorized for use in doctors’ officers, hospitals, ERs and other urgent care facilities. When administered by a healthcare professional, it can be used to test children younger than 14-years old for the coronavirus.

“This new testing option is an important diagnostic advancement to address the pandemic and reduce the public burden of disease transmission,” said FDA C ommissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. in a news release. “ Today’s action u nd e rs c ore s t he F DA’s ongoing commitment to expand access to COVID-19 testing.”

How do you take the test?

The Lucira self-testing kit comes with a test device, a sample vial, a swab and written instructions. The device requires two AA batteries to operate.

Users open the swab and rotate it within each nostril five times. Next, the swab is stirred in the vial, which is then inserted inside the device. A “ready” light will blink until a “positive” or “negative” green light appears.

The company says that during clinical trials this "swab, stir and detect" design enabled users to perform the test in about two minutes.

Once the swab is taken, test results are provided within 30 minutes, but a positive result may be revealed even more quickly—in as few as 11 minutes, Lucira reports In order to monitor public health, patients are required to report their test results to the doctor that prescribed the test. ”Being able to quickly determine if a person is infected or not has been a global problem,” said John Chou, a physician with the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group and a Principal Investigator on the Lucira Health Community Testing Study in a November 18 news release. “We believe this highly mobile test can make a big difference by providing labquality results expeditiously and conveniently. Early, accurate detection is vital to delivering appropriate care and controlling the pandemic.”

Can you trust the results?

In a word, yes.

Until now, there were two

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA in the highest order.

Having said that, the rush to city hall’s political foothold is starting to brew. And brew to the max indeed. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo. com)

US FDA authorizes first rapid at-home COVID-19 testing kit NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

types of diagnostic tests for COVID-19 being used: a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and an antigen test.

Both of these tests check for the coronavirus itself, using saliva or a respiratory sample collected by nasal or throat swab.

A healthcare provider will take the sample from your nose and the back of your throat with a six-inch swab. If you are coughing up mucus, that may be tested as well.

PCR tests look for evidence of genetic material from TESTING/PAGE 19

13th-Month Pay: How to spend thee?

IT'S the time of the year which every employee looks forward to... the season of Christmas Bonus and 13thmonth pay (for some it’s even more)! Though some are still uncertain if they will receive one or not, for the majority of the employee force, Bonus it is!

As may be expected, the pandemic would have pro b a b l y c h a n g e d o u r spending holiday traditions.

No holiday travels, no company Christmas parties, no big family reunions, and no major gift-giving.

It’s more on focusing on basic spending. And while most of us are in this mode, it’s the best time to review, rethink and redo what we do with our yearly holiday windfall.

Regardless of the amount, there are ways to properly and responsibly allocate your 13th-month pay and Christmas bonus... it’s S.S.S. Settle your obligations If you can fully pay off

your money obligations, the better. However, if you cannot settle in full, pay at least a portion of it. Doing this will lessen the burden of paying the interests. It is a sad reality but sometimes we are already paying interests that are already bigger than the principal loan amount.

I got my first credit card much later in my working life. I dread the thought of having to pay huge interest as I saw in some of my friends and relatives. I remember that one piece of advice from one of our senior partners in the consultancy firm I was working with. He said it’s okay to use a credit card but always settle your account in full. Charge only what you can pay in full as most debt problems start when you pay in staggered and earn interest. I took that advice seriously.

Paying your debt is also honoring your promise.

Sometimes, this is pushed b a ck i n ou r pr i or it i e s

especially when it’s not interest-generating. But let us remember that they loaned us trusting that we will do our part of repaying them.

Especially nowadays, let us consider the fact that the people we owe may also be in need of their money already.

Let us not give them the burden of “collecting” from us.

So before you think of using your bonus to buy something, think of settling those obligations first.

Secure your tomorrow fund In my previous article, I discussed in length the importance of saving for your Tomorrow Fund. What I call Tomorrow Fund refers to your savings and investments.

Note the order, savings, and investment. It is not advisable to go direct to investing without saving first.

Savings is the money that you can take out on a per need basis or as the need arises.

This includes the Emergency

MINDFUL

JAY LEDESMA savings fund which we set aside for unforeseen or unexpected expenses such as sickness in the family, calamities or job loss, or this pandemic.

On t he ot her hand, Investments are for our long term money requirements.

These are in the forms of stocks, mutual funds, insurance, and real estate. As we say, this is our retirement money.

We are already seeing some positive movements in the stock markets, which SPEND/PAGE 19

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AC Health showcases cancer site, innovates services throughout the pandemic

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YALA Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) is developing the country's first comprehensive cancer specialty hospital.

On December 9, the AC Health Group, led by Fernando Zobel de Ayala, welcomed DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, to the cancer center site in FTI Complex, Taguig

for a brief tour and a discussion of AC Health's initiatives to support the implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).

"We are grateful to the Ayala Group for their continued commitment to improve cancer care in the country, especially by establishing the first

specialized hospital for cancer in the Philippines.

Beyond that, we also thank them for their response efforts throughout the pandemic. Being one of the first private institutions to respond to COVID-19, the Ayala group continuously works with the IATF and the government in providing testing and treatment

Ayala Corporation President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala (5th from left), Zodiac Health Ventures CEO Jenara “Nona” Ong (5th from right), DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III (3rd from right), and AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo (rightmost), together with other AC Health and DOH representatives

modalities for patients all over the country," said DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. "The Ayala Group will continue to be a partner of the Department of Health (DOH) in addressing healthcare gaps in the country. AC Health's network offers a unique opportunity to redefine healthcare in the Philippines and the Ayala Group is committed to continue investing in various innovative healthcare solutions.

Ultimately, we believe that the collaboration of the public and private sector will help realize our vision of improving healthcare for all Filipinos, especially in light of this current health crisis," added Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of the Board of AC Health.

In November, AC Health announced its partnership with the Cancer Treatment Services International (CTSI), a Varian company and a leading oncology services provider that has supported the delivery of safe, quality, and affordable

AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo and Ayala Corporation President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala welcome DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III for a tour of AC Health’s cancer center site in FTI Complex, Taguig

cancer care worldwide for nearly two decades. The 100-bed cancer facility will be located in the FTI Complex in Taguig City, Metro Manila, adjacent to Ayala Land's Arca South development.

Innovating throughout the pandemic Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), the healthcare arm of the Ayala Group, continues to leverage its network and innovate on care delivery throughout the pandemic. AC Health's integrated healthcare ecosystem

includes the country's first comprehensive cancer care hospital and a partnership with the Qualimed Health Network to improve treatment facilities in the country. Its network is also comprised of over 750 Generika Drugstores, 100 Healthway Family, MultiSpecialty, and Corporate clinics, and the HealthNow mobile application.

AC Health's business units have adapted to ensure patient needs are met amidst the pandemic: • Healthway at Home: Healthway clinics SERVICES/PAGE 15

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Region 7 Clinches Top Philippine Sports Tourism Awards

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RIVATE and public sectors and personalities in region 7 dominated

the recently concluded 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards held in Marriot, Clark on

December 10, 2020.

After almost a year of quiet preparation in jumpstarting the sports

sector in the country, the movers and shakers of Philippine sports tourism were once again recognized and awarded in the annual Philippine Sports Tourism Awards for their outstanding contributions to sports and tourism in 2019. Now in its 4th year, the 2020 Philippine Sports Tourism Awards is fully supported by the Clark Development Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, and Smart Communications.

Notably, a majority of this year’s awardees are credited to sports initiatives in Cebu and Dumaguete. The International Event of the Year award was given to the 2019 70.3 IRONMAN in Cebu province for

generating a total of over two thousand entries from 57 countries. Its organizing body, Sunrise Events Inc. managed by Princess Galura, also deservedly bagged the Organizer of the Year (private) award for their numerous events in 2019 namely Xterra, IRONKIDS, IRONGIRL, and of course, the IRONMAN 70.3.

Concurrently, the City of Dumaguete was awarded as Organizer of the Year (government) for their outstanding sports events initiatives such as the 2019 Sandurot Half Marathon, 1st Visayas Beach Ultimate Open, 2019 Little League Visayas, The Visayas Camo of Jr. NBA Philippines, the Dumaguete Dragonboat Challenge, and the 2019 Dumaguete Triathlon.

Mayor Felipe Remollo, alongside with Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, was also hailed as Sports Tourism Personality of the Year for his demonstrated advocacy

in sporting events through the years having initiated numerous sports activations as the president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation in 2011 and eventually bringing his passion for sports in his hometown, Dumaguete City, after being mayor for two terms.

Finally, Tour de Cebu, which began in 2014, received the Adventure Event of the Year Award for assembling historic motorsports enthusiasts and paving the way for a touristic motorsports rally across the Visayas.

Tour de Cebu has sparked enthusiasts all over the globe and have become successful in promoting Visayas as a prime tourism destination.

Other awardees in the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards include People’s Television Network for News Coverage of the Year, New Clark City for AWARDS/PAGE 15

Launch...

his stint at the DA, the four towns had been eyed for vegetable production to supply Mindanao's markets and the rest of the country.

In a separate event, DA-10 also turned over PHP15.86 million in agricultural aid to barangays Kalabugao and Hagpa in Impasug-ong town to support the antiinsurgency initiatives of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Evangelista noted that in Region 10 alone, DA has already distributed over PHP50 million in aid packages this year.

"The help will not stop here, as President (Rodrigo) Duterte directed us that you (farmers) are the first on the list of the government," she said.

Moreover, Evangelista announced that the agency would release more funding for agribusiness capital, milling equipment, and other farm implements to boost agricultural productivity in Region 10. (PNA)

from page 1

to the local government last week.

DA Ass i st ant S e c .

Kristine Evangelista said the food terminal's budget was sourced in the second Bayanihan Heal As One Act, which contains funding to help the agriculture sector cope with the losses from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"This is also a followthrough to the vision of (MinDA) Sec. (Emmanuel) Piñol to improve the agricultural system for farmers and ensure food security," Evangelista said, referring to the time when Piñol was DA secretary.

The g roundbre a king ceremony coincided with the first "Imtasula Vegetable D erby and Fest iva l," a marketplace for farm pro duce f rom t he four Bukidnon municipalities of Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao, and Lantapan.

Piñol recalled that during

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Davao Light, GET Philippines launch BEST BUS: Davao’s first e-bus system

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N partnership with the city government of Davao, the Aboitiz Group with AboitizPower unit Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light), GET Philippines, and QEV Technologies in Spain launched today the BEST Bus project - the first fully electric, freeride shuttle service in Mindanao, making Davao among the first pilot cities in the country.

BEST stands for Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation, and is an initiative advocating to “be green, be digital, and be kind” for the betterment of the community.

In significantly reducing harmful emissions, maximizing

available new technologies, and encouraging inclusive benefits for all, the BEST Bus project aims to leave a lasting impact on the environmental sustainability of the city and the country.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude to Davao Light and GET Philippines for supporting the city’s various initiatives over the years. “Thank you to Davao Light and GET Philippines for providing Dabawenyos with a safer and more convenient transport experience, and for helping bring Davao City closer to a more sustainable future. You have provided invaluable assistance in the areas of health, the economy,

the environment, and now, in the field of transportation,” she noted.

She stressed that the project is a welcome initiative as it is aligned with the city’s efforts to provide efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation options for the riding public.

“These buses marry modern convenience, functionality and environmental sustainability, and will be a treat for Dabawenyos this Christmas season – for not only are they fully electric and zero-emission buses, but they are also equipped with internet connectivity, and ramps and wheelchair slots for persons with disabilities (PWDs),” she said.

E-BUS/PAGE 17

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Davao Light President & COO Rodger Velasco (extreme right) led the BEST Bus Launch today to give Davaoeños efficient and environmentally sustainable means of transportation

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10

Suzuki Ends the Year With A Bang With Third Wave of DEALightful Wheels Promo

S

UZUKI Philippines Inc. (SPH), the pioneer compact car distributor in the country, is happy to announce that the DEALightful Wheels Raffle Promo is now back to choose its third batch of 10 winners to receive a brandnew Suzuki Skydrive 125 Fi! What are you waiting for? This is the chance to test your luck and begin the new year with a DEALightful new motorcycle for free!

The raffle promo is open to those who purchase any variant of the 7-seater MPV, Suzuki Ertiga in any of Suzuki’s 74 dealerships nationwide from December 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020! The Suzuki Ertiga is one of

Suzuki’s bestselling vehicles because of its likeable features best for families who love citydriving or enjoy long trips to the country side. The

Suzuki Ertiga is known to provide style, comfort, and practicality, with a price tag that starts at P738,000.00.

Announcement of winners will

be on January 9, 2021, for viewing on Suzuki Auto Philippines official Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/ SuzukiAutoPh/.

Missed

the first and second wave of this raffle promo? Don’t fret! Entries for the third wave is until the end of this month!

What are you waiting for?

Get your family

the Suzuki Ertiga as a holiday present and register online to join the raffle contest which might be your first experience of luck for 2021!

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Monday|December 14, 2020

World Fintech Festival Philippines Day 3

Business Urged: Prioritize Data Security as Cyber Threats Skyrocket

T

HE many ways by which tech can revolutionize industries, revive and strengthen ailing ones, and even protect businesses from dangerous threats were highlighted during the third day of the World Fintech Festival Philippines on Dec. 9.

Rural banks, coops, and startups can maximize financing relief to the critically-impacted sectors.

Businesses were advised to use a customer-centric approach for their most agile solutions. Fintechs are confronted by the realization that they have to embrace data privacy and security by design--or fall prey to cyber criminals.

Fintech Extends Lifeline to Struggling MSMEs To jumpstarting the economy from the paralysis caused by multiple lockdowns, fintech-based companies established ways to help grassroot members of society by providing them access to loans, livelihood opportunities, and insurance that helped support their livelihood in the midst of the pandemic.

“We share the same sentiment towards providing for the SME sector’s needs through crowdfunding. By connecting businesses, we are able to address their needs. The group has funded over $200M for SMEs in Taiwan, Indonesia, Cambodia, among others. The segment that needs most help is SMEs. We are all here to help this segment which comprises more than 40% of employment,” said Edison Tsai, Executive Director of SeedIn Technology.

Esquire Financing Chairman and CEO

Rajan Uttamchandani recommends viewing 2020 as a year of sacrifice, where provisions and risks are higher but provides stimulus for the SME segment.

“Our 5 Cs of credit have changed. We added a 6th C: New kind of business transformation is. We worked with Go Negosyo and DTI because demand for funding is very high for the SME sector. 49% unemployment rate really affects this sector and they don't have the liquidity buffer large firms have. This is a sacrificial year to help the economy bounce back. It’s not about profitability but providing a helping hand to the segment that needs it most: SMEs and micros.”

Speaking of COOPs, Roy Miclat, 1 Cooperative Insurance President and CEO, said, “In this pandemic, we hastened the launching of digitization of COOPs. They are one of the most conservative organizations in the country as they are risk averse. But because of the pandemic, the appreciation of tech grew among COOPs. The COOPs thrive in crisis.

It’s in their DNA. One of the initiatives next year is we’ll introduce climate risk disaster insurance.”

Another vulnerable sector that can help reinvigorate the economy are the currently underbanked motorcycle borrowers. “We had never released as many motorcycle loans as in this 3rd or 4th quarter of 2020,” noted Larry Ocampo, CitySavings Bank President and CEO. “We wanted to be part of the solution in jumpstarting the economy by providing Filipino workers a means to go back to work. The more people go back

RAJAN UTTAMCHANDANI Esquire Financing

to work, the faster the economy grows.”

With mobility efforts shining the spotlight on motorcycles as both private and public transport, Ocampo is confident that 2021 will see an acceleration in the motorcycle business.

“Motorcycles as part of business transport are more and more relevant. I think in relation to other SEAsian countries, capital is much lower in the Philippines. We are bullish about 2021, and expect a triple digit growth next year.”

“We have to take the risk of helping next year. It’s about the 2020 swing and you have to start somewhere,” said Uttamchandani.

Business Urged to Prioritize Data Security as Cyber Threats Soar 41% in Stay-at-Home Economy As businesses continue to migrate to online platforms with a 1,000% growth in the last 8 months, organizations are pivoting to prioritize cloud, AI, data regulations,

and cybersecurity as cyberthreats increased by 41%.

There is significant acceleration to the cloud among organizations.

Fintechs are all about digital business, flexible working arrangements.

Cyber resources are scarce resources so we have to point out the most important things.

“For Globe, security and data privacy for Globe is centered on customer care. We have invested about $90 million in the past years. Cybersecurity is placed on top 5 of top-level priorities,” said Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer at Globe. “We do proactive and reactive collabs to protect our customers. We don't charge banks for this protection.”

“We might start to see government agencies considering an overarching regulation on data sovereignty,” said Atty. JJ Disini, Managing Partner of Disini Law Office. “The conversation is starting and fintech is a

ANTON BONIFACIO Globe

JALLAIN MANRIQUE KPMGPH

large part of that because data is essential to growth.

This data needs to be able to flow in terms of fintech and financial institutions because the Philippines has one of the strictest regulations in terms of this.”

Underscoring the importance of a data stream that’s heavily fortified, National Privacy Commission (NPC)

Commissioner Raymund Liboro shared that their work with Fintech Alliance to create a Code of Practice that ensures the data rights of consumers is not overridden by data processing.

“NPC believes the critical point is having that balance of ensuring data protection for consumers is primordial SECURITU/PAGE 17

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MONDAY|DECEMBER 14, 2020

Good leadership in education

By LYDIA M. LLIDO Teacher I

ALL educators take on leadership roles. Teachers are the leaders of their classrooms. Principals are the leaders of their schools.

Ever y educator plays a part in leading tomorrow’s future. How inspiring is that? Together, no matter what your role is, we are all making a difference in the lives of our students.

A good educational leader needs a solid understanding of oneself and must also have

conf idence. When you believe in yourself, you can accomplish so much more. Have confidence in the decisions you make.

D on’t b e ne r vous and don’t be afraid of what others may think. Plan how you’ll start each and everyday in ways that will lead your students, school and colleaguesin the right direction to achieve their goals.

You can’t lead a group of people if you don’t speak

w it h ot h e rs . T h e b e st educational leaders are excellent communicators and know how to reach a var iet y of p e ople in many different ways. For instance, a principal amy have one-on-one chats with teachers each week and also send out a daily email update. This way, the principal takes the time to communicate in person but also makes communication convenient by emailing the teachers as well.

Kabataang Mamamahayag sa Panahon ng Pandemya

By AILEEN P. MATUNDAN

Hindi maikakaila na sa panahon ngayon maraming mga kabataan ang nakatutok sa kani-kanilang mga gadgets partikyular na ang mobile phones. Dahil sa pandemya, hindi maiiwasan na hindi gumamit iyon sapagkat nabago ang kagawian nila.

Ang kanilang galaw ay nasa bahay na lamang kaya’t ang bawat oras ay naibabad na sa pag browse ng social media sites na naging libangan at pamatay ng inip at bagot na kanilang nararanasan.

Subalit, paano na kung sila ay makakasagap ng hindi makabuluhang kaalaman?

Huwag natin ismolin ang

mga kabataan ngayon sapagkat sa tulong ng ating mga munting juan sa pamamamahayag makakatulong sila sa pag l a g an ap ng mg a p a k i pakinabang na mga alituntunin.

Sa pamamagitan ng digital industry, maibabahagi nila ang kanilang talento na mailathala ang mga artikulo na makapag hatid ng dagdag na kaalaman.

Sa paglitaw ng mga bagong teknolohiya at plataporma sa pag-aaral ngayong pandemya ang ating mga huwarang kabataang mamamahayag ay sumisimbolo ng kagitingan dahil sa oras ng kagipitan at kalamidad sila ay agad na may ibabahaging impormasyon

na makakatulong upang mabigyan ng solusyon ang nasagap na balita sa sanlibutan.

Bagama’t nasa kani-kanilang tahanan ang bawat kabataan may silbi parin sila sa lipunan, mga kabataan na magiging ehemplo sa mga darating na henerasyon.

Dito maipagmamalaki nila na sa panahon ng pandemya, sila ay may na ambag sa mamamayan at ito ay ang maiparating sa iba’t-ibang sulok ng mundo na sila ay may angking galing sa pagbigay ng wastong kaalaman at impormasyon na mag sisilbing liwanag sa mga taong naikubli sa kadiliman.

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World Fintech Festival Philippines Day 4

Philippines to Gain in Tech Power Shift from West to Asia

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ATTY. EMMANUEL BONOAN KPMGPH

WO powerhouse panels on the fourth and penultimate day of the World Fintech Festival (WFF) - Philippines focused on two global trends that the Philippines needs to adopt on the road to post-COVID economic recovery.

These are the tectonic shift of digital transformation from the West to Asia, and the swift integration of machinelearning tech into our industries, especially traditional or legacy companies.

Philippines to Gain in Tech Power Shift from West to Asia The highly competitive world of tech has been pushed by the events of 2020 to more aggressively build bridges and push innovation as we see an increase in SMEs opting

for digitalization.

Now, more than ever, securing funding for SMEs is a cornerstone in fortifying the Philippine economy, as investors turn their attention from the West to the major tech growth in Asia.

“There are three reactions that happen at the entry of changes: frustration, indifference, and innovation. Initially, you can expect a divide.

It’s true for any industry.

But eventually, if you are doing the right thing, everyone else will follow.

Banks collaborating with fintech and embracing tech will be ahead of the game five to ten years from now,” said Coins.ph CEO Ron Hose.

Following the 722% transaction increase for InstaPay in the pandemic’s aftermath, finding a happy equilibrium between fintechs and banks is key

VINCE YAMAT 917Ventures

to ensuring the longevity of this sector, which relies on interconnectivity and interoperability.

Christiaan Kaptein, Partner of Integra Partners, and Matthew Kolling, Chief Investment Officer of UBX, have been working together to create an open ecosystem that enables various industries to better transition into a tech-based economy.

Kaptein noted how the tech power shift has mostly been brought on

by COVID-19 “pushing the agenda of digitization.”

He showed how hardware, models, new data, and proxies dictate how tech shifts from the West to Asia. The biggest sector to look forward to is SAAS in the coming years.

Meanwhile, Kolling and TagCash Owner and Founder Mark Vernon noted another growth area that moved investors

in North America and Europe to cast their eye on the Philippines: our young, tech-savvy population compared to the more mature and aging markets in their own regions.

Supporting this sentiment, Joan Yao, Kickstart Ventures Vice President of Investments, shared how its platform has been the Philippines’ largest corporate venture fund backed by major local players Ayala and Globe.

As part of their optimistic approach to startups becoming more buildable over time, they’ve allocated US$180M into this fund.

WFF Philippines convener Amor Maclang notes that 30.7 million small businesses were recorded in the previous year, and of these, half will only survive for five years.

“To hurdle this challenge, ideators and entrepreneurs must

ensure that, apart from being profitable, they should establish their story, impactability, and portfolio relevance,” she stressed.

Micropayments and consumption have been at the core of mass adoption, bearing the weight of investment considerations like each company’s ability to adapt to hypergrowth in tech, due to both new challenges and groundbreaking changes.

As digital reigns, Filipinos can skew more into digitizing their startups to run business smoothly and get past the setbacks that once might have plagued remote work, digital health, e-commerce, education, and entertainment.

Energy Legacy Biz Adopt Automation as 57% of Global Companies Increase AI-Tech Head Count Legacy businesses, specifically those in enertech, telemedicine, and insurtech, are continuing their longheld tradition of being at the forefront of change by leading the charge into the adoption of automation using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technologies.

About 57% of global companies have increased their AI-tech workforce to respond to the needs of their customers, while simultaneously streamlining internal processes that can ultimately reduce up to at least six months’ worth of overtime work.

“The most important thing is to understand customers and know the pain points needed to be solved. For instance, FinTech is growing and blockchain is happening now,” said Vince Yamat, Managing Partner of 917Ventures. “917Ventures operates several companies like GCash. We used AI in GCash through GCredit by credit scoring.

At Globe, we utilize AI by understanding how consumers use data.

We are creating a lot of capabilities and platforms for different ventures. For KonsultaMD, which is telehealth, we use AI in triaging concerns.”

“Every industry will be touched by AI. Energy industry itself will be powered by AI. Using robotics resulted in so much savings in people's time,” noted KPMG Philippines ViceChairman and COO Emmanuel Bonoan.

“I was very happy with the results so I mandated our tax division to use RPA. I will give you an example. Before we implemented RPA, each tax return per client would do around four hours. But after we implemented RPA, each tax return is now about 30 seconds. Within two months from the time we implemented RPA, we saved 6 months’ worth of man hours. That is such a huge savings in overtime.

Morale of our people also increased because they are now put to tasks which allow them to use their critical thinking.”

Energy Development SHIFT/PAGE 15

15

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MONDAY|DECEMBER 14, 2020

Shift... from page 14

Corporation (EDC) Chief Transformation Officer Joy Santamarina detailed the company’s efforts in working on a digital twin of EDC’s power plants which enables them to analyze the data and provide customers valuable information that can help them be wise with their electricity consumption.

“What we've done so far is to look at the value chain of the whole ecosystem of our generation and put in necessary platforms in order to analyze data and predict certain outages and address them before they even occur.”

“Digitization plays a big part. From a seismic perspective, it is the analysis of waves. It allows us to clearly see what happens on the ground. To really understand the probability of your success. Exploration is low when it comes to business success - around 8% of success,” said Don Paulino, General Manager of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX).

“Digitization allows us to know where to do the seismic and how to do it. Sometimes it takes about 6 months, but with digitization, you can develop the field much quicker.”

“But in order to make digitalization more palatable even for the most oldfashioned of stakeholders, Meralco Vice President and Strategy and Business Development Office Head Raymond Ravelo advises to “leverage tech and innovation for good. We, in Meralco, are beginning this journey, and we are committed to do more to sustain energy, and sustain the future of our country, and a big factor in that is AI and digitalization.”

For more information, click on: h t t p s : / / w w w. fintechfestival.sg/ https://www.facebook. com/GeiserMaclang/ posts/3755688124441979; https://www.facebook.com/ events/686138638696369; https://www.facebook.com/ GeiserMaclang

Services... from page 6

have brought their services closer to patients through Healthway at Home, which offers home healthcare services such as COVID-19 RT-PCR testing, laboratory testing, primar y care c o n s u l t at i o n , p hy s i c a l therapy, vaccination, and medicine delivery.

• G e n e r i k a A p p : Generika Drugstores recently launched the Generika mobile application where patients can get generic medicines and other healthcare essentials right at their fingertips. The platform allows patients to lo cate the G enerika branch closest to them, order medicines and other healthcare products, select their preferred mode of payment, and choose between pick-up or delivery.

• HealthNow App: AC Health's Vigos Ventures,

in partnership with Globe's 9 1 7 Ve ntu re s , l au nche d He a lt h Now, a pr i m ar y care platform that offers telemedicine consultations, online medicine ordering and delivery, and clinic and diagnostic testing booking.

HealthNow is envisioned to be a healthcare super app that aggregates different healthcare services into one platform, the first of its kind in the Philippines.

• Qualimed Expanded COVID-19 Bed Capacity: AC Health recently expanded the COVID-dedicated bed capacity of Qualimed Sta. Rosa and Qualimed San Jose Del Monte to over 100 beds combined. This signifies another milestone between the partnership of AC Health and Qualimed which began in April when AC Health converted Qualimed Sta. Rosa into a COVID-19 Referral Hospital.

Both the Generika and Healthnow apps are available for download in Google Play for Android and the App Store for iOS. "We are proud to leverage our integrated healthcare ecosystem and accelerate innovations across our portfolio as a response to the crisis and in preparation for the next normal. Innovation is at the forefront of our priorities, especially as we witness and adapt to the changes in healthcare delivery brought by the pandemic.

By offering home healthcare services, launching digital health platforms, and building specialty treatment facilities, AC Health aims to transform traditional care methods while continuing to deliver quality, affordable, and accessible care to all Filipinos," said Paolo Borromeo, AC Health President and CEO.

Chamber... from page 1

October 1984 with Aldrico T. Manus as president.

The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., (Oro Chamber) gained a legal personality when it was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 29, 1985. (see related Early History of Oro Chamber on page ).

Today, the Oro Chamber holds its virtual 4th General Membership Meeting for 2020 concurrent with the induction of the 2021 Oro Chamber Officers.

To be inducted into office are the following: Jaime Rafael U. Pagiuo, chairman of the board’ Ruben A. Vegafria, president; Arthur B. Quiblat, VP (Agriculture & Agribusiness); Agnes O. Adviento, VP (Business Support Organizations); Robertino E. Pizarro, VP (Manufacturing & Industry); Helen Grace P. Uy, VP (Services); Dennis T. Mackun ( Tr a d e & C om m e rc e ) ; Antonio S. Soriano (Corporate Secretary); Pio D. Baconga (Treasurer) and Jesus M. Jardin (Auditor).

Also to be inducted as members of the Board of Trustees are the following: Jolly

D. Gallamanso, (Agriculture & Agribusiness); Peleberto D. Acut, (Manufacturing & Industry); Jeffrey T. Ang (Services); Jan Michael S. Uy and Efren T. Uy (Trade & Commerce).

Ambassador Benedicto V. Yujuico, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President, will induct the new set of officers into office.

For the business portion of the GMM, Robertino E. Pizarro will render his annual report, to be followed by the Ratification of the Oro Chamber By-Laws to be presented by Corporate Secretary Antonio S. Soriano.

Following the turnover of the gavel from Pizarro to Vegafria as the new president and the latter’s acceptance speech, VP Agnes O. Adviento will moderate the recognition and presentation of service aw ard s to out st and i ng members.

B esides Ambassador Yujuico, the event will also be graced by PCCI Mindanao Area Vice President Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio and PCCI Northern Mindanao Regional Governor Roderico Bioco.

Besides being the first Oro Chamber to head PCCI’s Mindanao Area as its area vice president, Alegrio is also the first Oro Chamber Secretary General to be elected Oro Chamber President and also subsequently served as PCCI Region X governor.

Extend...

from page 1 On December 1, Antique lone district Rep. Loren Legarda f iled HB 8116 while Maguindanao 2nd district Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu filed 8117.

The Legarda and Mangudadatu bills were filed on December 1 and their first reading was on December 7. The first reading of the Romualdez bill was on December 9.

The three bills are pending at the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms as of December 10.

From December 14, there are only 42 session days (Mondays to Wednesdays) until Congress adjourns sine die on June 4, 2021: three remaining sessions in December, 30 from January 18 to March 26, and nine

from May 17 to June 4.

No counterpart bill has been filed in the Senate as of December 10.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, Executve Secretary Abdulraof Abdul Macacua and Local G ove r n m e nt s M i n i s t e r Naguib Sinar imb o met with the leadership of the House of Representatives in separate meetings with Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Majority Leader Romualdez, House Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano last Wedneday, December 9. “ The le aders of t he House assured us of their support for the extension of the transition in the Bangsamoro,” Sinarimbo wrote on his Facebook account on Wednesday, to accompany the photos of the meetings he posted.

“Ample time” The Romualdez bill, like the Legarda and Mangudadatu bills, seeks to amend Section 13 of Article 16 of Republic Act, to “postpone the conduct of its first elections form 2022 to 2025.”

In his explanatory note, Romualdez three threeyear extension will allow the Bangsamoro government “to focus on the needs of the Bangsamoro people and ensure the continued growth and development of their region” and to give “ample time time for a full and more efficient transition of the BARMM and the effective impl e m nt aat ion of t he program sna operations of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.”

The BTA is the 80-member body appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to govern the BARMM during the three year transition period that that is supposed to end on June 30, 2020.

The interim Bangsamoro Parliament passed Resolution 93 on November 17, urging the House of Representatives and the Senate to extend the

transition period until June 30, 2025 to give the transition government “sufficient time to continue in performing its powers and functions and fulfill its mandate.”

On November 23, President Rodrigo Duterte and key Cabinet officers met in Davao City with Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and his delegation to discuss the proposed extension of the transition period.

On November 26, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez told the House Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity chaired by Mangudadatu that President Duterte “believes that three years is too short and he agrees for the possible extension of the BTA up to five to six years.”

Galvez told the House Committee that they are aware of the difficulties of the BARMM government in laying the ground for the foundation of the regional government.

He said the political and normalization tracks laid down under RA 11054, the enabling law of the peace agreement, have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The normalization t r a ck w h i ch i n clu d e s decommissioning of t he c omb at ant s of t he Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has also been affected.

“The movement of the peace workers as well as international peace partners have been restricted” and “funds have been reduced since some of the resources were utilized for emergency purposes,” Galvez said.

“If we want the transition to be successful, we need to give our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters ample time to lay the foundation.

And realistically, we cannot achieve this in three years,” he said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Awards... from page 8

Sports Venue of the Year, Philippine Airlines for Airline of the Year, Resorts World Manila for Charity Event of the Year, CocaCola Beverages Philippines for Event Sponsorship of the Year, The Mansion Boutique Hotel and Villas for Hotel of the Year, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for Destination Marketing of the Year, Triathlon Association of the Philippines for Sports Association of the Year, TINMAN Ilocos Norte for Event of the Year (domestic) and Clark Freeport Zone for Sports Tourism Destination of the Year.

ADDENUM TO THE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH who died on 19 July 2014 at Cagayan de Oro City; that MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH died intestate, without a Will or Testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; that on 8 January 2015, we, the surviving heirs, executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH which includes real properties situated in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City, and more particularly described as follows with 1) Tax Dec. No. 14-002401441 situated at Pala-o, Iligan City, containing an area of 445 sq.m, 2) Tax Dec. No. 14-002401442 situated at Pala-o, Iligan City, containing an area of 215.78 sq.m. (BLDG), 3) Tax Dec. No. 14-0024-01015 sitauted at Pala-o, Iligan City, containing an area of 396.92 sq.m. (BLDG), 4) Tax Dec. No. G-012480 Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 370 sq.m., 5) Tax Dec. No. G-012534 situated at Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 1,277 sq.m., 6) Tax Dec. No. G-012535 situated at Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro, (BLDG), 7) Tax Dec. No. G-109265 sitauted at Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 256 sq.m., 8) Tax Dec. No. G-109266 situated at Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 256 sq.m., 9) Tax Dec. No. G-012554 situated at Mortola St., Brgy 40, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 66 sq.m., 10) Tax Dec. No. G-178389 sitauted at J.R. Borja St., Poblacion, Brgy 32, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 46.50 sq.m., 11) Tax Dec. No. G-269347 situatec at Tiano Brothers St., Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 33 sq.m., 12) Tax Dec. No. 063936 sitauted at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 26 sq.m., 13) Tax Dec. No. G-063327 situated at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 1297 sq.m., 14) Tax Dec. No. G-063774 sitauted at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 2759 sq.m., 15) Tax Dec. No. G-063774 situated at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 36 sq.m. and has been the subject of an ADDENUM TO THE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH, filed by the heirs, per DOC #470; PAGE #94; BOOK #39; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MARIA LEONITA Q. GO. BWM: Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

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Monday|December 14, 2020

Senator MANNY PACQUIAO

DR. JUSTO TITO ORTIZ Union Bank

AMOR MACLANG WFF PH

World Fintech Festival Philippines Day 5

Brand Digital PH eyes Whole-of-Country Digital Transformation CONTINUOUS Collaboration is evidently the next quantum step forward as the week-long World Fintech Festival (WFF)-Philippines wound up on a high note with the signing of three major partnerships between international organizations and tech associations in the country.

The three panels explored the core of the fintech industry with the upskilling and training of the digital workforce, the rise of healthtech and insurtech, and the launching of Brand Digital Pilipinas.

Among the big names in tech who graced the last day of WFFPhilippines’Senator Manny Pacquiao, Ernest Cu, Dr. Justo “Tito”

The inability to process and analyze big data among fresh graduates has been identified by company headhunters as one of the biggest issues in hiring new candidates.

While the corporate side has been generous in providing short courses for new recruits to speed up competence and compatibility in the company, speakers in the upskilling and reskilling panel hold that commitment to lifelong learning and the establishment of learning roadmaps must be in place to turn Filipinos into digital superstars excelling in the digital transformation sphere.

Sprout Solutions CoFounder and Product Head Alexandria Gentry said

that it is possible, we just have to take the first steps toward the right direction,” Gentry stressed Affirming this was ImpactHub’s Chief Innovation Officer Diego Jose Ramos shared that “there is a big gap in the reference between local and international standards. I've checked both education curricula.

Even though programming courses start as early as the third year, the government must have a strong mandate to radically change the education system.”

UnionBank’s EVP and Chief Human Resource Officer Michelle Rubio placed a huge emphasis on the holistic learning of a company. “It is important to tech up the

acquired agile skills,” said Rubio.

Being equipped with technical skills is crucial to making Filipinos digitallycompetitive. Yet Rubio reiterated that human skills are the New Normal era of 2021 nears.

“From the old to the young, there's essentially going to be a requirement for skill sets in the digital sphere. It's going to be an opportunity for them to learn a lot because this is the way to the future. However, let's not also lose our human skills: empathy, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication because these are just as important.”

The Rise of Healthtech and Insurtech Only 7% of Filipinos are

accessibility for the Philippine market by way of digitization.

Zayd Tolentino, Chief Technology Officer of SingLife, noted how digital life insurance means equipping companies with the proper tools, namely Cloud, API, Big Data, Fintech, and Blockchain, in order to more efficiently tweak the overall experience for end-users.

By creating a microservice ecosystem, most users have easier access to solutions that companies can better deliver at cheaper costs.

Massive amounts of data from the Ayala Corporation and Globe have made it possible for HealthNowPH to leverage on it and understand the pain points of customers.

Susana Beatriz Latay,

and actively address new medical challenges like outbreaks as they arise.

Technology is able to provide the avenue that both providers and patients alike seek out, creating a medium that lessens costs while providing the efficiency, safety, and security that most people are concerned about. Jay Fajardo, CEO and Co-Founder of Medifi, shared how its platform was designed to cater to the thousands of doctors seeking to onboard themselves.

The data shows that ⅔ of Filipinos will never see a doctor. However, 70% of doctor’s visits have been deemed unnecessary.

The digitalization process of clinical care is meant to alleviate

Ortiz, Michelle Rubio, and Zayd Tolentino share their thoughts, plans, and outlook for the future of the Philippines as it embraces a digital transformation that ripples past tech players and out into the populace.

Restructuring of Academic Curriculum Needed to Turn Filipinos into Digital Superstars

that, apart from companymandated training and self-initiated crash courses by newly minted workforce members, the government must also play an active role in revisiting and restructuring the academic curriculum.

“We have to change the curriculum to accelerate learning, it won't happen quickly. But we've seen

generation prior to these groups because they also add significant value.

What we're generally after is reskilling across the organization so that we can transform as a company as fast as we can and be able to reap the rewards of digitization.

After four years of doing this, our team members have digitally adopted and

Insured, and 2/3 of them will never see a doctor In the midst of COVID-19, society has had to shift to a tech-based economy with healthconscious citizens, making the Filipino market better prepared for embracing digital insurance.

Online insurance and telemedicine are being pushed to more

HealthNowPH CEO, broke down the steps to making solutions for the customer journey that encompasses healthcare, fintech, and telco. These bridge affordability and health together in a future-forward execution, allowing digital healthcare to connect with consumers, become more widely accessible,

this, ensuring that the healthcare system is not overloaded and treatment is more readily available to those who need it. As the pandemic rages on, UX pivots and architecturing of infrastructure have become crucial points in making payments and interactions smooth processes for DIGITAL/PAGE 19

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Security... from page 12

and enabling companies.

While progress and development are assured, it likewise presents risks to i ndiv idu a ls avai l i ng such services. Last year, complaints claimed that there are companies practicing harassment, high interest in loans, and public shaming. NPC took down 20 lending companies which violated regulations,” said Liboro.

“Privacy is an enabler of trust. Fortunately, unlike typho ons, e ar t hquakes, pr ivac y r isks are manmade and can be mitigated.

Governments and businesses will be judged not only by their products and services, but also by how they protect data of consumers,” he added.

DX from Disaster: Crisis, COVID-19 Birthed Innovative Apps in 2020 The year 2020 was a turning-point in the c amp ai g n to d i g it a l i z e the nation, as it finally convinced even the skeptics that tech could spell the difference between survival and success. The COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed business an d e c on om i c a c t i v it y and highlighted the need for a more agile business landscape.

“For us, we are optimistic that what we went through in 2020 made people understand the benefits of going digital,” said Yves Gonzalez, Google Philippines Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy. “In 2021, all stakeholders will pivot their strategy. You need to be digital. One of the sharings I wanna do this year is, for the first time, even in legislation, everything is digital now. Previously those were all face to face meetings. Some of the old ways were shifted. We as a country will really embrace digitization further.”

As stated by moderator G o o d Te c h H o l d i n g s President and CEO Jove Ta p i a d o r , “ S o w h e n enterprises think of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late JACINTO BUSCAINO, who died intestate on October 1, 1997 in Simaya, Malaybalay City, that the deceased died without a Will and without any debt in favor of any persons or entity; that the decedent left a parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-61035 situated in the Barangay of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO (172) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY, filed by the heirs of JACINTO BUSCAINO, per DOC #467; PAGE #94; BOOK #123; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. BUENAVENTURA E. SAGRADO. BWM: Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2020

investments in ICT, they need to consider how tech capabilities can empower them and enable strong recovery,” he said.

“Having a people-first mindset is important to be a resilient organization,” said KPMG CIO Jallain Manrique. “So I think it revolves around that area.

Technology will just follow.

Necessity is a mother of innovation. If there is a need then the tech will provide that.”

Having worked with the government since March, Yves Gonzalez has seen how tech that is created to answer a necessity is inarguably more sustainable and relevant. From edutech for 22 million students to plotting testing centers on GoogleMaps and Waze, tech initiatives that would normally take years to roll out were complete d in months.

“The private sector can work with the government to do machine learning. We're hoping that this experience teaches us the value of cloud.

As we move forward, we can get things done quickly if we collaborate and if we are geared by a common mission,” he added.

While Google PH has focused on education and accessibility of testing sites, Globe has concentrated on fintech through GCash and telemedicine through KonsultaMD. The former of these recently recorded 1 trillion pesos worth of transactions. Globe Chief Information Officer Carlo Malana said, “It's not just about the next 6 months.

We always take care of our customers. At the end of the day, tech must be used by the people for the people.

There's always a mission behind tech.”

Multisys Founder and CEO David Almirol advises

that we should be enablers of our partners. “It's a learning process. It is everyone's duty now to support each other.

We all know no company, no big conglomerate is perfect.

We should combine the skill sets and strengths we have.”

Whi le work ing w it h the government to develop the Stay Safe App, Almirol said he too realized the need to always focus on relevance. “Last month, we were able to launch 3 new platforms for MSMEs that can’t afford expensive platforms. We were able to combine 15 courier groups in the Philippines, and we also launched a shopping platform which MSMEs can use where they can sell and operate with cashless payments.”

“We want to meet the customers where customers want to be met. We try to make it easy and convenient for customers to repay loans as possible. In PH, it is very popular to use Viber, so we integrate channels where they want to be met. COVID has pushed us to do this a lot faster,” said Collectius Founder and CEO Gustav Eriksson.

“Everybody is focusing on maintaining customer relationships. Winners out of this will be the guys with systems and processes that can maintain c ustomer relationships in this difficult time,” Eriksson said. “When the economy starts growing again, you have customers that still want to deal with you.”

For more information, click on: h t t p s : / / w w w. fintechfestival.sg/ https://www.facebook. com/GeiserMaclang/ posts/3755688124441979; https://www.facebook.com/ events/686138638696369; https://www.facebook. com/GeiserMaclang

E-bus... from page 9

Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin M. Aboitiz said the organization is proud to be a part of an initiative that marries technolog y and good governance to create a platform that improves quality of life for all.

“We a lso thank GET Ph i l ippi nes a nd QEV Tech nolog ies Spa i n for being our partners in this public-private endeavor.

BEST Bus ser ves as our contribution to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by providing innovative solutions for a cleaner, safer, and kinder world,” he noted.

He explained that Aboitiz has a long history with Davao City, starting with the city’s 9-1-1 system that used Davao Light’s electric posts as one of the means to get the system running. The Group also manages Cleanergy Park, an icon of biodiversity in the city, and operates Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., which currently builds an alternative water source for the city’s future water needs.

A total of seven new fully air-conditioned electric buses feature an electric ramp and reserved space for PWDs. Each of the buses, which will be operating from the Davao Light office in Ponciano, Davao City, has a maximum capacity of 30 persons. However in observance of the current social distancing protocols, only half of this capacity will

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte IN RE: PETITION FOR REAPPOINTMENT AND RECOMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC IN THE PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE UNDER THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE COURT PARTICULARLY IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF KOLAMBUGAN, TANGKAL, TUBOD, MAGSAYSAY AND BAROY FOR THE TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2022

Pet. for Not. Com. No. 063-07-2020

ATTY. MYRAFLOR L. OPAY-ARMAS,

Petitioner. x----------------------------------------------/ IN RE: PETITION FOR REAPPOINTMENT AND RECOMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC IN THE PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE UNDER THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE COURT PARTICULARLY IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF KOLAMBUGAN, TANGKAL, TUBOD, MAGSAYSAY AND BAROY FOR THE TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2022

Pet. for Not. Com. No. 064-07-2020

ATTY. MARK CHRISTOPHER A. BABOR,

Petitioner. x----------------------------------------------/ IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF AN APPOINTMENT AS NOTARY PUBLIC OF THE PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE

Pet. for Not. Com. No. 065-07-2020

ATTY. DOROTHEA SALIGAN-BASALO,

Petitioner. x-----------------------------------------------/

NOTICE OF HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for notarial commission of ATTY. DOROTHEA SALIGAN-BASALO, ATTY. MYRAFLOR L. OPAY-ARMAS, and ATTY. MARK CHRISTOPHER A. BABOR shall be on January 19, 2021 at 1:30 in the afternoon at RTC, Branch 07, Tubod, Lanao del Norte. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto, received by the undersigned before the date of the summary hearing.

Done this 4th day of December, 2020 at Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

BWM: Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2020

(sgd.) RICHIE GAY T. MENDOZA Presiding Judge

BWM: Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2020

be allowed during the initial operations., Davao Light and Power Company President and Chief Operating Officer Rodger Velasco said the 100% fully electric feature of the bus means no harmful emissions, only sustainable impact on the environment.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, Davao Light together with the rest of the Aboitiz Group, our partners especially GET Philippines look at ways to support our beloved Davao City while ensuring that the environment is not harmed,” he stressed.

Available to the public, the BEST Bus will operate daily on two downtown routes, through the major city centers, with bus stops every 400 meters along the way.

The BEST Bus rides may be accessed by the public for free via the BEST Pass on the GET Pass app, which is available for free download on Google Play and Apple App stores. QR Codes for the app are available on the BEST Bus and BEST Bus stops.

Rules... from page 2

gatherings.

"Ato pud geprotektahan ang naa sa extreme ages such as those less than 18 years old and more than 65 years olds sa tigom-tigom kay they are the vulnerable group sa COVID-19," she added.

(We a ls o prote c t in gatherings those in extreme ages such as less than 18

years old and more than 65 years olds because they are the vulnerable group for COVID-19.)

Lim further said house to house caroling is prohibited under the new EO. "Mahadlok ta kay basin ang mahatag dili lang sensilyo ug pinaskuhan, basin maapil pa ang COVID virus," the EOC manager pointed out.

(We are afraid that aside from coins and Christmas gifts, we might give them COVID virus.)

The EO also regulates the conduct of gift-giving and the consumption of liquor and alcoholic drinks in restaurants and bars.

Accordingly, "persons or establishments intending to conduct gift-giving must ensure that recipients are limited to 10 attendees and standard health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shields and strict physical distancing are strictly observed."

Meanwhile, drinking liquor, alcoholic drinks, or any intoxicating product in public places such as restaurants, bars, eateries, and other similar establishments is allowed but only limited to two servings per customer (APB/PIA-ICIC)

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Early History of the Oro Chamber

T

HROUGH the years, Oro Chamber has remained one of the leading local chambers of commerce in the Philippines as the "Voice of Business in Northern Mindanao."

It is the first “Hall of Fame Awardee” of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCI)

and was the first to host the 1st Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON) in 1992, and again hosted it in 1994, 2003, 2010 and 2017.

The first iteration of the Oro Chamber was organized in December 1982 by a group of 25 firms convened by the late Dante P. Sarraga, then the Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of

Commerce and Industry (PCCI), as an affiliate chamber of the PCCI. This Group of 25 believed it was high time that Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental Province have an organization that could properly represent and articulate the problems and issues affecting business and businessmen in the area.

Elected as charter president was the late Dr. Virgilio Neri, Sr. The following year, the Oro Chamber exhibited its pioneering spirit as it organized and hosted the 1st Conference on Cottage, Small and Medium Industries at the VIP Hotel.

However, the untimely demise of Dr. Neri later that year left a void in the leadership of this fledgling organization.

But the dream refused to die and, on October 1984, a new Board of Directors was installed and elected Aldrico T. Manus as president.

The Oro Chamber as it is known today was formally later established on 29 March 1985 when it was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the

Dante P. Sarraga, Oro Chamber Convenor (photo courtesy of the Sarraga Family)

Registry Certificate No. 12944, as the Cagayan De Oro Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Foundation, Inc. In its first notable accomplishment, the Oro Chamber signed a partnership with Handwerskskammer, Kassel (Kassel Chamber of Small Crafts and Trades) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its inclusion to the Philippine-German Chamber Cooperation Program (PGCCP) on February 18, 1986.

Through the aegis of the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit, GmbH (GTZ, or German Agency for Technical Assistance) and the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the PGCCP provided training, advisory, equipment and financial subsidies to both chambers.

Now known as the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale

PCCI Region X Governor Guido Delgado addresses the 1st Mindanao Business Conference held August 14-15, 1992 at Pryce Plaza (photo courtesy of GAAD)

The first two presidents of Oro Chamber Al Manus and Guido Delgado (photo courtesy of GAAD)

Zusammenarbeit GmbH) the GTZ is the German development agency that provides services in the field of international development cooperation.

On September of 1987, the first Secretary General of the Oro Chamber was hired in the person of Mr. Nestor J. Abanil.

What was originally designed to be a 3-year

Oro Chamber Officers and Members of the Board at a Planning Session at Dahilayan Adventure Park during the incumbency of Pres Dodong Donggay. (photo courtesy of Ghaye Alegrio)

If interested, contact:

DANICA SUDARIA

dannycarosesudaria0512@gmail.com 0936-046-2356

Assistance Program was extended to seven years with the Oro Chamber that we know today as its crowning achievement in Cagayan de Oro. Guido Alfredo A. Delgado was elected president in 1988, with Ramid P. Gualberto succeeding Abanil as Secretary General for two years. Pres. Delgado kept the chamber at the forefront of lobbying on the issues that affected the business community.

In May 1991, Marriz Manuel B. Agbon succeeded Gualberto as Secretary General and paved the way for further professionalizing the services of the chamber. Among its key accomplishments under Agbon’s tenure was the completion of the Master Plan for the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor (CIC) Special Development HISTORY/PAGE 19

Oro Chamber Officials join Xavier Ateneo Pres Bobby Yap and city officials in inaugurating Xavier Ecoville Phase 1 on 25 Jan 2012 at Bgy Lumbia. (photo courtesy of Ghaye Alegrio)

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Wonders... law of life that works for your happiness and success. As a prosperous businessman says: “Hard work is the best investment a man can make.”

In 1949 an unknown scientist started research on polio. He worked 16-18 hours a day—6 days a week—for 5 years! His reward? He found the cure for polio and saved millions of lives around the world. Dr. Jonas Salk’s hard work paid off in a big way.

He is now known as one of history’s greatest men of medicine.

Are you enjoying the success and satisfaction that comes from diligently using your time and talents God gave you? It is the only way you can make your family and career the best it can be?

Sincerely ask Jesus to help you start reaching your full potential by discovering the wonders of work. Just think a minute . . .

When will the test be widely available?

Lucira’s single-use device has been in development for the past five years. Initially, it was intended to help test for the flu. When the pandemic began, Lucira shifted its focus to testing for COVID-19.

In the near-term, the Lucira home test kit is expected to be available to patients served by Sutter Health in Northern California and Cleveland Clinic Florida in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale region.

By early spring 2021, the test is expected to be available nationally through health care providers.

By the second quarter of 2021, Lucira says it plans to amend its EUA or file a new EUA so people who suspect they’re infected with COVID-19 can communicate with a medical professional online through a dedicated website to receive a prescription and overnight delivery of the test kit.

from page 4

from page 4

from page 4

Testing...

the virus. Antigen tests are designed to detect fragments of proteins found on or inside the virus.

PCR tests are typically more accurate than antigen tests but take longer—hours or days—to process. Antigen tests, on the other hand, can provide results within minutes. Although positive antigen test results are very reliable, these tests tend to miss more cases than PCR tests. So, a negative antigen test result may need to be confirmed with a PCR test.

The Lucira at-home COVID-19 test is a molecular (real-time loop mediated amplification reaction) test.

It works by extracting g e n e t i c m at e r i a l f rom the virus and amplifying it. During clinical trials, the Lucira test was highly accurate when compared to a previously FDA-authorized high sensitivity SARS-CoV-2 test.

“There are currently two types of COVID-19 tests that detect whether a person is infected and potentially infectious,” said Lucira Health CEO Erik Engelson.

“Antigen tests detect viral proteins and can provide results quickly. However, they are not diagnostically definitive and are more likely to miss an active coronavirus infection, or positive result, compared to molecular tests.

Molecular tests like Lucira’s are 50 to 60 times more sensitive than antigen tests and considered the ‘gold standard’ for determining if someone is infected.”

Lucira’s test had a 94 percent positive percent agreement (PPA) and a 98 percent negative percent agreement (NPA). This means it accurately detected the vast majority of coronavirus infections and accurately ruled out the vast majority of negative cases.

O n c e s a mp l e s w i t h extremely low levels of the virus were excluded, the test accurately detected all positive COVID-19 cases.

Spend...

should give us confidence in its prospects in the next 2-3 years. But since it’s still on way to recovery, market prices are still on discount when you get in today.

So if you are thinking of buying those unnecessary discounted items online, think ab out saving for your emergency funds or think about buying those discounted stocks for your Tomorrow!

Share and donate No one can overshare and over donate these days.

With the pandemic and the typhoons, we are all called and given the chance to share our resources, time, and talents for the benefit of our needy brothers and sisters.

You can either start your own charity campaigns or drives or you can simply donate a portion of your bonus. You can either donate to those affected by the typhoons or you can do it locally. Outside of your own homes, there are poor families, there are street children, there are orphans, and there are homeless people needing even the littlest you can share.

The Holiday spirit makes everyone more generous and giving. Christmas 2020 calls us to be extra!

So when you are doing your groceries for your own noche buena, perhaps you can also buy a loaf of bread or spaghetti pack for the needy.

With all the online sales propaganda and gimmicks, it is very tempting to spend all the bonuses on this stuff.

Now, there’s nothing wrong giving in to that craving, but let’s be mindful to do our S.S.S first! Then we give in!

Digital... from page 16

consultations.

One of the biggest challenges for inclusivity highlighted by the panelists is language. Technicalities and lack of English proficiency are pain points that need to be addressed by customer

experience. There is a goal to improve this process for Filipinos in whatever dialect they prefer, especially in remote areas that would need better tech resources that can be provided by local government units. More collaboration between the public and private sector would pave the way for better end-to-end care, as payment plans, access to data, and resource management would truly speed up the process of integration for Filipinos throughout the country.

Tolentino remarked that agility is needed to quickly respond to the marketplace.

“Insurance customers of today are not passive buyers.

They are active customers.

Before and beyond these tools, key to success is having a right mindset. Reshaping the culture is key. Having the right people with you can get you to where you want to go.”

Brand Digital Pilipinas Initiates a Wholeof-Country Digital Transformation Aside from providing a pl at for m to improve the quality of life and economic standing of the Philippines, tech can also be a means to advocate for holistic change on a crosssocietal level, through mass adoption and encouraging interconnectivity.

“Now is the Filipino’s chance to shine in tech, not just fintech. As this more than 7,100-island archipelago gets connected by ICT and the digital highway, not only will cities prosper and economies improve---but a new national consciousness will take root and emerge: a confidence in what the Filipino can do, individually and collectively.

It is a movement that we call Brand Digital Pilipinas,” said WFF-Philippines Convener Amor Maclang.

Brand Pilipinas aims to unlock more digital avenues for the betterment of Filipinos by partnering with corporations and government agencies to influence a digital transformation. Some leaders in tech are already pivoting their services to fast-track digitalization--a necessity underscored by the events of 2020.

Globe CEO Ernest Cu shared that GCash usage has been at an all-time high, with its 96 million customers even hitting 1 Trillion Pesos at the beginning of December 2020 following a spike in cashless transactions.

“It has grown from an app into a platform necessary for your daily tasks,” Cu explained. “GCash can unlock more digital avenues to make Pinoys’ lives better. In 2021, opportunities abound for the Philippines to become the innovation hub of Asia.”

Senator Manny Pacquiao announced Pac Technologies’ newest launch with PacPay, a digital payment platform meant for global influencers, brands, and fans by early 2021, developed in collaboration with Remsea of Singapore.

He urged more stakeholders to adopt a macro stance on digital transformation.

“The true measure of success for technology is attracting as many of the right people to use it. Now when I say right people, I mean that the people whom the technology is meant for, are using it to improve their lives.

We call this mass adoption in the industry, and if the Philippines can be a country that leads mass adoption, we will definitely fulfil our vision of becoming a very competitive tech hub in the world.”

As Dr. Justo “Tito” Ortiz, Un i o n b a n k C h a i r m a n , said, “70% of Filipinos are unbanked, digital transactions are 10%, and that is a great opportunity in trying to lift up and bring people into a financially inclusive community which is not just about making profit but about living a higher purpose.

Digital transformation makes that possible.”

But while the impressive adaptability of the Philippines has allowed it to adopt tech rollouts originally planned to cover years in just a matter of months, the next goal is to maintain the momentum.

“The fintech ecosystem in the Philippines is unique.

The Philippines has a highly energetic population who aspires to have a better life, a tech-savvy, kind people who have a desire to come together to build a community of success,” acknowledged Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Finte ch Of f icer of t he Monetar y Authority of Singapore (MAS), WFF’s organizer.

“What will make this sustainable? Different players in this ecosystem working together with government agencies, corporations, and SMEs embarking on their respective journeys by making st r ate g i c i nve st m e nt s ,” answered KPMG Philippines Chairman and CEO Sharon Dayoan. “If we see digital transformation happening on the government level, we can get the biggest industries to tech up and work towards Brand Digital Pilipinas.”

3 Major Partnerships Launched during WFFPhilippines As the first World Fintech Festival (WFF) came to a close, the 5-day virtual event witnessed the signing of three important agreements, signaling a collaboration between major fintech and business associations in the Philippines and from other countries.

The first was a partnership among three Philippine industry associations that are heavily involved in technology: the Philippine Association for Digital Commerce and Decentralized I n d u s t r i e s ( PA D C D I ) , the Distributed Ledger Technology Association of the Philippines (DLTAP), and the Fintech Philippines Association (FPH).

The second signing was for a Philippine Industry Sandbox led by industry groups FPH and Fintech Alliance with support from the Financial Sector and Intellectual Property (FSIP) programme funded under the

UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Prosperity Fund (PF). The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) plays an observer role in support of the Industry Sandbox.

The last highlight was the launch of the ASEAN office of the Global Impact Fintech Forum (GIFT), a global nonprofit think tank with 1000+ members from 40+ countries that helps find solutions to humanity’s key challenges by leveraging disruptive tech and fintech. Amor Maclang, WFF-Philippines Convenor, is the country advisor and Philippine representative of GIFT-ASEAN. Maclang pointed out that the coming together of all these fintech associations, national and international, signified that the building of an ecosystem among the industry players was crucial when it comes to industry growth and robustness. “ This is an era of cooperation, and industry unity is vital in fulfilling our vision of the digitization of the Philippines. The major players, SME heads, and busines leaders can gather together in events like the WFF, and through partnerships that arranged it such as the one between the MAS and the FPH. Together we can resolve the challenges that we face, seize the opportunities, and build a stronger foundation for fintech development.”

For more information, click on: h t t p s : / / w w w. fintechfestival.sg/ https://www.facebook. com/GeiserMaclang/ posts/3755688124441979; https://www.facebook.com/ events/686138638696369; https://www.facebook.com/ GeiserMaclang

History... from page 18

Project.

On August 1992, President Arsenio L. Sebastian III led the Oro Chamber in hosting the 1st Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON) in Cagayan de Oro. Close to 400 delegates attended with His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos as the Keynote Speaker.

The succeeding years marked the unprecedented growth of the Oro Chamber as it improved its services to include the organization of business conferences, trade missions, management seminars and the conduct of market research studies. Prominent among

these was the Agribusiness Systems Assistance Program (ASAP) which Oro Chamber implemented in 1992-1995 with the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

In 1993 and 1994, the Oro Chamber under the stewardship of Pres. Jesus Emmanuel M. Paras was recognized as the Most Outstanding Chamber In The Philippines by the PCCI. During the incumbency of t h e n e x t pre s i d e nt Eduardo Pelaez in 1995, the Oro Chamber partnered with key government and multilateral aid agencies for the development of the agriculture sector in Northern Mindanao with key sectoral studies for the cattle and rice industries.

It was also during Pelaez incumbency that the Oro Chamber was elevated to the PCCI Hall of Fame for Outstanding Chambers with its third consecutive recognition.

In 1996, President Roberto J. Togle, revived the chamber's partnership with Handwerskskammer Kassel with the implementation of the Regional Chamber D e v e l opm e nt Pro g r am (RCDP) which sought to develop chambers in Iligan, Butuan, Ozamiz and Bukidnon.

By 1997, the late Pres.

Ar tu ro Me rc a d e r w it h Acting Secretary General Marilou Flores, continued its outreach program through the PEARL-CIDA dubbed as the Regional Chamber Strengthening Development Program. The chamber also acted as the secretariate for the Agro-Industry Sector of the Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMPEaga) on 1997-1998.

When t he l ate Pres.

Jose M. Belen was elected president in 1999, the Oro Chamber revived the Oro Business Center in tandem with Secretary General Ma. Teresa A. Alegrio through the aegis of SWISSCONTACT. Through this project, over one thousand (1,000) SMEs underwent retooling and capability building programs.

During the same year, the Oro Chamber was selected as a public registration authority under the World Internet Secure Electronic Key (Wisekey) of Switzerland.

Under this project, the Oro Chamber became the first Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines to issue digital signatures and certificates through eCommerce.

Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion

for Orders, Contact Yoyong:

09354145759 09169249371

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