BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 16, 2020)

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Briefly Economic slowdown THE multiple shocks that hit the Philippines, including the coronavirus health crisis, will likely shrink the economy by 8.1 percent this year, but sustained improvements in managing the pandemic and a possible rebound in the global economy can help the country recover in 2021 and 2022.

These are among the key findings of the Philippines Economic Update (PEU) released Tuesday by the World Bank.

The current economic forecast is a revision from the -6.9 percent World Bank forecast in October, resulting from the deep contraction in the third quarter and the extensive damage and losses suffered by the country from the typhoons and floods in November.

Worker's 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.

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CdO, MisOr seen as agro-industrial hub www.businessweekmindanao.com

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Wednesday|December 16, 2020

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AGOLOAN, MisOr— Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental will bolster its position as major agro-industrial exporter in the region following the launch of an international shipping route of the Thailandbased Regional Container Lines (RCL) at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) as its newest port of call inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority complex.

PH I V I DE C - IA Administrator and CEO Jose Gabriel “Pompee”La Vina congratulated the management of RCL as the newest player in international shipping routes through the expansion of its container fleet.

L e t u s c o nt i nu e t o work together to lead our organizations and country to a bright economic future, La Vina said during the inaugural event held at the MCT Port.

La Vina cited RCL’s weekly service connecting

MCT in the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate to Singapore as transshipment hub.

“This could only mean higher incomes, more jobs, and a more comfortable life for our people”, La Vina said.

This will not only increase the transshipment capacity but extends the reach of the international port as welll with other leading ports of call in the Asean region, he said.

The weekly service of RCL multiplies the options for importers and exporters HUB/PAGE 10

Mindanao Container Terminal inside PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority complex in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

BARMM economic team bullish on investment prospects with Cotabato City to its fold

By BONG S. SARMIENTO, MindaNews

KORONADAL City– The e c on om i c te am of t h e Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is bullish on the

area’s investment prospects with the formal inclusion of Cotabato City to the region, particularly in boosting BARMM’s financial system.

BARMM is slated to formally welcome to its fold tomorrow, December 15, Cotabato City, the seat of government of the BARMM as wel l as t he def unc t PROSPECTS/PAGE 10

7 e-buses offer free rides to Davao passengers

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

Lake Holon in T'boli, South Cotabato is one of the popular tourist destinations in Soccsksargen or Region 12. mindanews photo by bong s . sarmiento

DAVAO C i t y – S e v e n modern electric and fully airconditioned Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation (BEST) buses have started plying around the streets of downtown Davao

City, offering free rides to local passengers for the first six months.

During her live interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5), Mayor Sara D uter te s aid t hat

the e-buses have started servicing local passengers since last Monday after she and Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) president and chief operating officer Rodger S. Velasco signed a memorandum of agreement RIDES/PAGE 10

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2

Local

Davao gov't, power firm launch first e-bus system

D

AVAO City – In partnership with the city government, the Aboitiz Group, with AboitizPower unit Davao Light and Power Co., GET Philippines, and the Spain-based QEV Technologies launched the first e-bus system here Friday afternoon.

The BEST (Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation) Bus is the first fully electric, free ride shuttle service in Mindanao, making Davao among the first pilot cities in the country, according to the project proponents.

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, who graced the event, 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,” Mayor Sara said.

She said the project is aligned with the city’s efforts to provide Dabawenyos with efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation options.

“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, as well as ramps and wheelchair slots for persons with disabilities,” Duterte said.

Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer Sabin M. Aboitiz said the BEST Bus aims to promote a safe and easy way for public transportation plying two downtown routes using eco-friendly technology.

“We also thank GET Philippines and QEV Technologies Spain for being our partners in this public-private endeavor.

BEST Bus serves as our contribution to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by providing innovative solutions for a cleaner, E-BUS/PAGE 11

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

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WEDNESDAY|DECEMBER 16, 2020

Mayor Sara Duterte (right) leads the launch of the seven e-buses in Davao City on Tuesday (15 December 2020). photo courtesy of city government of davao

Surigao Norte mulls P50-M budget for Covid-19 vaccines BUTUAN City– The provincial government of Surigao del Norte is considering the allocation

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 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

of PHP50 million next year as a standby fund for the much-needed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.

Gov. Francisco T. Matugas announced this Monday during the regular "Monday morning sharing" at the Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City.

“I have already discussed this matter with Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee. We have seen the importance of having standby fund for the vaccines,” Matugas said.

He said the proposed funding is part of the provincial government's continuing drive to protect Surigao del Norte

residents from the dreaded virus.

Roberto Parada of the provincial information office said the standby fund would enable the provincial government to immediately purchase the vaccine once it is available in the country.

Surigao del Norte 1st Dist. Rep. Francisco Jose F. Matugas II also welcomed the plan while noting that Congress has allocated PHP72 billion in the 2021 budget for the vaccines.

The Department of Health in Caraga (DOH13) said that as of Dec. 13, Surigao del Norte has 28 active Covid-19 cases out of the 324 total infections since the start of the pandemic.

Surigao City, the DOH13 said, has remaining 27 active Covid-19 cases out of the 339 confirmed infections. (PNA) EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEASED RUTH CORAZON T. CABAJES WITH SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late RUTH CORAZON T. CABAJES who died on August 3, 2016 at Cagayan de Oro City, that said decedent left no debts and her only surviving spouse while the rest are her only children, that the said deceased, at the time of her death left two (2) parcels of land with TCT No. 137-2013003442 situated in the Barrio of Kauswagan, City of Cagayan de Oro , Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SIX (106) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and TCT NO. T-197971 situated in the Barrio of Canitoan, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEASED RUTH CORAZON T. CABAJES WITH SALE, filed by the heirs of RUTH CORAZON T. CABAJES, in favor of DINAHFLOR PERPETUA R. MUTIA and DELIA H. CENAS, per DOC #478; PAGE #97; BOOK #116; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. FRANCISCO T. DEL CASTILLO. BWM: Dec. 9, 16 & 23, 2020

3 Total mineral product Globe eyes building 2,000 export earnings rise new cell sites in 2021 G Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

WEDNESDAY|DECEMBER 16, 2020

JANUARY-October free-on-board receipts from Philippine outbound shipments of mineral products collectively surpassed the corresponding total in 2019, partly fueled by the nearly 1,193 percent increase in 2020 export earnings of iron ore agglomerates.

The country's mineral product receipts totaled $4.22 billion in 2020 -about 5.3 percent higher than the $4.01 billion these exports generated last year, showed data from the Philippine Statistics

CorporateWorld

Authority (PSA) released on Wednesday.

Such export receipts this year were generated from copper concentrates ($128.19 million), copper metal ($1.14 billion), gold ($670.51 million), iron ore agglomerates ($145.81 million), chromium ore ($4.97 million), and others ($2.13 billion).

Receipts in 2019 amounted to $513.34 million, $991.52 million, $821.64 million, $11.28 million, $6.82 million and $1.66 billion, respectively.

PSA reported no export MINERAL/PAGE 11

LOBE Telecom, Inc. (Globe) is planning to expand and improve its mobile network next year by building “at least” 2,000 new cell sites.

In a statement on Friday, Gil Genio, Globe chief technology and information officer, said the company is targeting to install the greatest number of cell sites in the company’s history in 2021, and thanked the government for downsizing the requirements for building cell sites.

“With more and more LGUs (local government units) following the lead of the national government

Philippines and one of the largest suppliers for Vita Coco globally.

“The extension of our long term agreement with the global leader in packaged coconut water is proof positive that both parties are fully confident that, together, we will continue on the growth trajectory we have seen over the last few years into the foreseeable future,” Noel Tempongko, vicepresident and general manager of Century Pacific’s coconut business, said in a statement

Wednesday.

In 2021, CNPF is set to embark on a major expansion of its coconut business, increasing manufacturing capacity with an additional investment of PHP300 million to address the growing global demand for high-value coconut products.

This comes at a time when product health and safety continue to be top of mind among consumers amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(Covid-19) pandemic.

in easing and streamlining the needed requirements, we are targeting to install at least 2,000 new sites,” Genio said.

Through the signing of AntiRed Tape Authority’s (ARTA) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 s.

2020 and the Bayanihan To Recover as One Act, he said Globe remains on target to roll out a total of 1,300 sites this year, compared to 1,100 sites in 2019 and 500 sites in 2018.

To further expedite the construction of these cell sites, he said Globe has partnered with five independent tower companies to build 900 new installations across the country.

“With a promising start with these tower companies in 2021, we can expect to see more cell towers in different areas in the country. These new builds will help increase capacity of our network in most areas and at the same time provide better access and mobile experience to customers,” Genio said.

Earlier, Globe announced its “three-pronged strategy” for network upgrades and expansion which include aggressive site builds, upgrading cell sites to 4G/ LTE in different frequencies, and fast-tracking the rollout of its fiber broadband network. (PNA)

Century Pacific gears up for major expansion of coconut business CENTURY Pacific Food, Inc. (CNPF), one of the country’s leading food companies, has agreed to extend and expand its long-term agreement as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Vita Coco, the world’s leading coconut water brand, as it gears up for a major expansion of its coconut business.

The multi-year contract valued at more than USD165 million reinforces CNPF’s position as the leading coconut water exporter from the

“In addition to the future business potential, we are honored to sign this agreement with Vita Coco because of the many corporate values we share. These include our desire to provide better nourishment for consumers, pursue continuous improvement in the manufacturing process, and further support local coconut farming communities,” Tempongko said.

The expanded deal between CNPF and Vita Coco is expected to benefit

the many coconut farmers of Mindanao, where the company’s coconut factory is located and sources its main raw materials.

Said farmers will be guaranteed market access for their products over the next few years, providing additional income to thousands of families in the area.

Recently, CNPF tied up with Friends of Hope, a non-profit organization, to donate 100,000 seedlings a year for the next five to eight years to smallholder coconut farmers enabling

the planting of productive coconut trees and the replacement of non-fruitbearing senile ones in South Central Mindanao.

In addition to supporting farmer incomes and expanding long-term coconut supply in the region, planting the coconut trees will sequester about 416,680 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next eight years, allowing the company’s coconut subsidiary aims to be “carbon-neutral” by 2028.

EXPANSION/PAGE 11

4

Opinion

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Daddy's little girl Think a minute . . . Someone said: “A great man never loses his daughter’s heart.” Every daughter has the need and right to receive her father’s love and affection. Dad, one of the ways to build a close, trusting relationship with your daughter is to learn what she enjoys. Start spending time with her doing her favorite things, whether it is taking walks or listening to her favorite music. “Kids are usually happy to obey you when you’ve spent time with them.”

A father I know has a great relationship with his two daughters. From the time they were little girls he has always made time to be with them. Every week he takes his daughters to do something special that they enjoy.

He regularly encourages them and builds up their self-confidence. Now they are strong, secure young women who never lower their standards of character and doing what is right. Of course, it is no surprise that they are close to their dad and ask him for advice on almost everything. Why? Because he has earned their

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST trust and respect by giving them his time, attention, and affection through the years.

It is a tragic fact that if your daughter does not get attention and affection from you the way she should—in a healthy, safe, and loving way—then she will look for it in other men who will not truly care about her.

Sadly, “Some fathers are willing to give their daughters everything except their time.”

D a d , y ou r d au g ht e r also needs to see you love and trust her mother. Your daughter needs to see you respect your wife’s abilities in helping you lead the family.

Likewise, your daughter needs to see her mother GIRL/PAGE 11

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WEDNESDAY|DECEMBER 16, 2020

It's not over yet

PRETTY soon, this pandemic will be a thing of the past.

Vaccines of different make will help kill Covid-19, leaving behind an endlesss trace of human sufferings.

After this turbulent ride, there is one thing bothersome.

The world badly needs to get back to its toes and exigently address hunger, poverty and all the economic dislocations that Covid-19 has left behind.

These interwoven challenges must be responded with a sense of urgency because we are all in this together.

Indeed, the damage seems irreparable, but what is there to thank about is that we are alive and kicking (bless all the souls that went ahead. May they rest in peace!)

Meanwhile, we are still in a highly precarious state as far as leveling off the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, yet it seems we are back in our daily, normal grind.

And sadly, a see-saw thing with the pandemic continues to creep in every inch of our dear lives.

Having said that, there is possibility of a surge of the pandemic midway through the holidays.

Never before we have had this kind of health crisis on a global scale.

Covid-19 has turned our way of life completely upside down — from the economic side of it to the adjustment disorder we are now facing on a global scale.

In fact, an unprecedented level of anxiety has been spreading like wildfire for over 10 months now with no exemption in sight — rich or poor, the healthy and the weak, young and old alike are all easy victims of the pandemic.

The lifting of restrictions would likely result to a dramatic and devastating effect as vaccines are still in production stage, at best.

Indeed, the pandemic has now incited the worst economic slump since the Great Depression.

And here is the takeaway and why: the economic impact of the pandemic may last a little longer even if the underlying cause is contained quickly.

Undeniably, the spread of

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA Covid- 19 had maneuvered a protracted economic downturn globally.

We are not over on this yet.

The task ahead is unbearable indeed.

Stay safe. Keep the distance.

Wear mask and face shield. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo.com)

Two options left for NPAs JOSE Ma. Sison is furious President Rodrigo Duterte had called it quits as far as peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed elements, the New Peoples Army, is concerned. He is blaming the President for the failed talks claiming t h at D u t e r t e w a nt s t o perpetuate himself in power as a dictator. Joma has run out of reasons he dabbles with the absurd.

Oh well, the government had wasted a lot of time, money, and patience for the last 30 years but the whole exercise was for naught.

The Maoist ideology which Sison wants to implant in the Philippines has long been rendered irrelevant. If there is anything the Chinese learned from Chairman Mao it is obedience, discipline, and industry. Today, China stands tall and accomplished and it is on its way to becoming the economic super-power the west never thought can happen. It

has evolved. The peasants have metamorphosed into ent repreneurs, it has a workforce that is skilled, well-compensated on the b asis of ef f icienc y and no longer on the basis of its needs. The new rich in this world comes from China. In the meantime the belt and road initiative of Pres. Xi Jinping cuts across continents bridging count r ies regard less of creed, political and religious p ersuasions in massive infrastructures that allow trade and commerce to flow.

If some people thought the Chinese alone profits from this initiative, give it a closer look. Among the biggest investors in China a re a c t u a l l y A m e r i c a n companies. While there were knee jerk reactions from some US firms to the call of Pres. Donald Trump for these companies to relocate elsewhere, a majority have stayed foot dictated by astute business sense rather than what the

American politicians are telling them. BRI kicked off with $4-trillion and by the looks of it China, with its economic successes, is prepared to pour more into the silk road of economic infrastructures once perceived to be a myth.

To American and European c apit a l i s t s , bu s i n e s s i s business.

Where is the communist ideology spoused by Joma Sison’s CPP/NPA amidst all these mind-boggling development? You have a leader who enjoys the opulence of the Netherlands w hile his rag-t ag ar my i s f i g ht i n g a h o p e l e s s struggle in the mountains.

Decimated by their futile a r m e d e n c ou nt e r w it h government troops, they re c r u it i mpre s s i on a b l e young children of indigenous tribes and ideologues from university campuses. Its legal fronts which enjoy the billions of amenities in the Lower House of Congress have been unmasked by their

LETTERS FROM DAVAO

JUN LEDESMA own belligerent reaction to “red-tagging”. But red is Joma’s favorite color. Even their screaming banners and posters and the faces of the NPAs are oftentimes painted red.

In the meantime, hundreds have returned to the folds of the law and instead of placing them behind bars to rot, they were given by the government lands and farm implements to cultivate, houses, and modest funds so they can live together with their families under one roof.

OPTIONS/PAGE 11

Joy amid penance THAT'S the main message of the readings and prayers of the 3rd Sunday of Advent, otherwise called the "Gaudete" Sunday. The expression comes from the entrance antiphon of the Mass that cites some words of St. Paul, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near."

(Phil 4,4) It’s important that we don’t lose sight of our need for joy even as we go through the exercise of penance which is what is called for in this season of Advent.

And that’s because, as St. Paul said, the Lord is near.

This piece of news should gladden our heart even as we intensify our penitential acts to prepare ourselves properly to receive him.

This Good News, which with faith we can consider as already done, should remind us of the bigger picture about ourselves.

We come from God and not just from our parents. We

are meant to be with God in our definitive state of life in eternity. Our life here on earth is simply a training and testing ground to see if what God wants us to be is also what we want to be.

We s h o u l d d e v e l o p the appropriate sense of nostalgia and expectation that should bring us beyond t he l im it s of t ime and space, and lead us to God in eternity. That’s where we came from and where we are meant to be. And for this, we have been given the adequate means, none other than Christ himself who told us that he is “the way, the truth and the life.

No one goes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14,6) If we live by this conviction provided to us by our Christian faith, then we have every reason to be happy and at peace however our earthly life turns. We should try our best never to lose our joy and peace

despite the difficulties, trials and other negative things we can encounter in our earthly life.

We have to remember that joy and peace are what is proper for us. As Sacred Scripture would have it, “A merry heart is the true life of man, is an unfailing store of holiness. Length of years is measured by rejoicing.”

(Sir 30,23) And St. Thomas Aquinas has this to say also: “Happiness is a good proper to human beings. Animals can only be called happy by a misuse of language.”

There are many benefits of j oy an d p e a c e . T h e B o ok of Proverbs says, “A cheerful heart makes a quick recovery. It is crushed spirits that waste a man’s frame.” (17,22) Joy facilitates thinking and reasoning. It helps us understand people and situations. It fosters simplicity, creates a good atmosphere around, builds up unity. Joy facilitates the exercise of penance.

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA We have to make sure t hat we are happy and peaceful. Obviously, we have to understand that to be in that state is, first of all, a result of grace which we should always ask for.

But it is also a product of our own correspondence to God’s grace, and of our effort to closely follow Christ’s teaching and example.

The joy and peace rooted in Christ transcend the physical and earthly dimensions. They can be lived even in what may JOY/PAGE 11

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WEDNESDAY|DECEMBER 16, 2020

5

Banking&Finance

Fitch Ratings eyes sustained accommodative policy stance in PH

F

ITCH Ratings continues to see an accommodative monetary policy stance in the Philippines due to a benign inflation environment, which bodes well for the projected economic recovery next year.

In its 2021 Outlook for Asia Pacific report dated Dec. 8, the debt rater said absence of inflationary pressure gives the Philippines, among several other countries in the

region, a leeway to keep its monetary policy view.

“We expect modest further interest rate cuts in some economies, including India, Malaysia, and the Philippines,” it said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policymaking Monetary Board (MB) has slashed the central bank’s key rates by a total of 200 basis points to help buoy the domestic economy from the impact of the pandemic.

Currently, the BSP’s

CONSUMER education on digital payments and fund transfers needs to be strengthened for more people to embrace this system, which registered strong uptake after Luzon was placed under lockdown in the first half of 2020.

In a virtual briefing Friday, Xendit Philippines Managing Director Yang Yang Zhang said ensuring regulators are briefed on what the company wants to introduce to help the startups ecosystem is also important.

“Ultimately, we

hope that along the way, as we build up this startup ecosystem, try to accelerate its growth, and really expand the digital commerce industry here.

We also want to make sure that we are participating in active dialogue so that regulators are always abreast of evolving technological innovations,” she said.

Indonesia-based financial technology firm Xendit, which also operates in other Southeast Asian countries, is expanding its operations PAYMENTS/PAGE 11

overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is at 2 percent, the overnight lending rate at 2.5 percent, and the overnight deposit rate at 1.5 percent.

The rate reductions brought the real interest rate in negative territory since average inflation in the first 11 months this year stood at 2.6 percent.

Economists forecast

further cuts in the central bank’s key rates given the need to lift the domestic economy, which has been in recession since the second quarter of this year.

The report said “accommodative stance among emerging markets will help foster recoveries and keep borrowing costs low” but added these “carry risks to policy

credibility.”

Programs to buy assets “will support orderly bond market conditions” even as capital flows to the region are improving.

In general, the report expects an economic rebound for Asia Pacific next year “as global growth and exports recover.”

“The rebounds will be supported by the region’s

relative success -- albeit uneven across jurisdictions –in containing the coronavirus, China’s broadening economic recovery, supporting fiscal and monetary policies, and eventual rollout of vaccines,” it said.

The report, however, said risks remain high because of the evolution of the pandemic. (PNA)

Consumer education widens acceptance of digital payments

One of the seven electric and fully airconditioned Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation (BEST) buses waits for passengers in Agdao district, Davao City on Tuesday (15 December 2020. The buses will be offering free rides to Dabawenyos for six months. mindanews photo

If interested, contact:

DANICA SUDARIA

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Wednesday|December 16, 2020

Ayala's manufacturing unit bets on digitization, electric vehicles in post-COVID boom

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PTIMISTIC about the country's recovery in 2021, the Ayala group believes the manufacturing sector can help accelerate this by investing more in digitization and pivoting toward changing global demands.

Last Thursday, the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) and Board of Investments held its annual Manufacturing Summit, where senior leaders from the Ayala group were invited to talk about the conglomerate's innovations under the theme "Rebuilding Towards a Smarter and Resilient Manufacturing Sector."

"What this pandemic has brought upon to the world and specifically to the manufacturing industry is a reset button.

So opportunities that were previously not available to our country, to participate into that global supply chain, are now available. But at the same time, challenges of the status quo that we were able to live with under the old regime has also transformed... So how the Philippines will be able to play within that sphere of changes as it evolves, I think it is going to be very important for us to manage. Within the Ayala group, we have chosen to invest in

the manufacturing and localization of selected technologies that are aligned with these macro and industry developments, such as in electric mobility, connectivity and IoT, and smart energy," said Arthur R. Tan, President & CEO of AC Industrials and CEO of Integrated MicroElectronics, Inc. (IMI).

This year, AC Industrials, which holds Ayala's industrial technologies businesses, created several relevant and impactful solutions to adapt to changing market needs that have arisen from the pandemic.

Future-proofing manufacturing IMI is accelerating its digital transformation to build resiliency against future disruptions. It is investing in data engineering and expanding its real-time analytics capability that could help provide more value to customers and reduce overall operating costs.

As the world gradually shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable living, AC Industrials has invested in manufacturing critical components from power modules and EV charging infrastructure to highvalue specialty solar gridded cells and panels.

It is also looking into the potential expansion of its motorcycle business into

Ayala Corporation Chairman & CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (leftmost) and AC Industrials President & CEO and IMI CEO Art Tan (second from left) observe a prototype of IMI's UCL Ventura Flow Generator. This technology is the first breathing aid solution to be manufactured in the Philippines. It is a non-invasive alternative ventilatory device that was localized from IMI's UK subsidiary's tech. It was designed to help patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms avoid the need for intubated treatment. IMI received FDA approval for this innovation in July 2020.

the electric space.

AC Motors, on the other hand, is reimagining its retail model postpandemic. It seeks to satisfy consumers' automotive demand in the digital space through virtual showrooms, online sales platforms, and mobile aftersales capabilities.

Scaling up manufacturing initiatives Five years after partnering with Europe's largest motorcycle

manufacturer, the KTM joint venture factory in Laguna has manufactured over 20,000 motorcycles, exporting the majority of these to China.

Domestically, 60% growth in Philippine KTM sales during the second half of 2020 due to the increased demand for personal transportation.

Pivoting to meet demands IMI's Laguna facility, which focused solely on electronics manufacturing

prior to the pandemic, now produces up to two million face masks per month. The company also developed solar- powered hands-free sanitizing booths, which have been rolled out in various AC Industrials sites in the Philippines.

IMI also heeded the call of government for the local production of critical medical equipment.

In May, the company introduced the localized

UCL Ventura Flow Generator, a non-invasive ventilatory support device designed to help COVID-19 patients avoid the need for intubated treatment. This FDAapproved device is the first breathing aid solution to be manufactured in the Philippines.

"Establishing a solid, globally competitive manufacturing sector can diversify and strengthen AYALA/PAGE 11

The iPhone 12 is Here, and You’ll Love it More with Globe 5G

MUCH like any other new iPhone series, the arrival of the iPhone 12 has been hotly anticipated by fans worldwide including the Philippines. Now, the long wait is over and devotees can finally get their hands on the only phone they want, choosing from four new models – the iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max. While the revamped design, new color choices, and wireless charging system are all notable, the most exciting addition to the iPhone 12 is its 5G capability, which enables users to do more with their phones at the lightning-fast speeds that the cuttingedge technology affords.

With Globe’s continued expansion of its 5G services in Metro Manila as well as key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, more users around the country can enjoy the countless enhanced experiences that the new iPhone offers in gaming, streaming, virtual reality, and more.

Get your hands on this much-awaited iPhone series by pre-ordering it through Globe. Take your pick from among the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max, and avail of special

introductory pricing and your choice of payment options. Check out some more affordable ways you can get your hands on the new iPhone 12, powered by Globe 5G: Introductory Pricing For a limited period, Globe will be offering the iPhone 12 series at lower cashouts. This means that you can get the iPhone 12 at just PHP 900/month per month with ThePLAN 1799 for 24 months lockup.

Extended Lock-up, lower cashouts Customers also have the option to choose a longer lock-up with lower total cashouts and monthly payments. The iPhone 12 can be yours for as low as PHP 450/month if you are a new customer and PHP 350/month if you are a recontracting customer with ThePLAN 1799 through this lock-up option.

36 months, 0% interest Available for both new and recontracting customers, you can pay in fixed monthly installments for up to 36 months with 0% interest using your BPI or GLOBE/PAGE 11

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WEDNESDAY|DECEMBER 16, 2020

32-M customers benefiting from improved services in 80 provinces with network upgrades More and more municipalities and cities all over the country are now experiencing the results of Globe’s aggressive builds and network improvement in the past 11 months. The new site installations and site upgrades are currently benefiting at least 32 million customers who use their call, text and data services.

Globe’s tower installations and site upgrades have prompted better call and data experience in at least 1,098 cities and municipalities located in Metro Manila and 80 provinces nationwide including Sulu, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Apayao, Abra, and Compostela Valley to name a few.

Quezon City has the most new site builds with 99 new installations with 20 other cities and towns in NCR, South

and North Luzon have new site installations as well. The new site builds and upgrades have improved the mobile experience of customers in these areas.

The company’s recent LTE expansion has benefited customers in 19 provinces in Mindanao with Davao del Sur having 12 site upgrades while Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Sulu had two; Tawi-Tawi and the rest had at least one site improvement each.

LTE upgrades have also boosted the signal of 27 towns in Mindanao including Siasi and Pandami in Sulu, Albuera in Leyte, Initao in Misamis Oriental, Malapatan in Sarangani, Dangcagan and Malaybalay in Bukidnon to mention a few.

All in all, Globe has installed at least 1,050 new cell sites and has upgraded 10,876 sites UPGRADES/PAGE 11

Gov't, private banks ready to help micro, small businesses

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By FERDINAND PATINIO, PNA

ANILA – The government and private institutions are ready to help micro and small business enterprises in giving the 13th month pay to their employees by providing them with soft loans.

In a press briefing Tuesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the rural banks in the

country are willing to give them loans with minimum interest and no collateral.

“I’m very happy to say that I just received a letter from Secretary Mon Lopez of DTI, my partner, that they have a fund of PHP10 billion in the Small Business Corporation, this is an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry and they are willing to share about

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III

PHP4 billion. Soft loans for micro and small business enterprises without any collateral so that they can pay the 13th month pay of their employees,” he added.

“And then I also have a call, partner, another good news. I have a call from the president of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Ms. Liza Timbol, telling us or advising us that all the rural bankers are willing to provide soft loans

to all micro and small business enterprises so that they can pay the 13th month pay of their employees,” the DOLE chief said.

Asked on where these companies can apply for the soft loan, Bello said, “They can apply with the government (banks), that is the Land Bank of the Philippines or the DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines) or just like what I’ve said, all the banks in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines are ready to lend.”

“And what is more impressive is the volunteerism of rural bankers, their president called me and told me that they are willing to give soft loan and when we they say soft loan, they mean minimum interest with no collateral requirement,” he added.

Aside from providing a soft loan, Bello said another option is to provide subsidies to these companies.

“We addressed this to His Excellency, the President, if there HELP/PAGE 11

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WEDNESDAY|DECEMBER 16, 2020

It's a holiday sale at H&i Health and Beauty Interview by MARK FRANCISCO

1) Can you enumerate all the variants of your products?

“H&i ORGANIC FOOD LINE PRODUCTS"

Organic chocolate Bar Artisan with 4 Flavors: *Organic Dark Chocolate bar Artisan *Organic White

Dealing With Difficult Teachers SHARON B. MANZANO Teacher-I/Governor Pelaez ES

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world”, TEACHERS therefore, are said to be very important. In one way or another, we have been under the tutelage of a teacher. They are those who understand, inspire, empower and encourage us to reach our goals and dreams. Sometimes we idolize them so much we hate to miss their classes.

On the other hand, we also have our least-liked teachers. They are those who are harsh, demanding, a nuisance or so it seems.

We intentionally cut classes, sleep or even make nonsense excuses just to skip. But then, even our least-liked teachers can spur us to excel in our studies, although we may hate their exhausting style, their kind of ways. But reality bites. Yes! Before we become the kind of person they would want to look in the mirror of their selves nowadays, before we can become business executives or government officials, doctors, nurses, engineers, mechanics, entrepreneurs, journalists, ministers or even educators too, we need to sit down under a teacher, pay attention and bear with them. That’s how important teachers are.

But the problem is, what if we encounter a teacher who is difficult to deal with?

Someone who makes us feel like his or her lesson plan is designed to make our lives miserable? In short, someone we don’t like?

What maybe the ways to keep us on friendly terms with a such a kind?

Teachers love student who show interest in their class. Do their homework and pass their projects on time, so STUDY. Participate in class. If you find it difficult to understand the lesson, ASK QUESTION

Chocolate bar Artisan *Organic Milk Chocolate bar Artisan *Organic Pink/Red Dragonfruit chocolate bar Artisan The Extension my “Newest product CHOCOLATE BLEND POPCORN WITH ALMOND NUTS” comes with two packaging the *TASTE POUCH and Premium Tin Cans .

With 3 flavors *White Chocolate Blend Popcorn with Almond Nuts *DarkChocolate Blend Popcorn with Almond Nuts *Milk Chocolate Blend Popcorn with almond Nuts *Thai Style RedHot Sauce 50ml & 100ml *Thai Style Hot&Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce 2) How did you come DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

and everybody keeps quite.

While you may disagree with some of your teachers’ ways and views do not sleep or become unruly.

Do not pass notes. Put you cellphones on silent mode. In short, SHOW RESPECT. Avoid a talking competition with your teacher. Listening is a skill.

If you find it difficult to concentrate, just keep your eyes on the teacher. Show gestures of affirmation.

In other words, LEARN TO LISTEN. Teachers become more open on a one-on-one setting. They feel good when students take time to talk with them so TALK WITH YOUR TEACHER. Teachers, just like any others are just humans. When they become unreasonable, JUST BE UNDERSTANDING. If you see your teacher carrying a heavy load be nice to assist and EXTEND HELP. Teachers feel rewarded with simple gestures of affection.

Remembering them on their birthdays and other special occasions with a simple note or key chain with their favorite item will definitely brighten their way so EXPRESS APPRECIATION. Mo r e i mp o r t a nt l y, teachers, whether they are our favorite or feared ones, share an emotional attachment with us. They take pride in us. So let’s do our best in our studies. Love our teacher and befriend them. The benefits go beyond school life.

This instrument is made and entered into by and between JOSEFA Y. PABELIC, JOAN M. PABELICCARILLO, RENAR M. PABELIC, GLORIA M. PABELIC, JAIME Y. PABELIC, MYRNA PABELIC CASIÑO, GLORIA M. PABELIC all legal age, Filipino and resident of Cagayan de Oro City hereinafter referred to as the VENDORS and ORLANDO L. MANZANO, of legal age, married to MERLINDA S. MANZANO, Filipino citizen and a resident of Zone-1, Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as the VENDEE, that the VENDORS are the absolute co-owners of parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-70413 situated at Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of FOUR THOUSAND NINETY (4,090) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of ULPIANO PABELIC, in favor of ORLANDO L. MONZANO, per DOC #276; PAGE #56; BOOK #212; Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EMMANUEL A. GAABUCAYAN.

up with all the flavors of your products? Have you undergone training?

I come up with all the Idea because I like to eat chocolates with different flavors also the hot sauces Thats why I came up to that idea of creating it . I have been undergone training for pastries baking before a long time ago.

3) You also have hot sauce, kinsa nagformulate sa ingredients ani?

I am the one who create the idea of formulating the hot sauce because I love to eat spicy sauce especially from Thailand products it is actually inspired from Thailand. I combined it with Thai chilis and red Devil pepper.

4) One interesting product you have is product. Why popcorn?

Patok ba sa pandemic ang popcorn?

The newest product EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE EMILIA P. BIZAR KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late EMILIA P. BIZAR who died on September 10, 1983 in Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro without any will or testament; the said decedent, at the time of her death, left two (2) parcels of land with OCT NO. P-1257 Lot No. 20605, Cad. 369-D containing an area of TEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO (10,182) square meters and OCT NO. P-1142 Lot No. 20875, Cad 369-D containing an area of THIRTY NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX (39,636) square meters, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE EMILIA P. BIZAR, filed by the heirs of EMILIA P. BIZAR, per DOC #363; PAGE #73; BOOK #38; Series of 2010 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JAMES KIUNISALA JUDITH-II. BWM: Dec. 16, 23 & 30, 2020

BWM: Dec. 16, 23 & 30, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

that I launch is popcorn actually I came to this idea because of my existing CHOCOLATES Bar Artisan Flavors so this is only the extension sa Chocolate Bars .and also now a days na pandemic I have seen it patok Kaayu ang foods now that’s why I created the H&i food line products.

5) Where are you selling? CDO lang or Manila? Do you accept resellers? Or online tanan? What's the number or Facebook page or app to book? Are you available too in local retail outlets?

I'm open for resellers and wholesale prices . I can ship the products all around the Philippines

with no minimum order required. I’m selling it all around the Philippines also . My Facebook page is — H&i Health and Beauty . Contact number #09175031125 . App to book available at SHOPEE, Gutom ka express cdo , Maxim and soon food panda cdo app .

6) What month exactly that you start the business?

I started the business this year , month of October.

7) Your original brand was H&i Health and Beauty. Do we expect beauty products too soon?

Yes . I have skincare products also soon.

Shoeffordable unisex footwear at My Foot Shop

By MARK FRANCISCO

ONE of the hottest selling household items online in this time of pandemic is foot couture.

And no other online seller based in Cagayan de Oro City does justice to quality foot apparel than My Foot Shop.

My Foot Shop sells branded and pre-loved running shoes, fashion shoes, events shoes, sandals and casuals.

Owner Eliza Mae Lagbas says that even in this time of pandemic, people need to totally look good and that includes footwear of course.

One of the safest ways to buy is to do away with the conventional style of physically browsing

into boutique and department store shelves where your health may be compromised.

Here at My Foot Shop, preloved shoes are selling like hotcakes because they are less expensive than what are displayed on mall racks.

"But we make sure that the quality of our products are excellent even though they are preloved," Eliza, who is a 21-year-old International Studies student at Xavier University, says.

My Foot Shop is on Shopee (Elitsza), Facebook Live from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily (Lizkev Shop), Facebook page (My Foot Shop) and Instagram (My Foot Shop CDO).

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late HEIRS OF SPOUSES AGUSTIN B. ARANA and CONCEPTION CASIÑO ARANA, who died in Cagayan de Oro City on July 8, 2009 and February 7, 2015, that the deceased, at the time of their death, left real properties, with TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-7624, situated in the Barrio of Patrocinio, Municipal of Claveria, Province of Misamis Oriental, and containing an area of TWENTY NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FIFTY TWO (29,352) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and TAX DECLARATION NO. 08-14-000100084 (LAND) / TAX DECLARATION NO. 08-14-0001-00085 (BUILDING), situated in the Poblacion, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental and containing an area of FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY NINE (569) SQUARE METERS, more or less with a 1-storey commercial/ residential building, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of SPOUSES AGUSTIN B. ARANA and CONCEPTION CASIÑO ARANA, in favor of FLORANTE C. ARANA, per DOC #253; PAGE #51; BOOK #XXXV; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MARIA NORA L. GONZALES-CAGANG.

That the late HERMIE BAHADE and ALBERTA BERNASOR BAHADE, who died without a will and debt on June 13, 2011 and on July 28, 1988, at Municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, acquired real properties with Original Certificate of Title No. E-514, situated in Madaguing, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE SQUARE METERS (835 sq.m) more or less and Original Certificate of Title No. E-694 situated in Madaguing, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of THIRTY THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE SQUARE METERS (30,789sq.m) and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of HERMIE BAHADE and ALBERTA BERNASOR BAHADE, in favor of JASON C. UY a portion of that certain parcel of agricultural land together with all the improvements thereon, situated in Barangay Madaguing, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, with Original Certificate of title No. E-694 containing an area of Twelve Thousand Five hundred (12,500) square meters, more or less, per DOC #155; PAGE #31; BOOK #XVII; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ANNE MARGARETTE JUSTINE M. CRUZ.

BWM: Dec. 2, 9 & 16, 2020

BWM: Dec. 16, 23 & 30, 2020

Photo by MELROSE MALFERRARI

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WEDNESDAY|DECEMBER 16, 2020

Gov’t to roll out ‘safety seal’ on biz establishments by Q1 2021

By KRIS CRISMUNDO, PNA

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ANILA – The government will roll out a Safety Seal Certification Program in business establishments in the early first quarter of 2021, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said Wednesday.

Nograles said the ‘Safety Seal’ will serve as a proof that a certain establishment is complying with the safety and health protocols of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“We want to assure the public, those who can go out, that they can go out safely in areas with safety seal establishments,” he said during the first Economic Development Cluster briefing of the Presidential Communications Operations Office Global Media Affairs Wednesday.

He added the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Transportation will be crafting a joint memorandum circular for the certification program.

“This program aims to increase the confidence of the

PNA file photo

general public in going out and patronizing establishments that have stringent health and safety as well as contact tracing protocols in place required by the IATF,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in the same virtual briefing.

The program will be called ‘Safe Dito’, he added.

The trade chief said LGUs will be responsible for issuing the ‘Safety Seal’ certification to the establishments in their jurisdictions.

LGUs will also perform regular audits in firms with the certification ensuring they continue adhering to the required safety protocols.

‘Safety Seal’ certificates of establishments that failed to maintain the required safety and health standards

SM Downtown Premier unfolds its winter inspired Christmas tree

By ALLEN JONAS S. GERONG

The SM Downtown Premier welcomed the 2020 Christmas season by unveiling its 55- foot tall Christmas tree on November 16, 2020. To support its cost saving measures, this year’s Christmas tree was a redesigned version of last year’s tree, but this year’s tree is still as vibrant and grand as before. This giant Christmas tree was adored by giant Christmas balls and sparkling Christmas lights. There were also 5 giant deer at the bottom of the Christmas tree standing on a bible which adds attraction to this tree. It is perfect for your instagrammable selfies and pictures with your whole family.

This giant Christmas tree is located at the activity center of the mall, fronting The SM store and Uniqlo.

There were also security personnel to remind everyone taking their pictures to always maintain the minimum health standards of wearing their facemask and face shields properly.

So if you have the chance to drop by and shop at SM Downtown Premier, don’t miss your chance to have a picture with this winter inspired Christmas tree. You may also post your pictures using the hashtag #JoyfulStoriesOfChristmasAtSM.

will be revoked, and will be reissued once they comply with the protocols.

“The IATF strongly encourages the LGUs to mandate establishments to apply for a ‘Safety Seal’ certification to provide their constituents with ‘certified safe’ places to visit and patronize,” Lopez said.

Lopez also reiterated the need for establishments to adopt the StaySafe PH system

as their contact tracing platform, which is one of the requirements for them to acquire the ‘Safety Seal’.

They can also integrate their current contact tracing platform to the StaySafe PH, which is the only contact tracing platform that is synced with the DOH’s Covid-Kaya system.

To date, there are over 40,000 establishments nationwide that have adopted the StaySafe PH platform. (PNA)

A Time with Family LEAH A. BARCELONA Teacher-III/Governor Pelaez ES

The fast pace of modern day family life can make it easy to forget that simply just spending time with our children is really important.

Our time is one of the greatest things we can give them. Time flies so fast , Time is Gold and Time is so precious as what the sayings and quotes say. Therefore, we cannot turn back time.

This is now the start to realize how important to build family’s closeness without any cost. Family activities don’t have to be expensive trips out to be meaningful, the important part is just being together by even a simple talk.

Families who share everyday activities together form strong, emotional ties because they are now open to one another, they will not feel awkward to the parents and there will be no more secrets that will be kept. When you spend time with your children you are fostering an environment for open communication because it is important for our children to feel comfortable with talking to about anything. Simply asking your child how their day ask gone can make a big difference. It is a way to show that parents care a lot to their children, it means so much to uplift

their self esteem and boost their confidence.

Sharing thoughts, ideas and feelings to each one of the family create a good memory and strong bond. It strengthens the family ties and reinforces the mutual love, respect and care between parents and the children. Spending time helping your children with schoolwork or reading together, especially in their early years, will foster an environment that values academics. If your child feels comfortable coming to you with schoolwork, they are more likely to perform b e t t e r a c a d e m i c a l l y.

Sometimes parents tend to forget this moments due to very important reason due to a lot of work. Let us just balance our time to our work and a balance time to our family. Most importantly, family time means you can just have fun and enjoy each others company!

COVID 19 PANDEMIC: THE DISTANCE LEARNING

By Mrs. LYN Y. PANCHO Teacher 1 Rizal Elementary School DepED Oroquieta City Schools Division Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental

As I quote Rapplers Fast Facts… “On October 5, public schools will reopen in the middle of a still untamed coronavirus outbreak in the country that has so far claimed over 5,000 lives and left 4.6 million Filipinos jobless. Despite calls to postpone classes until 2021, the Department of Education (DepED) maintains that education of millions of Filipino students should not wait.

To make sure that learning remains un hamp ere d, DepED will be implementing a distance learning approach – a learning delivery mode where interaction takes place between the teacher and the pupils who are geographically remote from each other during instruction. This means lessons will be delivered outside the traditional faceto-face setup.

Yes, indeed this is our mission to continue education for our children especially with my assignment in a remote Rizal Elementary School located at Lower Rizal, Oroquieta City under Oroquieta City Division Department of Education headed by our Schools Division Superintendent and a gentleman Dr. Reynaldo E. Manuel Jr., Ph D, CESE. Beyond 24/7 preparation for our school children the modular learning process, even our time for the family is not enough as we have to bet the deadline before DepED will formally open every school under the leadership of DepED Secretary Leonor Briones, we have to face every consequences to promote our best learning process amidst the Corona Virus Pandemic In Oroquieta City, with its 47 Barangays, our school division aims for the best as we garnered recently the region’s Best Performing Schools Division and we even landed as 3rd placer. I as a teacher under the umbrella of my School Division, I am very proud that we made it as we continue the education of our children whom we tagged in our motto “Sa Oroquieta Bata ang BIDA “ As what our CID Chief Sir Francis Buac said in his social media account and I agree not because it is our duty to follow instruction, but personally we are a part of it modular learning is not only the task of DepED but as well as responsibilities of parents, guardians, and even Barangay Official and the uniformed men and women of the government is helping us to achieved “Sa Oroquieta Bata ang Bida” with our Schools Division Project: NOAH (No Oroquietanon Academically Handicapped)

“A Herculean Task would be to find alternative ways to resume operation of classes for the new School Year 2020 - 2021. Rooted in this prime reason, continuous learning delivery is established in a new landscape to address the present dilemma caused by the pandemic COVID-19 crisis besetting the country.

Amidst this challenging time, Oroquieta City Division seeks to innovate sustainable means and proactive steps to continually deliver social basic education services effectively through private and public school operations most particularly to last miles schools and indigenous people under this agency.

Accountably receptive to sustain Quality, Accessible, Responsive, and liberating education, this agency maximizes new schemes to provide the aforementioned recipients meaningful and relevant basic education services despite this hard trying time. This system will be utilizing available technology that the school can do for their children with a good turnaround in another perspective of the new normal situation.

It is in this vantage t hat c ol l ab or at i on i n Oroquieta City Division is a frontline concept to realize the Vision and Mission of the DepED. This is coined to the community dialect (timbayayungay) TEAMbayayungay. It is an act of collaboration between its stakeholders customizing the goals of “Sulong Edukalidad” in: 1. Sustaining the operation of classes in remote places with observance of safety precautionary measures, 2. Delivering the learning materials and resources cooperatively, and 3. Engaging the whole community collaboratively to achieve the advocacy of Oroquieta City Division that is Mission sa Oroquieta City Division: Dekalidad nga Edukasyon Ipadayon ug Ipasayon (Mission of Oroquieta City Division: Quality Education Must Continue in Its Easiest Way).

With this CoVID 19 Pandemic, the Distance L e ar n i ng a d opte d by Oroquieta City Schools Division is the answer to achieved quality education for our children.

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in and out of China, Korea, Hongkong and Taiwan, La Vina further said.

More importantly, it offers a more direct connection for Cagayan de Oro and all areas in Northern Mindanao to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and the rest of Southeast Asia, he said.

“Coupled with the possible expansion of the MCT which we are presently considering, the growing carrier line up at the port will further cement the position of PHIVIDEC IA as one of the country’s premiere industrial estates,”La Vina explained.

It will ensure that MCT, which posted positive growth even in the midst of the Covid pandemic, will continue to grow, he said.

For the City of Cagayan de Oro and the rest of Misamis Oriental, this strengthens our position as a major agroindustrial exporter, he added.

The availability of a regular and predictable service to a major international hub also presents opportunities for entrepreneurs and industries to move up the value chain.

RCL weekly service uses Singapore as transshipment hub to connect Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga to China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East.

RCL offers reliable transit time allowing stakeholders to reduce inventory costs and plan productions.

The new service on a two-vessel rotation calls Singapore as transshipment hub to connect Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga to China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Middle East.

RCL has been in the Philippines for 32 years now and the commitment to further expand its services at the same time help the country raise its competitive edge in the ever-challenging transport and commercial landscape remains unwavered, said RCL Country Representative Jesus Sedano.

With the new deployment of Cebu, Cagayan, Zamboanga and Singapore shuttle service, RCL has once again fulfilled its commitment, he added.

On the other hand, Eagle Express Group chairman and chief executive officer Angelito Colona sees the new RCL service serves as a bright opportunity for the country despite challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Colona said, “ This pandemic has been a challenge for everyone, yet the opportunities are everpresent. As businessmen, we just need to unravel them amidst all the noise.”

E ag le E xpress L ines general manager Marlon Isah de Guzman described the service as “a game-changer”, offering a “very predictable and reliable transit time that allows international trade st a keholders to re duce inventory costs and plan

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productions accordingly.”

He said areas outside t he RC L ne t work m ay still be served via partner international shipping lines.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) area vice president for Visayas Samuel Chioson said adding an option to “ship via Singapore will allow more flexibility and opportunities for both importers and exporters within the Visayan Regions.”

Meanwhile, PCCI assistant vice president for Mindanao Ma. Theresa Alegrio noted the beneficial nature of RCL’s call to Cagayan de Oro. Alegrio said Misamis Oriental, whose capital is Cagayan de Oro, is primarily an agro-industrial exporting area of Mindanao and the RC L s e r v i c e op e ns up “conduits to time-sensitive commo dities will most definitely be beneficial to exporters in the area and adjacent provinces.”

Cagayan de Oro is the main international gateway for Northern Mindanao.

The addition of RCL into the MCT carrier line up gives Mindanao’s business community greater access to Singapore, ensuring growth opportunities in the years to come, according to Roberto Locsin, chief executive officer of Philippine Growth Terminals for International Container Terminal Services, Inc., operator of MCT. “MCT has remained unscathed by the COVID p an d e m i c an d s h owe d resilience in both the foreign and domestic import and export markets that serve our customers,” he said.

Thailand-based RCL owns and operates 46 container vessels covering more than 66 destinations in Asia, India, India subcontinent and the Middle East. RTM

Prospects...

from page 1 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Ishak Mastura, chair of the BARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), lamented that BARMM is the country’s region with the least banks, but the inclusion of Cotabato City to the Bangsamoro region will drastically change the financial landscape and will augur well to the investment climate of the region. “(With its inclusion to the BARMM, we will be) promoting Cotabato City as the Islamic banking and financial hub not only of the region but of the country,” Mastura said in a statement on Monday.

Based on last year’s results of the plebiscite in Cotabato City for the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, 36,682 voted in favor of the city’s inclusion against the 24,994 “no” votes, or a difference of 11,688 votes.

Mohamad Pasigan, chair of RBOI’s board of governors, and Mastura recently met with Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Norman Muhamad and Malaysian embassy counsellor Irwan

Rizani to discuss the possible opening of a branch of Malayan Banking Berhad ( May b a n k ) , Ma l ay s i a’s universal bank and the biggest bank in that country, in Cotabato City.

Mastura said they would like to see Maybank’s Islamic banking subsidiary, Maybank Islamic, the largest Islamic bank within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to follow suit once Maybank opens a branch in Cotabato City.

Currently, Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank is the only Islamic bank that operates in the country and has a branch in Cotabato City.

That is set to change with last year’s passage of Republic Act 11439 or the Philippine Islamic Banking Act, Mastura said.

According to him, Islamic banks and financial institutions that will open branches in the BARMM will enjoy fiscal incentives such as income tax holidays and reduced tariffs for imported capital equipment.

BARMM straddles the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato (with its formal turnover tomorrow) and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato.

Cotabato City is strategically located and hosts the most number of banks within the Bangsamoro region. The city is also home to a branch of the Banko S entral ng Pilipinas or Central Bank.

The banking prof ile of BARMM will improve dramatically with Cotabato City’s inclusion to the region, Mastura said.

But e ve n b e fore it s formal inclusion to the BARMM, Cotabato City was already serving in that role considering that it is the provisional capital of BARMM with the Bangsamoro government complex located in the city, according to the RBOI statement.

Wit h t h e BA R M M government having an annual block grant amounting to P70 billion this year and P75 billion next year going thru the banking system in Cotabato City, this volume of money alone cements its role as the financial center of the region, Mastura noted.

In addition, government money also goes through the city to service the needs of the military in the region with the 6th Infantry Division, one of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ biggest divisions in ter ms of p ers onnel, resources and budget, located in neighboring Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

International donors and official development assistance from foreign ai d age nc i e s i nclu d i ng the agencies of the United Nations, which have programs to assist the BARMM, also course their money through the city’s financial system, Mastura said.

That is aside from the

huge remittances flowing to its banks from Overseas Filipino Workers, of which Central Mindanao is a top recruiter and source for several years now, particularly those working in the Middle East, he said.

BARMM spokesperson Naguib Sinarimbo recently disclosed that the Inter Governmental Relations Body, which is mandated to coordinate and resolve issues on intergovernmental r e l at i o n s b e t w e e n t h e national and the BARMM governments, scheduled the transfer of supervision of Cotabato City to the B angs amoro reg ion on December 15.

Sinar imb o s aid t hat President Rodrigo Duterte recently agreed to turn over Cotabato City to the Bangsamoro region based on dis c ussions held in Malacanang last year.

Cotabato City is under Soccsksargen or Region 12 and used to be its seat of government until the regional center was transferred to Koron a d a l C it y, S out h Cotabato during the Arroyo administration.

Cotabato City Mayor Cy nt h i a Gu i an i - S ay a d i early this year appealed to President Duterte to “hold in abeyance the turnover of the city to BARMM” and asked for a status quo until the end of the transition period on June 30, 2022.

Guiani-Sayadi disclosed that local officials have received death threats and warnings to bomb the city for their opposition to be part of the BARMM. “It is very disheartening that it seems like we have no freedom to express what we truly feel and to serve as the voice of our fellow Cotabateños in rejecting the BARMM,” she said in a statement published by the Oblates-owned DXMS radio station based in Cotabato City.

“You see why we do not want to belong to the region? Instead of you trying to impress us with your accountable and excellent governance, you have shown us how you failed your people. And more horribly, how you can become so violent when there are people who try to go against you,” she added.

Guiani-Sayadi vowed to continue fighting against the city’s inclusion to the BARMM, “even at the cost of her life.”

In opposing the city’s turnover to the Bangsamoro region, Guiani-Sayadi stressed earlier that the Supreme C ourt has yet to res olve her p etition questioning the results of the plebiscite that was allegedly marred by irregularities.

The mayor also pointed out that the BARMM still has no local government and education codes, among other priority legislations.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the interim governing body of the BARMM, approved the Bangsamoro Administrative Code in October.

Rides... from page 1

for the BEST Bus Project.

Each e-bus has a seating capacity of 30, but passenger load has been reduced by 50 percent at this time to maintain distancing, according to Duterte.

The e-buses, an initiative of Aboitiz Power Company and Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines, are ser vicing two routes: Downtown Ikot 1 (North Loop) from C. Bangoy St., to Rizal St., Bolton St., Magallanes St., C.M. Recto, Acacia, Bajada, SM Lanang, Azuela Cove, R. Castillo, Carpenter, Sta. Ana Ave., and back to C. Bangoy St., and Downtown Ikot 2 (South Loop) from C. Bangoy St., to Palma Gil St., Camus, Q u i r i n o, B a n k e r o h a n , Sandawa, Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland Drive, Times Beach, Ecowest, Quimpo, Sandawa, Bankerohan, Magallanes, Boulevard, R. Magsaysay and back to C. Bangoy.

The mayor said bus stops have already been identified along these routes.

The local government will have another discussion with company executives towards the end of the six-month period as the city wants them to continue the services.

“This is a big help because every penny counts in this time of pandemic. If there

are free rides, let’s grab the opportunity offered by the private sector, so we can save money since we don’t need to pay for the fare,” she said.

Under the agreement with the company, Duterte said the local government committed to secure the buses, including their routes.

To avail of the free bus rides, Dabawenyos must download the GET-Pass application from the Google Play or Apple App stores, and to register and secure the BEST Pass QR code from within the app. This will be used for scanning upon boarding the e-buses.

The mayor did not discuss if BEST buses are a prelude to the city government’s implementation of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS), which the city wants to get implemented to address traffic congestion.

Last September, Duterte said the interim phase of the HPBS may start anytime soon after revealing that Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade committed to have the implementation of this project ready at an earlier date beginning November 2021 from the original schedule of February 2022.

Duterte said the local government would pursue the interim phase even as the “real” HPBS has yet to be implemented. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

11

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Girl...

Globe...

daily love and respect you as a kind, honest man who leads your family with love and self-control. “The best way to correct your children is to correct your example for them.”

Remember, time flies and your little girl will soon be a grown woman before you know it. “Raising your daughter is like baking a cake: you don’t realize you have made a mess until it’s too late.” Won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for your past mistakes as a dad, and to help you start changing so you can become the best father your daughter needs you to be? After all, being her dad is the life-changing job no one else in the world has but you. Just think a minute . . .

HSBC Credit Card.

Special cashout rates for customers renewing their Globe plans Globe is also offering special cash out rates for customers who are ready to renew their postpaid plans, with discounts of up to PHP 3,600 on the cashout if you’re on ThePLAN 1799 or higher, and if you choose the 36 months lock-up option. For example, with ThePLAN 1799, you can get your iPhone 12 64 GB with a one-time cash out of PHP 12,600, which you can spread throughout the 36-month contract period, charged to your bill.

Globe Postpaid customers can avail of these plans from Globe Online Shop at globe. co/iPhone12, Globe Online Shop FB Messenger; select Globe Stores or visit www. globe.com.ph/iPhone12.

Globe Platinum customers, on the other hand, may also pre-order through their Relationship Managers, Thea, their Digital Assistant on Facebook Messenger (globe. co/thea-gp), and at www. globe.com.ph/platinum/ iphone-12.

E x p er i enc e t he ne w iPhone 12 best with Globe 5G. Globe’s 5G network is now available in 17 cities in Metro Manila, and in key areas in Davao and Cebu.

Visit www.globe.com.ph/5g to know more.

from page 4

Joy...

from page 4

be considered humanly speaking as difficult moments of pain, suffering and privation.

For this joy and peace to be with us, we have to have a strong faith in Christ!

Email: roycimagala@ gmail.com

Options... from page 4

They have come home to roost.

President Duterte has declared that there will be no more peace talks for the rest of his remaining term. “Destroy them!”, a clear and direct order. This simply means that there are only two options left for the Red Army: come home and start a new life like the those who have laid their arms or waste a precious life for an ideology that had been consigned in books now gathering dust in libraries... if any.

Guides... from page 4

become wise instead. When I prayed, I asked for strength to receive people's glory and fame, and He gave me weakness to let me feel how much I need Him. When I prayed, I asked everything for a wonderful life without problems and trials, living like a king, and He gave me LIFE!" I didn't receive anything about which I prayed since living in the Philippines as an expatriate. But, I received everything in time and I didn't expect it anymore.

More or less against my own free will, all unspeakable and unpronounceable prayers have been answered. I am really very much blessed.

That's what I also feel right now in this moment. I am what I am right now, NOT BECAUSE I PRAYED FOR IT, but, because all unspeakable prayers have been answered.

Human thinks - God guides! +++ Email: doringklaus@gmail. com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

from page 6

Ayala... from page 6

the countr y's economic base... This [pandemic] now opens a fleeting window for countries like ours to serve as alternative manufacturing locations, and consequently demonstrate the potential to host global firms who seek to build footholds in Asia. As we collectively forge past the pandemic, both the public and private sectors thus have vital roles to play - not only in rebuilding the country's manufacturing capacity but transforming it for greater global relevance," said Ayala C or p orat ion C hair man & CEO Jaime Zobel de Ayala, who in his keynote address called this a "rare opportunity."

"The Ayala group remains committed to being an enabling partner of the government as it seeks to not only rebuild but transform the Philippine manufacturing sector for greater global competitiveness post-

COVID-19. We and other pr iv ate bus i ne ss e s c an complement the government's efforts by creating new jobs aligned with the postpandemic economy, helping reskill the workforce, and localizing the high value, complex capabilities required for long-ter m nat iona l competitiveness," Zobel concluded.

With the support of government, the Ayala Group continues to aggressively pursue its manufacturing initiatives, with the hope of cont r ibut ing to t he country's competitiveness and resiliency in a postCOVID world.

Mineral... from page 3

data for nickel this year but said receipts for such mineral product amounted to $97,000 in 2019.

Outbound shipment of Philippine mineral products helped bring to some $52.11 billion, total receipts from the country's January-October 2020 exports.

C orresp onding 2019 receipts totaled $59.55 billion.

(PNA)

Expansion... from page 3

Jonathan Burth, chief operating officer of All Market, Inc- owner of the Vita Coco brand - said: “We are very bullish on coconut water as a category, as it continues to be a more relevant product given the increasing awareness and demand from consumers for healthier and good-for-you beverages.”

“This expanded contract will help supply that increased demand. Century has been one of our most committed, reliable and largest factories.

We are pleased to strengthen our partnership even further,” he added.

Christopher Po, Century Pacific’s executive chairman, added the long-term agreement with Vita Coco “bodes well for both our company and country as it helps us create maximum va lue f rom one of t he Philippines’ most versatile fruits – the coconut.”

“For CNPF, our growing presence in the global coconut market is in line with our longterm vision of a diversified portfolio of shelf-stable food and beverage products. We will continue to leverage our manufacturing expertise to capitalize on emerging global trends, particularly towards

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health and wellness products,” he said.

CNPF has been in partnership with Vita Coco for several years now. It has produced many of the brand’s coconut products, including the packaged coconut water it is most known for. Since then, the two have grown in terms of volumes produced and delivered.

Their decision to further expand their cooperation with increasing volume commitments is in line with both Century Pacific’s and Vita Coco’s expansion plans.

(PR)

Payments... from page 5

in the country through a partnership with GrabPay Philippines, among others.

GrabPay wallet utilizes Xendit Direct Debit that allows the former’s customer to link their bank account to top up their GrabPay balance.

Z h a n g s a i d g r e at e r acceptance of digital transactions will happen if people know the system they are using and the data they will need to use it.

“While we see increasing demand for digital transactions, we understand that many businesses in the Philippines have not yet fully embraced the digitalization journey. Xendit is unique because we build deeply into each local market and culture, allowing us to work hand-inhand with both traditional and startup businesses to innovate together along their digital transformation journey. This is especially important now, as so much of the Philippines continues to rely on transacting online for essential payments and purchases,” she said.

During the same event, GrabPay Philippines head Jonathan Bates said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) decision to implement the electronic fund transfer systems InstaPay and PESONet, as well as the adoption of a national quick response (QR) initiative, are great boosts for the digitization of fund transfer in the country.

He said the government’s national identification (ID) program and introduction of more regulations towards ensuring the security of

c ash less p ay ments and transfers “will see a massive acceleration” of transactions by 2021.

Carlo Almendral, chief executive officer of contact tracing application TARA!, cited the need for digital payments solutions especially now as coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections remain high.

“Many are realizing that cashless payments are not just safer health-wise, but more convenient for both business owners and customers, especially those who are unbanked. Xendit’s fraud management tools ensure that even the most traditional businesses feel comfortable accepting payments online for the first time,” he said.

(PNA)

Glob e is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

from page 7

from page 2

Upgrades...

sites to further improve its connectivity and expand its coverage to include even the remotest provinces.

“These network rollouts will be a big boost to communities that are still reeling from the demands and restrictions of the pandemic. By making 4G/ LTE as pervasive as possible our customers will have better data experience and faster connectivity. Our LTE upgrades will also improve the indoor voice experience of our customers as they start using VoLTE and VoWiFi,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Delivery, Network Technical Group.

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is the standard high-speed wireless communication for mobile phones using 4G LTE, while Voice over WiFI (VoWiFi) or WiFi Calling helps address indoor mobile coverage problems.

Globe laid out a 3-pronged strategy to improve customer data and internet experience, which includes aggressive cell site builds; upgrading its cell sites to 4G/LTE; and fast tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.

G l o b e s upp or t s t h e United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9 which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

Help... from page 7

are standby fund or sav ings, is it possible to subsidize at least t he micro and small business enterprises,” he added.

The assistance will be prov ide d to c ompa n ie s t h at a re h av i ng a h a rd time raising money for the payment of the 13 month pay due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Under the law, private companies are mandated to p ay t he 13t h mont h p ay of t hei r employe e s on or before December 24. (PNA)

E-bus...

safer, and kinder world,” Aboitiz said.

Each of the buses, which will be operating from the Davao Light office in Ponciano here, has a maximum capacity of 30 persons.

In k e e pi n g w it h t h e existing coronavirus disease health measures, h o w e v e r, o n l y h a l f o f the capacity would be allowed during the initial operations.

Davao Light president and chief operating of f i c e r R o d ge r Ve l a s c o s ai d t h e ve h i cl e ' s f u l ly electric feature means no harmful emissions, only sustainable impact on the environment.

“A s a r e s p o n s i b l e corporate citizen, Davao Light, together with the rest of the Aboitiz Group, our partners, especially GET Philippines, look at ways to supp or t our beloved Davao City while ensuring that t he environment is not harmed,” Velasco said.

The BEST Bus will ply two downtown routes daily, with bus stops every 400 meters along the way.

T h e B E ST Bu s r i d e s may be accessed by the p u b l i c f or f re e v i a t h e BEST Pass on the GET Pass app, which is available for free download on Google Play and Apple App stores.

(PNA)

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IN-DEPTH

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Wednesday|December 16, 2020

A brighter, more hopeful Christmas with Coca-Cola Making the holidays brighter in every corner of the country The Coca-Cola Misamis Oriental Plant is committing more strongly to continuously serve and bring light to communities—reminding Filipinos that Christmas will always be a symbol of hope, togetherness, and of strength, especially during challenging times.

Through the Coke parol, which draws on an enduring symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit, Coca-Cola is spreading rays of hope—a reminder of togetherness and of strength in the face of the many challenges brought about by the pandemic.

A

FTER more than eight months of pandemicinduced lockdowns and more recently, a clutch of deadly typhoons, many Filipinos have understandably been hardpressed finding reasons to celebrate Christmas this year.

However, the rituals with which we welcome the season still offer people some comfort and hope amid the considerable challenges that 2020 has wrought.

As an iconic presence on Filipino tables, particularly during the holidays, Coca-Cola continues to serve its mission of uplifting spirits and bringing people together. From lighting up all of its manufacturing sites across the Philippines in an undeniable celebration of Christmas , to deploying bright red Santa trucks illuminating the roads they traverse to delivering the beverages that have become a mainstay of Filipino culture; from distributing bright red Coca-Cola “parols” transforming sari-sari stores into beacons of Christmas cheer, to helping communities restart and rebuild lives— this year, Coca-Cola seeks to spark a sense of togetherness and kindle a renewed hope for brighter days ahead.

A RAY OF HOPE FOR MICRO-RETAILERS The Philippines has over a million sari-sari stores nationwide, one in almost every corner of the community—and they have been one of the hardest-hit industries this 2020. According to a survey conducted by the Philippine Association of Sari-Sari Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), 42% of sari-sari stores and 75% of carinderias were forced to close during the hard lockdown, while

others have had to drastically downsize their operations by as much as 90%.

At the height of the pandemic, Coca-Cola Philippines saw this as an opportunity to help bring the light back for these micro-retailers in order to help them recover. In partnership with the Department

of life, we’re contributing to building stronger communities.”

With a Php 157-million support fund, the ReSTART Program is designed to help over 15,000 micro-retailers to reopen safely and confidently. The program also prepares these micro-retailers to operate and sustain their livelihood

Sari-sari store owner Tess Bautista is thankful that Coca-Cola has been a reliable presence that has been helping uplift her, her loved ones, and her livelihood—more so this holiday season. of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other agencies, the Rebuilding Sari-Sari Stores Through Access to Resources and Trade (ReSTART) Program was launched.

“We want to create programs that will allow our partners to recover and restart their livelihoods in light of the challenges they’ve had to face, and which will give them ample support as they pursue future ventures,” said Jonah De Lumen-Pernia, Coca-Cola Philippines Director of Public Affairs and Sustainability. “By helping out micro-entrepreneurs, who are such an integral part of the Filipino way

in the new normal, through online training and resources as well as advocating for safe stores to meet safety and health protocol requirements.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country, has also recently partnered with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) to help 400 COVID-affected sari-sari store owners by providing them with retailer packs worth Php 10,000 Php 3,000 of which are Coca-Cola products. CCBPI has also extended

its support to its distribution partners through flexible credit policies and incentives during the community lockdowns, when limited mobility, shortage of manpower, and tight cash flow have crippled operations.

REBUILDING BUSINESSES, REUNITING FAMILIES

made it possible.”

Coca-Cola has also intensified its Balik Pinas program at the national level, expanding its scale and coverage this year to reach more OFWs whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic. With the initiative, the Company has been lending training and assistance to former OFWs seeking to become business owners as Coca-Cola distributors or wholesalers. Since its expansion, the program has launched new and mostly familyrun businesses, with full support from a global beverage brand.

“The difficulty of this year cannot be understated and we at Coca-Cola want to help ensure that Filipinos can face the future on steadier footing. This is why we’ve continued and intensified investments in the country and have launched initiatives like Balik Pinas for returning OFWs. Coca-Cola will continue to support and contribute to the country's recovery” says Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of CCBPI.

helping micro-retailers and OFWs rebuild and restart; from taking part in relief efforts to both ease the effects of the pandemic and to aid those affected by natural calamities, to lighting up its manufacturing sites across the country and its trucks—Coca-Cola will always be with every Filipino.

Across the Philippines, Coca-Cola has lit up all of its 19 manufacturing sites and has deployed to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao over 60 bright red Santa Trucks outlined by lights—a visible token of gratitude to Filipinos and a small way of spreading cheer to the people and neighborhoods they meet in their fulfillment of delivering happiness across the country.

“For more than a hundred years now, Coca-Cola has been a constant presence in Filipino households, especially during the holidays.” add McGeown. “With the recent economic hardships arising from the pandemic and the destructive typhoons, the Company is making its positive presence felt much stronger and in even more meaningful ways to reach and touch the lives of as many Filipinos as possible.”

For Christmas, Coca-Cola shares a hope with every Filipino: that each and every one of us continues to be with our truest and brightest lights—family, friends, loved ones—in this holiday season and beyond.

With more than 285,000 overseas Filipino workers unexpectedly and suddenly repatriated, and unsure of what future awaits them here, Coca-Cola, DOLE-OWWA, NCRO, TESDA, and DTI partnered to deliver the OFW Reintegration A BRIGHT AND CONSTANT through Skills and Entrepreneurship PRESENCE IN COMMUNITIES (OFW RISE) Program. The OFW Rise Program offers former OFWs Coca-Cola is ensuring that with entrepreneurship modules it remains a force of good in the and one-on-one coaching toward communities that have welcomed starting their own businesses, with it and which have served as its the opportunity to become exclusive home for decades. From taking care of its own people, to continuous Coca-Cola distributors.

De Lumen-Pernia shares, investments in the Philippines, to “Forced to return to the Philippines because of the p and e m i c , ou r balikbayans need support to help them restart in the country. We recognized that most of them want to establish their own businesses— to t h r ive he re at home and continue fulfilling their dreams, but this time, in the company of their families. We would be able to help them do so through the OFW Rise program, especially given the A red Coca-Cola Santa truck makes its way through a street multi-stakeholder illuminated by Coca-Cola parol lanterns. collaboration that