BusinessWeek Mindanao (March 25, 2020)

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Briefly Delayed supplies BUTUAN City – A business group has urged the government not to delay the deliveries of supply of goods, medicines and other basic necessities to prevent shortage and panic among consumers in the area.

Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Agusan Inc. president Joey Tan told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday that recent delays in the entry of supply trucks worried some businessmen here and in other areas in the region.

“Personnel manning checkpoints have different interpretations of rules stipulated in orders and issuances of local government units. There are checkpoints our cargoes were allowed to pass but stopped in checkpoints in other areas,” Tan said.

IN-DEPTH

Wednesday|March 25, 2020

F

Thank you for trusting us!

By DIVINA SUSON, Correspondent with PNA reports

OURTEEN persons quarantined at the state-run Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) here have tested negative of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the hospital’s chief said Monday.

Dr. Jose Chan, NMMC medical center chief, said four of the patients have tested

negative on Saturday (March 21), while the remaining 10 NEGATIVE/PAGE 11

BARMM buys local rice, agri products

By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA, MindaNews

Condo complex DAVAO City — Two local business families here have teamed up for a four-building condominium complex, called Legacy Leisure Residences, that is targeted for young families as well as buyers who intend to rent out their units to tourists and long-term occupants.

Clark Lawton S. Yap, vicepresident of project developer Crisron Holiday Builders, Inc., said they are setting up a separate company to manage the complex once completed and ensure standards are maintained by both residents and renters.

“We are still in the process of setting it up. It will be inhouse and it will handle everything for the unit owners who want to make their units as investment like Airbnb,” Mr. Yap said in an interview during the project launch earlier this month, referring to the online marketplace for accommodations.

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ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE. A police officer points a Thermal Scanner to a new-born baby at a checkpoint in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon as authorities strictly implement the Enhanced Community Quarantine to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

PREVENTION. Plastic shield has been installed at the counter of a popular drugstore in Davao City to minimize contamination. mindanews photo by carolyn o . arguillas

COTABATO City – In order to make the communities productive as the brunt of COVID-19 pandemic severely hit the economy

and the people’s daily grind, the Bangsamoro Region will embark on local buying of agricultural products.

BUYS/PAGE 11

photo by gerry lee gorit

4 arrested in CDO for selling overpriced alcohol online

By FROILAN GALLARDO, MindaNews

FOUR persons were arrested in this city for selling on the internet overpriced alcohol bottles last Saturday.

In L anao del Sur, a

barangay captain identified as Cassar Abinal was also arrested for selling quarantine passes in his village in Mantapoli, Marantao town

last Sunday.

Capt. Freddie Zorilla, chief of the Cagayan de Oro Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said the four persons were arrested ARRESTED/PAGE 11

CONFISCATED. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 10 director Patricio Bernales (standing, reading document) leads in the confiscation of 203 overpriced thermal guns worth P2 million in a Tuesday, March 23, in Brgy. Gusa. Cagayan de Oro City.

Normally priced at only P500 each, these seized items were sold at P9,500 each. photo by mark francisco

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Local Food rationing starts in Davao City D

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WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

By CHE PALICTE

AVAO CITY – The city government rolled out food rations to some 50,000 families beginning Monday (March 23), as part of the aid package for those affected by the restrictive measures adopted to prevent the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Mayor Sara Duterte said those who qualify to receive the food rations are the indigents and outof-work head of a family, contractual workers whose no pay and outof-work head of a family, self-employed and outof-work head of a family, and low-income head of family with significant

loss or reduction of income.

“To those who are not residents of this city, do not worry because we [mayors in Davao Region] agreed to give food rations in our respective constituents,” Duterte assured.

She added that in order to avail of the relief goods, ration cards are distributed through the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) and the barangay leaders.

“During the distribution of the relief goods, we still have to observe social distancing,” she said, adding that a system will be in place to ensure the smooth

distribution of the rations.

Mayor Sara said barangay chairpersons distributing the ration cards are monitored by team leaders consisting of the members of the City Council to ensure that

the rationing is properly implemented, as well as to manage the issues in the barangays.

The mayor also called on members of the private sector that are providing relief goods to coordinate

with Task Force Davao to avoid crowding or worse, chaos.

"We are prohibiting the private sector from giving relief goods directly to the people because this will cause chaos; this will be

disorganized, and this will cause people to gather around," she said.

“Rest assured that your donations will reach the people. We do this to avoid mass gathering,” Duterte added. (PNA)

Go hits irresponsible media accusations SENATOR BONG GO, in a message yesterday , lashed out at some print media outfits for coming out with a story that criticized his visit to Butuan City last March 14. The news report, he said, was very irresponsible.

“Sa aking pagbisita po sa Butuan City noong March 14, nais ko pong klaruhin muli ang mga pangyayari:

- Totoo na dumaan ako sa isang Evacuation Center para dalawin ang mga nasunugan, magbigay ng tulong, pakinggan ang kanilang mga hinaing, maghanap ng solusyon sa kanilang pang araw-araw na mga problema, at magiwan ng ngiti sa oras ng kanilang pagdadalamhati.

- WALANG MASS GATHERING NA SADYANG INORGANISA. Evacuation Center po ang pinuntahan ko. Doon na po sila pansamantalang nakatira bago pa ako dumating. Hindi ko sila sinadya na itipon sa lugar na iyon.

- Sa kooperasyon ng mga pulis at pati na rin ng mga evacuees, ipinaliwanag ko na kahit gusto ko man sila yakapin, kamayan, kamustahin, at lapitan, sinigurado ko na kaming galing Maynila ay NAKA-DISTANSYA sa mga taga Butuan City para rin po sa kaligtasan ng lahat kahit na wala naman kaming sakit. May barriers pa nga pong inilagay.

- Sinigurado ko po na ang tulong at serbisyong ibinigay namin ay sa pamamaraan na HINDI MAKAKASAMA sa kanilang kalusugan at mananatiling ligtas sila sa

anumang karamdaman.

- Pinayuhan ko rin ang local officials at national agencies na MADALIIN ANG PAGBIGAY NG TULONG lalo na ng tirahan sa mga nawalan ng bahay dahil paano naman po sila susunod sa “Social Distancing measures” kung wala naman silang ibang matitirhan kundi doon sa evacuation center na kumpol-kumpol sila.

Para sa inyong kaalaman, March 9 nangyari ang sunog sa Butuan City. 444 na pamilya o 2,292 na indibidwal ang apektado at humingi ng tulong sa atin. March 12, nagpatest kami ni Pangulong Duterte para malaman kung infected kami ng COVID-19. March 13 lumabas ang resulta at sinabing negatibo kami sa sakit at pwede kaming magserbisyo sa publiko.

March 15 naman magiging epektibo ang “Community Quarantine” sa Metro Manila base sa inanunsyo ng Pangulo noong March 12 sa kanyang presscon.

Dahil dito, nagdesisyon ako na pumuntang Butuan City ng March ACCUSATIONS/PAGE 11

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

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WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

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CorporateWorld RESORTS, HOTEL & RESTAURANTS DIRECTORIES

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Petron assures steady fuel supply amid Covid-19 crisis P ETRON Corporation has assured consumers of the continuous supply of its petroleum products as the entire nation steps up its fight against Covid-19.

Petron president and CEO Ramon Ang said the company will also make sure that there is enough fuel, especially for vital industries to keep the economy running.

“So far, our entire supply chain is working overtime to ensure that enough products are produced at our refinery. Vessels are continuously loaded so that our terminals are filled, and tank truck operations remain consistent. We are also trying our best to keep as

many of our stations open and filled as possible while putting the safety and well-being of our employees first,” Ang said.

Petron is Philippines’ largest refiner providing nearly 30 percent of the country’s petroleum requirements through its 180,000 barrel-per-day Bataan refinery, 30 terminals, and over 2,400 stations nationwide.

“Let me reiterate that there is no need to panic. We will step up and we will get through this together. In these critical times, rest assured that basic necessities will be delivered and our brave front liners will reach their destinations,” Ang added.

He said the health and safety of

its people remain its top priority.

Petron has widely implemented a work-from-home set-up for its Luzon-based offices.

Meanwhile, those working on the front line - its office-based skeletal force, service station personnel, tank truck drivers and helpers- are guided by the necessary protocols to ensure their health and safety.

The oil industry is among those granted exemption by the government from the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Petron has fully activated its business continuity plan, taking into consideration all possible scenarios.

(PR)

Aboitiz sets P900-M aid for team members amid Covid-19 crisis THE Aboitiz Group has earmarked PHP900 million in assistance to help its team members cope with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic following the announcement of a national state of calamity.

This amount covers the early release of the end-March salary and the 13th or 14th month pay of the Group’s over 11,000 team members across its strategic business units in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, and land.

The Aboitiz Group will also cover Covid-19related medical expenses of any affected team member.

In a statement Friday, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin Aboitiz said there is a lot of anxiety and “during these trying times, we understand financial security is critical for all.”

Aboitiz said the best way the Group can support the government’s campaign against Covid-19 is to let its team members stay home.

“The Covid-19 pandemic remains at large, and we wish that you

and your loved ones are safe and healthy in your homes,” Aboitiz said in a message sent to Aboitiz team members.

Malacañang and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) cited the Aboitiz Group as one of the top Philippine conglomerates that have extended benefits to its employees during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

The Aboitiz Group also provides regular updates to all its team members,

especially on quarantine guidelines.

To safeguard the welfare of its team members, the Aboitiz Group has implemented work-from-home schemes in Luzon and Visayas.

The company will also be providing or paying for adequate communication access for team members who need it.

Online courses that build work-from-home competencies have been rolled out, and a team member donation and

management program support for no-work, nopay personnel were also launched.

The company also implemented reduced work hours in keeping with local curfews where applicable and provided adequate accommodation, food, and transportation for the skeletal workforce, particularly for its banking and financial services units UnionBank and CitySavings, who handle critical functions and have to report to work. (PR)

Holcim, Cemex temporarily suspend production SOME cement manufacturers are suspending work at their facilities as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

In disclosures to the stock exchange Friday, Holcim Philippines, Inc. and Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. said they are temporarily halting production in their respective cement plants for the mean time.

For Holcim, it said operations have been suspended in plants, terminals and offices since last Tuesday. This covers the company’s cement factories in Bacnotan and Norzagaray, terminals in Calaca, Mabini and Manila, and dry

mix factory in Parañaque.

A work-from-home scheme is also in place for employees at its head office in Taguig City and offices in Luzon.

“These (work disruptions) will remain in effect until the government lifts the community quarantine protocols,” it said. “These are unprecedented actions but necessary and critical to support the government’s efforts to combat the disease.”

But Holcim noted its operations in plants and terminals in Visayas and Mindanao are still ongoing.

For Cemex, production at its Solid SUSPEND/PAGE 11

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Opinion

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

BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO CORPORATION Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO Vice President for Events and Promotions JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing ROSE MARIE D. SUDARIA Vice President for Finance

A S sto ck s plu nge on a record low, brace for more economic pain ahead of the world’s feared health crisis --- the China-induced coronavirus.

Not until the Covid-19 outbreak subsides, the brutal effect on our economy will continue as it were, pushing us to a dead end, hitting all sectors like no other.

Indeed, coronavirus has taken a stronghold on the global economy and not until this tapers off, this kind volatility in our midst stays for quite a time.

A global economic crisis i s n ow i n e v it a b l e , an d fears of a global recession will likely trigger further economic losses where all

Editor-in-Chief

JUN AYENSA

Regional Editor - Caraga

MIKE BAÑOS Contributing Editors

ATTY. ANTONIO S. SORIANO

Feature Editor

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

Legal Counsel

CLIFFORD SANTILLAN

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

CHAINCERLIE SUMALPONG Advertising

Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., CDO Legal Counsel

JOE PALABAO Layout Artist

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

Member: Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

Traning for parents (Pt.2) Think a minute . . . Yesterday we learned from the boiling frog that it is easy to become so accustomed and comfortable with our emotionally and spiritually unhealthy parenting habits that we do not see the dangerous direction we are leading our kids. Before it is too late, we need to start changing the negative, hurtful ways we may be raising and teaching them.

First, we learned not to use anger, yelling and nagging to train our children. It does not truly work, nor does it make a happy family.

Second, we parents must earn our child’s respect. It is easy to get your child to fear you, but it will take your time and love to earn their true respect. This is greatly important, because your child’s respect for your authority is going to determine his respect for all other kinds of authority: his school teachers, bosses, l aw s a n d g ov e r n m e nt , along with everyone else he will live and work with.

If you want your children to accept your authority and values when they are

KIM'S DREAM

Cell No: 09352379999

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

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST teenagers, you must first earn their respect by your daily good example during their younger years. As an expert family counselor says: “Rules without relationship bring rebellion.”

We parents can damage, even destroy, our children through overly strict, harsh and unloving punishment that hurts them emotionally through cruel, unkind words or even physical harm to our kids. A child should never be laughed at and his feelings not valued and cared about by his or her father and mother. A parent who regularly hurts and humiliates their child will eventually lose their TRAINING/PAGE 9

sectors are severely affected.

The fear factor is now magnified globally and that lockdowns could place g re ate r d ow ns i d e r isk s to t h e a l re a dy vol at i l e economy.

And in the worst case scenario, everything will be very fluid and uncertain.

With no signs of slowing down, the viral outbreak, declared as pandemic may stay a little longer, that is, if and when no treatment or vaccine for that matter will come to the rescue soonest possible time.

There is now a collective call for both the government and Big Business to pull their resources together to aver t possible social

tension that could result to community confusion and chaos.

This health issue is fast becoming an economic issue thereby Congress should now act in earnest to pass a legislation that would serve as fiscal stimulus package as relief measure in this time of economic uncertainty.

As I write this piece, Big Business, some of them are now acting on their own to spare their wealth to the needy is urging Congress to spend more money for the vulnerable communities nationwide.

To act as one nation will mitigate the situation where we are now.

Moreover, let us trust

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA our government, they are the one with the means to guide and simmer our fears at this time of uncertainty.

To put us into quarantines or even lockdowns mean changing our lifestyle -even for a shor t while. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo. com)

Earth democracy for justice, sustainability and peace

NELSON CONSTANTINO Motoring Editor

WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

Brace for more economic pain

MIKE BAÑOS Vice President for Digital

GILBERT Y. CHAO

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ORLAN R. RAVANERA WHEN the late Chieftain of the Higaonon Tribe of Cagayan de Oro City, Fausto Orasa n k now n as Datu Sandigan, was passionately advocating and protecting the integrity of the environment in the uplands against illegal loggers and miners, he was killed after seven attempts to his life. On the seventh attempt, his residence in Pigsag-an was rained with bullets by these armed men who, as narrated to me by Datu Sandigan himself, were

even brandishing their high powered guns, shouting while walking in the streets at 2:00 o’clock in the morning not to follow the good Datu or else, they would also be killed, Miraculously, he survived but not the on the 8th attempt in the mining area of Tuburan during his watchful visit as he was then a volunteer to report to the “Task Force Kinaiyan” which I am heading to stop these illegal mining activities as embodied in the “Writ of Kalikasan” issued a year before by t he Cou r t of Appeals.

His life was taken away by the assassins’ bullets in that Saturday afternoon of September 13,2014 in his efforts to stop the degradation of the environment where the Higaonons are now living who were before inhabitants of the city but now have been pushed to live in the hinterlands.

Why must Datu Sandigan sacrifice his life for Mother Earth? Perhaps, those who are viewing the planet as private property for enclosure of the commons to satisfy t heir prof it motive t hat have already captured the mindset of all governments, institutions, universities and even religious groups, Datu Sandigan, for giving his life for God’s creation, is crazy. That was how we were perceived before when we were lying in the streets to stop the illegal f low of logs in the 90’s.

The truth is what Datu Sandigan had dedicated his life for Earth Democracy for justice, sustainability and peace which seemed to be too alien to a world that has been deeply buried in so much materia lism and consumerism. No less t hen t he world k now n env ironmenta list a nd a

physicist Dr. Vandana Shiva, a professor in a University in Canada mentioned to me when she was visiting us during the heights of our direct action against logging through human barricades together with Datu Sandigan and the IPs in the 90’s that what the Indigenous Peoples are advancing worldwide is Earth Democracy which is both an ancient worldview and an emergent political movement for peace, justice and sustainability. She said t hat “Ea r t h Democrac y connects the particular to the universal the diverse to the commons, and the local to the global. Native American and Indigenous cultures worldwide have understood and experience life as a continuum between human and non-human species and between present, past and future generations. An 1848 DEMOCRACY/PAGE 11

Entitlement is a dangerous disease Jeff Faulkner once warned business owners, “Entitlement issues are rampant in family owned businesses. It is a stealthy and dangerous disease that can have a widespread and prolif ic imp ac t on our business culture, as well as at home. How do we keep it from becoming an epidemic in our business and family lives?”

Bequeathing a business on the other hand is a oncein-a-lifetime event and any poor, hasty judgment on succession can take out a business in one fell swoop.

When you are planning on retiring soon, then having someone ready to take over the business is undoubtedly very important. But it is not an easy task to just turnover the business to someone.

The fami ly business ecosystem is so complex and naturally confusing. It is further aggravated when family members are actively working in the business.

An enterprise with several family members has twice

as many opportunities for conflict, misunderstanding and resentments. Therefore, teamwork is essential and effective communication is critical in aligning the e nt i re o r g a n i z at i o n t o the succession objectives initiated primarily by the visionary, advisor and the family members.

Consultant Rick Johnson correctly stated that “an attitude of entitlement that is displayed openly can create major challenges for even the most successful family business. This att itude is often displayed by the family member's work ethic expecting every employee to "live to work" and give of themselves unconditionally while Junior takes off every Friday afternoon or goes on extended vacations.”

Johnson further expounds that “these children often manage with an autocratic style with little empathy for employees and leaving the impression that they can do whatever they want because they will run the company

someday.”

Hav ing ent it le d and confused successors in the family business is fraught with danger. When they are made (forced) to join the family business straight from college and without r u l e s t hat d e f i ne t he i r participation, you can expect them to act like spoiled brats and bully their way by demanding power without accountability.

Ent it lement and t he next generation “owner mentality” is one of two evils (Patriarchal control is the other evil) that every parent/ business owner has an obligation to resolve. This apparent role confusion is a real danger and must be nipped in the bud before it goes out of hand. It is pervasive as the entitlement feeds into the child’s last name and becomes a birthright then suddenly degenerates into a mindset of an owner mentality.

So how can you turn the business over to your children sans entitlement?

FAMILY BUSINESS COACH

PROF. ENRIQUE SORIANO Why do other family businesses transition s u c c e s s f u l l y a n d s om e woefully tragic? This is probably the toughest question any business owner will ever face. And it can be thorny.

Firstly, it all depends on how well the owner has prepared himself or herself and the children for this transition. Second, what really touched off the succession? Was it due to a triggering event like death, an illness or a medical scare? Was it a bruising conflict among senior DISEASE/PAGE 9

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WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

5

Banking&Finance

Business groups push for easier payment schemes for businesses

D

AVAO City – The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC) is working closely with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industrie Inc. (DCCCII) in pushing for a moratorium on payments for certain businesses.

ECCP-SMBC chair Antonio Peralta told the Philippine News Agency

(PNA) on Thursday that both chambers are advocating for a moratorium on payments for credit facilities provided by banks to businesses, temporary rent-free arrangements for retailers, and extended payment schemes to cushion the impact the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Peralta said the pandemic has affected the business sector particularly tourism establishments, transport companies, retail, hotel and

restaurants, and manufacturing businesses.

The ECCP SMBC also lauded the quick and responsive measures by the Department of Finance (DOF) economic team through its PHP27 billion economic stimulus package.

"This is a timely response that will help mitigate difficulties of employers and employees caused by the impact of the outbreak," Peralta said.

He said most of the ECCP member-companies have

implemented measures to protect their employees and business from Covid-19.

Peralta cited ECCP advisory encouraging members to remain in operation while implementing a work-fromhome (WFH) arrangement.

He said ECCP staff will remain available via email and social media to provide support to the Philippine-European business community.

He said events may be postponed but companies

BSP expects PH economic recovery in 2021 MONETARY officials forecast a rebound of the Philippine economy from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) by next year.

In an e-mailed reply to journalists’ queries, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said its policy-making Monetary Board (MB) continues to see the services sector like the tourism, trade, and remittance channels to be greatly affected by the global pandemic.

The BSP said the economic hit further deepens following the

implementation of a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to April 12, after the initial quarantine for Metro Manila alone since March 15.

“The latest assessment assumes a U-shaped recovery with the impact of Covid-19 lasting until H2 (second half ) 2020 but with the economy expected to rebound by 2021,” it said.

Economic managers place the preliminary estimates of Covid-19’s economic impact on the domestic economy this

year to be around 0.3-1.0 percentage point.

This year’s growth target is between a range of 6.5-7.5 percent.

On Thursday, the MB slashed the central bank’s key policy rates by 50 basis points, bringing the total rate cut to date to 75 basis points, to help ensure the sustained growth of the economy and after noting the leeway given by the projection that inflation rate will remain within the government’s 2-4 percent target until 2021.

To date, the BSP’s overnight reverse

repurchase (RRP) facility rate is 3.75 percent, the lowest since the 3.50 percent in July 2014.

The central bank said its officials are “prepared to use the full range of its monetary instruments and to deploy monetary policy and regulatory relief measures as needed in fulfilment of its price and financial stability objectives.”

“In calibrating its monetary policy settings, the BSP will continue to be data-dependent, guided by our inflation outlook over RECOVERY/PAGE 9

should continuously innovate and offer services virtually.

Peralta said the recent declaration of a nationwide calamity and the subsequent community quarantine by various local government units would reduce Covid-19 infections in the country.

"This is a serious case that if left unchecked can be catastrophic, given the rate and speed the virus can spread in our communities," he said.

(PNA)

Bangko Sentral outlines additional relief measures for banks

THE CENTRAL BANK is giving additional regulatory to financial institutions, including the imposition of a higher single borrower’s limit (SBL), removing penalties for reserve deficiencies, and providing leeway for some notification requirements amid disruptions caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“The measures ease certain BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)

regulatory requirements governing banking operations for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine and one month thereafter,” BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier said in a memorandum signed on March 19.

“The period of eligibility may be extended depending on the developments related to the COVID-19 situation,” she added.

OUTLINES/PAGE 9

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Wednesday|March 25, 2020

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DENR calls for clean environs to fight COVID-19

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources calls upon the public to keep a clean surrounding to help curtail the spread of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said that “while we take care of ourselves against the COVID-19 pandemic, we also need to consider that dirty surroundings also contribute to the spread of the virus. Thus, we need to sanitize our homes and workplaces.”

Cimatu advised all households to prepare cleaning solutions by mixing the right proportion of 10 to 15 percent bleaching agent or sodium hypochlorite with clean water.

Common brands of sodium hypochlorite available in the Philippines include Zonrox, Chlorox, Mr. Muscle, etc.

A list of other disinfectant products can be found in this link: https://www.epa.gov/ pesticide-registration/

list-n-disinfectants-useagainst-sars-cov-2 Cimatu said this solution is sufficient to decontaminate the surroundings. It can also be sprayed on household wastes before these are taken out for collection.

Garbage collectors are also advised to use the same solution on collected wastes before these are transported to disposal sites. Garbage trucks should be disinfected after all trash are disposed and before the next round of collection.

“The idea is to kill the virus present in the solid waste and in the hauling trucks,” Cimatu explained.

Meanwhile, the DENR chief emphasized the need for proper disposal of hospital wastes with the rise in the use of disposable masks, gloves, caps and hospital gowns

which are commonly used as protection by health workers against COVID-19.

“The Office of the Solid Waste Management and Local Government

Units Concerns of the DENR led by Undersecretary Benny D. Antiporda will be coordinating with the mayors for the implementation of this

collection, treatment and disposal procedure for solid waste to ensure that it will be followed” Cimatu pointed out.

He added that local government units will

be reminded to strictly monitor against disposal of wastes in waterways in compliance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

DENR: Air quality monitoring is a top priority LoveBoracay 2020

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continues to strengthen its air quality monitoring system to ensure that the environment and public health are protected from the dangers of air pollution.

“Air quality monitoring, which is an

integral part of an effective air quality management system, has always been one of the top priorities of the Department,” said Director William Cuñado of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), a line bureau of the DENR that sets air quality standards and monitors ambient and point source

pollutants.

Cuñado described air quality monitoring as a crucial step for taking corrective actions to reduce air pollution which, according to the World Health Organization, is the largest single environmental health risk, causing numerable noncommunicable diseases

like cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, stroke and lung cancer.

“By providing accurate and reliable data through our air quality monitoring, we could help the public— especially those who are at risk—to take action to better protect their health and guide our policymakers in coming up with measures to tackle air pollution,” he pointed out.

“The EMB has a total of 75 air quality monitoring stations that are strategically located in 16 regions nationwide, 34 of those are capable of continuous online monitoring, while 41 are using manual method of sampling,” said the Director.

These stations, he said, are capable of measuring air pollutants, particularly PM10 or particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter and PM2.5, whose diameter is 2.5 micrometers or less.

Fifteen (15) of these in eight regions are also capable of measuring gaseous air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur MONITORING/PAGE 9

cancelled altogether

THE Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) has decided to cancel all “LoveBoracay” events this year due to the threat of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

A replacement of the infamous “Laboracay,” LoveBoracay is a week-long series of events celebrating the rehabilitation of the worldfamous resort island. It is slated for April 26-May 2.

The decision to cancel Boracay’s most important event was reached during the BIATF meeting held on March 12, said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Benny D. Antiporda.

“Since the COVID-19 situation has not improved, and with the health of attendees, organizers and stakeholders, a primary consideration, the BIATF has decided to cancel this event,” Antiporda announced.

Antiporda said the BIATF, chaired by DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, has taken into consideration the

recent developments on COVID-19, particularly the declaration of President Rodrigo RoaDuterte of a state of public health emergency on March 9.

As of Thursday night, the Philippines has a total of 52 confirmed cases, with five fatalities, of COVID-19, which the World Health Organization has already declared a pandemic as the virus has so far infected more than 120,000 people and killed over 4,500 in 114 countries.

First held in 2018, LoveBoracay features activities such as street party, variety show, AtiAtihan parade, and an Arts and Music night.

“Should the island be contaminated, tourists will avoid the island, businesses will incur losses and workers may be laid off,” Antiporda said, as he warned of possible consequences should LoveBoracay push through.

He said that large gatherings, such as LoveBoracay, might increase the risk of the CANCELLED/PAGE 9

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WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

In first virtual council meeting

RDC-X endorses 2021 regional budget CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An estimated P272 billion in priority programs and projects for Fiscal Year 2021 were endorsed by the full council of the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao on 20 March 2020.

The supported budgets include 115 catalytic projects (P140.415 billion), projects under the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development program (P48 billion),

activities targeted for the Sustainable Development Goals (P76 billion), as well as statutory budgets for Gender and Development, Persons with Disability, and Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change Adaptation (P57 billion) to realize the region’s goals and aspirations.

Budget allocation for the infrastructure sector had the highest share with P164 billion (60% share) for seven regional line agencies (RLAs). The

social sector had 32% with P87 billion for nine RLAs and nine state universities and colleges (SUCs).

The economic sector proposed a budget of P15 billion (6%) for 12 RLAs; and the macro sector submitted P5.5 billion (2%) for 13 RLAs, including those in the security sector agencies.

The body also approved the creation of the Special Regional Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals

Amid the current pandemic, LGU leaders, private sector representatives, & regional agency heads use video conferencing during the RDC-X Full Council Meeting on March 20, 2020 . (RDC-X)

under the RDC-X. This committee will monitor the progress of programs aimed at contributing to the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

To support evidencebased decision making, four policy research studies covering poverty, education, and peace, security and safety were endorsed. The research studies will be undertaken by the region’s SUCs. These include the establishment of the Philippine Research Center for Bamboo under the Niche Center in the Region for Research and Development; the installation of a Regional TV Station to be housed in the Philippine Army - 4th Infantry Division Camp; and the construction of the Government Communications Academy in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Through the assistance of the Department of Information and Communications Technology-Mindanao Cluster 2, the RDC-X Full Council conducted the first-ever virtual meeting in the country. Around sixty RDC-X members, local chief executives and BUDGET/PAGE 9

Misamis Oriental hingpit ng gipaubos sa general community quarantine PINASIKAD sa Executive Order GYVBE no. 202008 pinirmahan ni Gobernador Bambi Emano, hingpit nang gipaubos ang tibuok Misamis Oriental sa general community quarantine.

Ang maong deklarasyon gianunsyo atol sa multiagency convergence & Coordination Meeting

OROBANKERS DIRECTORIES CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

AMANAH/ISLAMIC BANK V. Neri Street Carmen, Cdoc 858988/8587965 / 722274

METRO BANK- COGON Osmeña Hayes St. Cdoc | 726438/8572057

ASIA UNITED BANK Cor.Camp Alagar Road Lapasan, Cdoc 729678 / 8568893

METRO BANK- CARMEN Max Suniel St. Carmen, Cdoc 8581722/ 8585162

BDO – VELEZ Velez-Rn Abejuela Street, Cdoc 2314246/8572075

METRO BANK- LAPASAN CM Recto Lapasan HW, Cdoc 724461/8561721

BDO – SM G/F SM City, Master Son’s Avenue Upper Carmen Cdoc | 8592623/8592637

METRO BANK- OSMEÑA Brgy Osmeña St. Cdoc | 722014 /8800924

BDO – XU XU Lib. Annex Corrales St. Cdoc 8574108 / 8573796

METRO BANK- CORRALES Corrales Avenue, Cdoc | 8572635/728731

BDO – CDO HAYES Trendline Bldg.,Hayes Street, 8568151/727405

METRO BANK- GAISANO 8561720

BDO – COGON Sky hi Bldg JR Borja St. Cogon, Cdoc 8577963/ 725209/ 725203 BDO – OSMEÑA Osmeña corner Ramon Chavez St. Cdoc 724567/8563727 BDO – LAPASAN Lapasan Highway Cdoc 8563233 /8563234 / 725178 BDO – RN- PELAEZ George Town CyberMall Rn Pelaez Blvd Kauswagan Cdoc | 8562617/729052 BDO – CARMEN Maxsuniel cor.V Neri St. Carmen, .Cdoc 8584854 /8581133 BANK OF COMMERCE- VELEZ Akut- Velez St.Cdoc | 8564371 / 726880 BANK OF COMMERCE- LAPASAN

CM Recto Ave. Lapasan, Cdoc, 8563991/727731

BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK RER kauswagan,HW Cdoc 8573733 /722519 BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK Gaston Park Cdoc | 8801518 BPI – LAPASAN Cm Recto HW Lapasan Cdoc 724076/ 8524602 BPI- VELEZ Velez-JR Borja St.Cdoc 8564213/722406 BPI – CAPISTRANO Capistrano St. Cdoc 8574264/8574263 BPI- COGON Osmeña St. Cdoc 8571297/8571298 CHINA BANK –GAISANO 745887/745880 CHINA BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc 8572212/8573274 CHINA BANK- LAPASAN CM Recto Lapasan HW Cdoc 8561325 /722240 CHINA BANK – CARMEN Max Suniel, Cor. Yakal St. Cdoc 8583903/723091 CHINA BANK – DIVISORIA RN Abejuela St. Divosoria Cdoc 8575759/722641 CITY SAVINGS BANK TS Fashion Ave.Justo Ramonal Corner St.Cdoc 2316060/ 2316059 CHINATRUST Suite U&5 G/LGateway Tower Lapasan Lkk Cdoc 8521846/8521844 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK HW. Lapasan Cdoc | 8564201/ 8564201 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK Vamenta Carmen Sts. Cdoc | 8585366

nga gitambongan sa mga sakop sa PNP, AFP, BFP, municipal mayors, MDRRMO, DILG ug DOH. Ipatuman ang hingpit nga implementasyon niini karong alas otso sa gabie hangtud sa Abril katorse sa tungang gabie.

Kahinumduman nga nalangan ang pagdeklarar ug general community guarantine tungod sa makuti nga pagtuon sa technical working group aron walay malimtan nga mga mahinungdanong butang alang sa tunhay nga implementasyon niini.

DBP – CORRALES Corrales Ave., St. Cdoc | 8572087/722649 DBP – CAPISTRANO JR Borja Capistrano St. Cdoc 8567776/722819

PBCOM Tiano-HayesSt. Cdoc | 726519/8571558 PLANTERS DEVELOPMENT BANK

Tiano Bros St. Cdoc | 727083 /727082 PHILTRUST BANK Ramonal OsmeñaSt. CDO 8807234/2316694/2316695 PNB- CORRALES Corrales Avenue Cdoc | 729500 / 729723

PNB- LKK MALL NORTH CONCOURSE

LKK Mall N.Concourse Cdoc 8574149/8575682

PNB- CARMEN Elipe Bldg.Carmen, Cdoc | 8583158/ 8584203 PNB- LKK LKK Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564347/722872 PNB CDO– DIVISORIA Tiano Bros.Cruz Taal St., Cdoc 722861 /722816 PNB CDO– LAPASAN LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564732 / 723992 PNB CDO– COGON LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc 8571991/ 723992 PHILIPPINE POSTAL SAVINGS BANK, INC. bels_domingo@yahoo.com.ph Rizal Chavez Cdoc 8572194/725438 PS BANK Velez Corner A. Mabini St., Cdoc 8574183/725184 PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK Tiano-Abejuela St. Cdoc 722644/8573386 QUEEN CITY DEVELOPMENT BANK, INC. Sacred Heart Mont. Cm RectoAve., Cdoc 8562390 RCBC- VELEZ Velez-Borja St. Cdoc | 8564982/8568888 RCBC- COGON Simplex Bldg. Osmeña St. Cdoc 8562888/725863/8521329 RCBC- LAPASAN Cm. Recto Lapasan HW. Cdoc 8561888/722449 RCBC- LKK Gateway, Tower 1 LkkCenter, Cdoc 8563707/722449 RCBC SAVINGS- CARMEN Walingwaling St.,Carmen St. Cdoc 8585793/ 8586248 RCBC SAVINGS- VELEZ Velez St. Cdoc | 729083/8562460 RCBC SAVINGS- AGORA 8807891/8807892 RURAL BANK OF CABADBARAN, Inc.

#58 Tiano FernandezSt.CDO 727215/ 8563552 *805

SECURITY BANK- OSMEÑA Osmeña St. Cdoc | 8563965/ 723411/728774 SECURITY BANK- LKK Limketkai | 8801258/8801625

EAST WEST BANK #5 Juan Sia Bldg. Apolinar Velez St.Cdoc 8578801/720081

SECURITY BANK- VELEZ Velez Montalvan St., Cdoc | 728334/856632

EAST WEST BANK Cogon De Oro Constraction Bldg. LKK Drive 8500339/8500331

STERLING BANK OF ASIA Tiano Velez St. CDO | 8528171/8528168

ENTERPRISE BANK INC. Centro Mariano Bldg Osmeña St. Cdoc 723869/ 3093395 FIRST CONSOLIDATED BANK CM Recto Ave., Cor.Agudo Road Cdoc 8565360/2316678 LBP – CAPISTRANO Capsitrano St. Cdoc | 8565515/727678 LBP – VELEZ LunaVelez St. | 723549/8563198 LBP – PUERTO Puerto Cdoc | 8558858 MAYBANK JR Borja Tiano Cor. Bldg. Cdoc 8574439/726060 METRO BANK- DIVISORIA Pabayo Abejuela St. Divisoria Park, Cdoc 724783/8576999 METRO BANK- VELEZ A. Velez St. Cdoc | 8561724/726054 METRO BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc | 8572999/724415

UCPB BANK- LAPASAN Osmeña Corner Lkk Drive, Cdoc 85771842/ 725135 UCPB BANK- VELEZ Velez Corner C. Pacana St. CDO 8564474/8564527 UCPB BANK SAVINGS-CAPISTRANO

Capistrano Corner CruzTaal St. CDO 8524099/722695

UCPB BANK SAVINGS- OPOL Gf forever Books Bldg.Bulua National CDO 754519/8588063 UNION BANK Lapasan Cm.Recto Cdoc | 8566847/8563805 WEALTHBANK Velez Gomez St. Cdoc | 8568942/722174 1ST VALLEY BANK Vamenta Blvd. CornerLirio St. Carmen, Cdoc 8501871/ 8584146 OROBANKERS CLUB Inc. Pnb Carmen | 09151850242

8

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WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

Frontliners stay connected with Smart WiFi amid COVID-19 response

P

LDT wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) will continue to provide fast, free and reliable all-day Smart WiFi connectivity to support frontliners responding to the nationwide COVID-19 emergency at provincial capitols, city and municipal halls across the country, which currently function as base of operations for local government coordination of logistics, transportation and relief.

Smart WiFi is also available in supermarkets and convenience stores to assist people who are buying food and other essential supplies.

In Metro Manila, carrier-grade, fiberpowered Smart WiFi has been deployed at the City Hall of Manila and in the city halls of Malabon, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and

Valenzuela.

In Luzon outside Metro Manila, Smart WiFi is also up at the provincial capitol of Benguet and the city hall of Baguio; at the city hall of Laoag in Ilocos Norte; at the city and municipal halls of Baliwag, Bocaue, Marilao, Malolos and Meycauayan in Bulacan; at the city and municipal halls of Tanza, Bacoor and Trece Martires in Cavite; at the provincial capitol of Laguna and in the city and municipal halls of Biñan, Cabuyao, Carmona, and Sta Rosa; at the provincial capitol of Batangas and in the city and municipal halls of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan; and at the city hall of Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

Smart WiFi has also been deployed in Visayas and Mindanao. It is available at the provincial capitol of Cebu, the city and municipal halls of Bogo, Cebu,

Mandaue, and Consolacion and the Cebu Public Library; at the provincial capitol of Iloilo; at the city halls of Ormoc, Tacloban and Tacloban Public Market in Leyte; at the Panglao municipal hall and Panglao Public Market in Bohol; at the city hall of Roxas City in Capiz; At the Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Davao; at the city halls of Oroquieta and Ozamiz in Misamis Occidental; at the provincial capitol of Misamis Oriental and the city hall of Cagayan de Oro City; and at the city halls of Dapitan and Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte.

Supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals

Smart WiFi is also available in selected Lawson and Ministop convenience stores across Metro Manila and at select branches of Robinsons Supermarkets and Super 8 in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Tarlac.

These areas are in addition to existing Smart WiFi-powered hospitals across the country, such as Asian Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, De Los Santos Medical Center, Marikina Valley Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Dr Jesus M Delgado Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Chinese General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Pasay General

Hospital in Metro Manila; Cebu Doctors University and City Hospital in Mandaue City, Adventist Hospital in Cebu City, Doctors Hospital Bacolod, Bacolod Adventist Medical Center, and Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod, Ramiro Community Hospital in Tagbilaran City, City Hospital of Tacloban City, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, The Health Centrum Hospital in Roxas; Mayor Hilarion Ramiro Medical Center in Misamis Occidental, Adventist Medical Center in Iligan City, at Davao Doctors Hospital and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, West Metro Medical Center

in Zamboanga del Sur, and at St Elizabeth Hospital, The Medical Plaza 1 and 2, and Sta Ana Medical Building in General Santos City.

Since 2016, Smart has been accelerating the rollout of Smart WiFi in high foot-traffic areas nationwide, and is also available at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals.

“With Smart WiFi in key areas, we are able support our frontliners with fast and reliable connectivity as they work with local governments in delivering vital services amid the COVID-19 situation,” said PLDTSmart Head of Public Affairs Ramon R. Isberto.

This communication is intended solely for the use of the addressee and authorized recipients.

It may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is subject to the conditions in http:// www.smart.com.ph/ corporate/disclaimer.

9

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WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

Training... from page 4

child’s love and respect for them. The child will fear you enough to obey you when they are young, but later as a young adult they may deeply resent you for years, even their lifetime.

A third important principle is to show your love to your child after you have needed to discipline and punish him. Let him know that you will always accept him, even if you do not approve of his bad b e h av i or an d att itu d e .

Remember, punishment is not something we do TO our child, but something we do FOR our child, so he can build real happiness and success from his good character we have helped him develop. That is how we communicate to our child: “I love you too much to let you think and behave wrongly.”Love should be the reason for everything we say and do with our child.

Today, won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for your mistakes as a parent?

Then ask Him to help you love and teach your children the way they need and are designed for. Just think a minute.

Disease... from page 4

business owners (siblings and cousins) or plainly the owner’s advance age. Or a realization that death is near and that he or she has to “pass the baton” now.

I am highlighting four very important and nonnegotiable criteria in laying the foundation for a successful succession to happen: 1. The candidate must have the right leadership qualities, acceptable to all and a proven track record 2.

Appoint highly qualified directors with proven integrity and competence 3.

Institutionalize a culture of accountability reinforced with corporate governance 4. Every decision must be guided on “what is best for the company and not self ”

Recovery... from page 5

the policy horizon and the risks surrounding such outlook as well as data on demand conditions,” it said.

The BSP said its MB considers the latest rate cut as appropriate to support the country’s growth momentum and uplift market confidence against stronger headwinds.

“The BSP has already cut the policy rate by 75 bps thus far in 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation to determine if further reductions are warranted,” it said.

The central bank said its officials are also looking into a range of other supplementary measures that may be required to support non-inflationary and sustainable growth over the medium term.

T he s e me a su re s are

aimed at ensuring adequate domestic liquidity and credit in the financial system as well as lowering borrowing costs for affected firms and households.

“These include, but are not limited to, recalibrating the interest rate corridor settings; suspending the term deposit facility (TDF) auctions as market conditions warrant; and ensuring banks’ access to liquidity-enhancing facilities such as the rediscounting facility,” it said.

The BSP said a combination of targeted and well-coordinated health, fiscal, and financial market measures will be crucial in limiting the economic fallout from the pandemic due to the medical nature of the shock.

“In this regard, we believe the National Government has ample fiscal space for such measures, as reflected in its low debt-to-GDP ratio,” it added. (PNA)

Outlines...

from page 5 First of the measures is the hike in big banks’ SBL to 30% from 25% for a period of six months. The SBL helps banks manage their exposure to borrowers.

The BSP will also relax maximum penalty impositions for reser ve deficiencies.

According to Ms. Fonacier, the maximum penalty the BSP can impose will be the rate on the overnight lending facility, which is currently at 3.75%, plus 50 basis points.

Banks can be exempt from the maximum penalty “provided that the maximum reserve deficiency of the BSP-supervised financial institution (BSFI) shall be 200 basis points above the reserve requirement.”

The reserve requirement ratio (RRR) of universal and commercial banks is at 14% and four percent and three percent for thrift and rural lenders, respectively.

Ms. Fonacier said they will also give banks some leeway in their notification requirements, such as in letting BSP know of a change in their banking hours and the temporary closure of some of their units in light of the Luzon-wide enhanced c om mu n it y qu ar ant i ne (ECQ).

“A bank need not to inform the BSP of changes in its banking hours, as required under Section 108 of the Manual of Regulation for Banks, during the ECQ period,” Ms. Fonacier said.

However, BSFIs will b e re qu i re d to subm it consolidated reports on the temporary closure of their bank branches on or before June 30.

The BSP will likewise postpone the deadline for required reports from BSFIs that have deadlines from March to May, except for the Financial Reporting Package for Banks, the Consolidated Foreign Exchange Position Report, as well as eventdriven report requirements and reserve requirementrelated reports.

Moreover, lenders will also

be given a grace period to comply with BSP supervisory requirements with deadlines prior to March 8. These reports can be submitted until end-June.

Sought for comment, Rizal Commercial banking Corp.

Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the said relief measures will help banks during this period.

“These regulatory relief measures specifically the higher SBL and relaxed maximum penalty for reserve deficiencies will effectively give banks greater leeway to further increase lending to different borrowers such as businesses, consumers, and other institutions,” Mr. Ricafort said in an email.

Monitoring... from page 6

oxide.

The Director emphasized that the location of these monitoring stations are strategic, based on the siting criteria of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as prescribed by Republic Act 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

To ensure that quality data are provided to the public, Cuñado stressed that regular calibration and maintenance of these stations are carried out by E M B te ch n i c a l personnel.

The monitoring of PM2.5 is being prioritized by EMB because the tiny inhalable particles are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs.

These fine particles pose the greatest risk to health, Director Cuñado stressed.

The current ambient air quality guideline values for PM2.5 are 50 micrograms per Normal cubic meters (ug/ Nm3) for average 24-hour short-term monitoring and 25 ug/Nm3 for average oneyear long-term monitoring.

T h e E M B D i r e c t o r, however, disclosed that the air quality standards for PM2.5 are being reviewed and updated by the InterAgenc y C ommitte e for E nv iron me nt a l He a lt h, chaired by the Department of Health and vice-chaired by the DENR. He likewise revealed that the inter-agency body is also reviewing the emission standards for stationar y or industrial air pollution sources.

In 2 0 0 3 , t he DE N R issued an administrative order requiring all industrial facilities with potential to emit air pollution to conduct and submit ambient air quality self-monitoring to EMB. This year, the EMB is scheduled to formulate the standards for hazardous ambient air quality.

Cancelled... from page 6

virus entering the prime destination as it will bring in a huge number of people from all over the country. Boracay remains COVID-19-free to date, he noted.

Meanwhile, Antiporda described the improvements

on the island as “overwhelming” two years after it was closed to tourists for six months to pave the w ay f o r mu c h - n e e d e d rehabilitation.

He s ai d t he DE N R , together with the Department of Tourism (D OT), the Department of the Interior and L o cal Government (DILG) and all other agencies involved in the rehabilitation, was successful in turning Boracay from “cesspool” to a more sustainable ecotourism destination.

“The President’s order to BIATF, led by the DENR, DILG and DOT, was to restore the water quality of the island, which he described as a cesspool,” Antiporda pointed out. “The task force has already done this. It’s ‘mission accomplished’ for the task force.”

He said the remaining works, such as compliance to the 25+5 easement rule, road infrastructure, and sewage system are “already 80 percent finished.”

Budget... from page 7

district representatives joined the video conference.

“We made a big leap today in improving the way we do things through innovation and futuristic thinking, while supporting the government’s effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 through social distancing in meetings,” said RDC-X Vice Chair and NEDA-X Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño.

The council also welcomed Dr. Modesto Babaylan, its new Co-Chairperson for the private sector, who copresided over the meeting.

RDC-X Chairperson and Misamis Occidental Governor Philip T. Tan lauded the use of available technologies which allowed RDC-X to continue its policy and development work during the community quarantine and urged the agencies to employ similar means to save on resources.

Earlier in the meeting, DOH-X Regional Director Adriano Suba-an shared brief updates on the COVID-19 measures and status in Region X. Local leaders expressed both concern and support, calling for a region-wide set of protocols to contain the spread of the disease.

This recommendation and related concerns were discussed in the region’s InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases meeting in the afternoon of the same day. (NEDA-X)

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

CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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WEDNESDAY|MARCH 25, 2020

Negative... from page 1

on Sunday (March 22). There are now 10 patients under investigation (PUIs) still on quarantine at the NMMC, he said, adding that most of them are doing well.

Most of the PUIs who have been cleared by the NMMC, he said, come from Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.

Chan said most of the patients who tested negative of Covid-19 had contracted the influenza virus. He said those patients have shown symptoms, the same if a person has contracted the coronavirus, like cough, colds, fever, and body pain.

The 14 PUIs, he said, were sent home after their health recovered even before their 14-day quarantine had ended.

“If the patients start to feel well after two weeks, we will discharge them, even if their test has not yet arrived,” Chan told reporters during the daily Covid-19 press briefing here.

Chan also announced that the 40 NMMC health workers who underwent the 14-day quarantine and who have tested negative of Covid-19 will b e resuming their respective duties starting Tuesday (March 24).

As of Sunday (March 22), Northern Mindanao has 186 PUIs, 16 of whom are currently admitted at hospitals, 123 under quarantine, 10 have completed their 14-day quarantine, and 34 were discharged, according to the Department of Health's ( D O H ) Ep i d e m i o l o g y, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit.

Persons under monitoring (PUMs) in the region have reached 2,698, the DOHRegion 10 data said.

Of the 186 PUIs, three have died--one of whom tested positive for Covid-19.

The other two fatalities were women who succumbed to severe acute respiratory illness (Sari). They died March 18 at the NMMC while still on quarantine.

Chan said those who died of Sari were aged 33 to 44 years old and had preexisting medical conditions such as shortness of breath, diabetes, hypertension, and heart problem.

PUI death in Iligan Meanwhile, in Iligan City, the operation of Adventist Medical Center in Iligan City said it has continued its operations despite the reported death of a PUI on Sunday evening.

A hospital source said the patient, who is from Lanao del Sur, was admitted at 3 p.m. on Sunday with breathing difficulty.

"The patient, who manifested flu-like symptoms, died around 9 p.m. without being tested for Covid-19. A swab sample was taken for testing. The cadaver is being sealed with the DOH bag," said the source, who did not want to be named as he was not authorized to speak with the media.

The cadaver will be released for burial following the Islamic traditions in

compliance with the protocol of the Department of Health.

The Inter-Agency Task Force Covid-19 in Iligan had yet to issue a statement about the patient. (PNA)

Buys... from page 1

Asnin Pendatun, spokesperson of the BARMM’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), said the goods will be bought within the region as they are all under community quarantine.

“Funds were downloaded to a l l t he B angs amoro provinces to buy rice and commodities for the crisis response while it brings hope to the local economy,” Pendatun said.

An initial fund amounting to P7.3 million was released through the Ministry of Social Services and DevelopmentBARMM. Meanw hile, a C-130 militar y plane of the Philippine Airforce landed at the Awang Airport in Maguindanao noon today bringing in personal protection equipment (PPE) and medical supplies for the fight against COVID-19 in the BARMM provinces.

“Please bear with us as we navigate through a web of LGU guidelines and logistics issues triggered by community quarantines. We will be with you soonest. We all must work together if we are to succeed in fighting this pandemic,” said BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

He added that guidelines in entering Cotabato City has been put in place by the security sector.

Relief operations are expected to start in Cotabato City and the adjoining areas of Maguindanao, including the 63 villages in North Cotabato that voted for inclusion in the Bangsamoro region during the 2019 plebiscite.

At present, the regional government has started the repacking. The assistance c o mp r i s e s f o o d p a c k s containing 25 kilos of rice, 10 pieces of noodles, seven pieces of canned corned beef, seven canned tuna, two cans of sardines and instant coffee packs.

Arrested... from page 1

in an entrapment operation at the JT Food Depot along Justo Ramonal Street.

Zorilla identified the suspects as Percy Datoy, female, 24, a resident of Zone 10, Upper Carmen; Yobryte Unabia, female, 37, of Zone 8, Barangay Carmen; Jerome Quiachon, 32, of Tibasak, B a r a n g ay Ma c a s a n d i g ; and Daniel Casiño, 22, of Barangay Tablon.

Zorilla said the alleged mastermind and owner of JT Food Depot was not at the store when the operatives arrested the suspects.

He said they seized from the suspects 96 plastic bottles of 150ml 90% ethyl alcohol and 73 50ml bottles.

“We saw that they were selling the alcohol online at very exorbitant prices,” Zorilla said.

Zorilla said the group allegedly sells the 150ml p l a s t i c b ott l e at P 1 2 0 when the Food and Drug Ad m i n i s t r at i on ( F DA ) pegged the price at only P74 for a 500ml bottle.

He said they have filed several cases against the suspects like the violation of FDA Circular no. 2020005 prohibiting the sale of essential medical supplies beyond the suggested price ceiling.

Zorilla said they also filed a case for violating Republic Act No. 7581 as amended by Republic Act 10623 otherwise known as the Price Act. Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Tr a n s i t i o n A u t h o r i t y member Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Lanao del Sur Anti-COVID-19 Task Force, said Abinal was found selling quarantine passes at P50 per piece in his barangay hall.

The Lanao del Sur provincial government had imposed strict quarantine measures restricting the movements of its residents without a pass.

Fraud... from page 12

ap p l i c at i o n s m i g ht b e used by online scammers.

Cy b ercriminals will do anything to obtain personal infor mat ion, esp e cia l ly your financial and banking details.”

BDO assures clients that it will never include links in its official communications.

3. Do not share OTPs. C ompanies send out OTPs via SMS messages as an added layer of protection.

For banks, OTPs serve as an account holder’s sign off to proceed with a transaction, like paying for utility bills.

The bank warns clients about scammers pretending to b e f rom BD O. The y may offer a 60-day loan payment extension and ask for account details including OTPs, so they can proceed with transferring money to their account.

B D O s ay s t h at re a l bank officers will never ask for clients’ personal information, such as OTPs, under any circumstances.

When in doubt, report any suspicious communications to ReportPhish@bdo.com. ph.

Be cautious at all times It’s i mp or t ant to b e cautious during this time.

“B e war y of fake news.

Review and confirm information/sources,” said the DICT. Stay tuned in to trusted government and news sites or social media platforms for real and updated information on COVID-19, and do not share unverified information about the situation as not to spread fake news that could incite more panic among the people.

“If you have time to spare, help your friends by verifying the information or s ou rc e s t h e y s h are.

Contact them directly to clarify whatever falsehood they shared and share with them verified facts about the COVID-19,” it added.

Accusations... from page 2

14 — isang araw matapos sinabing negatibo ako sa COVID-19, at isang araw bago ipagbawal ang paglipad mula Maynila — para magpadala ng sarili kong tulong sa mga nasunugan.

Hi n d i ko m at i i s n a hindi tumulong sa kapwa.

Ip i n a n g a k o k o i t o s a taumbayan na kahit saan man, basta kaya ng oras at katawan ko, pupuntahan ko kayo. Hindi ko po makakaya na ipagpaliban o ipagkait sa kanila ang tulong na kanilang hinihingi mula sa atin.

Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na sumaklolo sa hinaing ng mga biktima ng sunog at pati na rin sa mga LGUs na nagbigay rin ng tulong. Napaka-importante po ang pagtutulungan ng national government at mga LGUs sa panahon ng sakuna.

Isa po ito sa aking prayoridad bilang isang Senador at public servant.

Nagpapasalamat rin ako sa mga artista na sumama sa akin at kusang nagsakripisyo para pasayahin ang ating mga kababayang nangangailangan.

Sila Robin Padilla, Philip Salvador, at Victor Neri ay tumugon sa tawag dahil alam nila na sa kanilang sariling paraan ay nabigyan nila ng saya at pag-asa ang kanilang kapwa. Si Robin, tumakas pa ng bahay para iparamdam ang kanyang pagmamalasakit.

Sa mga bumabatikos, tumulong nalang sana kayo.

Hindi po nakakain ang inyong batikos. Hindi rin iyan nakakatulong sa mga naghihirap. Dumadagdag rin lang kayo sa problema. Puro dada, wala namang nagawa.

Wala po kaming ibang interes kundi tumulong at alagaan ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi po kami takot mamatay. As always, I will continue to serve and I will die serving the Filipino people.

Now more than ever, we, as elected officials should do everything we can to be of service to the Filipino people. The government as a whole should still do its job in a manner that will not put the health of others at risk. Hindi pwedeng ipagpaliban ang tulong sa kapwa Pilipino, tuloy-tuloy dapat ang serbisyo.

Suspend... from page 3

Cement Plant in Antipolo City is on hold, and the delivery of cement products from the same plant is suspended until further notice. “(Cemex) believes that these measures are consistent with protecting the health and safety of (Cemex)’s employees, contractors, customers and community…,” it said.

F o r n o w, o n l y t h e company’s APO Cement plant in Naga, Cebu will operate and under “extraordinary mitigating measures.” “(Cemex) will continue to work with its employees, customers and suppliers on how to manage the temporary stoppage of production at the Solid Cement Plant,” it said.

Luzon is under enhanced community quarantine until midnight of Apr. 13. During the period, the public is required to stay at home with the exemption of employees in basic services, essential goods and utility sectors.

Democracy... from page 4

speech attributed to Chief Seattle of the Suquamish tribe captures this continuum.”

“How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If you do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the wate r, how can you buy them? Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the trees carries the memories of the red men. This we know: the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. This we know.

All things are connected like the blood which unites our family. All things are connected.”

E a r t h D e mo c r a c y i s t he aw a rene s s of t he s e connectedness and of the rights and responsibilities that f low from them. This is what ou r Ind igenous Pe ople a re adva nc i ng a s exempl i f ied by Dat u Sandigan. Indeed, a l l species, peoples, and c u lt u re s h ave i nt r i n sic worth. It is the firm belief of that Indigenous People that all beings are subjects w h o h a v e i n t e g r i t y, intelligence, and identity not objects to ownership, manipulation, exploitation, or disposability. No humans have the right to own other species, other people, or t he k nowledge of ot her cultures through patents a n d o t h e r i nt e l l e c t u a l property rights.

Today, the Indigenous People (the higaonons and maranaos) are very much bothered as their ancestral domain is now the subject of interest by t he LGUs nearby to convert a very wonder f u l holy g rou nd into tourism site for money rakings. In their letter to me, they expressed such alarm, to wit: ‘Kaya naman kaming mga Tribung HIG-ONON at Tr ibu ng M A R A NAO ng Ba ra ngay L a nt ud ay nagkakaisa upang maisa

katuparan ang kagustuhan ng aming mga ninuno para sa kapakanan naming lahat hanggang sa darating pang henerasyon, kong kaya kami ngayon ay maninindigan upang bawiin ang aming k a r a p at a n s a p a mu no s a a m i n g t e r e t or y o n a lina lapasta nga n ng mga taong nasa posisyon. Sa pa ma mag ita n ng a ming COOP na IGPANUYADUG SA ABAGA TA BAYUD A G R I C U L T U R E C O O P E R AT I V E a t s a tulong nga lahat ng ahensiya ha ngga ng sa Nat iona l Government la long la lo n a s a pi n a k a m a m a h a l naming Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte inaasahan naming m g a t u l on g , b a b a n g on kami kasama ang basbas ng aming mga ninuno at sa biyaya ni Magbabaya!”

Yes, we must recognize the rights of the Indigenous People as soon as possible as they have categorically stated i n t hei r posit ion p a p e r : “ G A G AW I N N A M I N A N G L A H AT M A PA N G A L AG A A N LANG ANG AMING KALIKASAN SA LOOB NG AMING A NCESTR A L DOM AIN DA H I L PI NAG L A BA N ITO ANG AMING NINUNO SA LOOB NG I L A N G S I G L O K AYA H A NDA R I N K A MI NG PUM ATAY AT HANDA R IN MAGPAK AMATAY UPANG IPAGLABAN ANG A M I N G K A R A PATA N S A L O OB NG A M I NG TER ETORYO.” By the way, the newly formed cooperat ive is headed by a ver y brave warrior and brigade commander of the North Eastern Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of the 6th Special Force Unit, Sultan Abdul Ay unan Amoran.

With him are some f ive battalion commanders and 1,400 MILF combatants.

I n d e e d , M i n d a m or a Falls is the manifestation of the Unseen Being, the creator. C a n t here be a more amazing site on earth t ha n t he radiating t wostor y waterfa lls f low ing amidst the backdrop of the green scenery of blooming trees and flowers and above are f locks of birds hovering and dancing to the music of the wind in harmony with the music emanating from water falling, Yes, just like Datu Sandigan’s stand, “It is where Magbabaya is that is worth dying for.”

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BDO warns clients of fraud amidst COVID-19

W

ITH the recent move by some Philippine banks to extend the payment dues of loans and credit cards by 30 to 60 days, scammers are using the familiar ploy of sending out emails or calling customers and posing as a “legit” bank personnel offering a loan payment extension. The intention here is to get the account details and OTP (one-time password) of the customers so fraudsters can take over the account.

Because of this, BDO Unibank is reiterating important reminders to clients and the general public to combat fraud:

1. Do not share personal information.

Personal information consists of bank account numbers, usernames, passwords, or One-Time Pins (OTP). Using this information, scammers can steal identities, access online bank accounts, and steal money.

Personal information can also include birthdays, mother’s maiden name, the street where one grew up in—any unique information about the user can be used by the scammer to unlock online bank accounts.

The bank advises all to be prudent in posting personal info on social media channels.

If profile is public, best keep

it on private mode for added protection.

2. Do not click on website links.

Fraud attacks can also come in the form of emails, SMS messages, phone calls, or messages via social media channels. Scammers introduce themselves as officials of a trusted company. Their messages look and sound very convincing and sophisticated.

Gone are the days of imperfect grammar and distorted logos.

They even include a website link. Hovering on these website links however will ­r eveal a fake website’s address on the preview.

Do not click on these links. These links will lead

to a website identical to a legitimate company’s official site. Here, scammers can harvest personal information.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology

(DICT) says: “Be wary of unverified and unproven COVID-19 websites or applications that require you to give your personal data. These websites and FRAUD/PAGE 11