MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
Volume IX, No. 266
www.mindanaodailynews.com
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
P15.00
NGCP donates P5-Million in GCs to Project Ugnayan’s COVID-19 efforts O
VER and beyond its earlier donations, including the P1-Billion assistance to the national government’s COVID-19 response and relief efforts, NGCP is contributing another P-million as it turns over 10,000 supermarket gift certificates to Project Ugnayan, the collaborative initiative between the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and top business groups, companies, and institutions. "NGCP made a pledge to continue finding opportunities beyond our previous aids to help combat the effects of COVID-19 in our country, and we are staying true to that promise. This contribution to Project Ugnayan will hopefully sustain more families severely affected during this period,” the company said in a press statement. Project Ugnayan aims to support families affected
by the outbreak of COVID-19 and the imposition of the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine by providing supermarket gift certificates to over 1,500,000 economically displaced families in Metro Manila. The project has also tapped Caritas Manila’s Project Damayan, which will conduct the door to door distribution of the gift certificates, to comply
with the social distancing guidelines imposed by the Department of Health (DOH). The project, which began last March, is set to end by April 30. NGCP’s earlier donations include the P1-Billion donation of medical equipment (ventilators, video laryngoscopes, full face shields) and grocery packs to identified hospitals and cities and municipalities across the country; personal protective equipment (PPE), meals, and other equipment for medical frontliners, and the Meals on Wheels program for indigent communities. NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders Henry Sy, Jr. and Robert Coyiuto, Jr.
DOH-10 pushes psychological hotline services amid COVID-19 NGCP 5M Donation to Project Ugnayan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- As coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic fuels the anxieties and mental stresses among the general public, the Department of Health
DA-10, San Miguel Foods give 10,000 balut eggs to frontliners CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Ten thousand 'balut' eggs were distributed by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 in partnership with San Miguel Foods, Inc. to frontliners from the Philippine National Police (PNP)-10, Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), Department of Health (DOH)-10, and Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10, April 17 at DA-10
compound. "Nahitabo ni tungod sa atong linkage and coordination with the company pinaagi sa atong Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado. Ang San Miguel naghatag sa ato ug 10,000 nga balut penoy nga itlo para ipanghatag sa atong mga frontline personnel sa Department of Agriculture pero nakita namo nga See BALUT, page 11
Center for Health Development–Northern Mindanao (DOHCH-NM), provides an outlet and support system through its “Kamusta Ka?” hotline services to simmer down the mental pressure experienced by some residents in the region. “One of the four clusters that we are currently activating in the Department of Health during this emergency is psychosocial first aid and support which we cater not only for Person’s under Investigation and Monitoring but to the general public as well, they can call us any time in our hotline so we can help them with their mental health
needs,” DOH-10 Mental Health Specialist Dr. Tristan Jediah Viado Labitad said. The “Kamusta ka?” hotline is available 24/7 and is manned by DOH’s mental health experts. “This psychosocial support is humane, supportive, and practical help that we can provide to our fellow Filipinos, especially when they have undergone traumatic events or crises, especially now with COVID-19 affecting everyone” Labitad said. As of April 16, the “Kamusta ka?” psychological help hotlines have already responded to 719 calls, said See HOTLINE, page 11
Ten thousand balut eggs are distributed by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 in partnership with San Miguel Foods, Inc. to frontliners from the Philippine National Police (PNP)-10, Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), Department of Health (DOH)-10, and Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10, April 17 at DA-10 compound. (PIA10)
mindanaodailynews@gmail.com mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776
2
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
Community
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
UNICEF and DOH train 2,500 health workers to help stop the spread of COVID-19 MANILA – UN children’s agency UNICEF and the Department of Health (DOH) began a virtual training of health workers on COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The training, aimed at COVID-19 interventions in home and community settings, was developed in collaboration with DOH, the World Health Organization (WHO) and USAID. The training will build the capacity of up to 2,500 health workers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao initially. To overcome travel restrictions during the enhanced community quarantine, and to facilitate rapid dissemination, the training is being delivered through a mix of online webinar and offline community platforms for those with limited or no internet access. The training is consolidated from the Philippine Government, WHO and Centres for Diseases Control (CDC) guidelines. Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to understand the latest information on COVID-19; understand and describe why IPC is important in the context of preparedness, readiness, and response; understand the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); describe and demonstrate IPC measures at home and in the community; and understand case definitions and management pathways. “This excellent collaboration among partners combines scientific approaches and practical solutions to stop the spread of COVID-19 at home and in the community. Guiding us in the development of the training are epidemiologists, nutritionists, public health experts and other specialists who aim to not only stop COVID-19 but also to strengthen the
Philippines’ health system in the long term,” UNICEF Philippines Chief of Health and Nutrition Programme Dr. Wigdan Madani says. The training webinar has so far been an important resource and reliable source of information for communities. “Thank you for the informative presentation you have prepared and presented for us health workers,” comments Zina Gervacio, Sanitary Inspector from the Rural Health Unit of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. Apart from health workers, the training can also benefit Barangay Health Workers and Sanitary Inspectors, quarantine officers in the points of entry, border patrol personnel, military, police and barangay members of the COVID-19 task force, Barangay Health Emergency Response Team members, local chief executives such as Governors, Mayors, and Barangay Captains, as well as parents, caregivers and the general public. In particular, specific training modules on cleaning and disinfection protocols for different settings (healthcare facility, community/public spaces, and the home) aim to reach an additional 2,000 local government and health care facility staff. The training will be made available for the public to access through the social media channels of DOH and UNICEF Philippines. UNICEF supports the Philippine Government in fighting COVID-19 through complementing the government’s response through technical assistance, provision of essential supplies and support for logistics and transportation, effective communication of safe practices to families, as well as ensuring that the rights of children and their families are protected.
MHARSMC received the PPE from DOST 10
DOST MisOcc Donates PPEs to MHARS Medical Center in Ozamiz City M ISAMIS Occidental- Medical frontliners of Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARSMC) in Ozamiz City receives Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Aerosol box donations from the Department of Science and Technology-X. On April 06, 2020, the Department of Science and Technology-X thru its Provincial Science and Technology Center Misamis Occidental donated 150 pieces of N95 masks and 500 pieces of surgical masks with the aim to augment the dwindling PPE supply of the hospital for the time
being. Moreover, on April 08, 2020, DOST-X turned over ten (10) Aerosol Boxes to MHARSMC to help medical frontliners reduce exposure to droplets when intubating patients while containing the spread of the virus. These donated aerosol boxes with appropriate specifications were fabricated by Emrys Industries of Iligan City. Emrys Industries, a DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) cooperator is also supplying aerosol boxes to other hospitals in region 10. In a Facebook post, MHARSMC
is grateful to DOST Misamis Occidental for partnering with them in their effort to beat COVID-19 pandemic. Initiative such as this may not completely capture the entire requirement of the hospital as the COVID-19 battle goes on, but this is also a call to stir Filipino ingenuity for more solutions. With our medical frontliners fighting against COVID-19 with PPE as one of the needed supplies, this again reminds us to raise the banner of Bayanihan Spirit among public and private sectors to win this fight. (Rogelyn C. Calago, DOST-X Misamis Occidental)
Davao Region ECQ extended for 7 days By CHE PALICTE
DAVAO CITY – The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Davao Region to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has been extended for another week, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said Wednesday night. Duterte, the chairperson of the regional task force on Covid-19, said the regionwide ECQ was supposed to end on April 19 but has been extended to April 26 based on the advice of health professionals.
Duterte said members of the regional task force composed of provincial and local officials in Region 11 decided on the extension amid the three new positive
cases in the city. “The presentation of the Department of Health (DOH) prompted the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) Task Force to extend
JOY& THATA LECHON LIVESTOCK TRADING Located at : PUERTO, CDO – MAIN JR. BORJA EXTENSION, CRONEN, CAMAMAN-AN – BRANCH
Contact Number: 0916-126-7815 0920-876-3147
it up to April 26,” she said. She said a fluctuation of Covid-19 incidents in the region has been observed despite the ECQ impleSee EXTENDED, page 9
ECQ EXTENDED. Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte orders a road blockade on a major thoroughfare on Wednesday by placing an excavator at the center of the street to limit the movement of private vehicles in the city. Duterte is irked at the huge number of private vehicles plying around the city amid the enhanced community quarantine. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Lifestyle
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
3
BAYANIHAN the SM APPLIANCE CENTER WAY
T
HE Bayanihan Spirit was alive and well when SM Appliance Center and its brand partners recently brought positivity, hope and inspiration to the frontliners and patients of the hospitals in the Philippines with donations of electric fans, mosquito zappers, and washing machines.
With summer days ahead electric fans from Imarflex, Asahi and 3D will bring cool comfort to frontliners and patients. These were donated to the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital’s (Tala Hospital), Philippine General Hospital, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children’s
Cool comfort. SM Appliance Center donated Asahi stand fans to the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital’s (Tala Hospital).
The bayanihan spirit was alive and well when SM Appliance Center and Whirlpool donated washing machines to the Rizal Medical Center. These were delivered by MegaTransport Logistics Corporation.
Medical Center and Mary Chiles Hospital. SM Appliance Center also provided environmentally friendly mosquito zappers from Daimaru to keep hospitals safe and free from harmful insects and flies. Insect killers from Imarflex and 3D brands were also given for further protection and assistance.
In order to help hospitals with their heavy wash load, SM Appliance Center partnered with Whirlpool to donate inverter front load washing machines. The MegaTransport Logistics Corporation delivered these to the Rizal Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital, Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital,
SM Appliance Center’s donation of Imarflex insect killers to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center will help keep their rooms free from harmful insects.
San Juan De Dios Hospital, Ospital ng Maynila, San Lazaro Hospital, Mary Chiles Hospital and Jose Reyes Medical Center. Tysons Global Exchange Inc. also joined in SM Appliance Center's initiatives with donations of Speed Queen heavy duty washers for the Lung Center of the Philippines and
Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center. For more updates on SM Appliance Center and its CSR initiatives, you may want to visit our SM Appliance Center website at HYPERLINK "http:// www.smappliance. com" www. smappliance.com or like us at facebook. com/smappliance
4
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
Opinion
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Unruffled The MINDANAO DAILY is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735, Business Plate No. 202003336, under Business License Certificate No. 2020-04013, BIR-TIN No. 464-682-324-000.
ADMINISTRATION DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President 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 RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS Vice President for Digital JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO Vice President for Events and Promotions JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing
ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice president for FINANCE
EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief
RUEL PELONE Managing Editor RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS Regional Editor Northmin GILBERT Y. CHAO Motoring Editor PAT SAMONTE Regional Editor Caraga AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY LEGAL COUNSEL
CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor JOE PALABAO Feature Editor GERRY LEE GORIT Photo Journalist CHRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editor-Caraga RODRIGO B. SEVILLA Regional Editor-Davao ATTY. ANTONIO S. SORIANO 2F, ICS BUILDING TEL. NO.: 881-0176 TIANO COR. MONTALVAN STS. LEGAL COUNSEL
MAIN OFFICE Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776, 0917-5183590, 0917-6701544. E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com ROSE MARY SUDARIA, PHD Manager MELANIE RIVERA DANNYCAROSE SUDARIA Advertising Comptroller FELIX SANTILLAN ROLANDO SUDARIA Creative Production MANILA MARKETING OFFICE 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City TEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0917-1320164
LANI VALLIDO Marketing and Sales Manager
MIJIE JUAT MAY IGLECIAS Account Executives
DAVAO MARKETING OFFICE Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City Telephone #: (082) 298-8815 Office in Charge: ARNOLD SAN AGUSTIN- 0955-312-5405 JOSE ANTONIO P. RODRIGUEZ JUDY I. PANIS Office Clerk Field Reporter LORETO P. JALAPIT JR-Circulation in Charg TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE OFFICE Block 20-12, Cacacho Subd., Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte Tel/CP #: 0923-443-2578 Office in Charge: SARX LANOS ILIGAN OFFICE G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City Office in Charge: SONNY SUDARIA, 0916-349-7422 OZAMIZ CITY OFFICE Door 3, 2nd Floor Go Bldg., Lam an, Ozamiz City Office in Charge: FORTUNATO “Teddy” ALCUIZAR, JR. 0956-180-4249
--------------------------------------------------------------BUREAU AND MKTG STAFF
VILLAMOR VISAYA JR., Bureau Chief - NORTHERN LUZON REGION 2 FRANCIS C. SORIANO, Bureau Chief - NCR & REGION 3 & 4 CINDY JOYCE D. ALCANZO, Asst. Bureau Chief - REGION 3 (CENTRAL LUZON) CYRIL QUILO, Asst. Bureau Chief - REGION 4-A (CALABARZON) ELMER JAMES BANDOL (BICOL REGION) RIZA O. ARES - 0926-2242-653 CANDY MACABALE - 09161326483 MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 SOUTH BUK. - ANNABELLE D. FLORENDO - 0975-102-8444 VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - ROFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 MALAYBALAY - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0955-150-6602 MALAYBALAY - LALAINE SUDARIA - 0975-251-7882 ILIGAN CITY - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 TANGUB CITY - BOBBY MAG USARA OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 R-10 BARMM - SONY SUDARIA-0947-4810371/0916-349-7422 COTABATO - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 COTABATO CITY-SHAMMAH SUNGA-0955-183-9296 DAVAO - TOM A. CABALLERO - 0975-6023684 DAVAO - IAN CABALLERO FULGENCIO - 0955-400-8752 DAVAO DEL NORTE - SARAH CASTOR - 0910-1610366 DIGOS CITY - ROMEO D. SANCHEZ -0907-1905204 PANABO, DAVAO - ARNOLD T. SAN AGUSTIN - 0955-3125405 DAVAO - ALEJANDRO BRIAN CASTOR - 0950-646-5515 DIGOS CITY- DANILO S. EBANES - 0910-756-35-34 DAVAO CITY- AUREA HERNANDEZ - 0997-924-2417 DAVAO OCCIDENTAL - PASTOR JOEL P. PESUCAN - 0926-587-6149 / 0912-019-2590 TAGUM CITY - SARX LANOS - 0923-443-2578 COMVAL - JOVELYN A. SAN AGUSTIN - 0946-255-0438 GENERAL SANTOS - LEO V. MONTEJO - 0926-798-7472 BUTUAN - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 BUTUAN - JOEL DUMAS PORTUGAL - 0910-9775349 SAN FRANS - CRIS PANGANIBAN-0927-7974193 SAN FRANCISCO - DEDING PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 PAGADIAN CITY - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO - 0917-7103642
Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute
In search of that elusive vaccine MAKE no mistake about it, in the absence of a dedicated vaccine, normalcy could not immediately be attained worldwide. This was announced by the United Nations as health experts continue burning their candles where to strike a breakthrough to stop this Covid-19 pandemic. A safe and effective vaccine is believed the only
tool that can return the world to a sense of normalcy to save millions of lives and get back to life the suspended economic activity of almost all countries worldwide. Having said that, what we need right now is an ambitious effort to ensure that concerned stakeholders shall operate through a harmonized, integrated, and leveraged approach of
unearthing that evasive vaccine. This is to maximize the speed and scale needed for the universal deployment of such vaccine designed to put an end to the onslaught brought about by Covid-19. This was also the sentiment aired by the President saying that he will only lift the community lockdown if ever a vaccine will be available in drug counters.
Ruffy Magbanua
Meantime, in the absence of that treatment, lockdowns will continue as well as physical distancing and stay at home directives will remain as the new normal. (ruffy44_ph2000@ yahoo.com)
Have my say
YOURS SINCERELY When letters were the only form of written correspondence, signing off was obvious. Actually I am still adopting that old tradition. No matter, if it comes to letters or emails. It’s just a matter of respect and education. If addressing a sir or madam, it was unambiguous. You concluded “yours faithfully”. When writing to a specific person – for example, a Mr or (hey, ladies first!) – it was simple, your letter would always be signed off “yours sincerely”. Only missives to family or close friends would ever finish with a “love from” or “with much love, yours”. For many people, there’s a weird status thing when it comes to the more blunt you are in emails. I’m asking myself, why? An email is just a letter - an online one ... . Sad to say, the arrival of email has disrupted this
etiquette, making the rules far less obvious. Indeed, for many of us there are no rules. A whole subculture of personalized email signoffs has emerged everything from “TTFN” to “peace out”. And of course, it’s not just what we say but why we say it. Neither in English nor in any other language. I get the same stuff in German written emails and even letters or text messages. “Emails have become the medium of business, leisure, family, love and everything,” says children’s author Michael Rosen. When we sign off emails, we try to give off the “right vibe”, he adds. He says it’s all about how we want to come across to the recipient. “Thoughtful, grateful or just very, very busy?” Oh sure, we are all so very, very busy... . Some of the most successful business people are notoriously blunt in email communication – if they
even bother with a sign-off at all. “There’s a weird status thing when it comes to the more blunt you are in emails, the more you can be (blunt) because you’re senior in the company,” says author Emma Gannon, recalling the editor of a famous newspaper whose response to pitches was often just a curt “yep” or “nope”. Although being succinct can convey a certain authority and status, it also communicates a dose of selfimportance or arrogance. And we’ve all dealt with bosses who fire off email edicts of “is this done?” or “update me on that”. Even if they are not so direct, many emailers (email senders?) like to convey a sense of being busy by using or adapting abbreviations. So “kind regards” becomes “KR”, or “yours” may do away with pesky vowels to leave “yrs”. Heaven forbid!
Klaus Doring
“When someone signed off ‘BR’ for ‘best regards’, I just thought they were cold, brrr,” says Gannon. And, in my opinion, sorry to say, I even don’t reply anymore after receiving such correspondence. Oh sure, we are all busy, but there should be just a minimum of respect, if I communicate with someone. In business or personal. By letter, email or text message. Many times, there are those who pare it down to the absolute minimum, signing off with simply their name or even just the initial letter of their forename. Others might omit a sign off altogether. While this may come across as peremptory or rude, at least it avoids See DORING, page 11
Nuts & Bolts
Best western® hotels & resorts provides much needed relief to hoteliers Company Takes Unprecedented Steps to Ease the Financial Burden Facing Hoteliers During the Worst Decline the Hotel Industry Has Ever Seen IN THE face of the biggest economic crisis the hotel industry has ever faced, Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) is taking steps to ease the financial burden for its hoteliers during this challenging time. Committed to its loyal BWHR family and understanding the tremendous hardship COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is having on its hoteliers, their employees and their families, BWHR’s Board of Directors and Executive Team have implemented unprecedented
measures to afford its hotel owners (members) muchneeded relief through May 2020. These measures include: • Waiving one half (1/2) of Monthly Fees. • Waiving one-half (1/2) of Property Revenue Management Fees. • Reducing Best Western Rewards® (BWR®) loyalty point fees charged to members by one-half without lowering points awarded to loyalty program participants. • Increasing by 50% hotel redemption compensation for BWR loyalty guest stays. • Waiving in entirety BWHR co-op marketing fees. Recognizing the debilitating impact on hotel
revenue and the immediate need to conserve use of capital, BWHR is delaying certain fees until November. The company will also offer extensions to its members related to BWHR’s various programs, enabling hotels to focus on the health and welfare of their guests, associates, families and communities. Of note, recognizing that BWHR is a family that unequivocally supports one another through difficult challenges, the company’s Board of Directors and Executive Team voluntarily reduced their compensation by 20%. The Board of Directors and Executive Team has implemented measures that will provide immediate
JEROME DE LA FUENTE
relief to our hoteliers. In the coming weeks as this crisis unfolds, the corporate officers will continue to listen to the voice of their hoteliers and respond to their struggles in meaningful ways.” “ The impact of this global pandemic has been devastating to the livelihood of our hoteliers, their families, and the employees who depend on them,” said David Kong, President and CEO, BWHR. “At BWHR, we are truly a family that stands together, shoulder to shoulder, during a time of crisis. In coming together, not only will BWHR weather See RELIEF, page 11
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
5
Telecom technicians keep households connected amidst COVID-19 threat due to the virus threat. “May subs po na ang trato samin parang may COVID na din kami. Hindi po kami pinapapasok sa loob na ng bahay. Ung iba po halos paliguan kami ng alcohol bago kami papasukin sa bahay nila. (There are subscribers who treat us like we are COVID patients. They don’t allow us to enter their houses. Others would almost bathe us in alcohol before they allow us to go inside their house),” said Christian Almonte, a repair technician of EdgeComm in Metro Manila.
DESPITE mounting fears over the continuous spread of COVID-19 in the country, hardworking telecom technicians bravely go to the field day in and day out, leaving the safety of their homes just to ensure that customers are connected even while under enhanced community quarantine. Installers, repairmen, and other technicians working for Globe Telecom’s various contractors all over the country, for instance, visit as many as 10 homes a day but their challenges start before they reach the residence of the customers. Many barangays refused to grant them entry even with government orders exempting telecom services from ECQ.
“Mahirap po pakiusapan ibang barangay na papasukin mga technicians natin, kung minsan kami naharap at pinapakita namin yung ID na issued ng Globe pero ayaw pa din (We’re having difficulties requesting some barangays to allow our technicians to enter their areas. Sometimes, we even have to face them and show the IDs issued by Globe but they still refuse), said Nerissa Gama, EdgeComm Field Supervisor. They also have to face apprehensive customers who are now wary of allowing strangers into their homes
EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: This EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE is made and entered into by and Among; HEIRS OF MILAGROS C. LIBRANDO namely: BENJAMIN LIBRANDON (SURVIVING SPOUSE), BRYAN NEIL C. LIBRANDO and NESSA GEM C. LIBRANDO, all of legal ages, single, Filipinos and residents of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; -Witnesseth, That WHEREAS, MILAGROS C. LIBRANDO died intestate on July 24, 2003, a copy of her death certificate is herein attached. WHEREAS, the MILAGROS C. LIBRANDO left an estate which is a Parcel of Land, covered under TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (TCT) No. T-100478 containing a total area of TEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED NINETY (10,290) SQUARE METERS more or less and which is more particularly described as follows, to wit: “A PARCEL OF LAND, Lot 7-C, Csd-10-001552-D, situated in the Mun. Of Malaybalay, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao. Containing an area of TEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED NINETY NINE (10,290) SQUARE METERS more or less.” WHEREAS, left no debt or claims against her estate; Is subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ANDREY A. ALCOMENDRAS, Notary Public, per Doc. No. 2; Page No. 2; Book No. II; Series of 2020.
This EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE is made and entered into by and among; RAFAEL B. CARILLO, JR. of legal age, Filipino, married to ANITA J. CARILLO and a resident of Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; and, HEIRS OF CRISTINA C. DAMASCO namely DARYL GRACE D. HERNANDEZ, of legal age, Filipino, married to ROBIN L. HERNANDEZ, and residents of purok 10, Poblacion, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon; -Withnesseth, That WHEREAS, the above-named parties are the co-owners of a parcel of land covered under TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (TCT) No. 100486 containing a total area of FIFTY THOUSAND (50,000) SQUARE METERS more or less and which is more particularly described as follows, to wit: “A PARCEL OF LAND, Lot 7-A, Csd-10-001552-D, Lot 312, PLs280, situated in the Mun. Of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao. Containing an area of FIFTY THOUSAND (50,000) SQUARE METERS more or less.” WHEREAS, RAFAEL B. CARILLO JR., owns TEN THOUSAND (10,000) square meters of the property while HEIRS OF CHRISTINA C. DAMASCO owns FORTY THOUSAND (40,000), square meters of the property identified above. WHEREAS, CHRISTINA C. DAMASCO died on October 23, 1997, a copy of her death certificate is herein attached. IS SUBJECT OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ANDREY A. ALCOMENDRAS, Notary Public, per Doc. No. 2; Page No. 2, Book No. II; Series of 2020.
This EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLLEMENT with DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE is made and entered into by and among: TERESA C. DELA CERNA of legal age, Filipino, married to NEAL Y. DELA CERNA and a resident of Moreno St., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; and, HEIRS OF MILAGROS C. LIBRANDO namely: BENJAMIN LIBRANDO (SURVIVING SPOUSE), BRYAN NEIL C. LIBRANDO and NESSA GEM C. LIBRANDO, all of legal ages, single, Filipinos and resident of Malaybalay City, Buikidnon; -Witnesseth, That Whereas, the above-named parties are the co-owners of a parcel of land covered under TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (TCT) No. T-100479 containing a total area of FIFTY THOUSAND (50,000) SQUARE METERS more or less and which is more particularly described as follows, to wit: “A PARCEL OF LAND, Lot 7-B, Cad-10-00152-D, situated in the Mun. Of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao. Containing an area of FIFTY THOUSAND (50,000) SQUARE METERS, more or less.” WHEREAS, TERESA C. DELA CERNA, owns FORTY THOUSAND (40,000) square meters of the property identified above while the HEIRS OF MILAGROS C. LIBRANDO, own TEN THOUSAND (10,000) square meters of the property. WHEREAS, MILAGROS C. LIBRANDO died intestate on July 24 2003, a copy of her death certificate is herein attached. IS SUBJECT OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ANDREY A. ALCOMENDRAS, Notary Public, per Doc. No. 2; Page No, 2; Book No. II; Series of 2020.
MDN: Apr 4, 11 & 18, 2020
MDN: Apr 4, 11 & 18, 2020
MDN: Apr 4, 11 & 18, 2020
EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
Aside from the challenges at work, the frontliners also have to bear the burden of being away from their loved ones at this time when most families stay at home. Jedlian technician in Tarlac, Alvin Fronda, whose wife and three kids reside in Nueva Ecija, said: “Ngayon po mahirap po kasi malayo sa pamilya pero pinipilit ko pong kayanin dahil sa trabaho po na to para po sa
pamilya ko at sa company po ng Jedlian and Globe para sa serbisyo po. (Right now, it’s hard because I am far from my family but I’m trying my best to carry on because this work is for my family, for Jedlian and Globe, and for service).” But despite the hardships, each of them only has one goal in mind - to keep customers connected especially in this time of need.
“Unang inisip namin frontliners kami dahil contractor kami ni Globe. Ang kailangan ng tao lalo ngayon naka lockdown at nasa bahay lang sila para makabalita sa mga kamaganak nila ay internet at telepono para may komunikasyon (The first thing that we think of is that we are frontliners because we are Globe contractors. With the lockdown where people are at See TELECOM, page 9
MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
BUSINESS 6
BPI sees surge in digital banking
H E Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) announced today that its retail digital transactions—which include money transfers to other BPI accounts, interbank transfers, transactions with e-commerce partners, bills payments— s o are d by more than 25 percent in just two weeks since the start of the enhanced community
quarantine, which the government enforced to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. BPI Chief Digital Officer Noel Santiago said for money transfers within BPI and BPI Family accounts, the numbers reached almost a million transactions. Interbank transactions via InstaPay reached close to 300,000, 50% more than pre-quarantine levels.
In the last two weeks of March, BPI, through its retail digital platforms, facilitated more than 1.5M transactions with a total value of close to P8 billion. Furthermore, for those still requiring cash, the large BPI ATM network with its convenient locations processed 4.5 million ATM transactions, including 1 million of which was other bank’s customers.
This brings about P21 billion in transaction amount for the period of March 16 to March 31. “The transaction statistics has confirmed that digital banking is no longer just an option, but a mainstream financial ser vice” said Santiago. “People are realizing they can do financial transactions from the comfort of their homes. Our foresight
and investments in digitalization prepared us to be ready in times like this.” Santiago reiterated that digital banking together with the branch network are perfect complementary channels to serve the needs of our clients. As one of the leaders in digital banking in the country, BPI sees a continual increase in digital banking adoption. In just one month, BPI recorded close to 100,000 customers sign-ups for their online and mobile banking platforms, bringing the total retail digital customer base to almost 4 million. The introduction of
Manila, Philippines - Globe Telecom, Inc. (“Globe”) has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of US-based Cloud Consulting Companies, Cascadeo Corporation and Cascadeo Partners (referred to as Cascadeo) for US $4M. Globe shall incorporate new entities through which the acquisition will be made. As part of the transaction, Globe,
along with Cascadeo, will make follow up investments into the entities for growth capital to fund the company’s expansion strategies. Full execution of the agreement is targeted in the next few months following completion of regulatory approvals. This investment echoes Globe’s trust to build a robust ICT portfolio and deliver tools and solutions that
propel businesses to stay competitive towards the digital future. Globe’s vast resource pool and extensive reach in the Philippine market together with Cascadeo’s specialized expertise in cloud-based products and services bring forth synergies, which will be passed on to the Philippine and US enterprise clients through an upgraded cloud-based product and service offering. “ The j oint venture with Cascadeo will further strengthen our ability to invent, innovate, and experiment,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. “We will be leveraging on Cascadeo's Cloud-Native Consulting and Managed Services capabilities to further solidify our credibility as a cloud solutions provider for enterprises and small and medium business customers who are ready to digitally transform.” The deal forms part of the strategy of Globe Business to accelerate development
of its ICT capabilities and solutions and to provide their customers a complete suite of cloud-native products and services. “We’re excited to have a partner like Globe in the next stage of our growth journey. Their commitment to cloud-first and speed of adoption are rare to see in large organizations. We also admire that Globe has balanced achieving business goals with taking care of their people. We continue to be amazed by the talent of the Filipino workforce and partnering with Globe will be instrumental in helping us become an employer of choice as we broaden our footprint in the Philippine market,” said Jared Reimer, CEO of Cascadeo Corporation. Founded in 2006, Cascadeo is one of only a few elite Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) Premier Consulting Partners in North America and is also a Managed Services Provider (“MSP”). Their expertise is on au-
tomation, Cloud-Native Platform as a Service, Data Analytics, Serverless Infrastructure and programmatic security. They also have professional consulting services and managed operations for customer deployments on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, NetApp Cloud Solutions and even on-premise VMWare private cloud environments. Cascadeo is head-quartered in Seattle, Washington and maintains a Cloud Operations Center of Excellence in Manila, which supports their customers in the US and the Philippines. About Globe Globe is a leading fullservice telecommunications
T
the Mobile Key, an additional security feature that is linked to a specific device, and uses either biometrics or a special code known only to the client, has shown positive adoption with about 300,000 activations within the first month of the launch last March 6, 2020. “Necessity is driving the rapid adoption of digital. People are now seeing the value of going digital, and BPI is encouraging them to take advantage of the security and convenience of digital banking, which will be the new normal, post COVID-19,” said Santiago.
company in the Philippines and is publicly listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunication and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It has major interests in financial technology, digital marketing solutions, venture capital funding for startups, entertainment, and virtual healthcare. Its principal shareholders are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region.
Globe Invests in Cloud Business to Expand ICT Capabilities
Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion
for Orders, Contact Yoyong:
09354145759 09169249371
Davao 7 SPMC expects more admission with the new DOH classification guidelines FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
D
AVAO CITY -- With the new Classification of individuals for COVID-19 as issued by the Department of Health (DOH), the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) expects to cater more patients both suspect and probable cases diagnosed with severe acute respiratory illness.
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
Interviewed during the Virtual Presser of the Philippine Information Agency XI, SPMC chief of hospital Dr. Leopoldo Vega explained that the impact of the guidelines is there will be more patients referred to the COVID facilities such as SPMC.
“Other hospitals will not handle SARI and influenzalike cases. They will refer these patients to us (SPMC) and we will find out if they are suspect or probable,” said Vega. A suspect case would include those with fever (38 degrees Celsius) and cough,
and any one of these two: those who had history of travel to a place with local transmission (within 14 days before the start of the symptoms), or a close contact to a confirmed or probable COVID19 patient. A suspect case could also be someone who has fever,
cough, difficulty in breathing, and if he belongs to any of these: above 60 years old, with other pre-existing illnesses, pregnant, or health worker. Another potential suspect case is someone who suddenly feels some problem with the lungs See GUIDELINES, page 11
Sarangani LGU extends help for stranded residents DAVAO CITY – The municipal government of Sarangani in Davao Occidental has extended relief assistance to its residents who are stranded in General Santos City due to the first implementation of a regional lockdown on April 4. Of the 325 listed Saranganians who are studying and working in General Santos City, 77 have been provided with food packs on Wednesday (April 15). The distribution areas of the relief assistance include Lower Makar, Balunto, and other areas in Barangay Calumpang such as Sta. Cruz, Lanot, Veterans and San Miguel, all in said city which is already part of Region XII. Jinelyn II T. Cawa, acting municipal administrator of Sarangani, disclosed that the LGU has enlisted 217 See HELP, page 9
C.M. Recto Street is a downtown street where most of the jeepneys in Davao City converge; now empty except for policemen on patrol. mindanews photo by manman dejeto
Tagum City LGU extends food to all in need Davao City cancels DAVAO DEL NORTE – Food pack is given regardless of “who you are”, if you’re locked in Tagum during the Enhanced Community Quarantine. Tagum City Mayor Rellon has made the decision of reaching out to everyone needing food assistance as
the city still hoists high its defenses against the world dreaded COVID-19. “So practically tanang pamilya (all families) regardless of where you are, who you are, what you are, among gicount (we are counting them),” he said in an interview of Kapihan
Online. On top of the 65,000 Tagum households as registered by the City Planning and Development Office, the City Government has taken into account families who are renting and those living in boarding houses. It has also extended food
Worker of an essential service walks through the Chinatown gateway on his way home. Chinatown, one of the busiest trading centers in Davao City, is now a ghost town. mindanews photo by manman dejeto
packs to non-registered voters who have been caught lockdown and have opted to stay in the city. Mayor Rellon was particularly referring to workers of bigticket on-going construction projects in the city and other workers of business establishments. The Count Banking on the assistance of almost 500 purok leaders to count all recipients, the list of food pack beneficiaries ran long. It initially stretched to a total of 84,870 during the first wave of distribution from April 1 to April 5. “Di pa gyud na mao, pag actual namo’g distribute, daghay nag text, na miss out daw sa purok leaders. (That was not all. During actual distribution, some were complaining of being missed out by purok leaders.),” he said. Their contact numbers were taken and addressed made known, and then referred to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to bring See FOOD, page 9
major events and celebrations for 2020 DAVAO CITY -- The Local Government of Davao City has cancelled major events, anniversaries, festivities and other extravagant celebrations for the year 2020 as City Mayor Sara Duterte has put the City under a Period of Mourning and Vigilance starting April 17, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The Period of Mourning and Vigilance was in consonance to the Presidential Proclamation 929 putting the country declaring a State of Calamity for a period of 6 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order No. 25 series of 2020 cited the necessity of the declaration stating that; there is a need to emphasize the value of sympathy families of frontliners who died and will die because of COVID-19, there is need to impress upon everyone the value of empathy for those who are suffering and who will con-
tinue to suffer the effects of the pandemic, there is need to for constant obedience of the rules of measures set and implemented to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The EO also cited the need for vigilance as an essential step in protecting families and to recognize the sacrifices of the frontliners. Under the Executive Order all city and national government celebrations, parties, anniversaries and festivities are cancelled. Commemoration of important dates and holidays should be short and somber in tone. All barangays in the city are instructed to refrain from holding extravagant fiestas. All Araw ng Barangays/Founding anniversaries are cancelled. The private parties to mark family and personal milestones should be kept low key and modest. As a See CANCELS, page 11
8
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Food... from page 7
food pack to their locations. Taking in all those needing food pack allocation, the City list’s of recipients now runs a total of 102,778 as of April 15. Now prepping for the 2nd wave of food pack distribution, the city government targets to haul these to the same number of recipients, next week. But Rellon feels a bit of ease as Davao del Norte Provincial Governro Edwin I. Jubahib has delivered his counterpart food supplies of 6,301 sacks of rice and 2,058 boxes of sardines. The Partnership For the second round, the combined food supplies of the City Government and of the Provincial Government will make up a food pack of six kilos of rice with four canned goods. “’Mayor, kung pila to ka pamilya imong gihatagan, hatagan sa probinsya; tag 3 kilos of rice, 2 canned goods’. Tapatan namo sa city na ug 3 kilos of rice and 2 canned goods,” he said quoting Jubahib. The partnership in food pack distribution of Tagum City Government and Davao del Norte Provincial Government will roll to a second wave in the first week of May, 2020. Rellon, howevever has cautioned the public that the city and the provincial resources are “not bottom-
less”. “Mao nang nag ampo mi nga mahuman na unta ni sa Mayo kay an a jud tay budget. (We are praying that this would end in May because we are running out of budget.),” he said. (Jeanevive Duron Abangan, PIA XI)
Help... from page 7
students who are staying in boarding houses and 63 residents who working in malls and with “no work no pay” status in General Santos City. Cawa said there are also 45 residents who are stranded and mostly staying with relatives in GenSan because of the lockdown imposed under the first declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine regionwide due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) threat. It was Cawa who posted on her Facebook account on April 9, calling all stranded residents from Sarangani town to give her their details including address in Balut island/Sarangani island, address in GenSan, name of school and name of establishment. She said they are expecting more on their list of stranded residents in GenSan which is 6-7 hours boat ride from the island town of Sarangani. Despite of only five personnel to do the repacking and distribution of food packs to the stranded stu-
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020 dents and workers, the relief operations will still continue in the following days for those who have enlisted but have not yet received the assistance. As early as March 22, the LGU of Sarangani has commenced its first round of distribution of relief goods starting at the remotest barangays, while ensuring physical distancing and avoiding mass gathering to avert the spread of COVID-19. Sarangani is a 4th class municipality of Davao Occidental, consisting of two main islands namely Sarangani island and Balut island. The province of Davao Occidental, mostly consisting of mountains, is the 81st and newest province of the country, and the last frontier of Davao Region in the southeastern section of Mindanao. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)
Telecom... from page 5
in mind - to keep customers connected especially in this time of need. “Unang inisip namin frontliners kami dahil contractor kami ni Globe. Ang kailangan ng tao lalo ngayon naka lockdown at nasa bahay lang sila para makabalita sa mga kamaganak nila ay internet at telepono para may komunikasyon (The first thing that we think of is that we are frontliners because we are Globe
contractors. With the lockdown where people are at home, they need the internet and phone to communicate with their relatives),” said Michael Ariza, technician of Visatech in Manila. Michael’s words were echoed by Larry Antenor, Technician of JBD in South Luzon province who proudly said: “Dahil po frontliners tayo. Basta may problema ang internet ng subs kailangang ipagpatuloy natin ang serbisyo at responsibilidad natin sa subs (We are frontliners. If the customers have a problem with their internet, it is our responsibility to continue providing services to them).” Globe, for its part, expressed gratitude and extended full support to the frontliners who make sure that telecom services are always available to the country and its citizens. "Our critical skeletal team of technicians are hard at work to provide support for Globe At Home broadband lines so that our customers remain productive, connected and informed. In line with this, we continue to implement stringent health check protocols to ensure the overall safety and wellbeing of our customers, our installers and repairmen,” said Martha Sazon, Globe SVP and Head of Broadband Business. Health and safety measures undertaken by all Globe at Home installers and repairmen begin before
deployment, consisting of the following: * They must pass a series of health checks such as a body temperature of less than 37.8°C, no signs of cough or cold, and no difficulty in breathing or pain in the throat and chest area. * Installers must also disclose if they have gotten in touch with anyone who has displayed any of the aforementioned symptoms, or has come from a country affected with COVID-19. * Before leaving for deployment, installers must also pass hand wash, alcohol and water stations to stay clean and hydrated At the same time, technicians are required to ask homeowners three mandatory COVID screening questions to protect themselves. The questions are: 1) Is there any household member considered as a person under investigation or monitoring or has fever, cough or breathing difficulties? 2) Has anyone undergone COVID testing and has either tested positive or is still waiting for results? And 3) Has anyone arrived from abroad in the last 14 days? If the answer is Yes to one or more questions, the technicians are advised not to proceed but instead return after 14 days. Ensuring the safety of its frontliners and customers is part of the ongoing efforts of Globe in making everyone connected, informed and #SafeAtHome
9
amid the extended ECQ in Luzon. Learn more via https://www.globe.com.ph/ stay-safe-at-home.html.
Extended... from page 2
mentation, which severely limited the movement of people outside their homes. Duterte added that under the extended ECQ, the borders of the city will remain closed to traffic, except for vital cargoes and emergencies. The extension means the continued prohibition of entry of land, sea and air travel in the region, she added. “We will have a meeting with Task Force Davao and we will discuss how to come up with a stringent measure now that ECQ is extended,” the mayor said. As to the stranded Dabawenyos outside the region, Duterte said that they will continue to send support to them until the duration of ECQ. She assured that the city government, as well as the local government units in the region, will not cease to assist affected residents. Duterte said there are a total of 206 stranded Dabawenyos per information gathered from the official social media platforms of the Davao City Government. The mayor did not enumerate on the support given to the stranded residents to avoid misinformation and possible fraudulent acts from criminals. Stranded Davao City residents may reach out through Davao City Reports hotline numbers 0919 072 2222 and 0917 131 2333 or its official Facebook Page or through the Davao City Disaster Radio Facebook Page. (PNA)
MINDANAO DAILY BILLBOARD TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
10
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
FRONTLINERS, EVERYDAY HEROES
T
hrough adversity, our true character appears. It seems today that we are in the age of heroes. In the midst of this global pandemic, we live with the feeling of uncertainty of what the future holds, the fear of infection and sickness, the panic over the lack of food and supplies, and even helplessness with being stuck at home with limited resources. Despite this, incredibly, there are others who have chosen to help their fellow Filipinos in need. They are also people just like us, they are the heroes of this terrible pandemic, they are our frontliners. Recent reports say
that there are now over 1.8 million confirmed cases worldwide. In the Philippines, we have over five thousand confirmed infections and over 300 virus-related deaths. Sadly, the numbers are expected to increase even more in the coming days with more tests being done. It is a dangerous and scary world that we all face. It’s a dangerous and scary world that our frontliners face head on, every single day. You see them every day on the news, social media, and even around the neighborhood. We hear the stories of their heroic actions as they navigate through the challenges the virus brings
such as caring for the sick in overcrowded hospitals, lack of personnel, and limited personal protective equipment. We may even see them distribute relief goods, monitor checkpoints, and keep the peace to limit the spread of the virus. However, there are frontliners who may not make the headlines as much, but play an important role in keeping our society functional nonetheless. They, too, expose themselves to the dangers of infection. They, too, work tirelessly every day despite the lack of public transport. They, too, prioritize others ahead of themselves. It’s high time that we
PCSO resumes processing for medical assistance
Amidst suspension of operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in the Main and Extension Offices due to Presidential Proclamation No. 922 and 929 (2020), declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines due to Corona Virus Disease 2019, Vice Chairperson and General Manager Royina M. Garma announced that the the agency will resume processing requests for medical assistance for confinement and of outpatient request for availment of chemotherapy, dialysis, hemophilia and post transplant medicines in PCSO Main Office, (Conservatory Building, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City) and PCSO Branch offices nationwide, effective April 15, 2020. The acceptance and processing of requests shall be done only from 9:00am to
2:00pm in view of the curfew hours of the local government units. For Metro Manila, requests shall be submitted and processed at the PCSO Conservatory Building, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes continue to find ways and means to reachout to people and assist the national government in its fight against this deadly COVID-19 virus. "The Agency, adhering and complying to The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, emphasizes and strengthens this auxiliary role especially in providing healthcare to Filipinos, bearing a part of the weight and augmenting government efforts in these strained and challenging times," PCSO General Manager Royina M. Garma.
finally recognize some of the unsung heroes and thank them when upon encounter during these times: Grocery staffs and clerks – They tirelessly restock the shelves of our essential supplies and groceries. They also have to deal with panicking and even rude customers looking for out-of-stock items. Bank employees – Without them, ATMs and bank services are would not be available. Because of them, we can send money to our families and withdraw cash for food, groceries and bills. Restaurant staff and delivery riders – Preparing thousands of
take-out and delivery orders each day, they are probably one of the most important “support” frontliners for people too busy to prepare their own meals in the hospitals, checkpoints, and even those quarantined at home. Pharmacists and drugstore staff – They actually complete and fulfill the healthcare ecosystem circle by making sure we are able to buy the medicines and vitamins we need to stay healthy and free from sickness. So, thank you to all the frontliners for your bravery, your dedication, and your sacrifice. We pray for your health and safety during this time of crisis. In Generika Drugstore, we are extremely proud of our pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, together with our backend warehouse operations, who have shown their dedication to serve when it comes to the country’s need of quality and affordable healthcare services. In answering the public’s health needs, they remain not only our Kaagapay in making quality medicine and service accessible to the Filipino, but also our Kaagapay in fighting the pandemic. So rest assured, when it comes to affordable and quality healthcare… Sa Generika, May K Ka!
LANDBANK launches loan program for enterprises, coops hit by COVID-19 THE Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is offering a new lending program to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and cooperatives recover from the adverse effects brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Through the I-RESCUE (Interim REhabilitation Support to Cushion Unfavorablyaffected Enterprises by Covid 19) Lending Program, LANDBANK is providing assistance through credit and loan restructuring under more flexible terms and conditions. Interested SMEs, MFIs and Cooperatives may
borrow up to 85% of their actual need for working capital, at an affordable interest rate of 5% per annum, payable up to a maximum of five years, with grace period on the principal payment. I-RESCUE likewise offers restructuring of existing loan account via additional loan, extended repayment period, or through other means (or combination of means). The loan may be extended up to a maximum of 10 years, with up to 3 years grace period on principal and up to 1 year grace period on interest, depending on cash flow. “LANDBANK stands ready to respond to the financial needs of
enterprises hardly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic for rehabilitation support. We hope that the I-RESCUE Lending Program will help restore economic and social activities in our country, especially in the countryside,” LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo said. The LANDBANK I-RESCUE Lending Program is in support of Republic Act No. 11469
or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” which ensures the provision of timely and affordable credit to sectors affected by COVID-19, including small farmers and fishers. Interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: +63917-712-1424 • +63947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com
Kumu... from page 12
our shows, game shows, and ABS-CBN talents, wherein fresh ideas and live interaction can serve our audience best,” he shared. Pineda further expressed his optimism on how Kumu can help push a new generation of content creators who can monetize their works and establish direct relationships with their audiences. “Working with Roland, Rexy and the entire Kumu team has been very exciting and we believe it will continue to even be more exciting in the future,” he added. Meanwhile, Gokongwei family-owned Summit Media and Philippine-based VC Foxmont Capital Partners followed on from a previous $1.2m USD seed round of funding. Summit president and CEO Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng shared bright prospects with her company’s partnership with Kumu which has been established since 2018. “As a media company, it is our purpose to be on the pulse of what technologies will revolutionise our landscape. Our investments from print to digital and now mobile apps, gives us an opportunity for our brands to deliver unique content through live-streaming, as well as discover new content creators beginning their careers,” she said while hinting at more potential opportunities for Summit in turn. “With Kumu, we foresee a new way for brands to also interact with our platforms in a dynamic, conversational environment,” she added. “ T h i s c om m it m e nt from the country’s largest companies and from established international investors reinforces our mission of creating a world-class live streaming platform for Filipinos, by Filipinos,” said Kumu co-founder Roland Ros. Scaling up Kumu will be using the new capital to scale up its current operations, which has enjoyed unprecedented growth in recent months. The company recently reached 3 million registered users as the fastest growing social app in the Philippines, commanding almost one hour of average daily usage for a mostly GenZ & Millennial userbase. The community enjoys a wide selection of over 25,000 livestreams broadcasted on the Kumu app each day. The startup is also experiencing massive growth in revenue. The Kumu app was listed as the #1 top grossing social app in the Philippines Google Play Store, #10 in Canada, and has ranked among the 50 top grossing social apps in twelve other countries including the United States. Moreover, over 100 Kumu livestreamers now earn at least Php20,000 each month from streaming original content, as it irons out the establishment of its own content creator school to
encourage more users to download and gain profit. “We are betting on the exponential growth of the Philippines’ digital GDP while optimizing a user experience that is razorsharp focused on Gen Z’s and millennials’ attention spans. Gamifying authentic connections has been one of the most enjoyable developments on the app,” said Ros. New features In addition to scaling up operations, Kumu will also be using the freshly raised capital to roll out new features for its app. Among these features is a hybrid AI/community-driven live commerce platform, the first of its kind for a Filipino company. This will allow fans to purchase products while watching their favorite livestreamers, giving content creators more opportunities to earn from their streams. “Our livestream e-commerce pilot generated almost 300 product purchases in a 10-minute period,” revealed Ros. “We’re excited to see how our Kumu Livestreamers use this platform to better engage with their followers. The more we empower our creators to drive the digital influence of e-commerce in the Philippines, the more we empower consumers, fintech players, and logistics companies to participate in the digital marketplace of our motherland.” Since its inception, Kumu has also strengthened its partnerships with other startup trailblazers and established brands including Angkas, Shopback, GCash, Piattos, and FoodPanda. These partners have likewise enjoyed advertising opportunities with their respective tie-ups with the rising app as well as better digital visibility in Kumu’s creative and unique campaigns. Kumu is run by a diverse executive team of young game-changers in the global startup ecosystem with key hires from Shopee, Facebook's Confetti, GMA Network, Xurpas, LalaFood, and Bigo Live among others. Kumu is a powerful social media platform that brings the voices of Filipinos from all over the globe at the forefront. Aside from presenting users real-time earning opportunities as a live streamer, chances to win cash in various game shows, and engagement in campaigns, Kumu also fosters communities that
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020 ignite relevant discussions among Filipinos. Be part of the Kumunity now and download the app for free at Google Play or the App Store.
Doring... from page 4
misinterpretation. Nearly formal but not totally formal, but they’re not as informal as ‘CU in a MNT on bus OMW’. Some people swing the other way and end their emails with an altogether friendlier tone. While most would consider that kisses have no place in a business environment, they often creep into emails – and sometimes from people the recipient has never even met. For some, an “x” at the end of an email is a friendly end note; for others it is totally inappropriate. What’s clear is that some British terms used to end emails just do not translate well. A casual “cheers” is frequently used as a sign off on UK emails, but can be utterly perplexing for other nationalities. Not surprising when a hearty “cheers” also can be used for clinking glasses at the pub, or to thank a checkout person at the supermarket. Here we have to deal with British and American English. For author Michael Rosen, emails now occupy a halfway house between texts and letters. “The key thing is that emails aren’t the same as letters. I position them in my mind as a sort of half way place between texts and hard copy letters: nearly formal but not totally formal, but they’re not as informal as ‘CU in a MNT on bus OMW’,” says Rosen. I strongly agree with him. And, he adds given their place in this ambiguous no-man’s land of communication, it follows that there will continue to be a whole raft of ways to say “goodbye”. +++ In times with Covid-19, I can only say: people stay safe. And sad to say but it will never be the same again. +++ Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn or visit my www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.
Relief... this storm, but our nation and industry will emerge stronger than ever.” BWHR has also extended support to its valued guests by protecting the elite status of its BWR members. All BWR members worldwide have been granted elite status extension through January 2022 without needing to fulfill the necessary qualifications. Status will be maintained for all members regardless of their current tier, ensuring both new and veteran members are protected at this time. BWR is the only industry loyalty program where points never expire, meaning members are not impacted by unpredictable circumstances that could prevent them from using their hard-earned points. Additionally, BWHR has amended its cancellation policy to afford more flexibility to those whose travel plans may have been impacted by COVID-19. Effective through April 30, 2020, guests with existing reservations within the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean for any future travel date may cancel with 24 hours’ notice for a full refund.
bers of the Inter-Agency Task Force in Northern Mindanao. Thus, from the 10,000 eggs that we received, we shared 5,000 of it to other agencies) The P34,316.70 worth of 'balut' eggs were boiled at the DA-10 compound so the frontliners can immediately eat such upon receipt. DA-10 gave out 1,700 eggs to PNP-10, 200 to OpCen IATF, 600 to NMMC, and 30 to PIA-10. About 5,000 eggs were distributed to the agency's frontliners and partner agencies in Bukidnon. "Ang balut daw kay high in protein matud pa sa atong veterinarian so kinahanglan ni nato karong panahona kay hago man ta so may nalang makakaon sila (According to our veterinarian, the 'balut' is high in protein and this is what we (frontliners) really need this time because we work so hard. It's good to have this so the frontliners will be nourished)," As one of the recipients of the balut eggs, the PNP10 sent out their gratitude to DA-10 emphasizing that such can boost the morale of their people who are on duty 24/7 to help contain the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. (RTP/ PIA10)
from page 1
from page 7
from page 4
Hotline...
DOHCHD-NM Regional Director Adriano Suba-an during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force Press Conference, April 17. As the pandemic is expected to peak in the coming months, the hotlines are ensured to be fully prepared and capable to give the public the psychological support they need. (Vincent Philip S. Bautista/PIA10)
Balut... from page 1
dapat amo pud ning i-share sa uban nga members sa Inter-Agency Task Force sa Northern Mindanao mao na nga out of the 10,000 nga itlog nga among nadawat, ang 5,000 among gi-share sa other agencies," DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga said. (This was made possible through our linkage and coordination with the company through Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado. San Miguel Foods, Inc. gave us 10,000 balut eggs intended for our frontline personnel of the Department of Agriculture but we realized that we also need to share to other mem-
Guidelines...
with severe symptoms. Probable cases would include patients who are yet to receive the testing result or those who had their testing done thru rapid test and not thru RT-PCR method or the golden standard of testing which is done thru an RITM-accredited laboratory. Confirmed cases, o n the other hand, are those patients who tested positive and whose testing was done thru RT-PCR method. Vega clarified that SPMC should cater all suspect and probable cases with SARI or influenza-like symptoms. “Even the Philippine Pediatric Society is saying now that with the new guidelines, all children with fever, cough, diarrhea will have to be probable or suspect for COVID19. We are seeing a number of pediatric patients in our institution because we need to test them also if they are COVID positive or not,” Vega added. The new classification, according to Vega, supports the national strategy which is to isolate, detect, and test suspect and probable patients.
11
“We are trying now to collapse some areas of our institution to concentrate now on COVID, and so we can allocate more of our resources such as PPE and human resource for COVID cases.” The SPMC chief bared that the institution is easing out and trying to make agreements with private hospitals inorder for the latter to serve indigent people especially with trauma and emergency situations needed because SPMC could not cater for both COVID and non-COVID in SPMC’s main institution. “This the reason why we reach out to the private hospitals to help us out in terms of indigents that they operate or accept these indigents on a no balance billing. That is the only way we can help out indigent patients who can no longer be accommodated in SPMC due to focusing on probable and suspect COVID cases.” (PIA XI/ Frances Mae Macapagat)
Cancels... from page 7
guide, a low key celebration would be an event in a public place with no more than 25 guests. Those wanting to hold a huge celebration are advised to postpone it until the year 2021. Instead of grandiose celebrations the EO advises to public to consider food distribution, feeding program of financial assistance in lieu of extravagance. During this period the City Government shall file actions on the basis of Article 25 of the Civil Code and other pertinent laws in cases of thoughtless extravagance in expenses for pleasure or display. The Executive Order will affect the holding of major City-organized events such the Kadayawan Festival held during August and the Pasko Fiesta celebrations held in the whole month of December. The City was also set to host MICE Con 2020, an industry gathering of MICE (Meetings Incentives Conventions Exhibit) industry players after winning the hosting bid last year. (PIA XI/RG Alama)
MINDANAO DAILY FEATURE TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
12
Sat-Sun, April 18-19, 2020
Mediatech startup Kumu raises US$5m Investors include Kickstart Ventures, ABS-CBN, Gobi-Core Philippine Fund, Summit Media, and Foxmont Capital Partners.
K
UMU Holdings Pte. Ltd., the firm that owns the technology behind Philippine
live streaming app Kumu, has announced that it has raised approximately US$5m in a Series A funding round to roll out new features and scale up its operations. The funding round comes at a time when quarantines and social distancing measures are keeping people at home at an unprecedented scale, driving increased usage of apps in the media and entertainment categories. In the past month, Kumu has rolled out new initiatives to help groups such as churches and industry associations move their events online, and organized some of the Philippines’ top celebrities to raise funds for families affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Series A was led by Openspace Ventures, one of the largest venture capital (VC) firms in Singapore known for leading the Series A round of Indonesian unicorn Go-Jek in 2015. This marks Openspace’s second portfolio company from the Philippines after it invested in fashion e-commerce platform BeautyMNL. “As the rise of global interactive platforms such as
Tik Tok and live streaming apps gain acceptance with the younger generation, there remains a significant gap for local content and hyper-local networks,” said Co-Founder and Partner at Openspace Ventures Hian Goh. “The Philippines, with 103 million citizens and a young, internet-savvy population, have found Kumu to be a compelling addition to the media landscape, and the Filipino leadership of Roland and his co-founders have created a unique network which we think will dominate the media landscape in the country in the coming years,” he added. Strategic investors The round attracted unprecedented participation from Kickstart Ventures, the corporate VC firm of Globe Telecom also responsible for the Ayala Group’s tech investments, and ABS-CBN, the country’s largest media and entertainment company, and was also joined by Gobi Core Philippine Fund, a local partnership with Gobi Partners, an international investment firm which also manages the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund. “Filipinos are spending more and more time online
to consume content and to find and connect with likeminded people, and Kumu has created a path for Pinoys to do these things in a way that uniquely captures the Pinoy spirit of community,” according to Kickstart Ventures VP for Investments Joan Cybil Yao reiterating how the social media app deeply aligns with Globe Telecom’s mission to create wonderful experiences for consumers and businesses. “With a focus on positivity, safety, and acceptance, Kumu enables its users, content creators, and businesses to interact with one another in authentic and engaging ways. We're excited to be supporting Kumu's mission of empowering and connecting Filipinos around the world,” she added. ABS-CBN Corporation’s Head of Business Development Luis Paolo M. Pineda likewise expressed his elation regarding Kumu’s Series A round completion. “We at ABS-CBN have witnessed the progressive evolution of the media industry, and are impressed with the innovations that Kumu has pioneered. With this app, we envision a new era for See KUMU, page 11