Manila Standard - 2018 August 26 - Sunday

OFWS RECEIVE CASH AID FOR NAIA MISHAP VOL. XXXII • NO. 192 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

BMX RIDER ADDS BRONZE TO PH TALLY

BMX TRACK HEROES. Daniel Caluag, 31, may have been dethroned as BMX king on Saturday, but he added a bronze to the Philippines’ campaign in the 2018 Asian Games Jakarta—and proved to be a hell of a nudnik to his 1-2 rivals Yoshitako Nagasako, a former Asian champion, and Indonesia’s Gusti Bagus Saputra, last year’s Southeast Asian Games winner.

JAKARTA—Daniel Caluag was dethroned as BMX king on Saturday, but the 31-yearold rider still contributed a bronze to the Philippines’ campaign in the 2018 Asian Games here.

Despite the third-place finish, Caluag proved to be a pain in the neck of his rivals, particularly 1-2 finishers Yoshitako Nagasako, a former Asian champion, and Indonesia’s Gusti Bagus Saputra, last year’s Southeast Asian Games winner.

He saved his best at the Jakarta International BMX track.

“I didn’t get the result I aimed for, but I am happy to contribute a medal for the Philippines,” said Caluag, a former Philippine Sportswriters Association Athlete of the Year awardee.

Nagasako lived up to his billing as he bagged the gold in 33.699 seconds, with Saputra clinching the silver in 34.314.

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DE CASTRO,

SERENO'S NEMESIS, NAMED CHIEF JUSTICE

By Rey E. Requejo and Joel E. Zurbano

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro as the new chief justice, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Saturday.

Guevarra, an ex-officio member of the seven-member Judicial and Bar Council, revealed that he was informed the President appointed De Castro as the new chief justice, which was left vacant following the ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno as top magistrate through quo warranto proceedings.

The reported appointment— which would make De Castro chief

magistrate effectively for just one month and three weeks—immediately drew mixed reactions from the judiciary, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who declined to be nominated for the post even while he was the most senior of the associate justices, said “I welcome the appointment.”

Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who was plucked out of the Supreme Court by Duterte, said “I am very, very happy that she was chosen by the President as the country’s First Lady Chief Justice.

“She deserves it. She was my Presiding Justice at the Sandiganbayan. I’m pretty sure that the Sandiganbayan justices and employees are happy for

her appointment as CJ. She is a good person; strict but compassionate, a stickler to the rules, a workaholic.”

But Senator Francis Pangilinan said: “Why appoint someone who will only sit as Chief Justice for less than two months? What public purpose does it serve? What public value does it create? The appointment leaves much to be desired.”

Impeachment mover and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman protested De Castro’s appointment, saying “While justice delayed is justice denied, a judicial appointment made with undue dispatch could be an error in disguise.”

Lagman, who filed the impeachment complaint against the seven SC justices who voted to unseat Sereno, Turn to A2

US BLACKLISTS PINOY ISIS MEMBER De Castro, 1st woman CJ

WASHINGTON—Three Southeast Asians who appeared in a 2016 Islamic State video showing the beheading of a captive were added to the US Treasury’s sanctions blacklist Friday.

The Treasury said Malaysian Mohamad Rafi Udin, Indonesian Mohammed Karim Yusop Faiz and Filipino Mohammad Reza Lahaman Kiram all took part in the June 2016 video made in Syria in which Islamic State members executed a prisoner.

Sigal Mandelker, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said the video was “part of a propaganda campaign to attract radicals to join militant terrorist groups in Southeast Asia.”

Udin, 52, is a well-known Malaysian

militant, having been detained in 2003-2006 for his association with the radical Islamist group Jemaah Islamiyah.

As of last November, he was believed to be the senior most Malaysian in the Islamic State in Syria, the Treasury said.

Faiz, 49, was imprisoned in the Philippines for nine years on explosives and weapons charges.

After being released, he traveled to Syria in 2014 and joined Islamic State.

Kiram, 28, is believed to be responsible for bombing a bus in Zamboanga, Philippines in 2012.

He was still in Syria fighting for Islamic State as of January 2017, the Treasury said. AFP

SOME 962 overseas Filipino workers affected by the recent flight delays and cancellations due to the runway closure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have received a P5,000 cash assistance each, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

As of Friday night, the agency released P4.8 million from its assistance-tonationals fund.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato reminded that affected individuals might still claim their financial aid at t h e O f fice o f M i grant Worke r s Affairs ( O M WA ) at the third floor of the DFA Building in Pasay City until the end of office hours on Aug. 31.

“Affected kababayan who are already abroad can file their claim at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate General until Sept. 30, 2018,” Cato said.

OFWs claiming financial assistance need to personally appear and submit their airline ticket showing original date of departure; reissued ticket showing the new date of departure; employment contract; and overseas employment certificate.

A Xiamen plane skidded off a runway at the Naia last week, resulting in the closure of the runway for about two days. Hundreds of domestic and international flights were canceled or delayed, affecting more than a thousand passengers. PNA

LEACH, HIGH PRIEST OF PIZZAZZ, DIES AT 76 LOS ANGELES—Robin Leach, the high priest of pizzazz and an early pioneer of reality TV with hit show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” has died, family and colleagues announced on Friday. He was 76.

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DESTINATIONS / D1

QUEZON'S CHARM ON DISPLAY

TEAMS FAN OUT FOR BOL LISTUP THE Commission on Elections will field special registration teams on Sept. 4-6 to conduct special registration in connection with the plebiscite for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, as provided in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the establishment of the teams was in addition to the satellite registration held in various parts of the country.

“The Comelec will be conducting intensified registration activities, in connection with #BOL plebiscite preparations,” the poll body official said. twitter.com.ph

facebook.com.ph

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Based on the proposed BAR, the provinces eyed for inclusion are the current provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Also being eyed for inclusion are 39 barangays in North Cotabato, six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, and the cities of Cotabato in Maguindanao, and Isabela in Basilan.

The plebiscite is seen to be held by early January 2019.

The system of continuing registration of voters resumed last July 2 and will run until Sept. 29. PNA

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MCCAIN STOPS TREATMENT FOR BRAIN CANCER

TRUMP PULLS THE PLUG ON POMPEO'S NOKOR TRIP

By Andrew Beatty WASHINGTON—Veteran US senator and war hero John McCain—a towering figure in American politics for decades— has stopped treatment for brain cancer, his family announced Friday, one year after the Republican went public with his diagnosis.

The announcement signals the beginning of the end of a tough battle with an aggressive form of cancer—and of a storied life that took the Naval Academy graduate from a Hanoi prison to the doorstep of the White House.

“The progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict,” the 81-year-old senator’s loved ones said in a statement.

“With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment.”

McCain has spent more than three decades in the upper chamber of Congress, looming large in debates over war and peace and the moral direction of the nation.

The Navy fighter pilot spent years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam after being shot down while on a bombing mission over Hanoi.

He lost the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama, and was pilloried for selecting controversial Alaska politician Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate.

“No man this century better exemplifies honor, patriotism, service, sacrifice and country first than Senator John McCain,” said fellow Republican Mitt Romney.

“His heroism inspires, his life shapes our character. I am blessed and humbled by our friendship.”

Trump critic With no more elections to run, since 2016, he has been a rare and outspoken Republican critic of President Donald Trump.

Known for his combustible temper, he has accused the 45th president of “naïveté,”“egotism” and of sympathizing with autocrats.

Following Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, McCain caustically described the US leader’s behavior as “one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory.”

That has earned him the ire of Trump, who regularly blames McCain for his failure to reform Obama-era health care laws and refused to say his name when signing the eponymous “John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act.” ‘Strength to carry on’ McCain has not been on the Senate floor in months, remaining at his Arizona home for treatment of glioblastoma— the same form of brain cancer that took the life of another Senate giant, Democrat Ted Kennedy, in 2009.

“I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey,” his wife Cindy said.

His daughter Meghan thanked the public for an outpouring of support.

“My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year,” she tweeted.

“Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without you—you’ve given us strength to carry on.”

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was “very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend.”

“John, Cindy and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour.”

Democrats, too, weighed in.

“Senator John McCain is a warrior in every sense of the word,” said Congressman Joe Kennedy III—a scion of the American political dynasty.

“To an inspiring man and a loving family, our thoughts are with you.”

‘Untreatable levels’ John Boockvar, director of the Brain Tumor Center at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, said the type of cancer is “incurable.”

“He is probably at the terminal part of his disease,” Boockvar, who has not treated McCain but is an expert in the field, told AFP. “They have decided not to extend any other options to him for treatment because at some point, the risks outweigh the benefits.”

Treatment usually consists of chemotherapies, with a low chance of success.

Boockvar said the cancer had likely “spread to untreatable levels and he is seeking comfort care, which is a very reasonable point of his battle against this disease.”

In an interview with CNN last year, when asked how he might like to be remembered, McCain said of himself: “He served his country and not always right.

Made a lot of mistakes. Made a lot of errors, but served his country. And I hope we could add honorably.” AFP

By Andrew Beatty and Thomas Watkins

W

ASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump on Friday pulled the plug on his top diplomat’s upcoming trip to North Korea—and took a swipe at China over stalled efforts to disarm Kim Jong-un’s regime.

“I have asked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to go to North Korea, at this time, because I feel we are not making sufficient progress with respect to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” Trump said on Twitter.

Pompeo was due to return to Pyongyang next week for what he described as the next stage in ensuring the “final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea.”

But Trump—facing a slew of domestic problems and independent reports that North Korea has done little or nothing to roll back its nuclear program—vetoed the plan.

Pompeo and Trump met earlier

Friday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

Trump also stepped up his rhetoric against China, which has grown harsher as November congressional elections approach, with the world’s top two economies now embroiled in an escalating trade war.

“Additionally, because of our much tougher trading stance with China, I do not believe they are helping with the process of denuclearization as they once were [despite the UN Sanctions which are in place)]” Trump said.

In another tweet, the president added Pompeo would still head to North Korea “in the near future,”

saying this would likely occur when the US-China trading relationship is “resolved.”

“In the meantime I would like to send my warmest regards and respect to Chairman Kim. I look forward to seeing him soon!” Trump said.

‘Largely solved’ The trip would have been Pompeo’s fourth to North Korea, and the second since a historic summit on June 12 between Trump and Kim. Trump, who relishes unpredictability in negotiating, had at one point canceled that summit, citing North Korea’s “open hostility.”

But he soon backtracked and the summit went ahead in Singapore.

Trump had previously claimed that he had “largely solved” the North Korea nuclear problem.

Despite that bold claim, the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency recently reported it had not seen any indication that nuclear activities in North Korea have stopped.

“The continuation and further development of the DPRK’s nuclear program and related statements by the

DPRK are a cause for grave concern,” said a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, referring to North Korea’s official name.

North Korea is believed to be close to developing a miniaturized nuclear device and the ballistic missile capabilities to carry it anywhere in the continental United States.

Evans Revere, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said it is time for a radical shift in the US approach.

“The Trump administration needs a ‘plan B’ to deal with the probability that Pyongyang is doing what it has done with every previous US administration: exploiting diplomacy and negotiations to buy time,” Revere said in a recent report.

Earlier this week, Pompeo named a Ford Motor Co. executive as special envoy for North Korea to try to get disarmament back on track.

Stephen Biegun, 55, who is retiring as Ford’s vice president for international governmental affairs, had been considered for the post of Trump’s national security advisor before it went to John Bolton. AFP

DE CASTRO,...

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said: “The precipitate appointment of Justice Teresita-De Castro as the new chief justice deprived the Judicial and Bar Council the opportunity to reconsider her inclusion in the shortlist of nominees for the vacant position of chief magistrate together with Justices Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin, all of whom are facing impeachment complaints for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust in the House of Representatives.”

Lagman said De Castro was an impeachable official for alleged betrayal of public trust “when she refused to inhibit herself from the adjudication of the quo warranto petition despite her admitted continuing ill will and bias against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.”

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said: “Bravo. Best choice for CJ. Proven competence, known nationalist, and a streak of being a judicial activist.”

In a text message to reporters, Guevarra said: “I have been informed that the President’s choice has been publicly announced by SAP Bong Go and that the formal appointment will be released

by ES (Executive Secretary Salvador) Medialdea on Tuesday.”

He added: “Her appointment as chief justice is a fitting finale to her illustrious career in both the Department of Justice and the judiciary.”

De Castro bested her fellow nominees and colleagues at the Supreme Court—Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin—who were also shortlisted by the JBC as candidates for most coveted post in the judiciary.

De Castro, appointed to the SC on Dec. 4, 2007, is the second most senior justice of the 15-member bench after Carpio, and will be serving up to Oct. 8, 2018, when she reaches her mandatory retirement age of 70.

De Castro was supposed to be the 25th chief justice of the Supreme Court, but since Sereno’s appointment was voided via quo warranto proceedings, De Castro will become the validly designated 24th top magistrate in the history of the 15-member tribunal.

In other reactions: • Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. twitted “The search for a new Chief Justice resumes in October 2018, right after de Castro retires. There appears to be a revolving door policy now at the SC.”

• Former Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada twitted “42 days of Justice de Castro pales in comparison to the 6 years CJ Sereno served in the SC as Chief Justice. CJ Sereno’s name will never be erased in the Decisions she penned or participated in as CJ. Nor will it erase the reforms she implemented as Chief Justice of the SC.” • Sen. Gregorio Honasan said “the appointment of a new Supreme Court Chief Justice whoever he or she is, in this case Justice Teresita De Castro, introduces elements of stability, continuity and predictability not only to the judiciary but to our democracy.”

• Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos hailed De Castro. “Congratulations to senior justice Teresita De Castro, our new Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Mabuhay po kayo!”

De Castro’s career in public service started on February 19, 1973, when she served as a law clerk position in the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court.

From January 1975 to November 1978, she served as a legal/judicial assistant and as member of the technical staff of the late Chief Justice Fred Ruiz Castro.

In December 1978, she moved to the Department of Justice where she worked as State Counsel I and rose from the ranks, culminating in her appointment in 1997 as Assistant Chief State Counsel.

She was designated as one of the international and peace negotiators of President Corazon Aquino and President Fidel Ramos from 1988 to 1997.

De Castro rejoined the judiciary as Sandiganbayan associate justice on September 23, 1997 and became its Presiding Justice on December 15, 2004.

During her incumbency, she spearheaded the establishment of the Computerized Case Management System and the adoption of reforms that contributed to easing of the court docket in the Sandiganbayan and to the professionalization of its workforce.

At the Supreme Court, De Castro is the working chairperson of the First Division, the chairperson of the Management Committee of the Judicial Reform Support Project, the working vice-chairperson of the Committee on Ethics and Ethical Standards and of the Halls of Justice Coordinating Committee, Chairperson of the Committee on Computerization and Library, the Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary, and the Special Committee to Draft Rules on Sexual Harassment in the Judiciary,

BMX...

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Caluag was a fighting third in 35.842 in the event raced over a UCI-regulation track, which he described as “excellent” both for training and competition.

PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino still hailed Caluag’s accomplishment.

“Danny [Caluag] didn’t race in any UCI event ahead of the Asian Games but, still, he managed to deliver,”Tolentino said.

“He has beaten the Japanese gold medalist before, but in this race, Danny gave him a scare—to think that the Japanese is UCI ranked while Danny isn’t. So this is not bad after four years.”

The Filipino-American Caluag, who works as a nurse in the US, won the Philippines’ only gold medal in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

His younger brother, Christopher John, failed to advance to the final round after bombing out of the three motos (heats).

The Philippines’ lone female BMX rider here, Sienna Elaine Fines, on the other hand, made the finals but finished fifth.

The women’s final was won by China’s Zhang Yaru, Thailand’s Chutikan Kitwanitsathian and Indonesia’s Wiji Lestar.

Riera U. Mallari

and Member of the Supreme Court Internal Rules Committee.

She is an alumna of the University of the Philippines where she was a consistent college and university scholar.

She finished in UP, Bachelor of Arts cum laude in 1968 and Bachelor of Laws in 1972 at the top four of her class.

She was Vice-Chancellor and a consistent member of the UP College of Law honor society, the Order of the Purple Feather.

She was elected to lifetime membership in the Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society and Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in the Social Sciences for academic excellence in her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees.

She attended law courses in the International Law Institute in Washington D.C., USA and Harvard Law School’s Program of Instruction for Lawyers in Massachusetts, USA. During her stint as a Sandiganbayan justice, she penned the decision that convicted former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada of plunder.

In 2015, in an irony of fate, it was De Castro who penned the decision of the Supreme Court that dismissed the disqualification case against Estrada, saying he was eligible to run for Mayor of Manila.

In 2008, De Castro authored the Supreme Court decision that affirmed the executive privilege invoked by former socio-economic planning secretary Romulo Neri.

It was also De Castro, the justice in-charge in the case of the senior citizens’ party-list, who recommended that the Commission on Election sbe stopped from implementing its order disqualifying the Coalition of Senior Citizens in the Philippines.

The decision became controversial after she accused then Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno of altering the “restraining order.”

Some of her awards include: 2009 Distinguished Alumni awardee in Championing Justice/Judiciary; 2005 Awardee as Presiding Justice, Sandiganbayan, Chief Justice Davide Judicial Reform Award; 2005 Awardee Women’s Lawyer Association of the Philippines; 1998 Presidential Medal of Merit for Exceptionally Meritorious and Valuable Service Rendered and Remarkable Accomplishments 1981 Merit Awardee, Legal Staff, Department of Justice.

With Maricel V. Cruz

LEACH,...

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The suave presenter, known for his catchphrase “champagne wishes and caviar dreams” on the 1980s and ‘90s series, practically invented bling, regaling audiences for more than a decade with stories of lavish living and fabulous wealth.

Leach had been in hospital in Las Vegas since suffering a stroke on vacation in Mexico late last year and died on Thursday, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, where Leach worked as a celebrity columnist.

“Sad to report the death of famed celeb reporter, friend and colleague #RobinLeach @ 1:50 a.m. in #LasVegas. He would have been 77 Wednesday,” columnist John Katsilometes on Twitter.

“He suffered a second stroke Monday ... He’d been hospitalized since Nov. 21, after suffering a stroke in Cabo San Lucas.”

Leach was widely respected for his deep knowledge and insights on the Vegas entertainment scene, and tributes to the journalist were led by superstar Celine Dion, a Sin City regular.

“Saddened to hear the news that Robin Leach

has passed away. He was a thoughtful and considerate man, and a great supporter of the entertainment scene in Las Vegas,” the Canadian diva tweeted.

Leach’s family released a statement through Katsilometes, thanking fans for their support.

“Despite the past 10 months, what a beautiful life he had ... Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful,” it said.

Leach, who was born in Britain but moved to the US in his 20s, was a celebrity reporter for newspapers and magazines in both countries, including the Daily Mail, People and New York Daily News.

He became a key figure in the nascent reality television sector with the launch in 1984 of the nationally-syndicated “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” which gave viewers peeks inside celebrity homes until 1995.

“Now an eternity of champagne and caviar.

We’ve lost a dear, dear friend and a wonderful man.

Rest in peace Robin Leach,” said Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman. AFP

News

IRRIGATION KEY TO RICE SECURITY IN THE COUNTRY—NOGRALES

By Maricel V. Cruz

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ITH reports of rice prices surging in Zamboanga and threats of similar developments elsewhere, a pro- administration lawmaker on Saturday urged the Department of Agriculture and its attached agency, the National Irrigation Administration to work together for profitability and productivity of rice farming, with the end in view of ensuring “rice security” in the country.

“In a country where each individual consumes an average of 111.6 kilograms of rice per year, making sure that we have ‘rice security,’ or a stable supply of affordable rice, should be a top priority,”

Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, chairman of the House Committee on appropriations, said on Saturday Nograles said the increasing rice production should go hand-in-hand

with increasing the productivity of rice farmers.

“We have long held pride over us being an agricultural country, meaning we’re fed primarily thanks to our hardworking farmers in the provinces—but they need more support. We have to take concrete steps to improve the productivity of rice farmers so that first, they earn more from rice farming; and second, they can sell rice at competitive rates,” added Nograles.

Nograles made the statement in response to what the lawmaker described as Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol’s disheartening admission to Congress that, at present, Philippine rice could not compete with the big exporters in the region.

Piñol said that even if the country could produce surplus rice, the

problem is “we could not possibly compete with Vietnam or Thailand in exporting our rice because our rice is more expensive.”

Vietnam and Thailand are the top two sources of imported rice in the Philippines. In 2016, over 80 percent of foreign rice that entered the Philippines came from these two nations.

“These countries can produce more rice and sell them at much cheaper prices because of their topography and climate. Over nine million hectares of land is dedicated to rice farms in Thailand, while around four million hectares of land in Vietnam are used for rice. These two countries have also invested billions of dollars to improve rice productivity in their countries,” said Nograles.

ILOCOS NORTE NOW UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY ILOCOS Norte was placed under a state of calamity due to the effect of southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Depression “Luis,” with an estimated damages of P111,050,162 as of Saturday.

In a special session held at 1:30 pm, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved a proposed provincial ordinance declaring the province under state of calamity.

The estimated P65.4-million infrastructure damages covered flood and river control projects, roads, bridges, and irrigation facilities.

Agricultural damage on rice fields, fisheries, high value commercial crops, and livestock amounted to more than P45.5 million.

Through the declaration, Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba said local government units in barangay, municipal and provincial levels will be allowed to utilize their five percent calamity fund.

“We have enough calamity fund to provide assistance to the victims,” said Barba.

As of this posting, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is currently making the rounds in the towns of Paoay, Pasuquin and Burgos where some residents were isolated and their houses were reported underwater.

Meanwhile, a fisherman identified as Ernesto Manzano, 71, single and a resident of Gabut Sur, Badoc town died of hypothermia when he went fishing on Friday despite heavy rains.

It was learned the victim has a heart condition. PNA

MAYNILAD’S PLANT FOR LIFE. Maynilad president and CEO

Ramoncito Fernandez (8th from left) receives a plaque of recognition from MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco for MWSI’s support to the Annual Million Tree Challenge, a reforestation program of MWSS aimed at rehabilitating watersheds. Maynilad, which planted 130,000 trees in 2017, was commended for its Plant for Life Program, a multi-stage reforestation program that was conceptualized by engineer Francisco Arellano (11th from left) which paved the way for enduring rehabilitation of La Mesa watershed then expanded to the Ipo watershed in partnership with various private and government entities. Others in photo are Maynilad Government Relations head Anette De Ocampo (2nd from left), Maynilad Legal and Regulatory head Lourdes Marivic Espiritu, DepEd Undersecretary Alain del Pascua (5th from left) , DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia (6th from left), Maynilad Corporate Quality, Environment, Safety and Health head Roel Espiritu (10th from left) and Maynilad Central Non-Revenue Water head Irineo L. Dimaano (12th from left).

TRADER IN VIRAL VIDEO TO FILE CASE VS COPS

By Joel E. Zurbano

ANIMAL RIGHTS. The first-ever Animal Rights March in the Philippines took place on Aug. 25, 2018 at Andres Bonifacio Shrine in Manila and attended by hundreds of vegans, animal rights advocates and animal lovers from all over the country. Norman Cruz

HOUSE TO PROBE DEPED ON PROMOTION OF TEACHERS TWO militant lawmakers on Friday sought a congressional inquiry into Department of Education’s policies on the promotion of teaching personnel.

In filing House Resolution 2061, Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of ACT Teachers Partylist, asked the appropriate committees at the Lower House to conduct a probe in aid of legislation into the existing policies and procedures on promotion of public school teachers.

“Teachers’ career advancement is hindered by the sluggish processing of promotion in DepEd, the imposition of numerous requirements, and certain limitations such as the scarcity of plantilla items for higher positions and the setting of ratios between teaching items.”

“These problems in the system of promotion have kept teachers at the entry level or Teacher I position for almost 15 or more years, with many of them retiring as Teacher I,” Tinio said.

Citing DepEd records as of 2017, he said that out of the total 687,229 teaching population, 360,205 or 52 percent are entry-level teachers while

there are only 50,471 items, or 7.3 percent of the total that are occupied

by Master Teachers (MT I to MT III).

The two lawmakers said in the resolution that the problem on the promotion of teaching personnel persist yearly, with the allotment of few items for higher positions.

Under the 2018 budget, for instance, the allocation for the promotion of Master Teachers will only accommodate up to 344 Master Teachers, Tinio said.

“The 1987 Constitution mandates the government to ‘enhance the right of teachers to professional advancement’. However, there is nearly no assurance for promotion or career progression in DepEd,” said Tinio.

Castro, for her part, noted that another factor hindering promotion is that teachers are assigned to handle subjects outside their specialization.

“Moreover, DepEd rules on reclassification and upgrading of positions limit the number of master teachers and head teachers who can be promoted by setting ratios between teaching items,” Castro said.

Maricel V. Cruz

LAWYERS of the controversial Makati City businessman, who was featured in a viral video showing him and his wife beating a traffic enforcer, is set to file a complaint against policemen who raided his residence Friday morning.

Armed with search warrants issued by the Makati City Regional Trial Court, elements of the National Capital Region Police Office raided the residence of Arnold Padilla, and seized firearms, hand grenades and several ammunitions.

The authorities also arrested the 41-year-old Padilla and his bodyguard Alfie Ortiz, 33, following the raid at Padilla’s house with addresses at lot numbers 18 and 23 along San Antonio Street in Magallanes Village around 7 am.

Padilla’s legal counsel Raymond Fortun said the family of his client denies ownership and possession of two grenades found by the raiding policemen.

Fortun said security camera video installed at the house showed two police officers entered the kitchen before the actual search operation happened and without the presence of reporters, community officials and any member of the family.

“It is not surprising that the grenades were found shortly after the unlawful intrusion by the police personnel,” Fortun said.

“The family will seek all legal remedies to protect their rights, including the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative charges against the erring policemen and those who gave instructions to them to ‘plant’ incriminating evidence against Arnold Padilla,” the lawyer added.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MMC APPROVES INCREASING FINES FOR ILLEGAL PARKING THE Metro Manila Council has approved the increase in fines for illegal parking in the National Capital Region.

This was revealed on Saturday by Metro Manila Development Authority spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago.

Pialago said the MMC, the MMDA’s governing board and policy-making body, made the decision to increase the penalty to further free all obstructions in alternate routes for effective implementation of the agency’s Expanded High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane policy on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue during rush hours from 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Quoting Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, chairman of the MMC Special Committee on Traffic, Pialago said subject to “public consultation”, the fine for attended illegally parked cars will be raised from P200 to P1,000 while unattended illegally parked cars will be fined from P300 to P2,000 in addition to the towing fee.

Last Friday, the MMDA announced it would continue enforcing the controversial traffic scheme that prohibits drivers without companions along Edsa despite calls from lawmakers and other sectors to stop from implementing it.

The MMDA said that areas where parking are prohibited include all national roads in Metro Manila; primary and secondary roads of cities and municipalities in Metro Manila that are within six meters of any intersection or curved lane; within four meters of driveways or entrances to any fire station, hospital, clinic and other similar establishment; within four meters of fire hydrants; on the roadside of any legally parked vehicle; on pedestrian crosswalks; in front of any authorized driveway; on the sidewalks, paths and alleys not intended for parking; at the foot or near bridges and at any place where official signs have been erected prohibiting parking and/or declared No Parking Zone by the MMDA such as the Mabuhay Lane, and Other areas duly declared as “No Parking Zone” provided by law or ordinances.

Joel E. Zurbano

PERSONAL GRUDGE SEEN AS MOTIVE IN MURDER OF TRADER AUTHORITIES are looking at personal grudge and business-related angles as possible motives behind the killing of a 71-year-old businesswoman along Natalio Bacalso Ave. or South National Highway in Cebu City on Friday night.

Junko Hamada, president of Beams Philippines Export Corp. based in Talisay City, Cebu, was ambushed by two unidentified motorcycle riding-in-tandem assailants past 7 pm in front of the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology.

Hamada was driving her red Montero Sport vehicle when she was shot by the suspects, who immediately fled the scene.

Investigators from the Mambaling Police Station said Hamada succumbed to several gunshot wounds on her head and face.

The victim’s driver’s license showed that she is a Filipino and a resident of Barangay Capitol Site. PNA

EX-MAKATI MAYOR PEÑA TO RUN AS CITY’S 1ST DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN FORMER Makati City mayor Romulo Peña announced on Saturday he is running for congressman in the city’s first district.

Peña made the announcement following reports that a Binay-versusBinay scenario will possibly play out in the May 2019 elections, with the incumbent Mayor Abigail Binay possibly being challenged by her own brother, Jejomar Erwin “Jun-Jun” Binay Jr., who also served as mayor during the time of President Benigno Aquino III. Despite the clamor for him to join the mayoralty polls next year, Peña said he decided not to participate in order “to heal the wounds suffered by the constituents during the height of his holdover capacity for 11 months.”

In a statement, Peña noted when he acted as mayor from July 2015 to June 2016, but he did not have the full support of members of the City Council that led to setting aside his priority programs, which he said, should have granted greater benefits to the people.

Political differences must not hinder the implementation of welfare programs for the people, he said.

“I would not want to see another emotional battle between relatives and family members, city hall workers versus peers, neighbor against their neighbor, and broken decade-long friendships come election time,” Peña said.

Joel E. Zurbano

A4

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018

Reira U Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

Michael Romero

WITH MODERN AIRPORT, INFRA, PH READY TO HOST BIGGER SPORTS EVENTS

Petron Motorsports’ Milo Rivera is shown prior to his 2018 Philippine Autocross Championship Series campaign.

PETRON STAR DRIVER RIVERA RULES SLALOM, AUTOCROSS

W

ITH 12 rounds scheduled for this year, the RACE Motorsports Club National Slalom Series resumed action and hosted its seventh leg at Robinsons Novaliches last Sunday, where the parking lot-turned-race track provided an action-packed battle up until the late evening.

Ultimately, it was reigning four-time National Slalom Champion Milo Rivera of Petron MotorsportsFederal Tyres who emerged victorious over Iñigo Anton and Richard Gallardo.

Rivera clocked in a winning time of 49.02 sec-

onds, 0.22 seconds clear of Anton who clocked a 49.24, with Gallardo managing 49.28.

Milo, who was able to extend his overall championship lead with the win, admitted that the day did not come easy at all.

“We made some major adjustments during the break, and we still haven’t perfected the formula. Good thing we were able to discover some problems with the car’s handling and luckily, it paid off in the end, especially with how blistering quick the other guys were. As usual, it took us until around seven in the evening to declare a victor.

A great win for us, but the development continues if we want to emerge as overall champions again this year,” said Rivera, who is also backed by

Federal Tyres-PPC Asia, United Auctioneers, and AutoPerformancePH-Brembo.

The RACE Motorsports Club National Slalom Series now shifts to Tarlac Circuit Hill this Sept. 9 for its eighth leg.

Expect a sequel to the ongoing dog fights between the front runners as this round will see more high speed corners and sweeping sections, given the twists and turns of the 1.5km Race Track.

In addition, Rivera was also able to inch closer to clinching the 2018 Philippine Autocross Championship Series crown after a 2nd place finish during its 5th Leg the day before. He now leads closest rival Carlos Anton by nine points with three races to go.

BOXING EXEC WANTS 3 JUDGES BANNED

Nesthy Petecio

JAKARTA— Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines Executive Director Ed Picson will bat for the banning of the three judges who handed a dubious decision against Filipina Nesthy Petecio in the 2018 Asian Games Friday night from officiating in fights by Filipino boxers here.

“I will appeal that the judges responsible for this travesty not be assigned to officiate in the coming Philippine fights as judges or referees. I think that’s fair,” said Picson in reaction to the controversial 3-2 loss suffered by Petecio at the hands of Yin Juan Hua of China in their featherweight bout at the Jakarta International Expo.

“There’s really nothing much we can say. We all saw what happened. It’s just so sad that at a time when boxing is fighting hard to retain its spot in the Olympics, something like this happens. It’s heartbreaking,” added Picson referring to a growing clamor to ban boxing in the coming 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to rampant corruption and blatant biased judging in the sport.

Petecio was clearly the winner of her fight against the Chinese, dominating her foe with an aggressive style that has forced Yin to retreat a couple of times. A point was also deducted the

Chinese for head-butting Petecio.

A gold medalist in her last fourth international tournaments in India, Poland, Russia and Indonesia, Petecio pressed the action and connected with the cleaner, more effective punches.

But at end of the three-round bout, the referee, who took longer than the usual time to announce the winner, raised the hand of Yin, who advanced to the quarterfinals.

Japanese Katsunori Hanabusa scored it a perfect 30-26, and Turkmenistan’s Ishanguly Meretnyyazov saw it 29-27 for the Filipina, while France’s Johany Maden had it even at 28-28.

Korea’s Kim Jongin and Bulgaria’s Pavel Pavlov scored it 29-27 for Yin, while Turkmenistan’s Ishanguly Meretnyyazov had the same score.

And since no draws are allowed in International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) tournaments, Maden was asked to pick his winner and he chose Yin. “It was very ugly,” said Petecio’s coah Nolito “Boy” Velasco. “In my experience as a national coach, this one goes down as the most controversial that I have ever seen or experienced.”

REP. Michael Romero (1-Pacman Partylist) yesterday expressed confidence that the Philippines will be ready to host international sports competitions at the scale of an Asian Games or the Olympics in the future once adequate infrastructure, including a modern international airport, is built.

Romero, speaking as a longtime sports official and as a member of the party-list organization that advocates sports development, also said it is high time for the administration to look at international sports events as a way to draw in tourists and as a source of economic growth.

“Many studies show the positive correlation of sports tourism through the hosting of sporting events like the Olympics, and World Cup with the boost in tourism revenues as well as economic activities for the hosting country,” Romero said.

To boost the country’s stature as a sports host, Romero pointed out that better ancillary infrastructure is needed.

He said one example when the lack of infrastructure cost the Philippines when it vied for the hosting rights of 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup against eventual winner China.

“While we were trumpeting our passion for basketball, China had the decided edge in government support and infrastructure as well as transportation facilities like roads, playing venues and even its airport.

It even had the sterling record of hosting international competitions like the Asian Games and even the Olympics,“Romero recalled.

“So if we are even to dream of hosting the Asian Games, which we have not hosted since 1954, or even the Olympics, then we should really take a look at our tourism as well as transport infrastructure like a new international gateway,” he said.

Romero pointed out that while the Philippines has already started building modern sports infrastructure in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, it is also the opportune time to start building an airport in preparation for bigger sports competitions.

Romero added that in the mold of modern airports like those in Singapore (Changi) and Incheon (South Korea), San Miguel’s proposed Bulacan or the New Manila International Airport appears to be the most suited for the country’s growing needs as it can accommodate more tourists, and spur development both locally and at a national level.

CARLOS SPUTTERS, RECOVERS TO CLINCH PGT ILOILO CROWN ILOILO—Jobim Carlos bucked putting woes with clutch pars in the last two holes, averting a final round meltdown and clinching a two-stroke victory over Tim Stewart despite a closing two-over 70 in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge here yesterday.

What was expected to be a cruise turned out to be a thriller of a finish as Carlos lost his touch on the tricky Iloilo Golf and Country Club surface midway through the last 18 holes, enabling Guido Van der Valk and Stewart to pull within one four flights ahead heading to the stretch.

But the Dutchman faded with back-to-back bogeys from No. 12 and the power-hitting Aussie, who led in the first round of the P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI, flubbed a six-footer for par on the 17th and blew his bid for a playoff, paving the way for Carlos’ triumph on a 272 total.

“It’s better to survive and win,” said Carlos, after pocketing another P550,000 for his third triumph in the last two-and-a-half months. He scored a breakthrough at Philippine Golf Tour Asia Riviera leg and dominated the Apo stop of the PGT Mindanao swing, both last June. He also turned in a couple of runner-up finishes and two top six efforts with his latest victory firming up his hold of the Order of Merit lead heading to last two tournaments of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Stewart wound up with a 68 and settled for second at 274 worth P370,000 while American Lexus Keoninh rallied with a 67 and tied Rene Menor and Van der Valk, who carded identical 69s, at 275. Each received P170,000.

Ranged against the hottest player on the

tour, Joenard Rates and Jhonnel Abab flinched with the former also fumbling with a 72 and latter limping with a 73 to drop to joint sixth at 276 with Reymon Jaraula and Justin Quiban, who fought back with 66 and 68, respectively.

Clyde Mondilla turned in a third straight 70 and wound up 10th at 278.

“I played cautiously in the last six holes to avert going into playoff again,” said Carlos, referring to his loss to ace Juvic Pagunsan in Negros last week, a setback that only toughened up the young rising star. He went three-up over Ababa, four ahead of Rates and six ahead of Stewart and Van der Valk after a course-record setting 62 Friday.

Winning is becoming a habit for Jobim Carlos, who nails his third triumph in two-and-ahalf months in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge.

B1

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

FROM WHERE I STAND ERIC JURADO

ONE YEAR AFTER

PHOTO BY AFP

T

HIS weekend marks the first year of the military crackdown on the Rohingya in Rakhine state in Myanmar.

MINIMIZE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOUSE Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo recently stressed the need to prioritize the ease of doing business, saying this is a crucial factor to investors.

She is correct.

In his book, The Road to Serfdom, Nobel Prize-winning economist Friedrich Hayek said the purpose of law in a democratic capitalist economy should be to codify the rules of the road. It should make certain that people travel in an orderly fashion. Rules and regulations should let people set their own path. They should not tell people precisely where and when they should travel—they should not micromanage markets.

Hayek believed democratic capitalism was best facilitated by common law that applied to everyone, not by arbitrary laws designed to favor or penalize particular groups, enacted to carry out political agendas.

Another Nobel Prize-winning economist, Milton Friedman, thought the role of government should be to protect people from abuse and coercion by others. “Unless there is such protection, we are not really free to choose,” he wrote. “The armed robber’s ‘Your money or your life’ offers me a choice, but no one would describe it as a free choice or the subsequent exchange as voluntary.”

Gains from trade directed by competitive markets promote both economic progress and social cooperation. Government regulations, often promoted by established businesses, are a major source of trade barriers and market entry restraints.

There are three major ways that regulations limit exchange and reduce the competitiveness of markets.

First, regulations often restrict entry into markets. Many countries impose regulations that make it difficult to enter and compete in various businesses and occupations.

In those countries, if you want to start a business or provide a service, you have to acquire a license, fill out forms, get permission from different bureaus, show that you are qualified, show that you are a citizen, indicate that you have sufficient financing, and meet various other regulatory tests. Some officials may refuse your application unless you are willing to pay a bribe or contribute to their political coffers.

Often, well-established and politically influential businesses that you would be competing against can successfully oppose your application.

Hernando de Soto, in his revealing book, The Mystery of Capital, reports that in Lima, Peru, it took 289 days for a team of people working six hours a day to meet the regulations required to legally open a small business producing garments. In an earlier book, The Other Path, he revealed that along the way, 10 bribes were solicited and it was necessary to pay two of the requested bribes in order to get permission to operate legally.

The World Bank reports that given the regulations in place in 2017, legally opening a business would take 5 days in Thailand, 19 days in Malaysia, 22 days in Vietnam, 23 days in Indonesia, and 28 days in the Philippines. In comparison, opening this same

The United Nations has likened the attacks to an ethnic cleansing even as Myanmar authorities insist the offensive was aimed at terrorists who attacked military posts.

A spokesman for Myanmar’s presidential office said there is no evidence that Myanmar soldiers committed human rights violations as they were merely responding to terror attacks, reported CNN. “We have recently formed a new independent commission, which will investigate alleged rights abuses in Rakhine state including rape,” said Zaw Htay. “We will treat any case in accordance with the rule of law.”

Despite the denials, the evidence appears overwhelming. In Southern Bangladesh, in a district called Cox’s Bazar, close to one million Rohingya crowd themselves after fleeing Myanmar where they are treated as illegal immigrants and stripped of basic rights.

International organizations also talk about squalid conditions where thousands of women, many of them victims of rape, give birth every month.

Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s civilian leader, says the terrorist threat posed by militant Rohingya remain real and present, according to Agence France Presse. She leaves it up to Bangladesh to work out the details of repatriating the refugees, who in turn refuse to go back without guarantees of safety, citizenship and compensation.

Suu Kyi has been roundly criticized for her inaction on the Rohingya issue despite being seen as an icon of democracy for many years.

The rest of the world looks on, commiserating with the plight of the Rohingya. Indeed those who do not have a say on big decisions involving themselves are the ones who suffer the most.

Playing god with the lives of the powerless is never a mark of governance—and, for that matter, of humanity.

Turn to B4

ROHINGYA PROTEST FOR ‘JUSTICE’ ON CRACKDOWN ANNIVERSARY

By Nick Perry and Redwan Ahmed

COX’S BAZAR—Thousands of Rohingya refugees staged angry protests for “justice” Saturday on the first anniversary of a Myanmar military crackdown that sparked a mass exodus to camps

in Bangladesh.

Many wept as they recalled the brutal killings and rapes inflicted on the Muslim minority last year as 700,000 fled across the border.

The biggest refugee camp in the world is rigidly controlled by Bangladesh authorities and the peaceful but

charged Rohingya marches and rallies seen there were unprecedented.

“We are Rohingya, we want justice,” people chanted in the Kutupalong camp, where a giant banner proclaimed: “Never Again: Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day. 25 August, 2018.”

In a different part of the camp, thousands of women and children marched behind a huge poster declaring: “365 days of crying. Now I am angry.”

Rohingya militants staged attacks on Myanmar police posts on Aug. 25 last year, sparking a bloody crackdown in Rakhine state.

Nearly 7,000 Rohingya were killed in the first month, according to Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Refugees arrived in Bangladesh on foot or in flimsy boats. Many brought horrific stories of sexual violence, torture and villages burned to the ground.

Turn to B4

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B2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

‘LANE’ LASHES HAWAII; FLOODS ‘CATASTROPHIC’

H

CAREFREE. A young Palestinian girl blows soap bubbles near the Dome of the Rock at al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s old city on the first day of Eid al-Adha on Tuesday.

Muslims across the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha by visiting the tombs of their loved ones and slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and in commemoration of Prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God’s command. AFP Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

1.

2.

3.

ONOLULU—Torrential rain pounded Hawaii on Friday as Hurricane Lane, now downgraded to a tropical storm, crawled toward the island state, triggering landslides and “catastrophic” flooding, and forcing thousands to seek emergency shelter.

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

ACQUISITION OF SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR CY 2019 Bid Ref. No. 2018-28

ACQUISITION OF JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR CY 2019 Bid Ref. No. 2018-27

ThePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum of SIXTEEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO AND 36/100(P16,580,382.36) through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2019being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the ACQUISITION OF SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR CY 2019. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during bid opening.

The PDEA BAC now invites bids for ACQUISITION OF SECURITY GUARD SERVICES FOR CY 2019.Delivery of the service is 365 CALENDAR DAYS UPON RECEIPT OF NOTICE TO PROCEED. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), excluding holidays.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 20, 2018at the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P25,000.00).

1.

ThePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum of ELEVEN MILLION NINE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE THOUSAND PESOS (P11,969,000.00) through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2019being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the ACQUISITION OF JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR CY 2019. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected duringbid opening.

2.

The PDEA BAC now invites bids for ACQUISITION OF JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR CY 2019.Delivery of the service is 365 CALENDAR DAYS UPON RECEIPT OF NOTICE TO PROCEED. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), excluding holidays.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 20, 2018at the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P25,000.00).

The Invitation to Bid may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov. ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Invitation to Bid may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov. ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The PDEA-BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 28, 2018, 9:30 AMat ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders.

6.

The PDEA-BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 28, 2018, 9:00 AMat ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before September 10, 2018, at 9:30 AM All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before September 10, 2018, at 9:00 AM All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid Opening shall be onSeptember 10, 2018, at 9:30 AMat PDEA Main Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City 1100.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representative(s) who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Mr. Armando B. Macalalag, Jr.at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only, Mondays to Fridays starting August 20, 2018 at Tel No. (632) 920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

9.

PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to:

Bid Opening shall be onSeptember 10, 2018, at 9:00 AMat PDEA Main Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City 1100.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representative(s) who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Mr. Armando B. Macalalag, Jr.at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only, Mondays to Fridays starting August 20, 2018 at Tel No. (632) 920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

9.

PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: Mr. Armando B. Macalalag, Jr. PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082

Mr. Armando B. Macalalag, Jr. PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082

(SGD) ISMAEL G FAJARDO, JR., PhD Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

(SGD) ISMAEL G FAJARDO, JR., PhD Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (MS-AUG. 26, 2018)

(MS-AUG. 26, 2018)

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND TESTING OF ONE (1) LOT AMMUNITION (CAL. .45, CAL. .40, CAL. 5.56,CAL. 9MM, AND 12 GAUGE)

UPGRADING OF DIGITAL FORENSIC CAPABILITIES (SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE) Bid Ref. No. 2018-31

Bid Ref. No. 2018-35 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

ThePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum ofTWELVE MILLION THREE HUNDRED THIRTYEIGHT THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO PESOS (PHP 12,338,482.00) through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2018being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to paymentsunder the contract for theSUPPLY, DELIVERY AND TESTING OF ONE (1) LOT AMMUNITION (CAL. .45, CAL. .40, CAL. 5.56,CAL. 9MM, AND 12 GAUGE).Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected duringbid opening.

The PDEA - BAC now invites bids for theSUPPLY, DELIVERY AND TESTING OF ONE (1) LOT AMMUNITION (CAL. .45, CAL. .40, CAL. 5.56,CAL. 9MM, AND 12 GAUGE).

Delivery of the goods is 60 calendar days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours (8:00 am to 5:00pm).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 20, 2018 from the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP 25,000.00).

1.

ThePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum of TWENTY MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P20,825,000.00) through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2018being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)to paymentsu nder the contract for the UPGRADING OF DIGITAL FORENSIC CAPABILITIES (SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during bid opening.

2.

The PDEA - BAC now invites bids for the UPGRADING OF DIGITAL FORENSIC CAPABILITIES (SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE).Delivery of the goods is 60 calendar days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours (8:00 am to 5:00pm).

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 20, 2018 from the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty FiveThousand Pesos (Php 25,000.00).

The Invitation to Bid and Checklist of Requirements may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov.ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Invitation to Bid and Checklist of Requirements may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov.ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The PDEA-BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 28, 2018,02:30 PM at PDEA ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City, 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders.

6.

The PDEA-BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 28, 2018,11:00 AMat PDEA ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City, 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before September 10, 2018, 02:30 PM. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before June 26, 2018, 11:00 AM. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be September 10, 2018, 11:00 AMat PDEA ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City, 1100. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be September 10, 2018, 02:30 PM at PDEA ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City, 1100.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat Mr.Armando B. Macalalag Jr. at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays starting August 20, 2018(excluding holidays)at Tel No. (632)920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

9.

PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: Mr. Armando B. Macalalag Jr. PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082 (Sgd) ISMAEL G. FAJARDO JR, PhD Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (MS-AUG. 26, 2018)

8.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat Mr.Armando B. Macalalag Jr. at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays starting August 20, 2018at Tel No. (632)920-8082. However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

9. PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: Mr. Armando B. Macalalag Jr. PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082 (Sgd) DIR III ISMAEL G FAJARDO JR, PhD OIC, Deputy Director General for Administration/RD NCR Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (MS-AUG. 26, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Lane, which was reclassified as a Tropical Storm at 0300 GMT Saturday, was located around 120 miles (190 kilometers) south of the capital Honolulu, slowly moving in a north-northeastward direction at just three miles per hour.

Lane “weakens to a Tropical Storm south of Oahu, but rain bands will still bring more flooding and damaging winds to parts of the main Hawaiian islands,” the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said.

Lane, which packed still dangerous winds of 70 miles per hour, is forecast on Saturday to turn westward and away from the Pacific islands.

“Regardless of the hurricane track, life-threatening impacts will extend far beyond the center position as Lane approaches the islands,” the National Weather Center said.

“Excessive rainfall associated with this slow moving hurricane will continue to impact the Hawaiian Islands into the weekend, leading to catastrophic and lifethreatening flash flooding and landslides.”

Brad Kieserman with the American Red Cross told reporters more than 2,000 people were sheltering in 45 evacuation centers.

“I would not be surprised to wake up tomorrow morning and see evacuation center populations at or above 2,500 or 3,000,” he added.

Almost 25 inches (60 centimeters) of rain fell on the iconic Waikiki Beach in the last 36 hours, forcing its closure as hoteliers and store owners piled sandbags outside their businesses.

The mainly-rural Big Island— home to the still-erupting Kilauea Volcano—has taken the worst hit so far, with more than 30 inches of rain in about 24 hours.

Experts warned of “whiteout conditions”—steam loaded with particles and toxic gases produced when cool moisture hits lava—as the storm passes.

Lane however should have little effect on the eruption “aside from minor rockfalls at the summit and increased steaming” from two vents, the US Geological Survey said. AFP

US CUTS $200M IN AID TO GAZA PALESTINIANS WASHINGTON—The United States said Friday that it had canceled more than $200 million in aid for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, leading their ambassador to accuse President Donald Trump’s administration of being “anti-peace.”

A senior State Department official said the decision, made “at the direction of the president,” came after a review of aid programs to the Palestinian territories.

The funding previously allocated for programs in the West Bank and Gaza will “now address high-priority projects elsewhere,” said the official.

The move “takes into account the challenges the international community faces in providing assistance in Gaza, where Hamas control endangers the lives of Gaza’s citizens and degrades an

already dire humanitarian and economic situation,” he said.

In January, the United States had already made drastic cuts to its contribution to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA. Relations between the US administration and the Palestinian Authority took a nosedive after Trump announced the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The Palestinians have suspended contacts with the administration and consider that it can no longer play a mediation role in the Middle East peace process.

“This administration is dismantling decades of US vision and engagement in Palestine,” Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian General Delegation to the United States said in a statement. AFP

NEW AUSSIE PM STARTS 1ST DAY WITH TRUMP CHAT SYDNEY—Australia’s new prime minister began his first full day Saturday with a phone call to Donald Trump as he set about restoring faith in his “battered and bruised” government after a tumultuous week.

Scott Morrison was sworn in as the country’s 30th leader late Friday after a bitter Liberal Party revolt against moderate Malcolm Turnbull driven by a hardline conservative faction.

The former treasurer, a Turnbull ally who upset right-wing challenger Peter Dutton in the internal party ballot, said he had had a warm chat with the US president.

“Had a great discussion with @ realDonaldTrump this morning,” he tweeted. “We affirmed the strength of the relationship be-

tween the US and Australia.”

Morrison said he shared with Trump the story of Australian soldier Leslie “Bull” Allen “who is a symbol of our 100 years of mateship.”

Allen famously carried to safety 12 wounded Americans during an attack on Japanese positions at Mount Tambu in New Guinea during World War II in 1943.

Trump also took to Twitter to congratulate Morrison.

“There are no greater friends than the United States and Australia,” he said.

With their pleasantries out the way, Morrison began work on nailing down a ministerial front bench after a series of resignations as he looked to put a torrid week of political maneuvering behind him. AFP

6 DEAD, THOUSANDS MOVED IN TAIWAN FLOODS TAIPEI—Six people have been killed by floodwaters in Taiwan, officials said Saturday, after days of heavy rain forced thousands to evacuate their homes.

A tropical depression has been dumping torrential rain in central and southern Taiwan since Thursday, with some districts receiving close to 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) of rainfall.

Six have died in the storm so far, according to government figures, including three who were killed by a falling scaffold in the southern city of Kaohsiung. Almost 100 more were injured.

More than 6,000 people were

evacuated with more than 1,100 still in shelters on Saturday morning, officials said.

Images showed residents in Kaohsiung and nearby Tainan wading in knee-deep water, as well as soldiers in central Chiayi county carrying elderly residents and children from their flooded homes.

Television footage also showed scooters and cars halfsubmerged in water and roads blocked by landslides.

Although the depression has already moved northwest away from Taiwan, floods have yet to recede in many areas. AFP

Images

B3

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TOP PHOTOS OF THE WEEK GOLDEN GIRL. Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines celebrates at the podium following her gold-medal finish in the women’s 53-kg weightlifting event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on Tuesday. AFP

HEART-Y FRIENDS. Girls gather under a heart-shaped arc for a picture beside the Manila Bay during the weekend at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Sonny Espiritu

FACT OF LIFE. Even a little rain brings flood waters to Malabon City, as proven by residents of Artex Road who have to trudge through it daily during the monsoon season. Revoli Cortez

BURNING BUS. A Ring’s Coach Bus catches fire, caused by faulty electrical wiring, while traversing C5 Road near the corner of Kalayaan Avenue on Monday morning. Lorraine Alberto MOVING SHELTER. A mother and her two kids take shelter on their pedicab-rolling store after a morning drizzle at Padre Burgos Street in Manila on Friday. Lino Santos

NAP TIME.

A tricycle driver lies down on his motorcycle to recharge before plying the streets in and around United Nations Avenue in Manila. Sonny Espiritu

ROW AND RIDE. Men use a makeshift boat to keep themselves and their bike dry as they pass by a flooded house along Artex Road in Malabon City. Revoli Cortez

B4

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IRISH SEX ABUSE VICTIM URGES POPE TO REMOVE ‘EVERY ROTTEN APPLE’

By Fayruz Rajpar DUBLIN—Pope Francis should rid the Catholic Church of “every rotten apple” and announce concrete measures against sexual abuse by the clergy during his visit to Ireland, a prominent Irish victim told AFP. Marie Collins, who resigned from a Vatican commission on child protection last year over its failure to take action, said in an interview that the pontiff had to tackle the issue “head on.”

“Every rotten apple should be got rid of and it should happen now,” Collins said on the sidelines of the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, ahead of the pope’s visit to Ireland.

Collins was assaulted by a priest as a 13-year-old while she was in hospital—one of thousands of victims in Ireland where abuse scandals have badly dented the Catholic Church’s standing.

ROHINGYA... From B1 Columns of people marching through the camp on Saturday waved banners and chanted “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).

Tears flowed as one Imam gave a sermon, saying “Please Allah, return to us our homeland. Let us see our parents’ graves. We left them back in Myanmar.”

Myanmar authorities, who insist their forces only targeted insurgents, have made an agreement with Bangladesh to repatriate refugees but only a handful have gone back.

Rohingya leaders say the exiles will not return home unless their safety is

guaranteed.

No home, no hope Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi this week said it was up to Bangladesh “to decide how quickly” repatriation of the refugees can be accomplished.

She said the “terrorist threat” posed

by Rohingya militants remains “real and present.”

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which has been blamed for attacks in Myanmar, issued an anniversary statement in which it condemned Myanmar’s “terrorist government and genocidal military.”

Mohammad Hossain, a 40-year-old protester at Kutupalong, said: “We are here remember to Aug. 25. We want justice. We want them (Myanmar) to

“Coming to Ireland, where we have such a history of abuse and so many have had their lives destroyed, it is important that while he is here this issue is addressed, and addressed face on, and we get clear words as to what he’s going to do,” said Collins, now 71.

Many ordinary Irish Catholics were “waiting to see this whole issue dealt with properly” and if it is not, “more people are just going to give up in despair and walk away,” she said.

‘Fear of how deep it goes’ Collins welcomed a letter from Pope Francis this week condemning the “atrocities” revealed by a far-reaching US report

into child sex abuse by priests in the state of Pennsylvania.

But she said the words of the leader of the world’s billion-plus Catholics did not go far enough.

“It didn’t give any concrete statements about what he was actually going to do,” she said, calling for some “real sanctions” against those who perpetrate and cover up abuse.

“The reluctance to look into things properly and to behave properly is the fear of how deep it goes, how far it goes and how wide it goes. There is this mistaken idea that if we don’t look at it, it will go away,” she said.

‘He could do no wrong’ Collins had just celebrated her 13th birthday when she was assaulted by a priest, according to an account she gave at a Vatican symposium on abuse in 2012.

The priest—“a skilled child molester” in her words—began visiting her in the evenings while she lay in a hospital bed in Dublin.

“When he began to sexually interfere with me, pretending at first he was being playful, I was shocked and resisted, telling him to stop. He did not stop,” she said.

“While assaulting me, he would respond to my resistance by telling me he was a priest, he could do no wrong,” she recalled.

“He took photographs of the most private parts of my body and told me I was stupid if I thought it was wrong. He had power over me. I did not know how to tell anyone. I just prayed he would not do it again—but he did. Those fingers that would abuse my body the night before were the next morning holding and offering me the sacred host. The hands that held the camera to photograph my exposed body, in the light of day were holding a prayer book when he came to hear my confession.

“When I left the hospital I was not the same child who had entered,” she said.

End Vatican ‘resistance’ After years of treatment for mental illness brought on by feelings of guilt, Collins finally told a doctor about the abuse when she was 47.

He persuaded her to tell the Church about it, but when Collins met with her parish priest, she says he refused to listen and blamed her.

“He said he saw no need to report the chaplain. He told me what happened was probably my fault. This response shattered me,” she said.

A decade later while reading news about a serial pedophile priest Collins realized that other children might have been damaged by the same priest who hurt her and she again spoke up.

The priest was eventually prosecuted and jailed, and Collins has since become a leading voice in Ireland pushing for justice for victims.

Collins on Friday said only the pope could end Vatican “resistance” even if this meant removing people in high office.

“Every day children are being abused. So every day that goes by... more and more children are being harmed when they don’t need to be harmed.” AFP

recognize us as Rohingya. We are very sad because we are not in our native land.”

The Rohingya were stripped of their citizenship decades ago by Myanmar and have been chased from the country in successive convulsions of violence.

About 300,000 were already in the camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district and the latest arrivals pushed numbers to one million.

The Rohingya and aid agencies are most worried about the uncertain future of the refugees, who are stateless and seemingly unwanted in Bangladesh while conditions in their Rakhine homeland remain dangerous.

International Red Cross Committee

president Peter Maurer, who visited the camps and Rakhine in July, said in an anniversary statement that Rohingya in both places were “living in misery.”

“Unfortunately, since my visit we have not seen tangible improvements for those displaced or the few who remain in Rakhine.”

The Red Cross chief called for urgent “sustainable solutions” for “safe, dignified and voluntary returns as soon as possible.”

He said this must include “political steps” in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

While the Rohingya exodus from western Myanmar continues, with refugees still trickling over the border, the United Nations and international rights groups say conditions are not

MINIMIZE... From B1 business would take only 2 days in Hong Kong and 3 days in Singapore.

Second, regulations that substitute political authority for the rule of law and freedom of contract will tend to undermine gains from trade. Several countries make a habit of adopting laws that grant political administrators substantial discretionary authority. For example, in the mid-1980s, customs officials in Guatemala were permitted to waive tariffs if they thought that doing so was in the “national interest.”

Such legislation is an open invitation for government officials to solicit bribes.

It creates regulatory uncertainty and makes business activity costlier and less attractive, particularly for honest people. Popular support for regulations often stems from the desire to promote a cleaner environment or provide consumers with protection against unscrupulous business operators.

Regulations play a positive role in these areas. Even here, however, the law needs to be precise, unambiguous, and nondiscriminatory. If it is not, it will be a roadblock to gains from trade.

Regulations often help some businesses by restricting competitors.

Because such regulations are lucrative to the few who benefit, they impose an additional cost: Businesses, labor organizations, and other specialinterest groups will seek advantages for their constituents by trying to influence the political process.

Some will lobby politicians and regulators to establish or increase these roadblocks, while others (those most severely harmed) will lobby to diminish their effects. Lobbying for all sides on any issue consumes the time and effort of highly skilled individuals who could be producing wealth instead of seeking political advantages from policies that reduce the productivity of others.

Third, the imposition of price controls will also stifle trade.

Governments sometimes set prices above the market level. For example, some governments require that the producers of various agricultural products be paid a specified minimum price for their commodities. At the higher set price, buyers will purchase fewer units than they otherwise would. Governments also set prices lower than the market level, as in the cases of apartment rent controls and regulated electric power rates. In terms of units produced and sold, it makes little difference whether price controls push prices up or force them down; both will reduce the volume of trade and the gains from production and exchange.

Regulations often appear to be an easy way to solve problems. Want higher wages? Increase the minimum wage. Want a lower unemployment rate? Pass laws making dismissal of workers more difficult. Want more Filipinos to start and own businesses?

Restrict the entry of foreigners. But there is a problem here: these simplistic policies do not enhance production and they ignore the secondary effects.

Our living standard is directly linked to the production of goods and services that people value. Mutually advantageous trade and competitive markets encourage the efficient use of resources and the discovery of better ways of doing things. They help us get more value from our resources.

Thus, regulatory policies that impose roadblocks against trade and entry into markets will almost always be counterproductive. If the country is going to grow and prosper, it should minimize regulations that restrict trade and the competitiveness of markets. eric.jurado@gmail.com

ready for their return.

“It may be decades until they can safely return to Myanmar, if ever,” said MSF head of mission in Bangladesh Pavlo Kolovos in a statement.

Calls have mounted for Myanmar’s military to be held responsible for the campaign and the United States has sanctioned two army brigades and several commanders who oversaw the expulsion.

There have also been calls for an International Criminal Court inquiry but Myanmar has bristled at international criticism.

Humanitarian agencies spearheading the relief effort in Bangladesh say just one-third of the roughly $1 billion needed for the refugees until March has been raised. AFP

C1

A

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net

FILIPINO REINVENTS VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM

38-YEAR-OLD former jeepney driver invented a new layer of protection in the hydraulic brake system of vehicles to reduce the number of road accidents.

Melchor Heñosa, a father of five from Pakil, Laguna, is the inventor of the “Leak Saving Valve for Brake System of Motorized Vehicles”, a device that immediately stops any leak of brake fluid, enabling the driver to regain control of the vehicle and avoid collision and other deadly accidents.

“At present, drivers are only advised to properly maintain their vehicles and avoid being reckless on the road. But even if they are not reckless, there is a chance that the brake fluid can leak and they lose the power to control their vehicles. This is why drivers need the break leak sealing valve,” Heñosa says in an interview at the IP Center in Taguig City.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines approved the patent for Heñosa’s invention on April 8, 2013, or nearly 19 months after he submitted the application on Sept. 16, 2011. Nobody contested his application for the territorial patent, proving that it was of unique design. “No existing device anywhere in the world was designed for the same purpose,” he says.

Heñosa, who used to drive a jeepney in Silang, Cavite and served as an auto mechanic at the same time, compared his invention to a fuse which protects an electrical circuit and prevents excess current. “It is like an electric fuse which prevents fire. With brake leak sealing valve, we can prevent loss of brake fluid. Once you press down the brake pedal, your brake system becomes functional again which is very, very powerful to control the vehicle,” he says.

Heñosa, who reached second year in high school, developed the idea as early as 2010 while waiting for a cousin at a car park of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “Because of the long waiting time, I looked at a vehicle and thought about the need for a check valve in case of fluid depletion,” he says, adding that he himself encountered four “lost brake” incidents as a driver in the past.

“My imagination was triggered when I went home. A few days later, at around 2 a.m., I started illustrating a design for the brake leak sealing valve,” he says.

Aside from driving a jeepney, Heñosa was also a distributor of seedlings for reforestation projects in Laguna and was the founding president of Potential Seeds Marketing Cooperative. A member of the cooperative, from General Santos City, agreed to finance the development of a prototype.

The following year, he submitted the prototype to IPOPhl at Upper McKinley Road in Taguig.

“When I was applying for patent, I remember hitch-hiking with jeepney at truck drivers from Laguna province,” he says.

“My motivation was to protect my intellectual property in the Philippines. I was also confident about the authority of IPO to enforce my IP rights,” he says.

After he obtained the patent in April 2013, he began the long process of developing and perfecting the product.

He was able to produce 500 pieces initially, which were used by drivers based in Antipolo,

HILTON MANILA

APPOINTS FIRST GENERAL MANAGER

Inventor Melchor Heñosa holds the all-new brake fluid leak sealing valve.

Tagaytay and Sta. Rosa. He had to recall these units later to replace some parts. “I had a problem with toolings. And the appropriate process was not available in the Philippines,” he says.

After focusing on product development for five years, he discovered the right solution this year. On Aug. 4, the testing of an enhanced prototype proved successful. “I also developed an attachment with electronics and magnetic sensors that will deliver information to the driver in case of fluid depletion. I already filed for another patent for this,” he says.

Heñosa says with the latest development, he is now ready for mass production of the brake leak sealing valve. “It is ideal for all types of vehicles using hydraulic systems such as jeepneys, elfs, delivery vans, trucks and cars,” he says.

The invention consists of 42 pieces, including the aluminum body, washers, rubber, bolts and nuts. He spent around P4.5 million for the product development, including grants from different government agencies such as the Technology Application and Promotion Institute.

“We are ready for mass production finally, and we have received a lot of inquiries from different customers,” he says.

Heñosa says Pasang Masda, an organization of jeepney drivers, is interested in availing of the brake leak sealing valve, which costs around P4,000 per unit.

Heñosa is moving his office from Los Baños to

San Pablo City which is a transit point for many vehicles bound for Southern Tagalog, Bicol Region and the Visayas.

He received the Outstanding Invention (Tuklas) Award from the Department of Science and Technology and a Gold Medal from the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2016.

Heñosa encourages other inventors to file for patent with IPOPhl as a way of protecting their IP rights. “You need perseverance as an inventor. I spent eight years in product development. If you failed 100 times, you should rise up 100 times. Just go on with your goal,” he says.

Data from IPOPhl show that the agency receives an average of 2,500 patent applications a year, of which about 10 percent are from Filipinos and the rest from non-residents.

Patent applications in 2017 reached 2,585, or nearly unchanged from 2,524 in 2016. Of the total applications in 2017, 284 or 11 percent were from Filipinos and 2,301 or 89 percent were from nonresidents or foreigners.

The IPOPhl provides patents for inventions, utility models and industrial designs. A patent for an invention is granted, if it is new, if it involves an inventive step and if it is industrially applicable.

A patent for an invention protects it for 20 years from counterfeiting or imitation, allowing the inventor to gain considerable profit from the unique product. Roderick T. dela Cruz

PH ARTISAN JAM MAKER GAINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FRUIT Garden, one of the exporters assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry, was awarded one-star excellence for its pineapple coco rhum jam during the Great Taste Award organized by The Guild of Fine Food in the United Kingdom this month.

T h e Fr u i t G a r d e n’s j a m w a s recognized with one-star of excellence against 12,634 products entered by producers across the globe. According to Great Taste, 1,207 food items grabbed 2 stars and 3,254 were awarded 1 star. Meanwhile, 192 food items achieved the highest rating of three stars.

Great Taste, tagged as the world’s

Hilton Manila general manager Simon McGrath

most coveted food awards, started in 1994. It is considered as the largest and trusted accreditation scheme for fine food and drink. Products were blind-tasted by panels of specialists which include top chefs, food writers, influencers, food critics, restaurateurs and fine food retailers.

Fruit Garden is among the enrollees and assisted exporters of the DTIExport Marketing Bureau under its Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters Plus.

According to DTI-EMB, Fruit Garden is the first and only Filipino company in the jam segment to be selected because of its product’s distinct taste

which is achieved by a cooking process in copper cauldrons, in small batches, under strict quality control.

Fruit Garden also takes pride in the achievement of its unique flavor, made of local ingredients.

Af te r i t s re co gn i t i o n by t h e prestigious food and beverage guild, Fruit Garden aims to gain more recognition from global markets by expanding abroad, and showcasing its product to foreign markets for greater appreciation of the quality of food products produced in the Philippines.

The DTI-EMB’s Ripples Plus Program is assisting emerging entrepreneurs in

the development of their products and services through strategic interventions such as trainings and capacity building; investment, marketing and promotions, support for innovation, product development and design; market access facilitation through mutual recognition arrangements and certifications.

These interventions or modes of assistance ensure that the companies are competent and export-ready. The program has worked towards increasing the number of internationallycompetitive Philippine product and services exporters with EMB at the helm.

HILTON Manila appointed Simon McGrath as its first general manager to lead the opening of the hotel in New Port City this year.

Prior to his appointment, McGrath served as the pre-opening general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru in Malaysia, where he successfully opened and drove a market leading property in Malaysia’s rapidly growing second largest city.

A 38-year hospitality veteran, McGrath has worked with other integrated developments, such as Hamilton Island and Ayers Rock Resort, as well as a number of other international brands, such as IHG, Radisson and Parkroyal.

Prior to joining Hilton, he was area general for Mantra Group in South Australia and then Regional Victoria. From there, McGrath joined Hilton Adelaide in South Australia as director of operations before a move into the commercial role as director of business development.

In 2012, he was appointed general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Resort, Phuket Surin Beach, where he spearheaded the resort’s rebranding and repositioning prior to his posting in Malaysia.

McGrath brings a diversity of experience to all facets of the business with a strong background in both operations and the commercial aspects of the hotel as well as being a food and beverage and hotel openings specialist.

He has not only worked throughout Australia but also in New Zealand, the South Pacific, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand before his recent move to the Philippines.

In his new role as general manager of Hilton Manila, McGrath will be the driving force behind the return of the Hilton brand to Manila, ensuring the Hilton founders mission of “spreading the light and warmth of hospitality” is truly embraced.

M c G rat h i s b r i m m i n g w i t h optimism that the hotel team will not only deliver on the warmth and sincerity in service delivery the Filipino people are famous for but will also elevate the “genuine” aspect of the service through upholding the “Make It Right” service guarantee, warranting an exceptional guest experience.

Committed to developing people, McGrath has opted for a talented, predominantly local senior management group who form the cornerstone of the pre-opening team.

“It’s certainly exciting to be given the opportunity to re-establish the Hilton brand in Manila. We intend to embellish the fond memories many have of the Hilton brand from the past and provide many more memorable stays and experiences into the future. With cutting edge technology, such as keyless entry and the support of the world’s most successful loyalty program Hilton Honors, as well as some exciting food and beverage concepts, we are set to make quite a return,” said McGrath.

Business

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

INVESTMENT TECHNOLOGY STILL ELUDES MILLENNIALS National Reinsurance Corporation of the Philippines president Allan Rossi Santos

NAT RE NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

THE National Reinsurance Corporation of the Philippines named Allan Rossi Santos as its new president and chief executive effective Aug. 16, succeeding Augusto Hidalgo III. Prior to this, Santos was Nat Re’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing finance, investments, data and analytics, technology, human resources and office services.

He will be joined by two seasoned professionals, Christian Ladoux as chief underwriting pfficer and Tisha Darvin as head of data and analytics.

During his term as president and CEO which began in 2014, Hidalgo led efforts to transform the company into a more customercentric organization and initiated measures that strengthened the company’s technical capabilities.

He significantly grew the business both in terms of topline and bottomline.

Santos has more than 25 years of experience in local and international insurance/reinsurance markets in the US, Asia and Europe.

He holds a Master’s degree in Applied Math and Bachelor of Science in Math both from the University of the Philippines. He is a fellow of both the Actuarial Society of Philippines and the Society of Actuaries and is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

Ladoux has more than 35 years of international experience in reinsurance underwriting, having handled risks in France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Belgium, East and South East Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. He was previously the general Manager and CEO of the Singapore Branch of Arab Insurance Group.

Darvin is an actuary by profession with more than 25 years of experience in product development, mergers and acquisitions, demutualization, distribution channels compensation, financial planning and analysis, employee benefits valuation and actuarial studies.

“We will continue to build on our achievements thus far to meet new milestones, conquer more challenges, and provide better services to our clients, partners, and shareholders,” said Santos.

“We look forward to further strengthening the business and expanding our horizons,” he said.

First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp. business development head Andro Leo Beltran

“D

IGITAL natives” is a term attributed to millennials, because using technology for them is said to be innate. This does not necessarily apply in the financial sector.

According to the latest Annual Labor and Employment Estimates of the Philippine Statistics Authority, millennials make up 45.1 percent of the total Philippine workforce, making them the largest group among the three generations.

However, compared to baby boomers and Gen X, millennials somewhat lag behind in terms of financial standing. First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp., the stockbrokerage arm of the Metrobank Group, estimates that less than10 percent have an investment or savings in some way or form.

“Millennials in general have a lot of financial aspirations. Often you’d hear that they desire to gain financial independence by the time they reach 40, some to even as early as 30. The wish list often includes being able to travel the world, spend worry-free, and enjoy morethan-average standard of living for themselves and their family. But a great majority have no clear strategy on how to achieve this. And if ever they do, they tend to go conservative, not maximizing the opportunities and resources available to them,” FirstMetroSec business development head Andro Leo Beltran said.

Data show that less than 1 percent of Filipinos are invested in the stock market.

“Although it is where one can significantly

grow his money, we noticed that millennials tend to be apprehensive due to unfamiliarity, confusion and intimidation. We think this shouldn’t be the case, especially now that technology has already made stock market investing a lot easier and intuitive, especially for the tech-savvy millennials,” Beltran said.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Beltran finds it paradoxical that the supposed digital natives themselves have fears about stock market investing. “If they can figure out how to shop or sell pre-owned items online without the help of a manual, they can surely handle an online trading platform. The concept is pretty much similar: choose from a catalog the item [or from the listed securities the stock] you want to purchase; fund your shopping [or online trading] account; buy [or place a bid]; and wait for the item to be delivered to your doorstep in two to three days [or wait for someone to sell the stock],” he said.

Beltran said that just like online shopping, an investor needs to do his research. “If you read reviews or compare prices before you buy items online, you have to do the same when you invest in stocks, lest you find yourselves losing the value of your investment. Although stock investing has many benefits such as high returns, income from dividend and liquidity, there are also corresponding risks that may be due to market volatility and wrong stock picks among others.”

“That is why it’s crucial you keep yourselves abreast of what’s happening to the market and the company you wish to invest in. Most online trading accounts give investors access to their research and publications. They are there to guide you in making a smart

investment decision,” Beltran said.

TIME TO TAKE STOCK Beltran admonished millennials to stop saying they have no time to trade stocks.

“That is becoming an excuse. Data on Filipinos’ internet usage suggest otherwise,” he said.

Global Web Index shows that Filipinos are connected to the web over five hours daily, with nearly four hours spent on social media sites.

Beltran said: “We’re not saying social media is bad. In fact, it can even help you get started into investing in the stock market.

There are online communities that promote healthy exchange of ideas and knowledge about investing. What we’re advocating is a more balanced and purposeful use of your time online. You only need 10 minutes on average to trade stocks, so it’s really not time-consuming. You can even use your smartphones. Online stockbrokers, like FirstMetroSec, have a mobile app version of their online trading platform. You can trade wherever you are,” he said.

THE BEST GIFT “If you’re still apprehensive, you can always get guidance from experts. Don’t be paralyzed by fear of the market. You are bound to lose more in the end if you don’t act. If you’re on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram, connect with investing influencers. A lot of them are more than willing to give assistance to those who are really interested,” Beltran said.

“You can also check the free seminars or webinars offered by the Philippine Stock Exchange and some financial institutions.

Maximize your use of technology to include starting or growing your investments,” he said.

SMART TECHNOLOGY OFFERS NEW WAY OF LIFE

By Ram Christian Agustin and Rhosedel Grace Gabac

Executives from Taiwanese technology companies, Department of Energy officials and representatives from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines flash the thumb-up sign during the Smart City Integration Seminar.

SEVEN technology industry visionaries presented their latest innovations at The Smart City Integration Seminar during the Systems Integration Philippines on Aug. 18 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

SIP is the country’s longest-running trade show for business technologies. It featured products from Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Representatives from e-Formula, LeiYueh Enterprise, Acer, Everest Display Inc, Sandalphon International, Asus and Aver discussed their brands’ individual technological innovations that could optimize or even enhance the functionalities of homes, facilities and even entire cities.

“We welcome very much the organization of today’s event —The Smart City and how actually we can all be participating with the technologies and the expertise we will be getting from Taipei. We hope that this would also lead to stronger partnership economically between Philippines and Taipei, most especially in the area of energy,” said Jesus Tamang, director of Energy Utilization and Management Bureau of the

Department of Energy.

Leading products in research and development, design, quality and marketing are featured annually in the Taiwan Excellence Awards.

“Smart technology can actually help a lot in improving the energy plan, not only at the national level, but even at the local government units or city level. We also would need to have smart technology to be able to have optimal utilization of energy across the chain, not only for our generation, not only in the vehicles that we see in in the main streets trapped in traffic, but even in the households,” Tamang said.

“The Philippines and especially the Department of Energy has a very big concern to maintain the issues in energy security. Thus, the requirement or the need for us to make sure that we get to optimize any amount of energy that we have.

For us to be able to do this, we need to have the participation of the local government units,” Tamang said.

The 16th annual System Integration Philippines Expo has been the country’s leading trade show that introduces new and emerging advancements in technology and is considered as a stepping stone for startups and establishments in unveiling their innovations to the market.

Tech & Gadgets

EPSON’S PORTABLE DUPLEX SCANNER REAPS BLI AWARD

E

PSON, a leading provider of innovative business solutions, announced that the WorkForce DS-320 Portable Duplex Document Scanner, known as the WorkForce DS-310 scanner in Southeast Asia, has been awarded the BLI’s Winter 2018 Pick Award for Outstanding Mobile Scanner for Business.

Keypoint Intelligence—Buyers Lab is a leading independent evaluator of document imaging software, hardware, and services.

Delivering the fastest scan speeds in its class, the compact DS-310 duplex document scanner offers speeds of up to 25 ppm or 50 ipm and features a maximum scanning resolution of up to 1200 dpi.

The scanner features a 20-page Auto Document Feeder, with the ability to scan paper thickness between 51.8 to 230 g/m2, which includes namecards and paper documents.

This portable scanner also includes TWAIN and ISIS drivers for seamless integration with existing document management systems.

Users can scan to online storage accounts like Dropbox and SharePoint, or to searchable PDFs and editable Word and Excel files using the included software.

“The portable WorkForce DS-310 scanner is power packed with features in a compact and lightweight body, and is designed to meet the needs of the busy professional on the move. BLI’s recognition of Epson products underscores our commitment to meeting our customers’ evolving business needs in SE Asia,” said Jocelyn Tan, Regional Manager, Printer (Home, SOHO & Biz) and Wearable Division, Epson Singapore.

The BLI “Pick” awards give special recognition to the hardware and software products that are reviewed by BLI’s team of expert technicians and analysts at the BLI lab. All laboratory test data is then compiled to select the top products that have been evaluated within the past six months.

The products and solutions that stand out from the competition and provide the most outstanding performance with the highest evaluation scores, are then awarded a Pick award within their respective industry category.

Keypoint Intelligence is a one-stop shop for the digital imaging industry. With our unparalleled tools and unmatched depth of knowledge, we cut through the noise of data to offer clients the unbiased insights and responsive tools they need in those mission-critical moments that define their products and empower their sales.

For over 50 years, Buyers Lab has been the global document imaging industry’s resource for unbiased and reliable information, test data, and competitive selling tools. What started out as a

Delivering the fastest scan speeds in its class, the compact DS-310 duplex document scanner offers speeds of up to 25 ppm or 50 ipm and features a maximum scanning resolution of up to 1200 dpi.

consumer-based publication about office equipment has become an all-encompassing industry resource. Buyers Lab evolves in tandem with the ever-changing landscape of document imaging solutions, constantly updating our methods, expanding our offerings, and tracking cuttingedge developments.

Buyers Lab Picks stand alone in the industry and are hard-earned awards, as they are based on rigorous testing, including an extensive durability assessment and evaluation of key attributes such as usability, image quality, and value. Each product that passes our lab test earns Buyers Lab’s Recommended or Highly Recommended seal and our Certificate of Reliability, with the best performers qualifying as Pick contenders.

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, watches and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 76,000 employees in 87 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts. http://global.epson.com/

CROSS-BORDER TRADE BOOSTS PH SMES A GROWING cross-border e-marketplace in Asia Pacific is a signal for Filipino SMEs to consider taking their products and services abroad, according to PayPal. The global leader in digital payments and Ipsos recently released the 2018 PayPal Cross-Border Consumer Research, which investigates the online shopping habits of approximately 34,000 consumers in 31 countries [1]—including the Philippines. It reveals a growing cross-border e-commerce scene, with the US and China being the biggest markets in terms of online spend.

According to the study, there is a healthy appetite for e-commerce in APAC, with 48 percent of consumers shopping cross-border in the last 12 months. “This is a huge opportunity

for local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses beyond the Philippines. China, in particular, shows significant promise as the Philippines improves its bilateral relations with the world’s second largest economy,” said Abhinav Kumar, Head of Strategic Partnerships for PayPal in Southeast Asia.

China, the largest market for online purchases in the world, spent an estimated total of RMB 3.9 trillion for online transactions in 2017. This is projected to increase to RMB 5.4 trillion in 2018. Cross-border trade (buying from a website not in their own country) is increasing with 43 percent of Chinese consumers shopping cross-border in the last 12 months compared to 26 percent the previous year.

APAC countries like Australia, India and Japan are likewise growing fast. For 2018, the PayPal study projects Japan to increase its total online spend by 26 percent, India by 53 percent, and Australia by 19 percent.

Cross-border opportunities for Filipino merchants The digital upheaval brought about by social media and increased smartphone penetration translate to increased opportunities for crossborder trade, as seen by the projected growth in online spending. The world has become much smaller as platforms like PayPal enable merchants to take advantage of opportunities by connecting them with global consumers, allowing SMEs and micro enterprises more opportunities to thrive.

According to the study, the top few reasons for the growth in crossborder shopping can be attributed to the novelty of accessing items that are not available in their own country (49 percent) or to discover new and interesting products (34 percent). Over 30 percent of consumers from China and Australia who shop online cite finding items that are hard to find locally as a reason for making them more likely to shop cross-border.

“The demand for unique products is there, and this is an opportunity for Filipino businesses to showcase products not available elsewhere. The Philippines produces many unique products thanks to its rich culture, and with e-commerce, local merchants can now bring uniquely Filipino products to the world,” said Kumar.

ERICSSON SHOWCASES 5G TECH IN PH ERICSSON presented a demonstration of 5G technology using its 5G trial system and demonstrated data speeds of 23 Gbps, a first ever in the Philippines, as part of its 30th Anniversary celebrations in the country.

The two-day technology showcase ‘‘Unleashing the Next Wave- Ericsson Philippines 30th Anniversary”, marks Ericsson’s 30 years of operations in the Philippines. The technology showcase also includes 5G use cases in 3D Augmented Reality, Mining and Healthcare, along with the latest 5G-ready products and solutions from Ericsson. Ericsson has an end-to-end 5G platform comprising 5G core, radio, and transport portfolios together with OSS/BSS, network services and security.

The 5G demonstration reinforces Ericsson’s commitment to bringing in the latest technology innovations to Philippines and developing the 5G ecosystem in the country to support a Digital Philippines.

Ericsson has been a key part of the telecom ecosystem in the Philippines for thirty years, bringing voice and data services to millions of customers in the country. We are the first to market with solutions that enable today's networks to evolve smoothly to the next generation of technologies. 4G is the foundation of 5G,

Martin Wiktorin, Ericsson President and Country Manager of Singapore and Brunei

and Ericsson is well poised to help the operators in the Philippines to transition seamlessly from 4G to 5G,” said Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India.

More about Ericsson’s 5G platform Ericsson’s new 5G platform comprises the 5G core, radio and transport portfolios, together with digital

support systems, transformation services and security. Importantly, all installed base of radios from the Ericsson Radio System delivered since 2015 will be 5G NR-capable by a remote software installation. Ericsson recently completed its 5G platform with the launch of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) commercial software, based on the recently approved first 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) standard. The 5G radio network software complements Ericsson’s already launched baseband and 5G radios. Operators can simply activate their 5G networks and take the first steps with commercial 5G capabilities and new applications leveraging advanced mobile broadband services.

This will cater efficiently for growing data traffic and enable access to multimedia content, such as 4K/8K video streaming and virtual reality/augmented reality. According to Ericsson’s new economic study of enhanced mobile broadband, evolution to 5G will enable 10 times lower cost per gigabyte than current 4G networks. To help operators capture growth opportunities presented by new 5G use cases, Ericsson has expanded its 5G Core System offering with new capabilities to support 5G NR and also enhanced its Distributed Cloud solution.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

GLOBAL SECURITY PH LAUNCHED AS THE country experiences a surge in economic growth and extensive investments on various infrastructure projects all over the country, the demand for safety and security products increases as well.

Security industry’s growth prospects are good especially in the wake of a new government administration which places a strong focus on law and order The Philippines needs to spend $22.8 billion (P164 billion) on cybersecurity between 2018 and 2025 to be in line with “global best-in-class countries,” according to new research commissioned by Cisco Systems, Inc., alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam among all ASEAN countries.

Catering to these domestic needs, Global Security Philippines will bring together suppliers for anti-counterfeiting solutions, information and communications technology, firearms and ammunitions, border surveillance systems, CCTV, biometrics authentication technology, digital forensics, network security, and many more in one massive venue.

“The show was positioned as one of the biggest and most comprehensive trade shows dedicated to the security industry. Global Security Philippines Expo & Conference will give you access to the latest knowledge and technology in cyber security, transnational security, border management, infrastructure security, and many others,” said Jason Ng, Executive Director of MP International Pte Ltd. “This will be a venue for businesses to explore security solutions both from various local and international companies,” adds Jason Ng. The show run from August 16 to 18 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall Of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Held alongside the exhibit was a two-day Global Security Conference last Aug. 16 and 17.

“Our mission is to provide attendees with the knowledge, strategies and tactics they need to fight emerging threats, straight from industry experts who have experience in the field,” said Jethro Dionisio, President of the Association of Firearms and Ammunitions Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. “This year is no exception; we’re providing education covering security challenges and solutions such as data gathering, data management, data protection, preventing and countering cyber attacks, cyber security, and a whole lot more. Industry experts and representatives from various government and private sectors will be collaborating in discussing and sharing the knowledge in their respective fields.

Speakers for the Global Security Conference are: Delfin N. Lorenzana, Secretary of the Department of National Defense; Raymund Liboro, Privacy Commissioner of the National Privacy Commission; Walter van Hattum, Head of Economic and Trade Section from the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines; Eliseo Rio, Jr., OIC & Undersecretary for Special Concerns of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); Gen. Oscar Albayalde, Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP); Ice Oliva of Zeeguru; Terry Loo from Cellebrite; John Peter Abraham Ruero, President of ISSA Philippines; and many more. To pre-register for the conference, log on to http://bit.ly/GSEPhil.

“It’s going to be different from a lot of other security events because majority of these events in the country are more focused on the cyber aspect of the industry,” said Patrick Lawrence Tan, CEO of GlobalLink MP Events Int’l Inc. “What we’re really embracing here and uniquely bringing together through our partnership is the mixture of the physical security, IoT, integrators, suppliers and manufacturers together with IT and cyber,” Tan added.

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

FASHION + TECHNOLOGY: HUAWEI'S GRADIENT TREND

T

IRED of the usual color of your phone? It is time to level up your game! With Huawei leading the trend in color gradient technology, Huawei created the perfect device that will match your standard and personality.

Huawei has been widely recognized for its innovative and revolutionary technology that the brand always bring to the table. Every year, Huawei delivers a one of a kind technology that no one has ever done before. When you work with Huawei, you are not just an engineer or a researcher or an employee - You are a visionary. You are a dreamer. You are a creative. For every product that Huawei introduces to the market, the brand always use their acquired inspiration and envision it in such a way that these innovations won’t go to waste. Huawei ensures that every new innovation and technology they could think of is an important technology that they need to further enhance and develop to give their consumers the latest technology whether it is a camera, software or a design and color technology.

The company has been the first to introduce the gradient finish with the Twilight version of the Huawei P20 Pro. Eventually, it decided to make this color experience available to more users with the Iris Purple variant of the Nova 3 and 3i. But how did Huawei came up with this innovation? Let’s find out.

The technology behind the color gradient

The smartphone industry has shifted from the usual black hue color gradient to something more exciting. Driven by the desire to express themselves through their mobile phones, people began to explore and incorporate gradient colors into their everyday lives.

Structural Coloration

The structural coloration is used to create a brilliant and rich structural colors that otherwise cannot be reproduced with simple pigments.

Structural coloration is caused by surfaces with microscopic irregularities that bend visible light in a way that the beams of light are refracted, reflected and interfere with each other. The resultant colors, dubbed with structural colors, may differ from the actual color of the pigments on the said surface— this gives a certain degree of iridescence to surface, allowing the viewer to perceive different colors when looking at the object from different angles.

The gradient color of the HUAWEI nova 3 series is based on this principle of structural color.

Huawei’s Iris Purple is the only color you would want this year.

When light hits the glass back of the device, it goes through five layers of nano coating.

When light passes through these layers, it goes through diffraction, refraction, reflection and interference and has its red, orange, yellow and green wavelengths absorbed. As a result, our eyes can only see the rich and illusionary bluepurple gradient color.

NCVM fully showcases the craftsmanship spirit

The gradient colors on the HUAWEI nova 3 series is created by the NCVM process. It is the most cutting-edge technology for generating gradient color. The technology has extremely strict requirements for the processing environment. The entire process of coating takes four times as long as the industrial standard and with only 30-40 percent yield—this means one in three pieces of glass is discarded for failing to meet the quality standards.

It took Huawei more than a year to develop the gradient color, during which Huawei has used tens of thousands pane of glass for testing purposes. Huawei spent almost half a year to come up with the color scheme. Huawei tested many color combinations, from a red-togreen gradient, to a green-to-purple gradient but since those gradients involved more colors, they were very difficult to realize.

The Inspiration behind the trendy Nova 3 Series Iris Purple

Ultra Violet is the Pantone color of 2018. As a device that strives to be at the forefront of trends, Nova 3 and 3i is available in a special gradient color, Iris Purple, in which the purple slowly transitions to a shade of blue, as if it is a living, breathing piece of art.

Exuding strong techno vibes, the Iris Purple gradient color is perfectly realized on the textured film underneath the curved glass. Purple and blue blend harmoniously with the neonlike contrasts, melding together to create a very futuristic looking hue.

Besides the trendy Iris Purple variant, HUAWEI nova 3i is available in Pearl White and Classic Black. Whether it is on the runway or a car, these colors have never been out of fashion.

Pricing and Availability

The HUAWEI nova 3i and the nova 3 is now available in the Philippines for P15,990 and P25,990. Consumers may avail this midrange gem by visiting Huawei Experience Stores and partner carriers nationwide. It can also be availed through Home Credit for 0% interest in 6 and 9 months.

HP OFFERS PROTECTION VS FAKE PRODUCTS WITH the continuous proliferation of counterfeit products and supplies such as ink and toners cartridges in the market, HP Philippines further endeavors to help protect businesses against using possible fake products by offering free Customer Delivery Inspection.

The HP Customer Delivery Inspections are on-site examination of large or medium-sized deliveries of printing supplies which are suspected to contain counterfeits. The checks are conducted by HP anti-counterfeiting and fraud experts, upon the request of customers.

The inspections are meant to protect business operations from the impacts of using poor quality fake printing products and supplies such as substandard print-outs, stalled printing jobs and damaged printers which can interrupt workflow and incur additional costs.

HP customers who notice suspicious bids in tenders or believe a delivery to contain suspicious products can request for an examination by filling out a Customer Delivery Inspection request form and emailing it to apj. anti-counterfeit@hp.com.

The HP anti-counterfeiting and fraud program administrator will review the request and will arrange a free product inspection if the suspicion is deemed to be credible.

If counterfeits are found, the customer is asked to refrain from buying from that supplier and instead buy genuine products directly from HP authorized resellers.

Customers can also protect themselves against using counterfeit products by recognizing original HP supplies through mobile authentication, tamperevident label check, security seal check, and online validation.

Mobile authentication involves scanning the QR code on the HP product with a smartphone to validate authentic HP supplies. Using the tamper-evident label check, consumers can look for signs of cartridge tampering: pattern lines do not match, colored label instead of transparent, or label text shows ‘seal is void’.

CREATE AN IDEAL OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

The Samsung 360 Cassette’s circular design easily blends in any space.

WORKSPACE design and environment play a huge role in employee engagement and productivity. As such, companies must make sure their spaces are comfortable, and are places that inspire people to do their best work.

There are many ways to create the ideal office environment. Among them: maintaining the proper temperature in every room. Research shows a space that’s too cold can have the same negative effect on employees’ performance as a space that’s too warm. To have the most pleasant experience in air conditioning, you can equip your workspace with an innovative cooling solution like the Samsung 360 Cassette.

This air conditioner boasts of the world’s first circular design with an innovative 360-degree airflow that ensures optimal air conditioning. This state-of-the-art feature eliminates hot and cold spots as it distributes air evenly to every corner of the room, ensuring a more comfortable and cold-draft free environment.

The circular Cassette provides 360-degree airflow that ensures optimal air conditioning.

The Samsung 360 Cassette also boasts a unique bladeless technology, which delivers 100% of air volume without any loss. Compared to traditional 4-way Cassette units, which can lose up to 25% of air volume, this innovation ensures cooling efficiency.

Beyond its functionality, the Samsung 360 Cassette’s pioneering design also makes it a popular choice for many architects and interior designers. Its perfectly round shape and elegant design makes it easy to blend in any space. Companies can even opt to customize their units with any color, pattern, or image.

The Samsung 360 Cassette is available at authorized Samsung Aircon Specialists nationwide. For more details, visit samsung.com/ph/ business/ air-conditioners/

WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 9

FOR the creative who's always on the move, inspiration can strike in a flash and disappear just as fast. They know that the key to reaching their goals and visions is to keep creating and innovating every day. To do this they need for the right companion to grab the inspiration and work towards their dreams.

That's where the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 comes in! The latest in the esteemed Note series from the Korean tech giant, this powerful device boasts of a number of features that lets you draw from everyday inspiration.

Supercharged S Pen Touted as the "pen with a soul," the S Pen is one of the signature features of Note phones. The Note 9 version enjoys a huge upgrade. It now serves as a Bluetooth de-

vice that can control the camera shutter and music playback.

Capture inspiration as it happens with the Note 9’s upgraded camera. With the dual aperture and auto scene recognition, preserve the beauty of the night with clear, crisp photos. Highlight your favorite moments using the super slow mo feature.

Ultimate Performance Build better ideas with the powerful Note 9. With an improved battery life at 4,000mAh, enjoy longer brainstorming sessions or movie marathons. Bring the sounds straight from the studio to your ears with the Dual AKG Dolby Surround Sound.

Bigger, Better Hardware Your gaming sessions and movie

marathons just got bigger with the Note 9’s larger 6.4-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display. Like its predecessors, it’s dust and water-resistant, with IP68 rating. Coupled with its large 128GB memory capacity, this makes the Note 9 the ideal travel gadget for any adventure you have in mind.

Access to Premium Entertainment A high-performance gadget combined with a consistent and convenient service provider means heaven to digital-savvy netizens. Make the most out of your Note 9 when you get it with Globe’s ThePLAN with free 3-month subscription to Spotify Premium and 6-month subscription to DisneyLife. Watch, listen, and play to your

To check the security seal, tilt the box front to back to show “OK” and “√” moving in opposite directions while tilting the box left to right will show “OK” and “√” moving in the same direction. To validate online, visit hp.com/go/ok and enter the anti-counterfeit number found in the security seal.

More information about how to avoid counterfeits can be found at hp.com/go/anticounterfeit.

Get your hands on the new Note 9, powered by Globe Postpaid for only P2,799 per month!

heart’s content.

Best Deal on the Best Phone With Globe ThePLAN and ThePLATINUM Plan, you can maximize the potential of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and create the life you want. Globe’s ThePLAN comes with 8GB of data, more than enough to keep you go-

ing and sustain your digital lifestyle.

Visit globe.com.ph/GalaxyNote9 to purchase. For re-contracting customers, call (02) 730-1300.

Learn more about Globe Postpaid plans at globe.com.ph/postpaid/theplan.

Follow Globe on Facebook or Twitter.

Destinations D1

sunday, august 26, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Victory Liner travel ambassador Kiko Rustia

CELEBRATING COCONUT.

Quezon province's 'Niyogyugan Festival' showcases its main agricultural product—the allaround coconut.

niyoGyuGan 2018:

an extravaGant display of Quezon’s charm

By Diana B. Noche

I

N aN unceasingly advancing world, the people of Quezon province have come to rely on a few constants: “Pahiyas” of Lucban, “agawan” of Sariaya, “Pasayahan” of Lucena City, “Centurion Festival” of Mulanay and San Narciso, “Boling-Boling Festival” of Catanauan, “Maubanog Festival” of Mauban, “Lubid-Lubid Festival” of Tiaong, and “Katang Festival” of Calauag, to name a few—festivals that always pull big crowds and imparadise them into a fantasy world, pretty much like a carnival funhouse.

Then there’s the “Niyogyugan activities for a couple of weeks Festival.” in august, there’s always someWith quite a list of assorted daily thing to interest everyone. To help

guests unwind from their clockwork lives, the festival indeed kept itself up to the hype. events during this year’s aug.

9-20 run included Triathlon Sprint; Grand Blood Donation; Coco Jam Fest with the Parokya ni edgar band; a 4-in-1 concert with Nyoy Volante, Yeng Constantino, angeline Quinto, and erik Santos; a dog show; BJMP dental and medical mission for inmates; a swimming competition; Farmers’ Day; arts expo; Quezon Medalla ng Karangalan; Bb. Niyogyugan

beauty contest; booth competition showcasing coconut byproducts (ethnic crafts at basement prices and eatables of distinct local flavors) where prizes were awarded to fund local government projects; street dance competition, and the Grand Float Parade. all of Quezon’s two cities and 39 municipalities converged at the Perez Park in Lucena City, each one with a designedly different character, to flaunt Turn to D2

Quezonians flaunt their talent in the lively and colorful street dance competition.

a lovely Quezonian holding a coconut.

A food tour in SeAttle mercury rising

By BoB zozoBrado

WheN my Seattle-based daughter met me at the airport the other day, she asked me right away if there was anything particular in city which I would like to see this time. I

BaGuio, olonGapo for 1 peso The month of September is an ideal time to visit destinations usually teeming with tourists during peak seasons.

There’s nothing quite like enjoying Baguio’s cool weather sans the summer month crowd or frolicking on the sandy shores of Subic without competing for space with too many tourists.

To take advantage of the off-peak season, Metrobank Card Corporation, in partnership with bus company Victory Liner, launches the first-ever Piso Trip seat sale promo exclusively for Victory Liner Premier Prepaid Visa cardholders.

From Sept. 1 to 3, all VLP Prepaid Visa cardholders who book bus tickets online at www.victoryliner.com for the Cubao-Baguio route (2:00 p.m. trip) and Cubao-Olongapo route (12:00 p.m.) for Sept. 10-16 travel period will only be charged P1.00, inclusive of online booking fee.

enjoy cool weather at the Baguio Country Club.

To book a Piso Trip, cardholders simply need to load up their VLP Prepaid Visa Card, go to www.victoryliner.com to book, and use the card to pay.

Loading stations for the VLP card include major Victory Liner bus terminals, SM malls, Robinsons malls, National Book Store, Family Mart, RD Pawnshop, h Lhuillier, express Pay, Petron Treats, and over 3,000 other eCPay merchant partners nationwide.

Those who don’t have VLP card yet only need to go to any Victory Liner bus terminal or selected SM branches, present one valid ID, and pay P300.

VLP cardholders enjoy a special VIP lane when buying tickets at any Victory Liner terminals.

Watch the lovely Subic sunset sans the crowd (Ramon Velasquez/Wikimedia)

Municipality of Infanta (left) and Municipality of Tiaong (right) booths.

have been to this city countless times, even before my daughter moved in here. Naturally, I’ve “been there, done that” in this city.

So, I couldn’t think of anything and, instead, threw the question back at her.

She said I might be interested in a “food tour” at Pike Place Market. Right away, I noticed she said the magic word—food! Naturally, I said YeS without batting an eyelash and, immediately, made definite plans with her to embark on this culinary journey the day after my arrival.

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers markets in the US, where small farmers sell their fresh

Go to

produce, fisherfolk display fresh seafood, and craftspeople sell their goods at attractive prices. Facing the elliott Bay Waterfront, this very popular tourist attraction in Seattle is named after the city’s central street, Pike Place.

So, the following day, we found our-selves navigating on foot through the throng of tourists at Pike Place Market.

First stop was the Daily Dozen, a regularsized stall that sells freshly baked mini doughnuts. Customers flock to this stall for made-to-order flavors, the most popular of which is the Maple Bacon Doughnut.

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The Maple Bacon mini doughnut from Daily Dozen

destinations

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sunday, august 26, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

nIyogyUgan...

BUCKET LIST

from d1

their ethnic and cultural fidelity to the province and to what the festival is all about: the coconut. the brainchild of former Congresswoman aleta suarez, wife of the current 3rd district Congressman danilo suarez, niyogyugan (a portmanteau of niyog and the stop-and-go rhythm of yugyog) celebrations reflect the province’s goal-oriented spirit.

It is also an extension of the people’s great regard for its most remarkable son, Manuel Luis Quezon, a kind of pride which gives niyogyugan revelers that extra boost and heartbursting ardor on grand parades as they crisscross bunting-canopied streets of Lucena City.

BE a hUman SLIngShoT

DROP IT LIKE A SLINGSHOT. new Zealand offers another extreme adventure with Coconut handicrafts

nothing compares as to how a coconut tree can be utilitarian. top this: coconut water for vinegar, medicinal use, and fresh buko juice; coconut oil for cooking, soap, margarine, and creams; coconut milk (gata and in powdered form); woven coconut leaves used for thatch, floral decorations for rituals and ceremonies (palaspas for Palm sundays), and basketware; dry leaves and roots as fuel for the hearth; the midribs into brooms; handicrafts from coconut shells (e.g. kitchen utensils, back scratcher, coin bank); desiccated coconut kernels for the confectionery industry; husks for door mats, upholstery, mattress, car seats, carpets, insulation, coir, rope, twine, potting soils; the peat as growing medium for your orchids; the sweet toddy tapped from the spathe of the flower for palm sugar and honey; the ubod for your lumpiang sariwa; coconut timber as rafters and furniture; the residue after coconut milk extraction as animal feed, and for high times, lambanog and basi for that extra lift. Whew! the niyogyugan is not your average cultural festival but an admirable combination of agro-tourism and gourmet tourism that offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture and the assiduousness of the Quezonians.

Watch the grand parade and satisfy yourself with gapless jolts of pleasure.

Be swept away until the last possible yugyugan note.

the newly opened nevis Catapult where thrill-seekers can experience being propelled across a ravine in 100km/hr in just 1.5 second.

H

OW would you like to be propelled 150 meters up and out across a ravine and dropped toward the valley floor and reach speeds of nearly 100 kilometers per hour in 1.5 second? sounds intensely exciting? thrill-seekers can experience this at the recently launched— quite literally—nevis Catapult in Queenstown, new Zealand, brought by bungee jumping pioneer aJ Hackett new Zealand.

It took aJ Hackett founder Henry van asch three decades of planning and development before officially opening his latest extreme

adventure attraction.

“It’s a pretty unique feeling, surprising even. there’s nothing else quite like it,” says van asch.

Housed in a pod and between a series of cables, alongside the famous nevis swing, the Catapult is a unique combination of height, flight, and speed using a bespoke high-speed winch system devel-

oped over years of research. special new technology for the multi-million-dollar Catapult was developed with the company’s research team before being built in an accredited testing facility in Christchurch and then brought to site for full scale installation, testing, and commissioning. testing has been conducted out-of-sight over the past nine months—beginning with weighted barrels, before moving on to a test dummy phase, and finally hu-

man testing. tourism new Zealand chief executive stephen England-Hall believes “the nevis Catapult will inspire thrill-seekers from all over the world to come to Queenstown to push their limits further than they have ever been able to.” to take on this extreme ride, one must be at least 13 years old and weigh at least 27 kilograms. Onetime leap costs nZ$255 (P9,000+).

Go to www.bungy.co.nz to know more.

Photos by Diana B. Noche

delicacies made of coconut

the facility uses a bespoke high-speed winch system developed over years of research.

a food... from d1 Of course, it was what I chose and the lady baked it right in front of me, covered it with cream, flavored with maple syrup and topped with bacon bits, translating to a heavenly bite each time.

I couldn’t have enough of the doughnut, but knowing that this was just our first stop, I decided to control myself and save for later what was left of the dozen pieces I ordered. next stop was the Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, a facility whose glass walls enable passers-by to watch the cheesemaking process. Inside is a retail shop that sells its popular cheeses and a café that offers cheese-based meals. I was not content with the small pieces given out as free samples, so I decided to buy a slab of cheese, especially when I found out that they use only pasteurized milk for their cheeses. now, I see why it is the favorite of tV star Oprah Winfrey. after all that walking around, it was time to be seated for an honest-to-goodness lunch, and for that, we chose the

the original and first-ever starbucks store which opened in 1971, with daily queues that sometimes stretch to several blocks.

iconic athenian seafood Restaurant and Bar. First opened more than a hundred years ago, 1909, by three brothers from greece, thus the name, this is the same restaurant where a scene from Sleepless in Seattle was filmed.

In fact, on the walls of the restaurant are photos taken of actors tom Hanks and Rob Reiner during the filming. the bar counter to the right of the entrance is where the two actors played their respective roles as friends discussing their favorite topic, women. that specific spot on the counter is marked with a metal

plate so tourists can easily locate the perfect spot for their photo-ops. But what is more important is that the restaurant’s food is good, the prices are reasonable, and wherever you are seated, you have a nice view of the bay. after the sumptuous lunch, we decided to have coffee at the original starbucks, diagonally across from the restaurant. It is the coffee shop chain’s very first store, which opened in 1971.

Management has decided to keep its original appearance through these years to emphasize its historic significance. al-

though there was a kilometric queue for the staffers in this stall have a very seating inside the store, we didn’t mind interesting marketing gimmick—evit because we wanted to see how they ery time a customer buys any of their preserved the outlet’s “old look.” seafood, they all cheer in unison, like in after a 45-minute wait, we finally a game, at the end of which the front got our seats, and felt like we were staffer throws the item for another teleported back to how it was, almost staffer at the back of the stall to catch, 50 years ago. a trick that the original, passers-by alweathered, ways record YOUR weekend CHUCkLe brown staron film. bucks logo, as we headBOy: dad, you told me to put a large poshowing the ed home, I was tato in my swimming trunks so that I would two-tailed contented impress the girls at the pool! But you forgot mermaid, still that I was able to make it clear! hangs on the to experience dad: that what? wall, and the another interBOy: that the potato should go in the front! baristas preesting “tourist pare the cofgem” of sefee mixes usattle, although ing the manual espresso machine on I wasn’t really looking for one because worn-out wooden counters. the reason why I’m here is to be with my Before we went home, we made one adorable grandsons who give me joy to more stop—a must-do on the food the max. they are my “happily ever aftour, bringing home fresh seafood, to ter” which no food tour anywhere in the enjoy them in the succeeding days. world can ever equal, much less, surpass! the Pike Place Fish Company is where they sell bigger-than-big alaskan King For feedback, I’m at Crabs and Jumbo shrimps. bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018

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Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

HARDCOURT HEARTTHROBS

FIVE KAPAMILYA STARS WHO CAN BALL

S

OME Kapamilya stars are not just for drama, romantic, and action scenes. They also got game in basketball, and they recently got to showcase their skills and passion for the sport at the Star Magic All-Star Game in Araneta Coliseum that will air today at 8:00 pm on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD. Team Blue, captained by Kapamilya hunk and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League mainstay Gerald Anderson, clobbered Team Red led by The Hows of Us star Daniel Padilla, 113-75 in front of a humongous crowd of cheering fans. While it was a dominant win by Anderson’s squad, the spectators were able to see flashes of brilliance from both sides.

Let’s take a look at five Kapamilya actors who made quite an impression on the floor.

Gerald Anderson, Team Blue The Marikina Shoemaster guard in Manny Pacquiao’s MPBL was named the game’s MVP after putting up 24 points and hauling down eight rebounds to lead his Blue team to a rout over their rivals. Anderson credited his time in the MPBL for the improvement in his game. The hunky actor from Gen. Santos City was supposed to play college ball before the call of showbiz came but this did not stop him from continuing his passion on the hardcourt, eventually leading him to a roster spot with the Shoemasters.

Axel Torres, Team Red Torres, the younger brother of former DLSU Green Archer Thomas, was his usual deadly self in bannering the fight for Team Red, despite the losing cause. He fired 19 points to lead Padilla’s Team Red. It was enough to land him a spot in the Mythical Five. This year has been great for former basketball varsity player, sports-wise. Like Anderson, he also plays in the MPBL alongside another actor Xian Lim in Mandaluyong El Tigre. He will also represent the Philippines in China after his team, Team Core, finished second in the 3x3 tournament Vivo HoopBattle Championship Philippines.

JV Kapunan, Team Blue While Team Blue boasted of a semiprofessional basketball player in Anderson, it also got unexpected firepower from hiphop star Young JV Kapunan. He poured in 22 points and earned a Mythical Five selection for his performance, outplaying taller and stronger celebrities in the court.

Rayver Cruz, Team Blue Team Blue boasted quite a collection of Kapamilya ballers and Rayver Cruz makes him the third member of the squad to earn a Mythical Five selection at the end of the day.

The tall, muscular, and agile actor-dancer was steady in the game scoring 12 points and helping down with the rebounds, collecting nine.

Daniel Padilla, Team Red Philippine showbiz’s “Teen King” will not be outshined on the basketball court, and as the captain of Team Red, he went and nabbed himself a spot in the Mythical Five as he poured in 11 points. Every made basket and touch of the ball by Padilla was met with wild cheers from the predominantly female crowd, but unfortunately, his performance was not enough to carry his squad to victory.

ATOM TRACES THE FOOD WASTE TRAIL THIS SUNDAY IN THE ATOM ARAULLO SPECIALS IN TODAY’S episode of The Atom Araullo Specials entitled “Lamang Tiyan: A Food Waste Trail,” Atom Araullo traces and highlights how food is wasted from production to consumption.

Around 7.3 million Filipinos considered themselves food poor, according to a recent survey of Social Weather Station. Despite this number, food wastage remains a big problem in the Philippines.

In Samar, where poverty and malnutrition are at alarming levels, Atom comes face to face with those suffering from lack of food—children who are severely wasted. There is enough food in the country for everyone, yet 296,869 metric tons of rice is wasted every year in the country, enough to feed 2 million Filipinos.

Meanwhile in Benguet, considered to be the vegetable basket of the country, Atom discovers a glaring problem: the large quantity of trimmings or vegetable waste. This reaches up to 60 tons daily and is disposed at the trading post and composting

facility. According to a recent study, 45 percent of all fruit and vegetable produced is wasted.

But ever wonder where does leftover buffet food including meat, seafood, and cereals end up? The team follows the trail and discovers an alarming truth.

In Tondo, Manila, meat is recycled from trash,

Atom Araullo traces and highlights how food is wasted from production to consumption.

washed and re-cooked. “Pagpag” has long been seen as a terrible symptom of widespread hunger.

It has also become a business in marginalized parts of Metro Manila.

As part of the global call to eliminate food waste and hunger, Rise Against Hunger Philippines established the first food bank in the country: The Good Food Grocer. Good Food Grocer partners with private companies, local government units, food manufacturers, and dining establishments to facilitate the cycle of food donation. The Food Bank serves as a link between wastage and hunger. It offers the community nutritious produce and meals at discounted prices, and gives away what can’t be sold—a practice that reduces food waste while helping those in need.

Join Atom Araullo in another eye-opening special and easily digestible overview of country’s food waste problem in The Atom Araullo Specials, this afternoon at 4:30 on GMA 7.

Nico Santos of 'Superstore'

CRAZY RICH ASIANS’

NICO SANTOS AND KEN JEONG IN SITCOM SERIES

FIND Nico Santos from the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians familiar? He steals all the scenes as Mateo Liwanag in Superstore, a sitcom about an odd and colorful mix of store employees.

Current season airs every Sunday at 8:00 p.m. first and exclusive on Sony Channel.

Meanwhile, in Dr. Ken, Ken Jeong plays the titular role in this hilarious sitcom about a doctor with questionable bedside manners.

Catch more laughs all weekdays at 8:35 a.m. (encores at 4:30 p.m.), beginning Sept. 20 first and exclusive on Sony Channel available on Cablelink Channel 39, Cignal Channel 120, G Sat Channel 48, and SKYCable Channel 35.

Ken Jeong as Dr. Ken

MUST-HAVE DISNEY TOYS AT TOY EXPO 2018 KIDS and kids-at-heart can shop for their favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters at Toy Kingdom’s Toy Expo at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

They can be the first to see (and own) the newest Disney toys, debuting exclusively at the much-awaited annual event.

Here are the top must-have Disney toys at the Toy Kingdom Toy Expo 2018: Vampirina It’s an early Halloween treat with the all-new toy collection from Disney Junior’s Vampirina. Have a bat-tastic Vampirina time with the talking Vee doll and her pet, Wolfie. You can also get creative with your own friendly vampire adventures using the Scare B&B playset.

Puppy Dog Pals When Bob’s away, the pups will play!

Get your hands on these new toys from Disney Junior’s Puppy Dog Pals.

Join Bingo, Rolly, and their friends on a playdate mission in the doghouse or get cuddly with your favorite pet pals by hugging the Puppy Dog Pals plush toys.

Disney Princess Dolls Always a girl’s best friend, continue the magic and live out your own fairy tale with the latest and widest selection of Disney Princess collection from Hasbro.

Star Wars Lightsabers Unleash the inner Jedi in you with these Star Wars Electronic and Extendable Lightsabers.

Besides these must-have toys, there are also fun booths with games, themed areas with life-sized character statues, and exciting activities where kids can explore and play with their family and friends at the Toy Kingdom Toy Expo. So head on over to the SMX Convention Center until today for the perfect weekend treat.

Puppy Dog Pals Doghouse Playset (P2, 799.75)

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sunday, august 26, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

My Furry Bestie

THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals.

For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

A Blood test is good For your doggo Cassie did not eat for a day, thus Save ALL brought him to Vets in Practice (VIP) in White Plains, Quezon City which has an equipment that analyzes blood and thus allows the vet to know the results in 20 minutes. In the photo, Doc Dexter Mercurio draws blood from Cassie, a rescued senior beagle, for analysis.

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Part 1 of 2

UMANS dread pet tales blood tests and By desiree carlos always pray or ask for prayers that the results will show they are fine. A blood test is needed to determine the cause of a symptom one is experiencing or to check one’s overall health.

Most humans have a yearly check-up Your dog needs a blood test too.

Veterinarians recommend a blood test for your dog in the following situations, according to Drake Center for Veterinary Care: 1. On the first veterinary visit: Vets recommend that puppies have a blood test to rule out congenital diseases, for baseline information, and for pre-anesthetic testing prior to spaying or neutering.

2. During semi-annual wellness exams: The vet recommends this as part of a complete physical examination because blood work and urinalysis can help identify conditions that a plain physical examination can not.

3. If a dog does not seem okay: A blood test is done when the dog is showing signs of an illness or injury or there is a change in his or her behavior.

4. Pre-surgical tests: A blood work is used to check if the liver and kidneys are functioning well. This aids a veterinarian in selecting the safest dose of anesthesia. The test also helps determine the surgical risk level in senior dogs, a sick dog, or an injured dog.

5. Prior to starting a new medication: The blood test is important to check if the new medication will not injure the liver or kidneys or both.

The state of the liver and kidneys is determined through the blood test.

6. During senior wellness exams: A blood test is recommended to be done regularly for mature, senior or geriatric dogs.

“These are extremely beneficial, as we often see senior dogs return to a

more youthful state of being when blood tests identify an issue that can be easily treated,” Drake Center said.

Blood test and other important tests for your dog

• Blood Chemistries: This is a more comprehensive blood test wherein the state of the dog's internal organs is determined, and the dog’s health is assessed prior to giving anesthesia for surgery.

• Cytology: Samples of sebum and cellular debris on the skin and in the ears are collected to determine if there is an infection. The vet may also perform needle or core biopsy of lumps or masses on the dog's body to determine if there are cancer cells.

“We recommend discussing lab tests for dogs with your veterinarian, in order to make an informed decision as to whether or not your canine friend can benefit from dog blood work,”Drake Center stressed.

The blood test The following tests result are done on a dog If a clinic has the given the situations equipment, you will discussed above: get the results in 15• Urinalysis: Evalu20 minutes. Some ating a dog's urine clinics however send reveals thehydration the blood samples status, infections, to a laboratory. It kidney or bladder usually takes 24 disease, diabetes hours to know the and other health results. conditions.

This is why if a • Fecal Exam: A dog is sick, I prefer dog's stool sample is to go to a clinic examined for color, Mango is one very healthy, happy with the equipment consistency, and the senior dog. He is brought to the clinic presence of blood or every year for blood tests to determine to know the result mucus. The stool is the condition of his internal organs and immediately. This then examined un- overall health. Mango was rescued by is more expensive Save ALL Inc.- Save Animals of Love but 24 hours for a der a microscope for and Light a few days before he was to sick dog is too long. intestinal parasites, be put to sleep or killed in a pound. five The minutes and fungus, or protozoa. years ago. hours can cause • Complete Blood your dog’s life.

Count (CBC): The If blood is analyzed on the premdog’s blood is analyzed to assess features of the blood, including red ises, Drake Center said, “This inand white cell count, immunity sta- creases the chances that we can detus, and the measure of hemoglo- termine what the issue is, and then bin, which is the actual substance in implement a successful medical intervention based on the results.” red blood cells that carries oxygen.

“A blood test or lab test allows • Blood Clotting Times: The dog's blood is tested for bleeding disorders. us to learn information about your

dog’s health which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analyzed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood, “ Drake Center explained.

It added, “A CBC for dogs identifies and quantifies white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in a given amount of blood. This includes analyzing the shape and condition of the cells for health and functionality. This information is helpful in learning more about your dog's immune system (white blood cells) and oxygen carrying capacity (red blood cell count).”

The blood tests also identify levels of: • Glucose • Proteins • Electrolytes • Cholesterol • Endocrine Levels • Digestive Enzymes Drake Center explained: “Because chemicals found in the blood stream can also correlate with specific organs, lab work for dogs can help determine more than just blood count.”

“For example, if dog blood tests show a deficiency in albumin levels, then a veterinarian knows to examine a dog's liver because albumin is produced in the liver,”it said.

Moreover, Drake Center said the lab work can detect and help identify complex problems with body systems.

“For example, blood tests for dogs can detect abnormal hormonalchemical responses to environmental and internal stimuli, which alerts a veterinarian to a potential issue with the patient's endocrine system,” it said.

Thus, canine blood tests are very valuable tools for a vet to detect, identify, diagnose and even treat an illness, Drake Center said.

So please have a blood test done when the vet recommends it. It can very well save your dog’s life.

Next week: Understanding the blood test results

BRANDY, born March 27, 2011, is a sweet and smart dog who loves to sleep on her furmom’s comforter.

“She is the baby in our house, “ says her mommy Jeannie Go Avelino.

BRUCE, now seven (7) years old, was only two months old when a friend gave him to furmom Jho Sindayen.

“He got infected with distemper which almost killed him. I love him so much and I am just glad he survived the distemper, “ says owner Jho Sindayen.

“He is so sweet and so nice. He is also very energetic and playful,” Jho adds.

Jho says when she arrives from work, Bruce will always welcome her at the door and will ask to be picked up and hugged. Bruce will then shower her with kisses.

“Nawawala ang pagod ko. I don’t want to lose him, ever, “ Jho says.

#Adoptdontshop ShE was barely three months old when she was caught and put inside a filthy cage in a subdivision’s holding facility.

At that very young age, she had lost her fur due to severe mange and was suffering from anemia, obviously due to lack of food or from eating food from trash bins.

She probably got lost or was allowed to roam freely to look for her own food by her owner, thus, the dog catcher got her.

Volunteers Jocelyn Zulueta, singer Jonalyn Viray of ABS-CBN, Ton Reyes and Cecille Cua brought food and water for the dogs who were impounded.

She was malnourished and so scared.

She and six other dogs, one of whom was a pregnant black asong Pinoy (aspin) who later gave birth to four pups, were to be transferred to a city pound where dogs are put to sleep or killed allegedly by lethal injection.

She was so small and so young to be killed.

Save ALL Inc.- Save Animals of Love and Light

decided to get her, the pregnant dog named Bela, and five other dogs.

Save ALL named her Ally.

Despite what she went through, she is so friendly and mixes well with other dogs.

She loves to play but she is not rough with her playmates.

In one of the photos, you can see her holding the hand of her doctor and kissing his hand to show how grateful she is.

Doc Anthony Prado Basa of Sha Sha West Avenue clinic brought her to the foster home of Save ALL after medical treatment.

She will most likely be a very loyal and adorable companion, given her ability to express her feelings.

She is now 11 months old, spayed (her cervix was removed so she will not get pregnant) and vaccinated.

She deserves to be in a loving home where she will be treated as a member of the family, and not as a guard dog, because she is such a loving dog.

If you have extra love in your heart for a beautiful puppy like Ally, please contact Save ALL ad-

Ally in the pound, scared and without food. mins Maricel Mondejar, or Cynthia Barcial Santos, or Julie Rodriguez.

Adoption fee is P1,000.00 which covers the “pabaon” of a 4-kilo bag of dog food and a bottle A smiling Ally after treatment. of multivitamins which her body has been used to. It is not advisable to change the diet and to If you can not adopt now, do share posts looking for shift to another vitamin abruptly. The immune system might be compromised. Thus, Save ALL adopters for dogs and cats from shelters and pounds.

Or you can pray they find their loving furpargives these items to the adopter to help in shiftents soon. ing the dog gradually to another brand.