Manila Standard - 2018 July 15 - Sunday

HOUSE PRIMES FOR 3RD SONA

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives is all set for the third State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 23, with security measures and program preparations in place, according to House officials.

National Capital Region Police Office Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar

VOL. XXXII • NO. 150 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

himself said in an interview with dzBB police had not received any security threat, adding “maximum tolerance” would be in place to enable anti-government and pro-government rallyists to express their views.

Replying to questions, Eleazar said “maximum tolerance” meant there would be no container vans to stop Turn to A2

RETURN P193-M PAMANA FUND, MILITARY TOLD PRESIDENTIAL Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza has asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to return P192.5 million released in 2012 for road projects in Maguindanao under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program but have not been implemented.

In a meeting on July 10 with AFP officials led by 52nd Engineering Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Dionisio Baudin Jr., Dureza pointed to the delays in the implementation of the P100-million concreting of the Lamud-Ganassi-Biarong road in the municipality of South Upi and the P150-million concreting of the Makir-Sibuto-Kinabaka road in the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat.

The projects were supposed to have been implemented in the previous administration starting July 2012, with the funds being “downloaded” to the AFP, the OPAPP said in a weekend press statement.

With funding from the Disbursement Acceleration Program, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process released an initial amount of P192.5 million for the implementation of the projects.

The original project amount of P250 million was not fully released due to the subsequent Supreme Court ruling declaring the DAP funds illegal, OPAPP said.

When Dureza took over OPAPP in mid-2016, the office noted the delays had caused serious concern among Turn to A2

FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT. Filipino boxing legend Senator Manny Pacquiao and WBA welterweight world champion Argentine Lucas Martin Matthyse fight to the finish Sunday with unidentified round girls—watched up close by international photographers and Malaysian-residing overseas Filipino workers inside the Malaysian International Trade and Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur. During the official weigh-in Saturday, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 146 pounds against the champion’s 146.7 pounds. Sonny Espiritu

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2 OF WORLD'S BEST ISLANDS ARE IN PH

'SCRAP TERM LIMITS TO END DYNASTIES'

By Maricel V. Cruz

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PEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez on Saturday batted for the lifting of term limits as a way to stop political dynasties, at the same time former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. hoped President Rodrigo Duterte would not extend his six-year term beyond 2022.

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PACQUIAO FIRED UP FOR TITLE BOUT

Alvarez said the 1987 Constitution sets term limits for elected public officials, and thus encourages political dynasties.

“Political dynasties exist because of the imposed term limits to elected public officials [as the

1987 Constitution provides]. Back then, there was no term limit, political dynasties, and that there was only one politician in a family,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez was referring to Section 26, Article II of the Constitu-

tion which states, “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

But at present, there is no enabling law prohibiting the proliferation of political clans.

At a news forum in UP Diliman during the weekend, Pimentel said he strongly believed Duterte “will not extend or go beyond his term.”

“Up to 2022, no extension for the President. We want to emphasize that because critics are giving the wrong impression that federalism was being proposed to have added-on years to the President’s term. No, he himself said as much,” Pimentel said.

Consultative Committee

spokesman Ding Generoso, also present at the forum, said under the transitory provision, the term of the incumbent president and the vice president would not go beyond June 30, 2022.

In the past Congresses, bills were filed on political dynasties but did not prosper.

Alvarez said he welcomed efforts being pursued now by some sectors that would address the issue of term limits and political dynasties.

He added the United States, for instance, elected officials like legislators, and even Supreme Court justices had enjoyed unlimited terms.

“They can serve as long as they can,” Alvarez said.

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PALACE CHIDES SENATOR OVER 'LOSS' OF GUARDS

By Vito Barcelo

MALACAÑANG on Saturday said it had nothing to do with the removal of two of six security personnel assigned to escort Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, saying elected officials like Trillanes were allowed to have only four police or military to act as bodyguards.

The opposition senator, one of the most vocal critics of President Rodrigo Duterte, said his security personnel had been reduced from six to four on orders of the President.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, said Trillanes was only allowed to have four security personnel and it was the PNP that recalled the two police detailed to the senator.

In a statement, Roque said that as per PNP, two were removed as he already had six when he’s only allowed four.

“Let’s allow our PNP to keep our communities safe please,” Roque added.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde reportedly Turn to A2

WORLD CUP REACHES CLIMAX

RICE ON THE RISE. Volunteers help in preparing thousands of bags of rice to be distributed Sunday for the 104th Iglesia ni Cristo 'Lingap Laban sa Kahirapan' antipoverty campaign at the bayside Quirino Grandstand at the sprawling Luneta Park in the heart of the capital city. Norman Cruz

PRIMER ON DRAFT FEDERAL CONSTITUTION

By Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino

MOSCOW—A month on and 63 games later, the 2018 World Cup reaches its climax on Sunday as a young France side spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann look to win the trophy for the second Turn to A2

Con-Com 2018 Member

(Last of 2 parts) Q: What significant differences are there between the Principles and Policies of the 1987 Constitution and that of the ConCom’s draft?

A: Among these is the commitment to federalism coupled with national unitwitter.com/ MlaStandard

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ty and territorial integrity. Federalism therefore cannot be pretext or prelude to any form of secession or dismemberment of the Republic.

Q: Why was there a necessity to change the phraseology in respect to the role of the military?

A: In the past, “protector of the people” was used by adventurist elements in the military as the legitimation of coup and destabilization attempts, purportedly “for the protection of the

people.”

In the ConCom draft, the military is more aptly assigned the task of securing the sovereignty of the Republic, while the government is tasked with protecting the people and the Federal Republic.

Q: Does the draft return ROTC? A: Not necessarily, but what it does provide is that the government may call upon the citizens to render personal military service.

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PRIMER...

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There is no compulsory draft nor are students compelled, as in other countries, to render military service as a curricular matter, but the government reserves the right to call on the citizens to render personal military service, but only by federal law.

Q: Why was it necessary to include “benevolent neutrality” to characterize relations between Church and State?

A: In other jurisdictions, separation between Church and State has been construed to establish a “wall of separation.”

That is not in accordance with Filipino national life for whom religion has a privileged part. So while there is no state religion, the State will accommodate religion, without discrimination towards any—not even towards unbelief or skepticism—if such accommodation does not violate public policy.

This is the reason that laws cannot be passed forbidding the public display of religious symbols or the performance of religious rites in connection with public and official activities.

Q: What does the ConCom understand by “self-determination”?

A: Although the concept, if undoubtedly complicated, has undergone a remarkable history, self-determination principally means the right and the capacity of the Philippines to plot its own course and to set its own future.

It is not an entitlement to any of the component units of the federal union to secede in the name of self-determination.

Q: Does the section of weapons of mass destruction exclude their presence completely from the Philippines?

A: Not so. The ConCom’s understanding of the dependent clause “consistent with national interest” is that when national interests require the presence or the maintenance of weapons of mass destruction, the Philippines should be free to take the steps necessary in its national interest, although the clear preference would be to do without them.

Q: What does the guarantee of the “right of all citizens to participate in all government processes” refer to?

A: It was the persuasion of the ConCom that the right of persons to vote and to be voted for, among others, should be guaranteed.

Insofar as the Constitution grants the citizens the right to legislate, even to amend and to revise the Constitution through initiative, participation in these processes is likewise constitutionally guaranteed. In other words, the participation of the citizen is not only by gracious concession of government officials. It is a constitutionally guaranteed right.

RETURN...

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the peace constituents in the areas.

OPAPP wrote the AFP asking that the unused money be returned due to the considerable lapse of time and the possibility that the project cost now would vary from the program of work costs six years ago.

The AFP representatives called by Dureza to a meeting on July 10 concurred with his decision that the long unused amount be returned to the government coffers, without prejudice to securing future fresh funds based on the expected different costing due to the considerable lapse of about six years.

For his part, Baudin said the AFP “will comply [with] whatever instruction is given to us,” according to the press statement.

Due to the long delay, the unused funds would be classified as “unliquidated” funds by the Commission on Audit, it added.

PALACE...

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said there was no directive to strip the opposition senator of police escorts, adding the “duty” of security men assigned to Trillanes might have already “expired” and must be renewed.

The PNP also found that Trillanes had six security personnel: two from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, two from the Philippine Navy and two from the Senate Security Bureau.

“The non-renewal of the letter orders of the excess security of Trillanes from the PNP is in compliance with the implementation of ‘Alunan Doctrine’ that allows government officials to have two security personnel protecting them,” the PNP said.

BBL DRAFT LACKS TEETH VS DYNASTS, SAYS DRILON

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HE draft Bangsamoro Basic Law’s version in the bicameral conference committee can withstand judicial scrutiny but it lacks a provision that would ban political dynasty in Bangsamoro areas, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon.

The draft law seeks to establish the Bangsamoro region to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but Drilon expressed doubts whether it can effectively address poverty and governance issues in Mindanao in the absence of the anti-dynasty provision.

Drilon said he expected that petitions questioning the constitutionality of the law or some of its provisions will be brought to the Supreme Court.

He said the provision establishing a parliamentary form of government in the Bangsamoro region will be questioned before the court.

But Drilon said, “that is constitutional and we can defend it.”

The senator is confident that the draft law will not suffer the same fate as the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain, which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional.

Drilon is not optimistic that the draft BBL can solve poverty in the region.

“I have my doubts whether poverty can be addressed because we failed to include an anti-dynasty provision,” said Drilon. “I’m not very optimistic that BBL can effectively address issues of good governance.”

Drilon cited a study by the Ateneo School of Government showing four provinces in ARMM as among the poorest in the country, emphasizing

that it clearly shows the relation between poverty and political dynasty.

“I believe that until we succeed in banning political dynasty, ARMM’s economy will not improve,” Drilon said.

Drilon recalled that he tried to propose an anti-dynasty provision during the Senate deliberation that is similar to the anti-dynasty provision in the SK Reform Act. However, Drilon’s proposal was rejected by the committee’s chairman, Senate Majority Miguel Zubiri, who instead proposed a provision that would ban dynasty only in the parliament, thereby allowing dynastic practices in the local government to continue.

In the bicam, Drilon said even that “toothless” provision was opposed by the House panel. “Out of disgust, I did not fight for it. I said, ‘bahala kayo.’ Anyway, it’s a weak provision.”

Drilon, however, remains hopeful that the issue of rampant political dynasty in the ARMM will be addressed once the anti-political dynasty bill hurdles Congress.

Drilon also refuted concerns

that the BBL was diluted because it did not follow the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“Some were saying that this BBL is weak simply because we did not follow CAB. That is not true,” Drilon said.

In terms of power, Drilon said that the Bangsamoro region will enjoy 60 specific powers—some of them are not present in the current ARMM. “I was the one who proposed that we devolved around 60 specific powers to the Bangsamoro region.

That is why in terms of government power, I can guarantee that the Bangsamoro is stronger than the current ARMM,” Drilon said.

The Bangsamoro will also get around P60 to P70 billion in block grants from the national government that is equivalent to the five percent of the national taxes, Drilon said.

This is on top of the Internal Revenue Allotment that is annually downloaded to provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. The Bangsamoro region, under the draft BBL, is allowed to collect local taxes, he added.

'SCRAP...

From A1 “We should give value to the fact that the longer a politician is serving, the more he understands his job, gets more competent,” Alvarez said.

The House of Representatives has no timetable yet for the proposed Charter Change being pushed by the Duterte administration, House majority leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said.

President Duterte and both chambers of Congress had received the Consultative Commission’s proposed federal charter.

RAINS DESPITE. Vendors in the national capital city of Manila arrange their legumes and other leafy vegetables on the market floor while being slightly pounded by the rains from the monsoon. AFP

WORLD...

From A1 time when they take on Croatia in Moscow.

It is a final very few people could have anticipated four weeks ago, when the competition in Russia was just beginning.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have all gone home. So have the traditional powers of the international game—Germany, Brazil and Argentina.

Instead it is a gifted French side with the second-youngest squad at the tournament, embodied by the lightning-quick Mbappe, who face a Croatian team inspired by Luka Mo-

HOUSE...

From A1 demonstrators along Commonwealth Avenue and no barbed wires either.

“All groups who want to express their sentiments are free to do so, with or without permit to stage rally. But the policy on applying for permit stands,” he added.

In a pre-Sona briefing during the weekend, House secretary-general, lawyer Cesar Pareja, chairman of the Sona 2018 Steering Committee, assured the House was prepared for any eventuality this year.

“Just to assure you, based on what we have been doing before, we prepare for the worst but we expect the best. We hope for the best, but we are ready in case anything happens,” Pareja said.

Pareja said the House Secretariat and the Senate had been preparing and were now ready for the most anticipated annual event of Congress, the Sona and the opening of the Third Regular Session.

dric, arguably the finest midfielder in the world at the moment.

Perhaps many neutrals will be disappointed that it has not come down to a clash between two genuine giants of the game, or that there is no South American presence.

It is just the second time that none of Brazil, Germany, Italy or Argentina have made the final, after Spain’s win over the Netherlands in 2010.

A tournament that will be remembered for the colorful presence of hordes of Latin American supporters has a final between two European sides after the continent exerted its power in the latter stages.

But this is still the World Cup final, and for France there is the possibility to join Argentina and Uruguay in

House Sergeant-at-Arms retired Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali said they were more prepared this year in securing the President and the First Family and the other VIPs. He said they had learned through the years on dealing with security problems and challenges.

In addition, Detabali said they were more confident the forces available to them, their equipment and experience in Marawi would benefit the forces on standby for the Sona.

Similarly, he said many partner agencies would also help in traffic control and other concerns connected with the Sona.

“We are confident that we will be more coordinated and sure to be very accessible to any of our stakeholders and our VIPs,” said Detabali.

Like last year, Detabali said the House security unit imposed a lockdown period, meaning three days before the Sona only those who have access to work in the House of Representatives to deliver supplies and work on the other facilities preparing for the Sona would be allowed access to the institution.

“And as I have said, we have more

winning the trophy for the second time, after 1998.

Back then, Didier Deschamps was the captain. Now he is the coach, and he can become just the third man to win the trophy as a player and a manager, after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.

‘The game of our lives’ “A World Cup final, it’s a bit like a boyhood dream coming true,” said midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

“We are so close to the trophy that we want to touch it. This is the game of our lives.”

Beaten on penalties by Italy in the 2006 final, France’s hunger is all the greater after the agony of their defeat as hosts against Portugal in the Euro 2016 final.

“It serves a lesson to us, and it

means we know what it is to play in a final,” added Matuidi.

Half of France’s team is different now, however, with Mbappe having burst onto the scene. His explosive performance in the 4-3 win over Argentina in the last 16 lit up the competition, but apart from that France have played like a Deschamps side, with the emphasis on defense.

Les Bleus labored through their group, beating Australia and Peru by the odd goal and drawing with Denmark in the only goalless game of the tournament.

They have since proved too strong for the Argentines, Uruguay and Belgium, and they are rightly favorites in the final, which is a repeat of the 1998 semi-final. AFP

agencies, forces and equipment that can deal with any emergencies now. We are actually doing exercises so that we can deal with these problems,” said Detabali.

Moreover, still available are the equipment such as X-ray machines, K9 units and other equipment that are not only coming from Congress but also from different agencies which are contributing to the security aspect of the Sona preparations.

Detabali said: “We have more assets and available units, equipment and techniques.

“These we’ve learned also from the experience in Marawi and we have other agencies which have developed their capability to deal with emerging problems especially on terrorism and sabotage.

“But we do not see any of these happening. But just the same, we are preparing for these.”

On security preparations in case the President once again talks to rallyists, Detabali said they had been talking to the presidential units, especially to their officers, and for the sake of the President and the country, and urged them

to advise him not to repeat what he did last year.

“But his heart goes to accepting these people not really agreeing to what he’s doing, so he might invite them—the leaders might be invited after the SSona [here in Congress]. That is what we are preparing. But of course, according to the police they are also preparing for anything,” said Detabali.

Meanwhile, Pareja said they had sent Vice President Leni Robredo an invitation.

Right now, Pareja said they were preparing for her arrival with the usual protocol.

“Now, if she declines later on, we can’t force her to go. But then I think, we already sent her invitation,” he said.

On the number of expected guests, Pareja said there were around 1,500 seats in the plenary hall, but then they added some seats, up to the maximum, which is another 1,500 seats.

“So we just doubled the number of seats, based on the limit allowed by our Bureau of Fire Protection. They do not want to crowd the area which could be hazardous also to our guests,” said Pareja.

News MMDA TO HOLD ‘SHAKE DRILL’ ANYTIME THIS WEEK

By Joel E. Zurbano

GENERAL manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. of the Metro Manila Development Authority on Saturday urged various sectors in the National Capital Region to join and take seriously this year´s shake drill, an annual event to prepare the people in case of a big quake.

The MMDA also asked the public to take the event as an opportunity to enhance their earthquake preparedness that is not staged or scripted.

“Preparations were well-coordinated during the three previous drills— there were actors, directors, scenarios.

But this time, it would be different as no one can predict when earthquake can happen,” said Garcia.

The exact date of the drill will not be announced. But the MMDA stated it is set at 3 pm any day this week.

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“We are urging everyone to participate in the drill, wherever you are, no matter what you are doing. We want to make actions more spontaneous as possible,” Garcia said.

Telecommunication companies have been tapped to provide text blast messages to its subscribers five minutes before the actual drill.

“The trigger simulating the occurrence of a strong earthquake will be the cell broadcast of telcos and audible signals from sirens of emergency vehicles, building public address systems, church bells and others,” said Garcia.

Radio stations will also inform the public about the shake drill by sounding an alert.

“This will be the signal for everyone to drop, cover and hold. Everybody can then practice their respective evacuation plans,” Garcia added.

BOC DESTROYS P800,000 WORTH OF ‘UKAY-UKAY’

By Vito Barcelo

WATERLILIES EVERYWHERE. Waterlily plants have spread throughout the

Pasig River, particularly near McArthur Bridge in Manila. Expect more of this as a low pressure area has entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Norman Cruz

HIGH-VALUE TARGET, EIGHT OTHERS NABBED IN ZAMBO

AMBOANGA CITY—At least nine people, including a high-value target personality, were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in the Zamboanga region, the police reported Saturday.

officer, identified the high-value target drug personality as Mayone Alcantara, 34, of Zamboanga del Sur. Galvez said Alcantara, who is listed as the number four drug personality, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur at about 5:45 pm Friday.

Seized from Alcantara’s possessions were four heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” and Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional P500 in marked money.

Galvez said the other drug personalities who Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) information were arrested in this city were identified as

Glarrin Dimagiba, 28; Alvin Hajan, 51; Al-Bashier Pacundo, 27; Alsy Amdad, 29; Marcel Robillos; Luisito Andres; Kristine Ramos; and Abdulbaki Alama, 29.

She said they were arrested on Friday by the local police in separate anti-drug operations in this city.

Among those confiscated from the suspects were 16 sachets of suspected “shabu” and P1,000 in marked money.

Galvez said the suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PNA

CEBUPAC ISSUES NEW POLICY ON ‘BAGGAGE’ THE Cebu Pacific Air on Saturday announced it will strictly impose a new policy on hand-carry baggage acceptance to further improve its flight services and for the convenience of air travelers.

The move, according to CEB corporate communications director Charo Logarta Lagamon, is in line with the airline´s continued efforts to streamline operations and provide a more efficient check-in experience at the airport.

She said beginning Thursday (July 19), passengers are allowed one carry-on or handcarry baggage inside the cabin, with a maximum weight of seven kilograms and dimension of up to 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. ¨This dimension includes most wheeled cabin bags and backpacks. The hand-carry baggage must fit inside the overhead bin,” Lagamon said.

In addition to one carry-on or hand-carry baggage, Lagamon said, each passenger may also bring one small bag not exceeding 35cm x 20cm x 20cm. This includes handbags, purses and laptop bags that can fit under the seat.

Lagamon said adult passengers traveling with infants may carry-on one small bag containing baby food and necessities, aside from their allowed handcarry baggage.

“Assistive or medical items such as walking canes, foldable walkers, as well as items purchased inside the airport [airside] are on top of the hand-carry baggage allowance for each passenger,” she added.

Meanwhile, CEB has signed an agreement with Switzerlandbased IPR Conversions Ltd. to convert two of its ATR 72-500 passenger aircraft into freighter planes, making the carrier the only passenger airline in the Philippines with dedicated cargo planes.

“We will be able to offer cargo capacity that no other carrier in the Philippines can provide,” said Lance Gokongwei, CEB president and chief executive officer. Joel E. Zurbano

PRICE CHECK. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos inspects the prices of food sold at the Quinta Market in Quiapo, Manila.

Marcos and the rest of the buying public have to contend with the inflation rate in the Philippines, which has become the fastest among Asian economies. Prices of basic goods and services moved up to 4.3 percent in March, compared to 3.1 percent in the same period last year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas. Norman Cruz

‘PAG-IBIG MEMBERS SAVED P15.5B FROM JAN-MAY’ PAG-IBIG Fund reported that its members saved more than P15.53 billion in the first five months of 2018, improving collections from the same period last year. Collections of Pag-IBIG savings is up by over P630 million from the P14.90 billion collected last year.

Collections from the Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) savings program posted an even higher growth. MP2 savings totaled P1.14 billion, which grew by 151 percent compared to the P454.52 million collected in the same period in 2017.

“Following President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s directives to prioritize the needs of our citizens, Pag-IBIG Fund ramped up its savings campaign and further encouraged its members to save, and save more. This complements the housing sector’s BALAI Filipino (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive Filipino Communities) program in ensuring that Filipinos will have a better future, in which they have the double security of homeownership and savings,” said Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive

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officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti added that in 2017, Pag-IBIG Fund collected its highest ever members’ savings worth P36.3 billion. This is higher by 11 percent or P3.5 billion than the P32.8 billion collected in 2016.

It is also the first time that Pag-IBIG Fund recorded a P3-billion year-onyear growth on members’ savings collection.

Moti also said that the P1.14 billion collected from January to May 2018 under the MP2 savings program is already equivalent to 88 percent of the P1.30 billion collected in 2017. “We expect to exceed the 2017 figures, as more and more Pag-IBIG members opt to enroll with our voluntary savings program that is the MP2. The minimum monthly savings in our MP2 is only P500 but members save more than the minimum,” he said.

The MP2 savings program is a voluntary savings program that provides active Pag-IBIG members with another savings option that yields higher annual dividend rates. The MP2 has a term of only five years. All savings, as well as dividends already earned under MP2, are guaranteed in full by the government.

For 2017, Pag-IBIG Fund declared an unprecedented 8.11 percent

dividend rate for MP2. The dividends were credited to the savers’ accounts in the first quarter of 2018.

Moti added that Pag-IBIG Fund enhanced the features of the MP2 Program in July to cover even more members in the second half of the year.

“We just approved the new guidelines to make all Pag-IBIG members eligible to enroll under MP2 regardless of their monthly income because the previous program was open only to members with monthly income exceeding P5,000. The new program also extends coverage to retirees. There’s a lot of clamor from retirees, especially those who retired from government service. They’re looking for savings mechanisms where they can grow their extra funds,” he said.

The enhanced MP2 program is open to former Pag-IBIG members with other sources of monthly income or pensioners, regardless of age, with at least 24 monthly savings in Pag-IBIG Fund prior to their retirement.

“We opened the MP2 program to more members to encourage them to save. We enjoin the public to save more in Pag-IBIG. If you’re looking for higher yield on your savings, this is the best time to grow your funds in Pag-IBIG,” Moti said.

THE Bureau of Customs destroyed confiscated illegally imported used clothing or ukay-ukay worth P800,000 in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the contraband was shredded and disposed of at the facility of EPY-ECO Auction and Waste Disposal Services—the accredited service provider of the Port of Subic for the condemnation of contrabands and expired goods.

The used clothing was abandoned in favor of the government, in view of the aggressive efforts and vigilance on the part of the BoC to man the ports against contrabands that are detrimental to public health and welfare.

The destruction of the seized goods was led by the District Collector of the Port of Subic, Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte.

He said that while the commercial proliferation of ‘ukay-ukay’ is popular, Republic Act 4653 prohibits the importation thereof, to safeguard public health.

Lapeña said that condemnation of seized goods will now be made public as part of transparency efforts of the Bureau.

MAYOR ABBY LEADS SANITATON MONTH ACTIVITIES IN MAKATI MAKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay on Saturday urged her constituents to become more responsible stewards of the environment, saying taking better care of it has a direct impact on everyone’s health and well-being.

“As adults and parents, we are our children’s role models in caring for the environment and observing proper sanitation. If kids see us dumping trash in the creeks and waterways, they will grow up thinking it’s the right thing to do. Simple things such as segregating garbage, recycling, and planting more trees have long lasting positive effects on both the environment and our health,” the city chief executive said.

The city´s Health department earlier kicked off a series of activities for this year’s celebration of Sanitation Month at Nicanor Garcia Elementary School in Barangay Olympia.

Some 600 schoolchildren and their parents were invited to attend a lecture on key topics like proper hand washing, solid waste and water management and diseases related to poor sanitation. The lectures were delivered by experts from Makati’s environmental sanitation team.

The students—from Kinder to Grade 3 levels—were receptive to the lessons imparted by Makati sanitation inspectors. Joel E. Zurbano

GOV’T URGED TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE LABOR group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines has urged President Rodrigo Duterte to raise the wages of minimum waged workers and provide safety nets for their families as increases in the prices of commodities and rising cost of services erodes the purchasing power of the workers’ salary.

The ALU-TUCP cited the study of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the National Wages and Productivity Commission on the impact of prices of goods and cost of services to the current different wage rates in 17 regions nationwide which revealed a downward pattern of the standard daily minimum wage.

The total average daily nominal minimum wage of workers in private non-agricultural sector in all 17 regions in October 2017 is P327 a day. However, the purchasing power of daily average pay P327 fell to P212.45— an erosion of P114.55.

ALU-TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said that after six of 2017, the total average nominal wage for the workers in the same sector in all regions was raised to P330.47 a day.

However, the purchasing power of the daily average pay P330.47 sank to P208.38— an erosion of P122.09 despite of the increase in wage rate.

Vito Barcelo

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Reira U Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

PACQUIAO MOTIVATED TO REGAIN WORLD TITLE

Australian basketball assistant coach Luc Longley, player Cameron Gliddon and captain Daniel Kickert attend a press conference at Brisbane airport, two days after their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying game against the Philippines. AFP

Senator Manny Pacquiao (left) and Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse pose for pictures after the weigh-in event in Kuala Lumpur, ahead of their world welterweight boxing championship bout on today (Sunday). Sonny Espiritu

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UALA LUMPUR— Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao weighed in Saturday comfortably under the 147-pound (67-kilogramme) limit and said he was “ready” to win back the welterweight belt against WBA champion Lucas Matthysse of Argentina.

Pacquiao, the only man to have won world titles in eight weight divisions in a glittering 23-year career, tipped the scales at 146 pounds.

“I am ready. Everything is under control,” said the 39-year-old Pacquiao. “I am motivated, I am happy and I am hungry.”

The heavily tattooed Matthysse played up his one-inch height advantage by looking down on Pacquiao as the two came face-to-face for the last time before Sunday’s 12-round showdown in Kuala Lumpur.

“I am feeling good,” Matthysse told AFP as he was about to demolish a fruit platter for his post weigh-in meal after coming in the heavier man, just under the limit at 146.7 pounds.

“I made the weight, I’m ready to eat and I’m ready for the battle tomorrow.”

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weigh-in was held in mildly chaotic scenes at a packed auditorium in the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Hundreds of mainly Filipino fans pushed for ward to get a glimpse of the fighters as they left prompting fears the stage might collapse under their weight before order was restored.

Pacquiao is challenging “The Machine” Matthysse for the World Boxing Association welterweight belt at the Axiata Arena on Sunday, knowing defeat could lower the curtain on one of the greatest careers in boxing history.

Pacquiao faced calls to retire from friends, family and even

his Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach when he lost the WBO belt to journeyman Australian Jeff Horn a year ago.

Roach has been replaced for the fight by Pacquiao’s long-term friend and cornerman Buboy Fernandez and another defeat could see the veteran “National Fist” hang up his gloves for good.

But victory for Pacquiao (59-72, 38 KOs) would see him become a five-time welterweight world champion and extend his legendary status and his life in the ring beyond his 40th birthday in December.

Pacquiao is going for his 60th victory since turning pro in 1995, but despite winning 38 of his first

47 fights by knockout, he has not stopped an opponent in nine years.

Knock-out specialist Matthysse has finished 36 of his 39 wins inside the distance and took the vacant WBA belt after an eighth-round stoppage of Thailand’s Teerachai Sithmorseng in January.

But the last time he faced an opponent of Pacquiao’s calibre he was knocked out in the 10th round by Ukrainian super lightweight world champion Viktor Postol in 2015.

Matthysse suffered a fractured left eye socket after taking a beating from Postol that put him out of boxing for 19 months and this is only his third fight since.

A strong undercard features three world title fights. The interim World Boxing Association featherweight belt is on the line when Mexico’s Edivaldo Ortega (26-1-1, 16 KOs) fights unbeaten and highly rated Filipino prospect Jhack Tepora (21-0, 16 KOs).

Vastly experienced South African Moruti “Baby Face” Mthalane (35-2, 24 KOs) defends his International Boxing Federation flyweight title against the unbeaten Pakistani Muhammad Waseem (8-0, 6 KOs).

Carlos Canizares of Venezuela (20-0-1, 16 KOs) puts his WBA light flyweight title and unbeaten record on the line against Chinese rookie Lu Bin (1-0, 1 KO), who could become the first boxer in history to win a world title in his second professional fight. AFP

ABABA’S STRONG START, FINISH KEYS WIN ANTIPOLO—Jhonnel Ababa came out a lot better than seven others in local tour’s most crowded final round duel in recent years, unleashing a strong start and a rock-solid finish to overwhelm the field instead and ran away with the ICTSI Forest Hills Championship crown by three on a closing 64 at the Nicklaus course here yesterday.

Ababa broke out of a tight fourway tie with back-to-back opening birdies then disposed of his rivals, including Jobim Carlos, Thai Itthipat Buranatanyarat and John Salah of the US, and four others who lurked just a stroke behind after 54 holes, with a kind of game that netted him back-to-back Philippine Golf Tour Asia crowns last January before he went on a six-month slump.

But he downplayed his fierce form in the last two days and instead attributed his victory to the good fortune that the region’s newest circuit seems to bring to his campaign.

“I think I’m lucky playing on the PGT Asia,” said Ababa, who snapped a long title drought with a sevenshot romp at PGTA Eagle Ridge then followed it up with a two-stroke victory at Pradera Verde in the sixth and seventh legs, respectively, of the inaugural PGT Asia last January.

“But I really played solid in the last two days and I thank God for giving me the chance to win again,” said Ababa, who precariously stayed on top despite three more birdies in a five-hole stretch from No. 6 then pulled away with another back-toback birdie feat from No. 16—a tap-in and a 16-footer—as his rivals fell by the wayside one after the other trying to match his impeccable game.

Jhonnel Ababa flashes the 3-sign after nailing another PGT Asia crown at Forest Hills.

He actually closed out the last 36 holes of the $100,000 championship put up by ICTSI without a bogey and totaled 18 birdies in all against a double-bogey in the opening day and a bogey in the second round for a whopping four-day total of 15-under 269 worth another $17,500.

Carlos kept the pressure by staying just within one with a four-under card after 11 holes but the PGTA Riviera and PGT Apo legs winner wavered when it mattered most, fumbling with a costly bogey on No. 15 that dropped him two shots back. He finished with a 67 for a second straight runner-up finish, after losing to Kim Joo Hyung at PGT Pueblo De Oro last week, at 272 and pocketed $11,500.

MARCELINO DELIVERS FOR PIRATES

Jaycee Marcelino

JAYCEE Marcelino doesn’t want to to go down without a fight.

With Emilio Aguinaldo College threatening for an upset win against the powerhouse Lyceum squad, last season’s Rookie of the Year took it upon himself to avert a meltdown, going down to work in the fourth quarter as he racked 13 of his career-best 24 points in the Pirates’ 106-97 win over the Generals on Friday.

“Ayaw ko matalo, kaya pinag-pursigihan kong magtrabaho sa court para maibalik namin ang lamang namin at manalo kami,” he said, while also collecting eight rebounds, five steals, and

two rebounds in the conquest.

With those efforts, Marcelino has been cited as the first recipient of the Chooksto-Go NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week this NCAA Season 94.

Not only did the 20-year-old guard average 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.5 steals in the opening week, he was also a key in leading Lyceum to an unbeaten 2-0 record for the leadership this season.

Marcelino was as effective on opening weekend, unloading 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the Pirates’85-80 win against San Sebastian on Saturday as he perfectly complemented

the 20-20 game of Cameroonian center Mike Nzeusseu.

He bested fellow Pirate CJ Perez, Perpetual’s Edgar Charcos, Mapua’s Laurenz Victoria, San Beda’s Robert Bolick, and San Sebastian’s Michael Calisaan for the weekly plum awarded by scribes from print and online publications covering the beat.

But despite the promising start , Marcelino isn’t satisfied as he expects another tough season ahead for Lyceum. “‘Yung mga ganitong laro, challenge ito sa amin para alam na namin ang dapat naming gawin ‘pag ganito ulit ang nangyari,” he said.

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Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

LONG STORY SHORT

CONFLICTING RESULTS

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HAT do you do when two very popular surveys say different things?

Early this week, the Social Weather Stations revealed that its second quarter survey showed a five-percentage point decline in the satisfaction rating of President Rodrigo Duterte from 70 percent in March to 65 percent in June.

Dissatisfaction rose from 14 percent to 20 percent in the same period.

As a result, net satisfaction was 45 percent, just “good” compared to March’s “very good” 56 percent net. Mr. Duterte registered a decline across all geographical areas, the most pronounced of which was in Metro Manila, among male and female respondents alike, and among all age groups except the 18 to 24-year-old age bracket.

“I do not care. It does not interest me at all,” Mr. Duterte said on Tuesday.

His spokesman, Harry Roque, however, appeared very interested and to greatly care about the results of Pulse Asia released Friday, where the President’s approval and trust ratings rose to 88 percent and 87

He recently posted his summer reading list on his Facebook page, the first time he’s done so since he left the White House. He is on a trip to Africa this week, to visit Kenya and South Africa, where he will “deliver a speech to mark the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth.”

He explains his book choices: “Over the years since, I’ve often drawn inspiration

TOO COOL FOR COMFORT

percent in June from 80 percent and 79 percent in March, respectively.

The Pulse Asia survey was taken between June 15 and June 21.

“President Duterte is working double time to rid society of drugs, criminality, and corruption to achieve his goal of bringing a comfortable life for all,” Roque said. He also cited Sri Lanka’s emulation of the President’s hard-line approach to illegal drugs as proof of the President’s success.

One reason for the conflicting results is the date of the surveys.

Pulse Asia’s was conducted between June 15 and 21, whole SWS’ was done between June 27 and 30. Many things happened between the first and second surveys, notably the now-notorious “God is stupid” statement of the President made June 22 during an information and communication summit in Davao City.

That utterance had a significant fallout for the President, necessitating several clarifications and a dialogue with the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

It could also be that different sets of people were reacting differently to other aspects of the Duterte administration, notably the worsening inflation perceived to be caused in part by the tax reform program, and the campaign not only against illegal drug suspects but also against “tambays”—citizens seen idling on the streets.

If it is true indeed that the President does not care about surveys anymore, that is good news in so far as his resolve to implement measures that he deems beneficial to the country despite being unpopular.

The indifference to surveys, however, should not mean that he should no longer listen to the public’s pulse. There are several barometers of public sentiment and alienating the people—for instance, Catholics who would not take his irreverence sitting down—may have its own dire consequences.

What these conflicting results tell us is that sentiment is fleeting and nobody should feel complacent that he or she would enjoy the people’s satisfaction, approval and trust indefinitely.

That, or the surveys themselves have started acting akin to Mr. Duterte—one way one day, another way the next—which is hardly a reflection of logic, much less a source of comfort, at all.

paints a picture of traditional society wrestling with the arrival of foreign influence, from Christian missionaries to

THERE was a time in the 1980s and early 1990s when it was fashionable to tease one’s hair upward and use a spray-on product to keep the hair in place.

And then “fashionable” became “harmful.” Such a product was found to contain CFCs—chlorofluorocarbons —that were harmful to the ozone layer.

Over time, women learned to let their hair down. For other uses, CFCs gave way to HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons.

HFCs are used in cooling equipment such as air conditioners and refrigerators, as well as foam blowing agents, aerosols, fire protection equipment. The most important feature was that these did not do the ozone layer harm.

Years later, however, HFC was found to do something equally, if not more, damaging to the environment. It spews greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, which is the primary cause of climate change. HFCs, which stay around 15 years in the atmosphere, are 14,800 times more potent than carbon.

Worse, the use of HFCs is increasing, especially in India, China and Southeast Asia. Experts say HFC consumption is expected to grow 36-75 percent by 2020.

“We can no longer point to the industrialized countries on this one,” said Jessica Dator Bercilla, Climate Change Advisor for Asia and the Middle East for Christian Aid, at a forum last month. Her organization is a member of the Asia Climate Change Consortium.

HFCs currently make up a small percentage of carbon emissions, but the contribution is projected to increase to between 7 percent and 19 percent by 2050.

We know all too well what the warming of the planet means—warmer seas, more frequent and more intense storms that translate into greater damage and greater toll on lives. This is more pronounced in countries that do not have the wherewithal to mitigate risks, prepare for disasters, respond when they do occur and rebuild and rehabilitate in its aftermath.

Countries like the Philippines. *** That forum was the first in the Climate Cafe series of Climate Stories PH, an informal gathering to find ways to communicate climate issues to more Filipinos. A mix of advocates, scientists, and communicators gathered to talk about the phasedown of HFC—and what can be done about it.

Phasing down HFCs would help bring down the increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius— anything higher than that would have catastrophic repercussions, scientists agree.

“It’s a moral imperative,” said Bercilla.

In fact, it’s a global moral imperative, which explains the existence of the Kigali Agreement, coming into force January of 2019. Unfortunately the Philippines has not yet acceded to this.

Meanwhile, what can we do?

Bercilla can think of a few everyday examples: Don’t turn up air conditioning units when you don’t have to. She noted that offices and meeting rooms at least in the capital are way too cold that people have to wear layers of clothing. Teach our bodies to adopt thermally. “Allow your body to perspire and just take lots of water so you don’t dehydrate.”

Some establishments have already stopped the use of cooling devices, and major manufacturers have stopped using HFC-powered products, but many older models, and those bought second-hand, still have them.

There is an ongoing campaign at the Senate to get the Philippines on board the Kigali pact, which would formalize the government’s commitment to the phasedown and lay down a plan on how exactly to do it.

Climate change, generally, and HFCs, specifically, need to be kept alive in conversations so that people’s

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BARACK OBAMA’S SUMMER READING LIST BARACK Obama has been hailed as the most erudite and learned presidents of the United States. A former law professor, he still loves to teach and in many of his speeches and writings, he comes across as though he were giving a lecture.

Over the years, beginning when he was still in office, he has shared his reading lists and playlists, to the great delight of many.

ADELLE CHUA

from Africa’s extraordinary literary tradition. As I prepare for this trip, I wanted to share a list of books that I’d recommend for summer reading, including some from a number of Africa’s best writers and thinkers—each of whom illuminate our world in powerful and unique ways.

“Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: A true classic of world literature, this novel

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Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard. com.ph; e-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TIGHT SECURITY AHEAD OF TRUMP, PUTIN MEETING HELSINKI, Finland—Finland may have largely shut down for the summer holidays but officials and police have been drafted back into work ahead of a historic summit in Helsinki between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Thousands of police officers, coastguards and rescue workers who were on vacation have been asked to return, with demonstrators expected to loudly protest the US-Russian presidential meeting -- although on a smaller scale than the huge anti-Trump demonstrations in London earlier this week.

As tourists wander through the sunshine-filled streets, US secret service agents in obligatory dark shades have occasionally been glimpsed appearing to conduct security checks, as have Russian security personal.

Announced at the end of last month, the Trump-Putin summit is the largest event of its kind in the Finnish capital since former US President Bill Clinton and Russian counterpart Boris Yeltsin met in 1994.

Many Finns told AFP they were excited the city was hosting the meeting, pleased the country of 5.5 million people will likely be the center of world attention for at least a few hours on Monday.

Finnish authorities have had to rush to ensure logistics and security are ready on time. AFP

EU ANTI-TRUMP TRADE SHOW TO CHINA, JAPAN

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RUSSELS, Belgium—The European Union’s top officials will meet the leaders of China and Japan next week to boost ties in the face of fears that US President Donald Trump will spark an all-out global trade war.

The trip by EU Council President Donald Tusk and Commission head JeanClaude Juncker includes the signing of a free trade deal with Japan, which was moved from Brussels last week because Japanese premier Shinzo Abe was dealing with deadly floods at home.

US PRESIDENT PLAYS NICE WITH MEXICO EQUAL MEXICO CITY—Top officials from US President Donald Trump’s administration met Friday with Mexican Presidentelect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, with both sides upbeat on the potential for a turning point in the countries’ troubled relationship.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo led the high-level delegation to meet the leftist leader known as “AMLO,” who will take office on December 1 after winning a landslide election victory.

Trump’s son-in-law and senior aide Jared Kushner, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin were also along for the one-day trip, which included meetings with Mexico’s outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto and Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray.

Pompeo was all smiles as he met Lopez Obrador on the leftist’s own turf -an aging Mexico City house with scant security where his transition team has its offices.

“We look forward to working with President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador,” Pompeo said later at a press conference.

“It was a priority for me to begin building our relationship with him and his team.”

Lopez Obrador’s pick for foreign minister, Marcelo Ebrard, also said the 40-minute meeting had been positive. AFP

ISRAELI AIR STRIKES HIT GAZA AFTER BLOODY PROTESTS GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories—Israel’s army said it had launched air strikes targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip early Saturday, following border clashes that saw a Palestinian teenager shot dead and many injured including an Israeli soldier.

The Israeli aerial bombardment came as rockets and mortars were lobbed into southern Israel from the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

The health ministry in the Hamas-run Strip said that 220 Palestinians were injured in Friday’s protests on the Gaza border in addition to 15-year-old Othman Rami Halles who was shot dead.

Israeli fighter jets struck two “Hamas terror tunnels” one in southern Gaza and one in the north as well as other infrastructure across the coastal territory, Israel’s military said in statements posted on Twitter.

It said targets included “complexes used to prepare arson terror attacks and a Hamas terror training facility”.

According to witnesses in Gaza, there were no casualties from the air strikes, which damaged Hamas military infrastructure.

The army said the strikes were conducted “in response to the terror acts instigated during the violent riots that took place along the security fence” on Friday.

It also cited “continuous arson attacks damaging Israeli territory on a daily basis with the launching of arson balloons from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.”

AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

ON GUARD. Police officers stand guard outside Trump Turnberry, the luxury golf resort of US President Donald Trump, in Turnberry, southwest of Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday during the private part of his four-day UK visit. Trump wraps up a four-day visit to Britain, dominated by his blasting of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit strategy, by spending the weekend in Scotland. AFP

Their Asian tour comes as the EU -- which, with 28 countries and 500 million people is the world’s biggest single market -tries to forge alliances in the face of the protectionism of Trump’s “America First” administration.

European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said the “landmark” Japan deal was “the biggest ever negotiated by the European Union”.

“This agreement will create an open trade zone covering nearly a third of the world’s GDP,” Schinas added.

In China on Monday, the two leaders will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to discuss their shared tensions with Washington, having both recently announced new tariffs on US goods in retaliation for measures imposed by Trump.

They are expected to reaffirm their support for the rules-based international order, including the World Trade Organization, which faces unprecedented criticism from Trump’s administration.

The leaders will also discuss climate change -- another area on which the EU is in disagreement with Trump after he pulled out of the Paris climate deal -and nuclear issues in North Korea and Iran, Schinas said.

But the EU and China will have to smooth over existing differences over Beijing’s own restrictive market practices including the “dumping” of cheap Chinese imports, especially steel.

Some of those concerns are shared by Washington.

The EU recently pushed through measures targeting China that were intended to offset the consequences of granting China so-called market economy status at the WTO, which will make it more difficult to prove and punish illegal trade practices

by Beijing.

In Tokyo, talks will also focus on presenting a united front against the United States over its tariffs, with the Japanese government having slammed them as “extremely deplorable”.

The EU-Japan deal was hailed recently as a “strong signal to the world” against US protectionism

by EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, who is travelling with Juncker and Tusk to Asia.

Abe was originally due to come to Brussels to sign the deal last week, but he called off the trip after flooding and landslides in Japan that killed more than 200 people.

Tusk had said that after the “tragic circumstances” they would move the summit to Tokyo.

Schinas confirmed that Juncker would stick to his “very demanding agenda” and go on the trip to China and Japan, despite suffering from a painful medical condition that made him stumble repeatedly at a NATO summit in Brussels this week. AFP

THAI CAVE BOYS TO LEAVE HOSPITAL THURSDAY

BANGKOK—Twelve young footballers and their coach rescued from a Thai cave will be released from hospital on Thursday, health officials said, offering psychological support, and urging the group to avoid media interviews despite huge interest in their against-theodds survival story.

The group, called the “Wild Boars” after their football academy, went into the Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand on June 23 to celebrate a birthday, but became trapped as floodwaters poured in.

They were all extracted on July 10, ending an ordeal that had the world holding its breath for their safe return.

“All 13 Wild Boars are in good physical health... all are in good spirits,” public health minister Piyasakol Sakolsattayatorn told reporters on Saturday.

“They will be discharged altogether,

initially on Thursday.”

The children—and their parentshave been advised to spend time with friends and family and not to give media interviews as that could “trigger post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms,” the minister added.

The disappearance of the young footballers and their protracted, daring rescue captivated the world.

Hollywood producers are already jockeying to make the film of a saga whose twists and turns are ready made for drama.

A nail-biting three-day mission to rescue the boys in groups ended successfully on July 10.

In a meticulously planned extraction, the boys put on wetsuits and diving gear before being sedated, put on stretchers, and pulled or carried out through submerged passageways and up steep slopes inside the mountain. AFP

BASTILLE DAY. Members of the ‘Escadron motocycliste de la police nationale’ (front left), of the ‘escadron motocycliste du center national de formation a la securite routiere de la gendarmerie nationale’ (front right) and military vehicles take part in the annual Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees avenue near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Saturday. AFP

LGUs

NUEVA VIZCAYA FARMERS GET CLOAS FROM DAR

VILLAR PROMOTES URBAN AGRI AS TOOL FOR FOOD SECURITY URBAN agriculture is a viable intervention to make poor households and communities healthier and more food sufficient, Senator Cynthia A. Villar said.

Villar, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, notes how the spiraling prices of food and other commodities have made life more difficult for families in poor urban communities.

In urban communities where living spaces are cramped and land use is limited, Villar said households can practice urban gardening and plant vegetables in small pots and empty plastic containers to have their own vegetable gardens for their family’s supply of nutritious greens.

The senator said urban vegetable gardening will not only address food sufficiency but will likewise promote health and wellness of families.

Backyard vegetable gardening will hit two birds with one stone— ensuring the supply of vegetables on your tables and providing the necessary nutritional supply to make your family healthy,’Villar said.

Villar, who is the author of Senate Bill No. 141 or the Integrated Urban Agriculture Act of 2016, said today is the perfect time to institutionalize urban agriculture because of its benefits to poor urban households.

To encourage more households and communities to engage in urban agriculture, Villar partnered with Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) and Allied Botanical Corporation and launched the second 12-day urban vegetable gardening training program held at the Villar SIPAG farm school in Bacoor City, Cavite.

Villar and representatives from Allied Botanical Garden also had a ceremonial transplanting of tomato seedlings during the launching of the training program.

By Ben Moses Ebreo

KOREAN CONSUL GENERAL IN MUNTINLUPA. Korean Embassy to the Philippines Consul General Kim Hung-gon (left) visits Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi last July 13 to discuss safety measures for Korean nationals living in the locality. Fresnedi vows to enforce stricter measures on peace and order in the city for the Korean community. There are at least 2,000 Korean nationals staying in Muntinlupa City.

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PHASEOUT IN QC?

By Rio N. Araja

Q

UEZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte is batting for the gradual implementation of ban on single-use plastics, citing reports the Philippines is the world’s third biggest contributor of plastic wastes to the ocean.

“I think we can push for the ban, pero we also need to have a grace period [for the use of plastic utensils],” she said.

“Of course, industries will be affected. Habits of people will change. Some restaurants will have stock for years. So, you can’t just implement right away.

You have to give a grace period din,” Belmonte added.

However, the vice mayor said the implementation of the measures, if passed, should not be “drastic.”

She cited the city of Seattle’s policy prohibiting restaurants to give customers plastic straws and utensils, saying they were given a deadline to use up all existing single-use plastic utensils before the date of implementation.

“I think if that would be the case, they [establishments] could be able to adjust and find suppliers for paper straws and other alternative to plastic utensils,” she said.

In 2017, Mayor Herbert Bautista ap-

proved Ordinance No. SP-2127 banning the use of plastics and Styrofoam packaging within city hall premises.

Ordinance No. SP-2140 and SP-2103 mandated the reduction of the use of plastic bags and collection of environmental fees for each plastic bag used within the city.

Meanwhile, Mayor Herbert Bautista approved an ordinance establishing a senior high school named after Jose V. Palma, a poet and soldier during the American occupation.

The Jose V. Palma Senior High School will be located at Barangay Pinyahan, according to City Ordinance 2659-2018.

The Local School Board of Quezon City, through Resolution No. 3, Series of 2017 recommended to the City Council to name the senior high school after the patriot.

SKSU ACCESS WINS ENACTUS NATIONAL FINALS SULTAN Kudarat State University-Access Campus recently emerged as the 2018 Enactus National Finals champion team besting three other finalist teams at the SMX Convention Center.

SKSU will go on to represent the Philippines at the 2018 Enactus World Cup in San Jose, California, USA on Oct. 9-11, 2018 against 35 other champion teams.

Enactus Chairman Jose P. Leviste Jr. said that the Enactus National Finals showcases the talent, determination, and success stories of young student-leaders as they put into practice entrepreneurial action as a tool for social change.

Enactus country leader lawyer Leo G. Dominguez welcomed the participants and reminded them on the Enactus’ core message of “A Head for Business, A Heart for the World.”

Dominguez said, “This statement serves as an inspiration for our students, faculty, and business advisors to continue transforming the lives of people in the

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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

communities they awork with.”

In the opening speech of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, which was delivered by lawyer Reynold Munsayac, chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Governance, Mayor Duterte praised and congratulated the Enactus participants for having a lot of courage, planning and action to be able to address the significant issues that surround humanity.

She said: “I believe that you, the nation’s youth, have not only the skills and the intellect to make a difference, but you also have the compassion, the heart to serve, and the steadfast determination to help improve the lives of the Filipino people.”

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Alegria “Bing” Sibal-Limjoco in her inspirational message remarked, “What is commendable in the Enactus National Finals is the value given to entrepreneurship as a vehicle to improve the

The team from Sultan Kudarat State University-Access Campus points to their banner after they were adjudged the 2018 Enactus National Finals business plan competition champion.

lives of our fellow Filipinos.”

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim, who was represented

by Acting Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in the Philippines, Matt

Keener, praised the teams and mentioned that the activities done by teams clearly make a big difference, and have the potential to continue to make a difference.

DMI, HABITAT BREAK GROUND ON PANABO SCHOOL

Present at the groundbreaking rites for the multipurpose units at Panabo Central Elementary School are (from left) Dr. Melanie Arcillas, executive director-DMIRIE Foundation; Rosemarie Patriarca, principal-PCES; Emilia Mendoza, chairman and president, DMIRIE Foundation; George Espejo Jr., president-DMI Medical Supply Inc.; Michael Angelo Resueno, City Information officerPanabo City; Dolly Serranillo, Resource Development Manager-Habitat for Humanity Philippines; Dee Silva, Schools Division superintendent, Department of Education, Panabo City; and Jaime Carlom, Education Program supervisor, Department of Education, Panabo City.

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte— DMI Medical Supply Inc. and Habitat for Humanity Philippines has started the construction of three Multi-Purpose Center units in Panabo Central Elementary School in Davao del Norte.

The facility will be used for Special Education (SPED) classes and as a venue for student value formation programs, and livelihood training programs for parents and school staff.

Panabo Central is the second home to over 2,000 students and 74 teachers and staff.

“We would like to thank DMI Medical Supply, Inc. and Habitat Philippines for choosing us to receive this gift. We com-

mit that this place will be filled with learning, laughter and good memories for our students,” says Rosemarie Patriarch, principal of Panabo Central Elementary School.

The Habitat for Humanity Philippines partnership with DMI Medical Supply Inc. covers the building of 10 Multi-Purpose Centers across Davao.

“Seeing the warmth and excitement of the employees and students of Panabo, I feel that they have given us a most valuable gift.

We are eager to partner with Habitat Philippines to build stronger communities in our region,” said Dr. Melanie Arcillas, executive director of DMI Medical Supply Inc.

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The Department of Agrarian Reform recently gave Certificates of Land Ownership Award to 308 farmers in the province.

DAR Regional Director Marjorie Ayson said the CLOAs cover 627.4654 hectares in the province.

“This is being done under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to alleviate the plight of our farmers in the region,” she said.

The CLOA distribution is part of the Regional Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Convention in Cagayan Valley recently conducted at the PLT Convention Center in Solano town and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) in Bayombong town.

Ayson added that the CLOA beneficiaries in the province is part of the 1,157 recipients in provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

The DAR also turned over P87 million Common Service Facilities, Farm Machineries and Equipment, Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty Project, Food Processing Center Project and 3 Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang–Agraryo.

DAR also launched the DAR-Land Bank of the Philippines Balai Magsasaka, featuring model houses for farmers, DAR-LBP Accessible and Sustainable Lending Program and the DSWD-DAR Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for ARB Project.

CARP seeks to empower ARBs to attain a dignified and improved quality of life through the equitable distribution of agricultural lands through the DAR and provide support services and economic opportunities through various government agencies such as support infrastructure and access to financing.

DUTERTE PRAISED FOR FUND AID TO AMBAGUIO TOWNS BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Provincial administrator Maybelle Blossom Dumlao-Sevillena here has praised President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for approving their request for funding assistance intended to raise the quality of life among villagers in the province.

She said P370 million has been released recently for various infrastructure projects of 15 towns including the P100-million fund for the Ambaguio Road Development Project.

“We are very grateful for President Duterte’s approval of our funding allocation request last year. Right now, we are at the stage of implementing these projects already with funding counterpart from the provincial government,” Dumlao-Sevillena said.

She said the funded infrastructure projects were recommended earlier by the Provincial Development Council chaired by Gov. Carlos Padilla and the endorsement made by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The P370-million fund was included in the proposed 2018 budget which was sent by PRRD in Congress for deliberation.

Dumlao-Sevillena said the P370 million proposed budget, however, was trimmed to P157 million and the ARDP settled to P95 million.

“Not all provinces in the country are fortunate to complete the requirements but with our teamwork and commitment, we were able to complete the requirements and gained support from President Duterte,” she added.

Dumlao-Sevillena said the villagers and project beneficiaries should be proud and grateful to the following agencies for the projects being implemented by the provincial government such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Bureau of Treasury and President Duterte, among others. Ben Moses Ebreo

B4

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018

FROM WHERE I STAND ERIC JURADO WHEN the value of a country’s imports exceeds its exports, a trade deficit results. Sales of Philippinemade goods abroad dropped for the fifth consecutive month while imports rose for the 10th straight month in May, resulting in a wider trade deficit of $3.7 billion, the government reported last Tuesday.

This brought the trade deficit from January to May to $15.8 billion, up from $10.8 billion in the same period in 2017. The trade gap resulted in a current account deficit as more dollars were spent, which was worrying the market and was partly to blame for the weaker peso.

The wider trade deficit was cited in the press and social media as proof that trade policies of the Duterte administration were not working and could hurt certain sectors in the long run and lead to fewer jobs.

The fact is the demand for imports rises with income, so imports

BARACK... From B1 British colonialism. A masterpiece that has inspired generations of writers in Nigeria, across Africa, and around the world.

“A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thiong’o: A chronicle of the events leading up to Kenya’s independence, and a compelling story of how the transformative events of history weigh on individual lives and relationships.

“Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s life was one of the epic stories of the 20th century. This definitive memoir traces the arc of his life from a small village, to his years as a revolutionary, to his long imprisonment, and ultimately his ascension to unifying President, leader, and global icon. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand history—and

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

THE ABSURDITY OF TRADE DEFICIT FEARS normally tend to rise faster than exports when a country expands more rapidly than its trading partners. The trade deficit is a symptom of rising employment— not the cause of rising unemployment. The unemployment rate dropped to 5.5 percent in the second quarter of 2018 from 5.7 percent a year ago. The number of unemployed persons went down by 83 thousand to 2.36 million while the number of employed increased by 625 thousand to 40.9 million.

People fear trade deficits because they think it’s a sign of weakness— like a company losing money.

However, fears of trade deficits are baloney. Trade deficits are meaningless. Trade deficits alone signify nothing about a country’s health and wealth.

If tomorrow the Philippines became the 51st state of the United States, we would no longer be aware of any trade deficit or surplus involving it and the United States. Who knows what the trade picture is between New York and

then go out and change it.

“Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: From one of the world’s great contemporary writers comes the story of two Nigerians making their way in the US and the UK, raising universal questions of race and belonging, the overseas experience for the African diaspora, and the search for identity and a home.

“The Return by Hisham Matar: A beautifully-written memoir that skillfully balances a graceful guide through Libya’s recent history with the author’s dogged quest to find his father who disappeared in Gaddafi’s prisons.

“The World As It Is by Ben Rhodes: It’s true, Ben does not have African blood running through his veins. But few others so closely see the world through my eyes like he can.

Ben’s one of the few who’ve been with me since that first presidential campaign. His memoir is one of the smartest reflections

California? Who cares? I don’t either.

If it makes sense to worry about the deficit between the Philippines and the United States, then maybe we should worry about the deficits among the states, or the deficits among Philippine provinces. Maybe Makati City has an intolerable deficit with Cagayan de Oro that we’re not being told about. Neighborhoods can have deficits too. Come to think of it, I have a huge deficit with my favorite convenience store. I spend money there, but they buy nothing from me. On the other hand, I rarely purchase things from people who do buy from me. Are we wrong not to worry about these bilateral deficits? Would it make sense to strive to have all bilateral trade relations balance out? The fact is, if the balance of trade doesn’t matter at the personal, neighborhood, or city level, it doesn’t matter at the national level.

The quote of the day comes from the 5th edition (2015) of Thomas Sowell’s Basic Economics: “At one time, it was believed that

importing more than was exported impoverished a nation because the difference between import and exports had to be paid in gold, and the loss of gold was seen as a loss of national wealth. However, as early as 1776, Adam Smith’s classic The Wealth of Nations argued that the real wealth of a nation consists of its goods and services, not its gold supply.”

Too many people have yet to grasp the full implications of that, even in the twenty-first century. If the goods and services available to the people are greater as a result of international trade, then people are wealthier, not poorer, regardless of whether there is a “deficit” or a “surplus” in the international balance of trade.

And it doesn’t matter how Filipinos (or, more generally, how denizens of whatever country is considered to be the “domestic” one) gain greater access to goods and services produced globally.

If the Chinese become zealous devotees of a religion whose doctrine requires that they serve Filipinos by shipping to Filipinos goods and services free of charge, then Filipinos are made better off.

If the Chinese innovate in ways that lower their costs of production and distribution and, thus, enable them to sell goods and services to Filipinos at lower prices, then Filipinos are made better off.

If the Chinese invent new products and offer to sell these new products to Filipinos at prices that Filipinos find attractive, then Filipinos are made better off.

If the forces of international competition oblige Chinese producers to lower their export prices to levels closer to their costs of production, then Filipinos are made better off.

If the Chinese government forces Chinese citizens to subsidize the production of goods and services sold to Filipinos so that Filipinos can purchase these goods and services at artificially low prices, then Filipinos are made better off (although Chinese citizens, other than those involved in the export trade, are made unjustifiably worse off ).

If the Chinese monetary authority buys Philippine pesos with newly created yuan in order to (temporarily, out of necessity) make Chinese exports artificially inexpensive for Filipinos to buy, then Filipinos are made better off (although Chinese citizens, other than those involved in the export trade, are made unjustifiably worse off ).

The above reality is missed by people, such as Donald Trump (but hardly limited to him), who judge trade to be “successful” only if the jobs and businesses that it visibly—that is, directly— creates in the domestic economy are perceived as being greater than the number of jobs and businesses that it visibly destroys.

This error is among the oldest and most difficult to kill in economics—not only because this error is serviceable to domestic producers who greedily seek protection from competition, but also because it appeals to people who refuse to think beyond what is immediately and blindingly obvious.

In sum, because the nature of trade is to produce mutual benefit, there can be no such thing as a “trade deficit.” eric.jurado@gmail.com

I’ve seen as to how we approached foreign policy, and one of the most compelling stories I’ve seen about what it’s actually like to serve the American people for eight years in the White House.”

This is an interesting list and would make a good start for those wanting to delve into African and Afro-American literature. Western literature has been so dominant over the centuries that mindsets and entire philosophies have been shaped by it. It’s time to throw off the yoke of white culture and look to indigenous and decolonized work.

I’d like to see the reading lists of our politicians as well, if any of them read for pleasure as Obama does. Or is he one of a kind?

Perhaps some other celebrities or public figures, then?

Dr. Ortuoste, a writer and researcher, has a PhD in Communication. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

TOO... From B1 representatives—lawmakers, specifically —would do their part.

Certainly, numerous other issues compete for the attention of citizens and their leaders. Some of them are white noise and are of little consequence, even as they are played up because of their appeal to readers or viewers.

In the case of HFCs, the consequences may seem too far off to contemplate— until we experience the next big typhoon and see loss of lives and livelihoods anew.

And then perhaps we can be reminded that while the situation is dire, there remain opportunities for us to do something to stem the tide. adellechua@gmail.com

A BIG LEAP TO SMART WATER AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

By Reynaldo V. Velasco PRIOR to the MWSS privatization, water supply coverage was around 67 percent and water loss was 63 percent. Water was only available 16 hours daily and there was only 26 percent water pressure. There was minimal septage treatment and no septage treatment plant. Only some areas in Metro Manila had sewerage facilities with most establishments using their own communal septic tanks.

When that eventual privatization of MWSS came in 1997 instigated by our former president, Fidel V. Ramos which was “a master stroke of a genius,” we were able to achieve a total serviced area, now at 97 percent, as well as reduced unaccounted-for water by our concessionaires—at 11 percent

by Manila Water and 29 percent by Maynilad.

One important aspect and enduring effect of the successful legal framework of the PPP between MWSS and the concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water, is the fact that these two water partners have shared their best practices to other parts of the country and also our Asean neighbors like Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, and more recently, Thailand.

When I assumed as MWSS administrator on Feb. 20, 2017, I immediately put into place the water security program, which forms part of the legacy projects of the Duterte administration.

This water security program, aside from protecting physical water infrastructure, embraces programs that yield water sustainability. Construction for alternative water sources are vigorously pursued under the administration’s Build Build Build Program with greater complementation of the different modes of financing infrastructure projects—locally-funded, foreign assisted, and projects under the PPP. The program has also adopted the policy of a 24/7 work schedule for major infrastructure projects to fast track program implementation. Better governance, policy and regulatory ensuring availability of right-of-way and streamlining processes in the issuance of permits necessary to implement projects.

These include the following: • Angat Dam and Dyke Strengthening Project which ensures the safety and reliability of the Angat Dam and Dyke, the main source of water for Metro Manila from geological and hydro-meteorological hazards; • Kaliwa Dam Project, an alternative for the Angat Dam which is expected to deliver an additional 600 million liters per day; • Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project which is already 74 percent completed, way ahead of schedule—with Stages 1 and 2 covering 13 cities and municipalities; and • Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project which seeks to improve the reliability and security of raw water through partial rehabilitation of the transmission system from Ipo to La Mesa Dam. While we have achieved a modicum of success in the efficient delivery of potable water to 97 percent of the people in Metro Manila and its environs, the real challenge we face is on the sewerage and wastewater treatment management systems.

Meanwhile, our concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water have adapted the newest technologies and innovations in their water and wastewater management systems.

Maynilad, under the able leadership of its president Ramoncito Fernandez, operates and maintains three world-class treatment plants. It is currently upgrading its La Mesa Treatment Plant 1 and 2 which involves enhancing the facilities’ treatment capacity, retrofitting structures for improved earthquake resiliency, and automating processes for more reliable operations.

In terms of treating wastewater, Maynilad now maintains and operates 20 wastewater treatment plants from only two before re-privatization—which use the latest technology on sequencing battery reactors, moving bed bio-film reactors, STM aerotors, and conventional activated sludge, enabling them to treat some 542 MLD of wastewater.

Since 2007, a cumulative volume of treated wastewater is 502,140 million liters while 559,857 septic tanks have been cleaned.

Meanwhile, in terms of infrastructure, Manila Water under the inspired leadership of its president Ferdinand dela Cruz, continues to build for the future. One of its more recent project includes the Rizal Province Water Supply Improvement Project (RPWSIP), a water treatment facility capable of treating up to 50 million liters per day of potable water, transmission mainlines and distribution lines.

When it comes to improving efficiency, reliability and sustainability in the water system, Manila Water has also improved its screening system to capture solid wastes efficiently. The company has also procured more efficient equipment such that of screw and turbo blowers suited for water treatment applications.

Excerpts from a July 9, 2018 speech during the Asia International Water Week at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Velasco is the administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

C1

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018

Business

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

LENDR WINS ASIAN AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP

PAL AIMS FOR FIVE-STAR RATING WITH MODERN TRI-CLASS AIRCRAFT

P

HILIPPINE Airlines on Saturday flew its first Airbus A350-900 from Toulouse, France to Manila as the flag carrier bids to become a five-star carrier with the most modern twin-aisle, tri-class aircraft.

“We look forward with full confidence that our new Airbus A350-900 will help us attain our goal to become a true five-star Philippine carrier, a gift to the people of the Philippines, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world,” PAL president and chief executive Jaime Bautista told a crowd of European and Filipino executives during a ceremonial dinner in Toulouse, the headquarters of Airbus on July 13.

The 280-ton A350-900, with a length of 66.8 meters and a wing span of 64.75 meters, has a maximum range of 15,000 kilometers that will allow PAL to fly nonstop between Manila and New York. This means that PAL can avoid the technical stopover in Vancouver on the way to New York and the payload restrictions associated with other aircraft.

“Two or three years ago, we decided to purchase Airbus A350-900, thinking that we really need to serve the Filipino flying passengers in the East Coast of the United States. We thought we need an aircraft that will serve the purpose. We decided to order A350 for many reasons. One is that this aircraft will allow us to have more seats [295],” said Bautista.

“This aircraft will have a longer range, meaning we will be able to fly non-stop from Manila to JFK [International Airport in New York] without any penalty and will allow us to carry more cargo. That means more revenue for PAL. On the cabin features, this will allow us to make our passengers happier in flying more comfortably and enjoy a different service from the other airlines,” he said.

“We ordered six of these aircraft. The second will be delivered next month and two more within the year. The last two will be in the first quarter of 2019. We have also options for another six aircraft which we can convert into A350-1000 series. This will allow us to have more seats. The initial discussion that we have with Airbus is we will have 370 seats,” said Bautista.

The twin-aisle aircraft is a member of the A350 XWB (extra wide body) family that is said to be 25 percent more fuel efficient than other aircraft that belong to the same weight category.

A350 XWB is described as the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family, offering true long-range capability, unrivalled operational efficiency, and the most exclusive passenger experience.

It features the most modern cabin, with full connectivity, LED ambient lighting with 16.7 million colors, and latest IFE with HD screens on

FINTQ managing director Lito Villanueva

PAL president Jaime Bautista at Airbus A350 XWB delivery center in Toulouse, France

PAL director Michael Tan

all seats. It has vertical sidewalls, higher ceiling, unique flat floor, greater legroom, 18-inch seat width and wide panoramic windows.

Airbus A350 XWB will also allow passengers to enjoy the quietest cabin in its class, he said.

The air management systems help passengers to experience a more relaxing flight. Total cabin air is renewed every two to three minutes in a draft-free environment at the optimum temperature (8 temperature zone settings) and with 20 percent more fresh air.

The aircraft’s secret lies in its aerodynamics design and the use of composite materials such as carbon-fiber reinforced plastic that supports lower fuel burn, easier maintenance and increased resistance to corrosion.

PAL received the first of its six orders for the tri-class A350-900 on Saturday, with the five others to be delivered from the second quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019. The plane has a list price of about $317 million each.

Turn to C2

LENDR, the digital lending platform of FINTQnologies Corp., bagged the ‘Most Innovative Partnership Strategy’ award at the 21st Annual Telecom Asia Awards on June 26 in Singapore.

The award-giving body recognized Lendr for “harnessing existing and emerging technologies with business partnerships that redefine the value proposition of win-win partnerships.”

“Lendr is a platform we built to accelerate financial inclusion in the country by allowing our bank and non-bank partners to extend credit to all Filipinos. We are honored to receive this award. This is another accolade that represents our aspiration in building a dynamic digital ecosystem,” said FINTQ managing director Lito Villanueva.

FINTQ is the financial technology arm of PLDT Inc. and Smart’s Voyager Innovations.

Lendr bested Hong Kong-based Hutchison Telecommunications’ 3InnoCity Incubation Programme.

Lendr is the country’s first 24/7 digital loans marketplace with the most expansive loan offerings through its financial institution partners . On top of the traditional salary, personal, home and auto loan products, it offers mobile crop loan, medicine loan, mSME loan, overseas Filipino loan, and truck and equipment loan, among others.

FINTQ is the leader and awardwinning financial technology provider of customer- centric, demand-driven, mobile-first, valuecreating and inclusive digital financial innovations.

It is the largest and the only fintech business in the country with diverse digital banking and finance portfolio of platforms including lending, security, micro-savings, micro-investments, insurance, disbursements, micro-credit and virtual banking, among others.

Telecom Asia is the region’s longest-running and most prestigious telecom industry awards. It rewards innovative and outstanding per formance by Asian ser vice providers and industry executives.

Entries were assessed based on innovation, financial performance, technology, market leadership and corporate governance.

ONLINE BUDGET HOTEL BOOKING APP EXPANDS INTO PH

RedDoorz founder and chief executive Amit Saberwa

REDDOORZ, one of the leading online budget hotels booking platforms in Southeast Asia, is expanding into the Philippines with an investment of more than $5 million and a plan to grow its footprint to 100 properties across the country over the next 12 months.

RedDoorz helps hoteliers and guest house owners to showcase their property over a responsive platform, allowing them to reach out to a larger audience, increase their distribution, earn a brand name, and streamline operations.

The online platform seeks to apply the same business approach that allowed them to succeed in

Indonesia and Singapore, where it is headquartered. RedDoorz city-to-city approach has resulted in growing to over 500 properties, processing more than 1 million room nights and consistently delivering occupancies of more than 80 per cent across 16 Indonesian cities, Singapore and now, the Philippines.

“Our expansion into the Philippines came as a natural progression. Filipinos have a penchant for staycations and myriad of choices when it comes to local tourist destinations. They share these similarities with our first market in Indonesia,” said RedDoorz founder and chief executive Amit Saberwal.

“While we continue to grow our footprints in Indonesia, we also closely monitored and sur veyed the Filipino market. Following our fresh funding earlier this year, we realized that the Philippines held a strong demand for hotel rooms not only for tourists but also for business travelers. We felt that it was timely for us to make the conclusive move to start expanding here – especially seeing how boisterous the budget hospitality sector has been in recent years,” Saberwal said.

A joint study titled “e-conomy SEA: Unlocking the $200B Digital Opportunity” by Google and Temasek

Holdings found that the Philippines ranked second after Indonesia as the world’s fastest growing internet market with the potential to grow by 11 percent annually to 93 million internet users by 2020.

This also meant a vibrant outlook for the online travel market in the Philippines, specifically for online hotels and airlines, which is expected to grow five times from $1.1 billion in 2015 to $4.6 billion by 2025.

With a strong local team on-theground, RedDoorz runs a full operations unit in Manila ranging from customer service, operations and product sales to branding, finance and marketing.

Business

C2

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

FILIPINO MOBILE POS SOLUTION WINS IN EPSON REGIONAL TILT A DIGITALIZED order management app for laundry services, conceptualized by a Filipino team, MobileMINDS, bagged first runnerup in the recently concluded Epson Regional App Challenge 2018, a first-ever application development competition organized by Epson.

The Epson Regional App Challenge aims to encourage developers to create innovative mobile Point of Sale solutions within the Independent Software Vendor community, as well as to increase awareness and interest in mPOS products.

A total of 56 teams from Southeast Asia participated, with five finalists from Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. These final contenders were selected to develop an application that utilizes a receipt printer that would reduce the operational cost of business and enhance its productivity.

The winning entry, ‘Wartal’ from Indonesia, developed by Lazuardi Widya Adyafora and IbnuIsnaini Hakim, was designed for Indonesian small family warung shops, to connect directly with manufacturers and helped manage the delivery of goods, as well as track transactions with its customers. When combined with a mobile receipt printer, it enables the shop to automatically issue receipts to customers upon scanning of the purchased item.

Meanwhile, the first runner-up winner, ‘Rover Fieldmate’ app, conceptualized by Jason Russ Unson and Miguel Luis Ting, helps laundry businesses digitalize the process of their services, from pickup to delivery. Through the use of a mobile receipt printer, the app can issue receipts and tags for labeling of laundry for its customers.

The winners were announced during a prize ceremony held earlier this year. They received cash prizes, as well as Epson Moverio BT-300 Smartglasses.

With the said competition, Epson provided a platform for aspiring start-ups and developers to develop an application that would meet a business need. This was also intended to contribute towards innovation and grow the developer community and applications supporting receipt printers in the region.

“Indeed, it was an opportunity for developers to showcase their innovations with many interesting possibilities and business ideas coming to the fore. We are glad to see how the features of Epson POS printers are able to complement the applications to provide effective business solutions. We wish our winning teams all the best in their business ventures to turn their ideas into reality,” said Jocelyn Tan, regional manager for printer and wearable division at Epson Singapore.

The Regional App Challenge is an initiative of the Epson POS Developer Programme, which aims to develop a community of certified mPOS partners.

Certified partners receive support and benefits from Epson.

HILTON MANILA NAMES EXECUTIVES AHEAD OF THIRD-QUARTER OPENING

H

ILTON Manila, which is set to open in the third quarter of 2018, announced key appointments including Raul Aquino as director of operations, Nina Quinto as director of human resources, Joanne Gomez as director of business development and Freddieliz Esguerra as director of finance.

These top executives form part of the preopening team spearheaded by the hotel’s general manager, Simon McGrath.

With a solid 28 years work experience in the hotel industry, Aquino has worked with global hotel chains such as Hyatt Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Peninsula Hotels, New World Hotels & Resorts and Accor Hotels where he honed his expertise in hotel operations.

Prior to his appointment in Hilton Manila, he served as the resident manager of Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa in Thailand, where he made a strong mark in operational efficiency, profitability and property guest satisfaction.

In his new role as Hilton Manila’s director of operations, Aquino’s primary focus will be quality and the customer experience, ensuring Hilton’s commitment that “every guest feels cared for, valued and respected.”

A seasoned human resources and management practitioner with 21 years of practice under her belt, Quinto played a key role in the property pre-opening teams of both the Marriott and Hyatt Hotels in Manila. She was the director of human resources at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila prior to joining Hilton Manila.

Quinto will take the lead on Hilton Manila’s talent acquisition, learning and development, per formance management and employee engagement initiatives. She will also work closely with the general manager to breathe life into the culture that sets Hilton apart from its competitors.

Gomez is an established prime mover in the hospitality industry with a 23-year work experience in the fields of sales, marketing and operations.

She was formerly affiliated with The Ascott Limited for 17 years. During her tenure, Joanne was the director of cluster sales and marketing of multi-awarded properties in the Philippines and Thailand, and was later promoted to general manager of the company’s flagship property in Makati. In her new role as director of business development, Gomez will lead the commercial team, encompassing sales, marketing and

PAL...

From C1 Eric Schulz, chief commercial officer of Airbus, described A350-900 as a fantastic plane, while Dominic Horwood, the chief customer officer of Rolls Royce, said the aircraft’s engine is the most advanced Trent engine yet. “It has unparalleled reliability in service. It has 99.9 percent operational reliability,” said Horwood.

PAL is the oldest Asian airline with 77 years of flying experience. Bautista said A350-900 will become a new flagship of the young and trendsetting PAL fleet, “raising the standards for cabin comfort for our beloved passengers, especially for extra-long flights.

Joost van der Heijden, vice-president of marketing for Asia and North America at Airbus, said the European aircraft manufacturer generates sales of about $300 million every year from the Philippines.

“This is in particular driven by A350. With the A350 ramping up in the coming years, we expect the sourcing volume from the Philippines

Hilton Manila general manager Simon McGrath, along with newly appointed executives

revenue management to optimize market share through effec tive positioning and implementation of business plans to establish a roster of top corporate clientele and maximize rooms and banquet sales revenues.

Prior to joining Hilton Manila, Esguerra was financial controller for two international brands, Dusit Thani Manila and Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island, Cebu. Her exposure in hotel financial operations has equipped her to drive the financial planning of the company through analyzing performance and risk.

As Hilton Manila’s director of finance, Esguerra will be managing all financial aspects including driving profitability, operational controls and overseeing the hotel’s financial strategy and forecasting.

“We are delighted to welcome our four directors on board who will form the cornerstone of our organizational culture,” said McGrath.

“Their broad exposure in the hospitality industry, core competencies and excellent leadership skills will lead the team to a successful launch in the third quarter. With their high level of local and international experience, Hilton is truly ready to re-establish the brand in the Philippines,” he said.

Hilton Manila forms an integral part of Resorts World Manila and is strategically located adjacent to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Featuring 357 guest rooms and suites, five food and beverage outlets, an expansive resort-style pool, a fitness center and function rooms including a ballroom, Hilton Manila is an urban oasis for business and leisure travelers.

to increase by about 50 percent in the coming five years,” van der Heijden said.

He said about 1,700 Filipino workers are also involved in the development of A350 XWB family, particularly in the production of galley equipment.

BE Aerospace, which has a facility in Tanauan, Batangas, produces galley systems for the A350 XWB. Moog, which is based in Baguio City, also manufactures actuators and valves control systems for all Airbus programs, including the primary and secondary flight controls of A350 XWB. “ We are committed to the long-term development of aerospace in the Philippines.

We are supporting the skill and sustainable employment of about 1,700 people,” Van der Heijden said. “The A350-900 that will be entering the Philippine Airline fleet has a lot of equipment from the Philippines in it.”

Daniel Baron, the cabin designer of PAL’s first A350-900 plane, said the new aircraft promises to deliver premium experience with touch of heritage and modern features such as mood lighting system. “It is so different from anything we have seen,” he said.

Bautista said the A350-900 aircraft may be

initially deployed to Manila-London r0ute and possibly to other parts of Europe and North America. He said this would also encourage more foreign passengers to take PAL, thereby increasing their share from the current 10 percent of the airline’s market.

Van der Heijden said that globally, Airbus has received 882 orders for A350 XWB family as of June 2018, of which 182 were already delivered.

The company which has more than 55,000 employees in different nations has delivered a total of 11,229 aircraft for 18,397 orders as of June, which translated into a backlog of 7,168.

Its best-selling aircraft is the single-aisle A320neo, patronized by many budget carriers.

It is also the manufacturer of the largest commercial aircraft in operation—the A380.

Van der Heijden said PAL ordered its first Airbus plane—A300B4 or the “Lovebus” in 1978.

Today, PAL operates 46 Airbus aircraft, including 7 A320, 20 A321, 15A330, 4A340, and the first A350-900.

“We are very proud to welcome Philippine Airlines as the newest A350 operator,” said Van der Heijden. Roderick T. dela Cruz

YOUNG EDUCATOR TAKES TEACHING TO NEW HEIGHTS TEACHING is a rewarding career for those who have aspirations to make a difference by educating people.

For Angeline “Angie” Quiatchon, teaching means so much more than the lessons taught inside a classroom.

Recognizing her essential role in preparing the young to become productive members of society in the future, 30-year-old Teacher Angie of Bitin Elementary School in Laguna, has made learning more engaging, hence more meaningful, for her students.

Teacher Angie was among the participants of AboitizPower subsidiary AP Renewables Inc.’s pioneering “Readto-Succeed” program, an initiative to hone the skills of teachers in creative storytelling. “Read-to-Succeed” was launched in 2017, where 48 Grades 1-3 teachers from APRI’s host schools in Laguna, Batangas, and Albay, were trained.

While Teacher Angie loves writing, she has not fully realized this passion of hers until she became part of the “Read-to-Succeed” program.

“I used to write stories when I was a kid, but growing up, I got so busy doing other things that I had to set writing aside. But after undergoing the ‘Readto-Succeed’ training of APRI, my passion for writing was rekindled. I started writing again,” Teacher Angie said.

The objective of the “Read-toSucceed” program is to help teachers make lessons more interesting for students by transforming existing learning materials into creative stories.

But Teacher Angie went out of her way to take this already innovative effort to the next level. Since her involvement in the program, she has already written her own stories, one of which even won in the Laguna-wide story writing contest for teachers in 2017.

APRI corporate ser vices head Noemi Sebastian said that Teacher Angie and all the other “Read-toSucceed” partners are an inspiration for APRI and AboitizPower in continuously advancing business and communities.

“We are truly humbled by the likes of Teacher Angie who never cease to find ways of helping improve the lives of others. This inspires us even more to be the neighbor of choice of the communities we serve,” Sebastian said.

Seeing how her students respond to her creative stories and teaching style, Teacher Angie has become all the more excited to go to school every day.

“It’s an assurance that we’re doing something good for them. I am deeply grateful to APRI and AboitizPower for this opportunity to help create a better future for all,” Teacher Angie said.

The Reading Corner donated by AboitizPower subsidiary AP Renewables Inc. is among Teacher Angie’s favorite spots in her classroom. It is where she and her students read together and share meaningful stories with one another.

Tech & Gadgets

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES WITH VIVO X21 FINGERPRINT SCANNER A

T A touch of a finger, the allnew Vivo X21 unlocks a world of endless possibilities with its revolutionary In-Display Fingerprint Scanner.

The technology, which was introduced in the Philippines last June 21, replaced the rear fingerprint sensor not only to achieve a sleek and unified design but also to offer an immersive smartphone experience.

So how does this the fingerprint scanner work? It all boils down to science and meticulous research.

When the user’s finger touches the screen for unlocking, the Vivo X21’s Super AMOLED display emits light to illuminate the finger. The optical fingerprint sensor below the OLED display captures the light reflected by the fingerprint. Based on the reflected light from the unique ridges on the fingerprint, the sensor processes the optical signals to deliver crisp and sharp fingerprint images for matching.

Moreover, when fingerprint recognition is needed, such as when the screen is off and for unlocking apps, a fingerprint recognition icon will appear on the screen for users to press for immediate authentication. Otherwise, the fingerprint icon is invisible to ensure a seamless mobile experience.

The current unlocking speed is only 0.6 second.

The decision to mass produce the In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology was made after an extensive research into different biometric solutions in the market as well as consumer habits and market needs. To recall, Vivo has various research and development centers worldwide, including the United States (San Diego) and China (Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Beijing).

Perfecting the In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology was no easy feat as it was a huge challenge to integrate the sensor to the Vivo X21’s internal design and screen. Vivo had to redesign the internal structure of the phone to make this vision come to life.

At MWC Shanghai 2017, Vivo unveiled the industry’s first Vivo Under-Display Fingerprint Scanning Solution. Then at CES 2018, the global smartphone brand displayed a ready-to-produce smartphone with the world’s first In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology.

The Vivo X21 with the pioneering In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology is available for P29,999 at these participating stores: MALL/BRANCH NAME E Phone – Vivo Exhibit - Market Market; Fone Style – SM Sta Rosa (Concept); RULLS – Cybertab Concept Dasma; Aerofone – Vivo SM Megamall; Aerofone – Concept Store – SM Manila; CONCEPT STORE GAISANO DAVAO; Rulls – Concept Store SM Sucat; Rulls – Audionet SM MOA (Kiosk); Aerofone – Concept Store – SM Southmall; Ramlay Echo – Vivo- Rob Ermita; Fonetwist – Vivo- SM North; CONCEPT SM ECOLAND; Flasher – SM TRECE; Rulls – Concept Store Sm Taytay; Wiltelcom Gaisano Davao; Greentelcom – SM Calamba; Ramlay – SM Sangandaan; Vivo Store – SM Valenzuela; Strom – Vivo Concept Store – SM Cubao; CONCEPT STORE SM GENSAN; Greentelcom – SM Lucena; E Phone – Vivo Concept – SM Fairview;

Vivo X21's new technology, which was introduced in the Philippines last June 21, replaced the rear fingerprint sensor not only to achieve a sleek and unified design but also to offer an immersive smartphone experience.

Foxbox – Vivo – Starmall Shaw Memoxpress – Vivo – Waltermart Muñoz; Fone Style – Vivo – Glorietta 1; CONCEPT STORE SM LANANG; Rulls – Concept Store SM Molino; E Phone – Vivo Greenhills; CONCEPT STORE ABREEZA MALL; WILTELCOM CONCEPT STORE – GAISANO TAGUM; Ramlay Echo – Concept Store (Old) Festival Mall; Flasher – SM East Ortigas (kiosk); Vivo Concept Store – SM Batangas; Greentelcom – Concept SM San Pablo; Flasher – SM Trece Concept; PUERTO ELECTRONICO – SM Puerto Princesa Concept; Rulls – Concept Store SM San Mateo; J9 Comp – Robinson Dasma; Greentelcom – SM Muntinlupa Concept; J9 Comp – Central Mall Biñan J9 Comp – Robinson Imus; Rulls – Vivo SM Bicutan; Strom – Power Premium – SM Marikina Rulls – Concept Store SM BF; Bluelite – Vivo Store – Metropoint Pasay; CQE – Vivo Concept – Ayala Mall Cloverleaf; Wiltelcom Concept Zambo; Greentelcom – Pacific Mall Lucena (Kiosk); Rulls – SM Dasma; Greentelcom – Waltermart Cabuyao; Rulls – SM Molino; AERO-PHONECONCEPT SM; Ramlay Echo – SM Rosario; Greentelcom – Waltermart Carmona; Fone Edge – SM Center Las Piñas; J9 Comp – Central Mall Dasma; E Phone – Vivo – Waltermart Bicutan; E Phone – Vivo – Fishermall; Strom – Concept Store – SM Novaliches; Greentelcom – Robinson Metro East; Foneshock – Vivo Concept – Guadalupe; Infonec – Riverbank Marikina; Phonebytes – Nuciti; Foxbox – Cellboy Tutuban; Fone Range (Concept) Savemore Apalit; Exceed SM Concept

Ororama; Mega Cell – Waltermart Sucat; Mobile Matters – Starmall Alabang; Infonec – Vivo Farmers Cubao; Mega Cell – Mega One WalterMart TAYTAY; Mega Cell – Market Market; E Phone – Market Market; Memoxpress – SM MOA; Fone Style – SM MOA; Memoxpress – SM Megamall; Techbox – SM Megamall; Fone Style – SM North Edsa; Mega Cell – SM North Edsa; Fone Style – MobileCellway SM Fairview; Fone Style – SM Fairview; MT. STUDIO BAGUIO; G2 CONCEPT CENTRAL MALL BAGUIO; TIONGSAN HARRISON RD. BAGUIO; GUANZON VIVO STORE SM URDANETA; BINGKEE VIVO CB MALL URDANETA; BENNERSON VIVO SM ROSALES; WOW VIVO CSI DAGUPAN; QSL WIRELESS VIVO ROBINSONS CALASIAO; HIFACTOR VIVO STORE; ROBINSONS ILOCOS NORTE; VERTEXT VIVO PUREGOLD LAOAG; VIVO STORE SM; MEGA CENTER; VIVO SM CABANATUAN; VIVO STORE SM CAUAYAN; VIVO STORE ROBINSONS SANTIAGO; VIVO STORE SM TUGUEGARAO; VIVO STORE GUIMBA; VIVO GAPAN; VIVO NE PACIFIC MALL; CONCEPT SAN JOSE; VIVO CABAGAN; VIVO ILAGAN; SUBSCRIBER PLACE – SM Pulilan ( Concept Store ); Rulls – Rob Malolos (VIVO CONCEPT); Rulls – SM Marilao (Concept Store); Rulls – Sm San Jose (VIVO Concept); RULLS VIVO STORE SM DOWNTOWN; GENTEXT VIVO STORE SM TARLAC; GENTEXT VIVO STORE SM TELEBASTAGAN; FONE RANGE VIVO SM BALIUAG; Fone Craze- Harbor Point AyalaMall; CQE – SM Clark; BENNERSON VIVO SM TARLAC; RULLS VIVO STORE SM BACOOR; CQE – VIVO STORE – ROBINSONS NAGA; Fone Edge – Vivo- SM Naga; ROBINSONS TACLOBAN; AEROFONE VIVO AYALA CEBU; AEROFONE VIVO SM CEBU; AEROFONE VIVO STORE SM ILOILO; POS VIVO SM BACOLOD

ACCESS YOUR FAVORITE GAMES WITH GLOBE’S FREE 2GB ARE school requirements starting to pile up? Don’t stress! Recharge and take a break. There’s no better way to do this than to step into the exciting world of mobile games and play a round or two with your barkada.

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Make the most out of your gaming break and play hours on end with no worries. With Globe’s free 2GB of data for games and videos, you can keep on playing and leveling up! Simply register to GoSURF50 and up, GOTSCOMBODD70 and 90, or GoSAKTO120 and 140 to get the free data allocation.

Level up anytime, anywhere with Globe GoSURF and GoSakto with free 2GB for videos and games! Stay updated with the latest promos by visiting the official Globe website or following Globe on Facebook and Twitter.

5 SIMPLE WIFI PROBLEMS AND EASY WAYS TO FIX THEM HOME WiFi issues can be really frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of sending an important work file, a video call with a relative living overseas, or a Netflix-bingeing marathon. But most of the time, these problems are rather simple with quick do-it-yourself fixes. Here are just some common WiFi issues—and ways to address them by yourself without breaking a sweat: Poor WiFi signal There are many reasons why you are experiencing poor WiFi signal and each has its own simple tweak. Whenever your home WiFi signal is down, try to repositioning the router away from cordless phones, microwave ovens, thick walls, and anything that can obstruct the signal. You can also move closer to the router or simply adjust your router’s antenna, if any.

Slow connection because of “kapit WiFi” Unauthorized WiFi moochers—or “kapit WiFi”— can slow your connection down and prevent you from fully enjoying the speeds you are paying for.

To prevent moochers from accessing your connection, you can hide the name of your WiFi and require

anyone who wants to join in to type the name manually. Simply toggle the SSID (technical term for your WiFi network’s name) broadcast option in the router’s firmware setting. Get a simple step-by-step guide from Lifewire.com.

Connection lags because of too many devices connected to the network Is everyone in your home looped in a single WiFI network? If so, one or more family members might be hogging all the bandwidth and thus making the inter-

net connection slower for everyone else.

Use Quality of Service (QoS) to ensure equal WiFi enjoyment for the family and prioritize certain applications (like video chats, streaming services, gaming, and more) over others. Check out Lifehacker’s simple step-by-step guide.

No WiFi signal at all This can be addressed by physically checking the router if it’s turned on and properly connected to all the required cables and an electric socket. Turning the router off and turning it back on after a minute or so can help, too.

Device can’t connect to the WiFi network Trouble connecting your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any WiFi-enabled device to your home network? Check: If you’ve joined the correct network; If you’ve entered the right password; If your device is within the router’s range; and If your device’s WiFi settings are turned on.

If you’ve gone through the checklist above and still can’t connect to the WiFi network, you can try restarting the router and device.

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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

HOME CREDIT CUTS APPROVAL TIME IN HALF TO JUST 10 MINS OR EVEN LESS KEEPING true to its promise to continuously improve its services to the mass market, Home Credit Philippines has now made its loan processing faster than ever.

Instead of the usual average of twenty minutes of wait time, the company has now shortened the average processing time to a mere ten minutes. For some customers, the experience is even much faster, getting their loans approved almost instantly right inside the store.

This latest development is one of the finance company’s responses to the growing customers of HCPH. Home Credit, which offers in-store financing to mobile gadgets and tablets, appliances, e-bikes, furniture, power tools, sporting goods, and other goods; is continuously eyeing other commodities and even services to finance to grow its product diversity.

The loan provider now has close to three million customers, most of which are unbanked or are first-time borrowers. Chief Product and Marketing Officer Franchette Cardona says this improvement aims to make the process more seamless for its customers. “One of the goals of Home Credit Philippines is to provide fast and easy loans. Cutting our processing time in half will improve the experience for them.”

HCPH’s products cater to consumers that do not usually have access to financial services—simply put, those that do not have bank accounts or credit histories. To ensure their financial inclusion, the process of applying for a Home Credit loan is easy. Simply approach a Home Credit sales associate at any of their partner stores, complete the application form, submit two (2) valid IDs, and wait for the application result.

A full list of the accepted IDs is indicated below: Primary ID -SSS -UMID -Driver’s License -Valid Passport -PRC -Voter’s ID Secondary ID -Bank account statement -Brgy. Certificate/Clearance -Certificate of Employment -Credit/Saving Card -Company ID -Electric bill -Mobile phone bill -Water bill -PAGIBIG/HDMF ID -PhilHealth Card -Phone bill -Postal ID -Remittance Slip -Salary Slip -TIN ID -NBI Clearance The year 2017 was considered a landmark one for the company after it grew its customer base from one to two million in six months. This year, the in-store finance provider remains steady in surpassing its numbers, and is expected to reach the three million-customer mark very soon.

DELL..

From C4

laptop that enables great in-game performance and stunning visuals, and the award-winning XPS 13.

Behind the camera, artists at the VFX studio DNEG, who worked on Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” also used Dell technology that includes Dell Precision 7910 workstations, Dell EMC PowerEdge R630 rack servers with MD3460 RAIDs, Dell EMC PowerEdge M1000e Blade Server Enclosures, and hundreds of Dell monitors.

“We are thrilled to team up with Marvel Studios on Ant-Man and The Wasp and demonstrate the super powers of technology,” said Gerri Tunnell, Senior Vice President, Client Solutions Marketing at Dell.

“There are a lot of similarities between our brands and fan bases. For example, our goal is to empower our customers, from gamers to visual effects artists, with high-performance technology to drive human progress just like Ant-Man and The Wasp rely on tech to make the world a better place,” Tunnell added.

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

YOUTUBE PARTNERS WITH LOCAL CREATORS FOR CHANGE

BIG SURPRISES COME IN SMALL PACKARD PRINTERS

By Gianne Mae Antonio and Mar Jensen Arinto

The HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 printer deserves to be in every office everywhere.

By Jordan Thomas Pimentel

W

HETHER it’s for small businesses, schoolwork or a newsroom, Hewlett-Packard’s (HP) Ink Tank Wireless 415 All-in-one printer deserves to be in every office everywhere.

With a high-capacity ink tank system, the HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 can print up to 8,000 pages with a set of HP color bottles or up to 6,000 pages with an HP black ink bottle at an extremely low cost-perpage, surely essential for folks looking to cut down on personal expenditures and extremely worth getting one for people with a printing business.

Quality prints are definitely assured with darker and crisper texts and fade-resistant photos in the most efficient time possible with printing speeds up to 19ppm (draft, A4); up to 8ppm (ISO) for Black and up to 15ppm (draft, A4); and up to 5ppm (ISO) for colored.

Create borderless brochures, flyers, and other documents that look ideal for all kinds of officerelated work.

Guaranteed no frilly spills due to an easily refillable ink tank system with spill-free resealable bottles. No one, not even Lady Macbeth, has to worry of irremovable spots and stains on tabletops we all dreaded before. A plus factor is that the ink tanks are stylishly transparent which allows

one to print with confidence.

It has a flatbed scanner that has a scan speed of 21 seconds and scans in JPEG, TIFF, PDF, BMP, and PNG formats. It’s also equipped with a copier that has a copy resolution of up to 600 x 300 dpi on colored graphics and black texts.

The HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 is the very definition of mobile printing as one can virtually print anywhere as it could be connected from one’s laptops, desktops, mobile phones, or tablets wireless and without a network. Easily print on the go wherever, whenever and order replacement ink directly via the HP Smart App. Everything a printer can do and more!

The HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 requires a Windows 7 or better for PC users and macOS Sierra v10.12 or better for Mac.

App Turns Your Phone Into A Remote For Your HP Printers

With the HP Smart App (formerly known as HP All-In-One Printer Remote), one can set up, print, share, and manage their HP Printer on their mobile phones. Share documents and images through email, text messages, and popular cloud and social media services (such as iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Facebook).

Key Features: • Create high-quality JPEGs and PDFs of your images and documents—either with the scanner on your printer (if available) or the camera on your mo-

bile device using this app’s intelligent mobile scanning feature (including automatic deskewing, image enhancements, and unwanted background cropping).

• Use this app to automatically detect if you can print using your phone, and then set up your mobile device for printing images, PDF documents, and more with HP Print Service Plug-In. • Print images and PDF documents, using HP printers on your Wi-Fi network or connected using Wi-Fi Direct.

• Share your images and documents through email, cloud storage services (including Dropbox, Box, Evernote, and Google Drive), and social media sites (like Facebook and Instagram).

• Set up new HP printers and help get your existing HP printers connected to your Wi-Fi network.

• Easily check your supplies status and order supplies for your printer while also receiving special promotions from HP. • Get help and tips for solving problems you might have using your printer.

• Change printer settings and perform maintenance tasks.

Supported Printers: HP printers from 2010 or later, including many HP DeskJet, HP Envy, HP OfficeJet, HP OfficeJet Pro Allin-Ones—as well as many HP Designjets, PageWide, and HP LaserJet MFPs. Both printers on local Wi-Fi network and printers that are set to Wi-Fi Direct or HP wireless direct printing mode are supported.

BUY ORIGINAL, NOKIA FANS URGED IN LINE with efforts to bring Nokia fans only the best mobile experience, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, warns consumers about counterfeit Nokia phones being sold in physical stores and online shops.

“We want to remind Nokia fans to stay wary of fake products as they do not meet the quality standards of genuine Nokia phones. Counterfeit phones employ substandard craftsmanship and low-quality components and technology, and are not covered

by Nokia mobile care services. These products are therefore unable to deliver on our promise of a phone you can rely on,” said HMD Global Philippines Country Manager Shannon Mead.

HMD Global reminds Nokia fans to “Be Original, Buy Original” and practice vigilance, in particular to check color variants and be wary of very low prices.

The Nokia 3310 2G is available in gloss warm red, gloss yellow, dark blue and gray while the Nokia 3310 3G

comes in matte warm red and matte yellow, graphite and azure. Both are available for P2,590.

The Nokia 8110 4G comes in tradi-

tional black and banana yellow, and lists at P3,990.

The recently released Nokia 1, which runs on Android Oreo (Go Edi-

tion), comes in warm red and dark blue for P3,990.

All these models support dual-SIM and comes with 12-month local warranty.

All genuine Nokia mobile phones have the name HMD Global written on the battery, unlike fake versions that use the Nokia branding instead. Original Nokia mobile phones also have an NTC sticker on the side of the packaging.

Consumers may purchase genuine Nokia phones from official Nokia mobile concept stores, kiosks and exhibits located in areas such as Gaisano Mall in Davao, Robinson’s Manila, SM City Bacoor, SM City Baguio, SM City Batangas, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Iloilo, SM City North EDSA, SM City Olongapo, SM City Rosales, SM City San Pablo, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City Tarlac, SM City Urdaneta and SM Mall of Asia. Genuine Nokia products are also available through official national resellers such as MemoXpress and online stores such as Lazada and Argomall.

YOUTUBE teamed up with United Nations Development Program and social change agency Love Frankie to support YouTube Creators from the Asia-Pacific Region in creating video contents with significant social impact.

“YouTube Creators for Change,” an on-going global program by YouTube, was introduced last June 29 at the ASpace Greenbelt in Makati, under the #LovePhilippines campaign.

Launched by Google Philippines in 2016, the social media initiative aimed at sharing positivity online, with information that highlights the best that the Philippines has to offer.

Through the use of their platform, the internet company shared tidbits of information about Filipino food, personalities, history, and culture. #LovePhilippines thrust directs efforts to the video-sharing platform YouTube and touches on difficult issues of cyber bullying and hate mongering. It also engages creators to promote greater tolerance and empathy through the use of their channels.

“YouTube creators are continuously using our platform to share powerful messages, tackle difficult issues, and spread love,” Head of Youtube Creator and Artist Development for Asia-Pacific Marc Lefkowits said. #LovePhilippines Ambassador Janina Vela was among the highlyinfluential creator present at the workshop. Janina is known to be a positive role model for teens across the Philippines.

“We all want to feel somebody’s embrace, we want to feel that we belong to the community,” Vela said during the event.

Vela always shows her bubbly and affable nature in front of the camera, but this 19-year-old was a victim of bullying when she was first starting her YouTube career. Through the use of YouTube as her platform, she would like to address the issue of bullying and spread kindness.

Alongside with Vela, fellow YouTuber Hannah Pangilinan also shared her sentiments that teenagers go through.

“Despite having stereotypes, we still go through the same problems in life as teenagers… We are not alone.” Pangilinan said.

Other famous local YouTubers such as, Lloyd Café Cadena, Ronan Domingo, Crisha Uy and more also attended the workshop to share their ideas and experiences with their fellow online content creators.

“The hearts of the Filipinos are bound to be united. So despite of all our differences, we all just want to be united,” Vela added.

To make the workshop more effective, creators also lectured with regards to producing content about local issues alongside experts such as NGO’s, academic authorities, and subject matter specialists.

Prior to reaching the Philippines, Creators for Change has been launched in France, Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Australia, Indonesia, United States, and the United Kingdom. During its first year, the campaign has locked in 60 million total views, 731,000 hours of watch time, and trained almost 15,000 youths to speak out about the issues in their countries.

DELL LAUNCHES NEW G-SERIES GAMING LAPTOPS

By Lou Marquez-Hernandez DELL has recently introduced the new G series gaming laptops that are expected to bring out the best in gamers of all levels and budgets.

The G-series, designed and engineered for the gamers who prioritize performance and excellent gameplay, are equipped with powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-Series GPUs, 8th Gen Intel® Core processors, thermal management solutions, intelligent content prioritization software, MaxxAudio Pro speakers, full HD anti-glare IPS panels, and other complementary features.

“We are ambassadors to the PC gaming world,” said Jay Ranola, Consumer Head, Dell Philippines. “From pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating systems for all gamers, we are enabling gamers of all levels to game at their best with these new affordable G Series line-up.”

Priced starting at P49,990, the 15inch Dell G3 15 laptop (in Black, Recon Blue, Alpine White), is powered by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050, and comes in either 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or Intel® Core™ i7 CPUs. It also has the following features, namely dual fans and up to two hard

drives; 2x2 WiFi antenna design; SmartByte software that prioritizes gaming and video content; and a sleek 22.7mm (15) profile that encourages gaming-on-the-go. It is interesting to mention that Dell G3 15 is Dell’s thinnest gaming laptop to date.

On the other hand, the price of Dell G7 15 starts at P58,990. It is designed for those who put premium on performance from the Dell G3 systems. Dell G7 15 has a sleek 25mm thin 15-inch chassis, with GPU options up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPUs with MaxQ design technology.

Other features include: CPU op-

tions of 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 processors with up to 6-core performance and dedicated graphics memory of up to 6GB GDDR5, dual fans and up to two hard drives, 1x1 networking optimization (supporting up to 2x2) or SmartByte software that responsively prioritizes content downloads for liquid smooth gaming and streaming, and a front air intake and rear exhaust vent to the laptops’ frames.

During the said launch, Dell also revealed that Marvel Studios’“Ant-Man and The Wasp” movie will feature the new Dell G5 15, a powerful gaming Turn to C3

Shown during the Dell G-Series gaming laptops launch were Jay Ranola, Consumer Head, Dell Philippines; Michelle Rocha-Umali, Brand Manager for Consumer, Dell Philippines; Delicia Koo, Director in Client Solutions, Dell; Ronnie Latinazo, Country General Manager, Dell EMC Philippines; Charlz Adano, Head of Marketing, Dell Philippines.

Destinations D1

sunday, july 15, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Two PH desTinaTions voTed

‘world’s besT islands’

Two of the country’s hottest tourist destinations made it to this year’s list of “15 Best Islands of the world” of New York-based magazine Travel+Leisure.

The Fly-Drive Caravan in Iloilo and Guimaras will bring visitors to St. Anne Parish Church, a Spanish-colonial church in Molo, Iloilo.

exPlore iloilo, Guimaras Casa Real Iloilo

El Nido, Palawan

Palawan ranked sixth with a score of 90.04.

The island, which is a favorite among T+L readers, was voted number one in 2017 and 2013. It ceded the top spot to Java, Indonesia, a newcomer in the list, with a score of 95.28 Cebu returned to the magazine’s list this year after dropping in 2016, taking the eighth spot with a score of 89.10.

Boracay, which is currently in rehabilitation, failed to make the cut this year; it ranked third in 2017.

The complete list includes Java, Indonesia (95.28); Bali, Indonesia (94.06); Lombok, Indonesia (93.88); Maldives (90.48); waiheke, New Zealand (90.21); Palawan, Philippines (90.04); Mauritius (90.00); Cebu, Philippines (89.10); Paros, Greece (88.76); Tasmania, Australia (88.70); Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (88.53); Cook Islands (88.52); orkney Islands, Scotland (88.50); Maui, Hawaii (88.42); and Azores, Portugal (88.37).

in four days

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ESTERN Visayas is home to historical sites, delectable culinary treats, and huge agricultural land area—all of which can be experienced at the Fly-Drive Caravan in Iloilo and Guimaras on Aug. 23-26.

Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort

Ephrathah Farms

with the theme “A Culinary, Heritage, and Farm Expedition,” the four-day tour, organized by the Automobile Association Philippines, will visit well-loved historic spots of Iloilo City and tourist destinations in Guimaras.

orchard Valley Farm

According to AAP director Mina Gabor, the caravan is a series of road tour packages put together by the AAP to rediscover the charming rural sceneries across the archipelago.

Day one will take tour participants to Casa Mariquit, Patrocinio Gamboa Museum, Molo Mansion, Sanson y Montinola Antillan House, Museo Iloilo, Nelly’s Garden, Parish Church of St. Anne, Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, and Iloilo River Esplanade. They are also scheduled to sample local delicacies at Casa Gamboa’s Tinukib Café and Souvenirs.

Tourists will also get to experience the warm Ilonggo hospitality at the Iloilo Fiesta Night at the stately Casa Real, the old provincial capitol building.

The second day is back-to-basics immersion in the countryside farms of Ephratha Farms, orchard Valley Farm, Garin Turn to D2

Malapascua Isl and, Cebu

The list is based on T+L readers’ ratings. “Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value,” said the magazine.

Photos from wikimedia.org

The Farm Tourism summiT mercury rising

By BoB zozoBrado

HERE goes the tireless Mina Gabor once again. The former Tourism secretary, now president of the International School of Sustainable Tourism located in Subic, is putting up this timely Global Farm Tourism Summit scheduled on July 17-19 at the Summit Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay City.

Timely, because the potential for Farm Tourism to generate a lot of revenues for the country and for the farmers involved, is so big and, yet, still untapped. This event will make those with farms, no matter how small they are, aware of the benefits of adding a tourism component to farming.

Through experiential learning by way of farm visits, participants will learn

how to promote and sell raw farm produce, packaged food items, or other innovative retail items that showcase the best of the country.

Children of farmers in the countryside are known to prefer work in the urban jungle, which is the reason why the farming industry is in the doldrums.

This summit will make farmers, big or small, realize that they will earn more from Farm Tourism than from purely planting and harvesting of crops.

It has been noted that, in areas where Farm Tourism has been established and running successfully, the farmers’ children, who earlier left for “the big city,” are now coming back, to make easy money on their own farms. with the full support of Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla, the event will have leading personalities with expertise on the various factors that make sustainable farm tourism possible in the country. Expected keynote speaker is Tourism Secretary Berna-

dette Romulo-Puyat, who fully supports this undertaking, having spent several years of government service in the Department of Agriculture.

Cainta, Rizal Vice Mayor Pia Schuck-Velasco will shed light on Millennial Farmers, while Dimatiling, Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Maria Dolores Baya will expound women Empowerment in Farm Tourism, and Raymund Aaron of Villa Socorro Agri-Eco Villages will teach attendees new sustainable practices.

Another interesting discussion will be that of Climate-Resilient Crops by DA director Angel Enriquez, and of Investment Planning Towards ClimateSmart Farm Tourism by Dindo Campilan who is the director for Asia of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture in Hanoi, Vietnam.

More interesting discussions are slated for the event’s second day. Rapha Valley owner Dr. Albert Jo will share their Best Practices, while DA director

The indefatigable former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor

Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate’s Agriculture and Food Committee

Dr. Vivencio Mamaril will talk about Local organic Farming Standards and Accreditation, and its Internationally Accepted Processes.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus Domingo will expound Farm Tourism in that country, while Tan Thi Su of Sapa o’Chau, Vietnam will share her country’s Best Practices

for a Unique Farm Stay Experience.

Rose Libongco, president of the Movement of Incentive Travel Executives will talk about Farm Stay Experience in our country.

A critical component for a successful Farm Tourism industry is the support of local government units, Turn to D2

Turn to D2

destinations

D2

sunday, july 15, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

hop Inn hotel

opens thIrD branch In aseana cIty Filipinos can travel to Taiwan visa-free until july 31, 2019

Taiwan exTends visa-free enTry for filipinos PHIlIPPInE passport holders are allowed visa-free entry to Taiwan until july 31, 2019, following the announcement of visa-free privilege extension on Thursday, july 12.

“The visa-free privilege is a reflection of Taiwan’s goodwill and friendship towards all Filipinos under the ‘new southbound Policy,’ which aims to build stronger bilateral relations and closer people-to-people connectivity between Taiwan and the Philippines,” the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said in a statement.

TECO said the extended visa-free trial program will be reviewed for further extension.

Taiwan earlier implemented a visafree policy for Filipinos on a trial basis from nov. 1, 2017 to july 31, 2018, which, according to TECO, resulted in a record high increase of two-way visitors.

“Filipino travelers going to Taiwan reached 290,784 while Taiwanese visitors to the Philippines reached 236,777,” it said.

Filipinos who want to visit Taiwan visa-free for 14 days must meet the following requirements: 1. an ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (diplomatic and official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment); 2. a return ticket or a ticket for the traveler’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required; 3. no criminal records or other records of misconduct in Taiwan; 4. a proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events, meetings and the like.

However, those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for the purpose of study, work, missionary, employment, and other gainful activities are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

T

Budget hotel Hop Inn offers comfortable yet affordable accommodations to business and leisure travelers.

HaI hospitality firm The Erawan Group PlC is aggressively expanding its budget hotel brand in the Philippines with the opening of third Hop Inn Hotel in aseana City, Parañaque City in May. Hop Inn Hotel aseana City is strategically located 10 minutes away from the ninoy aquino International airport, a two-minute walk from the department of Foreign affairs aseana, and a few hops from sM Mall of asia. It’s also right next door to the country’s premier performance theaters and grand casinos.

The budget hotel has 196 rooms reflecting the signature Hop Inn aesthetic. It targets budget-conscious business and leisure travelers looking for a jump-off point to their #travelgoals or a comfortable yet affordable launch pad for a layover in Manila.

Its air-conditioned rooms come with free high-speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, hot and cold power shower, a workstation, a hair dryer, and other room amenities.

In addition to standard rooms, Hop Inn aseana offers deluxe rooms, a special room category available only at this location. The 22-square meter deluxe doom offers more space and comes with a queen-size bed with quality linen, a spacious bathroom, a cozy sofa, and coffee and tea facilities.

The 22-square meter deluxe Room comes with high-speed Wi-Fi connection, cable TV, queen-size bed, workstation, and other in-room amenities.

Hop Inn aseana promises a safe stay to its guests with its safety features and services: a secure key card access to rooms and elevators, an in-room safe, round-the-clock security, and CCTV cameras installed around the property.

Free parking is available as well.

Rates start at P1,600 net per night.

Following the aseana branch opening, The Erawan Group president Petch Krainukul said Hop Inn Hotel alabang is slated to open in july and Hop Inn Tomas Morato will open in december.

Further, Krainukul announced the collaboration between Hop Inn Hotel and multinational hospitality giant Intercontinental Hotels Group to bring to life a dual-brand hotel development in the heart of Cebu City’s bustling I.T. Park. Hop Inn Hotel Cebu will rise side by side with IHG’s Holiday Inn. Hop Inn Hotel Aseana City is located at Lot 9, Block 5, near corner of Bradco Avenue and Macapagal Blvd., Aseana City, Parañaque City. For reservations, call (02) 842-6850 or email reservation. aseana@hopinnhotel.com.

explore...

from D1

Farm Pilgrimage Resort, and seafdec Fish World Museum, which will showcase the province’s freshest produce, organic farming, and farm tourism. along the way, there will be stopovers at postcard-pretty landmarks such as Guimbal Moro Watch Tower, Campo santo de san joaquin, and the Church of st. Thomas of Villanueva in Miagao, a unEsCO World Heritage site. day three will take travelers to the gorgeous island province of Guimaras to swing by the Trappist Monastery, alobihod Beach, the Pawikan Caring and Feeding station, the ave Maria White sand Beach, and Baras Cave.

Concluding the tour is a cozy period dinner at the Camiña Balay nga Bato, the 1865 avanceña family ancestral house known for its antiquarian collection and delectable culinary offerings.

The caravan package tour includes economy class roundtrip tickets via Philippine airlines, 4-day/3-night twin-sharing accommodation at seda Hotel atria, full-board meals, entrance fees, dOT-accredited professional tour guides, air-conditioned transport, medical and emergency personnel, security escorts, souvenir items, and travel insurance.

For details, contact AAP Travel at (02) 705-3333 local 224 or 0928-5074288, or email info_aaptravel@yahoo.com.ph.

From left: The Erawan Group PlC executive vice president apichan Mapaisansin, simon Heo of BCH Holdings, The Erawan Group president Petch Krainukul, senior vice president for hotel operations youssef El Khomri, dutsadee Khemapunmanut, nattika Kanpawong, and Grace Kam of Bangkok Bank are present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hop Inn Hotel aseana City.

the farm... from D1 which is the reason why the following speakers have been invited to shed light on how to make this endeavor a success in the countryside: surigao del sur Vice Governor Manuel alameda sr., la union Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III, and Thailand’s sampran Riverside managing director arrut navaraj.

There will also be a panel discussion on Farm Tourism Country Models. dr. lock-Hwan jo of the national Institute of agricultural science in south Korea will discuss the Korean Model.

Ohtawara Tourism Co. president daisuki Fujii will talk about the Taiwan Model, while doT Region 4a director Vernie Morales will shed light on the Philippines Model.

To complete the three-day event, participants will visit the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction in silang, Cavite, for an in-depth discussion on its programs and projects. The day will be capped by a tour to a sustainable Farm Tourism model.

another personality who will grace the sum- sponse to any golden opportunity she sees. mit is senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the senate’s But there was one very interesting revelation agriculture and Food Committee. she is also an she shared with us, in response to my question advocate of Farm Tourism. In fact, on her own, of where she gets the stamina for her non-stop she spearheaded the development of various projects. she told us of her vision of the Blessed Farm Tourism sites and Mother, with pholearning centers all tos which she readover the country. she ily fished out of her is scheduled to do the wallet, to prove her YOUR weekend CHUCkLe Closing address. claim. I could see that WIFE: I’m going to the store. you want I asked the indeher faith and love for anything? fatigable Mina Gabor our lord’s Mother is HusBand: I want a sense of meaning what keeps her going, so strong, I knew right and purpose in life, towards fulfillment and because, ever since away that is where she completeness to my soul. I want to discover her term as Tourism gets all her energy my spiritual side…” secretary ended, she from. all the “gooseWIFE (interrupting): Black label or Chivas? has never stopped bumpy” stories of her buzzing around with heavenly encounters all kinds of tourismcertainly deserve anrelated events. she other column…for anconfided that, every time she sees an opportu- other time. suffice it for the moment to say that nity for a stronger and more profitable tourism Farm Tourism is the way to go for our country’s industry, she grabs it right away and puts up an farmers, big and small. activity to share it with others. she believes that, always, time is of the essence, thus her quick reFor feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018

‘SIARGAO’ BRINGS WAVES ON CINEMA ONE

ANNE CURTIS’

FEAST your eyes as Cinema One takes you to a place of blue skies, green landscapes, and alluring waves in the cable channel premiere of Siargao starring Erich Gonzales, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Jericho Rosales, this Sunday night.

Follow vivacious vlogger Laura (Erich), who travels to the island of Siargao, seeking solace after breaking up with her long-time boyfriend. She meets musician Diego (Jericho), who is returning home to escape his city troubles. The two vibe together while figuring out their own woes—Laura trying to discover her independence, and Diego deciphering his remaining feelings for his hometown sweetheart Abi (Jasmine).

The surf-town themed film premiered as one of the eight official entries of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, and was the festival’s top multi-awarded entry having won seven of its twelve nominations—Best Supporting Actress for Jasmine, Best Director for Paul Soriano, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Theme Song, and Second Best Picture.

Not only does the film revolve around an interesting storyline about love and recovery, it also showcases the island’s rustic beach vibe and night life as well as well-loved tourist spots such as General Luna, Cloud 9, and Sugba Lagoon in awe-inspiring shots.

The film features Enchong Dee, Mica Javier, Wilmar Melindo, Roxanne Barcelo, Will Devaughn, two of the country’s top surfers Luke Landrigan and Wilmar Melindo, and YouTube vlogger Wil Dasovich.

‘BUYBUST’

CLOSES NEW YORK

ASIAN FILM FEST

By Nickie Wang

F

OR years, New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) has brought pieces of Philippine cinema to the West, opening the minds and captivating the senses of the Western audience with our own cinematic vision.

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

MILITARY GLAM. Anne Curtis says that 'BuyBust' was the most difficult movie project she had ever had to do in her career. She wants to prove that girls can be action stars, too.

This year, Anne Curtis’s action thriller BuyBust, a co-production between Reality Entertainment and Viva Films, is set to make its world premiere in NYAFF, which ends its 2018 run tomorrow (July 15 in the US).

The Erik Matti movie tells the story of cop who finds herself trapped inside a dangerous slum area in Manila after a poorly planned buy-bust operation goes awry. It also stars MMA star Brandon Vera, Nonie Buencamino, and Victor Neri.

Apart from BuyBust, Anne’s Sid & Aya (Not a Love Story) directed by Irene Villamor, is also part of the incredible lineup of films that represent Philippine cinema.

A total of six Filipino films were screened competing in the 2018 edition of NYAFF. This is double the number of competing Filipino features

last year.

The other films included in the line up were Neomanila directed by Mikhail Red, On the Job directed by Erik Matti, Respeto directed by Treb Monteras II, and We Will Not Die Tonight by Richard Somes.

Three films have already earned nominations, and received accolades from prominent award-giving bodies in the Philippines, as well as other countries, namely Neomanila, On the Job, and Respeto—all of which illustrate the Philippines in an engrossing manner that sees artistic integrity drawing power from realism and grit.

These films were supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ International Film Festival Assistance

Program (IFFAP).

“All around the world, Filipino films continue to compete and be recognized by the most prestigious of film festivals and we are proud that NYAFF is doing its part in introducing Filipino Films - genre Filipino films especially - to the North American audience. We hope that this is the first step for more of our films to be recognized and distributed in that side of the world. We wish our delegates the best of luck,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

Now on its 17th year, NYAFF is operated by Subway Cinema. The festival generally features contemporary premieres and classic titles from Eastern Asia and Southeast Asia. Genres featured in the film festival include horror, crime, martial arts, and action.

In celebration of the lineup of six Filipino genre films to be featured in this year's New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), the Film Development Council of the Philippines held a Send-Off Press Conference for Filipino delegates last last July 10 at Cocoon Hotel, Quezon City. In the event, director and cast members of 'Buybust,' 'Sid & Aya,' 'Respeto,' 'We Will Not Die Tonight,' 'On the Job,' and 'Neomanila' were present.

KMJS CONTINUES TO DOMINATE SUNDAY PROGRAMMING MULTI-AWARDED news magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), hosted by seasoned broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, registered its highest rating to date.

On July 1, it got an overnight People Audience rating of 16.1 percent in NUTAM (National Urban Television Audience Measurement). This was way ahead of its ABS-CBN counterparts Rated K and I Can See Your Voice, which only managed to get 8.4 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively.

The episode also propelled KMJS to the number one spot in NUTAM’s top 30 programs from June 25 to July 1, besting all GMA and ABS-CBN programs during the period. Overall, Jessica Soho with Ryan Mendoza whose KMJS was the most watched GMA story went viral on social media program nationwide for the whole month of June based on ratings Measurement.

The episode on July 1 featured data from Nielsen TV Audience

the culmination of Ryan Mendoza’s journey to find his biological mother.

It was in 2016 when Ryan, an OFW from Italy, learned from his parents that he was adopted. But it was not an easy process as Ryan’s adoption story seemed to come straight out of a teleserye—with lots of claims, deadends, and even heartbreaks.

For several weeks, KMJS documented his search and helped him find leads about his past. The search finally led to not one, but two women claiming to be his birth mother: Maritess Tolentino and Gina Castillo who are both from Ryan’s birthplace in Cabanatuan City.

Both women had compelling accounts to prove that Ryan is her long-lost son.

To discover the truth, Ryan and the two women agreed to take a DNA test.

Last Sunday, viewers held their breath until it was revealed that Ryan’s

real mother is Maritess—putting an end to Ryan’s quest.

It seems, however, that Ryan’s story does not end here. In the after credits scene, Maritess revealed that Ryan has, in fact, a sister named Luneta, whom she left as a baby in a local food stall or lugawan. Now, Maritess is seeking the public’s help to find Luneta so that their family can finally be complete. Will KMJS be instrumental once more in finding Ryan’s lost sister?

Heart-warming stories like Ryan and Maritess’s journey is a testament to KMJS’ pledge to bring meaningful episodes to viewers here and abroad. It comes as no surprise that the news magazine program consistently leads the ratings and is the most buzzed about TV program on social media every Sunday night.

Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho airs every Sunday, after The Clash, on GMA-7.

ISLAND VIBE. Erich Gonzales frolicking on the beach of Siargao Island, the setting of her film with Jericho Rosales.

SUIT UP FOR MARVEL’S ‘ANT-MAN AND THE WASP’ FROM the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes Ant-Man and The Wasp, a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink.

As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as a superhero, Scott Lang finds himself suiting up as Ant-Man once again when he must join forces with Hope van Dyne, The Wasp, on an urgent mission to uncover secrets from the past.

In celebration of the movie, Globe Prepaid has prepared a lineup of awesome activities. Ever wanted to see yourself shrink down in size? Drop by Ayala Center Cebu and Glorietta 2 Activity Center today, July 15, to experience the Shrinking Photo Booth.

You can also join in on the fun online with various contests from Globe pages and influencers. Watch out for posts on the Globe Facebook page. Try to spot the tiny dynamic duo and take a screenshot.

You can also share a photo of you and your partner-in-crime with Globe influencers. Movie passes and exclusive Marvel merchandise are up for grabs so stay tuned.

As a proud partner of The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia since 2015, Globe creates avenues for Disney fans in the Philippines to get closer to their favorite stories and characters.

The collaboration gives Filipino customers access to video-on-demand, interactive content, promotions and other related services across multiple devices and affirms the relationship of Globe with Disney whose brands include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars. Past Disney films that Globe has promoted are Incredibles 2, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Avengers: Infinity War, and Black Panther.

To stay updated on the latest promos and news, follow Globe on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

A scene from Marvel's ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’

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sunday, july 15, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

aTs can live for years and stay healthy.

some senior cats though may need more of your attention and care than the young ones. But they deserve the extra attention and care because they have given you years of happiness.

They can live up to 20 years old with proper nutrition, if given immediate medical attention when needed, and if living indoor, says Cornel Feline health Center in the article “Loving Care for Older Cats/ When your favorite feline friend is aging, give some extra TLC” But some cats do love to live outdoor. Tips on caring for older cats below can also help outdoor cats.

You just have to improvise a little.

“Not long ago, cats were considered seniors at eight years old. Today, it's not unusual for veterinarians to have feline patients in their twenties. Thanks to improved nutrition, living indoors, and advances in veterinary medicine, cats live longer and are now considered older at 12 to 14 years,” the center says, citing the observation of Richard Goldstein, DVM, assistant professor in small animal medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Goldstein’s oldest feline patient reached 22 years old, still healthy and well.

"Growing older is not a disease.

While it's true that senior cats are more likely to get different conditions, some older cats are perfectly normal and don't change at all," Dr. Goldstein stresses.

You may observe your older cats to be less active and playful, or they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and may have trouble reaching their favorite places.

“Don't chalk up health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however. such changes can be signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be addressed by your veterinarian, “ the center says.

The center also quotes Emily Levine, DVM, animal behavior resident of the animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine who says,”Making sure older cats have easy access to the things they enjoy and/or need is critical…We remember to give them medications, but we tend to forget about addressing food, water and litter box issues.” here are suggestions to help your cat enjoy his/her golden years: 1. Bring your cat to the vet. schedule physical exam (eye and ear check-up), blood work and x-ray every six months for senior cats.

2. Think warm. Cats look for warm places to rest. Make sure your cat's favorite bed or resting place is not in a drafty area of your home. But too much heat can harm your cat, so ThiNK WaRM, not hot.

For outdoor cats, you can have a big cat house built in the garden where they can be brought inside during rainy nights or at night. Put cat beds inside with a blanket, specially during cold nights. You can also have small cat “homes” in areas with a roof with a blanket and a pillow inside. Do improvise based on the situation in your place.

3. Basic needs should be accessible. “as cats age they are more prone to getting arthritis and may have

Caring For your senior Cats

Blue, our senior cat, asks for more petting and needs more vitamins. We give her prescription canned food recommended by the vet with a little water.

reduced control over their bowels and bladder,” Dr. Levine says.

Dr. Levine suggests putting litter boxes on every floor. some older cats may climb into a normal litter box to urinate but not to poop. Dr. Levine suggests using a litter box with very low sides (a large cookie sheet) or place a newspaper around the litter box.

"Older cats should have easy access to food, water, and litter boxes, so if they choose not to climb stairs, they don't have to," she adds. it is thus advised that the owner put food and water bowls in other areas also.

4. help your cat get to his favorite spots. “if your older cat can no longer jump on his favorite win-

Felix, the blind cat rescued by save animals of Love and Light (save aLL) after he was hit by a vehicle, gets cuddles from Leslie Carlos who regularly visits rescues in a foster home.

Pets

dowsill, create box steps, ramps, or purchase pet stairs that allow him to safely reach a special spot on his own. This also works for a cat that wants to reach a favorite chair or sofa. The idea is to provide firm footing; for example, cover steps or a ramp with carpet to prevent slipping,“ the center stresses.

5. Gently groom your cat. When a cat suddenly stops grooming herself, please see a vet immediately. “This is particularly crucial for longhaired cats who become uncomfortably matted, “ the center says.

“Older cats can benefit from more frequent hands-on help if their self-grooming begins to wane. Gently brushing or combing removes loose hairs and stimulates circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, returning luster to the coat, “ it adds.

6. Keep a light on. Older cats with eyesight problems will need night lights to help them navigate an area. “if your cat is blind, try to keep your cat's environment as stationary and consistent as possible, including litter boxes and furniture,” Dr. Levine says.

“To avoid disorienting or startling a blind cat, do not pick him up unless necessary and call his name before approaching him," the center adds.

7. approach a deaf cat or a cat with hearing problems from the front. Do not approach a cat with hearing problems from behind.

This will startle him.

“Keep him safely inside your home to protect him from cars and predators, “ the center says.

8. Keep your cat away from kittens. a kitten will not make your older cat more bubbly. “..a rambunctious kitten climbing all over your cat may be more detrimental than helpful, and people have a tendency to focus on the young cat and ignore the older one," Dr. Levine says.

You can find gentle ways to encourage your older cat to play with you.

“Try waving a wand, going for a walk with your cat inside your home, and playing chase the kibble, one piece at a time, “ Dr. Levine says.

9. Remember the basics. Cats of any age need fresh water and good food.

Older cats need a special diet though. Your vet can help you, specially on the right amount of calories for your aging cat. "it's especially important that senior cats have easy access to clean water because kidney function frequently deteriorates in older cats," Dr. Goldstein says. he adds: "Consider mixing canned and dry food to let your cat absorb the water canned food offers.”

10. Older cats prefer a routine.

Older cats can be set in their ways, says Dr. Goldstein.

There are cats who prefer more emotional support while other cats prefer to be alone, he adds.

"They may become more dependent on relationships and require more attention. it may be harder for them to deal with changes. sticking to normal routines reassures them,” he adds.

Dr. Levine stressed that older cats need more time with human family members. "it is important to give them the extra tender loving care that they'll need for many years to come," she says.

First aid For pets (Part 2)

By Mitch Canlas-Cordova First aid: >Dilute apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar in water. Use a face towel dipped in the vinegar solution on the abdomen, paws, armpit, and ears. Make sure to towel dry per part before proceeding to the next.

Check the temperature to see if it is back to normal. if it is, then you can stop.

(Editors’s note: For heat stroke, there are other ways to lower the temperature.

Please read previous articles on preventing and addressing heat stroke.)

Never give your dog human medicine intended to lower fever, like

paracetamol ibuprofen,and acetaminophen (ex.Tempra,Bioflu,Biogesic) as these are toxic to animals and can cause liver damage,poisoning or even death.

Please ask your vet for the best medicine.

7. FOR HYPOTHERMIA OR LOW TEMPERATURE Note: kittens are most likely to suffer from hypothermia >place a hot water bottle (wrapped in socks so as not to burn the skin) beside the dog or cat (change water to maintain the temperature) >a heating pad is very useful >Wrap the pet in a blanket >Keep the pet away from open windows or cold air >Check the temperature of your pet to see if it is back to normal. if it is, stop the first aid.

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.

Pia, the calico bully kitten, was limping and was thus rescued at the gate of the subdivision. “she was hit by kids in the area with a stick made of wood, “says rescuer and now her furmomma, Maricel Mondejar.

Maricel fed her, cleaned her, and showered her with lots of love and care. Today, she can walk straight and runs fast whenever Maricel will open the door of their room. she will just run around the house merrily. as she could when i open my room.

MEGaN, on the other hand, is a two-toned ginger cat, who was hit by a vehicle.

Maricel saw Megan on a grassy lot in front of her house and immediately brought Megan home. at the house, she discovered that he is male.

“While i was cleaning him, his private part was covered with fur which hardened with urine. This is because drags his legs after being hit by a vehicle, “ Maricel adds. “i never changed his name, “she says.

These rescue siblings as Maricel call them likes bonding on her bed.

“They are my miracles everyday, “Maricel says.

ZhOEY is a two-year-old shih tzubeagle mix.

“While she is a handful and is always getting into things she shouldn't, at the end of the day (or whenever she feels like it, or you sit down, or you even just stop moving), she is always ready for a good snuggle, “ says her furparent DFerdinand.

DFerdinand adds: “Zhoey just buries her face into your neck and barks away. she is most definitely the best snuggler, and at 2 years old, those snuggles are coming a little more often.”