Manila Standard - 2019 June 3 - Monday

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STUNNER.

Beauty pageant contestant Vickie Marie Rushton of Negros Occidental wows the crowd at the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 bikini competition held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. The pageant will hold its coronation night on June 9 . Sonny Espiritu VOL. XXXIII • NO. 109 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Sin’ tax bill up for crucial vote

Advocates count on support of reelected senators

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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DVOCATES of a law raising taxes on cigarettes worried that heavy lobbying by tobacco companies over the weekend could affect the vote in the Senate Monday.

Former Philhealth director Anthony Leachon and UP College of Medicine faculty member Antonio Dans said a failure of the bill to pass muster would deprive the government’s Universal Health Care program of funding.

“Definitely, the lobbying can affect how our senators will behave... how they will vote,” said Leachon, also chairman of the Council of Past Presidents of the Philippine College of Physicians.

Customs, PDEA face wringer over P1-b shabu smuggling

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Panfilo Lacson will grill officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) over the smuggling in of P1 billion worth of shabu hidden inside a shipment of tapioca starch, when hearings begin toward the end of June.

To be summoned to the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing are BOC Commissioner Leon Guerrero and two of his classmates in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), retired Gen. Donato San Juan, and Gen. Raniel Ramiro.

But Leachon and Dans said they remained confident that senators who supported the sin tax law in 2012 would support the new round of increases on cigarette taxes.

These were Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan, Antonio Trillanes IV and re-elected Senator Aquilino Pimentel III. They are also hopeful that the incumbent

senators who voted against the increase in the excise taxes on cigarettes in 2012— Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Rectp and outgoing Senators Francis Escudero and Gregorio Honasan—would have a change of heart.

While Pimentel, who ran in the last midterm elections, supported the increase in tobacco taxes in 2012, he did not sign Senator Juan Edgardo Angara’s committee report, saying the bill should be properly scrutinized as it might result in the death of the tobacco industry.

The two doctors said they hope senators who won a second term—Pimentel, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar and Angara— would support their cause.

They are also counting on the votes of outgoing Senators Loren Legarda and EsNext page cudero.

Guerrero, a member of PMA Class 1984, was the third Customs commissioner appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte, replacing retired P/Gen Isidro Lapena and former Philippine Marines officer Nicanor Faeldon.

Both Lapena and Faeldon were hounded by controversies in connection with the smuggling of mult-billion-peso shipments of shabu.

Lacson said the Senate will also summon PDEA Dir. Gen. Aaron Aquino and make him explain how the illegal drugs were smuggled in Aduana despite their strict monitoring of all shipments arriving in the country.

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Marcos blasts Smartmatic VCMs

By Rey E. Requejo THE camp of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday backed the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to drop its technology partner Smartmatic, after numerous complaints about malfunctioning vote counting machines and a seven-hour delay in the transmission of election results.

“It’s a patriotic call made by the President which we all should patriotically respond to,” Marcos lawyer and spokesperson Vic Rodriguez said, agreeing to the President’s call for the poll body not to renew its contract with Smartmatic as technology provider in the 2022 presidential election.

Rodriguez also slammed Comelec spokesman James Jimenez for making a statement that the poll body cannot ban Smartmatic from participating in the public bidding without legal basis.

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REMINDER. Final preparations are under way inside one of Manila schools—from retouching walls to painting warning signs against illegal drugs, bullying and petty crime—reminders for the opening of school year 2019-2020 starting today. Ey Acasio

7,000 cops keep watch over Metro public schools THE police in Metro Manila are set to secure students from all forms of crime, including bullying, as millions of students troop back to schools today.

Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, Metro Manila Police chief, said 7,153 policemen will be deployed in the schools in Metro Manila, including more than 2,000 cops who will man police assistance desks.

“This [assistance desk] will be a place where both students and parents could go to report any untoward incident, par-

ticularly cases of bullying and other street crimes, Eleazar told the Philippine News Agency on Sunday.

“I would like to rally everyone to close in on the vicinities of these schools. We have to secure all our pupils and students from criminals such as pickpockets and snatchers.”

Chairman Danilo Lim of the Metro Manila Development Authority has ordered the deployment of more than 2,000 traffic personnel to ensure a safe and orderly reopening of the classes in Metro

Romualdez pushes Duterte reforms

By Rio N. Araja

DUMPED. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte feeds his ballot into the vote counting machine during the midterm elections in his precinct in Davao City on May 13, 2019.

Weeks after, Mr. Duterte ordered Comelec to dump Smartmatic as partner. Presidential

Wonder drug vs breast cancer CHICAGO—A new form of drug drastically improves survival rates of younger women with the most common type of breast cancer, researchers said on Saturday, citing the results of an inNext page ternational clinical trial.

LEYTE Representative-elect Martin Romualdez on Sunday called on his fellow lawmakers to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to pursue structural reforms to guarantee the country’s economic takeoff.

“We, the incoming members of the 18th Congress, are faced with the important task of pursuing vital economic leg-

Fine dining in underwater resto

LINDESNES, Norway—For the chef and diners alike, each meal beneath the waves at Europe’s first underwater restaurant is a thing of wonder.

“We have this small window next to the kitchen and every time some special Next page

islation needed to sustain higher productivity growth. Global industrial giants see a great potential in us, but we just have to work hard to gain their trust and confidence,” Romualdez said.

“The President has issued his marching orders, and we need to follow if we all want to become a prosperous middleclass country free from poverty by 2040.

“The way I see it, we need to focus Next page

Manila today.

He said 2,500 traffic personnel will be deployed before 5 a.m. on June 3 and the succeeding days, when other schools start to reopen to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the metropolis.

“We shall field traffic personnel in traffic-prone areas around the metropolis and monitor the traffic situation on the roads leading to the schools so we can easily augment personnel when needed, Lim said.

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China: Door open for talks with US SINGAPORE—China is ready to fight the US on trade but the door is still open for talks, the country’s defense minister said Sunday.

“On the trade friction started by the US: if the US wants to talk, we will keep the door open. If they want to fight, we are ready,” General Wei Fenghe told an international security dialogue in Singapore.

Beijing and Washington have been locked in a bruising tit-for-tat trade war, exchanging tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade so far.

Wei is the first Chinese defense minister to attend the forum known as the Shangri-La Dialogue since 2011.

Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the Asia-Pacific region, which hosts potential flash points such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait.

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Veteran senator taunts neophytes

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ENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Sunday neophyte senators should study lawmaking first before meddling in the Senate leadership race.

He made the statement amid the persistent rumors of a plot to have Senate President Vicente Sotto III replaced when the 18th Congress opens in July.

“The incoming senators should study first. I will say it directly, the leadership change is far from our mandate, Drilon said in a radio interview.

“They were elected by the people to make laws and not to meddle in a leadership quarrel stressed We should work first and show our people that that we are worth the mandate that we received from them.”

In the Senate, Senator Panfilo Lacson said no one, not even the President, could

influence or dictate on the Senate leadership.

He said the senators would not yield to the “wish” of the President on the senate presidency.

“Because of democracy, there is no such thing as Malacañang dictating what it wants, Lacson said.

He said the senators had always proven their independence because “we have a national constituency just like the House.

We are not easily swayed by the whims of Malacañang.”

Recalling his experience when he first became a senator in 1995, Drilon said he was a mere observer when senior senators, including the late Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani, orchestrated a move to oust the late Senate President Edgardo Angara Sr. “That’s a reality that a neophyte senator must accept, Drilon said.

“Unless Senator Sotto committed a mortal sin, I don’t think any senior senator will care to listen to a neophyte senator if he or she moves to campaign for a change of leadership.”

Drilon said the leadership of the Senate would eventually be decided by the Senate and not Malacanang.

He praised the minority’s working relationship with the current Senate leadership, saying Sotto had treated every one in the majority and minority bloc fairly.

“His leadership has been good. He treats every one fairly. He knows that he is the president of the Senate and not just of the majority and he listens to every one, Drilon said. Macon RamosAraneta

‘Sin’...

Customs,...

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Escudero did not vote for the increase in tobacco taxes in 2012 while Legarda was not around when senators cast their votes.

“We hope that our senators would see the significance of this bill to generate revenues for the UHC program and curb the prevalence of smoking,” Leachon said.

He said he hoped the senators would not waste the opportunity of passing a key reform.

In a letter to Sotto, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said the House would adopt and support the Senate’s decision on the excise tax to be imposed on cigarettes to hasten congressional approval before the 17th Congress adjourns this week The President has certified the sin tax bill as priority legislation. A certified bill, if approved on second reading, is immediately voted on third and final reading. This does away with the rtwoday printing rule.

Leachon and Dans pointed out that raising the tax on cigarettes is tantamount to saving at least 1 million Filipinos from the harm of smoking.

They noted that smoking in the Philippines remains relatively high at 23 percent compared to other countries with successful tobacco control initiatives.

With the current excise tax rate on cigarettes, they warned that an increase of 1.4 million smokers is projected in 2022.

In an interview over DZBB yesterday, Drilon said senators agreed to introduce amendments today on the sin tax bill and since it was certified urgent, they can pass it on 2nd and 3rd reading then send it to Congress.

The Senate leadership led by Sotto, Zubiri and Angara vowed to exert all efforts to ratify the Senate and the House bicameral conference committee report on the bill before they go on break.

Angara’s committee has been conducting a hearing on three separate bills filed by Senators JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian and Manny Pacquiao, which recommended raising taxes on cigarettes by P90, P70, and P60 hike per pack, respectively.

The committee report seeks to raise the excise tax on every cigarette pack from P45 to P60 over the next four years.

Angara said the committee “did a delicate balancing act in considering a measure that will reconcile the competing interests of the government, health advocates, the cigarette industry and tobacco farmers.He said the tobacco tax hike bill is an important legislation because it would not only help reduce deaths and disabilities due to smoking, but also generate revenues for the UHC program.

The Department of Health said 85 percent of the proceeds from the excise tax will be used to finance government health programs, including the UHC.

In a privilege speech, Lacson assailed the BOC and PDEA officials for dishonesty over the 140-kilos of shabu seizure inside a warehouse in Malabon City.

The senator said he would also question PDEA officials on their participation in the auction of illegal drugs and their decision to auction the contraband.

BOC and PDEA officials earlier claimed that they deliberately auctioned the contraband to use them as bait to draw out and arrest the real importers of the illegal drugs.

However, Lacson rejected their explanation, calling it an “unbelievable deception.: He said the auction was not only illegal but also stupid, because the illegal drug importers knew that the goods were thoroughly inspected for the contraband.

Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the shipment should have been destroyed, Lacson said.

“In this case, prohibited goods, including the shabu contained in 114 bags inside the aluminum pallets with tapioca starch, as provided in Section 1146 of this Act, should be destroyed, and there-

fore should not have been offered for sale in a public auction,” Lacson also said in a privilege speech.

The senator also took issue with authorities’ line of reasoning that it falls under a strategy called “controlled delivery.” He pointed out that the operation was far from a “controlled delivery.”

“Controlled delivery, my foot! What we know from experience and knowledge of the procedure in “controlled delivery” is that this investigative technique targets specific consignees under the supervision of authorized project officers basically for the purpose of gathering evidence against the person/s involved in smuggling-related offenses,” Lacson said.

“Did Customs and PDEA officials really expect the owners of this shipment to actually participate in the said public auction knowing fully well that forfeited and seized commodities undergo 100 percent physical examination prior to disposition?” he added.

Lacson also revealed that it was the winning bidder who reported that drugs were inside the shipment.

Quoting a report from PDEA, Lacson said the shipment “[does] not contain any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals.”

proclamation as the elected vice president in 2016 elections.

Rodriguez recalled that they already questioned the unconstitutionality or legality of the automated election system used in the 2016 elections.

President Duterte on Thursday urged the Comelec to end its partnership with Smartmatic amid numerous complaints about its efficiency and capability to maintain the integrity of the electoral exercises in the country.

The President said the countless complaints and allegations in recent midterm elections created a “hostile attitude” toward Smartmatic.

“I would like to advise Comelec, now, I wouldn’t wait anymore, dispose of Smartmatic and look for a new one that is free of fraud,” Duterte said, noting the numerous complaints against the Venezu-

elan technology provider coming from not only from the administration, but also from the opposition Liberal Party candidates.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez also agreed with the call of the President to dump Smartmatic.

“It is high time for the Comelec to stop using Smartmatic, not only because it failed to provide efficient and reliable election technology, as can be seen from the numerous complaints, including the malfunction of several hundreds of its VCMs, but also due to the widespread distrust by the public of the PCOS machines or VCMs. The Smartmatic problem has become untenable and, in fact, become a threat to country’s democracy, particularly in maintaining the integrity and sanctity of the electoral processes,” Romualdez said.

The Comelec used Smartmatic VCMs, previously known as Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines – since its first automated elections in 2010. Two years later, the poll body decided to buy the 97,000 VCMs used in 2016. This year, the Comelec used the same machines again.

Rodriguez recalled that the Comelec awarded the P7.2 billion contract to Smartmatic with the expectation that it could provide the needed technology for orderly, speedy and credible conduct of elections using its controversial PCOS machines.

But several hundreds of Smartmatic’s VCMs malfunctioned that resulted in the delay in the transmission of votes from the canvassing centers. Many of these machines also failed to recognize the built-in ultraviolet mark readers in the ballot, the Marcos lawyer said.

country’s relatively restrictive and less competitive economic policies.

He cited the amendments to the Foreign Investments Act, Public Service Act and Retail Trade Liberalization Act. “We also need new pieces of scientific legislation alongside the improvements in communication, technology, the entry of foreign investors, the total expenditure on research and development, the easing of start-up procedures, the implementation of public sector contracts, knowledge transfer, total public expenditure on education and the development and application of technology,” said Romualdez, one of the strongest contenders in the speak-

ership race in the House.

“We also have to address the urgent concerns of controlling inflation, improving the pay of workers, creating more jobs, fighting criminality, reducing poverty, fighting corruption and enhancing national security,” Romualdez said.

While the approval of all of the President’s priority economic measures in just three years could be a tall order, he said, “nothing is impossible if we all set our sights on that goal.

“All we need is to unite as one body and set politics aside. If need be, we have to cross party lines to help the President lift our people from poverty.”

The findings, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, showed that the addition of cell-cycle inhibitor ribociclib increased survival rates to 70 percent after three and a half years.

The mortality rate was 29 percent less than when patients, all under 59 and premenopausal, were randomly assigned a placebo.

Lead author Sara Hurvitz told AFP the study focused on a form of breast cancer which is fueled by the hormone estrogen and which accounts for two-thirds of all cases among younger women.

It is generally treated by therapies that block the hormone’s production.

“You actually can get synergy, or a bet-

ter response, better cancer kill, by adding one of these cell-cycle inhibitors” on top of the hormone blocking therapy, said Hurvitz.

The drug works by inhibiting the activity of cancer-cell promoting enzymes.

The treatment is less toxic than traditional chemotherapy because it more selectively targets cancerous cells, blocking their ability to multiply.

An estimated 268,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the US in 2019, while the advanced form of the disease is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 20 to 59.

Growing menace Though advanced breast cancer is less common among younger women, its incidence grew two percent per year in the US between 1978 and 2008 for women aged 20 to 39, according to a previous study.

The new trial, which looked at more than 670 cases, included only women who had advanced cancer — stage four — for which they had not received prior hormone-blocking therapy.

“These are patients who tend to be diagnosed later, at a later stage in their disease, because we don’t have great screening modalities for young women,” said Hurvitz.

In addition, patients who develop breast cancer early tend to have more complex cases.

“That’s what makes us so excited, because it’s a therapy that’s affecting so many patients with advanced disease,” added Hurvitz.

A pill is administered daily for 21 days followed by seven days off to allow the body time to recover, since two-thirds of patients have a moderate to severe drop in white cell count. AFP

monolith juts out from the craggy shoreline, while its other end tips down into the North Sea. Customers enter the restaurant onshore through a wood-panelled passage and descend down a long, oak staircase into a dimly lit dining room. Here, a gigantic plexiglass underwater window takes centre stage.

The 36-square-meter (398-square-foot) window—“like a sunken periscope” in the words of its designers—offers a panoramic view of the ever changing live aquatic show.

In Norwegian “’Under’ means it’s un-

der, like submerged, underwater, and it also means a sense of wonder,” says Stig Ubostad, who co-owns the eatery with his brother, Gaute.

“It is without doubt the largest one in the world and the only one in Europe.”

‘Nature’s never disappointing’ There are no clown fish or sharks, like at other underwater restaurants in more tropical locations such as the Maldives or Dubai.

Rather, it is in this simple, but no less spectacular forest of kelp that cod, pollock and wrasse swim past depending on the season, with occasional visits from

their predators, seals and the large seaducks, eider.

“It’s an area on the southern tip where the brackish water from the east meets the salty water from the Atlantic, so the richness of the species is very high,” says Trond Rafoss, a marine biologist involved in the project.

In addition to its distinctive architecture and fine dining, Under wants to shine a spotlight on environmental issues.

The international waiting staff are trained to provide guests with information about the aquatic show they are watching. AFP

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Washington has been pushing back against Beijing’s aggressive militarization of the South China Sea, where China has staked “indisputable” ownership over almost the whole area and rejects partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Beijing is also regularly angered

by US and other warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters. AFP

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kind of fish comes by, I always start thinking about how it would taste,” says chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard.

The aptly named new restaurant Under opened a few weeks ago in Lindesnes on Norway’s southern tip.

It serves up Poseidon’s delicacies in an architectural showpiece that stretches down five meters (15 feet) underwater, offering a unique closeup of ocean life.

From the outside, the giant concrete

DIALOG ON DEFENSE. Philippines Secretary of National Defence Delfin Lorenzana addresses the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on June 2, 2019. AFP

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The Marcos lawyer cited several provisions in the Automated Election Law that provide basis for disqualifying a company from public bidding.

Section 1, he said, states that it is the duty to the state to find a system that would be fast, accurate and reflective of the genuine will of the people.

Section 7, on the other hand, addresses the need for adequate security against unauthorized access to the automated system, a breach that occurred in 2016, he said.

Marcos has a pending election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo before the Supreme Court, sitting as President Electoral Tribunal, questioning her

Romualdez...

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more on institutionalizing the reforms that will encourage the influx of more investments, the creation of more jobs, the improvement of human capital investment, and the building of better infrastructure.”

Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association and the LakasChristian Muslim Democrats, urged his colleagues to consider as an urgent task the approval of important legislative measures that would bring about reform in the

Wonder...

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7,000...

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Eleazar said they were particularly keeping an eye on out-of-school youth whose modus operandi was to threaten elementary and high school students if they would not yield in to their demands.

In most cases, he said, out-of-school bullies usually asked for money aside from taking food from their targets.

But Eleazar echoed PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde who said police intervention on bullying cases would only come with the go-signal from school authorities.

“We cannot just go inside any school.

There must be coordination with school authorities,” Albayalde said.

Eleazar has instructed all police commanders to coordinate with school officials to come up with the best plan to protect students from bullies for the entire school year.

He said part of the coordination was to tap the village security officials to reinforce policemen.

Meanwhile, the Education departments in Taguig City and Pateros on Sunday kicked off their own anti-bullying campaign with the launching of the I-SABAC or Intensified Students AntiBullying Action Center.

George Tizon, chief education supervisor of DepEd TAPAT, said the ISABAC was an improved version of E-SABAC, which successfully tackled internet cyberbullying and other forms of bullying.

“E-SABAC means it’s the online or ‘‘electronic version of the existing Students Anti-Bullying Action Center, which the Taguig City government had earlier created to fight bullying in the city’s schools,’’ Tizon said.

“As school year 2019-2020 is about to start, DepEd Taguig City and Pateros launched the Anti-Bullying Caravan to educate parents and the community on the effects of bullying and which program can solve the problem.”

Tizon said the caravan also aimed to encourage students who are friends or classmates of victims of cybersex exploitation to report and inform the Education department through E-SABAC any form of harassment that students had suffered. PNA

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MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sokor envoy seeks more PH tourists, offers visa-free entry KOREAN Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man said on Sunday that the Korean government plans to make its country more accessible to Filipino tourists by making applications for visa easier, The Korean envoy issued the statement in line with the celebration of 70 years of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic ties, which dated back when the Philippines deployed Filipino soldiers to help in the Korean War. Han, who was a special guest during the celebration held at Quirino Grandstand earlier, said that the two countries are eyeing to forge closer diplomatic ties by instituting a free trade agreement seen to boost the economy.

“Many Koreans love the Philippines.... In particular, the Filipinos are very friendly and very hospitable.

That’s why 1.6 million Koreans visited this wonderful country,” Han said.

He added that the Korean government wants to invite up to 2 million Filipino tourists to South Korea by granting them multiple-entry visas.

“For qualified people such the business people, media people of course, and government officers, we give them a multiple visa at least five years or 10 years with one single document saying that I’m working in this company,” Han said.

“Any Filipino for visit to Korea [will be] entitled to get multipleentry visa. Among the ASEAN countries, Philippines only is the country to be allowed of multiple-entry visa,” he added.

The celebration was highlighted by a parade held at the Quirino Grandstand, along with cultural exchange activities between the Filipinos and Koreans.

Kpop artists Pink Fantasy and M.Fect performed during the celebration.

Gawad Kalinga eyes more feeding centers for 3.5m kids

By Rio N. Araja TO HELP reduce hunger and malnutrition among 3.5 million affected children, the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation Inc. is eyeing to build more feeding kitchens in areas close to public schools.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Mark Lawrence Cruz, GK project head, said they have tapped a private partner, Bayer, to build additional feeding kitchens in Bulacan’s Norzagaray and Isabela’s Echague, and produce up to 3,000-vegetablebased meals daily for at least 3,000 school children in the areas.

“We have partnered with Bayer Fund to expand and improve our operations, and reach out to more school children,” he told reporters.

Charina Garrido-Ocampo, Legacy Monsanto corporate affairs head and acting Bayer Fund focal person, said to address hunger among children as part of their corporate social responsibility is important so that “when they attend school, they can concentrate better on their studies.”

According to Gawad Kalinga, hunger is a threat to children depriving them to realize their full potential, not growing to be as tall, as healthy nor as bright as they could.

The effects of hunger and poverty on children “could become irreversible, especially if we’re not there for them NOW, when they need us the worst,” the foundation said.

JAPAN TRIP. Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (right) and former Senate President and Nacionalista Party President Manny Villar (2nd from left) joined President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent working visit in Japan. Also in photo taken at Imperial Hotel Tokyo are (from left) Raymond Garcia, Alfred Lim and Sammy Uy.

Infringement on copyright SC affirms suspension vs Chinese trader upheld of ex-CESB

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE Court of Appeals has affirmed as a whole the landmark copyright infringement decision rendered by a Manila City regional trial court in 2017 finding a Chinese company and its three local business partners guilty of copyright infringement and awarding ₱24.7 million in damages to a Filipino publishing company.

In an 11-page decision dated April 11, 2019, a copy of which received by the parties only on May 15, the CA’s Eleventh Division through Associate Justice Ricardo R. Rosario upheld in its entirety the December 8, 2017 decision rendered

by Judge Ma. Victoria A. Soriano-Villadolid of the Manila City RTC Branch 24, which ordered the defendants M.Y. Intercontinental Trading Corp. (MITC), its owner Tedwin T. Uy, Allianz Marketing and Publishing Corp. (Allianz) and China-based firm Fujian New Technology Color Making and Printing Company, LTD (Fujian) to pay St. Mary’s Publishing Corporation (SMPC) and its owner Jerry Vicente S. Catabijan damages amounting to P24,695,830.

The appellate court also sustained Villadolid’s order requiring the defendants to desist from printing, copying, importing,

revising, distributing, reproducing, promoting and selling of pertinent textbooks of SMPC and copies thereof, including copies of the revised editions or other formatted versions of said works.

The appellate court ruled that it “finds no merit” in the petition for review filed by the defendants who sought for the reversal of the judgment rendered by the Manila City RTC in favor of SMPC and Catabijan.

“Wherefore, premises considered, the 8 December 2017 decision of the Regional Trial Court—Branch 24, Manila . . . is herein affirmed in toto,” the CA declared, upholding that the lower court “ha[s] not overlooked any particular facts of substance and value which, if considered, would have affected the result of the case.”

“We cannot touch on the merits of the infringement case which lies within

the jurisdiction of the trial court, in the absence of any misapprehension or misappreciation of facts that are of weight and substance in the consideration of the case,” the appellate court stressed.

The CA ruled that the RTC’s factual findings have not been reached arbitrarily or without sufficient basis and its assessment on credibility must be fully respected.

“In light of all these, we are herein constrained to uphold the court a quo’s finding, as they are soundly based on prevailing laws and jurisprudence applicable to the particular statement of facts in this case,” the appellate court ruled.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) litigator Oscar M. Manahan, counsel for the plaintiffs, said he believes that the CA in toto affirmation of the decision rendered by RTC of Manila City, Branch 24, is consistent with Philippine commitment to recognize and to enforce Copyright Laws in the Philippines being a party to the Berne Convention.

Atty. Manahan said that the RTC decision affirmed by the CA highlights the importance of copyrights protected under Philippine Copyright law (RA 8293) and the Berne Convention and enforceable against both the foreign company based in China and three local defendants. Copyright owners and publishers of copyrighted works can fully avail of their legal remedies citing this landmark jurisprudence.

BOMB EXPLOSION. Members of a bomb squad from the Manila police inspect the site of an explosion at a Yogurt and tea house along located along Gastumbide St. in Sampaloc Manila where 6 people were reportedly injured around 8 a.m. on sunday. Initial report said that the explosion was caused by a gas tank leak. Norman Cruz

Gas leak, not IED triggered Sampaloc blast—NCRPO NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has clarified that it was gas leak and not an improvised explosive device (IED) which triggered the explosion in Sampaloc, Manila on Sunday, resulting in the injury of seven persons, including a three-year-old boy.

Eleazar, who personally went to the blast site, said the incident is not related to any terror attack but a clear case of negligence causing a gas leak that led to an explosion.

“This is gas leak based on the initial investigation report from the Manila Police District (MPD),” Eleazar said.

Based on the report from the MPD, the explosion occurred around 8:10 a.m. at the Yogurt and Tea House along Dalupan Street in Sampaloc, Manila.

Initial findings showed that the possible cause of the blast was a gas leak, as investigators ruled out a possible terror attack.

“Possible gas leak (of) Petron Gasul

based on an inspection conducted by EOD (Explosive Ordnance Division) MPD responding team. No IED (improvised explosive device) or parts explosive device found so far. (We are) still conducting post-blast investigation at the scene,” the report said.

Injured victims were rushed to the Mary Chiles General Hospital for medical treatment.

The explosion also damaged 10 vehicles as well as the glass panels of the hospital in front of the blast site. PNA

officials

THE Supreme Court has sustained the administrative penalty imposed on three former members of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) for signing a resolution promoting their respective career executive service officer (CESO) ranks.

In a decision, the SC’s Second Division upheld the 2015 ruling of the Court of Appeals that affirmed the threemonth suspension order against then CESB members Proceso Domingo, Angelito Twaño and Susan Solo as well as the revocation of their CESO ranks by the Office of the President (OP) in 2013.

The high court dismissed for lack of merit the petition of the three former CESB officials seeking reversal of the CA ruling.

The SC agreed with the appellate court that the OP was correct in finding petitioners guilty of simple negligence for signing CESB resolutions that included their names and approved promotion of their respective CESO ranks.

“Here, as ranking officials in their respective offices and as members of the CESB, petitioners certainly cannot justify the lack of diligence in the performance of their functions as CESB members by the mere expediency of claiming that they did not know the documents they were signing or that they were unable to verify the relevant CESB Resolutions before signing because the documents were ‘lumped together,” stated the decision penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

The high tribunal noted that even when the three former officials claimed that they stepped out of the deliberations of the CESB on their application for promotion in CESO ranks, “petitioners were aware of the possible conflict of interest that would arise in their participation in the CESB deliberations and should have, when presented with the Resolutions, been more circumspect in reviewing the same before affixing their signatures thereon.”

The SC held that the revocation of the CESO rank promotions of Domingo, Twaño and Solo was likewise correct.

It pointed out that such revocation was natural result of the “invalidity” of the CESB resolutions and that career service executives are under the authority of the President.

“The recommendations, being invalid, the conferment of CESO ranks flowing from those invalid recommendations are likewise invalid. In this regard, suffice it to state that the power of appointment and conversely, the power to remove, is essentially discretionary and cannot be controlled, not even by the Court, as long as it is exercised properly by the appointing authority,” added the Court.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, chair of the second division, and Associate Justices Estela Perlas - Bernabe, Jose Reyes Jr. and Amy LazaroJavier concurred with the ruling.

Rey E. Requejo

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Opinion

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

Return to sender BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO LIKE a misrouted letter, 69 containers of Canadian garbage was sent to the Philippines. But unlike a misguided letter you can simply give back to the postman to return to sender, the unwanted trash delivery stayed in the country nearly five years, some of them buried in a landfill in Tarlac. The garbage consisted of human and household refuse, toxic hospital waste including used adult diapers.

Why does Canada with its vast expanse of land, much of it still uninhabited, want to dump its garbage in a small faraway country like the Philippines?

The Canadian garbage brought in from 2013 to 2014 was the subject of a heated trash talk exchange between Ottawa and Manila. It got to a point wherein President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to declare war on Canada. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin , Jr. added an extra measure of recalling Philippine diplomats from Canada to stress our disgust with the US neighbor up north.

Why does Canada with its vast expanse of land, much of it still uninhabited, want to dump its garbage in a small faraway country like the Philippines? A clean environment-conscious country, Canada found a willing Filipino firm to accept the trash to convert some of it into recyclable material. This, it seems to us, is more the fault of our flawed laws on the

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

enforcement of allowing even imported and dangerous material. Importers like this Filipino firm must submit documents and seek permission to import such material. The Bureau of Customs should have also stopped and barred the containers from landing at the wharf and right there and then sent the vessel back to where it came from. It is the BOC, after all, which is the first line of defense against dangerous items from coming into the country.

But what do you expect? This is the same Customs bureau that allowed billions of pesos worth of shabu shipment to slip through.

The next question to ask is how the Filipino importer was able to get the unhealthy shipment from Canada out of the customs area. Your guess is as good as mine.

It is in instances like these when the government usually declares a lifestyle check on Customs officials. But as usual, after so much publicity about lifestyle checks, the crooks at Customs lie low for a while and then go back to business as usual to amass more wealth to buy real estate, luxury cars and maintain mistresses even more well kept than their real families.

Only in the Philippines and its benighted bureau!

A punitive policy of lengthy imprisonment is perhaps in order. The incoming elected members of the House and Senate should enact new laws to address this corruption at the Customs bureau. Senator-elect Ronald de la Rosa, a former Philippine National Police and Bureau of Corrections chief, could make this his introductory measure to make his mark. *** Meanwhile, the guessing game on who the next Speaker of the House will be continues among House members and the coffee shop wags.

The best bet, according to some selfproclaimed experts, is that it is Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez who has the best chance of clinching it. Minority Leader

Heed the call

D

ESPITE the clamor from the President, the opposition and poll watchdog groups, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seems eager to retain the use of its technology provider, Smartmatic, which has had a less than sterling track record over four automated elections dating back to 2010.

The last midterm elections in May were marred by several hundreds of malfunctioning votecounting machines (VCMs) that the government had purchased from Smartmatic for P2.2 billion.

Even worse, a glitch delayed the transmission of results by seven hours, casting doubts on the credibility of the elections. These were the same machines used in the previous election that had been leased from Smartmatic for more than P8 billion in 2016.

In that same year, Smartmatic was accused of changing the script in Comelec servers while they were transmitting results for the 2016 presidential elections, sparking suspicions that the results were being massaged.

The technical glitches in the 2019 midterm elections were such that there was a rare agreement among the administration, the opposition and poll watchdogs that

Smartmatic must go.

Yet, a spokesman for the poll body said the Comelec needs a legal basis to ban any supplier, suggesting that Smartmatic would again be able to bid for the 2022 presidential election.

While allowing that the President’s suggestion “deserves a lot of serious consideration,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez also said the agency operates under Commission on Audit rules that require public bidding.

“We are not averse to inviting local suppliers but the problem that we encountered over the past nine years is that local suppliers simply do not have the required experience,” Jimenez added.

“There’s nothing preventing local suppliers from joining the bidding but to limit the options to just local suppliers might not be the best solution nor might it be legal," he added.

These remarks betray a bias in more ways than one.

First, given the many attendant problems experienced with Smartmatic over the last two elections, there should be no legal impediment to barring it from future contracts on the basis of their poor performance.

Common sense would dictate that one no longer gives business to a supplier that fails to deliver to everyone’s satisfaction.

Second, to say that local suppliers simply do not have the required experience is patently unfair to these companies, given that the poll body has allowed the Venezuelan company to monopolize the business for the last four elections. How will local suppliers ever get the experience they need, if their own government will not grant them the contracts to gain that experience and sticks instead with a problematic foreign supplier?

The Comelec may be an independent commission, but it is accountable to the people nonetheless. We deserve better and more credible elections— certainly better and more credible than what Smartmatic has provided.

Turn to A5

From humble beginnings

IT WAS another eventful week in Taipei as the Manila Economic and Cultural Office through its Philippine Trade and Investment Center under the able stewardship of its director, Michael Alfred Ignacio, capped its participation in the Innovex 2019 with great success.

Innovex showcased the creative technologies of start-ups from all over the world, and the Philippine start-ups brought to Taipei by MECO and the PTIC of our Department of Trade and Industry featured artificial intelligence, machine learning, geospatial mapping, housing solutions, cyber-security, advertising, e-commerce, logistics and market research.

The highlight of our Philippine participation was when no less than Chairman Terry Gou of Foxconn, the largest components supplier of Apple, visited the Philippine booth, drawn by the impressive line-up brought in from Manila.

In a conversation between the Foxconn chairman and this writer, along with PSIA President Jonathan de Luzurriaga, QBO Innovation Hub Executive Director Katrina Chan, and our trade counsellor, Mike Ignacio, the charismatic Terry Gou, who recently announced plans to run for president of Taiwan in the up-coming January 2020 elections, revealed his intentions to put up a research and development center in the Philippines and Singapore.

Mr. Gou lauded our proficiency in English and the rising excellence of young Filipinos in the field of information technology and software development. As MECO Chairman and Resident Representative in Taiwan, I took the occasion to invite him to the Philippines so that he could see for himself how we have advanced in the field of IT. His company, which now employs hundreds of thousands, grew from humble beginnings in a rented shed in Tucheng in the suburbs of Taipei, with

only $7,500 in startup money and ten elderly workers where he made plastic parts for television sets.

It was in 1980 when he got his first break after Atari, a gaming console manufacturer, made an order for joysticks. He was said to have aggressively brought in himself uninvited in many companies in the United States during that time in search of customers.

This derring-do successfully secured additional orders for him, even if it unnerved company security.

In 1996, Hon Hai (the Chinese registered name for Foxconn) started building chassis for a desktop brand which led him to secure contracts with other high-profile customers, including Apple. Within just a few years, Foxconn grew into a consumer electronics giant.

It is humility amid success that impresses and nourishes the soul.

It is in exhibits like these that innovations are discovered by people like Gou who, from experience, knows the value of creativity, commitment and hard work.

In Taiwan, these good values are inculcated early and manifested in dayto-day life. *** Carrefour, Europe’s largest supermarket chain, which has 120 outlets all over Taiwan, also featured Philippine food products, from Mang Juan’s chicharon to other snack foods, such as dried mangoes and banana chips, in spaces dedicated to Philippine-made products.

The cooperation with the French Carrefour chain in Taiwan is a prelude to our June 12 Independence Day commemoration and the forthcoming Taipei Food Show towards the last week of June.

Though the quality of Philippine food exports are slowly gaining acceptance in the Taiwanese market, how I wish government and Philippine busiTurn to A5

Candy treats JUST recently, a member of the House of Representatives urged his colleagues to conduct a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation regarding airline responsibilities in cases of flight delays and cancellations.

Allegedly, Cebu Pacific, the country’s leading budget airline, in its quest to get the lion’s share of the market, overbooked itself, adding more destinations and frequencies, even without the availability of additional fleet, thus resulting to overextension of their aircraft usage per day

Give air travellers their dignity back. that even the maintenance window is reportedly being sacrificed.

What’s worse is that Cebu Pacific was said to have kept the issues facing them until it was raised on social media. And of course, Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate’s personal experience of experiencing a sevenhour delay prompted him to call for the inquiry.

While Cebu Pacific admitted it had flight delays or cancellations, it was rather unfortunate that the Civil Aeronautics Board did not impose any penalty on the budget carrier even as it was found to have cancelled over 100 flights from late April to early May, justifying their action (or inaction) by consaying the affected passengers’ con propcerns were found to be handled prop erly by Cebu Pacific in compliance with the Air Passenger Bill of Rights.

What exactly are the passengers’ concern covered by the airlines’ responsibilities under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights?

According to Ms. Cielo Villaluna, spokesperson of the Philippine Airlines (whom I interviewed concerning Turn to A5

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Opinion PH can be proud of Juvenile Justice Law Statement of the United Nations on the commemoration of 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child IN 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the world’s children by adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thirty years later, 196 countries have become signatories to the Convention. It’s the most widely ratified human rights treaty which illustrates clearly the universal character of the norms, values and principles of the rights of the child.

The Philippines, as a State Party to the Convention, committed to develop and implement a comprehensive juvenile justice policy, which came in the form of the 2006 Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), seen as an example of good legislation by the international community.

As the world celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Convention, the Philippines has reasons to celebrate with pride. Child-friendly laws and policies introduced over the years reflect the commitment to protect chil-

Candy...

From A4

the subject based on my own personal experience), the airlines’ responsibilities for delayed and cancelled flights are limited to providing food and beverage, hotel accommodations, rebookings at no additional expenses for all affected passengers, as the situation warrants.

“When the flight delay reaches the third hour, and delay is caused by the air carrier, it is mandated to provide food and beverage to the passengers and this provision is given every third hour thereafter. If this situation eventually leads to a flight cancellation and the airline announces that a replacement flight will be provided, passengers are asked if they are willing to take a replacement flight or not. If they are not willing to take said replacement flight, they may opt to rebook on another flight or refund, without having to pay rebook/refund fees,” Ms. Villaluna’s text message read.

(I suddenly remembered we were given crackers when our flight to Shanghai last August was delayed by more than eight hours.)

However, food and beverage and hotel accommodation or rebooking may be the least concern of any passenger affected by flight delays or cancellations.

I had the most unfortunate experience. My family and I were originally scheduled to fly on the evening of May 16. However, merely eight hours before our flight, we received an email informing us our flight had been cancelled and was replaced by another flight scheduled at 12 noon the following day.

And maybe as any airline’s standard procedure, the email also informed us we were free to decide whether we would accept the replacement flight or be rebooked for another flight.

Rebooked for another flight? Eight hours into the origin al flight schedule means everything is already in place— the hotel bookings, the car to fetch you at the airport, the schedule of activities,

Return...

From A4

Danny Suarez of Quezon says Romualdez, as of his head count of House members, already has 143 votes with support from party-list congressmen.

Others in the race are Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque, Alan Peter Cayetano and former Speaker Prospero

From...

From A4

ness could focus on increasing the number and variety of such exports, as well as improve on the packaging of these products. *** Also last week, I was at Providence University in Taichung City, central Taiwan, to forge an agreement that would enable Filipino migrant workers and immigrants in Taiwan to enroll in nondegree courses such as cosmetology, caregiving, culinary arts and Mandarin language training.

We were warmly welcomed by university officials and faculty members led by its president, Dr. Augustine Ch-

dren against all forms of violence and harm, and to nurture them in every stage of their life.

In particular, the United Nations commends the Philippines for having set the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) at 15 in the JJWA, which aims to address erring children through rehabilitation and restoration rather than imprisonment.

However, recent suggestions to lower the MACR to 12 would undermine the gains in setting up a restorative, child-sensitive system that seeks not to detain children but to reintegrate them back to society without criminalizing them. Retaining the MACR at 15 years would show leadership and commitment to children and put the Philippines at par with countries leading on this issue around the world.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has commended countries, including the Philippines,

for having a high minimum age of criminal responsibility. The Committee has pointed out in its authoritative interpretations that State Parties should not reduce the minimum age of criminal responsibility, if its current penal law sets the minimum age higher than 14 years.

Retaining the MACR would also appear to stand in unity with a majority of Filipinos who are in favor of the MACR remaining at 15 according to the latest Social Weather Stations national survey and many other stakeholders engaged in the current debates.

On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations joins the Philippines in celebrating the successes and gains in fulfilling children’s rights, in the implementation of the JJWA, and we hope in refraining from lowering the MACR.

etc. How can one even suggest rebooking at the eleventh hour?

Anyway, we proceeded to the airport the next day and at the check in counter, we were again informed our flight had been delayed for another four hours. In fairness to the airline, we were given food vouchers to cover our lunch—as what Villaluna had said.

But that’s not the point. We had already paid for our hotel in advance and we were already being charged by the hotel and everything we had booked for—while we wait helplessly at the airport terminal.

In fact, one passenger whom I talked to was raising the same concern.

Who would shoulder the additional expenses the affected passengers would incur because of the delay and cancellation?

Still, we proceeded with our trip.

As we had lost a day with the cancellation and the delay, we had to proceed with our scheduled activities without giving ourselves the benefit of adjusting to a different time zone.

Confounding the issue was that the hotel had already cancelled our booking thought it had charged us for the first day as we were a no-show. We had to beg with them literally to reconsider our booking.

Three years ago, we booked a flight with AirAsia, out of the country to coincide with the long weekend as the country commemorated All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. We were scheduled to fly back to Manila on November 3 at 11:50 in the morning, which was just what we wanted as we have to check out of the hotel before noon.

However, about three weeks before our trip, we received an advisory from AirAsia saying the time of our flight back to Manila has been adjusted to 8:20 in the evening of the same day, around nine hours delayed.

Of course the advisory came with a standard apology and as a bonus, the geniuses of AirAsia had come up with a proposal for alternative options for those affected by the flight adjustment.

According to the kind-hearted ge-

niuses of AirAsia, we “may choose one of the following service recovery options: (a) One time free move flight within 14 days; (b) Convert fare amount to credit shell valid for 90 days; or, (c) Refund.”

Are these people thinking? The adjusted flight concerns our flight back home, meaning we would be coming from another country.

So, if we chose Option A, we would have had to spend a fortune for hotel accommodation and food as the 14day extension was much longer than our original vacation. And we didn’t have the luxury for that because aside from the fact we were on a shoestring budget, we all had to go back to work to earn our living.

Option B and C meant we would be cancelling our booking for our flight back home. Ano gusto nila, mag-TNT kami? If would have been better if they offered to refund us for our tickets for our flight out of the country— which they did not.

As we still had a baby then, our option was to accept the new flight schedule and book another day at the hotel even if we would be staying for only a few hours, which meant an additional expense for us. We were literally at their mercy and we were forced to swallow whatever adjustments they made.

So the question: Are the airlines’ responsibilities under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights enough to cover for the damages flight delays and cancellations cause? Should we content ourselves with those candy treats the airlines offer us for every flight delay and cancellation they incur?

Obviously, the Air Passenger Bill of Rights is passè. It should be revisited and amended. Airlines should not be allowed to hide under the alibi of a force majeure or a situation beyond their control. This alibi makes their business almost risk-free.

Come the 18thCongress, the House of Representatives and the Senate should push through with their investigation in aid of legislation and give dignity back to air travelers.

No more candy treats.

Nograles of Davao. Nograles , however, does not have the support of presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte whom he antagonized in local politics issues.

Senate race topnotcher Cynthia Villar claims she is not interested in the post of Senate President currently held by Tito Sotto. But if it is offered to her by her colleagues, will she consider being the first woman Senate president? Why not? It

will add to her credentials in case she decides to go for the presidency in 2022— unless husband Manny also rethink a second stab at the highest post in the land to succeed President Duterte.

Senator-elect Imee Marcos told interviewer Karen Davila on CNN Philippines that she would vote for Cynthia because they belong to the same Nacionalista Party that the Villars took over from the Laurel family of Batangas.

uang Yi Tang, into its quaint campus which evolved from humble beginnings since 1948 when it was relocated from China. It is now one of the twelve members of the Excellent Long-Established University Consortium of Taiwan.

Founded by the French-based Missionary Sisters of Providence, it is the only Catholic university in central Taiwan which is the reason why Filipinos would easily find themselves at home as they pursue their studies and training.

The university specializes in cosmetic and food science courses, which are rarely offered in the Philippines but graduates of which are in high demand abroad.

This June, more than 30 overseas Filipino workers and new Filipino im-

migrants will be finishing their Mandarin course program, and with the agreement that the Manila Economic and Cultural Office signed with the university, future cooperation efforts may pave the way for the opening of degree and post-graduate programs for Filipinos. *** The past week was not without some unnerving moments though, as when MECO had to intercede with the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the 69 containers of trash that President Duterte ordered returned to Canada, would be allowed trans-shipment in the southern port of Kaohsiung.

Because these were labelled as “hazardous wastes”, and the attendant publicity drew world attention, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

A5

Better education, better everything a rumored repeal of the K-12 program while reiterating the headways it has made, foremost the SHS program surpassing expectations in terms of enrolment and transition rates as well as in providing free or highly subsidized SHS education to more than 2.7 million DESPITE the shift in the academic cal- learners in public and private schools.

Another gain is the impact of the reendar for some colleges and universities, June for many is still synonymous form on an important segment of learnwith the opening of classes. This year, ers. More K-12 enrolment data revealed some 27.8 million learners, or almost 3 “the attraction of school dropouts to percent more than last year, are set to come back to school,” DepED Undereither enter or return to almost 62,000 secretary Nepomuceno A. Malaluan schools, including 47,205 that are state- said. This is contrary to fears that the run, the yearly challenge that only be- additional of two more years of SHS comes more and more challenging for will accelerate the drop-out rate.

“Since we started senior high school the Department of Education (DepEd).

“Given the continuously increas- in 2016, there has been a doubling of ing population of our schoolchildren those who have returned to school, from the 2015 and the increasing figure of 158,000 number of challenges that we learners to have to hurdle, we 370,000 learners An educated society are also increasing translates to a strong in 2016,” he said. and expanding our Even so, the existing efforts workforce that can fuel senate committo deliver quality, the economic engines of tee on education, accessibility, reland culture, growth and which in turn arts, evant, and liberatwhich reviewed ing, basic educa- become the foundation of the implementation of the K to tion,” said DepEd a prosperous population.

12 curriculum, Secretary Leonor found that the Briones. quality of the While certainly one of the biggest, the education sector basic education remains low based is also especially saddled with peren- on National Achievement Test (NAT) nial problems, from insufficient class- average scores of Grade 6 and 10 sturooms and low wages for teachers to dents.

“What the hearing showed is that bigger-than-ideal class sizes.

Even so, Briones insisted DepEd is the curriculum that is supposed to be committed to addressing all such gaps. taught under K to 12 is not being taught This includes beefing up its Alternative well,” said Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Learning System (ALS), an alterna- vice chair of the committee. “The stutive path to formal education for out- dent cannot process the curriculum the of-school youth and adults. It is also right way … And what I’m fearing is a intent on continuing its school-based student cannot enter college, cannot get feeding and so-called last mile schools a decent job, and cannot have a good program, in which it tries to establish future because of the low NAT scores.

To improve the quality of education schools in barangays without elementary schools and in areas with limited across the sprawling public education system, DepEd had vowed to conduct secondary schools.

One of the more recent and funda- a review of the curriculum, upgrade the mental reforms injected into the system professional development of teachers was the addition of two years of basic and school leaders through the transeducation. Begun in 2012, the K-12 formation of the National Educators system was envisioned to make the Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), graduates of the program more ready institutionalize Government-Industryto enter the labor force and already Education (GIE) sector coordination equipped with job-specific specializa- and partnership, and continuously imtions that they would not have had in prove the teaching-learning environthe old 10-year system. K-12 after all ment.

“DepEd is looking to pivot from foaims to boost the Filipino learner’s mathematical, scientific, and linguistic cusing on access to education to qualcompetence via his or her chosen track. ity education,” said Malaluan. “Like The change also aligns the coun- other countries in the region, we are try’s education system with interna- now looking to entrench quality learntional education standards. Prior to ing through three important steps: by implementation, the Philippines was aligning competencies and curriculum the only country in Asia with a ten- standards, instruction, and assessment; year basic education cycle. There was by developing outstanding teachers and also a need to align domestic qualifi- school leaders; and by ensuring that cation standards with the international students come to school ready to learn.” qualifications framework in order to Considering the absolute scale of the boost mobility for Filipino students and education sector, it is understandable for would-be workers.

DepEd to be a bit overwhelmed. We can With K-12, graduates of senior high expect enrolment figures to continue to school (SHS) have a choice to imme- increase in light of the country’s growing diately join the workforce, go into en- population and migration from private trepreneurship, or pursue university schools. And more learners mean more education. This also means Filipino demand for higher allocations. graduates can be automatically recogBut clearly, an educated society nized as professionals abroad with no translates to a strong workforce that can additional units or years necessary. This fuel the economic engines of growth gives them better options for overseas and which in turn becomes the foundaemployment, which can also mean an tion of a prosperous population. The easier route potentially out of poverty impact of a well-educated population for their families. goes beyond boosting labor productivThe labor-education mismatch is an- ity and competitiveness. A smarter popother enduring challenge for the coun- ulation will push profound changes on try. The DepEd has even gone out of its how we should be governed and how way to strengthen the necessary pipeline we choose our political leadership and between education and industry. It has how we should behave as citizens. initiated programs to enhance the emIt may take years before we feel the ployment opportunities of SHS graduates tangible benefits of the investments in with job fairs and campaigns encouraging basic education reforms, but this should the different industry sectors to re-evalu- not deter government from committing ate their hiring guidelines. more resources and harnessing new In 2018, or two years after the SHS technologies to further raise the stanroll-out, DepEd also nixed reports of dard skillset of our learners.

was worried about the trans-shipment through a foreign port with very strict environmental laws. So was the Canadian resident representative in Taipei.

In any case, MV Bavaria, the Liberian-registered vessel which went on a slow trip from Subic to Kaohsiung, finally docked at half past midnight Sunday, June 2, and in the process of being loaded to a bigger Maersk Line ship bound for Canada as of this writing. *** May is when the Tzu Chi Foundation commemorates Buddha’s birthday, which always coincides with what the rest of the world calls Mother’s Day. I am repeatedly amazed at how fervently this occasion is commemorated in Taipei, this being my third year to be a guest in their affair.

More than 100,000 followers attend Buddha Day rites at the sprawling Chiang Kai Shek Memorial grounds every year and it is so inspiring to see them practicing their faith in a very orderly and solemn manner.

Even Taiwan’s presidents, past and present, and politicians from both sides of their two-party system, humbly unite themselves in reverence to the Buddha on that day, giving good examples for their people.

Humble beginnings are indeed rewarded with success if one puts in hard work and dedication to it, most especially so if government will give the support to catalyze and nurture its growth.

But it is humility amid success that truly impresses and nourishes the soul.

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TODAY MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

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Initiative helps Marawi people rebuild lives

PEDAL POWER. Hundreds of bikers, young and old, participate in the 15th anniversary of World Bicycle day held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on June 2. Manny Palmero

P2P policy for UV Express opposed

By Rio N. Araja

A

COMMUTER'S group on Sunday urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to lift the implementation of the point-to-point service for UV Express units.

Danilo Mangahas, chairman of the Kongreso ng Mananakay, said the agency must first address the concerns of commuters before implementing the P2P scheme.

He appealed to LTFRB Martin Delgra III and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to

conduct a thorough study and impact assessment before its full implementation.

The LTFRB on Saturday suspended the P2P service for UV Express units until the middle of June.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran said the

decision was made to pave the way for consultations with various stakeholders.

Ariel Inton of the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, in a letter to Tugade, said the solution must answer both the recurring violations of UV Express units and the concerns of passengers.

"LCSP suggests that selected loading and unloading points for UV Express be assigned," he said.

Delgra earlier announced the LTFRB would strictly enforce the P2P service for UV Express units, allowing them to “only

pick up and drop off passengers at their designated terminals and are prohibited from picking up and dropping off passengers anywhere in between the two terminals.”

"Under the franchise of UV Express, it should really be a P2P (policy). However, UV Express is a so-called 'premium masa' (means of transportation) so we have to consider the sorry state of the commuters," Inton said.

"Despite the scheme, there will always be someone who would get off along the way," he added.

MARAWI CITY—Three years after the siege, this battle-scarred community and its people are showing signs of recovery.

The city's commercial district has started to come to life as new business establishments open and draw in customers. Residents, armed with hammers and saws, repair their bulletriddled homes – a look of fierce determination written on their faces.

For first time visitors, this is an indication that a sense of normalcy has finally returned to the area which became the site of one of the most fearsome gun battles in the nation's history. Slowly but surely, the city is rising to its feet.

In evacuation centers across the city, there is a noticeable spring in the step of people and a smile on their faces as they carry out their daily chores. For many of them, the centers have become a safe haven and a place where they are regaining a major part of themselves that was lost during the siege.

Duyog Ramadan, an initiative spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Task Force Bangon Marawi, is helping these evacuees win back their lives.

This multi-agency effort aims to promote social healing and reconciliation among residents affected by the siege. It is also giving victims the opportunity to express their views and apprehensions through "peace conversations" – a process that has been crucial in their recovery.

During a visit to the Bahay Pag-Asa Transitional Shelter here, OPAPP Director Pamela Padilla-Salvan said she was inspired to witness how the people of Marawi have coped with their situation amid the challenges and are now working hard to rebuild their lives.

“On our way here, we saw a lot of sari-sari stores. This is a very good sign that you are slowly but surely regaining your livelihood,” PadillaSalvan said.

PNP reshuffles three chiefs of police in Metro Manila DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 19 - 07 Series of 2019 SUBJECT: GUIDANCE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STMA WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10697, otherwise known as the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA), the Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO) is created as a bureau under the administrative supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to serve as the executive and technical agency of the national government for the establishment of the management systems for the trade in strategic goods; WHEREAS, under Section 3 of the STMA, the following activities shall be subject to authorization issued by the STMO: export, import, transit, transshipment, reexport, reassignment, and the provision of related services;

NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Sunday confirmed the reshuffle of the chiefs of police of the cities of Valenzuela, Marikina, and Caloocan.

Eleazar said Col. Carlito M. Gaces will be the acting chief of police of Valenzuela City, replacing Col. David Poklay who is now the new provincial director of Tarlac.

Col. Restituto Arcangel of Caloocan City, on the other hand, has been assigned as new chief of police of Marikina City, replacing

Col. Redrico Maranan.

Col. Noel Flores took over as new police chief of Caloocan while Maranan was assigned as provincial director of Pangasinan.

Eleazar said the reorganization was an outcome of the PNP's career advancement program.

“Furthermore, upon assessment of the oversight committee it is necessary to designate an officer who is familiar with the structure of the community where his expertise is needed,” he added.

Among the police officers affected by reshuffling, Maranan got the most media attention after Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro was reported to have withdrawn the city government’s support after he was reportedly not consulted on the appointment of the new city police chief.

Maranan earlier confirmed that gas allowance for the Marikina City’s police patrol has been reduced while hotline numbers for peace and order operations have been cut. PNA

WHEREAS, under Section 4 of the STMA, a National Strategic Goods List (NSGL) has been created to describe with specificity the strategic goods subject to authorization. The NSGL is composed of three (3) annexes: Military Goods (Annex 1), Dual Use Goods (Annex 2), and Nationally Controlled Goods (Annex 3); WHEREAS, under Section 9(b) of the STMA, the STMO is mandated to develop and maintain the register and carry out registration activities to include registration, registration with conditions, denial of registration, modification, suspension, revocation, or annulment of registration; WHEREAS, Section 9(d) of the STMA vested the STMO the power and function to issue or deny issuance of authorizations for the trade of strategic goods and the provision of related services.

'NINONG.' President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with newlyweds 1Lt. Jan Tabaculde and 1Lt. Kerlyn Tabaculde as he stands as one of the principal sponsors during the wedding at St. Ignatius de Loyola Cathedral in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Presidential photo

WHEREAS, Section 13 of the STMA requires persons engaged in the export, import, and re-export of strategic goods or providing related services to register directly with STMO; WHEREAS, Section 14 of the STMA requires all persons, prior to engaging in the export, import, re-export, reassignment, transit, transshipment of strategic goods, or the provision of technical assistance or related services, shall apply for an authorization from the STMO. NOW, THEREFORE, this Order is hereby issued for the information, implementation, and guidance of all concerned: Section 1. The STMO will adopt a phased implementation of the activities under the STMA to give industry stakeholders ample time to properly comply with the requirements under the STMA, to wit: 1st phase - Registration 2nd phase - Export 3rd phase - Transit I Transshipment 4th phase - Re-export I Reassignment 5th phase - Related Services 6th phase - Import Section 2. Considering that export will be regulated in the 2nd phase, exporters of dual-use goods shall submit their applications for registration first.

Section 3. The STMO will issue manuals and/ or guidelines on STMA implementation.

Section 4. Should any provision of this Order or any part thereof be declared invalid, the other provisions or parts, in so far as they are separable to the invalid ones, shall remain in force and effect.

Section 6. This order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Issued this 6th day of March, 2019 in Makati City Recommending approval:

Security detail of Tulfo brothers recalled—Año INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday ordered the Philippine National Police to recall eight police security detail of media personality Erwin Tulfo and his three siblings but said this has nothing to do with Tulfo's controversial rant against AUCTION SALE Social Welfare chief and ACME PAWNSHOP former Army head Ro1 Level Glorietta 3 Ayala, lando Bautista.

Makati and its branches in Majalco Bldg., Buenavidez Año said the pullout St., Legaspi Village, Makati was part of “standard and L & R Bldg., Pasay Road, Makati auction sale protocol.” on June 05, 2019, 3:00 pm Alabang Town Center, PNP spokesman Col. Alabang Zapote Road, MJ Holding Bldg., Almanza Las Bernard Banac said Piñas, Circle C G14, #17 based on standard protoCongressional Ave., Bahay Toro D1, Quezon City at col, the two PNP securi9:30 am. All items pawned January 1, to 31, 2019. ty personnel assigned to Notary Public Erwin, and the six others st

DR. CEFERINO S. RODOLFO Undersecretary Industry Development and Trade Policy Group Approved by:

RAMON M. LOPEZ Secretary (MS-JUNE 3, 2019)

(MS-JUNE. 3, 2019)

detailed to his brothers Ben and Raffy and sister Jocelyn, will undergo regular inspection, interview and debriefing this week.

“The continuation of security detail will largely depend on the outcome of this regular review process and the revalidation of the level of threats against the protectees. This standard protocol applies to all authorized protectees, and not only to Erwin Tulfo,” said Banac in statement.

“All authorization of Tulfo siblings will undergo the same review process as ordered

by Sec. Año,” he added.

Last week, Erwin berated Bautista after the latter begged off from an interview as he was in a meeting with a Singaporean ambassador, prompting active and retired military officers to demand an apology from the

media personality.

Asked why the Tulfo siblings have security details, Banac said “any person can request for security from the PNP when they feel their life is threatened.”

“Upon request, they will undergo threat assessment, and if the threat is confirmed they will be provided security detail,” he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also recalled the Marine personnel assigned as security escorts to Ramon Tulfo, the country's special envoy to China, due to “dearth of personnel.”

“Due to the dearth of personnel, the Philippine Marine Corps has started recalling its Marines (personnel) who are detailed outside the Corps as security detail,” said AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

A7

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Ruiz shocks Joshua for world crown LOS ANGELES—Anthony Joshua’s bid to make a splash in his US debut ended in misery for the three belt heavyweight world champion with a stunning loss to underdog Andy Ruiz at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Ruiz recorded a monster upset, knocking down Britain’s Joshua four times to take the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization titles.

Ruiz came into the fight as a massive 20-1 underdog. But he won it in the middle of the seventh round when the referee stopped it at 1:26 of the round after the fourth knockdown.

Ruiz, sent to the canvas once himself, knocked Joshua down twice in the third round and twice more in the seventh.

Joshua had a massive height and reach advantage as he weighed in at a chiselled 255 pounds compared to the portly Ruiz, who beefed up to 268 pounds compared to 250 for his most recent fight.

Ruiz, who has won four fights in a row, looked fearless and poised while Joshua—who had won all 22 of his previous bouts—never seemed to recover from the first knockdown early in the third. AFP

PH boxing confident to deliver in SEAG BOXING, a rich source of gold medals for the country in international competitions in the past, hopes to deliver the knockout punch in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines secretary-general Ed Picson expressed confidence in the Filipino boxers’ chances in the biennial competition scheduled Nov. 30-Dec. 11 in Manila.

“Everything is going well. Maganda ang training ng mga boxers natin at talagang pursigido sila na manalo ng golds sa SEA Games,” said Picson during the 24th “Usapang Sports” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports at the National Press Club in Intramuros.

“There are 13 events in the SEAG— eight in men and five in women’s divisions. Mahirap sabihin kung ilang gold medals ang kaya natin, pero nasa atin ‘yung homecourt advantage,” added Picson, who represented ABAP president Ricky Vargas.n the weekly sports forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.

But Picson had a word of caution to the Filipino boxers.

“We can’t take them (rivals) lightly.

Madami na din magagaling. Kung dati ‘yung SEA Games parang dual meet lang ng Philippines at Thailand, ngayon iba na. Malalakas na din ‘yung mga kalaban, pati Indonesia at Vietnam at isa pang bansa, na sa abroad din nagtraining,” explained Picson.

Picson also assured that only the best of the best will be selected to represent the country to ensure the country’s chances for the overall championships.

He said the members of the national team will be determined by late September or early October.

“Definitely, we’ll hold a series of qualifying competitions. We do not want to just handpick the members of the national team,” said Picson.

“Madami tayong magaling na boxers ngayon. ‘Yung members ng Team B nakikipagsabayan na ngayon sa Team A. Wala ng kuya-kuya.”

Among the top fighters expected to make it to the national team are Felix Marcial and Josie Gabuco, who both captured the golds in the India Open, one of the strongest comperitions in the region.

Another boxer being eyed is Carlo Paalam, who earned the bronze in the same Indian tournament despite an early injury.

“Madami pa silang training at tournaments. Both the men and women’s teams are still in India for boxing camp.

May pupunta sa Shanghai, China then sa Thailand for the King’s Cup. May training camp din sa Uzbekistan, China and even the US, pati pocket tournaments,” he explained.“Siyempre malaking tulong ang PSC under Chairman Butch Ramirez. Halos lahat ng request namin para sa national team, ibinibigay.”

“Chairman Ramirez was able to secure permission to allot an additional P600 million for training of athletes for the SEAG. It’s not a big amount, but malaki na din talagang tulong hindi lang sa boxing but sa lahat ng NSAs.”

Kaymer builds 2-shot lead at Memorial

Andy Ruiz Jr knocks down Anthony Joshua in the seventh round during their IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden on June 01, 2019 in New York City. AFP

Warriors, Curry have been ‘transformational’ for NBA T ORONTO—Stephen Curry’s record-shattering 3-point shooting and Golden State’s run to five consecutive NBA Finals have transformed basketball with more long shots, versatile playmakers and switching defensive schemes.

It’s an evolution on display in this year’s best-of-seven championship series as the Warriors, seeking a third consecutive title and fourth in five seasons, meet a Toronto squad fashioned in Golden State’s image.

“They have definitely left a stamp on basketball in this league,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said.

Curry’s uncanny ability to sink 3-pointers—he stretched his NBA Finals career 3-pointers record to 102 with four in game one—and create opportunities along with backcourt partner Klay Thompson has led a push outside from eras when giants dominated inside or stars like Michael Jordan or LeBron James ruled with acrobatic shotmaking.

“I call him a transforma- tional player,” Nurse said of Curry.

“He has got kids all over t h e

world shooting from 40 feet away.

“As you’ve seen the 3-point shot become so rapidly used in the last three or four years, a lot of that is because of Golden State and Steph and Klay. Now you’re seeing quickly the league start to shoot six to eight feet behind the line pretty regularly. You didn’t see that maybe even a couple years ago.

“He has transformed the way people view the 3-pointer.”

The risk of a long shot is being more than overtaken by the benefits of an extra point for every made basket from beyond the arc.

Curry warns, however, that it takes exceptional work to sink them often enough to make it worth doing.

“You don’t just wake up and accidentally or coincidentally be great at something. You got to put the time in,” Curry said.

Parents say kids want to mimic the high-

lights they see on television and Curry is proud to be a role model.

“Hopefully they understand and appreciate the countless hours and the hard work that goes into it. Hopefully they’re inspired and motivated they can do some of the stuff I do.”

Curry works not only on accuracy but on creating opportunities.

“He’s got an incredible shooting stroke from anywhere,” Nurse said. “When people are chasing him, he just dribbles and gets around them.

“He has a great, skillful finishing game with the floaters, taking it right to the rim if you’re constantly pressed up on him, and then he’s unbelievable at giving it up and racing back outside the line and catching and firing a three.”

‘Head on a swivel’ Warriors reserve Shaun Livingston says constant motion is the secret to success for Curry and Golden State.

“You’re constantly moving. You’re keeping everybody’s head on a swivel,” he said. “They create so much space without having the ball. Not very many people that can do it. That’s kind of what makes us go.” AFP

WASHINGTON—Former world number one Martin Kaymer closed in on his first title in almost five years Saturday, firing a six-under par 66 to take a twoshot lead over Adam Scott in the US PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament.

Germany’s Kaymer hasn’t won since his 2014 US Open triumph at Pinehurst, battling shoulder and wrist injuries along with a loss of focus and confidence as he slipped to his current 186th in the world.

But Kaymer didn’t put a foot wrong on the Muirfield Village course in Dublin, Ohio, nabbing six birdies without a bogey for a 15-under par total of 201.

Australia’s Scott, another former major champion who hasn’t won in more than three years, had seven birdies in his 66, using a spectacular approach at the tough 18th hole to set up a three-foot finishing birdie.

Scott’s 54-hole total of 203 put him two shots in front of a trio of players headed by three-time major winner Jordan Spieth and including Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and American Patrick Cantlay.

Matsuyama produced the best score of the day, capping his 64 with a chip-in for birdie from dense rough at 18. Cantlay carded a 68 and Spieth a 69.

Kaymer, who shared the overnight lead with South Korean rookie Lee Kyoung-hoon and American Troy Merritt, pulled away methodically as Lee’s hot start gave way to a tough back nine and Merritt failed to fire.

Lee pulled away with four birdies in the first five holes. But he bogeyed four of five from the seventh through the 11th to fade to six off the lead.

Kaymer, meanwhile, drained a 14-foot birdie putt at the third, and stuck it close for birdies at the ninth and 11th before rolling in a long birdie bomb at the 13th.

Birdies at 15 and 16 stretched his lead, and he said he’d try to take the same approach on Sunday.

Woods fades “I said to my caddie today on the range a very true thing, you know it doesn’t really matter if you are 60th and play 18 holes or you lead the tournament and play 18 holes, the 18 holes don’t change,” Kaymer said.

“That will be my same attitude tomorrow: stay in control of the golf ball, hit fairways, hit greens, use the chances that will appear and see what happens.”

Scott’s lone bogey was a three-putt at the ninth hole, and the Australian was confident he has the game to win again.

“I’m just going to play as good as I can tomorrow,” Scott said. “I feel like my game is at a level that if I put it all together properly and control myself out there, I can win.” AFP

Former national champ boosts PGT cast

After a year-long wait, Lloyd Go gets the chance to slug it out with PGT’s top guns

LLOYD Go finally marks his pro debut on the Philippine Golf Tour, upbeat but wary of his chances against a slew of veteran local and foreign campaigners in the ICTSI Club Filipino de Cebu Invitational beginning Wednesday (June 5) at Club Filipino de Cebu golf course in Danao City.

The former national champion actually dominated and topped the 72-hole PGT Qualifying School at Taal Splendido in 2018 but deferred moving to the pro ranks to help power Team Asia-Pacific past Team Europe in the Bonnalack Trophy in Doha, Qatar, thus forfeiting his PGT playing rights.

But the Cebuano star, who also gained an Asian Tour card last December and finished tied for 52nd in Bangabandhu Cup in Bangladesh last April, is seeing action this week as one of the six invitees, joining the likes PGT Asia leg winner David Gleeson of Australia, Mateo Gomez and Sebastian Lopez of Colombia, Englishman George Twyman and Jack Sullivan, another talented shotmaker from Down Under.

They will be up against a stellar international cast, led by defending champion Jhonnel Ababa, multi-titled Tony Lascuña and Jay Bayron, former Masters titlist Jerson Balasabas, PGT Asia leg champions James Ryan Lam, Justin Quiban, Joenard Rates and Rene Menor, along with PGT

winners Guido Van der Valk of the Netherlands, Zanieboy Gialon, Charles Hong and Mars Pucay along with recent National pro-am champion Rey Pagunsan.

A slew of foreign aces are also in the fold, all aiming for a top finish in the 72-hole championship at the tight, up-and-down layout, including Americans Lexus Keoninh, Charles Lee, Pete Vilairatana and Sean Talmadge, Aussies Fidel Concepcion and Calum Junifer, Koreans Hyang Myung Chal, Kim Young Hyun, Park Jun Sung, and Japanese Ryui Hashimoto, Makoto Iwasaki, Yudai Suzuki, Kei Matsuoka, Kanata Nakagawa, Ryo Nishimura and Raiki Okamoto.

Others tipped to contend for top honors in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. are Emilio Parodi of Argentina, PGT QSchool topnotcher Marcos Pastor of Spain, Thai Pachara Sakulyong, Peter Stojanvoski of Macedonia, The event, backed by Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, Champion, Summit Mineral Water, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT and M.Y. Shokai Technology, Inc. also serves as the kickoff leg of the four-stage Visayan swing with action shifting to Bacolod Country Club on June 12-15, then to Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club on June 19-23, then to Iloilo Golf and Country Club on June 26-29.

Serena, Osaka crash out of Roland Garros PARIS—Serena Williams suffered her earliest Grand Slam exit since 2014 when she crashed out of the French Open on Saturday, ending her bid to win a record-equalling 24th major, just hours after world number one Naomi Osaka also suffered a shock defeat.

Williams was beaten 6-2, 7-5 by US compatriot Sofia Kenin, who wasn’t even born when the American legend made her Paris debut in 1998, in the third round.

Top seed Osaka’s hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended when she was knocked out by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, 6-4, 6-2.

Their losses mean that 14 of the top 20 seeds in the women’s draw have failed to make the second week in Paris.

It was 37-year-old Serena’s earliest exit at the Slams since a third round loss to Alize Cornet at Wimbledon in 2014.

Three-time Roland Garros champion Williams was attempting to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 majors.

“She played really well, especially in the first set where she hit pretty much within an inch of the line all the time,” said Williams.

The America veteran, who played just one clay court match in Rome be-

fore suffering a knee injury in the run up to the French Open, said she had expected to progress further in Paris.

“I would have expected to have gotten past the the third round. If someone said I would only get this far, I’d have said they were a liar.

“I haven’t been on the court as much as I would have wanted to. It’s been a gruelling season.”

Kenin, the 20-year-old world number 35, will face eighth seed Ashleigh Barty of Australia for a place in the quarter-finals.

“There’s a lot of emotions now,” said the Russian-born player.

“Serena is such a great champion and I have all the respect for her.” AFP

Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts as she plays against Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova during their women’s singles third round match on day seven of The Roland Garros 2019 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on June 1. AFP

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph; sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

PH Volcanoes keep Asian Rugby plum

By Peter Atencio

TRAINING. Senator Manny Pacquiao continues his training Saturday at the Elorde Gym Five E-Com Building in Pasay City for his fight against American WBA welterweight super champion Keith Thurman at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20. Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

Neymar accused of raping woman in Paris: reports RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil—Star striker Neymar has been accused of raping a woman at a hotel in Paris, Brazilian media reports said Saturday, charges that the player’s father slammed as attempted blackmail.

According to a complaint filed with Sao Paolo police and reported by the UOL and GloboEsporte websites, the Paris Saint-Germain star is accused of “using violence to have sex with the victim without her consent.”

Sao Paulo’s security secretariat would not provide a copy of the complaint to AFP, confirming only that one had been filed but saying its contents were classified.

The unidentified woman, who lives in Brazil, allegedly met Neymar through Instagram, and after exchanging messages, the footballer invited her to visit him in Paris in mid-May. According to the complaint, Neymar arrived at the hotel “apparently intoxicated,” and the two chatted and exchanged “caresses.”

But then “he became aggressive and used violence to have sex with the victim without her consent,” the document said.

Neymar’s father, who is also his agent, categorically denied the accusations in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Bandeirantes.

“This is not true, he has never committed any crime,” said Neymar Santos, arguing that his son was a victim of blackmail. “We have all the evidence and we already gave everything to the lawyers.”

According to Neymar Santos, his son and the woman went on a date, but Neymar did not want to see her again. Since then, the woman has tried to extort money from the player and his family, he said.

“My son can be accused of many things, but I know what kind of man he is ... it’s clear that this was a trap,” he said, adding that the family was prepared to release WhatsApp messages that would exonerate Neymar. AFP

Blackwater bounces th back, nails 4 victory

By Jeric Lopez

P

ROVING it has the ability of bouncing back, Blackwater regained its touch and rhythm to wallop Rain or Shine, 9892, and get back on track in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City last night

Five Blackwater cagers scored in double-digits for a well-balanced attack.

Allein Maliksi had a team-high 19 points, while Bobby Ray Parks Jr. scattered 16 markers as the duo led their team in scoring.

Alex Stepheson provided the muscle inside, producing another double-double of 13 points and 20 rebounds.

The Elite now own a 4-1 record, second best in terms of percentage but first in number of wins, while the Elasto Painters remained winless as

they fell to 0-2.

Leading for most part of the contest, the Elite dictated the tempo, seized command late in the first quarter and never looked back.

Blackwater ended the opening quarter on a 12-0 run to turn a five-point deficit into a 24-17 advantage heading into the second canto.

The Elite continued to work their way in the second, extending their lead to double-digits, 50-40, at the turn and gain control.

By the end of the third, Blackwater, with its continued onslaught, was already ahead by 16, 76-60.

The Elite remained in firm control in the fourth and held on despite Rain or Shine’s last-ditch effort.

Trailing by twin-digits for most of the second half, the Painters had a mini 5-0 run to trim their deficit to seven, 81-88, entering the final minute.

However, key baskets by the Elite down the stretch shut the door and preserved their victory despite Rain or Shine tightening the gap in the final tally.

The Elasto Painters were led by Denzel Bowles, who was the high-point man with 27 points and six rebounds.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Pulse (1-0) looks to stay unbeaten as it is currently facing an acid test from TNT KaTropa (2-1) in the nightcap, as of this report.

Tim Reed (right) unleashed a strong finish while Swiss Caroline Steffen (left) recalled her fierce form to rule the women’s side in the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3.

Reed, Steffen reclaim IRONMAN 70.3 titles

By Reuel Vidal SUBIC BAY—They’re back.

Tim Reed and Caroline Steffen, former winners who yielded the title in previous IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines races, regained their winning forms to rule the men’s and women’s category of the 2019 Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines held here yesterday, June 2.

Reed said he was very happy to win again and particularly overjoyed that he won here in the Philippines.

“It was fantastic. It was really a hard race and just some of the hardest condition I’ve faced in a while. It’s always a lot of fun to race in Sunrise Events races. They’re so well organized,” said Reed.

Tim Van Berkel placed second to Reed while 2018 IRONMAN Philippines winner Nick Baldwin was third.

Steffen on the other hand said she was

quite comfortable during the race where she led from start to finish.

“It just feels great to win again. I’ve been racing in Subic so long that I’m really quite comfortable. I had a good swim. I had some problems with the bike and I had a difficult time riding the hills. But I got off to a really good run which led to the win,” said Steffen.

Dimity Lee Duke placed second to Steffen while Laura Wood was third.

Preparation was key to her victory according to Steffen.

“I invest so much time in what I’m doing. I bring my family everywhere I go even when I train. I work really hard. I just want to be known as an honest, hard racer,” said Steffen.

Close to one thousand triathletes from 41 countries participated in the race held at the triathlon capital of Philippines, Subic.

The IRONMAN 70.3 race was the culmination of week-long activities which started with the Big Boss Cement Beach

Clean-up of the Subic Bay Boardwalk. It was a public service activity of globally respected Big Boss Cement, which produces cement products with the highest level of structural strength.

Big Boss Cement Marketing Manager Josephine De Leon said the clean-up was the first of their many activities geared toward preserving the environment.

“As baby steps as it might be, we consider it as a huge success for us in Big Boss. We are definitely doing more environment preservation activities may it be on land and ocean in the near future,” said De Leon.

The Big Boss Cement executive said the clean-up was made possible through the cooperation of both the public and private sector.

“We are overwhelmed by the support of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Group, PNP Maritime in Subic, SBMA Fire Department and Gordon

College,” said De Leon.

Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay was held through title sponsor Century Tuna, presenting sponsor Big Boss Cement, venue host Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), bike leg racing partner NLEX SCTEX, official logistics and courier partner Black Arrow Express, official footwear Hoka One One, official sports drink Gatorade, official swim brand TYR, official energy gel Gu, major sponsors David’s Salon, Prudential Guarantee. Media Partners One Sports on Cignal, The Philippine Star, Trilife Magazine, Asiatri.com, Finisher Pix, marketing partners Alaska, AlcoPlus, Australia Harvest, Cetaphil, Devant, SunLife Financial, Regent Foods, Rudy Project, Sanicare, Storck, Timex, registration partner, Active Network, official hotels Acea Subic Bay, Court Meridian Hotel, LeCharme, and The Lighthouse Marina Hotel.

THE Philippine Volcanoes, led

by Ned Stephenson and Erik Erikson, got past Singapore, 29-21, on Saturday, to retain their crown in the Asian Rugby Sevens Championships at the Taipei Municipal Stadium.

Stephenson and Erikson scored on two tries worth five points each in the second period.

With Singapore closing in, Stephenson put the Philippines ahead with an eight-point cushion, 24-16, in the 59th-minute mark.

Five teammates scored five points apiece, led by Erikson.

The title run by the Volcanoes comes on a busy year ahead of them, with the Olympic qualifiers coming.

More stints await the Volcanoes in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, not to mention matches during the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Team captain Danny Matthews said this is an opportunity for the 15s to continue the good work.

The Volcanoes reached the finals following a 39-22 win over Sri Lanka in the semifinals.

Singapore made its way to the finals with their 18-13 triumph over host Chinese Taipei.

Sri Lanka settled for third with its 72-17 demolition of Chinese Taipei.

Angels soar to No. 3, crush Power Builders Games Wednesday

3 p.m. – PetroGazz vs BaliPure 5 p.m. – Motolite vs BanKo-Perlas

PETROGAZZ pounced on the continued absence of injured Myla Pablo and the sidelining of import Edina Selimovic and posted its third straight-set victory, a 25-22, 25-18, 25-19 romp over Motolite in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Flying V Center in San Juan City yesterday.

Cuban Wilma Salas and American import Janisa Johnson sustained their top form coming off the Angels’ victories over the Creamline Cool Smashers and the BanKoPerlas Spikers last week, combining for 38 hits and keeping the team unbeaten in the early going of the season-opening conference of the third season of the country’s premier league organized by Sports Vision.

But coach Arnold Laniog downplayed his wards’ early surge, citing the breaks that they gained in trouncing their first three opponents.

“Against Creamline, Alyssa (Valdez) got injured, while Kia (Bright) didn’t start quite well for BanKoPerlas and Motolite played without an import,” said Laniog. “But the challenge for us is how to sustain our form in our next games.”

Salas scored all her 25 points off attacks while punctuating her solid game with nine excellent receptions while Johnson added 13 hits with 12 receives and 10 digs to boot.

Jeanette Panaga added six points for PetroGazz, which pumped in 45 spikes.

Motolite drew 22 points from American reinforcement Channon Thompson with former UP stalwards Isa Molde and Tots combining for 12 markers.

Pablo sat out for the second straight game with a sore lower back while Selimovic, from Bosnia, failed to see action after suffering a minor knee injury in the fourth set of their loss to the PacificTown Army Lady Troopers last Saturday.

But with the way the Angels are playing as one cohesive unit, Pablo and Selimovic would need to be in top shape to stop the strong starting PetroGazz side, which has yet to drop a set in the tournament backed

by Mikasa, Asics and KFC.

Business

IN BRIEF Toyota Tsusho eyes Alsons’ hydro project

TOYOTA Tsusho Corp., the trading company of the Toyota Group of Japan, has expressed interest to participate in the 42-megawatt Bago hydro project of Alsons Consolidated Resources Corp. in Negros Occidental province.

Alsons executive vice president Tirso Santillan said Toyota was keen on investing in renewable energy projects, but was aware of the risks in Mindanao, such as the peace and order situation.

“They’ve expressed interest in Bago, which is in Negros. So there will be no issues of risk. They have issues of risk in some areas in Mindanao, Zamboanga and then outside of GenSan, that’s gray area for them although they invested in SEC (Sarangani Energy Corp.),” Alsons executive vice president Tirso Santillan said.

Santillan said Alsons was looking at four sites along the Bago River, with different capacities at each power station.

“Hydropower works on the basis of volume of water and then the drop. The volume plus the drop creates energy, the basis of which you generate power,” the official said. Alena Mae S. Flores

BSP closes down Hagonoy rural bank THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, closed Bulacan-based East Coast Rural Bank of Hagonoy Inc. because of unsound financial condition.

East Coast Rural Bank became the seventh lender shut down by the board since the start of the year.

The board prohibited the rural bank from doing business and directed Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. as receiver to proceed with the takeover and liquidation of the bank. The state-run PDIC took over the bank on May 31, 2019.

East Coast Rural Bank of Hagonoy Inc. is a single-unit rural bank located at HRBI Compound, G. Panganiban St., Barangay Santo Niño (Poblacion), Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Latest available records show that as of March 31, 2019, the rural bank had 1,412 deposit accounts with total deposit liabilities of P122 million. Abpout 91.36 percent or P111.4 million are insured deposits.

PDIC assured depositors all valid deposits and claims would be paid to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000. Julito G. Rada

Peza investments fall 25% on worries over tax reforms

By Othel V. Campos

I

NVESTMENTS at the economic zones fell 24 percent in the first four months from a year ago amid lingering concerns over the government’s proposal to reform the tax incentives given to companies.

Data from the Philippine Export Zone Authority showed that ecozone investments amounted to P29.5 billion in January to April, down from P39 billion in the same months in 2018.

Peza communications manager Elmer San Pascual said the agency was having a hard time asking existing investors to move forward with their planned expansion amid concerns over the next package of the tax reform bill.

The proposed Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities or Trabaho bill which was endorsed by the Finance Department aims to reduce the corporate income tax rate to 25 percent from 30 percent and rationalize tax incentives by making them performance-based, targeted, time-bound and transparent.

“We just could not convince yet a number of those Peza export manufacturing and IT companies who have withheld their expansions to proceed with their expansion despite us assuring them that there is a good chance to have a grandfather rule included in the Trabaho bill,” San Pascual said over the weekend.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. said earlier that members put off $1 billion worth of potential investments in the country after learning the unclear status of the tax incentives. The Trabaho bill is being debated in Congress.

Peza also said the number of projects approved in the first four months also

decreased by 1.24 percent to 159 from 161 projects a year ago.

Direct employment in economic zones still increased 7.36 percent to 1,480,134 from 1,378,655 in 2018 while exports rose slightly by 0.59 percent to $12.95 billion from $12.87 billion.

Peza said investments in the information and technology sector suffered a 7.08-percent setback in the four-month period to P4.6 billion from P5 billion a year earlier. The number of new IT projects also went down to 50 from 52 a year ago.

Direct employment in the sector grew 10.68 percent to 741,905 from 670,300 while IT exports from economic zones rose 6.75 percent in January to April to $3 billion from $2.88 billion.

Investors were worried about the possible changes in the investments trend and the incentive regime.

San Pascual, however, said new investors who reached the due diligence stage were impressed by what they learned about Peza and the ease of doing business in economic zones.

Sika Group bullish, to expand portfolio

SIKA Group will expand its product portfolio for the building finishing market, further strengthening its world leader position in construction chemicals following its successful global acquisition of the Parex Group on May 23, 2019.

The acquisition will also boost Sika’s growth prospects in the Philippines, officials said.

Paul Schuler, CEO of Sika, said the acquisition would translate into excellent growth for both companies.

“With the acquisition we are bringing together two strong companies. Parex’s and Sika’s joint business activities present an excellent growth platform for both organizations. In addition to the highly complementary fit with regard to product offerings and channels, we also see that Parex and Sika have very similar culture, values and management styles—with the focus on customer orientation, empowerment, high-quality products and services,” Schuler said.

With annual global sales of $1.152 billion, Parex is a leading mortar manufacturer with an impressive track record of profitable growth and attractive margins.

FINANCIAL LITERACY. PLDT’s wholly-owned subsidiary PLDT Global Corp. teams up with the Junior Chamber International Manila in hosting this year’s Growth Opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers (Go-OFW) JCI Connect Seminar on June 16 in Jeju Island, South Korea. This is the first in a series of seminars by JCI Manila and PGC for this year. Shown are leaders and executives from JCI Manila and PLDT Global as they forge the partnership to help OFWs expand their knowledge on important life skills to help them provide better lives for their families.

Money supply, bank loans climbed in April on sustained credit demand

By Julito G. Rada DOMESTIC liquidity or the money supply in the financial system picked up 7 percent year-on-year to P11.7 trillion in April 2019, driven by the sustained demand for credit from different sectors of the economy, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said over the weekend.

Data showed that the April growth was faster than the revised 6.1-percent expansion in March 2019. The BSP said that on a month-on-month seasonallyadjusted basis, liquidity, also called M3, increased by 1.5 percent.

“Demand for credit eased slightly but remained the principal driver of money supply growth. Domestic claims grew by 9.5 percent in April from 9.8 percent [revised] in the previous month due mainly to the sustained growth in credit to the private sector,” the BSP said in a statement.

“Loans for production activities continued to be driven by lending to key sectors

such as financial and insurance activities, real estate activities, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; construction; manufacturing; and electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply,” it said.

Loans for household consumption grew faster amid the acceleration in credit card loans and motor vehicle loans but this was slightly offset by the slower growth in salary-based general purpose consumption loans and other types of household loans.

Net claims on the central government expanded by 0.5 percent in April, faster than the revised 0.2-percent growth in the previous month.

Net foreign assets in peso terms grew by 3.8 percent in April, up from 2.1 percent in March. The BSP’s NFA position continued to expand during the month, supported by foreign exchange inflows coming mainly from overseas Filipinos’ remittances and business process outsourcing receipts.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

B1

Bigger terminal needed for PAL five-star rating

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines said it is unlikely to achieve its target to become a five-star airline by 2020 amid the airport congestion and in the absence of a bigger passenger terminal.

“Our target is to be certified as a five-star airline by 2020 [but] we have to be very realistic. One of the requirements of five-star rating is a very good, very nice and beautiful lounge and we don’t have yet here in Manila. According to Skytrax, it is not a five star. In Terminal 2, we have a lounge but it’s very small,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said.

“Hopefully, we will have a new lounge if the [Naia] Consortium will put up the Terminal 2 Annex,” he said.

The Naia Consortium plans to spend P102 billion to expand and interconnect the existing terminals of Naia, upgrade airside facilities, develop commercial facilities to increase airline and airport efficiencies, enhance passenger comfort and experience and elevate the status of Naia as the country’s premier international gateway.

Bautista said the existing Naia passenger terminal was also congested.

“They [Skytrax] will look at how passengers like their experience in the airport, not only onboard the aircraft.

Onboard on the airplane, I can tell you we are five star. The cabin crew is a five star, the meals almost a five star and the aircraft is a five star. The airport experience is not because there is so much congestion. It’s beyond our control and they look at the overall experience of the passengers,” he said.

“We will strive to continue improving passenger service. I think what is important is that the passengers will be happy on board of the aircraft. If they are less happy in the airport, we will try our best to make them happy on board,” Bautista said.

Bautista said he was happy that PAL was certified as a four-star airline by Skytrax last year, joining 40 other well-renowned airlines in this prestigious category.

This 4-Star Airline rating is a mark of quality distinction that recognizes excellent standards of product and staff service across different assessment categories for both the onboard and airport environment.

GCash innovations enable growth of ‘gig’ economy GCASH which has a user base of 20 million mostly young, working Filipinos has tailored its mobile financial platform to fuel the growth of the country’s gig economy.

Anthony Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Mynt (Globe Innovations, Inc.) which operates GCash, said the company saw a huge opportunity in the gig economy and was continually innovating to address the needs of freelancers and micro, small and medium enterprises.

“Most of our businesses are microbusinesses, and the gig economy is alive and well. A lot of opportunities come from freelancers or businesses that employ just a few people. GCash could be a very convenient disbursement platform for them,” Thomas said at the In_Pact Asia 2019 forum held on May 28 at the ADB headquarters in Manila.

The Philippines’ leading mobile wallet and a pioneer in fintech services,

LENOVO OPENS SERVICE HUB.

Lenovo inaugurates its first exclusive standalone service center in the to cater to the support needs of its customers in the Philippines. The center also offers two support services exclusive to its customers – Premium Care and Accidental Damage Protection. Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Lenovo Philippines service delivery manager Ian Dequit, Lenovo Philippines country general manager Michael Ngan, CompAsia Computer Repair Services chief executive Shennan Sy, CompAsia vice president for operations Jonathan So and CompAsia site manager Bernalina Rimando.

GCash provides an efficient end-to-end payroll to payout solution for Filipinos operating outside the usual employment schemes, Thomas said. It also allows payment acceptance through QR transactions and InstaPay transfers which let users send money to any banks in the Philippines for free.

“We make it very easy to accept payments offline through QR codes, or online with minimum to no cost so entrepreneurs, small businesses and freelancers can really focus on what they need to do rather than worrying about administrative problems in their lives and businesses,” he said.

The chief executive of Mynt was one of the speakers representing the fintech sector at the forum which this year centered on “Convening for Collective Impact.”

The event gathered more than 300 social designers and innovators and over 30 thought leaders and experts on social

innovation and impact.

The Philippines, which has one of the youngest workforces in Asia, is an emerging hub for social entrepreneurs, numbering nearly 165,000 and online freelancers, estimated to be around 1.5 million. Self-employed Filipinos make up 26.9 percent of the country’s 41.2 million labor force, the second biggest category of employed workers, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Financial inclusion still remains a challenge as two of three Filipinos do not have access to bank accounts, and nine out of 10 do not have access to loan credit.

“But the smartphone penetration is good and the Philippines is an increasingly social media savvy country... What we’re doing is incentivizing people to go online,” Thomas said, presenting GCash’s financial services that include GScore, GCredit, GSave and GInvest.

Trade backs SMC acquisition of Holcim THE Trade Department said it supports the recent acquisition of assets of Holcim Philippines by San Miguel Corp. as it will lead to stronger local cement production.

Holcim recently divested all of its Southeast Asia assets in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines as a part of its Strategy 2022 to “deleverage and strengthen its balance sheet” after the global cement company cited Southeast Asia as a hyper-competitive region.

Trade Secretary and Board of Investments chairman Ramon Lopez said that “such development is good for the industry since the exit of Holcim did not lead to a closure of a cement plant, but rather a continuation of operation by another company.”

“This is important as we do not want a reduction in the domestic capacity of any industry. Especially for a critical industry such as cement, we even want greater do-

mestic capacities so that we can grow the supply together with the robust growth in demand brought about mainly by our fast-growing economy and the government’s aggressive program on infrastructure development ‘Build, Build, Build’,” Lopez said.

San Miguel is known in the industry as a price player or one whose brands have relatively lower price points. The purchase of Holcim’s production assets can provide a further push for lower cement where consumers can expect more competitive pricing in the industry, Lopez said.

The Trade Department identified cement production as a priority area for industrial promotion involving a comprehensive approach that included listing investments in modern, integrated cement plants as part of the current 20172019 Investment Priorities Plan.

Othel V . Campos

B2

Business

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market to re-test 8,000 points

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

HARE prices are expected to re-test the 8,000-point level during this shortened trading week on positive sentiments in the inflation and interest rates. Financial markets will be closed on June 5 in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan).

“With the week ending on a high note, next resistance to now look to should be early May’s high of 8,077 which is only just a couple of points away,” Jose Gabriel Perez, a trader from Papa Securities, said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Department of Economic Research last week projected the May inflation rate to settle within the 2.8-percent to 3.6-per-

cent range.

The benign inflation rate is boosting market expectations of another rate cut late this year.

“The PSEi could either range-trade from its current state, or move closer to 8,200 depending on macro catalysts that would support investors’ renewed zest,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said.

“The financial system remains awash with cash and investors are likely to go hunting for bargain hunters with commendable upside,” it added.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week advanced 2.9 percent to 7,970.02 after a four-day winning streak, while the broader All Shares Inc. climbed 2.3 percent to 4,890.37. The market year-to-date is up 6.8 percent.

All sub-indices ended in the green led by industrial (+3.73 percent), property (+3.68 percent), holding firms (+2.74 percent and mining and oil (+2.66 percent).

Services also rose 1.6 percent, while financials ended higher by 1.3 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers for the week by P200 million, while the average daily value stood at P8.9 billion from the previous week’s P7 billion.

Foreign investors are still net buyers

by P28 billion as of the end of May this year.

Weekly top price gainers were PXP Energy Corp., which surged 20.4 percent to P9.25; Universal Robina Corp., which climbed 8.5 percent to P167; and Megaworld Corp., which advanced 8.46 percent to P5.90.

Weekly top price losers were iPeople Inc., which declined 9.6 percent to P10.16; Megawide Construction Corp., which fell 6.05 percent to P20.20; and Ginebra San Miguel Inc., which slipped 3.4 percent to P43.

Meanwhile, global stocks tumbled Friday, with investors fleeing equities

for safe-haven assets following the latest salvos on international trade.

With US President Donald Trump announcing new tariffs on all Mexican imports and China warning it would create a list of “unreliable” foreign companies, investors piled into low-risk assets, sending the yield on 10-year German government bonds to a record low.

German Bunds hit minus 0.213 percent in the secondary market, breaking the previous record of minus 0.205 percent set in July 2016, while the 10-year US Treasury note fell further, stoking additional investor angst.

The yen, another safe-haven investment, shot higher, pressuring Tokyo’s main stocks index, which plunged 1.6 percent.

As trade tensions escalated, US indices shed more than one percent in a bitter conclusion to a bruising May, the first month of 2019 with losses.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

MAY 27-31, 2019 Close Volume

Value

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

59.5 138.00 80.80 2.25 1.17 26.7 8 18.8 11.46 4.56 0.53 1.34 780.00 0.490 71.75 1 13.7 22.05 57.60 57.75 185 26.45 175 1750.00 59.80 1.12

65,290 19,153,340 17,456,310 47,000 43,000 368,400 500 26,500 2,438,100 145,000 85,000 87,000 50 3,010,000 17,725,780 1,680,000 26,500 600 2,893,840 8,960 1,600 62,400 3,604,370 1,895 70,710 1,000

FINANCIAL 3,850,263.50 2,575,380,525.00 1,386,036,478.50 104,380.00 50,660.00 9,801,300.00 4,000.00 497,406.00 28,159,094.00 655,820.00 45,050.00 117,950.00 39,200.00 1,435,100.00 1,279,628,929.00 1,672,330.00 350,532.00 13,335.00 169,489,776.00 513,181.50 294,995.00 1,655,195.00 623,486,747.00 580,755.00 4,249,677.00 1,120.00

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Basic Energy Corp.

C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

36.5 14.1 0.72 1.38 0.290 16.00 2.5 14.6 110 25.6 65.5 44 2.05 5.25 5.75 10.140 15.96 10.08 7.67 1.69 23.1 78 43.00 2.3400 13.74 10.22 1.710 288.00 50.00 4.2 3.49 9.50 22.6 12.76 20.2 0.189 385.00 5.69 1.23 4.79 6.12 9.07 2.34 12.18 41.85 4.95 4.99 1.55 1.91 1.2 13.5 107.4 6.55 0.128 1.47 167 2.5 1.28 17.00 1.20

15,632,000 3,191,600 5,874,000 2,314,000 55,540,000 8,300 55,614,000 17,047,700 100 1,335,200 730 947,500 3,175,000 4,706,600 24,800 15,776,200 4,845,100 9,439,600 7,666,200 142,000 18,332,700 456,810 369,900 30,647,000 2,822,600 7,868,800 867,000 6,188,580 1,000 592,000 40,000 626,000 9,701,800 4,906,200 16,325,200 1,040,000 1,566,250 9,700 10,590,000 310,000 17,566,500 4,000 253,564,000 175,500 2,134,000 370,000 1,017,500 1,450,000 202,000 963,000 3,518,500 1,511,460 268,000 320,000 74,008,000 8,425,950 2,080,000 47,278,000 52,200 141,710,000

INDUSTRIAL 557,966,200.00 46,485,114.00 4,106,110.00 3,261,370.00 16,249,250.00 131,142.00 143,250,790.00 244,787,550.00 11,000.00 34,224,970.00 48,755.50 42,682,445.00 6,419,320.00 24,709,650.00 142,943.00 160,278,240.00 78,821,324.00 94,647,352.00 58,180,997.00 239,280.00 412,032,670.00 35,416,188.00 16,050,410.00 71,528,030.00 38,591,360.00 81,740,358.00 1,456,140.00 1,705,318,868.00 49,980.00 2,525,560.00 135,220.00 6,263,527.00 217,457,575.00 62,845,542.00 342,942,910.00 198,650.00 587,703,830.00 55,251.00 13,124,450.00 1,469,470.00 108,993,011.00 36,344.00 571,382,030.00 2,119,304.00 88,999,275.00 1,777,770.00 5,098,271.00 2,241,580.00 396,910.00 1,142,950.00 46,586,834.00 159,491,726.00 1,736,130.00 41,000.00 107,080,680.00 1,342,014,080.00 5,201,180.00 57,712,090.00 886,378.00 184,854,150.00

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ Asiabest Group ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Ayala Land Log Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Keppel Holdings `B’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Lopez Holdings Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Transgrid Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.580 55.90 15.60 0.74 6.79 12.9 1.240 1.240 919 3.590 6.82 10.58 4.5 14.16 0.270 863 6.16 62.60 6.21 5 5 0.5 4.65 14.94 0.520 4.5 0.0390 1.100 2.60 187.50 2.38 942.00 1.36 0.92 270.000 434.00 0.2380 0.295

73,643,000 22,148,790 39,695,400 8,498,000 18,200 344,500 9,425,000 977,000 3,218,110 22,972,000 2,987,000 31,169,100 9,000 257,700 720,000 665,630 207,500 14,957,410 58,400 10,000 100 904,000 12,891,000 27,364,500 459,000 161,454,000 43,800,000 210,000 8,000 1,072,600 8,000 2,608,380 319,000 25,301,000 6,390 40 1,120,000 40,130,000

HOLDING FIRMS 44,597,370.00 1,111,579,787.50 600,150,580.00 6,477,770.00 121,869.00 4,360,680.00 11,546,040.00 1,214,400.00 2,895,202,040.00 80,359,980.00 20,298,409.00 324,974,906.00 40,470.00 3,655,638.00 181,620.00 581,494,540.00 1,277,131.00 908,061,811.00 357,714.00 50,000.00 500.00 425,425.00 60,247,950.00 407,988,392.00 236,260.00 704,722,290.00 1,710,000.00 224,520.00 20,800.00 194,849,842.00 19,060.00 2,418,707,645.00 429,010.00 23,774,430.00 1,702,236.00 17,360.00 262,800.00 11,743,000.00

2,824,500 6,263,000 18,900 687,000 8,857,000 87,077,600 5,161,000 4,691,900 24,100 155,196,000 351,000 996,000 8,530,000 1,530,000 7,493,700 3,538,600 4,070,000 140,000 150,252,000 15,929,000 188,027,000 65,930,000 21,640,000 680,000 5,720,000 1,500

PROPERTY 44,707,464.00 4,957,670.00 204,382.00 1,431,250.00 6,984,020.00 4,246,176,760.00 11,569,900.00 23,533,054.00 152,315.00 92,224,070.00 279,740.00 907,310.00 1,928,940.00 577,250.00 71,261,119.00 88,201,970.00 1,946,850.00 17,760.00 249,056,000.00 22,555,930.00 1,078,464,347.00 20,567,150.00 39,765,300.00 318,300.00 2,288,350.00 73,500.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil Infradev Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry

15.960 0.81 11.88 2.030 0.770 49.500 2.28 4.98 6.4 0.600 0.81 0.940 0.231 0.375 9.900 25.4 0.480 0.132 1.71 1.41 5.9 0.315 1.7800 0.4700 0.410 49.00

MAY 20-24, 2019 Close Volume

Value

59 133.70 81.00 2.23 1.25 26.5 8.49 18.8 11.5 4.59 0.52 1.37 775.00 0.475 72 1.04 13.2 21.65 59.00 57.75 185 26.6 170.4 1823.00 59.60 1.23

73,850 6,583,780 9,276,850 42,000 122,000 392,500 3,300 122,600 1,352,400 101,000 168,000 922,000 610 1,210,000 7,599,730 5,834,000 99,300 600 2,715,010 3,710 10,280 131,400 2,274,580 410 37,740 1,000

4,347,643.00 876,235,787.00 752,477,071.00 92,370.00 144,420.00 10,384,235.00 24,711.00 2,305,024.00 15,785,834.00 447,490.00 91,910.00 1,357,590.00 456,970.00 545,900.00 556,765,408.00 5,989,080.00 1,310,986.00 12,690.00 156,789,329.50 213,954.50 1,896,224.00 3,518,835.00 399,103,850.00 735,655.00 2,282,109.50 1,230.00

35.6 14.6 0.72 1.42 0.280 14.64 2.47 14.7 107 26.5 66 45 1.94 5.25 5.74 9.960 16.22 9.79 7.50 1.61 21.55 76.5 44.50 2.3300 13.80 10.14 1.700 278.00

4,882,200 1,842,700 15,776,000 2,877,000 347,770,000 8,000 79,498,000 5,018,300 1,130 3,711,300 650 1,715,900 871,000 65,200 20,500 86,094,800 4,625,600 11,357,200 4,996,100 20,000 6,369,600 475,330 1,654,700 33,051,000 5,160,900 4,642,600 1,120,000 5,765,360

175,787,600.00 27,798,086.00 11,223,470.00 3,994,480.00 100,041,600.00 121,942.00 205,485,040.00 72,250,910.00 120,825.00 99,584,740.00 42,900.00 77,215,010.00 1,670,500.00 343,030.00 115,133.00 862,543,699.00 74,249,298.00 110,728,849.00 37,500,788.00 33,320.00 135,350,340.00 36,459,500.50 70,241,865.00 101,667,380.00 72,243,932.00 46,756,328.00 1,899,080.00 1,618,287,200.00

4.01 3.6 9.78 22.2 13 21.5 0.189 378.00 5.30 1.3 4.79 6.08 9.40 2.05 12.08 41.05 4.8 5.10 1.6 1.9 1.23 13 107 6.5 0.128 1.43 153.9 2.47 1.17 16.98 1.08

5,000 14,000 7,808,100 10,121,400 4,347,400 11,665,600 350,000 723,800 43,800 11,206,000 1,489,000 29,283,500 535,200 217,279,000 669,800 950,300 718,000 356,100 529,000 163,000 544,000 2,512,200 954,230 637,100 2,950,000 147,643,000 3,594,670 1,897,000 28,582,000 500 4,028,000

20,020.00 49,400.00 71,084,660.00 225,388,880.00 58,406,386.00 253,751,725.00 68,230.00 268,013,602.00 242,096.00 14,508,750.00 7,053,330.00 169,760,711.00 5,032,634.00 442,039,890.00 8,037,018.00 39,798,650.00 3,411,940.00 1,783,410.00 851,110.00 324,620.00 663,660.00 32,625,994.00 101,264,066.00 4,128,818.00 378,060.00 222,487,850.00 558,132,992.00 4,728,870.00 32,810,670.00 8,490.00 4,183,080.00

0.570 52.70 14.70 0.79 6.85 12.88 1.230 1.260 900 3.280 6.94 10.12 4.49 14.48 0.265 883.5 6.15 60.70 6.21

62,493,000 8,179,070 23,860,200 22,762,000 63,700 358,000 7,176,000 249,000 3,893,410 64,978,000 1,120,100 29,600,300 2,000 986,000 770,000 352,700 208,300 8,835,480 34,100

36,670,420.00 417,391,541.50 342,600,360.00 19,081,740.00 427,443.00 4,881,314.00 8,976,430.00 317,490.00 3,462,803,055.00 223,617,630.00 7,881,951.00 306,175,631.00 8,980.00 14,060,732.00 198,000.00 305,535,960.00 1,283,645.00 527,901,805.00 203,230.00

0.5 4.65 15.1 0.560 4.32 0.0400 1.070 2.65 179.00 2.38 920.50 1.36 0.94 270.000 429.00 0.2350 0.280

113,000 24,289,000 22,356,900 3,552,000 80,841,000 40,500,000 780,000 77,000 1,116,320 26,000 1,148,200 298,000 64,675,000 30,930 390 2,230,000 72,580,000

54,400.00 113,590,380.00 352,973,376.00 1,920,010.00 352,582,150.00 1,583,000.00 860,710.00 203,880.00 201,915,205.00 61,880.00 1,034,202,670.00 394,000.00 67,863,500.00 8,322,108.00 167,920.00 522,010.00 20,284,350.00

15.780 0.79 11.00 2.150 0.750 47.700 2.31 5.04 6.4 0.600 0.81 0.890 0.227 0.395 9.760 24.1 0.490 0.125 1.58 1.46 5.44 0.305 1.7600 0.4800 0.415

8,703,300 12,841,000 8,700 433,000 4,864,000 42,770,800 4,653,000 16,705,100 10,200 321,806,000 172,000 59,000 7,130,000 360,000 1,163,200 2,775,700 11,130,000 1,200,000 82,464,000 42,061,000 103,874,000 71,290,000 8,313,000 1,490,000 7,330,000

130,280,630.00 10,059,650.00 91,224.00 935,300.00 3,624,410.00 2,050,679,275.00 10,688,490.00 84,042,504.00 63,970.00 183,855,020.00 138,670.00 50,490.00 1,613,900.00 138,800.00 11,586,893.00 66,944,395.00 5,331,800.00 150,000.00 133,170,510.00 59,134,270.00 565,602,644.00 21,892,500.00 14,406,160.00 699,500.00 3,064,050.00

STOCKS

MAY 27-31, 2019 Close Volume

Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

2.23 26.00 2.06 2.99 39.80 1.87 6.29 0.780 7.180

7,898,000 22,463,300 660,000 1,722,000 59,743,200 12,424,000 544,100 25,000 26,902,600

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Chelsea DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Metro Retail MetroAlliance A NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. PH Resorts Group Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

11.52 18.26 1.42 0.425 0.046 21 2.91 11.84 0.0590 90 7.4 6.6 5.90 2.03 10.44 890 2170 5.37 413.00 2.22 136 1.75 10.16 0.122 6.0600 2.92 15 4.49 0.86 21.00 15.90 0.550 3.7 2.69 1.54 2.400 3.2 9.88 2.92 4.99 9 124.00 3.35 1350.00 0.810 0.790 44.60 73.00 9.60 3.16 0.670 0.365 5.3 0.710 16.980

68,800 315,200 606,000 2,580,000 47,000,000 1,778,700 8,527,000 18,173,000 76,950,000 2,269,490 45,400 7,168,200 425,100 17,000 745,500 270 455,545 420,500 27,960 14,056,000 19,379,270 41,000 69,700 3,560,000 25,082,500 20,000 15,900 16,656,000 5,755,000 5,555,600 1,700 3,145,000 251,000 11,533,000 207,000 22,237,000 1,034,000 84,900 2,000 839,700 2,200 1,527,800 24,262,000 1,174,965 91,260,000 25,401,000 3,821,500 2,797,960 144,100 18,161,000 10,002,000 114,890,000 2,701,800 11,409,000 8,757,900

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp.

United Paragon

0.0018 1.19 2.66 12.38 1.1900 2.79 0.285 7.85 1.510 0.239 0.102 0.104 0.007 0.0078 1.05 2.26 1.02 0.5900 0.9100 0.0120 0.0120 2.99 9.25 0.0110 3.6400 22.00 0.0069

535,000,000 15,812,000 44,000 18,800 51,000 2,529,000 280,000 20,400 16,010,000 4,950,000 3,470,000 3,780,000 7,000,000 3,000,000 425,000 10,628,000 214,000 192,000 595,000 53,500,000 1,500,000 1,707,000 11,856,400 413,700,000 1,495,000 35,525,200 16,000,000

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Alco Preferred B Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ DD PREF First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B House Preferred Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I

17.96 98 475 490 98 104 486 5.34 899 959 97 0.99 100.1 996 1015 102 106 970 75.35 77 72.45 71.65 73.85 72.8 73.5 73.7

147,900 5,270 6,000 1,330 107,890 1,990 2,000 190,100 1,110 50 910 470,000 3,020 60 1,500 20 1,560 610 36,100 56,980 84,450 51,170 57,790 126,410 22,900 23,490

LR Warrant

2.100

MAY 20-24, 2019 Close Volume

Value 16,576,270.00 563,317,625.00 1,363,370.00 5,133,710.00 2,340,682,225.00 23,627,710.00 3,441,417.00 19,030.00 190,835,569.00

Value

2.03 23.90 2.01 3 38.80 1.92 6.37 0.760 7.210

114,878,000 7,489,800 1,315,000 519,000 35,704,700 11,800,000 895,500 135,000 14,759,300

230,607,080.00 180,381,485.00 2,708,050.00 1,565,850.00 1,399,547,280.00 21,446,460.00 5,848,004.00 99,590.00 105,106,076.00

SERVICES 787,464.00 5,760,978.00 865,430.00 1,072,450.00 2,097,200.00 37,352,350.00 25,211,040.00 210,341,008.00 4,619,560.00 200,250,209.00 321,200.00 47,581,365.00 2,544,843.00 34,660.00 8,073,698.00 240,600.00 983,480,070.00 2,260,756.00 11,145,206.00 31,809,430.00 2,649,083,226.00 71,760.00 719,460.00 436,140.00 151,835,436.00 58,960.00 223,330.00 77,571,310.00 5,047,750.00 113,691,342.00 27,012.00 1,748,540.00 921,830.00 30,775,250.00 321,490.00 50,539,320.00 3,349,670.00 826,854.00 5,840.00 4,148,801.00 19,800.00 184,064,369.00 81,237,770.00 1,521,341,330.00 73,870,170.00 19,613,690.00 173,176,965.00 199,306,434.50 1,378,261.00 57,133,200.00 6,682,460.00 40,625,550.00 14,328,387.00 7,867,690.00 147,959,550.00

11.44 18.6 1.38 0.400 0.042 21.3 2.82 11.10 0.0610 89 7.59 6.58 5.90 2.04 10.50 890 2088 5.36 405.00 2.45 134.9 1.76 11.24 0.122 6.2100 2.94 14.42 4.51 0.90 19.90 14.16 0.560 3.79 2.73 1.59 2.050 3.35 9.65 3 4.44 9.5 124.00 3.16 1350.00 0.780 0.750 45.10 71.05 9.65 3.15 0.640 0.32 5.4 0.710 16.420

102,100 824,700 262,000 2,650,000 53,600,000 268,800 5,769,000 27,187,300 178,410,000 1,860,600 4,000 11,524,600 600,400 20,000 400,000 1,470 429,740 765,600 11,970 4,612,000 8,593,090 168,000 16,900 6,340,000 53,601,000 160,000 23,100 16,847,000 4,727,000 3,331,600 100 15,249,000 437,000 11,751,000 107,000 10,972,000 855,000 58,800 62,000 592,000 11,500 427,080 9,695,000 722,965 245,228,000 46,090,000 5,795,800 1,564,610 920,700 42,288,000 23,549,000 23,510,000 8,952,000 16,437,000 6,022,200

1,190,882.00 15,608,746.00 353,260.00 1,084,800.00 2,360,500.00 5,351,334.00 15,748,780.00 300,641,640.00 10,885,840.00 164,471,787.50 28,673.00 73,313,840.00 3,567,318.00 40,700.00 4,188,504.00 1,309,310.00 898,434,515.00 4,084,260.00 4,864,480.00 11,295,110.00 1,175,847,632.00 296,120.00 181,546.00 766,300.00 332,017,797.00 476,560.00 338,800.00 76,001,730.00 4,100,900.00 64,609,088.00 1,416.00 8,826,790.00 1,677,750.00 32,834,510.00 176,420.00 22,226,700.00 2,798,120.00 570,240.00 186,900.00 2,572,780.00 104,712.00 51,793,493.00 30,038,680.00 947,333,095.00 210,147,900.00 34,580,920.00 263,820,085.00 398,521,031.50 8,735,703.00 135,137,610.00 15,371,120.00 7,499,450.00 50,022,286.00 11,781,570.00 99,411,918.00

MINING & OIL 1,002,300.00 17,656,760.00 117,400.00 224,826.00 58,850.00 7,016,410.00 80,000.00 158,956.00 24,105,630.00 1,178,340.00 360,870.00 408,290.00 52,200.00 23,400.00 434,670.00 23,249,660.00 212,470.00 109,410.00 525,040.00 597,700.00 17,600.00 5,026,090.00 102,827,518.00 4,449,300.00 5,583,430.00 792,105,565.00 108,600.00

0.0019 1.07 2.71 11.68 1.1000 2.81 0.290 7.80 1.550 0.232 0.108 0.104 0.008 0.0078 1.03 2.15 0.99 0.6100 0.8700 0.0110 0.0110 2.87 7.68 0.0110 3.9400 22.35 0.0064

792,000,000 14,666,000 985,000 29,100 67,000 1,730,000 2,190,000 47,500 905,959,000 3,380,000 12,220,000 1,130,000 71,000,000 2,064,000,000 283,000 7,969,000 339,000 680,000 748,000 33,300,000 1,900,000 741,000 4,430,700 1,419,100,000 2,011,000 12,799,700 9,000,000

1,483,600.00 16,450,270.00 2,679,590.00 324,862.00 75,790.00 4,808,480.00 627,950.00 364,109.00 1,387,853,850.00 760,560.00 1,282,150.00 119,520.00 557,100.00 17,630,200.00 289,890.00 17,361,700.00 326,150.00 163,980.00 651,490.00 369,200.00 21,400.00 2,148,530.00 35,208,463.00 15,969,500.00 7,967,800.00 286,074,995.00 58,100.00

PREFERRED 2,675,048.00 519,074.00 2,850,000.00 646,498.00 10,563,105.00 207,347.00 972,100.00 1,013,575.00 997,885.00 47,950.00 86,470.00 462,200.00 302,350.00 59,810.00 1,522,500.00 2,040.00 165,360.00 592,900.00 2,713,279.50 4,342,214.00 6,055,990.00 3,713,708.00 4,282,421.00 9,286,700.00 1,674,700.00 1,711,934.00

18

595,500

10,725,598.00

475 485 96.5 104 486 5.35 899 920 97.5 0.98 100.5 997 992 101.9 106 970 75 76.9 72.5 72.5 73.85 74.4 73 73.5

400 6,550 4,700 14,370 3,000 53,200 10 170 21,400 1,612,000 12,290 40 60 1,530 1,230 4,230 65,090 10,750 24,160 2,370 62,130 78,940 164,100 73,350

189,980.00 3,169,714.00 459,334.00 1,494,569.00 1,458,000.00 284,847.00 8,990.00 158,000.00 2,035,091.00 1,591,880.00 1,236,315.00 39,880.00 59,520.00 151,903.00 130,360.00 4,142,100.00 4,878,510.50 824,019.00 1,733,168.50 171,825.00 4,586,150.00 5,762,774.00 11,897,310.00 5,355,398.50

WARRANTS & BONDS 6,111,000 13,421,240.00

2.130

3,053,000

6,362,700.00

4.75 1

1,492,000 29,300,000

7,088,850.00 30,571,460.00

SME 7,071,640.00 15,514,470.00

Italpinas Xurpas

4.81 1.02

1,492,000 15,364,000

First Metro ETF

119.5

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 22,760 2,663,901.00

116.3

29,110

3,363,263.00

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.2 10.1 1

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 6,450 65,790.00 21,500 215,850.00 30,000 30,000.00

10.1 10.2 1

19,610 13,280 335,360

200,002.00 135,450.00 335,360.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Energy Megaworld Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Century Property Filinvest Land,Inc. Vulcan Ind’l.

Transpacific Broadcast PremiereHorizon

VOLUME 535,000,000 413,700,000 253,564,000 188,027,000 161,454,000 155,196,000 150,252,000 141,710,000 114,890,000 91,260,000

STOCKS Ayala Land `B’ Ayala Corp `A’ I.C.T.S.I. Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. SM Investments Inc. SM Prime Holdings Jollibee Foods Corp.

PLDT Common Bank of PI Universal Robina

VALUE 4,246,176,760.00 2,895,202,040.00 2,649,083,226.00 2,575,380,525.00 2,418,707,645.00 2,340,682,225.00 1,705,318,868.00 1,521,341,330.00 1,386,036,478.50 1,342,014,080.00

AgriNurture eyeing equity of $100m from Asian partner

By Jenniffer B. Austria AGRINURTURE Inc., a listed agribusiness company owned by businessman Antonio Tiu, is in talks with a prospective Asian partner that will invest an initial $100 million (P5 billion) for a new micro-finance program to boost the productivity of farmers nationwide.

Tiu, ANI president and chief executive said in a recent interview the $100-million equity infusion would serve as initial seed money for the company’s planned launching of Agri Token ecosystem.

Tiu said farmers could use the tokens to buy from accredited merchants everything they need to produce crops.

They can easily tap the credit using their smart phones upon accreditation.

This is better than lending cash which may otherwise be used for nonfarm purposes, Tiu said.

“With the token system, you can buy from accredited merchants. You can buy for example hybrid seeds and fertilizers you need to produce high quality rice,” Tiu said.

He clarified Agri tokens were not virtual currency and the program would not be taking investments from the public and, instead, be funding farmers’ productivity costs.

“My limitation right now is that I can sell more bananas, mango and coconut to the world but I cannot have enough. So this is what I am trying to achieve, to make sure we have inclusive growth. I have to include my downstream, I have to include the farmers so I need to boost their productivity,” he said.

ANI plans to launch the Agri Token ecosystem within the next two months, with the initial implementation in Luzon and Mindanao and focused on two crops like rice and banana.

If the program succeeds, ANI will cover the rest of the country and add more crops in the coverage of the program.

“What we really want to achieve right now is transformation in technology. I want to make agriculture sexy so you can inspire the millennials,” he said.

Megaworld bullish on generating P8b in Bonifacio tower MEGAWORLD Corp., the property unit of billionaire Andrew Tan, said it expects to generate as much as P8 billion in sales from the newly-launched residential tower within the 34.5-hectare McKinley West in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Park McKinley West is the third residential condominium to rise in McKinley West and is beside the upscale community of Forbes Park and the Manila Polo Club.

Megaworld said in a statement the project would offer one-bedroom (up to 70.5 square meters); two-bedroom (up to 110 square meters); three-bedroom (up to 212 square meters); fourbedroom (up to 229 square meters); and five-bedroom (up to 336 square meters).

“The residential market in McKinley West is growing bigger. We sold out our first tower for Park McKinley West in just two months last year, and when we launched our second tower in July, it only took us only a few months again to sell it out,” Megaworld senior vice president for sales and marketing Noli Hernandez said.

“Today, prices of residential units in Park McKinley West rose to almost P265,000 per square meter compared to P218,000 per square meter when we first launched it a year ago,” he added.

Designed by UK-based multiawarded architectural firm Broadway Malyan, the third tower of Park McKinley West will have generous amenities that include a swimming pool with its own pool deck, children’s pool, game and entertainment room, yoga room, outdoor yoga deck, function halls and a fitness center.

The property project will also have its own roof deck garden and a sky garden at the 15th level.

The tower’s ground level will host some retail stores and dining establishments, providing lifestyle convenience to future residents.

The residential tower, meanwhile, will also have its own three-level parking facility. The project is expected to be completed in 2024. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business/World

B3

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

China claims crackdown correct policy S

INGAPORE―China on Sunday defended the bloody Tiananmen crackdown on student protesters in a rare public acknowledgement of the event, days before its 30th anniversary, saying it was the “correct” policy.

CHILDREN’S DAY. In this photo taken on June 1, 2019, participants hold placards reading ‘future’ as they play games during a

gathering to mark the 69th International Children’s Day at the South Gate of the mount Taesong park in Pyongyang, North Korea. AFP

Sri Lanka president blamed for Easter bombings COLOMBO―Sri Lanka’s suspended police chief has petitioned the Supreme Court, accusing President Maithripala Sirisena of failing to prevent the Easter bombings that killed 258 people.

In a 20-page complaint, InspectorGeneral Pujith Jayasundara disclosed serious communication gaps between the intelligence agencies and security arms of the government, all of which fall under Sirisena.

In the petition submitted to court last week and seen by AFP Sunday, Jayasundara said the country’s premier spy agency, the State Intelligence Service (SIS), ordered him last year to stop ongoing police investigations into Islamic militants.

The SIS, which reports directly to Sirisena, wanted the police Terrorist Investigation Department to stop all inquiries into extremist Muslim factions, including the National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ), which was blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings.

Jayasundara said the head of the SIS, Nilantha Jayawardena, did not take seriously the intelligence shared by neighboring India which warned of an impending attack by the NTJ. Jayasundara said despite the SIS not sharing information warnings with the police department, he had initiated action to alert his senior men, but he had no input from the main spy agency.

Sirisena suspended Jayasundara after he refused to accept responsibility for the deadly attacks. The Attorney General has asked for a full bench of the apex court to decide the case.

Jayasundara said he was offered a diplomatic post if he took the fall and stepped down, but he refused as he said he was not responsible for the catastrophic intelligence failure.

He said he had been sidelined by the president since a political rift between the President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe emerged in October.

Jayasundara’s petition came days af-

ter Sirisena publicly rebuked another intelligence official, Sisira Mendis, after he told a parliamentary panel that the Easter suicide bombings could have been avoided.

Mendis’s testimony appeared to put Sirisena in a poor light by implying he had not held National Security Council meetings to review threats such as the attacks carried out by Islamic State.

In a statement, Sirisena denied claims

by Mendis that the country’s highest security body had not met as often as it should have around the time of the attacks, which were blamed on Islamic State-backed militants.

Sirisena, who is also defence minister, said in a statement he held NSC meetings twice a week, contradicting Mendis who told parliament the last meeting was on February 19, more than two months before the April 21 bombings targeting three churches and three luxury hotels. AFP

After seven weeks of protests by students and workers demanding democratic change and the end of corruption, soldiers and tanks chased and killed demonstrators and onlookers in the streets leading to Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on June 4 1989.

Hundreds, or possibly more than 1,000, were killed, although the precise number of deaths remains unknown.

“That incident was a political turbulence and the central government took measures to stop the turbulence which is a correct policy,” Chinese defense minister General Wei Fenghe told a regional security forum in Singapore.

Wei asked why people still say that China “did not handle the incident properly”.

“The 30 years have proven that China has undergone major changes,” he said in response to a question from the audience, adding that because of the government’s action at that time “China has enjoyed stability and development”.

Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said she was surprised at the question on Tiananmen raised at an open forum after Wei’s speech, but the fact that the general answered it was “unusual”.

People may dispute Wei’s answer “but at least I can give him credit for taking the question”, Glaser added.

Inside China an army of online censors have scrubbed clean social media, removing articles, memes, hash-tags or photos alluding to the Tiananmen

crackdown ahead of June 4.

Discussions of the 1989 pro-democracy protests and their brutal suppression are strictly taboo, and authorities have rounded up or warned activists, lawyers and journalists ahead of the anniversary each year.

Talking privately with family and friends about Tiananmen is possible, but any commemoration in public risks almost certain arrest.

Wei also responded to a question on China’s restive Xinjiang region, where Beijing has come under increasing global scrutiny over its treatment of ethnic Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minorities.

He said China’s policies in Xinjiang improved people’s lives and prevented terror attacks from happening for more than two years.

In a wide-ranging speech that came a day after acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan addressed the same forum, Wei vowed that China will not be bullied by the United States, issuing a combative defense of its policies, including on Taiwan and the South China Sea. He rebutted US allegations of militarization of the South China Sea, saying facilities it built on reclaimed land there were “defensive” in nature.

Washington has been pushing back against Beijing’s aggressive moves in the sea, where China has staked “indisputable” ownership over almost the whole area and rejects partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. AFP

Tourism boom brings crowds, and controversy, to Normandy CAEN, France―The number of people visiting the World War II cemeteries, museums and battle sites along the Normandy coast of France has soared in recent years, creating a tourist windfall but generating criticism that a harrowing chapter of history is being sullied by crass commercialism.

The tourist surge began in 1994 with the 50th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings, in which hundreds of veterans took pride of place for the first time.

The following year some 2.9 million people visited the region specifically to explore the war’s legacy, a figure that has grown steadily to nearly five million annual visitors each year.

“The first museums were created four or five years after the war, first by local collectors who gathered up what the soldiers left behind, then by local museums,” said Dominique Saussey, a D-

Day specialist at the Normandy tourist board.

The jump in war history tourism later got a major boost with the opening of the official Caen Memorial Museum in 1988, which now attracts around 370,000 people a year.

But it’s the military cemeteries that have long attracted the biggest numbers, in particular the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where 1.4 million people came last year to honor the 9,300 graves marked by crosses or the Star of David.

The 22,000 British dead are spread across 18 cemeteries, and in recent years the German cemetery at La Cambe, with 21,000 graves, has started attracting around 450,000 people each year.

“For a long time we only talked about an Allied public, but now we’re focusing on a German public as well,” Saussey said. AFP

PARCHED EARTH.

Indian villagers gather near a well running dry to collect drinking water in a district of Samba, some 45 km from Jammu, on June 2, 2019.

AFP

Business resilience for micro, small and medium enterprises THE World Risk Report has ranked the Philippines as the third-riskiest among 171 countries worldwide when it comes to natural disasters. The report, as released by the United Nations, includes a World Risk Index that measures a country’s risk of being struck by natural disasters combined with man-made factors that make a country more vulnerable to natural disasters. The country has held this position for three years now.

Many countries are at risk of experiencing natural disasters. What sets countries apart, though, would be the man-made factors mentioned previously. The World Risk Index considers three components for these factors—coping, adaptation and susceptibility. Coping refers to the country’s preparedness and ability to respond effectively to disasters. Adaptation is the country’s ability to adjust and form long-term strategies for climate change. Lastly, susceptibility measures citizen’s socioeconomic conditions. The idea is that the higher the level of poverty, the more risk-prone to disaster a country is.

As applied to the Philippines, our country is in the Pacific ring of fire which makes it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Due to this, the 7,000 islands that comprise the country become vulnerable to storm surges, landslides, tsunamis and flooding. This geographic vulnerability is further compounded by manmade factors like the absence of urban and regional plans to minimize, mitigate and mediate devastating results brought about by these hazards and disasters.

Disasters affect the fabric of society. Businesses experience loses the same as individual households. Disasters can disrupt a business’ supply chain, damage equipment

and affect its employees and customers. The effect of a disaster depends upon the size of the business and the level of its preparedness. It is found that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are affected more compared to large enterprises as the latter have more resources that can be devoted to preparation and the latter also have access to more coping strategies such as financial institutions in the aftermath of a disaster.

This is particularly significant given the fact that a survey done in Taiwan indicates that 25 percent of MSMEs do not reopen following a major disaster. Although this research was not done in our country, it can give us an indication that MSMEs in Taiwan, which can be considered advanced in terms of the level of socioeconomic development compared to ours, do struggle to recover after such an event. How do you think our local MSMEs fare?

This topic is crucial considering that MSMEs in the Philippines comprise more than 99 percent of the total number of businesses in the country and contribute 65 percent of total employment. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the prevailing expectation among MSMEs is that national and local governments would pour their resources on immediate relief and recovery efforts to affected individuals within communities but there, however, is an apparent lack of support for businesses to recover from disasters.

Given the above, we need to give due attention to MSMEs since they are more vulnerable to loses due to the small amount of capital that they operate with. According to the United Nations Development Program,

MSMEs in developing countries have an added characteristic that makes them more vulnerable to disasters compared to their counterparts in the developed countries—informality.

Informality has a lot of implications. For one, it limits the financing options available to MSMEs in the aftermath of a disaster. This also prevents MSMEs from obtaining insurance. In addition to this, it limits the capacity of MSMEs to diversify their supply and customer base. This also necessarily implies non-compliance with business regulations that further increases SMEs’ vulnerabilities.

Another factor that contributes to MSMEs increased vulnerability will be the cultural factors such as fatalism.

A pilot study on the reactions of owners of MSMEs to natural disasters indicates that there is a certain element of fatalism as demonstrated by the “bahala na” attitude when it comes to disasters. In an interview done among four owners of MSMEs, two indicated that while they know that they can buy business insurance as a form of risk management, the entrepreneurs choose not to do so.

The entrepreneurs indicated that they will deal with the disaster when it strikes. The two entrepreneurs interviewed do not view disaster preparedness as important.

To address this situation, the Department of Trade and Industry in collaboration with other partner agencies has launched the project “Strengthening the Disaster Resilience of Small and Medium Enterprises in Asia”. The objective of this project is to engage MSMEs on disaster risk management activities. More particularly, the project identifies actions to strengthen

SHIERADEL JIMENEZ

GREEN LIGHT the resilience of micro, small and mediumsized enterprises; provides technical assistance in strengthening resilience to selected MSMEs on a demand-driven basis; supports the government in strengthening the enabling environment that promotes risk sensitive and informed investments by MSMEs; and facilitate knowledge sharing at the regional level.

While the country has a long way to go to in achieving business resilience, it is important to acknowledge that disaster risk management should be a collaborative effort. It does not matter which sector whether private or public spearheads the effort. The more important thing is that all stakeholders are involved in the effort given the multidimensional aspect of the problem.

Shieradel V. Jimenez is an assistant professorial lecturer at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. She teaches Management of Organizations and Human Behavior in Organizations. Her research interests include business resilience and sustainability. She may be reached at shieradel.jimenez@dlsu. edu.ph. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

B4

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

ASOG-backed Bangsamoro portal launched

By Nash B. Maulana

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

[First of 3 parts]

MAYOR ABBY TAKES OATH FOR 2ND TERM. Makati Mayor Abby Binay takes her oath of office before Supreme Court Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta during the celebration of the 349th Araw ng Makati on June 1 at Makati Avenue. The mayor, who handily won a second term in the May 13 elections, is accompanied by her father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, her husband, reelected 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos, and their daughter, Martina. Rep. Campos, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo and other elected city officials under Mayor Abby’s Team Performance were also sworn in during the event. With a fresh mandate, Mayor Abby has vowed that her team will continue to work hard and pursue in earnest Makati’s digital transformation through technology and groundbreaking innovations that will improve the lives of Makatizens. The mayor also led the unveiling of a landmark that signifies Makati’s efforts in fast tracking progress.

Makati fetes outstanding corporate citizens

M

akati Mayor Abby Binay led the recognition of the Ten Outstanding Corporate Citizens of Makati (OCCM) and other city partners at the Vin d’honneur hosted by the city held Saturday at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila.

The event is part of the month-long observance of Makati’s 349th Foundation Day on June 1.

This year’s OCCM awardees are Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Inc., Bayview Technologies Inc., Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd. (Manila Branch), Charter Ping An Insurance Corp. (Head Office), Phirst Park Homes Inc., Millennium Pan-Asia Business Management and Services Inc., Bay City Commercial Ventures Corp., Fast Retailing Philippines Inc. (Ayala-Circuit Mall), Vive Eagle Land, Inc., and Arca South Commercial Ventures Corp.

Meanwhile, the City Partners of the Year award was conferred on IRC Properties Inc. and the Philippine Dis-

BDO Foundation rehabs Zarraga health center ZARRAGA, Iloilo—The rural health unit of Zarraga in Iloilo has always been an exemplary health facility. It has consistently contributed to the outstanding performance of the local government unit, which has received the Department of the Interior and Local Government Seal of Good Local Governance for three consecutive years.

The health center has also garnered high marks in the government’s citizen satisfaction index. Through its birthing center, TB DOTS facility and animal bite clinic, it has always served its constituents efficiently.

Helping the health center maintain the high quality of its services is BDO Foundation. As part of ongoing efforts to help improve the healthcare delivery system in the Philippines, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank recently rehabilitated Zarraga Rural Health and Birthing Center.

“Our gratitude to BDO Foundation for extending a helping hand and making this possible,” said Zarraga Rural Health and Birthing Center municipal health officer Dr. Clemencia Bondoc, who also serves as president of the Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines.

“I will ensure that the rural health unit will always be a role model of how a health facility should function,” she added.

The foundation did major improvements on the rural health unit’s layout and interior design, lobby and waiting areas, offices, clinics, consultation rooms, treatment rooms and facilities.

It also constructed a play area for children complete with books and toys as well as a waiting lounge where the elderly can stay comfortably.

These improvements enable Zarraga’s health workers to provide primary healthcare services more effectively to mothers and babies, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other patients.

aster Resilience Foundation.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Professional Organization of the Year), Makati Commercial Estate Association (Property/Estate Organization of the Year), and the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (IT/ICT Organization of the Year) were acknowledged for their valuable contributions in the city’s sustainable development and digital transformation.

Furthermore, Phinma Energy Corp., BDO Unibank Inc., Ayala Land Inc., ALI Commercial Center Inc., and Asalus Corp. were named Outstanding Corporate Business Organizations of the Year.

Each of the awardees received a plaque of recognition made of etched glass.

Mayor Abby congratulated the awardees and thanked them for their continuous support to the city government by paying their taxes on time and being compliant with government policies and standards.

“Congratulations to the top taxpayers and reliable partners of the city government. Your companies and organizations have made significant contributions to the city’s business sector,” the mayor said. ”We sincerely thank all of you for being with us in our journey every step of the way,” the mayor added.

At least 300 guests attended the annual Vin d’honneur,

which pays tribute to companies, organizations and institutions that have contributed to city-building.

Mayor Abby also shared that the city has achieved 59 percent of its full-year revenue target of P17.12 billion after its total collection for the first quarter of the year reached over P10 billion last March.

“This achievement is a sign that investor confidence in the city continues to grow stronger,” the mayor said.

Mayor Abby also vowed that the city’s robust financial growth will translate to innovative programs that will improve the lives of Makatizens.

Under the mayor’s watch, the city has streamlined the process of renewal and application of new business permit to only three easy steps so that applicants with complete requirements can be issued a business permit within an hour.

The city government also institutionalized the “Business One-Stop Shop” where the ground floor of the Makati City Hall Building II has been designated as a common site to process applications and payments and issue licenses, clearances, and permits.

Mayor Abby said the city is also developing an enhanced business permit and licensing system or e-BPLS, a computerized system that will provide easy access to business permits through different platforms.

SM helps 142 farmers learn sustainable agri

By Jun David A TOTAL of 142 farmers from six municipalities in Bulacan recently completed a 12-week training program of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan in Baliwag.

In partnership with the provincial and local governments, Departments of Agriculture, and Social Welfare and Development, Harbest Agribusiness Corp., SM Supermalls and SM Markets, the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan graduation ceremony was held at the event center of SM City Baliwag.

Farmer graduates also had the chance to participate on an hour-long tour around SM Hypermarket to observe the operations and product presentation of fruits and vegetables in case they decided to be one SM’s suppliers.

Among those who successfully completed the program were participants from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino or 4Ps and small farmers who went on hands-on training, and lectures on growing safe and sustainable crops, vegetables and fruits, in their backyards.

The training also provided input on how aspiring farmers could become entrepreneurs, amidst economic challenges, and changing weather conditions.

In 2017, SM’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhay-

It’s harvest time for the hardworking farmers of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Training Program in Baliwag, Bulacan. The 12-week lecture and training in high value crops taught farmers how to grow safe and sustainable crops amid economic challenges, limited planting space and resources, and changing weather conditions. Jun David

an yield 201 farmer graduates in the City of San Jose del Monte. Senator Cynthia Villar, who was then the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, graced the event.

The senator stressed the lack of mechanization as one of the causes of noncompetitiveness of our farmers.

“We are solving the root of the problem, which is the lack of technology, lack

of mechanization, lack of financial literacy, and lack of ability to access social credit,” Villar said.

Prior to the graduation, a Harvest Festival was held at JBO Farm at Matangtubig in Baliwag. After harvesting, the KSK participants were divided into groups and competed in friendly parlor games and cooking competition using their produced high-value vegetables.

COTABATO CITY—Residents of the Bangsamoro region as well as the country’s keen professional netizens can now engage in online discussions, access information, or listen to experts speak on self-governance as well as public finance management in moral reforms being pushed by its fledgling leadership.

The Institute of Autonomy and Governance based here and the Ateneo School of Government launched last week an online portal designed to promote free flow of information, and public discussion on the Bangsamoro transition.

A website, Facebook Page, Twitter page and YouTube channel comprise the Access Bangsamoro portal (accessbangsamoro.ph) on its May 30 launch.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which is composed of executive agencies as ministries and a legislative parliament, runs the transitional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao until 2022, as provided under RA 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The launching ceremony at Em Manor Hotel here highlighted the messages of support from BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson.

The Access Bangsamoro online and social media portal aim to promote free flow of information, public discussion and analyses for the effective implementation of the BOL and successful transition to the BARMM, said Ram Toledo, communications manager of the IAG. Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro Government is committed to support Access Bangsamoro with the “hope that the portal will provide a significant space for research and discussions that will promote transparency, accountability and moral governance in the Bangsamoro.”

Lawyer Benedicto Bacani, IAG executive director, said the portal is maintained and hosted by the IAG and the Policy Center of the ASOG and with funding assistance from the Government of Australia.

“The Access Bangsamoro portal can potentially be a gamechanger and a force for good in the Bangsamoro”, Bacani said.

Under the “Bangsamoro Talks” icon of the accessbangsamoro.ph, guests can watch Laureate Professor Emeritus Cheryl Saunders of the Melbourne Law School talk about intergovernmental relations and its implementation in the BARMM as mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law; Dr. Romulo Emmanuel “Jun” Miral Jr., director-general of the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the House of Representatives, discuss the concept of the BARMM block grant; Australian National University Professor Paul Hutchcroft explain what it means for BARMM to have a parliamentary system and what kind of implications this might have for the choice of the electoral system; and Mindanao State University (MSUIIT) Iligan Chancellor Sukarno Tanggol talk about the Electoral Code for the BARMM. For lawyer Ishak Mastura, IAG Development Consulting Inc. chief operations officer, the portal “is not just any kind of web portal but a window to the challenges of Bangsamoro modernity.”

Lawyer Michael Henry Yusingco, a senior fellow with ASOG and IAG, said the Access Bangsamoro as a repository of policy and legislative ideas is an online platform he wanted to recommend to reform-minded Filipinos, hoping that “it can later evolve into a community of citizens working together not just for a stable and prosperous BARMM, but also for a better and brighter Philippines.”

(To be continued)

Tarlac rules RC Cola Liga ng Bayan THE team from Barangay Sto. Cristo of Tarlac City was recently crowned champion of the RC Cola Liga ng Bayan after beating rivals from Malolos, 20-18, during the grand finals of the Luzon-wide 3x3 basketball tournament organized by ARC Refreshments Corp., maker of RC Cola products in the Philippines.

Sto. Cristo’s Wency Sagun was also named Most Valuable Player in the largest 3x3 basketball tournament ever organized in the country that saw some 3,000 students aged 12 to 16 from different barangays in Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Tarlac compete for the RC Cola Liga ng Bayan title and cash prize from March 23 to May 26.

“We are so thankful to RC Cola for giving us

this opportunity,” added Sagun, who, together with his teammates -- Francis Kurt dela Cruz, Luis Gabriel Flores and Nhil Angelo Mangoba -- received P50,000 cash prize from ARC Refreshments Corp. plus incentives for their barangay.

“One of the reasons why RC Cola is doing this tournament is to teach kids important values such as hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

We at RC Cola adhere to the same values,” added James Loverio, Head of Marketing of ARC Refreshments Corporation.

The conclusion of the RC Cola Liga ng Bayan also marked a successful effort by ARC Refreshments Corp. in contributing to the development of basketball talents from the grassroots level.

Butch Aves (left), EVP and CEO of ARC Refreshments Corp., and Idol ng Bayan Joshua Garcia (right) stand with members of the winning team from Tarlac City composed of Francis Kurt dela Cruz, Luis Gabriel Flores, Nhil Angelo Mangoba, and the game’s MVP, Wency Sagun (4th from left).

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @mStandardLIFe

food

monday, june 3, 2019

C1

New York Cheesecake by pastry chef Aileen Anastacio

A pieCe Of CAke:

I

Pastry chefs share tips with students

reCipe files

3 breakfast ideas for better mornings breakFaSt, they say, is the most important meal of the day. but it is also the one often skipped due to lack of time to prepare a decent morning meal.

When some busy people do eat breakfast, they usually grab quick but not-sohealthy options.

Maya kitchen shows it is possible to put together hot and healthy breakfast on the fly, with these three easy, good-for-the-body recipes.

n celebratIon of the release of their newest cookbook A Piece of Cake, award-winning pastry chefs Miko aspiras and aileen anastacio shared the intricacies of dessert-making with culinary students of benilde’s School of Hotel, restaurant, and Institution Management. the live demo at the college’s la cuisine theater showed the step-by-step process of the new York cheesecake, the all-time favorite confection which graces the cover of their book. aspiras and anastacio likewise shared techniques on the essentials of baking—from temperature hacks and blending of ingredients, to the overall look and composition. anastacio, with decades of expertise as chef, coffee connoisseur, author, food columnist, cooking show host, food consultant, and entrepreneur, revealed the top tips on the business of pastry making and what makes a premium product.

“Whether you are baking a classic or experimenting, remember that you are the first customer of your dessert,” she advised. “If you are creating something, it should be something that you like.”

Meanwhile, aspiras, the executive

giving it a new take doesn’t mean violating the properties of the classic. It is important that people can still remember the experience of the original dessert.” the live cooking demo was followed by a book launch and signing of A Piece of Cake (P1,500) at the Vatel restaupastry chef and partner at tasteless rant Manila, where the comprehensive Food Group, and hailed as Philippine cookbook was officially introduced for tatler’s t. Dining’s best Pastry chef, the first time. the 328-page paperForbes asia’s 30 Under 30, and esquire back features 50 deschef of the sert concepts on the classics with two executions: anastacio’s contemporary take and aspiras’ experimental spin. It offers the chefs’ tried-andtested and beginnerfriendly personal recipes covering an extensive line-up of cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, macarons, flans, ice creams, and puddings, all using locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. both anastacio and aspiras believe Chef Miko Aspiras’ avantgarde version of New York Cheesecake it is the perfect time to impart their exYear, shared his insights as a revolution- pertise with budding culinarians, pastry enthusiasts, and even foodies who want ary with his innovative pieces.

“Do not be afraid; widen your knowl- to try their hands on the kitchen. “We edge and try doing things,” he advised. hope that through this book, we will “by avant-garde, we mean something help develop confident chefs who are new and is beyond the norm. However, proudly Filipino,” anastacio beamed.

Champorado with Whole rolled Oatmeal Cooking time: 20 mins. | Serves: 4-5 Ingredients: 5 cups ½ cup 1 pack ½ cup

water sugar Maya champorado Mix (113.5 grams) whole rolled oatmeal

Procedure: 1. boil water with sugar and one pack Maya champorado Mix. Stir occasionally for 10 minutes or until rice is cooked.

2. add whole rolled oatmeal and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, add more water if the champorado is too thick.

3. Serve with milk as desired.

Healthy Breakfast Hotcakes with fresh fruits Cooking time: 20 mins. | Serves: 3-4 Ingredients: 1 pc.

2 tbsp. ¾ cup 1 pack

medium-sized egg oil water Maya original Hotcake Mix, 250 grams assorted fruits for toppings maple syrup/honey

Procedure: 1. beat egg slightly in a bowl, then add in water, oil and hotcake mix. Stir just until slightly lumpy (do not over-mix).

2. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup batter onto a pre-heated slightly greased pan or flat skillet. cook until bubbly. turn to cook the other side.

3. Put assorted fruits on top of hotcakes and pour maple syrup/honey on top. Serve.

Turn to C2 Renowned pastry chefs Aileen Anastacio and Miko Aspiras with their latest cookbook ‘A Piece of Cake’ that features 50 dessert recipes.

Life

C2

monday, june 3, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

A

MeRe mention of “tequila” reminds many of images of shot glasses and slices of lemon and pinches of salt. but to prove there is more to this spirit than a liquid fire downed in one shot, leading tequila brand Jose Cuervo brings to the Philippines stelios Papadopoulos to talk about one of Mexico’s gifts to mankind.

First tequila master class in Manila

“What people have in mind is that tequila is all about shots. but actually, it is not only about shots. it is about mixability. Using the right product for the right occasion,” Papadopoulos said at The World of Tequila held at The island in bonifacio Global City.

He added, “i want people to delete everything they know about tequila and start all over.”

Held across major cities in Asia that started in Japan, the World of Tequila is a master class that gives bartenders and tequila lovers alike the chance to learn more about tequila.

The special master class in Manila thoroughly discussed the process of tequila making, from the blue agave fields of Jalisco to the distillation process at La Rojeña distillery. Papadopoulos revealed it can take almost a decade to produce a single bottle of Jose Cuervo brand ambassador Stelios Papadopoulos concocts cocktails using tequila during his bar takeover at Yes Please.

Jose Cuervo.

Without swirling the glass or taking it down in one shot, guests savor the bold, rich flavors of tequila.

A real tequila is made of blue agave plant, which takes seven years to reach maturity.

“in order to produce tequila, you need the blue agave which is very similar to grapes. The blue agave plant takes seven years to reach maturity, in approximately nine years to produce a bottle of tequila,” said Papadopoulos.

He continued, “if it’s not produced in the five states (Do) of Mexico it cannot be considered Tequila. They use neutral alcohol, sugars, artificial aromas, and additives in order to recreate the taste of tequila.” once guests understood the history and hard work behind each shot of tequila, they were given the chance to savor generous samples from Jose Cuervo’s reserves.

Papadopoulos guided each guest through the process of tequila tasting.

Where most people often take a single shot in celebration, his insight enabled guests to slow down and savor the bold, rich flavors of tequila.

“The whole tasting experience starts from the aromas (our sense of smell).

When we taste, we need to have our mouth a bit open as we are tasting high abv (alcohol by volume) spirits,” advised Papadopoulos.

“The first thing that you never do is swirl the glass. The only thing you will achieve is to burn down your sense of smell. so taste it gently, go easy. Approach the glass. There are so many elements and aromas that come through!”

The World of Tequila was attended by a number of guests from the world of lifestyle and nightlife, including bartenders from some of the hottest nightspots in Metro Manila.

BITES

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata at Café Bonjour Lisbon’s iconic custard tart Pastel de nata is now available at Total’s Café bonjour.

This Portuguese dessert is said to be created before the 18th century by Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. it is made with creamy egg custard and flaky pastry crust.

Café bonjour offers Pastel de nata with a regular Cafe Americano for only P99—part of its Perfect Coffee Pairing offering available at its bGC, Alabang Filinvest, and newport branches.

3 breakfast...

From C1

Have your cake and eat your veggies, too A CoMPeTiTion among senior high school students focused on breads and pastries made with vegetables—innovative ideas that allow everyone to have their cake and eat their vegetables, as well.

The recent Flourish Pilipinas baking Competition, organized by Universal Robina Corporation Flour and Pasta Division, has named the Macabasa Loaf winner in the bread category.

The nutrient-packed bread was made by 18-year-old stephanie Jane escobido and 21-year-old Rowel Villanueva of Makati High school, with the guidance of their teacher-coach Lian Marie espiritu, “‘Macabasa’ stands for the ingredients of malunggay, carrot, and kalabasa (squash),” explained espiritu.

Meanwhile, under the cake category, the team of Ralph Christian Mangilit and Alaura Pabandero, both 17 years old from sta. Lucia High school in Pasig, emerged victorious with their sweet Potato Carrot Cake.

The interesting concept was a challenge to perfect, as they had to ensure the flavors of the vegetables blended well enough to a sweet concoction suitable for a dessert, according to teachercoach Angelo dela Cruz.

Alaura Pabandero and Christian Mangilit with their coach Angelo Dela Cruz pose with their wining Sweet Potato Carrot Cake.

The Flourish Pilipinas baking Competition has been providing opportunities for young Filipinos to pursue their passion and hone their skills in bread and pastry making. Pabandero, for instance, has been taking up cooking classes since Grade 7. she sees a future career related to culinary arts, being influenced by other siblings who are taking up hotel and restaurant management as well.

Mangilit, on the other hand, was tak-

ing up electrical-related subjects in junior high when he decided to switch to technical-vocational livelihood (TVL) track to gain additional skills that can make him more well-rounded. He found a liking to bread and pastry making, and revealed that he plans to eventually put up his own business based on the knowledge and experience he has gained in sHs. The competition is part of the Flourish Pilipinas program developed by URC Flour that supports proper, standardized, and professionalized development of students taking up bread and pastry making classes under the Department of education’s TVL track for senior high school students. “it is stories such as these that affirm our efforts and inspire us further to carry out our commitment to nation-building through more effective learning in school,” remarked URC Flour and Pasta Division sales, marketing, and distribution director naida ebora. she added, “We envision a new generation of world-class Filipino bakers and cake makers who will thrive in the highly lucrative food and restaurant industries, or make it as entrepreneurs whatever their inclination may be.”

Beef Pastrami Benedict

Cooking time: 30 mins.

Ingredients: 3-4 pcs.

8 slices 1 pc.

ciabatta bread pastrami egg, poached olive oil, as needed sliced cherry tomatoes, as needed arugula leaves, as needed prepared hollandaise sauce For the hollandaise sauce ½ cup clarified butter 2 pcs. egg yolks 1 ½ tsp. water 1 ½ tsp. lemon juice salt and white pepper to taste Procedure: Hollandaise sauce 1. Put the egg yolks and water in a bowl placed over a pot of simmering water.

Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.

2. beat vigorously with a whisk until lemony in color. Remove bowl from the heat then slowly pour in the clarified butter while beating continuously and vigorously, until emulsified.

3. season to taste with lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. set aside.

Sandwich 1. Lay a piece of ciabatta bread on a plate. Drizzle olive oil on bread.

2. Arrange slices of pastrami, tomatoes, and arugula leaves on top of a slice of ciabatta. Place one poached egg on top then drizzle with prepared hollandaise sauce.

Bread category winners (from left) Spinach Celery Bread, Garden Bread, and Macabasa Loaf

Cake category winners (clockwise from top) Davao Pomelo Cake, Tuba Cake, and Sweet Potato Carrot Cake

Go to www.themayakitchen for more recipes.

Entertainment

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

First Scandinavian film fest at SM Lanang Premier Exclusive summer talent camp for promising actress, ballerina Cherry Al-ag, wife of Davao City Vice Mayor Bernie Al-ag, with her son Byrne Joshua Al-ag

T

European Chamber of Commerce Chairman Antonio Peralta and ECCP Rotary South Davao Member Ingmar Bertelsen, with Datu Bago awardee Darrell Blatchley

From left: Mme. Sandra Jahnsen of Norway; Mary Ann Montemayor, Honorary Consul of Hungary in Davao; Mme. Susan Fries of Sweden

HE embassies of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in Manila, in partnership with SM Lanang Premier, SM Cinema, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, recently collaborated for the very first Scandinavian Film Festival in the country.

All three Scandinavian ambassadors – HE Ambassador Jan Top Christensen of Denmark, HE Ambassador Bjorn Jahnsen of Norway, and HE Ambassador Harald Fries of Sweden graced the launch at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

They were joined by guests from the diplomatic corps, business groups, film communities based in Davao and its neighboring provinces, and movie lovers who were treated to an exclusive screening of the festival’s award-winning inaugural film, Rosita.

The festival featured over twenty curated films from various genres that gave audiences a glimpse of the Scandinavian way of life on the big screen. From sailing the great seas in KonTiki to generating awareness on the effects of climate change with Warmer, the film festival catered to audiences of all ages.

Exhibits from the Embassies and the FDCP were also mounted for a more in-depth look at the cultures of the participating countries.

This film festival is one of the many exciting cultural activities at SM Lanang Premier.

From left: HE Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries, HE Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen, and HE Norwegian Ambassador Bjorn Jahnsen graced the opening of the First Scandinavian Film Festival at SM Lanang Premier.

GMA wins Best TV Station at Gawad Tanglaw Awards

Rita Daniela and Ken Chan received the award for Best Lead Performance in a TV Series.

LEADING broadcast company GMA Network was honored as the “Best TV Station” at the 17th Gawad Tanglaw (Gawad Tagapagpuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw) Awards held on May 8 at Museo de Muntinlupa.

Alongside the recognition, various Kapuso programs and personalities were also recognized by the award giving body.

Front Row took home the “Best Public Affairs Program” award while Reporter’s Notebook was named as “Best Documentary Program.” The Atom Araullo Specials, meanwhile, was conferred as the “Best Educational Program” and comedy anthology Dear Uge as the “Best Comedy Show.”

GMA News TV’s flagship evening newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho won as “Best News Program.”Investigative Documentaries, on the other hand, brought home the “Best Investigative Program” award while I Juander was awarded as “Best Magazine Show.” Reel Time was recognized as “Best

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Documentary Special” and Wagas bagged the “Best Drama Anthology” award.

GMA News’ Ivan Mayrina won as “Best TV Male Anchor” while Cesar Apolinario and Mariz Umali were named as “Best Male Field Reporter” and “Best Female Field Reporter,” respectively.

Ken Chan and Rita Daniela of the hit series My Special Tatay were given the “Best Lead Performance in a TV Series” award.

For the film category, Gabby Eigenmann won as “Best Supporting Actor” for his role in Citizen Jake while Inagaw na Bituin star Therese Malvar received the “Best Supporting Actress” award for her performance in School Service.

Lastly, Atom Araullo was among those who won the “Best Screenplay” award for Citizen Jake.

The Gawad Tanglaw Awards recognizes the best in the fields of film, television, radio, and print. The board was composed of professors from different universities as well as media practitioners.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

WHEN your daughter tells you one of her big dreams is to learn ballet from the prima ballerina, would you fly more than a thousand kilometers just to make sure her dreams come true? Similarly, would you let your daughter spend her summer vacation at a summer talent camp because young as she is, she is already passionate about becoming a stage actress?

That’s exactly what the parents of Jhenna Mae Tubio and Ella Puno did when they enrolled their daughters to this year’s Promil Four’s i-Shine Talent Camp 7.

Originally from Zamboanga del Norte, Jhenna Mae and her ‘Dada’ Jojie purposely visited Manila to join Promil Four’s i-Shine 7 Ballet Camp led by Ballet Manila and guided by Prima Ballerina, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

Jhenna fell in love with dance at the age of 3.

“Choreographer kasi yung Dada ko, kaya nakahiligan ko na rin sumayaw,” she said.

Her adoptive parent, ’Dada’ Jojie, said that his daughter’s high level of passion and go-getter attitude is because of Promil Four’s featured gifted / talented children.

And because ballet is the strictest form of dance, Jojie noticed positive changes in his daughter’s attitude.

“Promil Four’s i-Shine 7 Ballet Camp helped her further explore the love she has for dance in general. Talagang nagimprove siya at naki-mingle sa ibang kaedad niya,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Ella Puno, 9, was no stranger to Promil Four’s i-Shine Talent Camp. Now, for her second year of joining, she discovered more about her gift in acting. Ella was always excited to come to class.

“I’ve always been into acting, especially musicals. In Promil Four’s i-Shine 7 Theater Camp, we always have a good time rehearsing and playing,” she said.

Her mom, Happy Puno, was also very impressed with her daughter’s development. “I’m very glad that she got to discover more of herself while having fun. Theater helped open up her mind by being more versatile and creative,” she explained.

Aside from developing a healthy appreciation for culture and the arts, the Theater Camp, led by Trumpets Playshop and guided by veteran theater actor Audie Gemora, is a place that fosters self-confidence, versatility, imagination, and cooperation among others.

“We enrolled with expectations about developing her craft, but my daughter gained a lot more because of Promil Four’s i-Shine 7 Theater Camp—life lessons and skills,” Happy said.

Indeed, Promil Four stays true to its mission of nurturing the gift through its i-Shine Talent Camp. This year, the next generation of awe-inspiring kids was guided by some of the country’s finest experts/mentors, who definitely helped them reach their full potential and shine even beyond the stage. You can check photos/videos in Instagram by searching #Promil4iShine7. You may also follow Promil Four’s Facebook page for updates.

Continue nurturing children’s gift by enrolling them in summer classes like Promil Four’s i-Shine Talent Camp. Stay tuned for next year’s season

Monday, June 3, 2019

ACROSS 1 Thai language 4 Prima donna 8 Ardent 13 Shed one’s coat 14 Valhalla host 15 Leave-taking 16 Debatable 17 Well-driller’s concern (2 wds.)

19 Hospital staffer 21 Wonder 22 Jumble 23 Fight off 25 Capp and Jolson 27 Carpentry tools 30 Leered 34 Vandal 35 Gate fastener 37 Spotted horse 38 Elec. units 40 Coarse person 42 Words from Scrooge 43 Rock fracture 45 Pairs of oxen 47 Plunging neckline 48 Political alliance 50 Pup groups 52 Sweater letter 53 Fall flower 54 Right now!

57 Old garment 59 Nasal sounds 63 Elvis movie

(2 wds.)

66 Actress — Freeman 67 Long-eared animal 68 Big cat 69 Nanny’s vehicle 70 Bread ingredient 71 Cozy 72 Posed for an artist DOWN 1 Fish-eating bird 2 Oodles (2 wds.)

3 Playful swimmers 4 Minimize 5 Wyo. neighbor 6 Very important 7 Once more 8 Attend a banquet 9 Tracy/Hepburn film (2 wds.)

10 Derisive remark 11 Lampreys 12 Regrets deeply 13 Year after Y2K 18 Paper measure 20 Fishing gear 24 Tycoon’s home 26 Mouth part 27 Rub 28 Earthling 29 Enter data 30 Schools of fish 31 Jack, in cards

32 Chloroform kin 33 Rx amounts 36 Ernesto Guevara 39 Some Amtrak cars 41 Leaving out 44 Atlanta-based station 46 Burgoo or daube 49 O’Hara mansion 51 Walks heavily 53 Over 54 Popular colum-

nist 55 Swing around 56 Certain something 58 Hole punchers 60 Ephron of “You’ve Got Mail” 61 Pesky bug 62 Private eye — Spade 64 Very warm 65 Debtor’s note

Jhenna Mae Tubio (top) and Ella Puno of Promil i-Shine’s exclusive summer talent camp

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

C4

Entertainment

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

Young singer steps up the pop music ladder

GMA Network hauls 3 Golds and 7 Silvers at 2019 USIFVF

VERY WANG

S

NICKIE WANG

GMA Networks' 'The Atom Araullo Specials' hosted by Atom Araullo earned two gold medals at the 2019 U.S. International Film & Video Festival.

HE is a big Sarah Geronimo and Nadine Lustre fan. And even if she’s just 13, Via Ortega is determined to make her own name. Just like her idols, she wants to be known as a multitalented artist.

Last week, the Gen Z singer had her first event with the entertainment press. It didn’t seem to be a baptism of fire as she answered all the questions of showbiz reporters with ease.

She was polite and punctuated her statements with a big smile.

“Did you know that you look like your idol Sarah G? Don’t you think it’s going to be a disadvantage?” asked one senior reporter.

“A lot of people tell me that I look like her.

I use it as an inspiration to pursue my dream,” she replied, “I’m not trying to be my idols but they inspire me to work and to be at my best.

My idols are already big names. While I’m just beginning with my journey, I know that big dreams can be achieved by doing small things.

That’s what I’m doing right now.”

During the event, before being “grilled” by the writers, the teen singer performed two songs— “Tala” by her idol Sarah G and “Paghanga,” her debut single written for her by fellow Viva Artist Ruth Anna Mendoza.

According to Via, it’s a song that a lot of people her age could definitely relate to.

“It’s about a girl who couldn’t admit her real feelings for her crush. I think a lot of young people can relate to that,” the singer said adding that she doesn’t have any crushes yet.

A Viva Records discovery, the label believes that Via is an artist to look out for. A label executive first saw Via perform and was convinced that the teen had a real knack for performing.

Via owes that to her training. She has been taking up voice lessons since she was 3 years old under veteran songwriter Vehnee Saturno.

The same time during her training, she was cast as the lead character in a school musical (Fina And The Vitas).

Eventually, she achieved much at such a young age, yet she remains humble and recognizes that she’s still starting out on her journey as a singer in the local music industry.

Since she has signed with Viva last October 2018, the entertainment company has been helping her out to further hone her talent through workshops.

The teen talent is very eager to learn more about the ins and outs of the industry. For that, she has Viva Records to help her out. But the drive to get there is all hers. “ I think I just need to go with the flow and step by step lang,” she said.

Via’s song “Paghanga” is out now on Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms.

NEW SINGER TO WATCH.

Up-and-coming singing star Via Ortega looks up to her idols Sarah G and Nadine Lustre, who have made a name for themselves as multimedia artists.

MYX welcomes new VJs THE MYX VJ Search 2019 officially came to a close with most humbling of ways.” three new victors—Anton Fausto, Aya Fernandez, and Dani MYX airs on ABS-CBN TVplus channel 12, SKYcable Mortel. channel 23, and SKYdirect channel 37.

From the hundreds who braved auditions to 12 who faced weeks of vlogging and hosting challenges, three personalities emerged from the competition, proving they have what it takes to take the daily MYX stage.

An events host and choreographer, Anton Fausto is a natural born entertainer, ready to bring in good vibes as well as smooth moves in the music channel. He shared how grateful, shocked, and pressured he was during the process.

“I just can’t find the right words to sum up this journey but I’ll always be so thankful and proud to have been given a voice throughout this competition,” said bubbly Anton.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 winner Aya now holds a new title— “MYX VJ.” The University of the Philippines Diliman student also divulged that she went through finals in school the same time the MYX VJ Search finals commenced.

Football player, lifestyle livestreamer and writer Dani really went for what makes her happy: becoming a MYX VJ. Dani took her feels to Instagram saying, “The #MYXVJSearch2019 was definitely one for the books. . . . I’m thankful I took that leap of faith to pursue my dream. And I’m thankful to have overcome insecurities in the most unexpected, Myx VJ Search winners Anton, Aya, and Dani

THE most internationally-awarded broadcast network in the Philippines continues its winning streak this year as it earns for the country 10 medals and six certificates at the 2019 U.S. International Film & Video Festival—including three gold medals and two “Best of Festival” nominations.

Leading the roster of GMA Network awardees anew are the News and Public Affairs programs.

Earning two Gold Camera Awards this year is the monthly documentary program The Atom Araullo Specials hosted by Atom Araullo. The episode “Babies For Sale.PH” bested all other entries in the Documentary: Investigative/Special Reports category.

The documentary, which is also a nominee in the prestigious “Best of Festival” Awards-Documentary category, investigated the alarming baby transactions prevalent in social media.

Meanwhile, “The Atom Araullo Specials: No Leftovers” won a second Gold Camera Award this time in the Documentary: Social Issues category.

The winning piece showed that food wastage remains a big problem in the Philippines by tracing how food is wasted from production to consumption.

Giving the country its third Gold Camera Award is Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie: Nadenggoy ng Dengvaxia?, which won in the Documentary: Interview category. The episode featured program host Winnie Monsod probing Department of Health (DOH) Usec. Rolando Enrique Domingo and former DOH USec. Dr. Teodoro Herbosa about the dengue vaccination campaign amid the rising deaths of dengue patients and doubts on Dengvaxia’s safety.

The program also secured a nomination for “Best of Festival” Awards-Documentary category.

Late-night newscast Saksi earned a Silver Screen Award, this time for Breaking News Stories for its “Typhoon Mangkhut Coverage”. Saksi provided live-reports from eight towns and cities in the seven provinces that would be greatly affected by typhoon Mangkhut—the strongest to hit the country since Haiyan. GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz also provided weather analyses specific to five of those areas, which were directly in the storm path.

Also taking home a Silver Screen Award is top-rating and award-winning news magazine

program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) hosted by Jessica Soho. Its “Salay” feature, which won in the Documentary: Social Issues category, showed how students and teachers from Caraga, Davao Oriental risk their lives as they cross the river using an improvised cable car made from rattan called ‘salay’ so that they could go to school and buy basic needs.

Winning another Silver Screen Award is the country’s longest-running documentary program I-Witness. Its “Ang Islang Walang Lupa” documentary

by Howie Severino was recognized in the Documentary: Environment, Ecology category. Howie and team went to the ruins of Sitio Pariahan in Bulacan where a once thriving village has now become a water world—reflecting what is happening to coastal villages throughout the Philippines.

Also earning for the country a Silver Screen Award is Front Row’s “Pasan”, which won in the Documentary: Biography category.

“Pasan” featured the story of Daniel and Kyle Paculanan who are determined to remain in school and get an education even if they have to do it one difficult step at a time. Despite his gangly and awkward frame, eight-year-old Daniel carries his 10-year-old brother Kyle, to school every day. Kyle is unable to walk because he has polio and their mother cannot take him to school since she has to attend to two of their other siblings who were stricken with polio when they were younger as well.

Meanwhile, Debate 2019: The Senatorial Face-off took home a Silver Screen Award in the Documentary: Political Campaigns category. The debate aimed to empower Filipino voters in the 2019 Philippine midterm elections. Leading senatorial hopefuls faced one another to discuss their positions on various national issues and crucial government policies, as well as to test their knowledge on key issues affecting Filipinos.

GMA’s Entertainment Group took home a Silver Screen award for its weekly infotainment show I-Bilib.

Hosted by Chris Tiu, I-Bilib won in the Entertainment: Children’s category.

The show not only entertains but inspires and educates Filipino children by featuring scientific experiments, exploring different scientific facts and theories surrounding everyday events, challenges, life hacks, illusions, and trivia presented in a fun, wacky and magical manner.

Rounding off the list of Silver Screen Awardees is GMA News TV’s Investigative Documentaries. Its “Piitan” series won in the Documentary: Social Issues category. Investigative Documentaries documented the struggle of people who live their days in cramped, windowless detention facilities. These inmates are mere suspects in crimes that have yet to be tried.

Aside from 10 medals, GMA Network also received six “Certificate for Creative Excellence” for the following: 24 Oras’ “Natonin Landslide Coverage” (Documentary: Continuing News Stories); Front Row’s “Nebulizer” (Documentary: Social Issues category); Onanay (Entertainment: Drama category); Reel Time’s “Fearless” (Documentary: Biography category);Idol sa Kusina (Entertainment: Cooking category); and GMA News and Public Affairs’ Eleksyon 2019 advocacy campaign,“Pusuan ang Totoo” (Corporate: Public Relations category).

Nora Aunor ‘star of the century’ awardee

By Eton Concepcion SUPERSTAR Nora Aunor received a belated birthday gift from the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), as one of twelve ‘Mga Natatanging Bituin ng Siglo’ recipients bestowed during the 35th Star Awards last night at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Resorts World Manila.

The lifetime achievement award cited Aunor and the other 11 actors for their “exceptional body of work, notable achievements in the Philippine movie industry, and simply because they have touched the lives of the Filipino people from their humble beginnings.”

The diminutive living legend has been twice snubbed, by-passed and robbed of a ‘National Artist’ conferment

Superstar Nora Aunor

by two successive presidents who, coincidentally, were not backed by Aunor.

The actress released a statement chastising the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, ‘what’s the use of including her name in their list of National Artists’, only to be turned down later by presidential whims.

Nevertheless, Aunor’s body of work, which leaves an indelible mark in the halls of cinema greatness, remains one for the books. She is the only actor in the history of FAMAS Awards to be nominated for fifteen consecutive years.