Manila Standard - 2019 June 23 - Sunday

DFA HALTS EX-ENVOYS' DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 129 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

JOINT PROBE GETS RODY'S GO-AHEAD

WATER FIRMS RESORT TO SERVICE CUTS

RHYTHM AND ROBUSTNESS.

Students participate in a street dance parade during the Tabak Festival in Tabaco, Albay where they celebrate the city’s foundation with pep and punch, verve and vivacity (inset) underlining the rich history, cultural diversity and tourist attractions near the world’s near perfect cone Mount Mayon, among a dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines. Norman Cruz

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DUTERTE TAGS TRILLANES’ MOM

By Vito Barcelo

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has linked the mother of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to the supposedly anomalous purchase of substandard Kevlar helmets for soldiers in 1998.

In his speech in Davao Friday, Duterte said the transaction involved as well alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Napoles.

“If there was something wrong, if there was money there, it’s from Trillanes, The number one in graft and corruption at the PMA [Philippine

Military Academy]—his father and even his mother,” he said.

Without supplying evidence to back up his claim, the President accused the senator’s mother, Estelita, of being involved in supply transactions with the Philippine Navy when Trillanes and his father were still in the military service.

“The one who delivered them [helmets] were Trillanes’ mother and Napoles. That’s the truth.

That’s why Trillanes reviewed it,’ Duterte said.

Trillanes earlier slammed Duterte for dragging his mother, who is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease, into their political squabble.

The opposition senator

stressed there are no cases were filed against his mother.

“If my parents were indeed involved in those allegedly anomalous transactions, that should have already been used against me during the term of then President Gloria Arroyo,” Trillanes said.

“Nonetheless, I challenge Duterte to do his best in investigating and we will be ready to face him,” the senator added.

Napoles was charged in 2001 with graft and malversation of public funds over the allegedly anomalous purchase of 500 Kevlar helmets worth P3.8 million.

The case, however, was dismissed a year after for lack of probable cause. Napoles was eventually cleared of the charges with finality in 2010.

PRESIDENT WANTS MORE RURAL ECOZONES PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government agencies to expedite the development of special economic zones in rural areas.

Under Administrative Order No. 18, the President directed all concerned government agencies to hasten human capital and infrastructure development as well as the provision of needed interventions to strengthen ecozones in the countryside.

He likewise tasked agencies to ensure the development of backward and forward linkages of industries in and around special ecozones.

The government agencies covered by AO No. 18 are the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

AO No. 18, however, ordered a moratorium on the processing of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila to complement existing strategies and policies on rural development.

Businesses in areas declared as ecozones could enjoy taxfree importations, tax holidays, and exemption from payment of any government fees, among others. “ There is a need to promote rural development, ensure inclusive growth in the countryside, and create robust economic activity and wealth generation in areas outside Metro Manila,” the President said in his administrative order. Vito Barcelo

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Young surfing enthusiasts prepare their board before an early morning practice at Barangay Bagasbas in Daet City, Camarines Norte. Ey Acasio

ASEAN LEADERS PUSH FOR TRADE PACT BANGKOK—Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world’s largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their exportled economies.

Disputes in the flashpoint South China Sea, Myanmar’s persecution of Rohingya Muslims and plastic pollution in the seas are also set to be discussed at the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, chaired by Thailand.

But trade will take center stage with ASEAN leaders keen to hasten the signing of a China-drafted commercial deal covering around half the world’s population.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership includes all 10 ASEAN economies, plus India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

It is seen as a mechanism for China to draft the rules of Asia-Pacific trade, following a US retreat from the region.

Shortly after his election, Presi-

WATER allocation for Metro Manila and its environs has been reduced from 40 cubic meters per second to 36 CMS as the water level at Angat Dam continues to plunge, the National Water Resources Board announced Saturday.

Jeric Sevilla Jr., a spokesperson of Manila Water, one of the concessionaires of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, said the company had been constrained to adopt rotation of water to its customers for the entire East Zone at an average of 12 to 17 hours per day.

The additional four CMS reduction translates to a deficiency of 350 million liters per day (MLD), equivalent to the daily water consumption of almost 700,000 people.

Sevilla said water level at Angat Dam had breached the critical 160-meter mark as of June 22.

While the latest schedule of water service interruptions is effective June 22, fine-tuning of operations may take around three days.

The rotational water service interruption is undertaken until a sustainable safe water level in the Angat Dam is achieved.

Sevilla said Manila Water would continue to provide regular updates regarding any changes to the schedule of rotational water supply in the East Zone.

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dent Donald Trump pulled the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership— which would have been the world’s largest trade deal—slamming it as an American “job killer.”

While tit-for-tat tariffs between the world’s biggest two economies have seen some manufacturers flee China to safer ASEAN hubs, economists say the big picture for global growth is bleak.

In that context, “RCEP is key to increasing trade volume,” Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told reporters.

“The faster it [RCEP] gets implemented the better,” Martin Andanar, Philippines Communications secretary, told reporters.

“Free trade is definitely what we need here in this region,” he said, adding that the US-China trade row has resulted in “the entire world catching a cold.”

Progress on the deal has stuttered in recent months with India digging in over fears cheap Chinese goods could flood its massive consumer market.

Australia and New Zealand have also raised concerns over a lack of labor and environmental safeguards.

The bloc is also poised to agree on a declaration to “prevent and significantly reduce” marine debris—including plastic—across the region, according to a draft text seen by AFP. Though the statement is the first of its kind for the region, which dumps millions of tons of plastic waste into the ocean every year, activists fear it doesn’t go far enough in curbing single-plastic use.

Regional leaders are also set to tackle thorny South China Sea issues at the weekend meet, with a draft Code of Conduct agreement up for review, though observers doubt any major progress will me made to inch the deal closer to completion.

Discussions around the resourcerich waterway that Beijing claims most of were overshadowed by a recent dust-up in the sea between a Chinese ship that rammed a Filipino fishing boat. AFP

OIL FIRMS HIKE PRICES

BY P0.50 PER LITER

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL prices will likely go up by as much as P0.50 per liter this week, the second consecutive weekly price increase due to the movement of world prices.

“Expect fuel prices to go up next week. Diesel should go up

by P0.50. Gasoline should go up

by P0.10 to P0.20 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said.

On June 18, oil firms also raised the price of gasoline by P0.35 per liter, kerosene by P0.25 per liter and diesel by P0.20 per liter.

World oil prices continue to be affected by the ongoing US-China trade war and tensions in Iran.

As this developed, the consumer group Laban Konsyumer Inc. lamented the filing of petition for a temporary restraining order of certain oil companies on the unbundling circular of the Department of Energy.

“Disheartening. LKI reiterates that the DOE Circular is good start and good news for the consumers,” LKI president Victorio Dimaguiba said.

The Philippine Institute of Petroleum Inc., whose members include Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Petron Corp. Chevron Philippines and Isla LPG Corp., PTT Philippines and Total Philippines, has filed a petition for a TRO and/or preliminary injunction against the department circular.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed the circular providing for the unbundling of petroleum product prices to improve price transparency among oil industry players on May 28.

The oil companies said the TRO is necessary to ensure to promote a market competition as the circular is contrary to the spirit of the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998.

DOE called on oil companies to itemize their costs, including the “industry take” or their profit.

“Consistent with the mandate of the Department of Energy on effective data-driven policymaking, as well as ensuring greater market transparency, we have amended our guidelines for the reporting of price adjustments by oil companies in the downstream oil industry in the Philippines,” Cusi said in the circular.

“In accordance with existing guidelines, oil companies will continue to report to the DOE any adjustments in the retail prices of gasoline, automotive and industrial diesel, kerosene, jet fuel and aviation gas, and household and automotive liquefied petroleum gas,” Cusi added.

The Energy chief said under the new guidelines, oil companies will also be required to report their “unbundled price adjustments” to include import costs, tax burdens, biofuel costs and other essential cost components that contribute to the changes in retail prices.

BI DENIES TARGETING CHINESE YELLOWS ALL AROUND.

Visitors take photos of sunflowers in full bloom along the University Avenue at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

ROMUALDEZ HAILS DU30 SIBLINGS' WIN

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THE Bureau of Immigration has intensified its drive against illegal foreign workers but clarified the “crackdown” is not targeting Chinese nationals solely but all foreigner employees who do not have the required working permits.

The drive against illegal foreign workers resulted in the arrest of 35 Chinese men working as construction workers in a subdivision in Parañaque, according to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.

“We are not cracking down on specific nationalities,” Morente said.

“We are after all illegal aliens. If you are an illegal alien, then let this serve as a reminder.

Comply with the law, lest you face the sanctions,” he said.

The Immigration chief also urged the public to forward information about illegal aliens in their area.

“We urge the public to help us get rid of these illegal aliens by reporting those within

THE Foreign Office said Saturday it would soon cancel all diplomatic passports given to former foreign affairs chiefs and Philippine envoys, and halt the courtesy issuance—a statement challenged by the country’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja.

The DFA announcement followed the deportation of former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario from Hong Kong on Friday, where he had used his diplomatic passport.

“The DFA Office of Consular Affairs [OCA] will be issuing an order shortly, cancelling all courtesy diplomatic passports, and requiring their surrender for physical cancellation,” said DFA’s Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez in a statement.

“The practice of issuing courtesy diplomatic passports to former DFA secretaries and ambassadors shall henceforth be discontinued,” he added.

But Baja, also a former DFA undersecretary, told Dobol B sa News TV in an interview beamed nationwide that Del Rosario was entitled to a diplomatic passport even if he had left the DFA. Turn to A2

your community,” he said.

Senator Joel Villanueva, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor, said that while there are undocumented OFWs in other countries, the government should still crack the whip on foreigners illegally working here.

“While we reiterate that we do not condone the presence of illegal Filipino workers abroad, the government should take note that the case of illegal aliens working in our country is different from those of Filipino workers abroad,” he said.

Villanueva said the increasing number of illegal foreign workers in the country is “unacceptable” because they take away job opportunities from Filipinos who can perform their work.

The Department of Labor and Employment earlier reported that half of the 115,652 alien employment permits it issued from 2015 to 2017 were given to Chinese individuals. Vito Barcelo

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Vito Barcelo

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to conduct a joint and impartial investigation with China to determine the truth and accountability on the Recto (also identified as Reed) Bank incident after reports that a Chinese vessel rammed a Filipino fishing boat and reportedly abandoned 22 Filipinos in the South China Sea, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

He said aside from China and the Philippines, the President also wanted a third country to be included in the joint probe to be created to determine what really transpired in the Reed Bank, Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo made the announcement a few hours after President Duterte arrived in Thailand to attend the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. Duterte is on his third visit to Thailand since he assumed

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office in 2016.

“To this end, the President wants the creation of a joint investigating committee that shall be composed of three groups of highly qualified and competent individuals, with Philippines and China having one representative each, and a third member coming from a neutral country,” he said.

The June 9 incident, when the two boats collided in the South China Sea, has sparked public Turn to A2 outrage.

SPEAKERSHIP candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has congratulated the children of President Rodrigo Duterte led by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and other newly-elected officials of Davao City who took their oath of office last Friday.

Romualdez, upon the invitation of Mayor Duterte, graced the event at the plenary hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Building in Davao City where President Duterte delivered his congratulatory speech.

“Congratulations to the newly elected officials of Davao City; sincerely wish everyone—especially Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian‘Baste’Duterte, and First District Rep. Paolo ‘Pulong’ Duterte—continued success, wisdom, and discernment in order to serve their city and its people well,” said Romualdez, a lawyer and banker.

“I am honored to witness and celebrate with you during your Turn to A2

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WATER...

SAYYAF FREES 9 HOSTAGES, FINDS THEM 'WORTHLESS'

From A1

Maynilad, on the other zone, said it was “constrained to implement new rotational water service interruptions, throughout our concession area to maximize the limited supply and ensure that all customers will have some water supply daily,” the company said in a statement.

In a statement, Maynilad said “Our customers in portions of Brgys. Bagbag (Callejon Compound), Bagong Silangan, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Holy Spirit, Nagkaisang Nayon, Payatas, San Bartolome, Sauyo, Talipapa and Ugong, Quezon City will have low pressure to no water supply daily, starting June 22 between 04:00 pm and 05:00 am (next day) until rains replenish the Angat Dam, and allocation for Maynilad is restored.”

Maynilad said customers should store water when available.

“We apologize for the inconvenience,” it said.

Maynilad customers in Cavite, meanwhile, will be most affected and may experience water service interruption lasting several hours, Jennifer Rufo, Maynilad corporate communications head, said in an interview, heard nationwide, on Dobol B sa News TV on Saturday.

NWRB director Sevillo David said the NWRB had yet to determine how much longer residents in Metro Manila would have to experience service interruptions due to the low water supply. PNA

ROMUALDEZ...

From A1

oath-taking. With everyone’s impeccable credentials in public service, alam kong magpapatuloy ang #malasakit niyo sa Davao while ensuring its continued progress. Again, congratulations on your well-deserved win” Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, added.

Sara and Pulong both won by a landslide victory while Baste ran unopposed in his first government post.

Other officials who took their oath included Marino Party-list Rep.-elect Carlo Lisandro Gonzalez, Davao City Rep. Vincent Garcia, and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab.

The administering officers were Judge Jill Rose Jaugan-Lo and Judge Rufino Ferraris.

Mayor Duterte urged all elected officials to work hand in hand to reach their dreams of becoming the best performing region in the country.

During the oath-taking, wellplaced sources said President Duterte called Romualdez “Speaker” again in several instances in front of Senatorelect Christoper Go, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, businessman Sammy Uy and Carlos Gonzales.

Last Wednesday, President Duterte and Romualdez made a joint visit to the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division at Camp General Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar to award nine wounded soldiers in a military hospital there and consult soldiers about their concerns.

On Thursday, Romualdez held separate meetings with Sara and Pulong in Davao City before Thursday’s oathtaking.

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USPECTED Abu Sayyaf bandits released Friday night nine captives abducted off Sabah known to be Badjaos, local authorities in Talipao, Sulu confirmed on Saturday.

BIG, BIG BELL. An unidentified local tourist has a prize for herself, the big bell of Santa Monica Church

in Panay, Capiz, claimed to be the biggest in the country, cast by Juan Reina in 1884, using sacks of coin given by the people of the town. It measures seven feet in diameter, five feet in height and weighs 10,400 kilograms or just over 10 metric tons. Teddy Pelaez

Talipao police chief Maj. Napoleon Lango said their personnel were on foot patrol along Kahawa village when they spotted a group of nine individuals walking on the same road.

The group approached the officers and identified themselves as Badjaos allegedly abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf members off Sabah last June 18.

The victims said they were fishing off Lahad Datu in Malaysia when they were snatched by armed men on board two motorized pump boats.

The Singapore Straits Times said the Sulu police identified the nine men, aged between 17 and 60, as Malaysians but the Sabah police said they were “Sama-Bajau” from the Philippines.

Lango said the abductors released them when they discovered the nine had no money “or anything to give as ransom.”

DFA...

From A1

“Secretary Del Rosario is also entitled to have an ordinary and diplomatic passport, whatever his reason is in going abroad,” Baja said.

Del Rosario, who filed a case along with former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales against Chinese President Xi Jinping over China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, was barred from entering Hong Kong on Friday although he was carrying a diplomatic passport after being held by immigration authorities for six hours.

Del Rosario, a vocal critic of China and who led efforts to bring the country’s disputes with China to international arbitration in 2013 when he was Foreign secretary, was supposed to attend a business meeting.

Del Rosario, the country’s top diplomat from 2011 to 2016 during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III, had flown to Hong Kong for a business meeting on Friday but was barred entry for unspecified immigration reasons. He was eventually deported.

His lawyer said Hong Kong authorities gave no reason for denying him entry.

But a Philippines’ government spokesperson said there “might have been a problem with the use” of the passport.

“If you use a diplomatic passport it has to be an official engagement between the Philippine government

and the country that you’re entering,” Martin Andanar told reporters Saturday on the sidelines of a Southeast Asia leaders summit in Bangkok.

“I’m not really sure what the activity... he was supposed to attend, if it was government or private,”he added.

Andanar would not be drawn on whether Del Rosario was barred from Hong Kong for political reasons, saying only “it’s the right of any country to deny (entry by) anyone.”

Hong Kong immigration officials refused to comment on the case.

Del Rosario was granted a diplomatic passport in 2016, in line with Philippines law allowing certain former officials to use one if traveling on government duty.

But Del Rosario earlier told reporters he was in Hong Kong for a business meeting, and on Saturday the DFA said it was revoking all diplomatic passports held by former foreign ministers and lower-level officials.

Speculation has mounted that del Rosario was turned away from Hong Kong because of his tough anti-China posturing.

He was behind a 2013 case at an international tribunal that ruled against Beijing’s claim in the South China Sea. In March, he filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court against Chinese leader Xi Jinping, alleging “crimes against humanity”

over the supposed environmental fallout of Beijing’s activities in the disputed waters.

Hong Kong was handed over from Britain to China in 1997, though is still run independently under a “one country, two systems” arrangement.

But critics say Beijing has tightened its grip on the territory, and the financial hub has increasingly turned away China critics on arrival at the airport.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has largely backed away from Manila’s once-tense standoff with Beijing over its sweeping claims in the resource-rich South China Sea. In a related development, in Bangkok, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Del Rosario’s experience in Hong Kong could not be compared to that of former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales as the former’s case could be more on his use of an official travel document.

In a statement, Panelo said while both Del Rosario and Morales were not allowed to enter Hong Kong, the circumstances appeared to be different. “(U)nlike the case of former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Mr. Del Rosario may have misused a diplomatic passport in his travel to Hong Kong, a trip which is private in nature and is in no way related to government or foreign service,” he said.

Morales was barred for allegedly being a security threat.

Panelo said being a former “Chief Diplomat,” Del Rosario should have known that the improper use of diplomatic passports was not right.

“Mr. Del Rosario should have known or have been alerted to the proper use of diplomatic passports and other travel documents. Moreover, given the experience of the former Ombudsman, Mr. Del Rosario should have been prudent enough to ensure that Hong Kong, a Chinese Special Administrative Region, has no objection to his entry,” the state-run Philippine News Agency quoted him as saying.

Panelo said Hong Kong’s action could not be questioned because “any country has the authority and the right to bar entry (for) any foreign national to its territory.”

Even then, he said the Hong Kong consular office “continues to provide assistance to Mr. Del Rosario, like all other Filipinos who may find themselves in distress abroad” despite his “penchant to capitalize and politicize issues related to PRRD’s (President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s) foreign policy towards China.” “(H)e remains a Filipino citizen entitled to protection and assistance from the Philippine government,” Panelo was further quoted as saying.

AFP, PNA

JOINT PROBE...

From A1

Manila has accused the Chinese trawler of abandoning the vessel’s 22 Filipino crew members—later rescued by Vietnamese fishermen—but Beijing has rejected this.

China states the trawler merely “bumped” the vessel, and tried to rescue the fishermen—but was “afraid of being besieged by other Filipino fishing boats.”

Duterte accepted the Chinese government’s offer to conduct a joint investigation into the incident, Panelo said in a statement, “to determine what really transpired.”

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman had also called on Thursday for a joint probe—where each country could“properly handle the matter through friendly consultations.”

While Manila has filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing, Duterte has urged calm over the incident, setting aside the Philippines’ territorial row with China to court trade and investments.

“To be clear, we are by no means relinquishing any inch of our sovereign rights, nor compromising the rights of our 22 fishermen. We are demanding justice for our countrymen, and we are using all legal means toward that end,”Panelo said.

The incident±which has fed into outrage over China’s expansive claims to the waterway—occurred off Reed Bank, a fish and natural gas-rich area of submerged coral reefs.

It is claimed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims to all or part of the flashpoint sea, a key waterway for trillions of dollars in global trade each year.

In related developments: • In Bangkok, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade confirmed the investigation conducted by the Philippine side on the Reed Bank incident had been completed.

“The MARINA [Maritime Industry Authority] and PCG [Philippine Coast Guard] have completed the investigation,”he told reporters in the Thai capital.

Tugade said the result of the investigation had been submitted to Malacañang on Thursday.

He declined to say what the investigation had found out or what the recommendations were.

In a statement, Panelo said the President wanted to know what really transpired to “find a satisfactory closure to

this episode.”

It was not clear, however, if Malacañang had already received a formal communication from Beijing on the joint probe offer.

“The basic dictates of justice demand a full account of the events that ultimately led to the abandonment of our 22 distressed fishermen in the middle of the sea and accountability of those at fault,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malacanang dismissed allegations the Duterte administration was submissive when it came to China in dealing with the Recto Bank incident, saying such allusion was unacceptable.

In a statement, Panelo also hit back at Duterte’s detractors for allegedly politicizing the incident with“misplaced emotionalism and pretended nationalism.”

He said the President was trying to cautiously attend to the maritime incident to avoid turning it into an international crisis.

He said the President was concerned about the possible repercussion if it took a wrong move on the issue.

However, some groups have questioned the President’s stance belittling the ramming of the Filipino boat by the Chinese vessel as a “little maritime accident.”

Pending the results of the investigation

“whether done independently or jointly,” Panelo said the government’s present focus was to help Filipino fishermen in their current predicament.

“All aid to put them back in harness and to restore them from their displacement are being given them,” he said.

At the same time, Panelo said he recognized that the duty of seafarers to rescue those at peril in the sea was “a well entrenched principle of international law, maritime law, and humanitarian law.”

“The basic dictates of justice demand a full account of the events that ultimately led to the abandonment of our 22 distressed firshermen in the middle of the sea and accountability of those at fault,”he said.

He also said that a joint investigation was prudent compared to separate inquiries conducted by the Philippines and China to prevent allegations of bias.

“We are by no means relinquishing any inch of our sovereign rights, nor compromising the rights of our 22 fishermen. We are demanding justice for our countrymen, and we are using all legal means toward that end,” Panelo said in a statement.

“Having separate investigations by the two countries may raise speculation and accusation of bias. Such circumstance

will put any finding by any side open to question and place the entire issue in a confused state,” he said.

“On the other hand, a joint and impartial investigation will not only promote the expedient resolution of the issue, it will also be in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which places paramount emphasis on the use of peaceful means to resolve international disputes,” Panelo added.

Despite the government’s consent to a joint probe on the Recto Bank incident, Panelo made clear that the government remains committed to uphold the country’s sovereignty and seek justice for the fishermen affected by the allision of the sea vessels.

Before leaving Manila for his Thailand journey, the President insisted that the incident involving a Filipino fishing boat and a Chinese ship in the West Philippine Se was not an attack on the country’s sovereignty.

The President described the Recto Bank development as a little maritime accident, claimed there was no need to wage war or raise a convoluted argument over the incident. With AFP and PNA

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HOUSE OKAYS NEW NAME FOR CEBU AIRPORT

By Maricel V. Cruz

BANGKOK GAB. Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from left, Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Malaysia Foreign

Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, Myanmar’s Union Minister for International Cooperation Kyaw Tin, Philippines’ Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Thailand Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Vietnam Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Brunei Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Erywan Yusof, Cambodia Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi pose for a group photo during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting ahead of the ASEAN summit in Bangkok on June 22, 2019. AFP

RIDE ON PH GROWTH IMPETUS, RODY URGES THAI INVESTORS

B

ANGKOK—President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday urged Thai businessmen to invest more in the Philippines, citing the uptick in the country’s economic indicators.

“I invite you to ride on the momentum of Philippine growth story and invest especially in the new industrial destinations of Metro Manila, Pampanga, Clark, Cebu, Bohol, and Davao,” the President said during a courtesy call by at least 20 Thai businessmen at the Waldorf Astoria here.

Duterte said the Philippines values the economic partnership with Thailand and that he was “pleased with the current Thai investments in my country.” “[I] hope that they will continue to increase in the years ahead,” he said, citing such group as Charoen Pokphand Group, which is involved in agro-industrial and aquaindustrial business in the Philippines, and the Erawan Group, which operates the Hop Inn hotels.

Duterte also said he was encouraging the Thai Beverage TCC Group to also do business in the Philippines, especially in real estate and the hotel business.

The President also called on Thai companies to take part in the massive construction

activities that the government has started, especially for infrastructure.

“The Philippines’ Build, Build, Build is in full swing and you are all welcome to participate.

We are making significant headway in transforming the Philippines into a more stable and secure place for investments,” he said.

Duterte said the government’s “sound macroeconomic policies and ongoing reforms” guarantee investors with “a competitive and corruption-free business climate and a highly skilled and fast-learning workforce.”

He also spoke of the upgrade by Standard & Poor’s of the Philippines credit rating to BBB+ stable, which is just a notch away from ‘A.’ PNA

OVERSIGHT GAB PAYS OFF: 200 FAMILIES IN QC GAIN LAND TITLES

LET’S MAKE THE FUTURE —SPEX GM COLLABORATING and being an active participant of a thriving ecosystem result in a brighter, better future, Malampaya general manager Don Paulino opined in his insightful talk, “Together, let us make the future”, at the 80th Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers National Convention held recently in Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas.

Deep diving into the importance of collaborations between the public and government sectors to boost the Philippine economy and address the challenges of today, Paulino said, “A robust ecosystem can only exist through collaboration and leadership. In the past, it is always great for somebody to be ahead. But one brilliant mind alone can’t solve the complexity of the problems we are facing today.”

Paulino leads the Malampaya Deepwater Gas-to-Power project, one of the most successful Public-Private Partnerships in the history of the Philippines.

During his session, Paulino highlighted that through fruitful collaborations, Malampaya continues to fuel up to 30 percent of the country’s power needs and has contributed over $10 billion in government revenues.

Paulino also talked about the importance of having a solid grasp on one’s purpose of existence to help others achieve success. “We are not here to just survive. We are here to develop a mature ecosystem which will enable growth and development to Filipinos.

In our industry, we mobilize people to have a brighter and better economy for the Philippines.”

Paulino posed a daunting challenge to members of the audience: “You are already part of an ecosystem, being part of PIChE. But think about how you, as chemical engineers, can be part of an ecosystem that boosts economic growth for the country. Start being a catalyst for this ecosystem. Work in unison to make things happen for the Philippines.”

Empowering Chemical Engineers from all over the country, PIChE continues to stimulate collaborative efforts among industry, academe, government, and other civic and professional organizations to advance the technical competence of its members through its 80th convention, attended by over a thousand Chemical Engineers all over the Philippines.

THE main airport in Central Visayas will soon be named Lapu-Lapu Cebu International Airport.

This as the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading before it adjourned sine die the bill renaming the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Lapu-Lapu Cebu International airport in honor of the heroic local chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization.

A total of 189 lawmakers voted for the passage House Bill 9198 that proposes to rename the Mactan-Cebu International Airport as Lapu-LapuCebu International Airport.

The bill, authored by Rep. Raul del Mar of Cebu City, also proposes that the Mactan Cebu International Authority that manages the airport shall also be renamed as Lapu-Lapu-Cebu International Airport Authority.

The bill proposes to amend Republic Act 6958 which created the MactanCebu International Airport Authority.

MCIAA carries the name of the airport that it administers, which is located in Lapu-Lapu City.

Del Mar said the city was named after the Lapu-Lapu who is regarded as the country’s first hero for repelling the Spanish invader Ferdinand Magellan.

To honor Lapu-Lapu and be consistent with the city’s name and location of its airport, the change of airport name and the corresponding change in the name of the authority will serve two purposes.

“This will give Lapu-Lapu the recognition that the outstanding Filipino deserved, and in the same thrust, improve the choice of name,” Del Mar said.

Furthermore, Del Mar said it is prudent and beneficial to keep the name “Cebu” in the airport name and the name of the authority that manages it.

He said that “Cebu” is better known in the world historically, economically and culturally.

Del Mar cited the importance of “Cebu” which serves a crucial function for branding and as locator of the airport as destination for tourists and other visitors.

SPEX general manager Don Paulino (middle), together with PIChE CAMANAVA president Elen Perlado (left) and PIChE national president Jonathan Aquino.

LEARNING 3 RS PLUS CULTURE WITH SMART APPS MOBILE phones and gadgets need not be a distraction from schoolwork, they can be instruments of instruction, especially if they’re loaded with educational apps.

Teacher Bernadette Alcaroci of San Fernando Elementary School in Villareal, Samar, concedes that holding the attention of her 30 or so pupils can be a challenge. Thanks to technology, she has found a way to make even quizzes exciting. She makes them answer the questions using her mobile phone, where she has installed educational apps.

“The kids form a line to the teacher’s table and take turns answering,” she says. Solving math problems was never this fun!

The school is one of several in Eastern Visayas that recently received a Smart School-in-a-Bag digital learning package, which contains tablets installed with literacy apps—not in English but in the children’s own languages, Waray and Inabaknon.

The Kaaram and Katao interactive mobile learning apps were developed

by Smart Communications in partnership with the Department of Education

Region 8 and Central Office, SEAMEO INNOTECH (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology), UNICEF Philippines, and Orangefix.

Research shows that the use of the learner’s mother tongue as the primary medium of instruction is more effective.

However, there isn’t enough content in native languages.

To address the problem, Smart entered into public-private partnerships with several local communities to create LearnSmart Mother Tongue-Based Literacy Apps. Throughout 2018 until the start of the current academic year, Smart developed and launched nine interactive mobile applications in various local languages in collaboration with DepEd and academic institutions nationwide.

Letters, numbers, stories The Bahay Kubo app is a digital learning companion designed for Filipino children aged two to six years. It features Filipino alphabet and number games, which have been proven effective in teaching young learners both basic Tagalog plus

Filipino values—something they won’t learn from “Tagalized” versions of international shows.

Named for the iconic traditional Filipino house, the Bahay Kubo app offers a modern way of learning, similar to how the nipa hut has been modernized, says Stephanie Orlino, head of education programs at Smart. The country’s leading wireless services provider partnered with Early Childhood Care and Development Council, an attached agency of the DepEd, in developing content.

The Kaalam app is for Cebuano learners of all ages. Aside from letters and numbers, it features folklore stories such as Ang Diwata sa Konta and Ang Kwentas ni Ingkco Candido, retold by residents of Argao, Cebu. The content of Kaalam, or knowledge in Cebuano, helps hone users’ word association of Sinugbuanong Binisaya (Cebuano Visayan), the most widely spoken of the Visayan languages.

Collaborating with Smart on this app are the local government of Argao, local DepEd offices in Cebu City and Cebu Province, Cebu Technological University-Argao, and University of Cebu-Banilad Campus.

AFTER waiting for more than a decade, some 200 urban poor families at the National Government Center were finally given their land titles on Friday as a result of the oversight committee hearings spearheaded by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Arroyo personally handed over the land titles to the families in a ceremony at the House of Representatives Social Hall. She was accompanied by outgoing QC Rep. Winnie Castelo and wife, incoming QC Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo.

In a speech during the awarding, Arroyo informed the beneficiaries that the work for the land titling of the remaining 23,000 beneficiaries at the NGC is not yet done because the government has yet to approve the P350-million funding needed to buy the remaining 129 hectares in the East and West sides and for the reblocking of the existing structures in the east side.

She said although the P350 million was part of the allocation vetoed in the 2019 budget, Arroyo said she had asked Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to allocate the said amount from the unused 2018 budget so that the government can start the reblocking and acquiring the land from their owners to be distributed to the qualified occupants.

She said President Rodrigo Duterte earlier signed a joint resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives allowing any unused budget in 2018 to be carried over to be used in 2019.

She added the economic team had assured her that they will consider her request based on the available funds and if the project is “implementation ready.”

Meanwhile, the Castelo couple expressed their gratitude to Arroyo for spearheading the awarding of titles in such a short period as they assured their constituents that all qualified beneficiaries will eventually have their own titles.

Around 30,000 urban poor families in NGC, Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City were given the chance in 2003 by then President Arroyo to acquire their own land under of RA 9207 (National Government Center Housing and Land Utilization Act of 2003). While many of them had already been awarded their own titles, some problems still exist particularly reports of land-grabbing and failure in the reblocking of some properties. Maricel V. Cruz

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

News

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DUTERTE TAGS TRILLANES’ MOM

By Vito Barcelo

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has linked the mother of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to the supposedly anomalous purchase of substandard Kevlar helmets for soldiers in 1998.

In his speech in Davao Friday, Duterte said the transaction involved as well alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Napoles.

“If there was something wrong, if there was money there, it’s from Trillanes, The number one in graft and corruption at the PMA [Philippine

Military Academy]—his father and even his mother,” he said.

Without supplying evidence to back up his claim, the President accused the senator’s mother, Estelita, of being involved in supply transactions with the Philippine Navy when Trillanes and his father were still in the military service.

“The one who delivered them [helmets] were Trillanes’ mother and Napoles. That’s the truth.

That’s why Trillanes reviewed it,’ Duterte said.

Trillanes earlier slammed Duterte for dragging his mother, who is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease, into their political squabble.

The opposition senator

stressed there are no cases were filed against his mother.

“If my parents were indeed involved in those allegedly anomalous transactions, that should have already been used against me during the term of then President Gloria Arroyo,” Trillanes said.

“Nonetheless, I challenge Duterte to do his best in investigating and we will be ready to face him,” the senator added.

Napoles was charged in 2001 with graft and malversation of public funds over the allegedly anomalous purchase of 500 Kevlar helmets worth P3.8 million.

The case, however, was dismissed a year after for lack of probable cause. Napoles was eventually cleared of the charges with finality in 2010.

PRESIDENT WANTS MORE RURAL ECOZONES PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government agencies to expedite the development of special economic zones in rural areas.

Under Administrative Order No. 18, the President directed all concerned government agencies to hasten human capital and infrastructure development as well as the provision of needed interventions to strengthen ecozones in the countryside.

He likewise tasked agencies to ensure the development of backward and forward linkages of industries in and around special ecozones.

The government agencies covered by AO No. 18 are the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

AO No. 18, however, ordered a moratorium on the processing of applications for ecozones in Metro Manila to complement existing strategies and policies on rural development.

Businesses in areas declared as ecozones could enjoy taxfree importations, tax holidays, and exemption from payment of any government fees, among others.

“There is a need to promote rural development, ensure inclusive growth in the countryside, and create robust economic activity and wealth generation in areas outside Metro Manila,” the President said in his administrative order. Vito Barcelo

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Young surfing enthusiasts prepare their board before an early morning practice at Barangay Bagasbas in Daet City, Camarines Norte. Ey Acasio

ASEAN LEADERS PUSH FOR TRADE PACT BANGKOK—Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world’s largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their exportled economies.

Disputes in the flashpoint South China Sea, Myanmar’s persecution of Rohingya Muslims and plastic pollution in the seas are also set to be discussed at the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, chaired by Thailand.

But trade will take center stage with ASEAN leaders keen to hasten the signing of a China-drafted commercial deal covering around half the world’s population.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership includes all 10 ASEAN economies, plus India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

It is seen as a mechanism for China to draft the rules of Asia-Pacific trade, following a US retreat from the region.

Shortly after his election, Presi-

dent Donald Trump pulled the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership— which would have been the world’s largest trade deal—slamming it as an American “job killer.”

While tit-for-tat tariffs between the world’s biggest two economies have seen some manufacturers flee China to safer ASEAN hubs, economists say the big picture for global growth is bleak.

In that context, “RCEP is key to increasing trade volume,” Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told reporters.

“The faster it [RCEP] gets implemented the better,” Martin Andanar, Philippines Communications secretary, told reporters.

“Free trade is definitely what we need here in this region,” he said, adding that the US-China trade row has resulted in “the entire world catching a cold.”

Progress on the deal has stuttered in recent months with India digging in over fears cheap Chinese goods could flood its massive consumer market.

Australia and New Zealand have also raised concerns over a lack of labor and environmental safeguards.

The bloc is also poised to agree on a declaration to “prevent and significantly reduce” marine debris—including plastic—across the region, according to a draft text seen by AFP. Though the statement is the first of its kind for the region, which dumps millions of tons of plastic waste into the ocean every year, activists fear it doesn’t go far enough in curbing single-plastic use.

Regional leaders are also set to tackle thorny South China Sea issues at the weekend meet, with a draft Code of Conduct agreement up for review, though observers doubt any major progress will me made to inch the deal closer to completion.

Discussions around the resourcerich waterway that Beijing claims most of were overshadowed by a recent dust-up in the sea between a Chinese ship that rammed a Filipino fishing boat. AFP

OIL FIRMS HIKE PRICES

BY P0.50 PER LITER

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL prices will likely go up by as much as P0.50 per liter this week, the second consecutive weekly price increase due to the movement of world prices.

“Expect fuel prices to go up next week. Diesel should go up

by P0.50. Gasoline should go up

by P0.10 to P0.20 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said.

On June 18, oil firms also raised the price of gasoline by P0.35 per liter, kerosene by P0.25 per liter and diesel by P0.20 per liter.

World oil prices continue to be affected by the ongoing US-China trade war and tensions in Iran.

As this developed, the consumer group Laban Konsyumer Inc. lamented the filing of petition for a temporary restraining order of certain oil companies on the unbundling circular of the Department of Energy.

“Disheartening. LKI reiterates that the DOE Circular is good start and good news for the consumers,” LKI president Victorio Dimaguiba said.

The Philippine Institute of Petroleum Inc., whose members include Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Petron Corp. Chevron Philippines and Isla LPG Corp., PTT Philippines and Total Philippines, has filed a petition for a TRO and/or preliminary injunction against the department circular.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed the circular providing for the unbundling of petroleum product prices to improve price transparency among oil industry players on May 28.

The oil companies said the TRO is necessary to ensure to promote a market competition as the circular is contrary to the spirit of the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998.

DOE called on oil companies to itemize their costs, including the “industry take” or their profit.

“Consistent with the mandate of the Department of Energy on effective data-driven policymaking, as well as ensuring greater market transparency, we have amended our guidelines for the reporting of price adjustments by oil companies in the downstream oil industry in the Philippines,” Cusi said in the circular.

“In accordance with existing guidelines, oil companies will continue to report to the DOE any adjustments in the retail prices of gasoline, automotive and industrial diesel, kerosene, jet fuel and aviation gas, and household and automotive liquefied petroleum gas,” Cusi added.

The Energy chief said under the new guidelines, oil companies will also be required to report their “unbundled price adjustments” to include import costs, tax burdens, biofuel costs and other essential cost components that contribute to the changes in retail prices.

BI DENIES TARGETING CHINESE YELLOWS ALL AROUND.

Visitors take photos of sunflowers in full bloom along the University Avenue at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

THE Bureau of Immigration has intensified its drive against illegal foreign workers but clarified the “crackdown” is not targeting Chinese nationals solely but all foreigner employees who do not have the required working permits.

The drive against illegal foreign workers resulted in the arrest of 35 Chinese men working as construction workers in a subdivision in Parañaque, according to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.

“We are not cracking down on specific nationalities,” Morente said.

“We are after all illegal aliens. If you are an illegal alien, then let this serve as a reminder.

Comply with the law, lest you face the sanctions,” he said.

The Immigration chief also urged the public to forward information about illegal aliens in their area.

“We urge the public to help us get rid of these illegal aliens by reporting those within

your community,” he said.

Senator Joel Villanueva, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor, said that while there are undocumented OFWs in other countries, the government should still crack the whip on foreigners illegally working here.

“While we reiterate that we do not condone the presence of illegal Filipino workers abroad, the government should take note that the case of illegal aliens working in our country is different from those of Filipino workers abroad,” he said.

Villanueva said the increasing number of illegal foreign workers in the country is “unacceptable” because they take away job opportunities from Filipinos who can perform their work.

The Department of Labor and Employment earlier reported that half of the 115,652 alien employment permits it issued from 2015 to 2017 were given to Chinese individuals. Vito Barcelo

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

POP GOES THE WORLD

KAPA CORD: CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER

W

E JOIN other Filipinos in profoundly watching the threads surrounding the Kapa Community Ministry International Inc., which have fathomably gone across economic, religious and legal borders.

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a criminal complaint against the Bislig, Surigao del Sur-founded group—it has since transferred its headquarters to Alabel, Sarangani in the Soccsksargen Region—its founder and president Joel Apolinario, trustee Margie Danao and corporate secretary Reyna Apolinario.

Their crime, according to the complaint filed with the Department of Justice by SEC chair Emilio Aquino, was that Kapa “amassed wealth through an investment scam in the guise of religion and at the expense of the investing public.”

The SEC has implicated and identified other people in, according to the body, promoting the investment scam, which violated Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and promised to name more respondents in the loop in what has been described as the “unlawful public offering and/or selling of securities by Kapa.”

Apace with these allegations, the SEC said Kapa used a Ponzi scheme—an illegal pyramid selling plan which uses money from people who have just invested to pay people who

JENNY ORTUOSTE

SAN MATEO RAISES PH FLAG

have already invested, instead of using real profit to pay them—which is a duplicitous, if Janus-faced, transaction prohibited under SRC’s Section 26.

Then SEC, in a legal argument, said those found to have breached the existing ad rem rules and regulations faced individually a maximum fine of P5 million or jail of seven to 21 years, or both at the judgment of the courts.

Added on argument, still from the SEC, is the penalty to be meted out to Kapa officers should be one degree higher than what was prescribed under the rules since it said they used social media sites in their scheme.

We watch from a discerning distance as the threads develop, the cord around the crenelated Kapa group getting curiouser and curiouser.

DURING my brief residence in the Bay Area in the United States, I made friends in the Filipinx-American writing community, and among them was Aileen Cassinetto, who is currently San Mateo County’s poet laureate.

Aileen migrated to the U.S. from the Philippines when she was young, but still bears much of Inang Bayan’s culture within her. Her present work entails creating and performing poems at special occasions and events, and it is a joy to follow her on Facebook and see her contributions to her community.

Last June 20, she posted about an event that raised Filipinx pride: “Grateful to be here as San Mateo County raises the Philippine flag, on the 121st anniversary of Philippine Independence.

“San Mateo County, the home of Facebook and other tech giants, is also home to over 60,000 Filipino-Americans. There are more than three million Filipino Americans scattered across the U.S. today, and nearly 500,000 call the San Francisco Bay Area home.”

The event was the 2nd Annual County of San Mateo Philippine Flag Raising, in celebration of the 121st anniversary of Philippine independence. It was held June 20 at Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

The U.S. flag and the Philippine flags were raised in front of the San Mateo Country History Museum. As per protocol, the Philippine flag was positioned slightly lower than the U.S. flag. Both anthems were sung.

The flag-raising event was spearheaded by San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa, who spoke about the origins of Philippine independence and the shared history of the Philippines and the U.S.: “One hundred twenty-one years ago, the Filipino revolutionary, Emilio Aguinaldo, stood amongst a crowd of his fellow countrymen in Cavite El Viejo and declared the Philippines’ independence from Spain’s 300-year reign…

“We gather here now to celebrate the strong-willed tenacity and courage of the Filipino people who paid the heavy price of freedom.

“Both the Philippines and the United States, inspired by the dreams of sovereignty and self-governance, have built histories together and we stand here to reflect upon them.

“In World War II, when the Axis powers threatened to overtake the freedoms of other nations, more than a quarter million Filipinos fought alongside the United States to overcome it.

“The stories of Filipinos and FilipinoAmericans are part of US history. Because when I think about the histories of these two great countries and look at the values on which they were founded on, we share the same spirit.

“The price of freedom is not an easy one to pay, and it is a never-ending responsibility to uphold.

“I stand in awe when I think of our predecessors who had the courage and strength to carry that task on their shoulders, and I salute the servicemen and women who protect the sanctity of this precious privilege today.

“So, I am humbled that you have invited me to share in this feeling of solemn respect as we honor the Philippines’ story of independence.”

Canepa also related that on June 14, the U.S. celebrated Flag Day, a holiday that “commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.”

Canepa said, “We know that a country’s flag holds meaning to the people that it represents, and this holds especially true for the flag of the United States.

“Raising the Philippines’ national flag with this United States’ flag is a moving experience for me. As we celebrate this special day let us be reminded that our two countries are connected through history, partnership, and friendship.”

Other cities in the Bay Area held their own flag raising and Philippine Independence Day celebrations, among them Daly City, population 32 percent Filipinx; Vallejo, Sacramento, San Jose, Milpitas, and San Francisco.

Most Fil-Ams, particularly those with a connection to the Philippines through their family, have a strong pride in Philippine culture, traditions, and heritage. I’ve seen how the youth who were born and grew up in America try to make sense of their identity in a country where the different races are often in conflict by reaching out to their roots, learning to speak Filipino, and cultivating an interest in Philippine mythology and folk tales.

Knowing that the Philippine flag is being raised in a foreign country sends a frisson up my spine. Thanks to Aileen Cassinetto and other kababayans for keeping us updated on their Filipinx-related events. My greetings to the Fil-Am community of the Bay Area, of which I once was a part.

RENEWABLES ARE BOOMING BUT COAL IS STILL KING IN PH

By Imelda V. Abano (First of two parts) THE Philippines, along with other countries in Asia, can meet its power needs with the plummeting costs of renewable energy technologies while reducing emissions and addressing the climate crisis.

Just over the week, the Germanbased Climate Analytics released its latest analysis on decarbonization of South and Southeast Asia pointing out that renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal, biomass) is now cheaper than fossil-fueled generation in most of the world.

However, coal is still king in the Philippines. Last year, coal-fired power plants provided the largest generation share in the country with a whopping 51,932 gigawatt hours (Gwh) from 23,301 Gwh power generated in 2010, according to the 2018 Power Statistics report of the Department of Energy. Looking at the statistics, coal use in the country continues to increase, followed by the use of oil, natural gas and renewable energy.

In fact, the DOE’s latest data show that between last year and 2019, the Philippines may expect 5,687.53 megawatts of new capacity, at least 63 percent of which will be provided by coalfired power plants.

Around half of the Philippines’ electricity generation is provided by the 8 GW of operating coal power plants.

The government is planning to keep the

dominance of coal in the energy mix and is promoting new coal exploration and development contracts, as started in Coal Roadmap 2017–2040 of the Department of Energy.

The Energy Plan also stated that by the end of that period over 35 percent of energy will be sourced from oil, almost 30 percent from coal, 12 percent from gas, 9 percent from biomass, and only 13.7 percent from renewable energy sources. The total energy production for 2040 is predicted to be 137.8 millions of tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe). To satisfy the fast-growing electricity demand, the Plan assumes that almost 44 Gigawatts of new generation capacity would be needed—almost three times the existing installed capacity.

Based on the latest analysis of the Climate Analytics, the lack of access to modern energy remains a problem in the Philippines. Overall, 91 percent of the population had access to electricity in 2016, with about 97 percent in urban areas compared to only 86 percent in rural areas, leaving about 9 million people without access.

“The Philippines is planning to build new coal power plants. This is worrying as it would lock it into a carbon-intensive pathway for decades, and would be a huge missed opportunity to build a carbonfree, climate-resilient energy system,” said report author Paola Yanguas Parra, policy analyst at Climate Analytics.

She said that national energy planning should factor-in other national priorities, such as energy independence, reliability

and affordability of power supply, and sustainable development goals. “The current expansion of coal is at odds with these priorities but scaling up its renewable energy targets would go a long way to address this,” Parra said.

The Climate Analytics analysis also said that Philippines’ coal-fired expansion plans amount to nearly 78 percent of the current capacity. This accounts for nearly 3 percent of the global expansion plans.

All of the existing capacity, and a large proportion of the planned capacity is sub-critical. These plants have relatively high emissions intensity; despite the shift to super—an ultra super—critical power plants with low emissions intensity, the coal-fired expansion has significant emission implications.

“The Philippines has a huge potential for developing renewable energy sources.

Their low, and ever decreasing, costs and distributed character is the best way to provide electricity even to the most remote islands. If the coal expansion plans go ahead, the Philippines government would need to consider the cost of reducing emissions in other sectors to compensate for the new coal emissions, to meet its national climate pledge under the Paris climate agreement,” Parra explained.

Rapid shift A transition to renewable energy, according to the Climate Analytics report, could contribute to reducing energy security concerns and public expenditures on fossil fuel imports, freeing resources for other investments. The increasing reliance

on fossil fuel imports comes at a significant cost—3.5 percent of the country’s GDP or US$11 billion in 2017 were spent on fuel imports.

The report also mentioned that the Philippines can benefit substantially from a rollout of renewable energy also in terms of reducing air pollution and related health impacts. The Philippines could benefit from reducing external costs from air pollution with annual average air pollution cost savings in 2025 amounting to about US$1.1 billion with regard to reduced outdoor air pollution.

Francis dela Cruz, partnerships and advocacy advisor of the international policy group Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (iCSC), said that the new report confirms that shifting from coal and diesel to renewables can provide not only more affordable and more reliable energy but also lead to more jobs and savings.

“Our government must take developed countries to task for their failure to provide leadership on climate action, but it must also walk the talk on renewable energy and energy efficiency,” Dela Cruz said. “With a greater sense of urgency, Philippine economic managers can and should bake into our long-term development plans the country’s climate vulnerabilities as well as our wealth of clean energy sources.”

(Continued tomorrow) Imelda V. Abano is president of the Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists.

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‘PACK’ FOUND GUILTY OF GANG RAPE IN SHOCK SPAIN CASE MADRID, Spain—Spain’s Supreme Court Friday found five men who called themselves “The Pack” guilty of gang raping a young woman, overturning previous convictions for the lesser offence of sexual abuse in a case that shook the country.

The Madrid-based tribunal sentenced each defendant to 15 years in prison — up from nine years each—overriding two previous rulings in the case that had sparked mass protests in Spain.

By late afternoon, all five had been detained, according to police.

“The factual account describes a genuine scenario of intimidation in which the victim never consents to the sexual acts performed by the accused,” the court ruled.

The victim found herself in “a situation of intimidation that made her adopt an attitude of submission, doing what the perpetrators told her to do.”

The panel of five judges, including two women, said the victim had experienced “at least 10 sexual assaults with oral, vaginal and anal penetration.”

Minutes after meeting her, the five men, aged 24 to 27, raped the drunk woman, then aged 18, at the entrance to an apartment building in Pamplona in July 2016 at the start of the popular San Fermin bull-running festival.

They left her half-naked in the doorway. One of them also stole her mobile phone.

The five filmed the incident with their smartphones and bragged about it on WhatsApp where they referred to themselves as “La Manada,” or “The Pack”.

The footage they shared on WhatsApp was used against them in court but also against the victim to illustrate her alleged passivity during the act. AFP

CHAD REBEL CHIEF CHARGED WITH HUMANITY CRIMES PARIS—Chad rebel chief Mahamat Nouri was charged in Paris Friday with crimes against humanity in a probe involving the recruitment of child soldiers in Chad and Sudan, a judicial source said.

The general has also been charged with participation in a criminal conspiracy to commit a crime against humanity, and placed in provisional detention, said the source.

A second suspect, former rebel spokesman Abakar Tollimi, has not been charged but was given the preliminary status of “assisted witness”, which can precede a formal indictment.

The pair are suspected of having “carried out operations of forced recruitment of combatants, including minors,” in Chad and the bordering Sudanese province of Darfur between December 2005 and July 2010, according to prosecutors.

But Nouri’s lawyer, Elise Le Gall, told AFP her client rejected the allegation that there were minors among his fighters.

She said she would appeal the indictment and 72-year-old Nouri’s detention.

Under French law, Nouri was “mis en examen”, a legal term that has no direct equivalent in the American or British legal systems but roughly translates as being charged.

The French term does not automatically trigger a trial but means that prosecutors believe there is strong or corroborated evidence of wrongdoing.

Nouri, the exiled leader of the Union of Forces for Democracy and Development (UFDD), was detained at his home in western Paris on Monday.

Founded by Nouri, the UFDD is one of the main groups opposing Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno. Some of its forces are based in southern Libya. AFP

TRUMP TAPS ESPER AS US SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

MAJESTIC SIGHT.

The Cristo Rey monument is silhouetted against the full moon in Cali, Colombia, early on Monday, June 17. AFP

US SENATE BLOCKS SAUDI ARMS SALES

W

ASHINGTON—Saudi Arabia’s controversial military campaign in Yemen suffered a double blow Thursday as US lawmakers voted to block President Donald Trump’s arms sales to Riyadh hours after Britain temporarily suspended similar sales.

In Washington, the Senate voted to prevent $8.1 billion in US arms in a symbolic bipartisan rebuke to the president and his close ties with the kingdom.

A handful of Republicans joined Democrats in voting against 22 separate sales of aircraft support maintenance, precision-guided munitions and other weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan at a moment of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The votes were only assured this week when Republican leadership agreed to hold the sensitive roll calls on the arms sales, which critics say will aggravate the devastating war in Yemen.

Trump’s administration took the extraordinary step of

bypassing Congress to approve the sales in May, declaring Iran to be a “fundamental threat” to regional stability.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said the administration was responding to an emergency caused

by Saudi Arabia’s historic rival Iran, which backs the Huthi rebels in Yemen.

But critics in the United States and Britain have expressed concern about the devastating toll that the fouryear Saudi bombing campaign in neighboring Yemen has taken on civilians.

“When they target civilians how can we continue to sell those arms?” Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, author of the resolutions, said Thursday.

The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and triggered what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst existing humanitarian crisis.

Britain’s temporary sales suspension was announced

by International Trade Secretary Liam Fox after a British court ordered the government to “reconsider” the sales due to their toll on non-combatants.

“We disagree with the judgement and will seek permission to appeal,” Fox said in a statement delivered in parliament, adding authorities “will not grant any new licenses to Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners which might be used in the conflict in Yemen.” AFP

WASHINGTON—Donald Trump has nominated Mark Esper to be the US Secretary of Defense, the White House said late Friday, as Washington navigates a spike in tensions with Iran.

The nomination of Esper, who was this week elevated to acting Pentagon chief from his post as Army Secretary, was announced hours after Trump revealed he had come close to authorizing a strike on Iran after it shot down an American drone.

There hasn’t been a full defense secretary since the resignation of James Mattis in December last year after splits in the administration over Trump’s sudden decision to remove US troops from Syria.

Esper, who must be confirmed by the Senate, is the third man to lead the Pentagon in six months.

He replaces Patrick Shanahan, who also led the military in an acting capacity, but this week withdrew his name from consideration for defense secretary after facing questions over his past personal life and an allegation of domestic violence.

The new upheaval in what is one of the most powerful posts in the US government comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Trump said Friday the United States was “cocked & loaded” to strike Iran but pulled back at the last minute because it would not have been a “proportionate” response to Tehran shooting down an American drone.

The downing of the drone —which Iran insists violated its airspace, a claim Washington denies—has seen tensions between the countries spike after a series of attacks on tankers the US has blamed on Tehran.

Unlike Shanahan, who had no military experience, 55-yearold Esper served in the 1991 Gulf War as part of the famous 101st Airborne Division of the US Army.

Esper had been a senior executive at the Raytheon defense firm for seven years when he was tapped by Trump to be Army Secretary in 2017. AFP

HK POLICE SLAM ‘ILLEGAL’ PROTEST AS HQ SIEGE ENDS HONG KONG—Hong Kong police on Saturday slammed an “illegal” blockade of its headquarters after a 15-hour siege by anti-government demonstrators calling for the resignation of the city’s pro-Beijing leader.

Thousands of largely young protesters surrounded the building throughout Friday and into the small hours of Saturday morning, the latest manifestation of angry demonstrations sweeping Hong Kong.

The international finance hub has been rocked by the worst political unrest since its 1997 handover to China.

Millions have marched this month to oppose a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to the Chinese mainland.

Officers also used tear gas and rubber bullets last week to clear protesters during another massive demonstration outside the city’s parliament, fanning widespread anger at the police.

The spark for the current wave of protests was

an attempt by chief executive Carrie Lam to pass the Beijing-backed extradition law, which she has now postponed following the huge public backlash.

But the demonstrations have since morphed into a wider movement against Lam’s administration and Beijing after years of sliding political freedoms.

Protest leaders plan to hold another huge rally on July 1 but student-led groups—communicating through encrypted messaging apps—have begun embracing spontaneous, fast-moving acts of civil disobedience.

“We need to flow like water”, one protester called Chris told AFP, espousing a famous philosophy from martial arts superstar and Hong Kong legend Bruce Lee. During Friday’s demonstrations outside police headquarters, large crowds of protesters blockaded entrances, taped over CCTV cameras, and shouted at police.

Many chanted “release the righteous” and

“shame on police thugs”—references to those detained during violence last week between demonstrators and the police.

Opposition groups have demanded an investigation into allegations of police brutality and the release of those detained during the clashes, in addition to Lam’s ouster and the permanent cancellation of the extradition bill.

Officers remained inside their fortified building throughout Friday.

The protest was noisy but peaceful—except for some thrown eggs and demonstrators shining laser pens at the windows.

The crowds eventually dispersed in the early hours of Saturday some 15 hours after their demonstration began.

In a statement Saturday morning, police called the protest “illegal, irrational and unreasonable”, saying emergency calls were interrupted and that 13 members of staff were “sent to hospital for treatment”. AFP

US WRITER: TRUMP SEXUALLY ASSAULTED ME IN MID-1990S WASHINGTON -- An advice columnist for Elle fashion magazine said in an account published Friday that Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in the dressing room of a New York department store more than two decades ago.

Trump reacted with a statement saying he’d never met his accuser, E. Jean Carroll, and that the incident “never happened.”

According to Carroll, the rape occurred in either 1995 or 1996, when Trump was a prominent real estate developer and she was a well-known magazine writer and host of a television show.

The account, revealed in an excerpt of Carroll’s latest book and published Friday by New York magazine, makes her at least the 16th woman to have accused

Trump of sexual misconduct before he became president.

Carroll, 75, says she ran into Trump at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan while they were both shopping.

She says that in an initially friendly encounter, Trump asked her for advice on buying a piece of lingerie for an unnamed woman. Then jokingly, they each suggested that the other should try it on.

“The moment the dressing-room door is closed, he lunges at me, pushes me against the wall, hitting my head quite badly, and puts his mouth against my lips,” Carroll wrote.

Pinning her against the wall, Carroll says, Trump proceeded to pull down her

tights, unzip his pants and penetrate her —all while himself fully dressed—until she finally managed to push him out and run from the dressing room.

Carroll never went to the police because, she said, she was afraid of repercussions.

Carroll wrote that she did not come forward sooner because she was afraid of “receiving death threats, being driven from my home, being dismissed, being dragged through the mud.”

“Joining the 15 women who’ve come forward with credible stories about how the man grabbed, badgered, belittled, mauled, molested and assaulted them, only to see the man turn it around, deny, threaten, and attack them, never sounded like much fun,” she wrote. AFP

RACING TRADITION. Racegoers attend day one of the Royal Ascot horse racing

meet, in Ascot, west of London, on Tuesday, June 18. The five-day meeting is one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar. Horse racing has been held at the famous Berkshire course since 1711 and tradition is a hallmark of the meeting. Top hats and tails remain compulsory in parts of the course while a daily procession of horse-drawn carriages brings the Queen to the course. AFP

Images

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S O T O H P F THE O EEK W OUT OF PLACE. A stray polar bear walks on a road on the outskirts of the Russian industrial city of Norilsk on Monday, June 17. The hungry polar bear is hundreds of miles from its natural habitat, in an alarming sign of global warming pushing animals out of their natural habitats, authorities said on Tuesday. AFP

AERIAL YOGA. Nepali yoga instructor Ramesh Sapkota demonstrates aerial yoga at his studio ahead of International Yoga Day in Kathmandu on Thursday, June 20. International Yoga Day is annually celebrated every year on Friday, June 21. AFP

AWARDED AT LAST. Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (second from left) hands a land title certificate to one of the recipients of Republic Act 9207, the National Government Center Housing and Land Utilization Act of 2003, which Arroyo had championed while she was President 16 years ago. Joining the Speaker are Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo (left) and Rep.-elect Precious Hipolito-Castelo (third from left).

Contributed Photo

SHABU NEAR PALACE. Officials of the National Bureau of Investigation present to the media on

Friday nine suspects who were caught selling ‘shabu’ following a buy-bust operation inside the Malacañang Complex in Manila. They were identified as Rolando C. Laya, Bryan Jason Batrina, Melvin Santiago Camba, Freddie Nacion Jr., Esperanza Pido, Joan Garcia, Ronnie Gonzales Lao, Sulpicio Reyes Casiler Jr., and Leonardo dela Cruz Asa. Norman Cruz

PH-ASEAN TRADE. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez speaks during a press conference on the sidelines of the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday. AFP

DEAD ON THE SPOT. Quezon City Police District Station 7 commander P/Lt. Col. Hyacinth Callao (left) personally investigates the crime scene where P/Sgt. Fernando Diamzon, 49, of the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group lies dead after being ambushed along Boni Avenue in Barangay Bagong Lipunan, Quezon City on Friday. Manny Palmero

RAINS COMING. State weather bureau forecaster Joey Ferguracion shows the map indicating the ridge of a high-pressure area affecting the eastern portion of Luzon, which would bring a storm or more rains to the country, on Friday in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

4 FILIPINOS MAKE IT TO ASPAC JR. NBA TEAM

ELECT Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 AllStars, comprised of three boys and one girl, will represent Asia Pacific at the Jr. NBA Global Championship, a youth basketball tournament for the top 13- and 14-yearold boys’ and girls’ teams from around the world.

The event will be held on Aug. 6 to 11 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida.

Camille Nolasco, Heinz Gabriel Demisana, Sebastian Reyes, and Lionel Matthew Rubico were recognized as part of the top performing players of the first-ever Jr. NBA Asia Pacific Selection Camp staged June 15 and 16 at the Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia, which featured 34 boys and 34 girls from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“Basketball has given me many opportunities with one of them being able to play in the Jr. NBA program.

I’m very proud to join the Asia Pacific team competing in the Jr. NBA Global Championship,” said Demisana.

Demisana, Reyes and Rubico will join other members of the Jr. NBA Global Championship Asia Pacific Team in Joshua Dent (Australia), Jayson Tan Zi Sheng (Singapore), Jamil Email Ajmal Bin (Malaysia), Brian Leon-

GOLF CHAMP. New Zealand’s William Houng-Lee (right) receives his trophy from National Golf Association of the Philippines vice president Jose Iñigo (second from left) after nipping former champion Abe Rosal in sudden death to become the first foreign player to win the Philippine Seniors crown at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas last Friday. With them are Mt. Malarayat golf manager Mike Carr (left) and NGAP director Caloy Coscoluella.

Members of the Asia Pacific team plunging into action in the NBA Global Championship are shown here.

ard (Indonesia), Eishin Naito (Japan), Dontae Nance (New Zealand) and Tikun Sriphrawiang (Thailand).

The girls’ team, led by Nolasco, is composed of Supawadee Aupatum (Thailand), Angelica Jenifer Candra (Indonesia), Reina Fukuo (Japan), Summah Hanson (Australia), Chong Pui Khee (Malaysia), Phung Trang Linh (Vietnam), Vanissa Renata Siregar (Indonesia), Lily Taulelei (New Zealand) and Iris Yuen (Singapore).

“When I first saw my opponents, I didn’t expect to be here since they’re so tall, but I brought the Filipino mentality ‘puso’ which helped achieve my goal of being part of the Jr. NBA Asia

LHUILLIER VOWS TO AID PH SOFTBALL THE Philippines ended its campaign winless in the XVI World Baseball & Softball Confederation Men’s Softball World Championship 2019 in Prague, Czech Republic.

The Blu Boys, ranked 17th in the world, bowed to Mexico Thursday night, 2-12, and finished at the bottom in Group A. Although Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier was not expecting the Blu Boys to advance in the quarterfinal round of this prestigious tournament that gathered 16 of the world’s top softball nations, the long-time softball patron is hoping this experience would be a big part of the team’s learning curve.

“The results may be disappointing to sports fans like me but that is exactly what we need to emphasize the need to address the further development of softball in the country,” Lhuillier said.

“We now know that the Blu Boys need to focus on the skills level for us to be able to match up with the world’s premier teams. At the same time, we plan to work on developing our coaches’ skills,” he added.

Advancing to the quarterfinal round are Asian champion Japan (7-0), Argentina (6-1); defending champion New Zealand (4-3) and host Czech Republic (3-4) from Group A and Canada (7-0); Australia (6-1); USA (5-2) and Venezuela (43) from Group B.

Pacific girls team,” said Nolasco.

Led by Jr. NBA coaches Carlos Barroca, Rob Newson and Natalia Andre, the two-day camp engaged participants to execute technical and tactical skills and develop teamwork among players of varying languages and cultural backgrounds.

In addition, Jr. NBA athletes participated in the skills challenge during the Jr. NBA All-Star Saturday Night event that featured Jr. NBA Indonesia alumni and Indonesian personalities, including professional basketball player Daniel Wenas, actress and singer Mikha Tambayong, and social

media influencers Hadi al Ghifary and Reynal Abipraya.

Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 is presented

by Alaska, with AXA, Gatorade, Globe, Panasonic, Rexona and Vivo as official partners. ABS-CBN S+A, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV are the official broadcasters of Jr. NBA Philippines.

Fans can learn more about Jr. NBA Philippines at www.jrnba.asia/philippines and on Facebook and the NBA at www. nba.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit www.alaskamilk.com to learn more about Alaska Milk Corporation, and follow Alaska Milk on Facebook for more information about Alaska Sports.

TRIPLE CROWN 2ND LEG OFFERS P3M lotted for the breeder of A WHOPPING P3-million winning horse. total pot is up for grabs The last horse to win when the Philippine all three legs of the Triple Racing Commission Crown was Sepfourteen stages the second leg of SC Stockfarm in 2017. of its 2019 Triple Crown Prior to Sepfourteen’s Triseries at the Saddle and ple Crown achievement Clubs Leisure Park in two years ago, the last Naic, Cavite on Sunday. time one horse won it all A powerhouse sevenin one year was in 2014 horse field, led by firstwhen Emmanuel Santos’s leg winner Real Gold will colt Kid Molave (Into Misbe shooting for the top chief x Unsaid) scored the prize of P1.8 million put Real Gold rare 3-peat. up by Philracom.

In the accompanying second leg of the 2019 Last May 26, Real Gold won the initial battle of the country’s best three-year-olds, obliterating the Philracom Hopeful Stakes Race, which will also eight-horse 1st-leg field that included undefeated be ran in 1,800 meters, a 10-horse field, bannered and overwhelming favorite Obra Maestra at the by SC Stockfarm’s coupled entries JLO (jockey JA Guce) and Mood Swing (MM Gonzales), will be San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

Real Gold, owned by C&H Enterprise, is the eyeing the P600,000 top prize, from the total P1odds-on pick to win a second straight Triple Crown million purse offered.

Joining the Hopeful Stakes fray are Harapin race, but stiff challenge will come from Best Regards (jockey CP Henson, owner Peter Aguila), ang Bukas (jockey JB Hernandez, owner BenjaBoss Emong (Dan Camanero, Edward Vincent Dio- min Abalos Jr.), My Jopay (Pat R Dilema, Moises kno), Jayz (JA Guce, SC Stockfarm), Phenomenal Villasenor), Serafina (MB Pilapil, Peter Aguila), (JB Guce, Enrique Javier), Shanghai Noon (OP Cor- Skyscraper (RA Base, Leonardo M. Javier Jr.), tez, Emmanuel Santos) and Toy For The Big Boy (JB Suburbia (OP Cortez, Joseph Dyhengco), The Accountant (CP Henson, Luis Aguila), Two Timer Cordova, Alfredo Santos).

The race will be ran in 1,800 meters, a 200-meter (JA Guce, Melaine Habla) and Viscerion (RC Baldonido, James Albert Dichaves). increase from the first leg’s 1,600.

Runner-up gets P225,000, while third- and Second-placer of the race pockets P675,000, with the third and fourth placers getting P375,000 fourth-placers receive P125,000 and P50,000, reand P150,000, respectively. A P100,000 prize is al- spectively, with winning breeder taking P30,000.

ALSONS POWER, DIAZ PRESENT 2ND BATCH OF SCHOLARS

Shown here are (top, from left) Brgy. Talon-Talon Kagawad Jade Jamolod, Alsons Power Corporate Communications Head Oscar Benedict E. Contreras III, Alsons Power Vice President for Corporate Affairs Ruben G. Tungpalan, Zamboanga City Councilor Hon. Elbert Atilano, Sr., Zamboanga City Sports Department Head Dr. Cecilia Atilano, Brgy. Mampang Chairman Leonardo Aliangan, (bottom, from left) Angelica Garcia, Ella Mae Lozada, Mango Prince Tarro, Angel Locson, Kirby Kent Alas-as, Hidilyn Diaz, Alexsandra Diaz, Jhodie Peralta, Princess Jay Ann Diaz, Hillary Diaz and Jeaneth Hipolito.

THE Alsons Power Group, Mindanao’s first and most experienced independent power producer, together with 2016 Olympic silver medalist and 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, officially presented 10 young weightlifters to form the second batch of “Power Scholars” under the Alsons Power Hidilyn Diaz Scholarship Program for Aspiring Weightlifters.

The presentation ceremony of the new batch of Power Scholars was held at the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym in Mampang, Zamboanga City.

The scholarship program is part of the power company’s commitment to help provide more educational opportunities for young people in Zamboanga City, where Alsons Power is the primary supplier of electricity thru its 100-megawatt (MW) Western Mindanao Power Corporation power plant in the eastern portion of the city.

The partnership between Alsons and Diaz aims to produce world-class Filipino weightlifters and support the country’s efforts in eventually winning gold in the Olympics and excelling in other international sports competitions.

Scholars are nominated by a three-person panel composed of Diaz, former national coach and Philippine Weightlifting Association vice president Councilor Elbert Atilano Sr., and national coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz.

Each Power Scholar receives a subsidy that

will cover the provisions for school uniforms, shoes, a bag and school supplies, as well as a monthly stipend for transportation and food allowances covering the school year.

The second batch of scholars are : Angelica Garcia 16, an 8th grader at Talon-Talon National High School; Ellamae Lozazda 13, a 7th grader from Mampang National High School; Angel Locson 12 , grade 7 from Mampang National Highs School; Prince Mango Tarro 12, grade 7 from the Zamboanga City National High School Main Campus; Jeaneth Hipolito 12 ,grade 6 from Mampang Elementary School; Hillary Diaz 11, grade 6 from Mampang Elementary School; Princess Jay Ann Diaz 11, grade 6 from Mampang Elementary School; Kirby Kent Alas-as 10, grade 5 from Tetuan Central Sped Center Main; Jodie Peralta 9; grade 4 from Mampang Elementary School; and Alexandra Ann Diaz 8; grade 3 from Mampang Elementary School.

The initial batch of five power scholars were named in 2017 and have gone on to compete in international competitions including last year’s Youth Olympics qualifiers in Uzbekistan.

At the presentation ceremony, Diaz urged the scholars to do excel both academically and in competition. “Dream high, study, and train well if you want to Olympians,” she told the scholars.

PAGUNSAN KEEPS ICTSI NEGROS GOLF CROWN BACOLOD—Juvic Pagunsan swept the Bacolod legs of the four-leg Visayan swing of the Philippine Golf Tour in emphatic fashion, beating James Ryan Lam by four with a 69 and retaining the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic crown here yesterday.

Pagunsan shrugged off an early pressure from Nilo Salahog and a brief challenge from Lam, finishing with three birdies against two bogeys and winning by a big margin despite churning out his “worst” round in four days after a pair of 66s and a 68 for an 11-under 269.

Still, his closing 34-35 proved enough to outclass practically the same field he dominated in last week’s Bacolod Golf Challenge in Binitin, which he won by seven over Rufino Bayron, thus becoming the first player to score backto-back leg wins on the PGT since Clyde Mondilla topped the Manila Southwoods Championship and the Philippine Masters in May 2017.

The multi-titled shotmaker, who edged absentee Jobim Carlos in two extra holes here last year, also became the first player to successfully defend a crown in the circuit put up by ICTSI since Tony Lascuña won the Forest Hills Championship in 2016-17.

“This is one of my toughest wins. I really struggled this week and couldn’t focus,” said Pagunsan, whose latest feat capped a week of uncertainties for the hometown hero who had thought of withdrawing from the P3 million event he ruled in a playoff last year to attend to his ailing wife.

But assured of her recovery, Pagunsan did play—and contend early with a 66, surged ahead with another four-under card Thursday and held on to a onestroke lead over Salahog with a third round 68.

“I was tired and actually aiming even for a one-stroke win. But after I birdied No. 9 and took some chocolates, I got energized” said Pagunsan, who received the replica of his check worth P550,000 from organizing Pili- pinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. executive director Narlene Soriano during awards rites.

The region’s former No. 1 guns for a third straight win in Iloilo next week, his final local tournament before heading back to Japan which he made as base the last few years.

Juvic Pagunsan

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Business

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

PASIG DESIGNER FORMS A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Inventor Francisco Pagayon, together with his wife Lydia, receives the ‘Ulirang Ama’ award.

ONALDO Sasutana Mozo turned his passion for design and carpentry into a business that now thrives amid the expansion of the Philippine real estate sector.

“It started with passion and work experience. I remember that when I was five years old, my mother bought me an old school blackboard and chalks preparing me for school. That was the time I started to be creative and imaginative by showing skills and interest in drawings and design. I drew our house and the compound where I grew up as well as the houses of our neighbors,” says Mozo, the chief designer of Rosmo Builders, a general construction, design and build company based in Barangay Sumilang, Pasig City.

“I drew faces of people like our neighbors. Then I started constructing shapes and objects from simple materials that we had inside our house into toys and assembling them like a house or building. I considered this thought as a sign of my passion and future career,” he says in an e-mail interview.

Childhood dream Mozo teamed up with his relatives to form Rosmo Builders and sister companies Rosmo Kitchen and Rosmo Container. He grew up in a small compound surrounded by relatives in Barangay Pinagbuhatan where he learned entrepreneurial skills as a young lad selling ice and cold water to neighbors.

“I grew up with my cousin Virgilio who is my lead foreman today and helping me in my business,” says Mozo who is now 37 and remains a bachelor.

As a young boy, he studied at Pasig Catholic College and became an altar server. “Being attached to God is the root of all of these where I got my strength and inspiration,” he says. He went on to study Industrial design at Mapua University and Philippine School of Business Administration and found work at Yamaha Motors Phils Inc. “For years working for this great company, I have gained most of my experience as a project in-charge for all level of construction management and supervision of building and constructing motorcycle shops nationwide.

I was in charge of developing new design interior and exterior of the shop.

Traveling nationwide and handling multiple projects at the same time is what made me become better experienced in the field of construction,” he says.

“While working in the corporate world, some individuals appreciated my design and works. They requested me to do some works for them. Because I am personally skilled as a carpenter and confident about applying my ability and experience, I accepted the work that was sometimes called ‘pakyawan’.

One customer was so happy and satisfied with the outcome that she gave us a bigger project and recommended us to her friends, relatives and so on. We became more popular to others, resulting in more demand and offers for more construction projects. That’s how it started,” he says.

Mozo took advantage of the rising demand for wood works as real estate developers turned over bare condominium units to homebuyers. In 2011, he established Rosmo Builders as an independent contractor in fabricating and manufacturing furniture as well as wood and carpentry works. “Two years ago, we formally transformed it into a construction company,” he says.

Three qualities He says what made the company rise above others are three major factors.

“I am personally skilled as a carpenter. I saw the demand and opportunity of the business and put in something new and different from what others provide.

My company offers three things that clients look for a contractor—quality of workmanship, cost or the best price and reliability that they can depend on and trust,” he says.

Mozo says the company is also committed to meeting the clients’ needs. “I am self-dedicated to my passion and work. Even in the field of doing business, I have never forgotten my faith in God above. He’s the best

A sample of Rosmo’s housing project

INVENTREPRENEUR RECEIVES HONOR AS ‘ULIRANG AMA’

Rosmo Builders designer Ronaldo Mozo

consultant that I have,” he says.

Mozo now leads a team of 28 individuals who are “skilled and equipped in different professions and skills such as designers, architects, engineers, lead foreman, mason, electrical engineers, carpenters, painters, plumber and consultants”.

Rosmo team Together with consultants, partners and suppliers, Mozo deals with 58 industry professionals. “Our partners are professional designers, architects, engineers, suppliers and consultants who help us in constructing and accomplishing the projects. The people behind the company are experienced, mature and young professionals and talented people,” he says.

Rosmo Builders is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry to engage in architectural, engineering (civil, structural, MEPF), fabrication, general construction, land development and project management.

“We are one of the fastest-growing private construction and project management companies locally with a group of young, dynamic, talented and highly-trained architects and engineers,” says Mozo.

He says Rosmo Builders has performed very well over the past eight years as customer satisfaction rate increased along the way. “The company became more popular as people recognized and appreciated our works and performance.

And we are truly thankful that we meet our clients’ expectations. Our plan is to expand and excel more, setting up showrooms and offices nationwide to cater to more customers and expand our family by including more experienced, matured and young professionals,” he says.

Clients’ needs Mozo says the key to success is understanding the concerns of the client.

“The difference is we have this inner word ‘malasakit’ in our clients besides being technically confident, equipped and skilled. Putting yourself in the client’s shoes, you have to understand that they want to feel comfortable, trusted, contented and experience the word ‘malasakit’ from the contractor. This way, both can build trust and key partnership. The client wants to feel that you are helping them beyond business. That is what Rosmo Builders gives and offers our clients. We also suggest to clients what is better for them,” he says.

“My expectation for 2019 is to expand and have more projects locally and out of the country as well as be well known specially in the field of general construction,” he says.

Mozo says the company has expanded its scope of work and products recently to include the restaurant and food business. “Before, we only did the whole construction of the store such as architectural, civil works and so on, but some components of it were not included. Then, we expanded our Turn to C2

TOBACCO COMPANIES BEGIN TO SWITCH TO SAFER NICOTINE PRODUCTS WARSAW, Poland—A former consultant of the World Health Organization expects tobacco companies to invest in safer nicotine products such as vapes or electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn sticks and snus amid rising demand from consumers.

“Companies are constantly looking at where the market is going. If you miss the change, you will go broke like Kodak on film or Blackberry on smartphone. They missed the transition. Tobacco companies now see the new technology [electronic-cigarette]. The people could now get what they want from cigarettes in a far less hazardous way. And that was a threat to the cigarette business,” says David Sweanor, a former WHO consultant who now chairs the advisory board of the Centre for Health Law, Policy & Ethics at the University of Ottawa in Canada.

“Cigarette smoking kills 20,000 people a day. How do we reduce that risk? Where does the risk come from? It comes from inhaling smoke. You get rid of the smoke and you get rid of the risk. And we now know how to do it,” he says.

Sweanor is one of the more than 80 public health experts who spoke during the 6th Global Forum on Nicotine held at Marriott Hotel in this city on June 13 to 15, 2019.

More than 650 delegates from 70 countries including the Philippines attended the event that highlighted the message that e-cigarettes are 95-percent less harmful than smoking cigarettes.

“I don’t think they [tobacco companies] have any choice. They have to move. I think it is gonna be innovative small companies that take risks that will end up benefitting the most. That is the nature of the market,” he says.

He says that in the United States, a start-up e-cigarette company called Juul Labs Inc. that nobody heard of two years ago is now estimated to be

worth around $40 billion.

“What we have now is still the early stages of replacing products. And the potential is so great because the global cigarette market is the equivalent of about $850 billion a year. For a business to look at getting involved in this is very lucrative. You could get just a fraction of 1 percent of the global market and you could become a billionaire. That incentive is there,” he says.

“We know enough science to know that we can have enough products that have a tiny fraction of the risks of cigarettes. We have seen examples around the world that many smokers will move to these products,” he says.

Cecilia Kindstrand-Isaksson, the director for public affairs of snus manufacturer Swedish Match, also predicts the growth of demand for other noncombustible nicotine products such as snus.

“I don’t think regulators and policymakers will be able to stop it…We are not going back to combustible cigarettes without filter. The more products that we use, the more scared the industry gets because we need to compete with each other. I think it is all down to consumer,” she says.

Gregory Conley, the president of the American Vaping Association, also supports this view. “I definitely believe that we are going to see harm reduction products take off and make great changes not just in the first-world nations of Japan, South Korea, Australia, Turn to C2

FRANCISCO Oral Pagayon, a renown Filipino inventor, is one of this year’s “Ulirang Ama” awardees.

The Ulirang Ina Ama Awards Foundation Inc. pays tribute to model Filipino fathers and mothers who exemplify integrity, high moral principles and ideal ways of nurturing children.

Pagayon, or Popoy to his friends, is also known as an “inventrepinoy,” being an inventor and entrepreneur. He has received numerous accolades and recognitions for his various inventions and achievements. For the 2019 honor, he received the award under the “business and industry” category.

The celebration was held on June 16 at the Centennial Hall of the historic Manila Hotel.

Pagayon is also a broadcaster, a publisher and most of all, a great father to his five professional children. He is also the president of the Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative, among other organizations.

The awardee promotes Filipino inventions and pushes for product commercialization worldwide.

The Ulirang Ina Ama Awards Foundation Inc. is a non-profit, nonstock family organization that focuses on many projects. The Ulirang Ina Award and the Ulirang Ama Award are only two among them.

Pagayon’s co-awardees in the same category are Atty. Nelson Tan, Nestor Mangio, Jose De Jesus, Solomon Oh Lee, Pelagio Chan and George Cabarloc Jr.

MANILA WATER OFFICER RECOGNIZED OUTSTANDING WORKER OF THE REPUBLIC MANILA Water fleet heavy equipment officer Benigno Acacio was recognized as one of “The Outstanding Workers of the Republic” in the 2019 Centennial Edition of the awards program.

The award aims to honor and recognize the country’s most outstanding employees, staff and workers particularly the nonsupervisory blue and white-collared workers, to fully support and promote wider recognition that has significant contributions relevant to the economic and technical growth of the country.

It also aims to inculcate pride in excellent and outstanding works of Filipino workers and help develop the value of hard work, critical and innovative and creative thinking at the workplace.

Acacio was recognized for the crucial role he played in the detailed and timely execution of the 44-piece 300-millimeter diameter pipe installation project to connect the floating pumps to the East La Mesa Water Treatment Plant during the low-level incident at La Mesa Dam in 2018.

His innovative methodology using his skills and experience in operating heavy equipment enabled Manila Water to complete the project within schedule and helped prevent a massive water service interruption in Rizal province and Marikina City, which are served by the water treatment plant.

The 264-meter pipe laid by Acacio and his team to connect the floating pumps to the treatment plant prevented the forced shutdown of the treatment plant which could have affected thousands of customers. About 195,000 people were able to receive continuous supply of water.

He is regarded as a “One-Stop Man”, an expert in the operation, maintenance and repair of all light to heavy specialized fleet equipment. He also led other efficiency initiatives such as tire recapping and battery trade-in.

The Tower Awards are spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Manila in partnership with the People Management Association of the Philippines, Petron Foundation Inc. and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Business

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 business@manilastandard.net

PASIG... FromC1 scope and products to include supplies of stainless steel equipment, hood and ducting works, fire suppression system and gas line system including maintenance and services,” he says.

“That is when we put up the sister firm of Rosmo Builders—Rosmo Kitchen which specializes in restaurant and kitchen related construction projects. Some of the clients and investors don’t like to talk and deal too much with so many people such as contractors, suppliers, etc. They want only one key person to deal and transact with,” he says.

Despite his busy schedule, Mozo says he still finds time to pursue his passion for fishing and motorcycle motocross. “I and my cousin have fishing and biking hobbies. And we never forgot to help other people by sharing and helping them. We donate school supplies to public schools as our charity works. It is priceless,” he says.

Advice to millennials Mozo advises millennial entrepreneurs to become responsible and passionate about their business.

“Star t by believing in yourself.

Challenging yourself is the biggest motivation you can do. If you feel you can’t find the opportunity, be the opportunity to others and never be afraid of anything. Take it as an opportunity,” says Mozon.

“As a person, I am self-determined, positive thinker, responsible, passionate in my work and naturally committed to quality and positive outcomes. With leadership skills, I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive for. I’m not just contented with settling and I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better. A natural and excellent leader is a must in this business and I established my leadership through experience and being hands-on in everything,” he says.

Mozo says being analytical is also helpful in the business. “I want everything to be well organized, précise and specific when it comes to doing projects. We have to be committed to work, dedicated, well disciplined, focused and hard working to solve problems,” he says.

“While it involves a lot of hard work in every part of this business, it is all rewarding once you accomplish it. The feeling is priceless when you’re driving along the road and you see a building or commercial establishment you are involved in, and you will be proud to say to other people that ‘you know what guys, I helped build it’,” he says.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

TOBACCO... From C1 New Zealand. I think we will have technological developments in Indonesia and China where we are actually going to save lives,” he says.

Sweanor says that in the United States, cigarette sales are falling markedly and the number of vapers is going up.

“Amazing things are happening, despite all the opposition,” he says.

Sweanor says the switch to vaping will have a tremendous impact on public health globally. Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette which is a battery-operated device that vaporizes a flavored liquid made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine and flavorings.

Public Health England reported in 2015 that e-cigarettes are 95-percent less harmful than smoking, as the harmful chemicals present in cigarette smoke are either not in EC vapor or only found at much lower levels.

“Cigarette smoking and air pollution are the biggest cause of deaths. They are killing about 7 million people a year each.

That means smoking cigarettes kills roughly 20,000 people every day. That number has been going up and it is killing people because they are inhaling smoke. It is smoke that is the problem, just like inhaling smoke from dirty air,” says Sweanor.

“So we have the ability now through technology [e-cigarette] to end that, just like we learned through technology how we could get clean water or how we could get sanitary food manufacturing, or how we could get science-based pharmaceuticals. We are on the verge of something really, really significant from public health standpoint,” he says.

Sweanor says countries such as Japan, the UK, the US, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, South Korea and New Zealand saw a more rapid decline in smoking because of the use of safer nicotine products such as vapes, heat-not-burn devices and oral nicotine products such as Swedish snus.

He says the WHO and other health authorities, however, oppose these safer alternatives because of the moral aspect.

“I have worked with the WHO earlier in my career in many countries. The WHO used to be more of a health body on issues about tobacco and nicotine, but became much more controlled by people who see it as a moral issue. They are seeing it more like sin. That is a critical problem and the WHO is not following science and that they are seeing it more as a moral issue. Many of the people whom I have worked with in my career in reducing cigarette smoking do see this as an ideological battle rather than a health battle,” he says.

“Any form of innovation will be

ABOITIZ WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR BAKERS PROGRAM

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. assistant vice president for media relations Maricar Bautista receives the IABC’s 2019 gold quill excellence award in Vancouver, Canada.

T

HE Aboitiz Group was recognized among the world’s most outstanding organizations for its livelihood program empowering the country’s soldiers during the 2019 IABC Gold Quill Awards held in Vancouver, Canada.

For more than 40 years, the International Association of Business Communicators’ Gold Quill Awards has recognized and awarded excellence in strategic communication nationwide. The program is considered as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the communication profession. “ The IABC Gold Quill Awards celebrates extraordinary communication by recognizing innovative, strategic work that delivers significant business results,” said Gabrielle Loring, chair of the award committee.

During the IABC World Conference Excellence

Gala on June 11, AEV received an award of excellence for its entry “Noble Bakers: Bakery Management Training and Equipment Donation” under the corporate social responsibility category.

There were 638 entries from all over the world.

Only 86 entries won excellence awards while 116 received merit awards. Of the five gold quill winners from the Philippines, AEV was the only one to bag the prestigious gold quill award of excellence. The other four entries received merit awards.

“Our gold quill award for Noble Bakers is a clear testament of our determination to drive change for a better world by advancing business and communities—through service excellence.

We will continue to work hard to implement communication initiatives that best reflect our purpose and values,” said AEV president and chief executive Erramon Aboitiz.

Noble Bakers is an Aboitiz CSR project that aims to empower wounded and retiring Armed Forces of the Philippines soldiers to become productive citizens by providing them with a financiallysustainable bakery business, equipping them with

the skills to run it profitably. The wounded soldiers are disabled military members who cannot return to combat anymore due to injuries incurred in armed conflict.

Noble Bakers was described by IABC gold quill evaluators as “a well-executed and clear-minded project from start to finish” that had “excellent use of storytelling to convey the objectives of the program and to win hearts and minds.”

Another evaluator commended it as “a very strong entry”, with all elements coming together nicely to form a powerful package and a great story.

Last year, the Aboitiz Group was named Company of the Year-2nd runner-up after winning the third most number of awards of excellence in the country.

AEV is the public holding company of the Aboitiz Group with major investments in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure and land. It is also recognized as one of the bestmanaged companies in the Philippines and in the region, consistently cited for its commitment to good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

LENOVO EXECUTIVE PUSHES HOLISTIC DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PH W I T H digital transformation a priority for both public and private organizations to improve operations, leading technology company Lenovo is asking leaders to focus on the three core aspects of workspace, work culture and workforce for a smooth and hassle-free transition.

Acco rd i n g to a n I D C s t u d y commissioned by Lenovo, despite t he increasin g rate of digital transformation, 60 percent of organizations in the Asia-Pacific are still struggling to achieve enterprisewide transformation because of multi-faceted challenges such as data security, privacy and identity.

On the local level, these issues came into light once again at the recent 2019 OpenGov Asia Forum where Lenovo Philippines country general manager Michael Ngan was tapped as a roundtable moderator.

During the discussion, representatives of various government agencies shared that their current problems with digital transformation come from the lack of key resources such as skilled workers and infrastructure.

Moreover, they also cited having no clear goals and a culture not open to innovation as other main hurdles.

To achieve and sustain the high quality of public service that is expected of them, Ngan advised the agencies to take a holistic approach to digital transformation.

“In order to fully reap the benefits of digital transformation, organizations should put efforts on turning workplaces

opposed by people with financial interests in the alternative, people who just don’t like change, people who have some sort of political and personal standings that they are afraid will change.

In the past, people opposed refrigeration, opposed farm mechanization, opposed automobiles, opposed any innovation,” he says.

“It will be opposed regardless of what the scientific merits are, regardless of the ethics. It requires a battle against somebody’s vested interests,” he says.

The WHO refuses to endorse e-cigarettes. Armando Peruga, who has two decades of experience in tobacco control, is quoted on the WHO website that “these devices have become popular over the last four or five years, so there are only a few studies on the health risks and we don’t know the long-term effects.”

Dr. Riccardo Polosa, a harm reduction researcher and a professor of Internal Medicine at University of Catania in Italy, says waiting for 30 years to validate the

Lenovo Philippines country general manager Michael Ngan (right) with 2019 OpenGov Asia Forum delegates.

into collaborative rather than task-based work environments. This enables easy adaptation of future operating models, as well as improves productivity and employee experience,” said Ngan.

One recommendation that Ngan shared to bolster the workforce is to set up co-working spaces, a fast-growing trend driven by competitive pressures to innovate and attract and retain the top talent.

IDC also predicted that by 2024, 50 percent of repeatable tasks will be automated while 20 percent of workers doing highly brain-powered tasks will have AI-infused software or other related connected technology as a “coworker.”

Lenovo thus advises organizations to start laying the groundwork for developing a cohesive existence of their human employees and digital workers

health benefits of e-cigarettes would be costly.

“Do we have 30 years to demonstrate that? In the meanwhile, having people smoking and dying from cancer, pulmonary disease and all these nasty diseases that we know deadly tobacco cigarettes are causing, that is the key question. It becomes more moral and ethical rather than scientific but my studies in people who already have the disease already show reversal of damage,” says Polosa.

Fiona Patten, a leader of the Reason Par t y and a member of Nor thern Metropolitan Region in the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Council, says 64 scientific studies now demonstrate that vaporized products reduce risk.

“Using the evidence, speaking the truth, it’s our strongest weapon. And it will work,” Patten says.

Heneage Mitchell of Bangkok-based consumer advocacy group Fact Asia Consultants Ltd. says countries like the Philippines can reduce smoking by

such as artificial intelligence.

As having a “workculture” averse to innovation is detrimental to the life of an organization, Lenovo suggests that agencies turn it around by empowering employees with the right skills and technologies that facilitate collaboration and supports an innovation culture, not just internally but also with others by considering the broader ecosystem and potential partners.

“It is critical now to empower employees, especially in the public sector, with the right set of agile tools, technologies, and an enabling environment that fosters a digital-first approach. This further bolsters both productivity and engagement levels for better outcomes,” said Ngan.

An example of agile technology that Lenovo recommends is personalized

computing, a setup that simplifies the financing, deployment management, and disposal process of computing assets by grouping them into a single, configurable solution.

This means that organizations can select the appropriate hardware and software, giving the workforce greater device choice and removing compatibility issues.

Used effectively, an enhanced digital workspace, work culture and workforce can help public bodies become intelligent enterprises that can automate processes and even anticipate the needs of the public.

Lenovo is a leading tech provider in the consumer, commercial and enterprise markets. It was named as a top global tech leader by Thomson Reuters.

regulating the use of e-cigarettes, heatnot-burn products and Swedish snus which are known to be significantly less harmful than conventional cigarettes.

Clarisse Virgino, a member of the Coalition of Asia-Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates and a Filipino vaper, however, warns that a proposal by the Department of Finance in the Philippines to tax e-cigarettes like tobacco products could prevent more Filipinos from quitting smoking.

“We want reasonable tax system and tax implementation so as not to impose a de facto ban on e-cigarettes as well as heatnot-burn products,” says Virgino.

Virgino says the Department of Health maintains its position that e-cigarettes should be treated and regulated no differently than other tobacco products until these alternatives to smoking are proven safe for consumption. She says fortunately, some senators who see the benefit of safer nicotine products aim to tax e-cigarettes properly.

About 62 countries currently regulate e-cigarettes under tobacco regulation, while 39 countries inappropriately ban safer nicotine products, according to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction Report 2018.

The report estimates that by 2021, over 55 million people will be using e-cigarettes or heat-not-burn tobacco products and that the global market will be worth $35 billion.

Prof. Gerry Stimson of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the program director of the 6th Global Forum on Nicotine, says it is important that smokers switch to safer alternatives because “half of those who smoke will die prematurely from smoking-related diseases.”

“This is a public health emergency on a global scale. It’s essential that people around the world have access to and are positively encouraged to switch away from cigarettes to safer nicotine products,” says Stimson. Roderick T. dela Cruz

Tech & Gadgets

OPPO LAUNCHES RENO

Reno boasts of the Reno 10x zoom, Dolby Atmos speakers and Amoled panoramic screens.

By MJ Blancaflor and Dexter Tilo

O

PPO Philippines has launched a new flagship smartphone series dubbed as “Reno,” comprised of the Reno 10x zoom which also sports Dolby Atmos speakers, and Amoled panoramic screens.

During the media launch Wednesday afternoon, the smartphone manufacturer also named the local Filipino band IV of Spades as brand ambassador, along with contemporary artists and content creators Dex Fernandez, Treb Monteras, Magic Liwanag, Daryl Chang, and André Chang.

Cutting-edge camera

The new Reno 10x Zoom introduces the 10x hybrid zoom and the 60x digital zoom, the first ever in the smartphone industry.

The flagship phone also has a triple camera setup that utilizes a 48MP main camera, an 8MP wideangle lens, and a 13 MP telephoto lens that make up the full-focallength system.

Meanwhile, the more affordable OPPO Reno will not have the 10x zoom capacity, but will be replaced by a dual-camera system which has a

48MP and an additional 5MP. Both units feature OPPO’s Ultra Night Mode 2.0, that has AI portrait optimization suitable for night photography and produces good photos even in low-light conditions.

Its artistic portrait mode has five bokeh or blur effects.

As for video recording, it can capture 4k UHD videos with 60 frames per second.

The two smartphones also feature pop-up selfie cameras designed like a shark fin that automatically recedes when it detects a drop. The front camera takes 0.8 milliseconds to appear.

These pop-up front cameras enable the Reno series to have a notchless design, a characteristic that is also featured in the previous generations of OPPO phones such as Find X. The Reno 10x zoom and the standard Reno phone have a 6.6-inch and 6.4-inch Amoled screens, respectively.

The two phones have a 93.1 percent screen-to-body ratio, with ultra thin bezels that offer a panoramic screen to the users, paired with a hidden fingerprint security feature that has been upgraded for faster unlocking.

Audio 3D

The Reno lineup makes use of Dolby Atmos speakers that allow an audio 3D feature and an audio zoom that in-

novates the hearing experience.

If turned on, the audio 3D mode directs the phone to recognize the source of the sound, thus producing a clearer audio.

The series is also powered by the latest ColorOS 6, which includes the new smart riding mode, swipe-up gesture navigation, smart assistance and cloud service to the phones’ software.

Both phones will carry 256GB ROM but the Reno 10x Zoom promises a peak performance with the Snapdragon 855 chipset and 8GB of RAM. On the other hand, the standard Reno will use the Snapdragon 710 chipset and 6GB of RAM. The 10x Zoom has a 4065mAh battery, while the standard phone has 3765mAh. Both smartphones, in addition, have the VOOC 3.0 fast charging, which increases charging speed by 100 percent.

The Reno 10x Zoom costs P45,990, while the standard OPPO Reno is priced at P26,990.

Pre-orders for the Reno 10x will be available from June 21 to June 30, with retail availability on July 1.

Meanwhile, pre-orders for the Reno is from June 15 to June 20, and will be officially available on June 21 in selected OPPO stores.

Those who pre-order the Reno will get a Rock Space muse bluetooth speaker while 10x pre-orders come with a gimbal stabilizer worth P5,999.

The Reno series will be available via OPPO concept stores, Lazada, and via Smart and Globe.

FACEBOOK...

From C4

High-resolution satellite imagery already exists for much of the world. However, prior to Facebook’s mapping project, it would have required countless hours for volunteers to comb through millions of square miles of pictures to identify which contained a tiny town or remote village.

The Facebook team used AI to solve that problem, efficiently crunching through data at a petabyte scale. For Philippines, for example, the computer vision system examined 164 million individual images to determine whether they contained a building. The team found approximately 5.5 million building locations in just a few days.

“Since I first started my humanitarian career in the Peace Corps up until just a few weeks ago speaking with experts at the 2019 World Health Assembly in Geneva, a common need is accurate population data,” said Alex Pompe, a research manager at Facebook. “These maps showcase the power of collaboration between Facebook and top research institutions like Columbia University to combine public data sources and machine learning to empower more data-driven humanitarian projects around the globe.”

Using its machine learning capabilities, Facebook started developing population density maps to provide better tools to support connectivity efforts around the world. No Facebook data is used in the project and the census and satellite data used contain no personally identifiable information.

The latest map for Philippines can be downloaded on Facebook’s page on Humanitarian Data Exchange. To learn more about Facebook’s work on high resolution population density maps and other efforts in data for good, please visit the project website https://dataforgood.fb.com.

TECH BRAND..

From C4 The brand ambassadors of OPPO Reno Series pose for a photo during its media launch in Makati City.

DA, SMART TEAM UP TO HELP FARMERS FARMERS will soon have access to more digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and marketability under a new initiative of the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute and Smart Communications called the Digital Farmers Program.

Through DFP, Smart aims to empower smallscale farmers through a ladderized education approach. The first phase involves familiarizing them with smartphone features, android capabilities, social media platforms, search engines, messaging channels, and internet safety. Current and next generation farmers will also be trained on phonetography—knowledge on basic photo and videography skills to develop local agri-related contents; which will be accompanied with production, interviewing, writing and editing skills workshops. At the same time, trainees will be tutored on mobile agriculture and financial services—3rd party farming apps, mobile e-money, micro credit, and more.

The final phase will involve training on digital entrepreneurship, Internet of Things (IoT), content development modules, and advance Internet safety, such as data privacy.

DFP aims to advance the local industry’s adoption of more innovative forms of technology in farming, which is in line with the Government’s long-term vi-

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

DA-ATI Director IV Alfred S. Aton and PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto

sion of IoT penetration in Philippine Agriculture and overall digital inclusion. These include the use of drones, analytics, precision farming, artificial intelligence or A.I., climate and weather monitoring I.T. solutions, digital apps, e-money, blockchain, and other multi-layer platforms that would require basic knowledge of emerging technologies and deeper comprehension of its potential by end-users.

Digital inclusion on small-scale farming The initiative was conceptualized upon Smart and DA-ATI’s research on the current status of small-scale Filipino farmers.

A study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) discovered a negative annualized growth of-1.1% in a span of five years in the population of Filipino farmers from a baseline of estimated 12 million. Due to the small-scale Filipino farmers’ average age of 57 years old and average educational attainment of 5th grade, they are unable to maximize the latest agricultural technologies that can help boost their sole means of livelihood.

This is where Smart and DA-ATI see the opportunity to be one of many possible building blocks of digital inclusion on small-scale farming. The latter is a government agency under the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture that provides training programs and services to farmers, fisherfolks, and agricultural extension workers to equip them with outcomebased knowledge and skills.

The partnership supports the Government’s national plan on sustainable agriculture and inclusive growth through directly accelerating access to productivity-improving farming technologies and solutions, where delayed market adoption and limited industry growth are evident.

It also has a fingerprint scanning technology that allows users to open the phone and answer calls.

With its 8MP dual rear and front camera, the P33 Plus enables capturing clearer photos, with a portrait mode that allows a bokeh effect or blurring of the subject’s surroundings.

The phone’s camera is also equipped with Face Beauty V2.0, a feature that refines the subject’s face to look slimmer, ruddier, and smoother.

The Itel P33 comes in three colors: the Gradation Blue, Deep Blue, and Champagne Gold.

It is priced at P3,499 and is available in retail stores and online shopping store Lazada.

‘So much potential’

Star Lou, Itel’s sales manager, said that the tech company expects a positive response from Filipino consumers.

He also said that Itel eyes to become the third-leading smartphone brand in the country in the next five years.

“The medium and low-market in the Philippines has so much potential that’s why we launched the new model,” he told Manila Standard during the launch of P33 Plus.

RETAILERS BACK HUAWEI, OFFER WARRANTY PROGRAM FOR USE OF GOOGLE APPS TO ASSURE consumers, partner retailers and dealers, Huawei will offer a “Special Warranty Program” for upcoming purchases of any current Huawei phone.

All devices covered by this special warranty will have no issue concerning usage of Google apps and services such as the Google Play Store, Gmail, Google Maps, Photos, Chrome and YouTube, as well as non-Google ones such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. This special warranty is offered exclusively by participating dealers to provide a worry-free experience for consumers with their new Huawei device. Plenty of retail partners such as MemoXpress, Rulls, and around 30 more support the special warranty program, reassuring consumers that all Huawei devices purchased from them are fully equipped with Google services ready to go.

Mark Anthony Lacsamana, when asked if his Huawei Mate 20 Pro was worth his money, agreed wholeheart-

edly, saying, “Kasi, lahat ng mga gusto ko sa phone nandiyan na. Like, yung camera, malinaw siya kahit malayo. And then, yung tibay niya, ilang bagsak na yung phone ko pero super tibay pa rin and walang gasgas at all.”

Ryan Lu took his Huawei Nova 3i in for Service Day, and he’s proud of his device choice, saying, “Very stylish, unique and affordable. Tapos very powerful. ‘Yung KIRIN processor… and what I like the most is, I can personalize and customize.” Regarding recent issues, Ryan is unfazed: “I don’t mind.

Atsaka di na ako nangingialam doon sa issues. As long as maganda ang phone. Actually, papunta na dito ang family ko. Because of me, bumili sila ng Huawei.”

Pauline Delicano is another proud and satisfied Nova 3i owner, and having tried other brands before, switched to Huawei the moment she had the chance. “Now, it’s one of the most competitive brands.

I think it [the issues] doesn’t really matter as long as we will get the services that we

have always been getting. I don’t think it wouldn’t affect us that much as long as the current users won’t be experiencing any problems,” Pauline confidently says.

Mariel Tanggol, a Huawei concept store supervisor and a firm supporter of the brand, mentioned how thrilled her sales team was after hearing about the warranty program. “Before the warranty program, nakita ko naman sa mga sales promoters yung eagerness nila to help out consumers with their questions. Pero after lumabas yung warranty, nakita ko rin, as a supervisor, kung paano bumalik yung confidence and sigla nila sa pag-demo ng units and pag-explain sa customer tungkol sa issue,” Mariel lively says.

Mariel together with her sales team from the SM Mall of Asia branch felt consumers’ trust and confidence towards the brand and has even seen a significant impact in sales after the announcement of the warranty program. Ultimately, consumers will benefit the most with the

Users express confidence in Huawei’s strength as a brand, satisfaction with exceptional after-sales service.

warranty program wherein they [consumers] now think that what they paid for is worth it, with some stating, “Yung nilabas kong pera hindi mawawalan ng halaga”. Also, according to Mariel, most consumers were surprised with the fact that Huawei offers after-sales services like this and found that 99% of consumers that the sales promoters share the news with, shared ecstatic remarks about

this while showing contentment as well.

“We are one with Huawei in pushing for quality service including after-sales initiatives that will surely put Filipino consumers first.” said Mr. Edward Tan, Vice President for Operations at MemoXpress.

“We express our support and full trust with Huawei through this special warranty program to prove that Huawei devices are safe to purchase.”

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

STREAM, LIVE INSPIRED WITH NEW GALAXY TABLETS

S

AMSUNG officially unveiled its newest lineup of Galaxy Tablets for 2019, namely Galaxy Tab S5e, Galaxy Tab A with S Pen, and Galaxy Tab A 10.1, to give this generation a tool to help them create whenever, wherever.

Samsung also announced its partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, at a special block streaming event with media and Samsung Members.

“Filipinos are a naturally resourceful people. We are always able to find inspiration to create whether it’s for a passion project or a practical solution to a problem,” shares Patrick Tolentino, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Philippines. “But for those moments when you need that boost of creativity, we partnered with Netflix to give our users a profound source of inspiration through the breadth and depth of content available in their platform.”

This, matched by a truly immersive entertainment experience that only the Galaxy Tablets can provide, will hopefully bring everyone’s favorite content to life and inspire them to do more.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is the slimmest and lightest tablet in its class. With an incredibly thin 5.5mm sleek metal body and weighing only 400g, it is ultra-portable, durable, and designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday lifestyle. Its gorgeous design marries practicality and style.

It also features an extended battery life lasting up to 14.5 hours—optimized for long-lasting performance, giving the freedom to browse, stream and play longer.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is the ideal choice for viewers who want an immersive experience. Its vibrant 10.1” full HD corner-to-corner display allows uninterrupted viewing for shows full of life and action.

Lastly, the Galaxy Tab A with S Pen is paired with a convenient S Pen that helps creators bring their ideas to life on-the-go. It is the best tool for those who want to express their creativity spontaneously and never want to miss a moment to create.

The new Samsung Galaxy Tablets are now available at any Samsung-authorized stores nationwide. For more information on the newest line up of Galaxy Tablets, visit the Samsung Facebook page or samsung.com/ph.

The above visual shows the distribution of the female population across the Philippines, drawn from a combination of Census data and satellite imagery.

This map can be helpful to health organizations doing outreach and service delivery for maternal health and family planning as well as by NGOs focused on women’s empowerment or lending programs targeted to female entrepreneurs.

CROXTEC: KEEPING PEDESTRIANS SAFE ON STREETS

The newest line-up of Galaxy Tablets: Built for connectivity and entertainment

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp., in partnership with Netflix, unveiled the newest lineup of Samsung Galaxy Tabs A with S Pen, A 10.1, and S5e through a block streaming event.

FACEBOOK AI RESEARCHERS MAKE WORLD’S MOST DETAILED DENSITY MAPS FACEBOOK is working closely with key non-profit and research partners to use artificial intelligence and big data to address large-scale social, health and infrastructure challenges in Asia and accelerate achievement of the sustainable development goals.

Facebook is applying the processing muscle of its compute power, its extensive data science skills and its expertise in AI to create the world’s most detailed and accurate maps of local populations.

Facebook also partners with Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN (http://www.ciesin.org/)) to ensure that this effort leverages the best available administrative data for all countries involved.

By combining these publicly and com-

mercially available datasets with Facebook’s AI capabilities, Facebook has created population maps that are 3X more detailed than any other source. The high resolution population density maps will show an estimate of the number of people living within 30-meter grid tiles, and include the number of children under five, as well as the number of women of reproductive age, and other helpful demographics.

Facebook’s population density maps can improve how nonprofits do their work, how researchers learn, and how policies are developed. Building data products from non-personal data sources like satellite imagery and census data allows Facebook to share its data science and compute power with the world while proTurn to C3 tecting privacy.

TECH BRAND ITEL UNVEILS BUDGET-FRIENDLY PHONE

By MJ Blancaflor and Dexter Tilo

the phone to enter sleep mode, auto brightness, and app freeze mode whenever needed.

The P33 Plus also has an ultra power saving ITEL, a mobile phone brand, has unveiled in the country its latest and flagship smartphone which mode, which only allows calls, SMS, and selectboasts of a longer battery life compared to other ed features to further maximize the phone’s battery life. entry-level phones.

Bigger storage, wider screen The itel P33 Plus, the newest Compared to its predecesinstallment in the Power series, sor, the smartphone has also is equipped with 5000 mAh batexpanded by 140 percent from tery that can last for four days 8GB to 16GB of ROM. without charging.

Powered by the Go edition It is capable of up to 100 of Android Oreo, P33 Plus gives hours of normal use, 39 hours of the user more than 12GB of continuous 3G phone call, and storage for photos, videos, and 685 hours on standby. applications.

The smartphone also utiThe 6.0” IPS Full Screen dislizes a battery management play also provides a wider viewsystem dubbed as AI Power ing experience, with a screen Master to maximize phone ratio of 18:9. consumption.

Privacy, security, camera Its power-saving feature adThe newest Itel product justs the phone’s performance also utilizes a facial recognition and app usage, extending the technology that can be used to battery life up to 35 percent. unlock the phone.

The AI feature also allows

Itel’s Sales Manager Star Lou discusses the phone’s features during its launch at the Ascott Hotel on June 18.

EVERYDAY, over 34 Filipinos die due to road accidents. In Metro Manila alone, collisions average more than 200 incidents daily. With such grim statistics, everybody hopes for the day when pedestrians are no longer threatened. Road safety can be better guaranteed, for anyone and everyone who traverse our streets.

Finally, help has arrived to make this dream a reality. There is an App designed to help pedestrians and motorists be more mindful of their own safety on the streets.

Introducing CROXTEC. CROXTEC (pronounced CROSS-TEK), was invented by Filipino balikbayan Debbie Anne G. Macariola-St.John. After 40 years in the Bay Area and 24 years of work experience in the US automotive industry, Debbie came home and specifically chose the Philippines, her country of birth, as the pilot market of Croxtec. This pedestrian safety app is the flagship product of her up and coming technology ventures company, Djanco Information Technology Solutions, and from the looks of the media and the public’s reception to Croxtec, the app is destined to be a game changer.

Croxtec is envisioned to help stem and stop the rising number of road fatalities from happening by providing an alert system to its users. It is meant to help us become more mindful of the vehicles and pedestrians in our immediate environs. Once you sign in as a user, Croxtec immediately identifies you as either a motorist or pedestrian and sends you alerts on whether you are in the Croxtec Safezone, Caution Zone or Unsafe Zone.

With its pilot launch in the Philippines, which has some of the busiest streets, thoroughfares and highways in Asia, Croxtec confidently drives into a future where the country can join the ranks of smart countries on the global front, with safer roads for its pedestrians and motorists who traverse them every day. With Debbie at the helm, Djanco has taken on the role of creating digital products and applications to enhance smart city living while promoting a more organized and safe urban environment. Believing that Croxtec has a universal role to play, Debbie is quick to acknowledge that the mobile app will soon see action in Asia, and even in the USA and Europe in the short term, and possibly the rest of the world for the long haul.

Starting today, Croxtec can help the Philippines cross safe.

Next stop, the world.

Visit www.croxtec.com.ph and download today, for free.

Croxtec is the only mobile application to date that focuses on providing an early warning alert to both driver and pedestrian if there is an impending danger. It is meant to help enhance our mindfulness of our own safety given the traffic, other motorists and pedestrians.

Proven to work in a simulation held in Manila on two major thoroughfares, Croxtec is a free download available on Google play for Android phones. It only needs data for it to work effectively.

Destinations D1

SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

CEBU’S URBAN RETREAT

@MStandardLIFE

CALM IN THE CITY.

Although only a few minutes away from downtown Cebu, the 400-room Radisson Blu offers peace and quiet, further enhanced by the calming view of the Mactan Channel.

G

OING home to Cebu is always something I look forward to. It’s my home, and days before the trip, I am already in my “homecoming mood,” which means, my mind goes full speed ahead in planning what to do, what to eat, who to visit, together with my Cebu-based family.

But an important factor in all my Cebu visits is my choice of accommodations.

Since my family lives far from the city center, I prefer to take accommodations where I can easily move around and I’m near the places I want to go to.

The 5-star Radisson Blu is right in the heart of the city. I always ask for my favorite room which is a corner suite that offers a breathtaking view of the Mactan Channel and the southern section of the city. This 400-room deluxe property is only a few minutes away from downtown, and is annexed to the biggest shopping, dining, and entertainment mall in the city.

Opened nine years ago, this hotel’s location gives it a unique appeal, rightfully branded by

MERCURY RISING

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

its general manager, Stephan Sieberg, as an “urban retreat” because it is within the city— adjacent to the many places of interest—yet its surroundings offer peace and quiet, further enhanced by the calming view of the Mactan Channel right next to it.

I had a leisurely and enjoyable chat with Sieberg, a hotelier through and through, who started his illustrious career in Cologne, then moved up the ladder of success through various hotels in such cities as Frankfurt, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur before he took on the position in Cebu.

I asked him what he considers his hotel’s edge over the others in the city. Without skipping a beat, he attributed his hotel’s success to the genuine Cebuano hospital-

The hotel's Presidential Suite and swimming pool

Radisson satisfies guests' gustatory needs with its various F&B outlets, such as the pool bar.

ity that “flows from the hearts of his 400 employees,” perfectly matched with the world-class Radisson standards that guarantee quality in its service, its facilities, and in the other accoutrements.

With the hotel currently undergoing a facelift of its guestrooms floor by floor, I’m sure future guests will delight even more in the upgraded accommodations. I stayed in a newly renovated room, and the trademark Radisson luxurious touch was very evident in it.

The well-designed and fashionable interiors made me feel like royalty. Although the suite offered maximum space that made me very comfortable, yet everything I needed was within easy reach. Of course, its modern amenities, including free highspeed, wireless Internet and iPod docks were much appreciated.

For my gustatory needs, Feria, on the ground floor, is my favorite. Its long winding buffet of Asian and Mediterranean specialties is heaven to foodies like me. There is also Urban Table, an al fresco venue in the Events Plaza, offering a specially curated menu of prime cuts, tasty appetizers, and homegrown specialties with ingredients locally sourced from nearby towns.

But Radisson Blu’s distinct advantage over similar hotels in the city is its array of fully equipped MICE. facilities. In fact, for the recent Annual Summit of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), a big international event participated in by tourism experts and leaders from all over the world, our Department of Tourism, the host for the event, took quite some time looking for the proper venue.

Turn to D2

SIARGAO HEADS TO A GREENER FUTURE

Siargao is known for its world-class surfing spots, among many others.

SIARGAO island in Surigao del Norte has been known for its pristine white beaches, marine life, rich mangrove forests, and world-class surfing spots.

With tourist arrivals expected to hit around half a million in 2019, the island’s leaders have started the path to sustainability.

In 2018, the municipality of Pilar passed an ordinance banning the use of single-use plastics— a pioneering move for the island whose biggest industry depends on its rich natural resources.

The island’s power distributor, Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO), pushed the sustainability envelope even further. The island, which was rated one of the world’s best in 2018 by Condé Nast Traveler, is now mostly powered by clean and renewable energy.

“Siargao is one of the top tourist destinations. While we welcome more guests, local and foreign alike, we wanted to ensure that we continue to do our part in taking care of our island,” said SIARELCO general manager Sergio Siargao island is now mostly powered by clean and renewable energy.

C. Dagooc.

SIARELCO’s demand for power has almost island’s supply come from the Private Sector power complex and the Mt. Apo geothermal tripled in only three years to an estimated 8 Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) power plants.

Turn to C2 to 9 MW (megawatts) this year. Majority of the which is powered by the Agus-Pulangi hydro

Destinations

D2

SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

‘FUN-TASTIC’ SUBIC

Subic Bay hosted the recent Chairman's Cup Regatta, which saw the biggest assembly of sailboats in Philippine waters.

S

UBIC Bay has since evolved from a naval base into a favorite leisure and sports destination. But despite its popularity, the Freeport continues to repackage itself.

Anchored on its slogan, “It’s More Funtastic in Subic,” it has successfully reinvented itself into a duty-free center, a theme park, a convention place, a food trip destination, a sports hub, and a tourism zone, to name a few.

Adding excitement, especially to golfers, is the recent opening of the long-dormant greens which have been resurrected as the world-class Subic International Golf Club.

The Desmond Muirhead-designed 18hole, par 72 golf course, measures over 7,100 yards and blends with the natural environment for perfect swings and Instagram-worthy shots. The club also boasts a bevy of charming caddies, who are conversant on various topics other than golf, thus spicing up the game.

Guests are treated like royalty with its delectable international dishes, Filipino favorites, desserts, and drinks at its classy clubhouse restaurant. Admittedly pricier than its counterparts in Central Luzon, the club takes pride in its first-rate amenities and the consummate golfing lifestyle it offers.

Subic is also reclaiming its old claim to fame—that of being a major naval and maritime hub since the 1800s when the galleons and merchant ships sought shelter in its tranquil coves.

This rich maritime history is chronicled at Vasco’s Maritime Museum which has a remarkable compendium of ancient Chinese jars, Spanish cannons, and other relics from sunken ships put together by Australian scuba diver Brian Homan, one of the Freeport’s pioneer locators.

This maritime tradition is also kept alive

by Subic Sailing Club based at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, which organizes regattas to promote tourism and enhance

CEBU'S...

From D1

“yachtsmanship” for international competitions, and foster camaraderie among its gentlemen sailors.

Early this year, the group spearheaded the Subic Bay Around Verde Island Passage Race, which is part of the prestigious Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit, and the Chairman’s Cup Regatta, which saw the biggest assembly of sailboats in Philippine waters.

A reboot of the Commodore’s Cup, the sailfest was highlighted by the FarEast 28R One-Design Race, and keelboat divisions of IRC Class 1, IRC Class 2, and Cruising Class.

Adding color was the Dinghy Division composed of Optimist, Streaker, and Oz Gooze classes for greenhorns and young sailors, as well as categories for stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to entice more Filipinos to get into water sports.

According to SSC executive director and Philippine Sailing Association vice president Zed Avecilla, the sailing events aim to breed the next generation of sailors who will bring honor to the country in international tournaments.

Subic Bay will host the sailing events in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Avecilla said that outside the competitive sport, sailing is a unique means for family bonding and a fun way of discovering our maritime roots. He noted that sailing and other related activities are also geared at positioning Subic as the country’s premier yachting destination and sailing haven.

But apart from swinging and sailing, many tourists are content in splurging on the cozy boutique accommodations that offer a blend of countryside allure and modern living.

A noteworthy hotel in Subic is Camayan Beach Resort which is designed for nature

grand ballroom could easily accommodate the expected 500 participants, with the foyer being able to take in a The hotel eventually bagged such wide variety of display booths from high-profile business because its sponsors and other participating com-

SIARGAO...

From D1

“After the ban on single-use plastics on the island last year led by our local government, we take pride in contributing our sustainability efforts for Siargao by adding more renewable energy to our energy supply mix,” added Dagooc.

SIARELCO entered into a renewable energy supply contract with AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor for 1-MW. The energy will come from the company’s recently completed hydropower plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Responding to the growing need for sustainable power sources, AboitizPower launched the brand Cleanergy, from the company’s vast portfolio of geothermal, hydro, and solar power plants located all over the country.

“With our portfolio and more than 50 years of experience in the energy sector, we are able to tailor fit solutions that will meet the demands of our customers,” said AboitizPower first vice president for Energy Trading and Sales Juan Alejandro Aboitiz.

The rich maritime history of Subic is chronicled at Vasco's Maritime Museum.

Subic International Golf Club

Rotunda Bar and Grill's famous Bulalo Steak

lovers who like to escape city life but still have fun things to do—such as water and beach recreation, scuba diving, trail hiking, all surrounded by a gorgeous rainforest and blue waters.

Its affiliate, Camayan Divers, a 5-star PADI center, offers guests the thrill of exploring the bay’s wrecks and reefs, and interacting with dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and jackfish.

Meanwhile, foodies can check out the wide array of homegrown restaurants such

panies. The hotel also has many function rooms that were used as breakout rooms after each plenary session. Most of all, the hotel’s modern technological facilities made managing the world-

as Rotunda Bar and Grill at Moonbay Marina Resort which is noted for its grilled and tender Bulalo Steak, and Coco Lime Specialty Asian Cuisine, a restaurant which attracts families and Freeport workers.

Other noteworthy casual dining haunts are 1925 Gastropub known for its western food and spirits, Dayrit’s Kitchen at All Hands Beach for its Pansit Bataan, and Magic Lagoon Bar for its Pinoy comfort food and cozy lakeview.

wide and multi-faceted event a breeze. retreat” in Cebu City, I say a sincere, I’m glad my home city has Radisson Daghang Salamat!

Blu. It can now take its place proudly among the other MICE-friendly cities For feedback, I’m at of the world. And to my favorite “urban bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

CHAPEL OPENS AT SM NORTH EDSA MALLGOERS at SM City North Edsa looking for a place to attend mass and services are welcome at the newly opened Our Lady Most Holy Rosary Chapel on the fourth level of The Block.

Designed by international design architecture firm Arquitectonica, the 1,075-square meter chapel has a dome-shaped structure illuminated by a sky light.

One of the chapel’s major highlights is a band that runs around the ceiling, with the words of the “Hail Mary” prayer, an utmost dedication to the Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary.

Also of interest are the Stations of the Cross, a collection from the Sy family, which was sketched by the late National Artist Ang Kiukok.

The dynamic and geometric style completes the contemporary look

The Chapel of Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary is located on the fourth level of SM North Edsa The Block.

Bishop Honesto Ongtioco (fourth from left) and Felicidad Sy (third from left) led the unveiling of the chapel marker.

of the chapel.

Sacred sculptures of the crucifix, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, and St. Joseph by master sculptor Eduardo Castrillo can also be found in the chapel.

Felicidad Sy chose to name the chapel after our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary as she is a devotee of Our Lady. It was built to give thanks and glory to God, and to give back to the religious community.

SM has earlier opened chapels at SM Megamall and SM Aura; the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life at the Mall of Asia Complex; and the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at SM Seaside in Cebu.

Masses are scheduled Monday to Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (English) and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (English) and 4:15 p.m. (Tagalog).

Entertainment

SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

DONNALYN

By Nickie Wang

A

CTRESS and YouTube star Donnalyn Bartolome describes “Di Lahat,” her latest music video launched on YouTube, as a song that aims to break classic double standards.

BREAKS STEREOTYPES IN NEW MV ‘DI LAHAT’

The track, culled from her 2018 album Surprise, has now gone viral. In particular, on popular video sharing platform YouTube. To date, “Di Na Lahat” has more than two million views and rising since it was uploaded on YT the same day as the Independence Day holiday (June 12).

“I wanted to write a positive song about women. It’s like a version 2.0 of my previous song where I talk to men on how to take care of women. We here a lot of negative songs about us, so I think we need more positivity especially in music,” Donnalyn said in a press conference held at Viva office on Thursday.

Perhaps it’s the message. In the song, she goes ‘Di lahat ng magaganda ay sasaktan ka lang / Minsan kung sino pang walang karapatan ang ganyan / Kaya ‘wag mong husgahan / Kung ‘di mo pa nasubukan.’ And even name-drops a popular actor-rapper when she went, “Sorry Andrew E iba na ang panahon,” which a direct reference to the former’s “Humanap Ka Ng Panget.”

Basically, the song contradicts the notion that pretty girls are only out to break hearts. As compared to when

D3

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

men do it and brush it off by saying it’s normal. Classic double standards.

Donnalyn is no stranger to status: trending. The pretty, pixie-sized star began her career posting trendy video challenges, doing vlogs and just basically entertaining her sizeable following on all the popular platforms. And ever since she made her music debut with her first ever hit, “Kakaibabe,” she has been dubbed as the ‘social media sweetheart.’

But if the song’s message and content didn’t hit its viewers, perhaps the music video did.

Donnalyn had a knockout plan for “’Di Lahat.” Besides the catchy electro pop-tinged vibe of the track, the music video has a star studded cameos that include Nadine Lustre, Alex Gonzaga, Sue Ramirez, Yassi Pressman, and Anne Curtis.

“I personally messaged them to be part of the music video.

Anne Curtis for example, I didn’t expect expect that she would say yes to this invitation but I was surprised that she said yes immediately. With others, I’m extremely glad that they also agreed to be in it [MV]. I tried to ask more people but their schedule didn’t permit it,” Donnalyn said of the brief, but effective appearances of other stars on the music video.

Donnalyn has a large following in social media —4.7 Million page likes on Facebook, more than 1.3 million followers on Instagram. Besides her hits “Kakaibabe,” “Pag Siya,” and “Happy Breakup,” she produced a DIY full length movie entitled “Happy Breakup” which she released on Youtube which to date has 11 Million views and growing.

“Di Lahat” is on Spotify, Apple Music and all streaming platforms. The music video, with all those star cameo’s is on Donnalyn’s official YouTube channel.

STATUS: TRENDING. YouTube star

and actress Donnalyn Bartolome has just released a star-studded music video featuring big names like Anne Curtis, Yassi Pressman, and Nadine Lustre. To date, the MV has been viewed on YT more than 2 million times.

DOCU ‘PAMANA’ EXPOSES CHALLENGES HERITAGE SITES ENCOUNTER THIS afternoon, a timely travel-environmental documentary opens the challenges in the preservation of its cultural value. eyes of viewers to the issues surrounding some of the country’s heritage Together with Kara, Raffy and Mariz, explore these places and find out sites. Entitled Pamana: Saving our Heritage, it is bannered by veteran what can be done to save them. journalists Kara David, Raffy Tima, and Mariz Umali.

Don’t miss Pamana: Saving Our Heritage today at 3:30 p.m. on GMA. The Philippines is home to breath-taking places that have captured the hearts not only of the locals, but of the world as well. In fact, several places were recognized as world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)—an international group that seeks to promote preservation of cultural and natural heritage worldwide.

Currently, there are six world heritage sites in our country: the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the Rice Terraces of Philippine Cordilleras, the Historic City of Vigan, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.

Due to their stunning look and remarkable value, these places have contributed to the fame and recognition of our country. But as time went by, and with the pressing issue of climate change grows, these heritage sites are now threatened.

Of these six heritage sites, three of them have been reported to encounter challenges. The Banaue Rice Terraces is in need of rehabilitation GMA Public Affairs presents a timely travel-environmental documentary due to massive erosion, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River witnesses special ‘Pamana: Saving our Heritage’ bannered by veteran journalists Kara the effects of climate change, and the Historic City of Vigan experiences David, Raffy Tima, and Mariz Umali.

Enzo Almario

Fatima Lagueras

‘IDOL PHILIPPINES’ OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL HITS 1 MILLION SUBS

Miguel Ordon

Charmange Algario THE Search for the Idol Philippines once again achieved a milestone as its official YouTube channel now has more than 1 million subscribers, and will soon receive the Gold Creator Award from the video streaming platform.

Netizens continue to follow the show especially on the video streaming site as the Top 20 have been named. Apart from their powerful voices, their stories of perseverance have also moved the viewers prompting them to follow their Idol journey online.

Having the fire to win the competition, the Top 20, dominated by contest veterans, LGBTQ+ members, and aspiring singers, have their families, dreams, and even advocacies as their inspiration to bag the title.

Many were touched by the story of belter Denize Castillo, who was admired for her determination to win so she can finally bring home her OFW parents.

There’s also the gold miner and band vocalist Roque Belino, who fights for his family to give his family a bright future.

“I started mining after graduating high school. I want to reach my dreams and take out my family from poverty,” said Roque.

Family is also the driving force for Filipino-Afro American Charmagne Algario, who uses her talent to find her long-lost father, and for dad Renwick Benito, who sees his battle as a chance to correct his path after his wrong decisions in the past.

Meanwhile, Jasper Lacson dedicates his fight to his grandfather, who heard him sing for the first time in the auditions, while newlywed Michelle Primavera sets her husband as her main motivation.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are also not afraid to raise their flag in the competition, one of them is Jeremiah Torayno, a singing trans woman.

“Ever since I was a kid, I know I’m unique. This is important to me because I was afraid to try, people might not like me, but now I think I’m ready,” said Jeremiah.

Also joining her in her fight are Matty Juniosa, a sassy belter who sings for his mother; Elle Ocampo, a lesbian artist from Pampanga; Lucas Garcia, a loud and proud gay singer, and Enzo Almario, a vlogger who proves the importance of being true to oneself.

Despite failing to make the cut in several competitions, Trish Bonilla, who proved to her mother that she can handle the pressure of the industry, and young vocal powerhouse Zephanie Dimaranan also showed the spirit of perseverance as they proceed to the next level. Lance Busa, who tried his luck abroad, is also determined to reach his dreams in his homeland. Dan Ombao, meanwhile, who already got a taste of stardom, takes another shot at his dreams, “There was a time I got overwhelmed. My career went downhill. My interest in singing went away, as well as my songwriting. Now I’m more mature, more focused.”

Victims of bullying Fatima Laguera and Kevin Hermogenes will not let words discourage them as they keep their eyes on the prize. Youth ambassadress Rachel Libres, honor and model student Sheland Faelnar, and songwriter from US Miguel Odron will also take on every challenge to fulfill their dreams of becoming a superstar.

Tonight on the show, a new battle shakes up the competition as the Top 20 Idol hopefuls clash in the Solo Rounds and will get trimmed to 12. Who among them will make it to the live rounds?

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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets

HEARTWORM IN DOGS

O

NE of the most difficult diseases to treat in dogs is heartworm.

It is important for owners to know more about heartworm, particularly how to prevent it and when to see a doctor to determine if your pet has heartworm for immediate intervention.

“Heartworm is a parasitic worm that lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries of an infected animal. The worms travel through the bloodstream—harming arteries and vital organs as they go—ultimately completing their journey to the vessels of the lung and the heart chamber about six months after the initial infection. Several hundred worms can live in one dog for five to seven years, “ the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said.

This is a serious disease and can be fatal.

Symptoms

Here are the symptoms: 1. Labored breathing; 2. Coughing; 3. Vomiting; 4. Weight loss, listlessness and fatigue after a moderate exercise only; 5. Some dogs have no symptoms until the late stages of infection.

Causes

The ASPCA listed the following causes: · Heartworms are transmitted from animal to animal through mosquito bites. · An infected animal should have two heartworms

PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS (a male and a female) for female heartworms to reproduce. · Female heartworms produce babies called “microfilaria,” which are shed into an animal’s bloodstream. The babies cannot directly cause heartworm. It must pass through a mosquito first. · Microfilariae must be in the mosquito and transform into infective larvae over a two-week period inside the insect. · When a mosquito bites a dog, the infective larvae will enter the tissues and begin a migration into the blood vessels. · Heartworms enter the dog’s bloodstream as tiny, invisible larvae, but can reach lengths of more than 12 inches when they mature.

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

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

How to diagnose heartworm

ASPCA said heartworm is diagnosed through examination, xray, ultrasound, and blood test.

“All dogs should be routinely screened with a blood test for heartworm either annually in spring or before being placed on a new prescription for a heartworm preventative, “ ASPCA stressed.

Dogs Prone to Heartworm

Any dog may be infected but since mosquitoes are the carriers, dogs in hot, humid areas are more at risk of getting infected, the ASPCA said.

How to prevent heartworm

It is easy to prevent heartworm.

1. Give your dog an inexpensive, chewable pill or topical medication available will protect your dog. Please ask your

Lucas, a 12-year-old shih tzu, is given heartworm prevention regularly.

vet about this.

2. The pills or topical are usually given monthly to dogs under six months of age without a blood test. BUT older animals must undergo a blood test before giving the medication.

3. The American Heartworm Society strongly suggested that a dog be kept on preventive medication

monthly for the whole year. “Not only does this avoid errors, but many of the products also prevent other intestinal parasites, “ the ASPCA said.

Treatment

If a dog has heartworm, the infected dog should be examined completely to determine the best treatment plan and the potential risks involved.

The ASPCA enumerated the following treatment plan: 1. The most common treatment plan involves a series of injections of drugs called adulticides into the dogs’ muscle, the ASPCA said.

“This cure has a high success rate and usually requires hospitalization,” the ASPCA added.

2. All treatment plans require several weeks of exercise restriction after treatment and each involves risks to the pet. Thus, the ASPCA stressed: “Disease prevention is a much better and safer option.”

3. After treatment, your dog should be given preventive meds to reduce being infected again.

PAMPAM is disabled but owner Mikyla Adrianne De Dios adores her and loves her very much.

“Pampam is our little fur kitten who was born with a deformity. She can't walk. She would just lie on her back, “ Mikyla says.

“But sometimes, Pampam can lift her body, “ she adds.

Despite her disability, Mikyla says she and her family decided to keep her and love her.

“Pampam loves to be cuddled and would just fall asleep on the couch,” she says.

“She likes to play with her tail and her ball, “ she adds.

Mikyla also said: “Whenever we go on out of town and go home to our house in Bulacan, we bring her. She likes to cuddle and play with her siblings.“

When to Consult Your Vet

Please bring your dog to the vet immediately if you 1. see your dog’s energy has decreased 2. your dog looks ill 3. your dog has one of the symptoms of heartworm.

Since babies, Topher (left) and Rafa , dogs rescued by Save Animals of Love and Light or Save ALL, have been given heartworm prevention monthly to lessen risk or prevent infection.

Next week: Kennel Cough

SAFE TOYS FOR CATS (First of three parts) LIKE humans, cats need mental stimulation and play time to make them happy.

“The toys that you choose for your cat must take into account the natural behavior of the species.

Often the simple ones are the best and ones that offer unpredictable movement, rapid movement and high-pitched sound are likely to provide your cat with hours of entertainment, “ said Vet West Animal Hospitals in “Toys—Choosing Safe Play Toys For Your Cat.”

Simple and attractive toys

Here are examples of simple toys: 1. Pieces of paper rolled up provide entertainment for cats if you will move them in an unpredictable and exciting way.

“You can add to the value of this sort of play by rolling the paper down

stairs or along ledges and incorporating an element of agility into the game, Vet West said.

2. Cats love to pick up their toys, Vet West said. It suggested that owners give small items and not large ones.

3. Attach a tasty treat to the toy, Vet West said.

4. Attach different items onto the end of the string attached to a rod for different play sessions, Vet West added.

“Cats that initially show interest in chasing a toy may quickly lose interest. However, this may not be an indication that the play session is over, but rather that the novelty of the specific toy has worn off. In fact, for some of these cats the play intensity might be heightened and stopping might only lead to chasing of less appropriate objects such as your hands or legs.

Therefore be certain to try at least one Rescued kittens of animal welfare group Save ALL are given different toys, mostly simple or two additional toys before ending ones such as paper and carton boxes, to keep their mind stimulated and to make them the session, “ Vet West said. DC happy. A happy cat (or dog or human) is always a healthy cat (or dog or human).

POTPOT is a five-year-old aspin with an adorable mixture of white and black colors, says owner Aurora Jose.

He is “pandak” or short but wellbuilt, Aurora adds.

“I remember how my father looked at him, who was then bedridden. He said ‘ang gandang aso nyan’,” Aurora recalls.

“He was then three months old, a very cute puppy talaga, “ she says.

“Unfortunately, my father died so he did not see Potpot bloom as a wonderful adult dog, “ Aurora says.

Potpot is such a character, she adds.

“He loves to chase rats in the kitchen and always begs for table food,” Aurora says.

Aurora loves Potpot very much and declared: “Potpot is staying with us for the rest of his life... Dog is God. Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.