Manila Standard - 2019 July 28 - Sunday

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 164 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GAME OVER FOR PCSO'S LOTTO, STL—DUTERTE

HALT! An officer of Manila Police Station 4 posts a ‘closed’ sign

over a Lotto outlet along G. Tuason Street in Sampaloc district, while operatives of the Laguna Provincial Police Office do the same at an outlet in San Pedro, Laguna (inset) on Saturday to enforce President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders to halt all gaming operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office owing to corruption allegations. Lino Santos and Roy Tomandao

VETOED 'ENDO' BILL TO HAVE SENATE REDO

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Senate leadership will push for the refiling of the Security of Tenure Bill which President Rodrigo Duterte refused to sign, citing its negative impact on the economy.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he would ask the principal author of the bill, Senator Joel Villanueva, to refile the measure.

“I’m crestfallen but that’s how democracy works. And Congress, being dynamic, can refile and repass the bill,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon seconded Sotto. However, he said, “the bill can be refiled but the executive must first get its act together.

We have frontline departments [Department of Labor and National Economic Development Authority] with opposing views. We are unclear as to what the policy is.”

Villanueva also expressed disappointment on the decision of President Duterte to veto the Security of Tenure bill which he principally authored.

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SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019

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HAIRMAN Danilo Lim of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the early Saturday morning earthquake drill was successful in its objective in raising public awareness on the “Big One,” a phrase used to describe the gigantic future earthquake.

“I am impressed with the demonstration of preparedness and capabilities shown during the 5th Metro Manila Shake Drill, with the initiative of our personnel who got out of their houses to participate albeit the activity being held on a weekend,” he said.

Lim underscored the actions made by participants, particularly the four quadrant commanders who

improvised to establish a continuous communication with responders of the local government personnel.

“We commend the private sector for actively taking part by initiating major scenarios in each of the four quadrants, forming quick response groups, and committing resources in this activity,” he said.

Among the scenarios simulated include disruption of water, power and communication, building evacuation, administering first aid to injured victims, fire manipulation and saving trapped victims, among others.

“We have seen that government, non-government organizations, private sector and volunteers can work together in making Metro Manila stronger against any disaster. Gone are the days that preparedness and response mechanism is very much governmentcentric,” added Lim. This year, the MMDA chief said, the interoperability of the Metro local government units had come into play.

“Today’s activity tested our emergency prepared-

ness and response capability when most of us are in the comfort of our own homes. Earthquake can strike any time of the day and so we wanted to see how the public will react if such disaster hits at the early hours of the day,” he said.

The drill was the third exercise under Lim’s administration, as the MMDA tried various scenarios like staging the drill during Friday rush hour in 2017 and holding it unannounced last year.

Lim urged the public to take the earthquake drill seriously. “Just this morning, an earthquake struck Batanes which caused casualties and damage to properties.”

“With the success of this year’s activity, rest assured that the Metro Manila Shake Drill will continue to level up to intensify our level of awareness, preparedness, and responsiveness as we also continue to step up our set-up and scenarios each year until we’ve achieved the highest level of disaster preparedness and risk reduction awareness,” he said.

JUST A DRILL.

Safety responders and volunteers take part in the Metrowide Shake Drill for the West Quadrant on Saturday at Soler St., corner Florentino Torres St. in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Responders did not only exercise drills toward earthquakes but also other disasters, particularly fires.

Norman Cruz

DOJ TAPS NBI FOR CUSTOMS PROBE JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered a comprehensive investigation into alleged anomalies at the Bureau of Customs.

In Department Order 383 dated July 26, Guevarra directed and granted Director Dante Gierran of the National Bureau of Investigation authority “to conduct a thorough investigation and build up on the alleged graft and corrupt practices of the Bureau of Customs.”

The NBI chief was likewise tasked “if evidence so warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible.”

The NBI was also directed to submit reports on the progress of the investigation and case build-up directly to the Office of the Justice Secretary.

Guevarra said he was acting based on allegations made by President Rodrigo Duterte in his latest State of the Nation Address.

Aside from Guevarra, Ombudsman Samuel Martires has also taken action and has begun investigating the BOC. PNA

IN A NEW

LIGHT. The clock tower of the Manila City Hall and its surrounding trees—all with lights adorning its branches— are reflected on the water in this social media photo taken by John Sy that was shared by Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso on his Twitter account that went viral last week.

SSS, DENR INK DEAL FOR ‘JOB ORDER’ STAFF THE state-run Social Security System and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement formalizing the SSS membership of 450 job order workers at the DENR’s central office.

Under the agreement, job order workers will be registered in SSS as selfemployed members, while the DENR, as a collecting partner, will remit their monthly SSS contributions through a salary-deduction scheme as part of the KaltaSSS-Collect Program.

SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora C. Ignacio expressed optimism in the partnership that will

2 BABIES, 6 ADULTS KILLED IN BATANES QUAKE

By MJ Blancaflor and Maricel V. Cruz

EIGHT people were killed and dozens injured following two earthquakes which rumbled underneath Batanes early Saturday, toppling historic buildings and sending terrified locals fleeing their homes.

The tremors hit the sparsely-populated province (population: some 18,000), part of the Cagayan Valley and north of the country’s main island of Luzon, tearing deep cracks in roads and forcing the

evacuation of a hospital.

Authorities said some of the dead, including two babies under a year old— 10-day-old newborn Fiona Valiente and 5-day-old Haisly Naquita—were crushed by the walls of their own homes.

Rescuers have retrieved the bodies of Tito Asa, 88; Teresita Gulaga, 76; Fausta Caan, 73; Jenward Hina, 31; Eva Valiente, 19; and Mary Rose Valiente, 13, according to the Batanes Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

As the quake hit Batanes, the national capital region of Metro Manila was about

to gear up for its early Saturday morning earthquake drill which MMDA chairman Danilo Lim later described as successful in its objective in raising public awareness on the “Big One,” a phrase used to describe a huge future earthquake.

“I am impressed with the demonstration of preparedness and capabilities shown during the 5th Metro Manila Shake Drill, with the initiative of our personnel who got out of their houses to participate albeit the activity being held on a weekend,” he said (Read story on A4).

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‘MEDICINAL PLANTS GOING TO WASTE’

not only increase SSS membership but also provide more workers with social security protection.

“Government job order workers are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System due to their employment status. Through the KaltaSSSCollect program, they will be covered by the SSS, and avail themselves of the System’s benefits in times of contingencies.” Ignacio said.

As SSS members, they will be entitled to benefit programs being offered by the pension fund in times of sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, death, and funeral provided

that they meet the qualifying conditions of each benefit.

Aside from benefit programs, the pension fund also offers loan programs such as salary, calamity, housing, educational, and pension loans.

“It is important for a worker to have social security so that in times of contingencies that result in loss of income or financial burden, the worker will receive assistance. This motivates us to encourage more workers to be members of the SSS,” Ignacio said.

The SSS and DENR’s agreement will be replicated in other DENR regional offices and branches nationwide.

By Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II GOVERNMENT support will play a key role if the Philippines will be able to fully utilize the potential of forest materials as a source of medicinal products.

If not, Filipinos could end up wasting these gifts from nature, as other nations have actually beaten the Philippines in the patents race.

Former Health Secretary Jaime Galvez-Tan aired this appeal during the recent Kamayan para sa Kalikasan Forum.

“Only 10 medicinal plants have been promoted by Department of Health since 1993 and Philippine Institute for Traditional and Alternative Health Care [PITAHC] since 1997. It’s such a waste,” said Tan on the subject Forests as Pharmacy.

“If the leadership of the health sector does not show any trust in medicinal plants, people won’t get to use more medicinal plants,” Tan added.

The Philippines is home to 1,500 medicinal plants from 13,500 plant species, 3,500 of which are considered indigenous, yet only 120 medicinal plants or 12.5 percent have been scientifically validated for safety and efficacy, the former Health chief explained.

“For example, the lowly Malunggay has glutathione, and is better than broccoli. Siling labuyo (chili pepper), with its anti-inflammatory properties, is good for weight loss as it increases metabolism. Yet, only Filipinos believe that eating nuts, beans and legumes can cause arthritis. The result is that many Filipinos end up being anemic, even malnourished because we lose the benefits of eating nutritious foods,” he said.

Tan, who served as Health secretary in 1995 and as undersecretary and chief of staff at the DOH from 1992-94, also called for the public to patronize local materials instead of the imported variety.

“For example, go coconut cider instead of apple cider,” he said.

Tan also bewailed that foreigners have “stolen” from locals the opportunity to patent the potential of medicinal plants.

“The French have been quick to patent the medicinal value of a number of Philippine plants.

Now they own the rights to those medicinal plant products which they first encountered here in the Philippines,” he noted.

“Schools should be geared to absorb or support local, herb-based medicines instead of syntheticbased drugs. But for us to be able to realize that, we need more investigators on local medicinal plants.

More research is needed to prove the efficacy of these gifts from nature,” Tan pointed out.

Dr. Francis Wade Gomez, president and CEO of New Marketlink Pharmaceutical Corp., echoed support for Tan’s appeal.

Using the case of lagundi products as a cure for cough and asthma, Gomez cited the need to improve the public’s perception and appreciation for herbal medicine brands.

MIAA, PAL: BE WARY OF BOMB JOKES

AUTHORITIES on Saturday reminded air travelers to be wary of bomb pranks, and warned that making a bomb joke is punishable under Presidential Decree 1727 (Anti-Bomb Joke Law).

The Manila International Airport Authority and flag carrier Philippine Airlines made the reminder on the heels of an incident involving Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, who was briefly held at the airport for allegedly making a bomb joke while checking in for his flight.

PAL management expressed disappointment over the incident and the decision of the Police Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) to release Dagooc hours after he

was placed under police custody.

According to PAL Corporate Communications Department chief and spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna, the airline endorsed the filing of a complaint against Dagooc following the incident last Thursday.

“PAL filed the complaint to the PNP Aviation Security Group, which in turn, cited the prohibition in relation to Members of Congress while the House is in Session. Ergo, he was released,” said Villaluna.

Villaluna said Dagooc could be charged with violating Presidential Decree 1727, which punishes, among others, “malicious dissemination of false information knowing the same to be false.”

The PAL official said the airline management cautions the

public against making bomb jokes, adding such action “results in grave inconvenience to the flight, its passengers and succeeding flight services.”

Under the law, anyone circulating a hoax or warning through email and text messages can be held criminally liable, as it constitutes a wilful dissemination of false information punishable by law.

Violators may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of not more than P40,000, or both, at the discretion of the court. The perpetrator of the hoax could also be charged with unlawful rumor mongering, and even those who apologize for circulating the hoax can still be held liable. Joel E. Zurbano

By Maricel V. Cruz and MJ Blancaflor

A

JARRING left hook is felt by more than 500,000 Filipinos who have received medical assistance from the medical assistance provided by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in 2018.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive for the closure of all PCSO-regulated gaming activities amid charges of corruption surrounding the gaming agency.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, in a message to journalists, said “we are evaluating the immediate effects of the ban” announced by Duterte in a televised message Friday night.

He said his directive was based on “the preservation of the resources of the nation”.

The President, in his televised message Friday night, said that beginning Saturday, July 27, all “transactions and gaming” and “wager of bets” would be deemed illegal.

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WINNING BETTOR HOLDS EMPTY BAG

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MMDA: QUAKE DRILL A SUCCESS

By Joel E. Zurbano

BAN FOLLOWS CHARGES OF CORRUPTION, CONSPIRACY

LIMESTONE RUBBLE. This handout picture taken on Saturday courtesy of Agnes Salengua Nico shows damage caused to a building after a pair of strong earthquakes of magnitude 5.4 and 5.9 struck Itbayat on Batanes Island within 3 hours of each other. Eight people were killed and dozens were injured when the twin earthquakes struck while many were still asleep, local officials said. AFP

DENGUE OUTBREAK WORSENS IN NEGROS ISLAND BACOLOD CITY—Dengue outbreak has been recommended for declaration in five areas in Negros Occidental, according to a report by Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, chief of the Provincial Health Office, submitted to Gov. Eugenio Lacson.

As of Friday, these include the cities of Kabankalan and Bago, and the towns of Cauayan, Murcia, and Candoni.

In Kabankalan, there were 490 cases while Bago has recorded 285, with one

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death. Cauayan has 228 cases, with two deaths; Murcia, 147, with one death; and Candoni, 135, with two deaths.

The province has a total of 3,744 cases from Jan. 1 to July 13 this year.

Earlier, Lacson issued Executive Order No. 19-19, declaring a dengue heightened alert in Negros Occidental.

“I do hereby order and ordain the uniform implementation of the various issuances from the DOH in the manage-

S

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ment of dengue cases and outbreak in all LGUs and public health utilities in the province,” Lacson said in the order.

The governor also cited the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas Regional Order No. 2019-09, outlining the guidelines in triaging and managing dengue cases in health facilities of Western Visayas to properly manage the influx of dengue Turn to A2

TACLOBAN CITY—Small town lottery winner Archie Dacut, 40, was shocked to see policemen shutting down lotto outlets in the northern part of this city on Saturday.

Dacut showed up to claim his P1,500 cash prize for winning the number combination on Friday Turn to A2

SPORTS / B4

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VETOED...

From A1

“Unfortunately, profit wins again with the veto of the SOT bill,” said Villanueva, who chaired the Senate labor committee.

The measure seeks to prohibit business entities from hiring workers on a contractual basis.

Duterte rejected signing it after NEDA submitted recommendations and adjustments to the bill.

“We regret it. The bill was certified as urgent by the President and thus, in the 17th Congress, the Senate worked hard to pass a balanced bill that would protect the welfare of the workers while maintaining the stability of businesses,” said Drilon.

“Our workers have waited for two decades to finally have legislation that would prohibit illegal company practices of contractualization and provide them with security of tenure. They came into 2016 with very high hopes that the practice would be prohibited. Now, we are back to square one,” he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said President Duterte’s decision to veto the bill was not surprising.

“From the start, the President’s commitment to end labor contractualization under his term was wimpish and wishywashy. After he made a bold promise during the campaign that he would eliminate contractual labor, his administration issued several toothless department and executive orders,” she said.

“President Duterte explained that he vetoed the measure in order to protect capital and management, as well as the long-term interest of labor. This is laughable as the President vetoed a law that was not even at full strength. The bill would not even have tilted the balance between labor and management. All major labor groups rejected it,” she added.

Hontiveros said she herself removed her name as one of the authors of the measure after the House of Representatives decided to simply adopt the Senate’s version of the bill, thereby cancelling the bicameral process and missing the opportunity to include a provision against fixed-term employment.

“Nevertheless, we will continue the fight to pass a law that will genuinely promote regular employment and end labor contractualization in the country.

With the help of different labor groups, advocates and like-minded legislators, we will accomplish what is difficult,” she said.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Saturday urged fellow lawmakers to refile the Security of Tenure Bill following Duterte’s refusal to sign it.

DENGUE...

From A1

cases and maintain appropriate case management.

According to the DOH, the management of cases is based on patient type.

These include Group A, patients who may be sent home; Group B, patients who should be referred for in-hospital management; and Group C, patients with severe dengue requiring emergency treatment and urgent referral. PNA

GAME...

From A1 “I have today ordered the closure, the stoppage of all gaming schemes of whatever nature, however done, that got their franchises to do so from the PCSO,” Duterte said.

“I said all gaming activities, the gambling that got their franchise from government through PCSO are as of today suspended or terminated because of massive corruption,” he said.

Duterte also ordered the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the enforcement of his directive.

“Everybody, everybody has to stop. I am ordering General Albayalde and the military to stop all these government-granted games which involves corruption. All. Massive corruption. So I repeat I’m ordering the military and the police to stop all gaming,” he said.

Among the PCSO gaming schemes were lotto, Keno, small-town lottery (STL), and Peryahan ng Bayan.

He also asked the military to arrest people engaged in gambling activities in connection with the franchises, licenses, and concessions granted by the PCSO. Duterte said he would not honor any order from courts that would stop the government’s “desire” to investigate “the massive corruption that is existing in the PCSO.” His order came after he had fired General Manager Alexander Balutan in March over allegations of corruption. He was replaced by Cebu City Police Director Royina Garma on June 24.

“I have offered, we have offered, government have offered something to tie the people, allowing gambling and maybe it

NEGROS VIOLENCE: EX-MAYOR, THREE VILLAGE EXECS KILLED

D

UMAGUETE CITY—A former mayor, his cousin, a councilor, and a barangay captain were killed in two separate shooting incidents in Ayungon town and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental early Saturday.

Amid the sketchy reports, militant groups jumped into the fray and denounced what they called “extrajudicial killings,” citing unnamed witnesses.

The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office identified the victims as former Ayungon mayor Edsel Gimang Enardecido, 60; his cousin, Leo Enardecido, 45; Canlaon City Councilor Ramon Jalandoni, 65, of Barangay Panubigan; and Barangay Captain Ernesto Posadas of Panubigan, Canlaon City.

The first shooting incident took

place in Canlaon City at around 12:14 a.m. when unidentified armed men, believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA), barged into the house of Jalandoni and shot him dead.

The gunmen marked Jalandoni’s car and a wall of his house with “Mabuhay ang NPA… Ibagsak si Duterte (Long live the NPA... Down with Duterte)”.

Some 26 minutes later, at about 12:40 a.m., unidentified armed men also forced their way into the house of Posadas and gunned him down.

The suspects also wrote “Mabuhay

ang NPA” on a wall of the victim’s house before leaving in a white van.

Police investigators in Canlaon City believed gunmen from the same group killed both Canlaon officials based on the pattern of the crimes.

Meanwhile in Ayungon, an initial police report said unidentified armed men entered the house of former mayor Enardecido in Barangay Tampocon I at about r2:30 a.m. and shot him dead. His cousin, Leo Enardecido was killed in that attack.

Police said 15 people have been killed in different parts of Negros Oriental in the past two days.

The Philippine National Police is yet to ascertain whether all the shooting incidents are related.

In a statement, the Alliance of Concerned Teacher Philippines condemned the recent spate of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in Negros Oriental, which took 13 lives in the span

squares waiting for the string of quakes to end.

In related developments: • House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez From A1 called on his fellow congressmen to help mobilize all resources needed for relief and rehabilitation President Rodrigo Duterte has mobilized all efforts in the aftermath of the quakes.

“I was saddened to hear that lives were lost government agencies to respond and provide assistance to the victims of the earthquakes, the due to powerful quakes that rocked Batanes this morning. I am asking my colleagues in the Palace said.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said food House of Representatives to help mobilize all repacks were sent to Itbayat town which was hard- sources needed in the aftermath of this tragedy,” Romualdez said. est hit by the 5.9-magnitude quake.

Romualdez said he had gotten in touch with “There are some concerns about weather conditions, which is why everyone is working Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato to inquire how he and double time to make sure that we can immedi- other congressmen could help in the relief and ately provide help to those who are affected by rehabilitation operations in the province.

“We already made available a private plane the quake. Time is of the essence here because of inclement weather,”Nograles said in a statement. for Rep. Gato so he can fly immediately to his Itbayat, the country’s northernmost town, province to assess the situation on the ground. remains fairly accessible for relief operations We expect an initial report from him the soonest time possible so we can help mobilize all the despite the power shutdown, he said.

Eleven evacuation centers were set up for the resources needed,” the House leader said.

“I know the pain caused by such a tragedy. I residents of Itbayat, Nograles said.

Presidential Spokesman Salavador Panelo also know the urgent need to mobilize resources said the Office of the Civil Defense was continu- at this very hour. Time is of the essence, and we ously coordinating with local government units, need everybody’s help,” he added.

Romualdez said they made sure that Gato including the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Batanes as relief would arrive today in Batanes with a team of volunteer doctors and initial supply of medicine, operations are in full swing.

“We ask affected constituents to remain ready-to-eat food and drinking water.

“Rep. Gato will not fly-in solo. We made sure calm as we urge them to remain vigilant and cooperative to government response and relief that he has a team of doctors and an initial supply of medicine, food and water. The private plane is teams,” he said.

“We saw houses shaking. Some of the walls at full load capacity,” he stressed.

• The Prelature of Batanes asked the faithful of the houses collapsed and fell on the victims,” for prayers, with Bishop Danilo Ulep reporting Police sergeant Uzi Villa told AFP. “Some people died because they were sleep- they would continue to monitor the situation in the province, particularly in Itbayat, which was ing soundly since it was still early,” he added.

Many people were still asleep when the first badly hit by the tremor.

“We are trying to find a way including my priest tremor struck around 4:15 am, followed just under four hours later by a second, stronger jolt. how to get there (Itbayat). Hopefully, the governThe biggest of the quakes—of magnitude ment and the military will be able to send some 5.4 and 5.9—struck within hours of each other, rescue mission in Itbayat kasi ang problema ang pagpunta doon right now (as the problem right according to the US Geological Survey.

At least three aftershocks followed, which now is how to get there),” he said in an interview prompted edgy locals to spend hours in town over Church-run Radio Veritas. With AFP, PNA

2 BABIES,...

can help in the economic activity because money goes around. But if you f*** government, that’s something else,” he said.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte would reveal those who were involved in corruption at the PCSO. The Chief Executive will identify the culprits in due time and the full force of the law will come crushing down on them, Panelo said.

He said the President is outraged by the discovery of corruption in the office that is mandated to raise and provide funds for health programs and charities of national character.

“It appears that there is a grand conspiracy among the major players and enforcers of these government-sanctioned gaming activities and enterprises to cheat the government of its rightful shares, depriving therefore the masses of our people of receiving basic services needed by them,” he said.

Garma said PCSO would comply with Duterte’s order against gaming operations, but said she would ask the President to reconsider his directive.

“Pursuant to the order of the President suspending PCSO’s gaming activities, the PCSO board directs compliance to said instruction until further notice,”Garma said in a video posted on PTV’s Facebook page.

“Rest assured the PCSO shall appeal to the Office of the President for the resumption of the conduct of all games to PCSO’s mandate and for the interest of PCSO, its agents, and its beneficiaries,” she added.

As of past dusk Saturday night, the Office of the President had yet to respond if there was an executive order signed by the President on the matter.

The PCSO is a government-owned and controlled corporation under direct supervision of the Office of the President.

Thirty percent of its revenues were

allocated to the Presidential Social Fund with the aim to improve the country’s social welfare.

Under the Universal Healthcare Law, 40 percent of the office’s Charity Fund would partly finance the healthcare program.

Last year, PCSO’s individual medical assistance program utilized more than P8 billion which helped thousands of patients.

Earlier, health officials said about P257 billion was needed in the first year of implementation of UHC, which will be funded primarily by revenues from sin taxes.

Dominguez explained they were “rechecking” how much the share of PCSO was on the over-all financing of UHC. He also has no idea until when the ban would be in place.

The PCSO earned P63.56 billion from all its gaming activities in 2018, P18.69 billion or 30 percent of which was used for charity programs. It paid for the confinement, medicines, and chemotherapy and other medical procedures for indigent patients.

Malacañang said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)—a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President which regulates gaming operations in the country—might take over these charity projects.

A 1954 law says that one-third of proceeds from sweepstakes races, lotteries, and other similar activities shall be used for health programs, medical assistance and services, and government charities.

Under the Universal Healthcare Law signed this year, 40 percent of the PCSO’s charity fund will partly finance the billions of pesos needed for the implementation of the landmark measure. Other sources include sin tax collections and the government’s share in PAGCOR proceeds, among others.

PCSO General Manager Royina Garma

of four days. Among those murdered were a public school Principal and a DepEd school division officer, it said.

‘In recent months, we have seen an alarming rise in the number of killings in the Negros Island. Since the implementation of Duterte’s Memorandum 32 in November 2018 which deployed more military troops in the island supposedly to “suppress lawless violance”, 36 has already been murdered, hundreds others detained, thousands harassed—all with impunity, ACT said. “ Most of the victims are toiling farmers who are struggling due to landlessness.

Other victims include human rights lawyers, and now education workers.

Even a one year old child was not spared when the assassins came for the infant’s father.”

The Children’s Rehabilitation Center added its voice to the clamor for justice. PNA

WINNING...

From A1

night’s draw. He intended to use the money to pay his electricity bill due on Saturday, but he ended up wondering.

“I even borrowed P1,000 from my neighbor because I really expected to get my prize. I don’t know how I am going to pay my debt now,” the hotel worker told reporters.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered on Friday night the immediate stoppage of all gaming schemes operated, licensed, and franchised by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

He also instructed the removal of gaming and gambling materials of the PCSO gaming schemes in public areas.

“I have today ordered the closure, the stoppage of all gaming schemes or whatever nature, however done, that got the franchises to do so from the PCSO. The ground is massive corruption involving all… pati (including) the courts who repeatedly issued injunctions to paralyze government and to allow corruption to thrive,” Duterte said in a video posted late Friday.

Likewise, the Commander-in-Chief directed the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the enforcement of his order by Saturday morning.

PNP 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director, Brig. Gen. Dionardo Carlos, said policemen in the region have been going around to make sure that all franchised PCSO outlets are closed.

“Some operators of lotto outlets were aware. That’s why they did not open on Saturday, but we have to check that all are closed and those still operating will be arrested. We have to get this done within 24 hours,” Carlos added.

The official asked provincial directors to submit regular reports on the enforcement of the Chief Executive’s directive.

Gwenda Requiez, record-in charge of the Victoria Development and Ventures Corp., the operator of small town lottery in Leyte province and Tacloban City, said they were saddened by the news, but they have to follow the President’s order.

“This closure means 60 of our employees lose their jobs, and (it) affects the income of hundreds of coordinators and collectors,” Requiez told reporters.

Duterte’s order includes PCSO’s Lotto, Small Town Lottery, and Peryahan ng Bayan. PNA

said the state lottery agency would appeal for the resumption of its gaming activities “for the interest of the PCSO, its agents, and its beneficiaries.” The PCSO urged those who have bought advanced playing tickets to just keep them for now.

While the PCSO in its 2018 accomplishment report took pride in earning 20 percent more than the P52.98 billion it had generated in 2017, Malacañang said the government was not getting its fair share.

Citing“massive corruption”in the PCSO, Duterte in the video message Friday night ordered a stop to all PCSO-licensed gaming schemes. Panelo said 60 percent of PCSO revenues were lost to corruption.

In related developments: --Ako-Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin appealed to the National Police to boost its anti-jueteng operations in light of Duterte’s decision to stop the PCSO’s gaming operations.

At the same time, Garbin, a deputy minority leader, said lawmakers would like to know from the PCSO details that caused the President’s decision.

“The PCSO is a significant government corporation. PCSO income in 2018, according to the COA, was P63.097 billion, while operating expenses were P49.285 billion, profit before taxes at P13.811 billion, and net Income was P1.55 billion,” he said.

He added the PCSO’s financial assistance, subsidy, and contributions to various funds and causes were at P11.678 billion as per the 2018 COA audit.

Garbin also asked the Department of Finance“how it will make up for the resulting revenue shortfall and how this new development will affect the social services, education, and sports budgets.”

For his part, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco said “President Duterte is consistent in his strong stance against corruption and we are fully supportive of this policy. “

Velasco also said the President’s decision should prompt a more in-depth investigation into the gaming schemes not only to ensure that it is free from corruption, but to also assess its impact on the economy and the programs being funded by the PCSO. “ • Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman expressed support to Duterte’s order stopping the grant of more gaming licenses in the country.

“We welcome and support this new policy of the president,” Hataman said as he stressed it would be best if the government terminated entirely all forms of gambling nationwide.

• The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) has heeded the call of the national headquarters to stop all gambling and gaming operation of the PCSO. Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, PRO 6 regional director, said that as early as 6 a.m. on Saturday, he instructed all provincial and city directors in Western Visayas to close down all PCSO STL and Lotto outlets.

“All provincial and city police offices had already done their operations and all reports were in as of 1 p.m.,” Pamuspusan told the Philippine News Agency.

• Police authorities in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City shut down all outlets of STLmall Town Lottery, Lotto, and other gaming schemes under the PCSO. Col. Romeo Baleros, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said he directed all police chiefs to verify outlets in Negros Occidental and effect the closure order before noon on Saturday.

“Those that will continue their operation will be apprehended,” he added.

Maj. Rollie Pondevilla, chief of the Silay City Police Station, said that after receiving the order from the higher headquarters, he led his personnel in the closure of all STL and Lotto outlets in the northern Negros City. With PNA

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ROMUALDEZ PRESSES FOR OK OF DU30 PRIORITY BILLS

By Maricel V. Cruz

CPR AWARENESS. Dr. Aurelia Leus, president of the

Phillippine Health Association, addresses a jampacked crowd during the CPR awareness campaign held in San Carlos City, Pangasinan with students and volunteers demonstrating the proper way of reviving a victim. PHA director Dr. Ronald Cuyco and DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Sheila Marie Primicias take part in the event. Photos by Teddy Pelaez

17 CHINESE RETAILERS ROUNDED UP IN BUKIDNON

T

HE Bukidnon police have arrested 17 Chinese traders found illegally operating businesses in Valencia City.

Col. Surki Sereñas, Valencia police chief, said the Chinese nationals are in the country on tourists visas but were engaging in retail businesses that did not even have permits from local authorities.

Sereñas said the foreigners were rounded up, in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration, on Thursday, July 25. “[The] Chinese nationals were apprehended due to incomplete immigration documents

and were subsequently turned-over to Bureau of Immigration for appropriate action,” he said.

Sereñas said Valencia City is home to hundreds of Chinese mainlanders, most of them engaging in selling China-made household items, plastic ware, electronic gadgets, and other products.

Many of the Chinese nationals, Sereñas said, have been living in Valencia since 2000 but have not applied for naturalization or appropriate visas to be able to legally engage in any business in the country.

To make it appear that their stores are legally operating, the police official said

many of the Chinese traders commonly use business permits registered to Filipinos.

Others, he said, would resort to outright fakery of licenses.

Sereñas said many of the Chinese traders have become victims of extortion by corrupt local officials and even by the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Police identified the arrested Chinese nationals as: Jin, Kuang Cai; Zheng, Chu Bao; Sy, Hill; Ta, Bryan; Ta, Jems; Co, Sevee; Zia, Anna;Chan, Junior; Hui, Jacky; Hui, Hehry; San, Joseph; Lee, Alvin; Chua, Ekin; Tan, Shao Hua; Lin, Kim; Homy, Andre; and Wee, Are. PNA

4TH PINOY PILGRIM DIES IN MECCA

GAS TO POWER. As local natural gas continues to sustainably power the Philippines, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi recently visited the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power platform off the shores of Palawan. Operated by an all-Filipino crew, the world-class Malampaya platform delivers natural gas from the deep waters of the West Philippine Sea through a 504-kilometer subsea pipeline to supply power plants in Batangas that generate 3200 MW of electricity. From left: Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. Offshore Installation manager Bonifacio Lapuz, SPEX General Manager Don Paulino, SPEX Senior Asset Commercial Advisor Charisse Choa, SecretaryAlfonso Cusi, Undersecretary Donato Marcos, and SPEX External Relations manager Paulo Gavino.

ILIGAN CITY—Another Filipino pilgrim died in Meccah, bringing to four the number of local casualties, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos said on Friday, July 26.

Dr. Dimapuno Alonto Datu Ramos Jr., public relations and information head of the NCMF, identified the pilgrim as Abdulnasser Hosain Banto, 62, who hailed from Taraka town in Lanao del Sur. Banto, an Imam of Masjid Abubakar in Barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City, was inside the hotel where he was billeted when he complained of chest pain and shortness of breath, Ramos said.

Datu Ramos said Banto was rushed to a nearby hospital but attempts to revive him failed.

Citing information from Dr. Abdulnasser Masorong Jr., head of the medical team of this year’s Hajj, Datu Ramos said Banto had suffered congestive heart failure “wherein significant damage to the heart muscle causes a failure in blood circulation and multiple congestive symptoms.”

“The cause of his death was cardiorespiratory arrest,” Datu Ramos said.

In July 19, NCMF announced the death of a 57-year-old female, Sarapia Abalimbona Taha from Lumbayanague, also in Lanao del Sur, due to myocardial infarction or heart attack, followed by the death of a 66-year-old Enting Tungao Kamensa from Datu

Piang, Maguindanao a day after (July 20), also of the same reason.

Taha collapsed while entering a Masjid in Haraam while Kamensa lost consciousness that led to his death inside the same Masjid.

The third pilgrim, Bailani Sakandal Dalandas, 70, died due to suspected cardiac arrest while inside the bus going to the Masjidil in Haraam with her daughter.

“The pilgrim [Dalandas] has no known prior medical condition,” Datu Ramos said.

Hajj-related deaths According to Datu Ramos, many Filipino pilgrims harbor the desire to die of natural causes in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj in the belief that this will get them to heaven.

In fact, last year, some eight elderly pilgrims died while performing Hajj, he said.

NCMF, through its assigned supervisory, assists deceased Filipino pilgrims in Mecca until they are buried according to the Muslim rites within 24 hours.

“There is a cemetery in Mecca prepared for the pilgrims who would die during Hajj,” Datu Ramos said.

This year, some 7,325 Filipino pilgrims are participating in the Hajj, an obligation that every Muslim must do at least once in their lifetime and around 90 percent of the pilgrims are first timers yearly. PNA

QUALITY CHECK SOUGHT OVER ONLINE SALE ITEMS ONLINE shopping platforms should ensure the quality of the goods they sell, a party-list lawmaker on Saturday said, challenging the Department of Trade and Industry to look into this sales practice.

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles issued the statement in the wake of mounting complaints on fake electronic goods with questionable safety standards being sold online.

Nograles, said he will seek a congressional investigation into the business practices of online sellers. In addition, he said the investigation will focus on on the efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry, particularly the Bureau of Public Standards to protect consumers against the malpractices of merchants who sell their goods online.

“I want to know if the BPS is doing what they can to protect the consumer’s needs or if they need a law to empower them. Further, whether such online

transactions are paying the appropriate taxes,” Nograles said.

Nograles hopes that with this investigation, Congress can craft or amend a law that would regulate local online selling portals that allows third-party sellers such as Shoppee, Lazada, Zalora, Carousell and many others because these are also possible sources of tax leakages.

“Although a lot of people feel that these online shopping portals made life a lot easier for them, there is also chance that some of their products can cause serious harm or even death to a lot of people. I’ve been reading and receiving complaints about substandard and fake electronic products being sold in these online selling portals and this should not be allowed at all,” Nograles said.

Nograles said that BPS should exercise its mandate on these online selling portals and require them to demand appropriate certifications from their third party merchants before they are allowed to post their products. Maricel V. Cruz

DRESSING DOWN. National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director Maj.

Gen. Guillermo Eleazar gives Patrolman Jun Ruado Acosta a severe dressing down during a buy-bust operation along McArthur Highway in Malinta, Valenzuela City.

Confiscated from the policeman-suspect were several sachets of suspected shabu and marked money. Andrew Rabulan

HOUSE Majority Leader Martin Romualdez of Leyte has said he is optimistic that the House of Representatives will approve “in record time” about a third of the 26 priority measures outlined by President Rodrigo Duterte in his 2019 State of the Nation Address.

“In compliance with the Speaker’s directive to hit the ground running, I met House Secretariat officials involved in the committee and plenary deliberations of bills already filed. We discussed ways on how to expedite the approval of pending legislative measures from the committee level to plenary,” Romualdez said.

“With the innovations that we are planning to implement in committee deliberations, I am optimistic that we can approve about a dozen of the President’s priority measures in record time. Hopefully, the committee reports on these measures will be out for plenary deliberations by the first week of August,” Romualdez said.

These measures, he said, include the National Land Act; Department of Disaster Resilience; Coconut Levy Fund; TRABAHO bill; Alcohol taxes; Property valuation; Capital Income Tax; Mandatory ROTC for Grades 11 and 12; Government rightsizing bill; Energizing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; National Transport Act; and Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Of these measures, Romualdez said only the National Transport Act and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission were not specifically mentioned by President Duterte in his 2019 SONA. These, however, were among the priority measures specified by the President in his 2018 SONA. Romualdez said all these measures are expected to face easy sailing in the committee deliberations as these were already approved by the House of Representatives in the 17th Congress.

The Leyte solon noted that Section 48 of the House rules provide that: “In case of bills or resolutions that are identified as priority measures of the House, which were previously filed in the immediately preceding Congress and have already been approved on 3rd reading, the same maybe disposed of as matters already reported upon the approval of majority of the Members of the committee present, there being a quorum.”

ROTC WON’T TURN KIDS INTO WARRIORS, AFP SAYS

By Priam Nepomuceno

THE proposed mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for senior high school students does not force them to become soldiers, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Saturday.

Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo was reacting to Senator Imee Marcos’ pronouncement that she cannot accept the proposal, saying, “You really cannot force a kid to become a soldier.”

“We take cognizance of the view of the good Senator Marcos as against ‘forcing the kid to becoming (a) soldier’ with regard to the ROTC. With all due respect, however, we maintain that taking and completing the ROTC program does not make him-or her--ipso facto a soldier,” he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Friday.

Arevalo noted that the proposal to revive the ROTC training merely prepares the country’s youth and capacitates them to respond to exigencies, such as calamities and national emergencies.

“Unless, in their own volition, these young and patriotic Filipinos opt to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he added.

Citing Article II Section 4 of the Constitution, Arevalo said it is the prime duty of the government to serve and protect the people.

“Thus, the government may call upon its citizens to render personal, civil, or military duties to defend the State. And the ROTC program readies our men and women to fulfill that constitutionally mandated obligation,” he said.

AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said these times call for the reintroduction of ROTC as it is needed to train and instill among the youth the values of discipline, nationalism, respect for authorities, and love of country, among others.

In a letter to Senate President Vicente Sotto III dated June 3, President Rodrigo R. Duterte urged the Senate to certify the immediate passage of Senate Bill 2232, which institutionalizes ROTC in senior high school. PNA

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‘MEDICINAL PLANTS GOING TO WASTE’

MMDA: QUAKE DRILL A SUCCESS

By Joel E. Zurbano

C

HAIRMAN Danilo Lim of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the early Saturday morning earthquake drill was successful in its objective in raising public awareness on the “Big One,” a phrase used to describe the gigantic future earthquake.

“I am impressed with the demonstration of preparedness and capabilities shown during the 5th Metro Manila Shake Drill, with the initiative of our personnel who got out of their houses to participate albeit the activity being held on a weekend,” he said.

Lim underscored the actions made by participants, particularly the four quadrant commanders who

improvised to establish a continuous communication with responders of the local government personnel.

“We commend the private sector for actively taking part by initiating major scenarios in each of the four quadrants, forming quick response groups, and committing resources in this activity,” he said.

Among the scenarios simulated include disruption of water, power and communication, building evacuation, administering first aid to injured victims, fire manipulation and saving trapped victims, among others.

“We have seen that government, non-government organizations, private sector and volunteers can work together in making Metro Manila stronger against any disaster. Gone are the days that preparedness and response mechanism is very much governmentcentric,” added Lim. This year, the MMDA chief said, the interoperability of the Metro local government units had come into play.

“Today’s activity tested our emergency prepared-

ness and response capability when most of us are in the comfort of our own homes. Earthquake can strike any time of the day and so we wanted to see how the public will react if such disaster hits at the early hours of the day,” he said.

The drill was the third exercise under Lim’s administration, as the MMDA tried various scenarios like staging the drill during Friday rush hour in 2017 and holding it unannounced last year.

Lim urged the public to take the earthquake drill seriously. “Just this morning, an earthquake struck Batanes which caused casualties and damage to properties.”

“With the success of this year’s activity, rest assured that the Metro Manila Shake Drill will continue to level up to intensify our level of awareness, preparedness, and responsiveness as we also continue to step up our set-up and scenarios each year until we’ve achieved the highest level of disaster preparedness and risk reduction awareness,” he said.

JUST A DRILL.

Safety responders and volunteers take part in the Metrowide Shake Drill for the West Quadrant on Saturday at Soler St., corner Florentino Torres St. in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Responders did not only exercise drills toward earthquakes but also other disasters, particularly fires.

Norman Cruz

DOJ TAPS NBI FOR CUSTOMS PROBE JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered a comprehensive investigation into alleged anomalies at the Bureau of Customs.

In Department Order 383 dated July 26, Guevarra directed and granted Director Dante Gierran of the National Bureau of Investigation authority “to conduct a thorough investigation and build up on the alleged graft and corrupt practices of the Bureau of Customs.”

The NBI chief was likewise tasked “if evidence so warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible.”

The NBI was also directed to submit reports on the progress of the investigation and case build-up directly to the Office of the Justice Secretary.

Guevarra said he was acting based on allegations made by President Rodrigo Duterte in his latest State of the Nation Address.

Aside from Guevarra, Ombudsman Samuel Martires has also taken action and has begun investigating the BOC. PNA

IN A NEW LIGHT. The

clock tower of the Manila City Hall and its surrounding trees—all with lights adorning its branches— are reflected on the water in this social media photo taken by John Sy that was shared by Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso on his Twitter account that went viral last week.

SSS, DENR INK DEAL FOR ‘JOB ORDER’ STAFF THE state-run Social Security System and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement formalizing the SSS membership of 450 job order workers at the DENR’s central office.

Under the agreement, job order workers will be registered in SSS as selfemployed members, while the DENR, as a collecting partner, will remit their monthly SSS contributions through a salary-deduction scheme as part of the KaltaSSS-Collect Program.

SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora C. Ignacio expressed optimism in the partnership that will

not only increase SSS membership but also provide more workers with social security protection.

“Government job order workers are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System due to their employment status. Through the KaltaSSSCollect program, they will be covered by the SSS, and avail themselves of the System’s benefits in times of contingencies.” Ignacio said.

As SSS members, they will be entitled to benefit programs being offered by the pension fund in times of sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, death, and funeral provided

that they meet the qualifying conditions of each benefit.

Aside from benefit programs, the pension fund also offers loan programs such as salary, calamity, housing, educational, and pension loans.

“It is important for a worker to have social security so that in times of contingencies that result in loss of income or financial burden, the worker will receive assistance. This motivates us to encourage more workers to be members of the SSS,” Ignacio said.

The SSS and DENR’s agreement will be replicated in other DENR regional offices and branches nationwide.

By Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II GOVERNMENT support will play a key role if the Philippines will be able to fully utilize the potential of forest materials as a source of medicinal products.

If not, Filipinos could end up wasting these gifts from nature, as other nations have actually beaten the Philippines in the patents race.

Former Health Secretary Jaime Galvez-Tan aired this appeal during the recent Kamayan para sa Kalikasan Forum.

“Only 10 medicinal plants have been promoted by Department of Health since 1993 and Philippine Institute for Traditional and Alternative Health Care [PITAHC] since 1997. It’s such a waste,” said Tan on the subject Forests as Pharmacy.

“If the leadership of the health sector does not show any trust in medicinal plants, people won’t get to use more medicinal plants,” Tan added.

The Philippines is home to 1,500 medicinal plants from 13,500 plant species, 3,500 of which are considered indigenous, yet only 120 medicinal plants or 12.5 percent have been scientifically validated for safety and efficacy, the former Health chief explained.

“For example, the lowly Malunggay has glutathione, and is better than broccoli. Siling labuyo (chili pepper), with its anti-inflammatory properties, is good for weight loss as it increases metabolism. Yet, only Filipinos believe that eating nuts, beans and legumes can cause arthritis. The result is that many Filipinos end up being anemic, even malnourished because we lose the benefits of eating nutritious foods,” he said.

Tan, who served as Health secretary in 1995 and as undersecretary and chief of staff at the DOH from 1992-94, also called for the public to patronize local materials instead of the imported variety.

“For example, go coconut cider instead of apple cider,” he said.

Tan also bewailed that foreigners have “stolen” from locals the opportunity to patent the potential of medicinal plants.

“The French have been quick to patent the medicinal value of a number of Philippine plants.

Now they own the rights to those medicinal plant products which they first encountered here in the Philippines,” he noted.

“Schools should be geared to absorb or support local, herb-based medicines instead of syntheticbased drugs. But for us to be able to realize that, we need more investigators on local medicinal plants.

More research is needed to prove the efficacy of these gifts from nature,” Tan pointed out.

Dr. Francis Wade Gomez, president and CEO of New Marketlink Pharmaceutical Corp., echoed support for Tan’s appeal.

Using the case of lagundi products as a cure for cough and asthma, Gomez cited the need to improve the public’s perception and appreciation for herbal medicine brands.

MIAA, PAL: BE WARY OF BOMB JOKES

AUTHORITIES on Saturday reminded air travelers to be wary of bomb pranks, and warned that making a bomb joke is punishable under Presidential Decree 1727 (Anti-Bomb Joke Law).

The Manila International Airport Authority and flag carrier Philippine Airlines made the reminder on the heels of an incident involving Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, who was briefly held at the airport for allegedly making a bomb joke while checking in for his flight.

PAL management expressed disappointment over the incident and the decision of the Police Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) to release Dagooc hours after he

was placed under police custody.

According to PAL Corporate Communications Department chief and spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna, the airline endorsed the filing of a complaint against Dagooc following the incident last Thursday.

“PAL filed the complaint to the PNP Aviation Security Group, which in turn, cited the prohibition in relation to Members of Congress while the House is in Session. Ergo, he was released,” said Villaluna.

Villaluna said Dagooc could be charged with violating Presidential Decree 1727, which punishes, among others, “malicious dissemination of false information knowing the same to be false.”

The PAL official said the airline management cautions the

public against making bomb jokes, adding such action “results in grave inconvenience to the flight, its passengers and succeeding flight services.”

Under the law, anyone circulating a hoax or warning through email and text messages can be held criminally liable, as it constitutes a wilful dissemination of false information punishable by law.

Violators may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of not more than P40,000, or both, at the discretion of the court. The perpetrator of the hoax could also be charged with unlawful rumor mongering, and even those who apologize for circulating the hoax can still be held liable. Joel E. Zurbano

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Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TARGETING THE SYMBOLS OF BEIJING’S RULE

EDITORIAL

BELLS TOLL

A

T EIGHT o’clock tonight and at the same hour every evening thereafter, church bells across Negros island will toll as a plea to stop the killings that have hounded the island.

“Let the tolling of bells remind us that the senseless killings are inhuman. Let the tolling of the church bells call us to a collective prayer, for us to beg God to touch the hearts of perpetrators, as we call on responsible government agencies to effectively address the series of deaths,” said Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos.

The pastoral appeal was issued Thursday, amid a particularly heinous week of killings. In the span of a week, some 15 individuals – including

a lawyer, a rebel returnee, a school principal, a DepEd official, former and current local officials, and a one-year-old child – were killed in separate incidents in different towns.

Some quarters are blaming the higher number of killings to President Duterte’s Memorandum Order 32, issued in November, which provides guidelines to the military and police on suppressing lawless violence. Curiously, the order was issued precisely to stem the “sporadic violence” in select areas in the country and prevent the loss of innocent lives.

In March, 14 farmers were summarily killed in Negros.

According to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, since the issuance of this order, 36 have already been killed, hundreds others detained, thousands harassed—all with impunity. “Most of the victims are toiling farmers who are struggling due to landlessness. Other

victims include human rights lawyers, and now education workers.”

The Defend Negros #Stop the Killings network said it has recorded more than 70 extra-judicial killings on Negros Island since January 2017.

Whether or not we can ever get to the bottom of the killings may be difficult to answer today, given the conflicting interests at play. What is incontrovertible is that the loss of lives – even just one – is senseless, and people must express outrage and indignation rather than cower in fear.

The sound of bells tolling will be a grim reminder of how low we have descended as human beings, dismissive of the rights of others as we pursue our own interests. The bishop said the bells will toll until the killings stop. We hope the people of Negros – and the rest of us, elsewhere in the country – will not have to wait that long.

THE SEMIOTICS OF POLITICAL FASHION PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address last Monday at the Batasan, and as expected, most of the attending politicians, government officials, and their spouses turned up in the now-customary high fashion style that marks that event.

Many of the traditional politicians wore costly designer dresses. Senator Nancy Binay arrived in a tasteful embroidered Randy Ortiz gown that was a major step up from the kitschy SONA she gowns had worn before. The same designer made Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez’s semi-serpentine column gown.

Among the trapos, the biggest statement was made by Imee Marcos in a yellow and red gown by newly-popular designer Mak Tumang, designer of Catriona Gray’s Miss Universe competition gowns. Red is the Duterte color; Marcos ran for the senate under that family’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

Eyebrows rose at Marcos’ use of the color yellow, as it is associated with their political rivals, the Aquino family, and the current opposition, dubbed ‘dilawan’.

Marcos said she chose her dress because she’s had enough of political bickering (“Sawang-sawa na ako sa bangayan sa pulitika”). In effect, Marcos is claiming back the color yellow from its exclusive use by the Aquinos, and by the end of the day, it was just another color.

The strangest outfit was worn by outgoing House Speaker Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who wore an ugly, ill-fitting, one-shoulder orange and tomato red gown with tacky dimensional flowers.

Semiotically, it said either, “I’m so done I don’t care anymore” or “I’m so wealthy and powerful I don’t care anymore.” As a horseowner friend used to say, a truly rich person can wear a white tee and tsinelas and still be fawned on for the money in their wallet. Or maybe the dress was made for her by someone she loved or didn’t want to offend? In any case, it was a departure from her usual conservative gowns.

Progressive party-list representatives used the occasion to make statements about social issues. Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate’s “fashion protest” barong Tagalog sported hand-painted figures that called attention to sovereignty and China-bullying issues.

Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago’s baro’t saya was enlivened by a sash also painted with protest art. She came with two guests; one’s sash read “Stop the Killings” and the other’s had art related to that issue. Both sashes were confiscated by security.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas carried a Dead Balagtas-designed fan with the words “Serbisyo sa Tao, Huwag Gaw-

ing Negosyo,” protesting water privatization, and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro had a fan reading “#TuparinAngPangako Salary Increase Now!” referring to the clamor for Duterte to fulfill his promise of raising teachers’ and government workers’ salaries.

Some might condescendingly call fashion “shallow” as a vehicle for political communication. They would be wrong. As author and semiotics professor Umberto Eco said, “the whole of culture must be studied as a semiotic phenomenon,” meaning cultural phenomena may be studied as communication. (A simple definition of semiotics is “the study of signs and symbols as a significant part of communication.”)

Fashion is an act of protest because through external adornment, one can express a personal or political statement. Clothing clings to the body and may be identified as part of the self, thus making it a perfect vehicle to present one’s beliefs or take a stand on them. One need not say anything when clad in a garment that is an obvious symbol of their advocacy.

Taking it further, being undressed is also a political expression, as when five supermodels including Tatjana Patitz and Naomi Campbell posed nude for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in 1994. “We’d rather go na-

By Elaine Yu SEETHING unrest in Hong Kong is taking on a more stridently anti-Chinese tone, with the target of public anger shifting from the city’s leaders to direct symbols of Beijing’s rule and the huge influx of mainlanders.

The chants directed at Beijing’s egg-splattered Liason Office on Sunday night were a vivid rebuke to China as the semi-autonomous finance hub entered its seventh straight week of anti-government protests that show no sign of abating.

“Reclaim Hong Kong, the revolution of our time,” the crowds shouted, spraying the same slogan on nearby walls.

The phrase was the campaign slogan of Edward Leung, a leading pro-independence activist currently in jail for rioting.

“He proposed the idea of a Hong Kong nation. That Hong Kong people belong to the same ethnic group, and that has brought together Hong Kong people’s inward forces,” a 29-year-old man surnamed Cheng told AFP after the Liason Office protest moved into nearby streets on Sunday night.

“He is a kind of a spiritual leader,” Cheng added.

After two decades under Beijing’s rule, many young Hong Kong protesters are saying they’ve had enough and are increasingly focusing their rage towards the mainland -- both its government and its people.

A week before the protest outside the Liason Office, clashes broke out between police and demonstrators in a border region as the movement took aim at traders from mainland China who snap up goods in Hong Kong and resell them across the border.

Similar confrontations in early July were sparked by anger over provocative “dancing aunties” singing Mandarin pop songs through loudspeakers in public spaces.

And further protests are planned in the coming weeks in regions of the city that activists say are overcrowded with mainland visitors or traders.

‘Colonization’ by Beijing Political analyst Dixon Sing said these protests are just the latest expression of years of frustration at Beijing’s ramped-up footprint on a city that has long been both culturally and linguistically distinct from the mainland.

“There’s a very widespread feeling that the Hong Kong government has colluded with Beijing to try and colonize the city or create the mainlandization of Hong Kong through all sorts of policies,” he told AFP. “There’s a seething fear that the colonization done by Beijing has pervaded Hong Kong on all fronts. That’s why there’s such an explosion of accumulated anger right now,” he added.

Some one million mainlanders have migrated to Hong Kong since its 1997 handover to China, a diaspora that is a source of friction in a city of 7.3 million beset by sky-high property prices and a huge housing shortage.

But the huge daily influx of tourists and mainland traders in recent years has inflamed those tensions further, with crowds clogging the streets and mom-and-pop businesses forced to close by spiralling rents.

Around 15-18 percent of university students are mainlanders, many of whom stay after graduating and compete with locals for jobs in a tough market.

And in a city where Cantonese is the dominant language, the Mandarin spoken on the mainland has been making in-roads, in schools, on the streets, in cinemas, shops and the workplace.

In recent years some of the more hardcore activists have taken to describing mainlanders using derogatory terms such as “locusts” and bigotry towards Mandarin speakers is not uncommon.

Polarization deepening The animosity has not been aided by the city leadership’s years of coziness with Beijing and polarization is deepening.

Successive Hong Kong administrations have refused calls in recent years from protesters to introduce wider democratic freedoms or to halt sliding freedoms.

Recent large rallies in support of the police and government have seen many mainlanders attend and many Chinese flags being waved.

Shortly after the Liason Office protest, progovernment thugs wielding bats beat up protesters in the rural town of Yuen Long near the Chinese border, hospitalizing 45 people.

Some of the suspected triad gangsters were waving Chinese flags.

Inside China, where news and information are heavily censored, the protests have been portrayed as a violent, foreign-funded plot to destabilise the motherland.

But some protesters are trying to reach out to mainlanders in less combative ways.

Thousands marched earlier this month through the waterfront district of Tsim Sha Tsui, an area popular with Chinese tourists, in an attempt to explain to mainland residents what the protest movement is about.

Activists used Bluetooth and Apple’s AirDrop function to send to nearby phones leaflets written in the simplified Chinese characters used on the mainland instead of the traditional characters used in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

On Friday a similar protest took place at the airport arrival hall welcoming tourists, including mainlanders, to a city now smouldering with unrest. AFP

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE ked than wear fur,” read the tagline on their poster.

Everything has meaning. The expensive gowns mean “I can afford it and I don’t care what you think,” even though the President himself has said that he prefers simple attire at the SONAs. The hand-painted clothes and accessories carry actual messages that inform, persuade, move to action. The use of indigenous fabrics and shoes from Marikina shows a willingness to back Filipino makers and support local industries.

The President’s own rumpled barong conveys a disdain for appearances and a sense of hardline individualism— “This is me— take it or leave it.”

The SONA fashion show is a chance to see and know more about our lawmakers and government officials. It’s a chance to find out what their values are, what they uphold and defend, what they think is important – all without their saying a word. *** “Clothes make the man,” so the saying goes, and it doesn’t just mean dressing well or appropriately. It also means your fashion is an extension of your inner self. /FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

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Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

ONLINE MEMBER

PPI

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager OIC-Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

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Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Gulle City Editor Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

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IRISH PM: NO-DEAL BREXIT TO LEAD TO UNITED IRELAND LONDON—A no-deal Brexit could lead to a united Ireland as more people in Northern Ireland would “come to question the union” with Britain, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said.

His comments came after new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the current Brexit deal was unacceptable and set preparations for leaving the EU without an agreement as a “top priority” for his right-wing government.

Tension around the withdrawal deal centres on the so-called Irish backstop -- a mechanism designed to preserve the bloc’s single market and prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

Varadkar warned a no-deal Brexit could see more people in the North question the union with England, Scotland and Wales.

“People who you might describe as moderate nationalists or moderate Catholics who were more or less happy with the status quo will look more towards a united Ireland,” Varadkar said Friday at a summer school in county Donegal, the Irish Independent newspaper and other media reported.

“And increasingly you see liberal Protestants, liberal unionists starting to ask the questions as to where they feel more at home.

“Is it in a nationalist Britain that’s talking about potentially bringing back the death penalty and things like that? Or is it part of a common European home and part of Ireland?” said Vardakar, whose heavily tradedependent nation stands to lose most from a messy EU-UK split. AFP

HIGH COURT OKS TRUMP BORDER WALL FUND PLAN

W

ASHINGTON—The US Supreme Court on Friday ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, allowing him to proceed with plans to divert billions of dollars in Pentagon funds towards construction of his border wall with Mexico.

“Wow! Big VICTORY on the Wall,” Trump tweeted in reaction to the ruling, which boosts his ability to fulfill a major campaign promise to construct the massive barrier. “Big WIN for Border Security and the Rule of Law!” Trump declared a national emergency earlier this year in a bid to bypass Congress and obtain funding for his signature project, after the standoff led to the longest government shutdown in US history.

But about 20 US states along with rights and environmental groups and border communities are backing lawsuits that claim the emergency declaration violates the constitution.

A federal judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had issued a temporary injunction against using Defense Department funds for wall construction.

On Friday, the Supreme Court overturned the lower court decision with a 5-4 ruling, writing that the government had “made a sufficient showing at this stage” that the groups did not have the standing to challenge the allocation of funds, freeing up the money for the president’s use while litigation proceeds.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top congressional Democrats, denounced the ruling.

Pelosi insinuated that the president had exercised executive overreach in bypassing Congress to get the funding, writing on Twitter that “our Founders designed a democracy governed by the people—not a monarchy.”

Schumer, meanwhile, called the matter “deeply regrettable” and “nonsensical,” adding that it “flies in the face of the will of Congress and the Congress’s exclusive power of the purse.”

Trump had originally requested $5.7 billion for his border wall, but after a tug-of-war that included a record 35day federal government shutdown, he reluctantly signed a spending bill that included appropriations of just $1.4 billion for border barriers, and not specifically a wall.

Then, citing an “invasion” of drugs and criminals, he declared a national emergency at the border, allowing him to repurpose billions of dollars in other government funding.

The $2.5 billion in Defense Department funds at play in the Supreme Court ruling were part of that repurposed money. AFP

CONTROVERSIAL US ASYLUM DEAL WITH GUATEMALA INKED WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump announced Friday that a “landmark” asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbors to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a “safe third country,” meaning that US-bound migrants who enter Guatemala would be required to seek asylum there instead.

But the US Department of Homeland Security said the term did not appear in the text agreed on Friday, of which few details were initially known.

Trump said the deal will “provide safety to legitimate asylum seekers and stop asylum fraud” in the region.

“This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and smugglers out of business,” the president said, referring to the “bad people” who have trafficked thousands of migrants through Mexico to the southern US border.

In another immigration-related triumph for Trump, the Supreme Court on Friday issued a ruling allowing the president to proceed with plans to divert $2.5 billion in Pentagon funds toward construction of a border wall with Mexico.

“Big VICTORY on the Wall,” Trump tweeted after the ruling. “Big WIN for Border Security and the Rule of Law!” The dual victories come as the president prepares for his second run at the White House in 2020. Stopping illegal immigration remains a key priority for the Republican, who won the election in 2016 in part on his pledge to build a border wall. AFP

COOLING OFF. People cool off and sunbathe by the Trocadero Fountains next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Thursday

as a new heatwave hits the French capital. After all-time temperature records were smashed in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands on Wednesday, Britain and the French capital Paris could on July 25 to see their highest ever temperatures. AFP

2 DEAD, 16 HURT IN KOREAN NIGHTCLUB BALCONY COLLAPSE GWANGJU, South Korea—Two people died and 16 were injured, including eight athletes taking part in swimming’s world championship, after a balcony collapsed under the weight of party-goers at a South Korean nightclub, local police said Saturday.

The balcony at the Coyote Ugly club close to the athletes’ village was a mangled wreck after it gave way and plummeted around five metres (16 feet) onto people below, sending terrified clubbers running to the exit screaming.

“An internal balcony collapsed at a club in Gwangju, killing two,” said Song Gi-ju, a detective with the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency.

“We have a total of 16 injured and among them 10 are foreigners. Of the 10, eight are athletes participating in the championships.”

Song said the two dead were locals and not involved in the swimming championships, adding that police were investigating the possibility the balcony may have been illegally constructed.

The eight injured athletes include three Americans, two New Zealanders, one Dutch, one Brazilian and one Italian. Police said earlier that among the Americans was a male diver and a female polo player.

“A structure collapsed all of a sudden with people standing on it. Screams filled the area with broken parts flying all over, said a 32-year-old who was injured in the collapse, according to South Korea’s Kukmin Ilbo.

“The site of the collapse was at the centre of the club where customers were most heavily located,” said the party-goer, surnamed Kim. A 38-year-old and a 27-year-old were rushed to hospital in grave condition but both died from their injuries, according to local media.

The world championships organising committee said the eight athletes were treated for minor injuries and have returned to their accommodation. Another will have stitches on a leg wound Saturday.

“This is an awful tragedy,” said Christopher Ramsey, CEO of USA Water Polo.

“Players from our men’s and women’s teams were celebrating the women’s world championship victory when the collapse. Our hearts go out to the victims of the crash and their families.”

Ramsey added that all the American water polo players were “safe”.

The Australian water polo team were also present but escaped without injury. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

HK DEFIES POLICE BAN WITH MASS ‘ANTI-TRIAD’ RALLY HONG KONG—Thousands of Hong Kong protesters defied a police ban on Saturday and marched through a town near the Chinese border to rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators there last weekend.

Public anger has been raging since last Sunday when a gang of men in white t-shirts, armed with poles and batons, set upon anti-government protesters and bystanders in Yuen Long station, leaving at least 45 people needing hospital treatment.

The brazen assault was the latest escalation in seven weeks of unprecedented political violence that shows little sign of abating as the city’s pro-Beijing leaders refuse to budge.

Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets —and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.

The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms.

Police have been heavily criticised for being too slow to respond to Sunday’s violence, fueling accusations of collusion or turning a blind eye to the pro-government mob -- allegations the force has denied.

In a rare move, police banned Saturday’s rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters.

Social messaging channels used to organise the largely leaderless movement quickly filled up with vows from people to join in.

Some suggested holding a “shopping spree” in Yuen Long, others for a mass gathering of Pokemon Go, a popular mobile phone game.

Huge crowds spilled out of Yuen Long’s main station on Saturday afternoon and into surrounding streets where police maintained a large presence but kept their distance.

Many shops were shuttered.

“Everyone of us came here on our own initiation,” a 25-yearold medical worker surnamed Ng, told AFP. “So I don’t think this is an illegal assembly, I’ve just come here as an individual to tell people my thoughts.”

Another woman, surnamed Cheung, said she wanted to show “we are not afraid and that Hong Kongers won’t cower in fear”.

“The police and (the government) are together suppressing people’s freedom to express their views,” she added.

Large plastic barriers filled with water surrounded the local police station which was shuttered. The most common chant outside was “hak ging” —black cops—a pun on the a phrase to describe triads: black societies. AFP

BAHRAIN EXECUTES TWO SHIITES ON TERROR CHARGES

DUBAI—Bahrain executed two Shiite citizens on terror charges on Saturday, officials said, despite appeals for clemency from international human rights groups.

The pair, identified by rights groups as Ali alArab, 25, and Ahmad al-Malali, 24, were put to death by firing squad, the prosecutor said.

Both defendants were Shiite, judicial sources said, without confirming their names.

The small Gulf state, a key US ally located between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been gripped by bouts of unrest since 2011, when authorities cracked down on Shiite-led protests demanding political reform.

The two men, arrested separately in February 2017, were both sentenced to death in January last year after a mass trial with 58 other defendants that was marred by allegations of torture.

The pair were convicted of “forming a terror

group” which went on to carry out a series of armed attacks in the kingdom.

They included the storming of the kingdom’s Jaw prison in January 2017 that killed a guard and led to the escape of 10 detainees, the prosecutor said.

That attack was followed by two separate fatal attacks on police officers later the same month, the prosecutor added.

The convicts were put to death along with a third death row prisoner found guilty of murder.

Their families had been called to the prison on Friday for a final visit, Human Rights Watch said.

In an 11th hour appeal for clemency, HRW’s acting Middle East director Lama Fakih warned that King Hamad was committing a “grave injustice by ratifying the death sentences of the two men despite the allegations of torture and other serious due process concerns”. AFP

VICTIM OF WAR. A wheelchair is seen amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported regime air strike on the town of Ariha, in the south of Syria’s Idlib province, on Wednesday. Bombardment by the Syrian regime and its Russian ally killed 20 civilians, including five children, in the latest violence to hit northwest Syria. AFP

Images PRECIOUS PILLS.

Bureau of Customs officials hold up two tablets of the designer drug Ecstasy among other narcotics worth P5.5 million that BOC and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency personnel seized at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The drugs were bound for export to 36 consignees in eight countries, sent by four different shippers from Parañaque City and Bulacan.

Norman Cru

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S O T E O PHOF THEK E W

CITY MAYORS’ LEAGUE. Senator Francis Tolentino (left) swears in the new officers of the

League of Cities of the Philippines—Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (from left)—during their inauguration at the LCP’s 68th General Assembly at the EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City. Bacolod City PIO

FIERCE FLAME.

A firefighter trains his hose down into a cardboard box factory gutted by a blaze at the Dizon Compound in Barangay Maysan, Valenzuela City, which reached the fourth alarm on Friday. Andrew Rabulan

HAPPY DANCERS. Students of a Las Piñas school show their joy as they perform a street dance wearing costumes made out of waterlily plants on Friday during the 14th Waterlily Festival hosted by Senator Cynthia Villar at the Villar Sipag Center along C5 Extension in Las Piñas City. Lino Santos

GUITAR MAN.

An unidentified vendor flashes a smile as he carries his load of guitars and ukuleles along a street in Pasay City on Friday.

Lino Santos

NOT HERE. An officer of Quezon City’s Department of Public Order and Safety walks around signs posted along Arayat Street in Cubao district, which prohibit vehicles from parking along its stretch on orders of Mayor Joy Belmonte and President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to clear Metro Manila’s roads of traffic obstructions.

Manny Palmero

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Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

DEFINING MOMENT FOR SPORTS AS POC CHOOSES PRESIDENT

Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino

By Peter Atencio

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YCLING chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino had the numbers when he ran and as chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee last year.

Tolentino, the president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines, had 23 votes as he beat Ting Ledesma of table tennis back in the Feb. 22 polls.

Back then, Ricky Vargas of boxing won as president and unseated long time POC chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. This time around, the dynamics are different when Tolentino goes up against athletics’ chief Philip Ella Juico for the POC presidency when the elections filling the four vacancies in the POC executive board are held starting at 11 a.m. today at the Sheraton Hotel. “(It’s) my family, the stress of this and the practical side that you don’t want to lose,” said the 71-year-old Juico on his initial hesitation to seek the presidency.

The former Chairman of the Philippine Sports

Philip Ella Juico

Commission will have as his running mates Steve Hontiveros (handball), Lani Velasco (swimming) and Clint Aranas (archery).

On the other hand, Tolentino, who is a congressman representing the 7th district of Cavite (Tagaytay), said unifying the bickering leaders of many national sports associations is among his goals in seeking the top post of the POC. “It’s to unite everyone and to finish this,” said Tolentino, who seeks the same or more number of supporters to side with him.

Under Juico’s ticket, Hontiveros is a candidate for chairman, while Velasco and Aranas are going for two vacant board member seats.

In Tolentino’s ticket, taekwondo’s Robert Aventajado is in the opposing party with gymnastics’ chief Cynthia Carrion and weightlifting’s Monico Fuentebella, who took the place of judo’s Dave Carter.

Aventajado will challenge Hontiveros for chairman, while Carrion and Fuentebella are vying for board seats.

Acting president Joey Romasanta will turnover the rein of leadership to the winner once the last ballot has been counted.

“Tomorrow (today) will be a defining moment

for the POC. The decision we make is crucial and will shape the future of Philippine sports. We are prayerful that the choices we make is devoid of any consideration other than love for sports and country,” said Romasanta.

Arbitration lawyer Teodoro Kalaw IV forms part of the 3-man election panel, with Letran athletics’ moderator Fr. Vic Calvo, and Deputy House Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Conrad Estrella III. There are 46 of 47 qualified national sports associations which will have representatives who can cast their ballots.

This will also include International Olympic Committee member Mikee Cojuangco and a member of the athletes’ commission.

Members will be observing secret balloting during the gathering.

International Olympic Committee observer Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra will again observe the proceeding after watching the first two meetings of the General Assembly at the Manila Golf Club in Makati.

The POC is looking forward at electing its 12th president after Vargas quit last June.

Since then, Romasanta took over as acting president.

3RD LEG CHAMP.

Real Gold crossed the finish line as it pulls off a many-length win over secondleg conqueror Boss Emong to capture the third leg of the 2019 Philippine Racing Commission’s Triple Crown series in a thrilling night race before en enthusiastic Sunday crowd at the MetroTurf Racing Complex in Malvar, Batangas. The win was worth another P1.8 million for Real Gold owner C and H Enterprise of Butch and Alex Mamon, Jing Javier, Joseph Dyhengco and Robert Ramirez. Real Gold also won the series’ 1st leg.

JOHN HAY WINNER. Princess Superal (third from left) holds her trophy as she poses with (from left) organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. executive director Narlene Soriano, low amateur and third place overall Chanelle Avaricio and John Hay Golf Club general manager Tim Allen after winning the ICTSI Camp John Hay Ladies Championship behind a solid closing eight-under 61 last Friday.

PATROMBON, ANASTA CRUISE TO PPS SUAREZ QUARTERS TOP seed Jeson Patrombon and doubles partner No. 2 Vicente Anasta rolled past their respective rivals in contrasting fashions while Loucas Fernandez stunned No. 5 Noel Damian Jr. to advance to the quarterfinal round of the PPS-PEPP Fr. Fernando Suarez Open Championships at the Brent Tennis Center in Biñan, Laguna last weekend.

Patrombon scored an abbreviated 1-0 ret. win over Eurydice Gaspar to arrange a Last 8 duel with No. 7 Rodolfo Barquin while Anasta ripped Marcen Gonzales, 6-1, 6-3, to set up a faceoff with qualifier Julian Dayrit in the lower bracket of the 32-player

men’s singles draw.

Barquin also stamped his class over Jules Lazaro, coming away with a 6-1, 6-0 romp while Dayrit gained with a 1-0 ret. win over Ivan Torrecampo in the two weekend tournament highlighting the start of the second half of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala tennis season.

Other quarterfinalists were third ranked Fritz Verdad, who crushed Robin Santiago, 6-0, 6-0; No. 6 Leander Lazaro, who got past John Altiche, 3-1 ret.; fourth seed Mark Alcoseba, who also scored a 1-0 ret. victory over Roy Tan. Fernandez, on the other hand,

held his ground against Damian and carved out a 6-4, 6-3 decision although he will have his hands full against Verdad for a shot at the semis in the event held in honor of healing priest Fr. Suarez, a tennis buff, and sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg. Meanwhile, Patrombon and Anasta also moved in the quarters in doubles play and will face the Fernandez-Joseph Victorino pair next, while the top-seeded Alcoseba and Damian will take on Ambrose Besas and Jeremiah Macias III

for a spot in the Final Four.

Joey Koh and Keff Gamana outlasted Robin Santiago and Robert de Guzman, 8-7(3) to seal a title clash with Tan-Victorino, who routed Jonathan Miranda and Altiche, 8-3, in the pro-am side of the event.

In the Legends doubles, Aldrin Geluz and Nasser Mortiga clobbered Henry Escalante and Jackie Tomacruz, 8-3, to capture the 50-and-above title while Eddie Gomez and Roy Tan nipped Efren Coros Jr. and Rico Hundana, 8-7(6), and Jonathan Bernardo and Jonathan Miranda also escaped with an 8-7(7) win in the semis of the 40-and-above division.

ROOKIES STAMP CLASS IN PBA’S COMMISH CUP IN A clear sign of the arrival of new stars in the local pro league, top rookies Bobby Ray Parks of Blackwater and CJ Perez of Columbian Dyip emerged the leaders in the stats race through the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

There are also the other youngsters in RR Pogoy, Robert Bolick, Matthew Wright, Scottie Thompson, Mac Belo, Javee Mocon and Rashawn McCarthy who all landed in the Top 15.

But there are also the regular contenders in Jayson Castro, June Mar Fajardo and Sean Anthony.

As exciting is the stats derby for the Best Import award among titleholder Justin Brownlee of Ginebra and tough threats Terrence Jones of TNT KaTropa and Chris McCullough of San Miguel Beer.

In a swashbuckling maiden PBA conference, Parks led everybody with 37.2 statistical points per game built on his averages of 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.5 block plus his 80 won-game bonus points.

Perez had a second-running 36.1 SPs. The top draft selection actually had slight edges over Parks in points, assists and steals, but got only 30 won-game bonus points.

The Columbian Dyip ace rookie is the scoring leader with 22.7 points per game.

Castro came in third in the stats race with 35.1, followed by Fajardo (33.8) then Pogoy (33.2).

The next five were Bolick (32.46), Anthony (32.45), Chris Banchero (31.1), Moala Tautuaa (30.9) and Wright (29.4). Narrowly missing the Top 10 were Thompson (28.1), Belo (27.43), Japeth Aguilar (27.38), Mocon (27.36) and McCarthy (27.0).

Castro is the leader in assists (6.4), Fajardo paces the field in rebounds (11.8) and block (1.54) while Pogoy is No. 1 in steals (2.8).

Brownlee and Jones are in a toe-to-toe fight for the Best Import award, with Chris McCullough considered a big threat being at third and his team favored over Rain or Shine to make the finals.

Brownlee averages 61.8 SPs as against Jones’ 60.2 and McCullough’s 53.8.

BOURDAGE FOILS SASO IN SEMIS FIFTH-RANKED Jillian Bourdage came through with a clutch putt and superb rescue shot in the stretch, pulling off a shock 2-up victory over top seed Yuka Saso to arrange a title showdown with No. 7 Lei Ye of China at SentryWorld in Stevens Points, Wisconsin Friday (Saturday in Phl).

Bourdage blew a 2-up lead with five holes left as Saso parred and birdied Nos. 14 and 15, respectively, but the former banged in a 16-foot birdie putt on No. 16 after Saso putted short from 20 feet out to go 1-up again.

The Florida bet then hit a solid 4-hybrid approach shot from 174 yards on the last hole to within six feet and clinched the 2-up victory as Saso conceded the match after muffing her birdie bid from just about the same distance off a power drive into the rough.

“That one felt really good,” said Bourdage of her putt on the 17th. “I just had to trust myself and not blow it by six feet. I can’t even describe the words how amazing it felt to make that putt.”

Two down after nine holes, Saso looked headed to duplicating her come-from-behind 2-up quarterfinals victory over Rose Zhang by winning three of the last four holes, including two birdies, in morning play as she forced an all-square match with Bourdage with those par-birdie effort.

But after both parred the par-3 16th, Saso failed to match Bourdage’s spectacular approach shot on the 17th, her iron shot landing some 20 feet left of the cup. She came up short in her birdie try and Bourdage took the cue and knocked in that lead-grabbing putt.

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REPARATIONS to mark the 50th founding anniversary of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) are well underway, with a series of activities and events for its stakeholders to commemorate the significant event.

Carrying the theme “NEA@50: One with ECs and MCOs for Sustainable Rural Development,” this year’s celebration will highlight the NEA and Electric Cooperatives’ milestones, including the symbolic switch-on of the 13 millionth consumer connection.

“This is an opportune time for us to celebrate the gains of Rural Electrification. The success of the Program has been made possible not only with NEA spearheading the electrification efforts of the national government but especially so with the solid partnership of the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) all over the country as our implementing arm, together with the ECs’ MemberConsumer-Owners (MCOs)” said Vicar Loureen Lofranco, the NEA Deputy Administrator for Electric Cooperatives Management Services.

“The road to sustainable rural development has been paved through rural electrification. We need to reinforce the strategic partnership of the NEA-ECs-MCOs in attaining the shared goal for an improved life of our Filipino people, especially in the rural communities,” she added.

Taking center stage at the monthlong celebration will be the three-day convention to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City from August 6 to 8 tagged as NEA-ECs-MCOs Convention on Rural Electrification.

In this convention, the NEA will feature the hurdles and success stories in the implementation of the Rural Electrification Program (REP) since its establishment in 1969.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to deliver his Keynote Speech in the Opening Program and witness the unveiling of the NEA 50th Anniversary commemorative stamp and the ceremonial switch-on of the milestone

Preparations for NEA’s golden anniversary on track

NEA building

13 millionth consumer connection.

The convention is expected to gather over 1,500 participants from the electrification sector, including key officials from the government, ECs, EC Allied organizations, as well as representatives from MCOs. Other activities lined up to highlight the celebration include Himig RE (songwriting contest), Kuwentong Dagitab (video documentary), Golden Strokes (painting), and Clicks of Gold (photography) competitions.

The agency’s Golden Anniversary also coincides with the 10th National Electrification Awareness Month (NEAM), which

is celebrated annually every month of August pursuant to Proclamation Order No. 1743. The celebration will be concluded with a nationwide tree-planting and line clearing activities to be simultaneously carried out by all ECs supervised by the NEA on August 30.

Created as an institution in 1969 through Republic Act No. 6038, the NEA is mandated to carry out the total electrification of the country on an area coverage basis.

Since then, the electrification agency, in partnership with the 121 ECs across the country, has come a long way in bringing

the nation’s rural and remote areas out of darkness.

For the past five decades, all the 90 cities and 1,385 municipalities covering 78 provinces in the country have been electrified by the NEA and the ECs, being the implementing arm of the government.

Moreover, a total of 36,057 of the 36,065 or 99 percent of the barangays nationwide have been energized.

Based on 2015 census of 15,416,144 potential households, 85 percent or 13,027,402, which translate into nearly 61 million Filipinos in the countryside are enjoying the benefits of electricity.

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong thanks the DOE and other international agencies for helping the NEA and its partner ECs deliver on their mission to provide electricity access for isolated communities. (NEA Photo)

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Business

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

2 MILLENNIALS ELEVATE FAIRVIEW DINING SCENE

WO entrepreneurs in their early 30s are setting the bar higher in the restaurant sector in Fairview, Novaliches—one of the thriving residential districts in the country’s largest city.

Ron Melvin Ramirez, a 30-yearold chef teamed up with his friend Kurt Glenn Cortuna, a 32-year-old commercial leasing businessman, to establish Wrong Yakiniku at Pontiac Street corner Camaro Street in West Fairview, Quezon City.

The business partners invested P6 million to build the 187-square-meter restaurant with 90 seats, state-of-the-art Korean BBQ charcoal grill sets with exhaust, an amply-supplied bar and furniture made of narra and mahogany hardwood. The restaurant has 10 parking slots in front of the building.

Despite the odd name, Wrong Yakiniku attracts all types of customers for the right reasons.

Spacious, modern and cozy, the restaurant serves freshly-cut meat imported from the United States and lets customers grill the meat and vegetables on Japanese charcoal.

“The meat tastes better when grilled on Japanese charcoal.

We don’t want to use gas. It should be charcoal for grilling,” says Ramirez who has a 10-year experience as a chef.

Wrong Yakiniku employs 18 individuals, including attentive waitstaff who are clad in semiformal kimono.

“We don’t serve marinaded meat. We want to show to our guests how fresh the meat is.

This is why we use only salt and pepper,” says Ramirez.

“We mixed two concepts— Japanese and Korean. We serve yakiniku or samgyupsal. To distinguish our restaurant from other stores, we named it Wrong Yakiniku,” says Ramirez.

Ramirez says to attract all types of customers from students to call center agents to family members, Wrong Yakiniku offers three sets of Korean barbecue with unlimited Japanese buffet for P299, P399 and P499. The restaurant also serves cheese personally concocted by Ramirez.

Wrong Yakiniku co-founders Ron Melvin Ramirez (left) and Kurt Glenn Cortuna

Among their customers in the first month of operations are politicians, celebrities and professionals, says Ramirez.

Ramirez, who studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at Centro Escolar University and a culinary course at Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, says they expect a return on investment within six months following the grand opening on July 8.

The restaurant has a captured market—the large residential district of West Fairview. “We are the first Japanese-Korean restaurant that offers unlimited buffet in West Fairview.

Because of the heavy traffic, our customers choose to stay and dine in West Fairview,” says Ramirez.

R amirez was a research and development chef at Bistro Group before he left to establish his own business in 2017.

His father, a seafarer, asked him to follow in his footsteps, but Ramirez chose to stay in the country and worked as a dishwasher at Italianni’s, a member of the Bistro Group, after taking a culinary course at Magsaysay.

“I wanted to rise from the ranks,” says Ramirez, who was eventually assigned to the kitchen where he became a top chef for nearly a decade.

“I love cooking, but I rose from the ranks starting as a dishwasher,” he says.

After leaving the Bistro Group, he established a Japanese restaurant in Padi, Bulacan which also captures

the large residential market of nearby Sta. Maria town.

Last year, Ramirez, Cortuna and two other partners established Japanese restaurants inside food parks in Quezon City, but the food park concept eventually lost its appeal. Ramirez says while they regained their investments after six months, they decided to put up an independent restaurant instead.

Their two partners went on to other ventures. Ramirez and Cortuna, who both love eating and drinking, decided to pursue their dream and came up with the Wrong Yakiniku concept.

Cortuna was the one in charge of designing and building the store, while Ramirez prepared the menu and trained the staff.

They raised P6 million from their savings and bank loans to finance the project.

Following the soft opening in June, the restaurant quickly attracted customers and was mostly full of first-time and return customers from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ramirez says he expects the business to pick up further starting September, a trend he observed in the restaurant industry.

“We expect to recoup our investments within six months if we are able to sustain our business,” says Cortuna.

This early, the business partners now entertain expansion ideas and are open for franchising. “We work to make the business successful. We are open for franchise,” says Cortuna.

The young restaurateurs advise other millennials to pursue their business passion with boldness and perseverance.

Having full confidence in one’s business partner is also important, says Ramirez. “You have to be focused and hands-on the daily operation. You have to trust your partner 101 percent,” he says.

Cortuna agrees, saying their partnership clicked because they both love what they do. “You have to enjoy what you do to be successful at it. For us, we both like eating and drinking,” he says.

“We work hard and sometimes sleep for only two or three hours a day, but that’s okay because we enjoy working in this business,” says Ramirez.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

UNIONBANK BATS FOR FINANCIAL INCLUSION WITH the rapid growth of technology in recent years, more and more businesses are slowly digitizing their operations and business models to adapt to the shift in the global marketplace.

In the Philippines, local micro, small and medium enterprises are also making that shift to broaden their network and cater to a bigger and more diverse market. A lot of Filipinos have proven that while this is no easy feat, it is attainable and all it takes is support.

Many MSMEs now thrive locally and they continue to grow by the number every year. UnionBank recently sat down with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to discuss the different challenges that MSMEs are facing and how they can collaborate in bridging the information gap and ease the business climate to be more financially inclusive.

Pia Roman-Tayag, managing director of the Center for Learning and Inclusion Advocacy of the BSP, said that one of the biggest challenges to the growth and development of MSMEs is the limited access to credit.

MSMEs are often reluctant to approach banks due to the difficulty— whether real or perceived—to meet bank loan requirements. Banks, on the other hand, are unable to appropriately gauge the capacity of borrowers due to a lack of formal credit histories and reliable financial statements.

Another factor is MSMEs’ limited knowledge on alternative modes of financing. They mostly rely on their internal funds to finance their investments.

A World Bank report also showed that about 81.2 percent of Philippine enterprises rely mostly on internal funds to finance their investments and only 10.1 percent use bank financing, which is seen to inherently limit the prospect of growth.

Tayag said this is where technology can play a crucial role in bridging the information gap and unlocking the potential of MSME finance.

UnionBank of the Philippines aims to bridge this information gap and provide MSMEs with the appropriate financial products and services they need to scale up their businesses.

One of their solutions is UnionBank GlobalLinker, an innovative and free online digital platform where entrepreneurs can access financial assistance, connect with other businesses and potential clients, and even create their own free online store.

Through UnionBank GlobalLinker, MSMEs can also save with prenegotiated deals and offers from the platform’s partner fintech institutions like Taxumo, a tax filing platform that automates the computation, filing and payment of business taxes; Paynamics for secure e-commerce transactions for merchants and their acquiring banks; Acudeen for invoice financing that helps MSMEs finance their receivables ahead of time; SeedIn, Southeast Asia’s leading business financing Turn to C3

PH CELEBRATES RELATIONS WITH CHINA THROUGH ANNUAL EXPO THE Philippines continues to strengthen its ties with China by signing business deals amounting to P633 billion or $12.16 billion.

The Department of Trade and Industry said the majority of the deals cover energy, infrastructure, food, telecommunications, tourism and economic zone development.

This is why for the past 14 years, one trade show has been making sure that Philippine companies get the chance to explore business opportunities with brands and companies from China.

Global-Link MP Events International Inc. and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products teamed up to organize a one-of-a-kind event.

Entitled the China Machinery and

Electronics Brand Show, the trade event aims to connect Chinese manufacturers with potential distributors and importers in the Philippines. It will be back with an even bigger showcase on Aug.15 to 17, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex. Those interested to visit the show can register online at www.globallinkmp.com.

“Over these years, the holding of the show has successfully provided a platform to Chinese enterprises and their Philippine counterparts. We strongly wish to join hands with more Philippine and international partners in the economic and trade area to communicate and to promote trade cooperation,” said Zhang Yujing, president of CCCME. With the show generating hundreds

of visitors and exhibitors, the show is set to feature products and equipment from industry sectors such as power and electrical products, machinery, automobile, hardware tools and household electric appliances and more.

To see which world-class manufacturers will be participating at the 15th year of China Machinery and Electronics Brand Show or request for business meetings with the exhibitors, register online or call (02) 893-7973 local 532.

China Machinery and Electronics Brand Show is co-located with Systems Integration Philippines, a leading trade show for emerging technologies in ICT, cybersecurity, AVL integration and e-commerce solutions, electrical, energy and power.

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SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019

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COMPOSTELA TO CELEBRATE 71ST FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY ANOTHER milestone in the history of the municipality of Compostela in Compostela Valley province is set on Aug. 1, 2019, coinciding with the 13th Buganihan Festival with the theme: “Kayang-kaya Basta Maghiusa, Kalambuan Maangkon ‘Ta.” This captures the indomitable spirit of inclusiveness which is a relevant concern pervading in the Compostela Valley province at this time.

Compostela successfully rose from hopelessness and struggles between the forces of nature in 2012—with the devastation left by typhoon Pablo and years of labor unrest.

I t s pe ople toget h er wit h the continuous collaboration from entities such as the Labor Department, the Agriculture Department, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Oplan Pagbabago of the provincial and local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Land Bank of the Philippines, service providers/ cooperatives, landowners, workers and leading banana exporter Sumifru Philippines Corp. have formed another corporate social responsibility project to be launched on the said event.

“Compostela Tulong Pangkabuhayan” is a sustainable livelihood community development program intended fo r 4 5 0 d i s p l a c e d w o r k e r s from the recent labor dispute which is a positive action plan of above-mentioned entities in keeping with peacebuilding and the achievement of progress in Compostela.

Th e i n i t i a l p ro j e c t o f fe r s vegetable and corn planting, dressmaking/tailoring and t-shirt printing, and swine raising.

UNIONBANK... From C2 platform that connects MSMEs with potential investors for short-term financing and; Esquire Financing which provides tailor-made business loans for additional working capital and business expansion.

The GlobalLinker network consists of 250,000 users worldwide, and 15 percent of which (or 38,000) are Filipino MSMEs. UnionBank has also made it easier for business owners to open and maintain their own bank account.

This is via the Biz Starter Account, which allows entrepreneurs to open a UnionBank checking account for a minimum deposit of P5,000.

A business checking account helps MSMEs gain more credibility with investors, customers and other businesses and keep their accounting records accurate and organized.

M ak ing these produc ts and connections available on UBGL is consistent with UnionBank’s push for digitization as a financial institution.

Beyond providing financial products and services, UnionBank wants to help MSMEs address the constraints to their growth, especially their limited access and knowledge on digitization.

In the process, they are also enabling a community of businesses to help each other grow and succeed.

“Our goal is to help MSMEs access the resources that would best suit their needs,” UnionBank’s program manager and lead advocate for UBGL Mourese Soriano said.

“We want the platform’s users to have flexible choices that will address their restraints on capital and other sources of funding,” Soriano said.

MSMEs make up 99.5 percent of the total establishments in the Philippines and contribute to 62.9 percent of employment and 35 percent of gross value added as reported by the Department of Trade and Industry.

With added support for MSMEs from both the public and private sectors, the Philippines can achieve a more inclusive yet globally competitive economy.

Ongcangco Ponce and Associates Law founding partners Kristine Claire Ongcangco (left) and Kathrina May Revestir Ponce

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WOMEN-LED LAW FIRM FOCUSES ON STARTUPS

NGCANGCO Ponce and Associates Law is a fullservice law firm with a primary focus on startups and technology, investments, energy, franchising and corporate law.

Led by young lawyers Kristine Claire Ongcangco and Kathrina May “Kamae” Revestir Ponce, both graduates of Ateneo Law School, OPA is dedicated to providing their clients with exceptional and personal legal service as they keep abreast of developments and modernization in the legal and technology landscape.

Established in 2017, Claire and Kamae founded OPA before either of them turned 30 years old.

For Kamae, her training days in a legal firm before starting OPA Law equipped her with the necessary

knowledge and skills that would prove useful in the field of litigation and corporate law. For Claire, her vast experience in business and the IT industry gave her the confidence boost to bypass the traditional career route of seeking employment in a legal firm.

Together, both lawyers make a young but dynamic team that is prepared to face any legal and business challenge in this technological-driven world.

“The state of the Philippine startup scene is reaching new heights. As I attended the Rise Conference in Hong Kong, I am proud to see fellow Filipinos with promising startups,” said Claire. “We wanted to be at the forefront of innovation while helping support founders and tech ventures. At OPA, we specialize in helping them navigate the legalities of the investment landscape. We make sure that the advanced and cross-border nature of technology is aligned with the law.”

Claire’s expertise comes from founding her own technology firm, Concept Machine, and from

serving as a lecturer of IT Entrepreneurship at the Ateneo de Manila University. Claire has also founded and launched her beauty-tech startup, Parlon, which helps consumers discover the best salons and clinics for beauty and wellness.

Law continues to be a heavily male-dominated industry, with women making up only about 38 percent of the workforce according to a recent survey in the United States. Despite the Philippines’ continued rise in the ranks when it comes to global political and economic leadership for both genders, many firms are still traditionally led by men.

Not the type to shy away from a challenge, Claire and Kamae forged their path to the top of their field and are continuing to break into new heights.

“We are starting to dip our toes into energy law.

We are strong advocates of renewable energy and are thrilled to work with companies who share the same vision of promoting clean and sustainable energy security,” said Kamae.

ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION PH TO SHARE THE SECRET ON HYPER SALES GROWTH RECOGNIZING the common desire among Filipino SMEs to achieve hyper sales growth through a strong winning sales culture, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Philippines brings in top-rated sales coach and CEO entrepreneur Jack Daly to talk on what it takes to achieve hyper sales growth.

The talk, entitled “Building a Winning Sales Culture - Driving Towards Hyper Sales Growth” will be held on Aug. 6 at Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City.

It will guide entrepreneurs on the best ways to continuously grow their business and build longterm profitable relationships, no matter how big or small the client, knowing that selling a product, idea or service today takes much more effort today than it did five years ago.

With technology allowing consumers access to plenty of other options, a salesperson needs to build trusting relationships to win new customers and grow existing ones.

In a series of talks, Jack will explain what matters most to entrepreneurs: leveraging one’s business’ unique competitive advantages to create systems and processes that can be used by their entire sales team to ensure the growth of their company.

Topics that Jack will cover include the power of a

shared vision; proven top and bottom-line benefits; avoiding the three sins of sales management; recruiting top sales performers; measurement and accountability; establishing and measuring minimum performance standards; a fun way to grow; and standing out from the competition, to name a few.

An expert in sales and sales management, Jack has more than 30 years of sales experience as a CEO, entrepreneur and sales coach. He is also an avid sportsman, having taken part in Iron Man competitions, marathons and golf tournaments around the world while helping companies transform themselves. Jack believes that the formula that transforms sports teams into winning ones should work as well for sales teams.

Those who are interested to learn how to build customer loyalty and put their enterprise on the path to hyper growth may visit: http://bit.ly/ EOthesalesplaybook The Entrepreneurs Organization is a global hub for entrepreneurs with over 160 chapters across 50 countries. For over 20 years, the Philippine chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization has been one of the leading sources of business trends for a variety of enterprises in the country.

CEO entrepreneur Jack Daly

EIGHT NEW LAWS SEEN TO AFFECT PH BUSINESSES P&A Grant Thornton, one of the country’s top auditing firms, said eight new laws passed during the 17th Congress will have a major impact on the cost of doing business in the Philippines.

“The fiscal burden for Philippine corporations varies depending on their business activities and registration. There are generous incentives alongside relatively high income tax rates, but reforms underway can definitely be a welcome development particularly as they emphasize ease of compliance,” said Maria Victoria Españo, chairperson and CEO of the local auditing firm.

She said among the eight new laws that could have a far-reaching impact on Philippine businesses is the Tax Amnesty Act (Republic Act No. 11213) which offers businesses with long-overdue tax liabilities a clean state—the first-ever amnesty on delinquencies in the country. The tax amnesty would allow businesses with delinquencies to pay only at least 40 percent of the tax assessed.

Second is the National Payment Systems Act (RA No. 11127) which requires payment system providers—which may include banks, credit card companies and online payment platforms—to seek prior authorization to operate from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

This is expected to pave the way for the adoption of electronic receipts, invoices,

digital signatures and boost digital payments in the government and private sector.

Telecommuting Act (RA No. 11165) remains voluntary for employers to offer telecommuting as a work option, but employers still have to pay full benefits and possibly even shoulder or subsidize the telecommunications cost of their employees, Españo said. A Under the law, the terms and conditions for telecommuting should be mutually agreed upon by the employer and the telecommuting employee. Companies, however, have to provide access to company information and opportunities for their employees to meet with coworkers regularly.

The implementing rules and regulations from the Department of Labor and Employment provide a list of the contents of an employer’s telecommuting policy or agreement. “While this is a noteworthy development, the agency could provide more specific guidelines,” said Españo.

Fourth is the Social Security Act of 2018 (RA No. 11199) which mandates an increase in monthly contributions from 2019 to 2025, with varying rates vary every year. For accounting professionals, it is important to stay up-to-date on the applicable rates, said Españo. For human resource and payroll professionals, it is crucial to keep abreast of the increase in monthly SSS contributions since it falls

under their responsibility, she added.

Fifth is the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA No. 11210) which requires both government and private offices to give mothers 105 days of paid maternity leave. With employers having to provide full pay during the maternity leave and even grant additional days, depending on the circumstances, the cost of ensuring business continuity and possibly hiring temporary staff becomes steep, said Españo.

“Small businesses specifically bear the brunt as they potentially lack the human capital or financial resources to shoulder the long-term absence of female employees,” she said.

The New Central Bank Act (RA No. 11211) widens the BSP’s industry coverage to include money service businesses, credit-granting businesses as well as payment system operators. It also gives the BSP additional power to slap administrative and criminal sanctions as well as increased fines on erring financial services institutions, from a ceiling of P30,000 a day for every violation to P1 million “for each transactional violation.”

Seventh is Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (RA No. 11232) which is a part of government efforts to ease the way of doing business in the country.

The revision to the 38-year-old Corporate Code now permits forming one-person

corporations or companies with only one stockholder instead of a minimum of five, making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish their own businesses. It also allows a perpetual corporate term for existing and future corporations, unless specified in the company’s articles of incorporation.

The new code also encourages using technology for corporate filing, stockholder meetings and board meetings, making it easier to administratively comply with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Finally, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA No. 11285) is now a must for businesses, especially for automotive and real estate industry players. The new law paves the way for the employment of certified energy conservation officers, certified energy managers, energy service companies and energy labels. “This is welcome news for companies whose products or services seek to provide energy efficiency to end-users,” Españo said.

Despite the passage of these new laws, the road to implementing them can still be long and arduous. Españo cited RA No. 11127 or the National Payment Systems Act that mandates the BSP as the oversight body for all payment systems. While the law was enacted on October 30, 2018, the IRR is still in the draft stage and has yet to be issued by the BSP.

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NEA marks new milestone with off-grid homestead electrification G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY, South Cotabato—Despite light rains and muddy terrains, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) made it to the upland villages of Malungon, Sarangani to mark the official energization of the 13-millionth household consumer connection of electric cooperatives (ECs) in the country.

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong traveled to one of the farthest off-grid communities of the province on Friday (July 12) to lead the ceremonial switch-on of the solar home systems (SHS) distributed among the residents of Sitio Kitbog in Barangay Poblacion.

This is a first in the history of rural electrification, as the million milestone household connections the NEA and its partner ECs celebrated in the past were all connected to power distribution grids.

Feliza Pangilan, a 76-year old farmer and member of the B’laan tribe, is the 13-millionth EC member-consumer-owner under the care of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO-II).

Her house, which sits on a mountainous landscape, is now brightened by a basic SHS unit equipped with a small solar panel, battery, charge controller, LED lights, transistor radio and a universal outlet for charging mobile phones.

Masongsong admitted that bringing power to the hardest-to-reach “last mile” communities is not an easy task, as logistical, financial and topographical problems in the implementation of the rural electrification program remain across the country.

“This magnifies the biggest challenge we are facing to achieve the target of 100 percent total household electrifica-

Rural Electrification Program THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has been the forerunner of the country’s electrification program since its creation as an institution in 1969 by virtue of RA 6038. For nearly five decades, the NEA stayed true to its mandate of lighting up provincial towns and the remotest of villages in our country.

As of December 2018, the data on the electrification status of the franchise areas of the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) show that 78 provinces, 90 cities, 1,385 municipalities, 36,057 barangays, 123,339 sitios and 12.827 million connections have been provided with electricity, benefitting about 60 million Filipinos.

With the ECs as its implementing arm in the mandated mission of rural electrification, even in missionary or economically unviable areas, the NEA continues to implement the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP). As of December 31, 2018, 1,984 sitios are already completed/energized which

tion by 2022, since the Philippines is an archipelagic country,” he said in his speech.

But with the support of the national government and international agencies, the NEA continues to explore different strategies such as establishing mini-grids and providing small-scale power solutions to extend electrification services to other missionary areas.

Electrifying Sitio Kitbog was made possible under the Photovoltaic Mainstreaming Program of the Department of Energy (DOE) funded by the European Union-Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP) through World Bank.

As an attached agency of the DOE, the NEA administered the project across Mindanao through its partnership with the ECs. Around 2,500 households in Malungon, including Pangilan, benefitted from the program with the assistance of SOCOTECO-II. “Small-scale, distributed solar home systems provide an effective and affordable way to bring light to people without electricity… Though small in power, solar home systems can bring immense changes to the lives of the people it serves,” Masongsong said.

Before electricity, Pangilan had been using torches for lighting. After decades of living in the dark, she is now grateful for the solar panels that light up not only her home but that of her neighbors as well.

Speaking in Sarangani B’laan, she thanked the NEA, DOE, SOCOTECO-II and everyone involved in the project for choosing their community as among the beneficiaries of the ASEP in the country.

SOCOTECO-II general manager Crisanto Sotelo, meanwhile, is proud to have been part of this milestone in the history of rural electrification, adding that his EC remains committed to improve its 63-percent electrification level.

The non-profit distribution utility serves General Santos City, Sarangani, and the municipalities of Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato. SOCOTECO-II plans to issue additional 7,500 SHS units to other remote households within its franchise area.

For her part, Malungon Mayor Maria Theresa Constantino

Rural electrification beneficiary Feliza Pangilan gives a statement of appreciation for the SHS units distributed to their sitio, which can now experience the benefits of electricity. (NEA Photo)

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong (3rd from left) celebrates Feliza Pangilan (4th from left) as the 13-millionth EC member-consumer-owner in the country with other guests inlcuding DOE Director Mario Marasigan, SOCOTECO-II general manager Crisanto Sotelo, Malungon Mayor Maria Theresa Constantino and party-list representatives Godofredo Guya (RECOBODA) and Presley de Jesus (PHILRECA). (NEA Photo) also expressed gratitude to SOCOTECO-II and the national government for reaching out to the indigenous communities of her municipality and helping to address their needs.

“We will be responsible for the sustainability of this program. And by sustaining this, God will be glorified, he will pour out blessings upon this town,” she said, hoping that more social projects will come to Malungon for its development.

During the ceremony, the NEA also distributed 50 solar lamps to Sitio Kitbog residents as part of the agency’s corporate social responsi-

NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION CY 2018 Major Accomplishments surpasses the 1,817 NEA’s target for 2018 sitio electrification program. This contributed to the connection of 640,798 additional consumers which is in line with the President’s directive to provide electricity access for all.

Provision of Loan Facilities to ECs NEA has achieved its full-year loan availment target of P1.7 billion by the electric cooperatives (ECs) three months ahead of schedule. Latest data shows P1.985 billion worth of loans, including calamity loans, has been extended to 62 ECs as of December 2018. The agency released a total of P1.820 billion to 56 ECs to finance capital expenditure projects and P99 million to six other ECs for the repair and rehabilitation

of damaged distribution facilities due to previous typhoons Lawin, Urduja and Vinta, and other calamities.

As of December 2018, NEA posted a total collection for the year’s operation the amount of PHP 2.263 billion against amortizations due of PHP 2.223 billion or collection efficiency of 100%.

Capacity Building Program for EC Personnel In line with the policy of the state as enunciated in Section 2 (c) of RA 10531 to empower and enable the ECs to cope with the changes brought about by the restructuring of the power industry, the NEA conducted various competency seminars and training programs for the personnel of the ECs attended by 3,298 participants. Essentially, the seminars and training programs were designed to enhance the core values and FIT skills of the personnel of the ECs to bring about marked improvement in the ECs’ operational efficiency and financial viability.

Corporate Governance A. ISO 9001:2015 Certification Anchored on its Good Governance Agenda, the Agency was able to hurdle the ISO 9001:2015 Surveillance Audit conducted by TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc. on December 5, 2018 covering the scope “Provision of Financial, Institutional, Technical and Legal Assistance to the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) which in turn undertake power distribution on an area coverage basis”.

B. Customer Satisfaction Survey NEA continuously espouses good corporate governance in order to provide better service to the ECs. This was clearly manifested in the result/report submitted by Contact Asia Services Inc. (CASI) Research, the thirdparty service provider for the conduct of the EC Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS). The overall satisfaction rating garnered by NEA is at 4.50 or 90%; both scores translate to the verbal interpretation of “Very Satisfied”.

The CSS covered six items namely: Staff and Organization, Regulatory: Policies, Regulatory: Application, Financing, Information and Communication and Facilities. Overall, NEA’s offices/departments were rated by the respondents with the average levels of satisfaction ranging from “Satisfied” to “Very Satisfied”.

Passage of Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund Act (ECERF) Passed into law on June 29, 2018, RA 11039 provides an orderly and continuing means of financial assistance to electric cooperatives in the form of grants for disaster mitigation, preparedness and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure after a fortuitous event or force majeure.

Under the law, the NEA will manage and administer the ECERF, which will have an initial amount of P750 million to be taken from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund and will be released to the NEA Quick Response Fund for proper release to qualified ECs. In case of fund deficiency, the NEA may seek the allocation of a supplementary budget, subject to the approval of the President.

The NEA may also accept donations in the form of funds, materials and equipment intended for the restoration and rehabilitation of the ECs’ damaged infrastructure, subject to existing auditing rules and regulations and shall be exempt from taxes and duties.

In turn, the ECs shall implement the rural electrification program nationwide as well as ensure the preparedness and mitigation measures to protect the infrastructure from the adverse impact of any fortuitous event or force majeure.

The Proposed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of ECERF was approved by

bility initiative.

Malungon, incidentally, celebrates its 50th founding anniversary this year just like the NEA. For the past five decades, the rural electrification agency and its partner ECs have energized a total of 90 cities, 1,385 municipalities and 36,057 barangays nationwide.

Based on a 2015 census of 15,416,144 potential households, 85 percent or 13,027,402—translating to nearly 61 million Filipinos in the countryside—are currently enjoying the benefits of electricity.

the NEA Board of Administrators on December 7, 2018 under Board Resolution No. 208.

Mobilization of Task Forces Task Force Ompong In September 2018, Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) made landfall in Baggao, Cagayan. Ompong has maximum winds of 205 km/h and gustiness of up to 285 km/h.

Though it was not a super typhoon under PAGASA’s classification system, it was a powerful tropical cyclone with a huge diameter of 900 kilometers.

A task force composed of electric cooperatives (ECs) from Central Luzon headed north to help restore power in areas left in the dark. Dubbed as “Power Restoration Rapid Deployment Task Force Ompong,” the team augmented the manpower of the typhoon-affected ECs and provided the necessary assistance to restore the electricity service as safely and as quickly as possible.

Task Force Rosita Typhoon Rosita (Yutu) made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela on October 30, 2018. The storm came more than a month after Typhoon Ompong left a path of destruction in 19 provinces in Luzon, including Isabela and Quirino. This prompted NEA and ECs to mobilize the Task Force Kapatid (TFK) to help restore power in the provinces of Isabela and Quirino.

TFK is a time and tested spirit of Bayanihan among ECs’ Compact of Cooperation. TFK pools together volunteers from different ECs to render volunteer service to other ECs which need technical help like energization of hard-toreach places, to the rehabilitation of dilapidated or damaged electric distribution lines.

2017 EC Overall Performance Assessment The 2017 EC Overall Performance Assessment showed an increase in the number of power distribution utilities that are fully compliant with the key performance standards (KPS) of the NEA. Based on the results, the ECs that were rated AAA rose to 87 from 78 in 2016. Of these, 33 ECs received an overall score of 100, which is higher than the 24 ECs that garnered 100 points from the previous assessment.

Meanwhile, all power distributors in Regions VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas) and CARAGA attained AAA rating, making them the highest performers. Region VIII is the most improved region with 10 of its 11 ECs earning the AAA categorization from the state-run agency.

Additionally, the assessment revealed 76 ECs maintained their AAA status while 20 ECs showed improvement in ratings, 11 of which were to AAA categorization level. The NEA evaluates and determines the overall performance ratings of all ECs annually using the two criteria - KPS (80%) and EC Classification (20%).

The AAA rating is the highest score given by the NEA to ECs that indicates the power distributors’ full compliance on four parameters, namely financial, institutional, technical and reportorial requirements. The D rating is the lowest. Scores and their corresponding ratings are as follows: 95-100 = AAA; 90-94 = AA; 85-89 = A; 75-84 = B; 50-74 = C; and 49 and below = D. Results of the recent assessment also showed that 83 percent or a total of 101 out of the 121 ECs supervised by the agency have notched either AAA, AA or A status last year. Of the remaining 20 ECs, four improved their performance either from C to B or D to C; 13 ECs manifested improvement in total scores while three retained their performance level.

Approved Policies/Guidelines In accordance with its expanded powers, functions and privileges under Section 5 of RA 10531 and Section 5 of the IRR, the NEA has formulated several policies and guidelines geared towards the fulfillment of NEA’s mandate and to provide assistance and guidance to the ECs in the performance of their franchise obligations as distribution utilities: Revised Policy on Retirement Plan for General Managers of Electric Cooperatives (3rd Revision) Policy Guidelines on the Conduct of Examination and Interview for Applicant to the Position of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives Policy Amending NEA Memorandum No. 2015-007 on “Revised Guidelines on Benefits, Allowances and Incentives of Electric Cooperative Officials and Employees” Policy on Assignment of Acting General Manager and/ or Project Supervisor to Electric Cooperatives Revised Guidelines for the Selection and Appointment of NEA Representative to the Electric Cooperative Board of Directors Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of Strategized Electrification Program (STEP)

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HE Philippines, an archipelago, takes pride in its rich tradition of sailing and maritime trading even during the preSpanish period.

One prominent boat, which belonged in the country’s maritime past is the guinakit in southern Mindanao.

The vessel was used by Moro royalty in navigating the coastal and inland waterways. It is also believed to be the one used by Malay missionary Shariff Kabunsuan in preaching and spreading the Islamic faith in the south.

But over the years, with the modernization of shipping, the iconic colorful boat has been relegated to oblivion and is only revived occasionally during special occasions to showcase the rich Islamic culture.

The town of Malapatan on the eastern coast of Sarangani Bay in Sarangani province is among the few localities that relive this rich seafaring heritage during the "Guinakit sa Sugoda Malapatan" which is part of the annual Pakaradyan Festival.

Now in its 14th edition, the event’s highlight is the maritime parade and competition of modern renditions of guinakit boats by entries from the town’s barangays.

The recent festivity in the agricultural and fisheries town was doubly special as it marked its 50th founding anniversary when it was carved out from its mother town of Glan, which was then part of the Empire Province of Cotabato which covers present-

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

RELIVING A RICH SEAFARING PAST

COLORS OF THE SEA. The Municipality of Malapatan in Sarangani province celebrates the colorful boat, guinakit—which was used by Moro royalty in the past—during the 'Guinakit sa Sugoda Malapatan,' a part of the annual Pakaradyan Festival.

day Soccsksargen Region.

Other highlights during the festival were the float parade, the 50 Icons of Malapatan photo exhibit, and the

Malapatan is known for its inaul, a Maguindanaoan handwoven fabric.

kuyog—a traditional march by IslamThe march was led by outgoing nated by the Maguindanaon tribe; ic royals usually done during wed- municipal mayor Alfredo Singcoy to the Blaan indigenous people; and the dings, to commemorate the arrival of symbolize the unity in diversity of the Visayan Christian settlers.

Moros during the pre-Spanish era. town’s tri-people—the Moros, domiAdding glamor and cultural significance to this year’s Pakaradyan was National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ inauguration of the weaving center of Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan Bai Estelita Bantilan, a master weaver of the traditional Blaan igem or mat.

Bantilan was awarded the National Living Treasure in 2017 by President Rodrigo Duterte, and was officially honored at Malacañang early this year.

Located at Upper Lasang village, the indigenous hut will become a cultural hub and the newest tourist attraction in Sarangani.

Malapatan is also known for the inaul handwoven fabric under the Fabli Guni (a Blaan term which means “I am selling this”) brand which forms part of the Moro exquisite regalia, as well as bags, shawls, and other fashKuyog, a traditional march by Islamic royals done during weddings, commemorates the ion accessories. arrival of Moros in Malapatan during the pre-Spanish era.

WORLD-CLASS CREATIONS MERCURY RISING

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

THROUGH the past decades, the world has taken notice of our country due to a wide spectrum of reasons—politics, sports, beauty contests, culinary, arts, fashion, and so on. It is easy for anybody to see that these things have propelled the Philippines into the world stage, giving us an edge over many of our ASEAN neighbors.

This is why it is such a joy to see new locally made products that are truly Filipino in design and craftsmanship, with world-class quality and charm. So, when a friend, Marc de la Cruz, invited Attractive straw bags have now found their way to the hearts of the fashion forward, fun-loving denizens in the American and European continents (left). Artistically designed tea pots and me to a press preview of locally made baskets are among the top sellers in any Filipino trade fair. “odds and ends” on display at The PenMuseum Foundation of the Philip- masterpieces for the event. our growth and progress as a nation. insula’s Salon de Ning, I didn’t have lishers, and other creative individuals, This eagerly awaited yearly event is They are not just repositories of relics, second thoughts about going. at a date designated by its residents, pines Inc. (MFPI) resident Albert AvellaThe event was actually just a teaser the North Syquia Apartments would na proudly announced that it certainly actually a fundraiser organized by the but are treasure houses of our memoof the MaArte oPen House, a yearly be transformed into one big party ven- will be a different, unique shopping MFPI, a non-stock private sector ini- ries and hopes as Filipinos. They are tiative dedicated to helping preserve the precarious link between our past fair which will take place at the hotel ue and guests could move from one experience for customers.

Featuring more than 60 vetted exhibi- and promote our country’s rich artistic and our present. Artist and MFPI vice next month. What I find unique is the apartment to the other, to socialize tors, the three-day event will highlight and cultural heritage by way of fund- president Phyllis Zaballero declares that way the items and have fun. will be laid out That will also be Pinoy creativity bannered by locally pro- ing and supporting projects of the Na- MFPI’s core values support the proper during the fair the set up on Au- duced but globally appealing designs of tional Museum and other museums in management and further study of these priceless cultural resources so that they for the public to gust 16-18, when the masterpieces on display. It also aims the country.

YOUR WEEKEND to create more opportunities for local busiProceeds of this yearly fair have enabled may be appreciated by more people. appreciate.

41 guest rooms CHUCKLE Remember the on two designat- nesses, the main reason why The Pen con- MFPI to help fund the transformation of HUSBAND: My wife and I were the old Department of Tourism building More information on the MaArte Open legendary opened floors of The tinues to support it, now in its third year. happy for the past 20 years…then The hotel’s director of Public Relations, along T.M. Kalaw Street in Ermita, Manila House at The Peninsula Manila, August door parties of Pen will showcase we met. the North Syquia exclusive limited Mariano Garchitorena, grinned from ear into our new National Museum of Natural 16-18, may be obtained from Marc de la Apartments at edition pieces of to ear as he witnessed the potters from History, which is now enjoyed by many. In Cruz at marc@mgasiapr.com or through the start of this home décor, food, Sagada, the weavers from Lake Sebu, gratitude, the National Museum dedicated 0917-5337216. century? Known men’s and wom- the bag makers of Davao, and the jewel- to and named after MFPI its foyer located For feedback, I’m at as an enclave of the metro’s popular en’s fashion, and accessories made by ers of Muntinlupa, among many others, below the iconic Tree of Life. preparing their attractive and enviable Museums play an important role in bobzozobrado@gmail.com. fashion designers, artists, artisans, pub- Filipino craftsmen.

D2

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019

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

Entertainment

5 NETFLIX SERIES

THAT CELEBRATE FRIENDSHIP IT’S something that all fans can relate to—being so involved in your favorite show that you feel like you’re part of the gang. Even when we’ve run out of episodes to watch, we bring our favorite characters to life by talking about them to our friends, and reference show moments in our everyday conversations. Or we rewatch our favorite episodes over and over again to relive the fun and heartwarming moments.

Now, it’s time to gather your squad and have a viewing party since your beloved “barkadas” are back on Netflix:

JOHN ROA

Orange is the New Black Season 7 now streaming The ladies of Litchfield return for a seventh and final season. Follow Piper as she ventures into the real world, while the rest of the gang comes into terms with their own dilemmas and journeys.

CHRONICLES JOURNEY IN NEW EP

A

LITTLE over a year of being with Viva Records and a couple of hit singles after, teen music artist John Roa finally releases his first EP entitled AMGO. In the new record, the “Oks Lang” singer has prepared a five-track EP including catchy first single “Andiyan,” released ahead of his EP, and other equally infectious tracks “Lagi,” “Muli,” “Itutuloy,” and his EP’s banner track, “Natatangi.”

John Roa has had quite the journey. After his departure from hip-hop collective Ex-Battalion, he took time to search for his own “voice” as a singer and songwriter. Though his first singles started off with an R&B and urban style bent closely similar to his roots as a past member of a hip-hop group, lately, he has been displaying sonic versatility on his muchawaited EP, a testament to his versatility as an artist.

His five-track EP is centered on the theme “Amgo,” which means realization in Bisaya. In AMGO, John Roa bares himself vulnerable in his songs that include personal narratives and stories of the people around him all about their struggles with life, love, and anxiety. Including his journey as a Cebuano who persevered to pursue his passions in Manila (“Itutuloy”). Through this, he hopes that his listeners would also find themselves in his songs.

John Roa opens his EP with the R&B-tinged track “Lagi” which he co-produced with Nexxfriday (producer of Because album Heartbreak SZN). The acoustic-driven “Muli” is as catchy as it gets, while gripping, piano-decked “Andiyan” is a melancholy tale about remaining steadfast about overwhelming odds. “Natatangi,” meanwhile, takes John into catchy, playful pop jazz-tinged song-craft. Ditto EP closer “Itutuloy” which sees John Roa going back a bit to his rap roots.

John Roa manifests that he is an effective storyteller that his stories do not just lie within his songs. In fact, even the arrangement of his EP’s tracks conveys a deeper meaning. “I placed ‘Itutuloy’ as the last (track) of the EP, parang hindi natapos dun. I don’t want to put a period in the EP and at the same time, it seems to symbolize our journey as humans. Hindi naman tayo nagtatapos sa isang point lang eh, so dapat itutuloy at itutuloy mo lang.”

Overall, the result is a cohesive record that displays John Roa’s creative prowess. While it may feature a relatively new sound to people’s ears, John Roa still remains true to his roots as a crafter of songs.

Basically, the identity he has been known for.

My First First Love Season 2 - now streaming The second season of My First First Love sees Tae-o, Song-i, Do-hyeon, Ga Rin, and Hun navigating the tougher parts of adulthood and finding out how romance complicates their tightknight friendship.

G.L.O.W. - streaming on Aug. 9 The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling are going to Vegas! Will the girls’ careers, and their relationships, shine or fizzle under the shining lights of this city? Find out this season and watch the trailer.

YOUNGBLOOD. Former Ex-Batallion member and teen singer-songwriter John Roa explores his music and

artistry through a five-track EP that tells his journey from overcoming an anxiety disorder to using his personal experience writing songs and sharing them with the public.

A BEACH PARTY TO REMEMBER THE country’s top rock bands and deejays sizzled as they transformed the quiet beach of Gumasa into the biggest and hippest beach party at the 12th Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival in Glan, Sarangani.

Sought-after band Rocksteddy, and DJs Kouta Kutsuma and Cupcakes fired the opening salvo in the beach party’s San Miguel Night.

The fun continued with the Bay Bodies ’19 pageant, DJ Battle, and the Talk N Text party featuring 6Cyclemind, DJ Marc Marasigan, and DJ Kat. The festivity drew to a close with the Globe party series featuring Ben & Ben, and deejays Tom Taus and Carlo Atendido.

Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said that this year’s edition highlighted the innovations the beach event has undergone, most notably its advocacy for sustainable tourism and family-oriented recreation.

“SarBay is the biggest, cleanest, and brightest beach festival. Year after year we have done so much to work on getting our environmental

Band Rocksteddy fires up the opening night of the 12th Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival in Glan, Sarangani.

advocacy into real, tangible efforts of creating a culture of responsible tourism,” he said.

Spicing up the three-day fest are Zumba sessions with the Legendz, drum-beating competition, firedancing exhibitions, body painting and family

sand sculpture contests.

Other fringe activities were the 15-km Swim Across the Bay relay, Asia’s most extreme swimming event, and sporting events such as SarBay Strongman, beach volleyball and football, skimboarding, frisbee, jet ski race, bancathon, mountain bike, skimboarding, and frisbee tournaments.

The event drew some 150,000 visitors and highlighted the environmental awareness among party-goers, with post activities such as beach cleanups, mangrove tree-planting, and scuba cleanups.

Themed “Neon Summer”, the beach party is organized by the Sarangani Provincial Tourism Council with the support of the Province of Sarangani, DOT Region 12, and the Municipality of Glan. It showcased the tourism gems of the Soccsksargen Region, where Sarangani was the top tourist destination for 2018.

Solon concluded with the top-rate music, diverse activities, pristine beach, and its advocacy for the environment, SarBay Fest is definitely a beach party to remember.

Stranger Things 3 - now streaming Our beloved Hawkins gang is back to face puberty and bigger, much more terrifying monsters. Prepare yourselves for a ton of funny and quotable moments (and an LSSinducing scene!) but keep tissues ready since you’ll be tearing up, too.

The Big Bang Theory - now streaming Follow a group of nerdy and socially awkward physicists as they encounter an attractive waitress that makes them set aside their bookish knowledge to learn from the real world.

Tech & Gadgets

G

D3

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

TECH ONE: SIMPLIFYING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

GCASH REFRESHES LOGO

CASH has a new and improved logo. The leading mobile wallet in the Philippines with 20 million users and 63,000-plus partner merchants, confirmed through its operator, Mynt, the move is just the beginning of many updates their brand will undergo.

Following the soft launch of the “refreshed” logo, GCash Chief Marketing Officer Chris Manguera said GCash will also roll out its several of its improved services through its app.

“The brand refresh is more about improving rather than changing,” said Manguera. “It’s not a cosmetic change, but changing and improving the whole GCash experience.”

Manguera said that the ‘refresh’ is meant to make the app easier to use and navigate, adding that changes and innovations to the brand are still in store in the following weeks.

“As a leader in the industry, GCash wants to make Filipinos empowered by providing them endless possibilities when they use the app. With GCash, users can do anything. That’s empowerment.”

GCash turns your mobile phone into a virtual wallet. Using the GCash app, you can pay for items and send money at the speed of a text message.

The following are some of the GCash’s Services GCash QR: Scan GCash partner merchant QR codes to pay with your GCash App directly. Easy, convenient, and no cash needed!

Buy Load: Purchase load for anyone on any network, anytime you need!

Send Money: Transfer funds to your loved ones anywhere in the Philippines without spending a cent on service fees.

Pay Bills: Skip the long lines when you settle your bills with GCash anytime, anywhere!

Shop Online: Splurge in your favorite international shopping, gaming, and entertainment sites without a physical card, with GCash American Express Virtual Pay - a virtual card linked to your GCash mobile wallet.

Withdraw from PayPal: Link your PayPal account to GCash and transfer your PayPal funds for free.

Book movies: Reserve your movie seats directly within the GCash App! No need to go other online sites or fall in long lines!

Borrow load: Get load even without GCash. Pay later when you cash-in to your GCash wallet!

Cash-in from banks: Move funds from your BPI or RCBC bank account to your GCash - a more convenient way of cashing in!

Receive remittances from MoneyGram and Western Union: Just key in your reference number and automatically receive your remittance without going to physical branches!

GCredit and GScore: The more frequent you use GCash, the higher your GScore is! If you a high GScore, you can get credit starting at P3,000!

GInvest (Beta): Invest in your preferred investment fund using your GCash! *Registration and use of the GCash App requires Philippine SIM

TAIWAN INSPIRES PH IN INFOCOM TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN can certainly serve as the Philippines’ role model in information and communications technology, given its strong foothold in innovation.

For almost three decades, Taiwan has been highly regarded as a vital player in the global IT supply chain, as well as a significant partner for many international brands including Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The ICT sector has therefore become a huge source of pride for Taiwan.

Taiwanese companies hold significant market shares in semiconductors, PCs, mobile devices, broadband appliances, and display products and technologies. Taiwan is the world’s largest supplier of these products, collectively contributing to over 16% of Taiwan’s total GDP. With the rise of AI and IoT, Taiwan is shifting from an economy based on high-tech manufacturing, to an economy driven by intellectual property and innovation. Taiwan’s high-tech competitiveness includes top talent, a well-developed industrial chain, and a formidable entrepreneurial spirit. These elements combined enable Taiwan’s ICT industry to leverage today’s trends and pave the way for the technology of the future.

Sharing expertise to PH enterprises The ‘Taiwan Excellence’ experience, organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, will provide businesses ranging from small to large from the Philippines a platform to offer the latest IoT innovations, directly from leading Taiwanese IoT solutions providers. This is a great opportunity to consider how these solutions can enhance one’s own business offering.

The participating companies in this year’s Asia IoT Business Platform held at the Marriott Hotel, Manila are: Accton Technology Corp., a best practice awardee for manufacturing quality; Apacer Technology Inc., a leading producer

of industrial SSDs, digital consumer products, and memory modules; Aver Information, awardwinning education and communication innovators; ICP DAS, an industrial automation technology innovator and enhancer; and, IEI Integration Corp., a leading industrial computer provider.

‘Taiwan Excellence’ is confident in the Philippines’ ability to progress in ICT, as indicated by its IT sector’s steady spending.

“We see progress in the Philippines’ ICT sector and Taiwan will be happy to contribute to this growth and help Filipino enterprises further succeed in their operations,” said Wen-Chung Chang, Director of the Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines.

Taiwan is determined to advocate for innovation, improve employment and income distribution, and to create more balanced regional development, by leveraging the immense momentum of many markets, at present.

According to Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development, Taiwan moves up to 16th in global competitiveness, a notch higher from the previous year’s ranking. Furthermore, Taiwan has steadily maintained its place as the 4th most competitive economy in Asia as declared in the 2019 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. With many software and hardware engineers and technological centers and innovation clusters growing organically throughout major Taiwanese cities, Taiwan is on its way to becoming a major startup hub in Asia, and even internationally.

The potential economic impact of IoT in the short-term Just how substantial is the potential global economic impact of IoT? Citing a research report by McKinsey & Company’s Global Institute, ‘Taiwan Excellence’ said the estimate could range to “$3.9 trillion to $11 trillion a year by 2025”.

LG’S DUALCOOL DELIVERS ENERGY EFFICIENCY LG Electronics is showcasing its latest residential air conditioner, the DUALCOOL. The new model boasts innovative features and is the first air conditioner to utilize LG’s Dual Inverter Compressor™, which cuts energy consumption without sacrificing cooling capabilities. Along with outstanding performance and impressive energy efficiency, the DUALCOOL has a simplified structure that saves technicians time and effort during installation and maintenance.

Thanks to LG’s proprietary Dual Inverter Compressor™, the first variable-speed compressor designed for residential air conditioners, the advanced DUALCOOL delivers quiet, effective cooling while using less power. LG’s revolutionary compressor technology lowers electricity consumption by up to 70 percent and enables the air conditioner to cool up to 40 percent faster than a typical non-inverter RAC.1 Additionally, the unparalleled Dual Inverter Compressor™ comes with a 10-year warranty.

The DUALCOOL offers further value with a slim, elegant design that matches any interior décor, and a simple, quick installation process that benefits users and technicians. Where conventional models usually require two people to complete the job, just one installer is all it takes to get the DUALCOOL up and running. Moreover, LG’s latest RAC comes with a smart detection system that notifies users when refrigerant is low and needs to be replenished.

LG is also introducing a Wi-Fi-enabled smart windowtype air conditioner powered by the Dual Inverter Compressor™. At the 2019 Edison Awards, a prestigious awards program honoring excellence in product innovation, the eco-friendly new model won a coveted gold seal in the Energy & Sustainability category.

“We’re pleased to be presenting our innovative air solutions,” said Song Dae-hyun, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “Powered by our state-of-the-art Dual Inverter Compressor™, the latest DUALCOOL air conditioner offers consumers an array of benefits through its excellent performance and improved efficiency. We will continue to enhance consumers’ lives by adding convenience and real value wherever possible.”

A FAST-PACED tech company calls for a digitally abled leader. But more than that, it requires a captain who sees the future of business—digital transformation.

“Technology is developing very fast–almost exponentially. But companies are slower in developing digital transformation because it involves changing longstanding processes in favor of unfamiliar ones,” explained Lars Jeppesen, CEO of Tech One. T e c h One has accumulated many achievements in the field of IT solutions. Being reco g n i z ed as a regional Microsoft Partner and Lars Jeppesen, Chief C o n t e n t Executive Officer of Tech One Services Partner are only a few honors on the company’s shelf.

Jeppesen is an entrepreneur who is passionate about digital transformation. He aims to educate as many business owners and leaders as he can about the unseen dangers of legacy systems, and to help them embrace the benefits of going digital.

“Lost or damaged data, poor compliance to regulatory standards, lack of control over access to information and cost effectiveness in storage can result in serious harm for businesses,” he warns. On top of data security though, he also believes unpredictable disasters—big or small—can and will cause a great deal of distress in an organization. “What is a disaster? A disaster can just be an air conditioning unit leaking on some papers in the filing room.

A lot of times people forget about documents after storing them. No one knows if, for example, employee records are kept intact,” Jeppesen points out. He then adds, “What happens in most organizations is they don’t actually have a backup of paperbased documents. So, in the aftermath of disaster, it’s harder to retrieve data that could be vital in resuming operations.”

Without a sturdy document backup plan, disasters can greatly handicap businesses. Therefore, Jeppesen stresses out the opportunities presented by digital transformation when it comes to data access and organization, security, and disaster recovery in making organizations stronger and more competitive.

Jeppesen shares what he believes is the best approach for digital transformation.

“Digital transformation has three stages.

The first is digitization which is fixing the past—meaning it’s about collecting paper-based information and making digital copies. The next is digitalization which is focused on the present. After digitizing documents, we now make workflows paperless.

These lead to digital transformation. This is where you create the future. It means that you leave manual and paper-based workflows behind and start executing them in digital ways.”

This is exactly the 3-step process Tech One’s document management solution addresses. Enadoc flaunts features like data capturing and indexing, records management, search, security and compliance, and disaster recovery capabilities for all business scales.

Fixing the Past: BoxFiled aids organizations with their disaster preparedness plan by eliminating manual archiving and secure document backup, achieved with the scanning of both old paperwork and live documents.

Focusing on the Present: Digitalization starts by transitioning from manual processes to digital platforms, ensuring safekeeping of data in the present to guarantee secure access in the future. Cue Enadoc, a top-notch document management system which combines digital storage and data security. With Microsoft Azure as its backend cloud partner, performance, reliability, and security are guaranteed.

ON-DEMAND SALARY ADVANCE PLATFORM NOW PART OF FINTECH ADVANCE, the country’s only online platform providing flexible credit on-demand, was officially launched last Monday in a media roundtable followed by its official welcome into the Fintech Philippines Association at the July Fintech mixer.

Advance CEO and co-founder Jaime de los Angeles said that they created Advance with the mission of assisting the 80% of Filipino employees who live paycheck to paycheck, most of whom are without access to basic credit services and are unable to rely on their employers for financial assistance.

“Expenses often come at the most inopportune times or the so-called ‘petsa de peligro’. Advance is solving this problem by allowing employees to access their salaries on-demand, which is critical especially when faced with a sudden, unexpected need for cash,” De los Angeles said.

He explained that Advance is a flexible credit platform available 24/7, specifically designed so that individuals have ready access to funds that’s essentially theirs.

“We know that life doesn’t conveniently revolve around payday, so we wanted to empower employees by giving them the ability to unlock their wages, anytime,” said De Los Angeles.

Stef Lim-CPO

Addi Guevara-CFO

Not everyone has access to salary loan programs through banks, and even if they do, it wouldn’t be as fast as what Advance offers because of all the physical requirements and manual processes.

Furthermore, approvals aren’t always guaranteed, and loan amounts are usually much larger and for longer tenors. “A bank typically won’t lend someone P2,000 to pay a utility bill. That’s where Advance comes in—to ensure employees never have to worry about how to cover their daily needs.”

Enzo Doromal-CTO

Jaime De Los Angeles-CEO

Advance aims to provide workers with the ‘peace of mind’ that at any time, they’re able to access their salary and get funds instantly sent to their bank account. But it’s really the flexibility of their product that sets them apart from other lenders: they offer lines of credit that can be drawn from as needed instead of a fixed pre-approved amount. Employees can request from P1,000 up to their max credit limit, as often as they need, until they fully utilize their line. “Our model is very much in line with the sachet

mentality of Filipinos, making our product really intuitive,” de los Angeles added.

Despite the ease of use, Jaime stresses that employers need not worry about overexposure as the credit limits are a percentage of an employee’s salary. “Interestingly, we’ve seen that combining flexibility with controlled limits actually helps promote responsible borrowing with our customers as they draw only what they need, versus having to accept a fixed amount that they’ve been approved for and be forced to draw it all in one shot - even if it means being overleveraged. We really see ourselves as a financial bridge - providing financial assistance to employees while ensuring they still have enough to take home.”

On the client front, Advance works with employers by taking over the informal (and oftentimes very tedious) practice of lending to their employees.

“We’re proud to provide our service for free and at no liability to our partners, so they can utilize their cashflow for the operational needs of their business and focus on their core competencies. At the same time, they’re still able to provide financial assistance to their employees through us, in a way that’s fair, convenient and designed to really suit their needs”, Jaime stated.

D4

PET TALES

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PETS

Exercise your dog to keep him happy, and to expend his energy which he will otherwise use up barking.

In photo is Flash, a dog rescued by animal welfare group Save ALL, being walked by officer Red Pasetes. Flash is up for adoption, by the way. If you wish to give him a forever, loving home, please contact Maricel Mondejar or Julie Rodriguez of Save ALL.

BY DESIREE CARLOS

A

DOG chewing shoes and clawing the door may be suffering from separation anxiety.

“Separation anxiety happens when a dog that’s hyper-attached to his owner gets super-stressed when left alone. It's more than a little whining when you leave or a bit of mischief while you’re out. It's a serious condition and one of the main reasons owners get frustrated with their dogs and give them up. But there are plenty of things you can do to help,” said WebMD in How to Ease Your Dog's Separation Anxiety It helps if a dog owner understands what triggers this in his/her dog.

WebMD listed the causes of separation anxiety: • For the first time, the dog is left alone and the dog is used to being with people.

• When the dog has a new owner.

• When the dog is brought to a shelter or a new home.

• When the routine or schedule of the family is changed.

• When a member of the family leaves or dies.

UNDERSTANDING SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS

Signs of Separation Anxiety

A dog with separation anxiety will show the following signs when he is alone: • Have indoor "accidents" or poop even though he is housebroken • Howl, bark, or even whine excessively • Chew items, dig holes, and scratch at doors and windows • Pant, drool, or salivate excessively or more than usual • Pace repeatedly, often in an obsessive pattern • He will try to escape and leave the house.

“He likely won't do any of these things to an extreme while you’re around. A normal dog might do some of these things once in a while, but one with separation anxiety will do them almost all the time, “ WebMD said.

How to Treat It

Rule out any problems first by having your dog checked by a vet.

“Sometimes dogs have accidents in the house because of infections or hormone problems or other health conditions. It also could be due to incomplete housebreaking. And some medications can cause accidents. If your dog takes any drugs, ask your vet if they are to blame,” WebMD said.

Pets

Let dogs run in your garden or yard. Running will tire a dog out in a happy way that he or she won't have time to feel anxious when you leave. In photo is oneeyed Rida who loves chilling at the garden. Rida was rescued By Save ALL when she was a pup after being hit by a motorcycle. She is also up for adoption.

smell on it for your dog to feel secure.

• Ask your vet for over-the-counter If the Problem Is Mild …

• Do give your dog a special treat natural calming supplements. whenever and ONLY when you will If the Problem Is More leave the house. This can be a puzzle Serious … toy with treats inside. Take the toy “A dog with severe anxiety won't away when you return.

• Do not make a fuss when leaving or be distracted by even the tastiest returning home. Make your leaving and treats. You'll need to slowly get him returning low-key. Ignore your pup for a used to your absence,” WebMD said.

A dog may start to get nervous few minutes after you get home.

• Leave some of your clothes with your when he sees you doing things he as-

sociates with your leaving the house.

So put on your shoes in front of your dog BUT DO NOT LEAVE. Pick up the keys BUT DO NOT LEAVE. “So do those things, but then don't leave. Put on your shoes and then sit down at the table. Pick up your keys and watch TV. Do this over and over many times a day, “ WebMD suggested.

“When your dog starts to feel less anxious about that, you can slowly start to disappear. First just go on the

other side of the door. Ask your dog to stay, then close an inside door between you. Reappear after a few seconds. Slowly increase the amount of time you're gone. Put on your shoes and pick up your keys. Ask your dog to stay while you go into another room,” WebMD said.

“As he gets more used to the ‘stay game,’ increase the amount of time you're gone. Then use an outside door, but not the same one you go out every day. Make sure your dog is relaxed before you leave,” WebMD added.

WebMD said only the owner can say when the dog is ready to be left alone for longer periods.

“Don't rush things. Give him a stuffed treat when you've built up to 10 seconds or so apart. Always act calm when you leave and when you return,” WebMD said.

“Gradually build up the time until you can leave the house for a few minutes. Then stay away for longer and longer periods,” WebMD added.

For All Dogs

It is important to make sure your pet exercises everyday.

If you dog is tired and happy, he will be less stressed when you leave the house.

“It's also key that you challenge your pet's mind. Play training games and fetch. Use interactive puzzles.

Work his mind as well as his body.

That will keep him busy, happy, and too tired to be anxious while you're gone,” WebMD said.

DO-IT-YOURSELF TOYS FOR CATS CATS also get bored. Boredom, as humans know, can trigger other negative emotions which will adversely affect the physical health of a cat.

“With a little creativity, you can keep your cat stimulated and interested, even in a small apartment and on a limited budget,” said W.R. Shaw in How to Avoid Kitty Boredom in from petfinder.com.

Shaw added, “There is ample evidence that cats who spend their lives entirely indoors live much longer than their outdoor-only counterparts. But keeping an indoor cat happy as well as healthy means providing more than just good nutrition and regular veterinary care – you must also enrich your kitty’s environment. Eliciting a cat’s natural behaviors with hunting and foraging games can do wonders for your companion’s well-being.”

Let your cat ‘hunt’ for food

Shaw suggested that the owner separate the food rations in small batches every day.

“Place the clusters around the house and then toss a few small treats in random directions. Not only will this encourage active foraging, it’ll also keep kitty from scarfing down her food too quickly,” Shaw said.

Give your cat pleasurable puzzles

You can toss a few treats into a square bottle, then

Shakti, now 11 years old, loves the smell of chamomile and lavender. She is afraid of the sound of thunder and the scent from chamomile tea and lavender leaves (the tea and leaves are kept away from the dogs) calm her and balances her.

HERE IS SOME CAUTION WITH USING ESSENTIAL OILS WITH CATS OR DOGS: BE FAMILIAR with your pet’s health status, and check with your vet to make sure no essential oils are contraindicated for your pet due to its breed or a health condition.

Observe your pet’s reaction to essential oils, and stop using them if you observe any adverse reactions.

Never use essentials oils for pets around delicate areas, including the eyes, ears, nose and genitals.

Do not add essential oils to your pet’s food or drinking water unless instructed to by your vet.

Do not use essential oils with puppies under 10 weeks of age.

Do not use oils on epileptic pets who are prone to seizures.

If your pet is pregnant or nursing, check with your vet before using any essential oils and be especially careful with introducing her to essential oils (that includes your own use in her vicinity).

Source: Essential Oils for Pets: The Best & Worst Oils to Help Your Furry Friends By Annie Price (CHHC) posted in Dr. Axe site.

Bird Watching

Let your cat watch birds by his favorite window.

“Attach a suction-cup bird feeder outside your cat’s favorite window. Hungry birds will provide hours of entertainment. Don’t place feeders too close to the ground as it leaves birds vulnerable to enemy attacks, and be sure to keep the window closed – ‘excited cats can push right through screens,” Shaw said.

Keep toys ‘new’ for your cat

Research showed that toys that are removed and then returned after several weeks regain much of their novelty, Shaw said.

This means you can extend your enrichment budget by rotating your cat’s toys regularly, she said.

Get started with a few of the recommended feline friendly activities below.

Shaw suggested that the furparent begin slowly and be sure to get a thumbs up from the veterinarian.

Shaw also noted you have items in your home you can use as toys for your cats.

Scent and Search

You can use old socks as washable scent baits, Shaw said.

“Just mark the sock with a dab of perfume, lotion, vanilla extract or even peanut butter, or place a pinch of any aromatic spice inside, then rub it over a slice of lunchmeat to pick up the scent. Scatter the socks throughout the house and your cat will be on the prowl for hours, delighted by the variety of scents. If you’re pressed for time, simply mark a scent trail with a bit of cheese and then hide the cheese at the end of the trail,” Shaw said.

YOU should only use 100 percent pure essential oils for pets and always dilute them before application unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. How much oil should you use? Recommendations vary, and you should ask your vet if you’re feeling unsure, but a safe bet is starting with a single drop of essential oil in 50 drops of carrier oil, such as coconut, olive or almond oil. Another recommendation is to use three to six drops of essential oil(s) to one ounce of carrier oil.

Of course, it’s important to adjust the amount of oils you use depending on your pet’s size and age. Use less of a diluted oil with smaller dogs and cats, as well as puppies, kittens and senior pets.

To enable your pet to benefit from the scent of essential oils, put one to two drops of essential oil in a diffuser and allow the aroma to permeate the living space for 10 to 15 minutes.

The mouse trap game

Providing an enriching and entertaining environment helps keep an indoor cat happy and healthy. put on the floor with the lid off. This makes for a great beginner puzzle, said Shaw.

Any plastic container with a secure lid can also be a toy. You can make it into a hanging puzzle, Shaw said.

“Just cut two or three slots around the bottom outer edge of the container and place a few treats in the center.

String a cord through the lid and hang this puzzle over a doorknob. Once your cat gets the hang of it, you can encourage exercise by raising it higher, “ Shaw said.

You can leave a ping-pong ball in the bathtub and “watch as your cat makes it sail around the curves during her hunt for the elusive orb,” Shaw said.

The cheap and reliable crafty cardboard You can use cardboard boxes as beds, dens, tunnels and mazes.

“Make a ‘busy box’ by attaching small toys to short lengths of cord and suspending them from the ceiling of a large box. Cut window flaps in the den at various heights,” Shaw said.

Shaw added: “Add a ‘Tiger Tug,’ a miniature version of a game popular with both tigers and chimps. Feed both ends of a length of parachute cord into the box through small holes. Tie a toy or a large knot on each end. When the cat tugs at one end, the other end mysteriously comes to life. For multicat households, run the ends into separate boxes.”

Natural is the best thing. Scent from the citronella plant keeps mosquitoes away from cat Garfield, now 6 years old, who sleeps just about anywhere. Another natural source of healthy scent is pure essential oil. Please read up on what is good and what is toxic oils for your pet in last week's issue.