Manila Standard - 2019 October 6 - Sunday

BEATLES CLASSIC ALBUM TOPS UK CHARTS VOL. XXXIII • NO. 234 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEWS A4

NARCO-COPS WORSE THAN FELONS—DU30

PRINCE HARRY SUES TABLOIDS OVER HACKING NEWS A4

ISIS OWNS UP TO SLAYS OF 7 EX-MILF MEN

By Vito Barcelo

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ELL awaits those involved in spreading illegal drugs which eventually destroy people in the communities, President Rodrigo Duterte has warned.

The warning, in so many words, was issued while Duterte was on a five-day state visit to Russia before returning home today to gear up again on his administration’s drive

against illegal substances, a campaign he launched as soon as he took his presidential oath in 2016.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said

the President’s unyielding posture against illegal drugs and those who destroy the country, regardless of whether they belong to the government, by spreading these substances in our communities,“will not waver.”

“With regard to President Duterte’s remarks during the Valdai Forum where he disclosed that there are two generals who are still involved in the illegal drug industry, he refers to the PNP generals who have been accused to have protected the

ninja cops,”the Palace spokesperson said without naming names.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde is being probed by the Senate on “ninja cops” or police officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

The existence of “ninja cops” or police officers who recycle and resell illegal drugs seized or confiscated during anti-drug operations, was exposed by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a former PNPCriminal Investigation and DetecTurn to A2 tion Group chief.

SEVEN former Muslim rebels have been killed in Mindanao, military and police authorities said Saturday, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

They said the dead were all members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, formerly the country’s largest guerrilla group but which began decommissioning weapons last month under the terms of a 2014 peace treaty.

A pro-IS armed group called Dawlah Islamiyah attacked an MILF camp near the town of Shariff Saydona on Friday, sparking fighting lasting several hours, said Lt. Col. Ernesto Gener, commander of a local army battalion.

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FISH NOT. Fishermen try their nets

(topmost photo) for tiny shrimps at Manila Bay, known for its iconic and placid sunset, after the government, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources prohibited fishing along Manila Bay’s shoreline, where toxic discharges have become an eyesore, while a couple of a hundred volunteers (above) and DPS Manila join in cleaning up the natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila.

Norman Cruz

RODY BRINGS HOME THE BACON: 10 DEALS

'MENINGO' KILLS 4 IN BATANGAS MENINGOCOCCEMIA has claimed the lives of four persons—three of them children—in Batangas province, the Department of Health Calabarzon regional office said Saturday.

The four patients were confirmed to have died between Sept. 22 and Oct. 4,

DOH records showed.

They include a 4-month-old from Lian town who died Friday while under observation at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, and a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old from Nasugbu who died on Sept. 28 and Turn to A2 29, respectively.

20K PIGS CULLED IN ASF PROTOCOL ONLY one-third of about 20,000 pigs slaughtered in various areas in Luzon were infected by African swine fever, the Department of Agriculture clarified on Saturday.

“Only one-third of the 20,000 we culled were ASF-infected. All the rest just hap-

pened to be within a one-kilometer radius [of the suspected outbreak],” DA spokesperson Noel Reyes told GMA News TV. Culling the pigs, whether infected or not, within the one-kilometer radius of suspected farms is necessary to contain

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By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte signed 10 business agreements worth $12.57 million—or P649.86 million in Saturday’s currency exchange rate— with Russia as he assured Russian investors the Philippine government would protect their investments.

Duterte, who is returning home today after a fiveSIMILAR SPECTACLE. Two days to the time President Rodrigo Duterte takes his flight back home from a five-day visit in Russia, he is day visit to Moscow, also thanked Russian President given a tour of the Kremlin and, away from his security, strikes his now Vladimir Putin for supporting the Philippines that familiar signature pose. The Kremlin is a fortified complex in the center strengthened bilateral relations.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Russian of the capital, overlooking the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Aquare to the east, and the Alexander Garden to businessmen for their ”strong vote of confidence” in the Philippine economy. the west. Presidential Photo Turn to A2

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NARCO-COPS...

LRTA RULES OUT TERROR IN THURSDAY TRAIN FIRE

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Magalong revealed that corrupt police officers who recycle seized drugs, a racket known as “agaw bato,” do business with convicted drug lords locked up at the New Bilibid Prison.

Magalong alleged that 200 kilos of shabu were seized that time, but operatives declared that only about 38 kilos were confiscated.

Albayalde on Saturday cast doubt on speculation he was one of two unnamed “generals”—from a total nine—who Duterte linked to the narcotics trade.

Albayalde said Duterte continued to trust him, Panelo announced Friday night.

Speaking at a forum in Sochi, Russia, on Thursday, Duterte said two Filipino generals were “still playing with drugs” but did not say what their service was.

Albayalde was chief of the Pampanga police when 13 of his subordinates were accused of pilfering 160 kilos of shabu in an operation against a suspected Chinese drug lord.

Magalong, now mayor of Baguio City, in a recent Senate hearing accused Albayalde of seeking to defer the dismissal order against the Pampanga officers, which the latter denied.

The PNP chief, who will retire on Nov. 8, said the allegations against him were meant to “discredit” whoever he would recommend as his successor.

Albalyalde was allegedly able to acquire a sports utility vehicle after his former subordinates in Pampanga reportedly conducted an irregular anti-drug raid in 2013.

“If it comes to a serious thing as dismissing a top official here and there, it has to be for a good reason and there must be enough proof,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, the Palace said Duterte would let Congress conclude its investigation into ninja cops, before taking any action.

“The President, however, will let Congress do and finish its investigation in aid of legislation before taking any formal action on the issue of these ninja cops,” Panelo said.

“When I took over, I found out about nine generals were involved in the trafficking of drugs,” Duterte told the forum, adding “the two generals continued to benefit from the illegal drug trade.”

Duterte said he had been engaged in many fights since he became president, so he had to quickly do something about the problem with illegal drugs.

“I said I’m not only fighting corruption from the inside of government.

I was fighting corrupt—corruption and the trafficking of drugs even in my government. And that is why I had to do something very fast,” he said.

“He will wait for the recommendation of the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] secretary when he is finished with his internal investigation,” he said.

ISIS...

From A1

IS claimed responsibility in a communique seen by SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activity.

The jihadists said eight MILF members were killed, but local police commander Lt. Col. Arnold Santiago told reporters the authorities were only aware of seven deaths.

Locals said they saw seven bodies being loaded onto a boat at a riverbank in Shariff Saydona, about 900 kilometers south of Manila.

MILF spokesman Von al Haq declined to comment.

The MILF peace pact ended decades of Muslim rebellion that had claimed 150,000 lives by government estimates in the Mindanao region, home to the Catholic nation’s large Islamic minority.

The MILF was put in charge of a Muslim autonomous region as part of the peace accord, but President Rodrigo Duterte said IS was attempting to set up a Southeast Asian stronghold there.

Hundreds of pro-IS gunmen seized the Mindanao city of Marawi in May 2017, sparking a five-month battle that left more than 1,000 people dead.

The MILF, sometimes with Philippine military help, has in recent years waged an armed campaign to flush out a number of pro-IS groups operating in the swampy farming region around Shariff Saydona. AFP

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ERRORISM has been ruled out as having caused the fire Thursday in the LRT line which forced the suspension of its operations for nine months, the Light Rail Transit Authority said Saturday.

Neither was there foul play, according to LRTA spokesman Hernando Cabrera, in an interview in Filipino on Dobol B sa News TV aired on GMA News TV beamed nationwide.

Operations of LRT 2 were stopped Thursday after the rectifier in the Katipunan area caught fire and cut the power supply for trains, prompting the LRTA to shut down for nine months the operations of three stations of LRT 2: namely Santolan, Katipunan, and Anonas.

Cabrera said operations for Recto to Cubao and vice versa would resume tomorrow.

Earlier on, Cabrera said the Anonas station could be reopened earlier than the two other stations closed.

The cause of the fire has not been identified, but investigations are continuing.

ROLL THEM ON. An exhibition traps the eyes of viewers during a motorcycle festival, among the highlights of the tourism month along 10th Avenue in Caloocan City. Andrew Rabulan

RODY...

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“We are one of the fastestgrowing economies in Asia and the second fastest in the ASEAN. Our economic advantage lies on the strength of our young workforce—population. Our macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong,” he said.

He added: “We invite because we feel that investors have shown a strong trust and confidence in my administration with recordbreaking investments. We invite our Russian friends to invest and do more business in the Philippines.

“The Philippines’ robust economy is attracting investors every year. Our growth rate is steady and going strong. Our national or annual GDP growth rate was positive for 82 consecutive quarters.

“With strong resolve and commitment, I am confident that our economic ties will continue to prosper to its full potential. The new business agreements forged today will bring closer to us in our goal.

“Let me assure you that your investments are assured of gains and protection in my country.”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the 10 business deals were just the beginning of the improvement of the Philippines-Russia ties despite it generating a small

amount of about $12 million to $15 million only.

The total trade between the Philippines and Russia reached $1.36 billion, and that Philippine exports to Russia also reached $86 million last year.

“This year, this upward trajectory continues. This indicates promising ties between our economies at an even higher level,” the President said.

“I personally thank President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for this, knowing this will create more jobs for the Filipinos,” he added.

The business agreements signed are the following: Cooperation on information exchange and collaboration on business development aimed at the promotion of trade and investment between the Philippines and Russia, members of Russia-ASEAN Business Council, and Philippine companies (Memorandum of Understanding); Exchange of information on investment environment and opportunities; attract and support foreign investments in both the Philippines and Russia; encourage interested local companies in setting up or expanding their businesses; and organize business missions, workshops, other bilateral investments promotion activities

Kamaz vehicles in the Philippines (Distributorship Agreement); Promotion, distribution, and selling of IPP-NLS technologies, particularly Metatron Micro MRI Systems and its variations in the Philippines (Memorandum of Agreement).

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, who accompanied the President during the visit, said the President was received “warmly by Russia’s top business leaders and industry captains.”

Panelo thanked Russia’s leaders “for revitalizing the two countries’ bilateral relations, which are now bearing fruit.”

Panelo said the President cited two Philippine fishery establishments which gained accreditation to export to Russia and other Eurasian markets and which created livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.

The President also invited Russian businessmen to invest in the Philippines “and offered them fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.”

One sector Duterte cited, according to Panelo, was one which formed “an important part in the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure Program of this administration— transport and railway construction sector, which Russia has high expertise on.”

'MENINGO' ...

From A1

20K PIGS...

From A1 the ASF virus from spreading, Reyes explained.

“That’s the 1-7-10 protocol. Within one kilometer, whether sick or healthy, pigs needed to be culled to contain the virus,” he added.

Under the protocol, quarantine checkpoints are set up within a 1-kilometer radius of suspected farms to monitor the movement of live pigs, pork, and pork products.

Within a 7-kilometer radius, authorities conduct surveillance and limit animal movement, while farm owners within a 10-kilometer radius are mandated to report any disease to the DA. Earlier, Agriculture Secretary William Dar threatened legal action

(Memorandum of Intent); Intention to jointly explore the prospects of cooperation in the construction of nuclear power plants in the Philippines (Memorandum of Intent); Century Pacific Food, Inc. will supply tuna and sardine products to Magnit Food Retail Chain to serve the Russian market (Memorandum of Understanding); Century Pacific Food, Inc. will supply tuna and sardine products to Dalimo to serve the Russian market (Memorandum of Understanding); Century Pacific Food, Inc. will supply tuna and sardine products to LLC Dalpromryba to serve the Russian market (Memorandum of Understanding); Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc., will supply coconut milk products to Panasia Impex Co. Ltd. to serve the Russian market (Memorandum of Understanding); Appointment of Lifetruck International Incorporated as the exclusive sole distributor for the distribution, promotion, and sale of Sturmanskie watches in Philippines (Distributorship Agreement); Appointment of Lifetruck International Incorporated as the exclusive sole distributor for the distribution, promotion, and sale of

against hog traders who ignore strict animal quarantine rules.

The culled pigs or those that have died because of the disease in the country since last month was a small fraction of the Philippines’ swine herd, estimated at 12.7 million heads as of July 1.

A highly contagious hemorrhagic disease, ASF infects pigs, warthogs, European wild boar, and American wild pigs, according to World Organisation for Animal Health or Office International des Epizooties (OIE).

While it may affect the swine industry, ASF poses no threat to human health, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III emphasized.

On Sept. 22, a 53-year-old woman died of the same disease in Tanauan, DOH-Calabarzon added.

The regional health office is confirming if a man, 46, from San Jose town has the same disease.

Another reported case involving a 16-year-old was earlier ruled negative, it added, as authorities are currently tracking down people who came in contact with the patients.

The Batangas Provincial Health Office is asking for medi-

cine to quell the spread of the disease, as Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste urged the public to avoid spreading fake news about the sickness to avoid a scare.

Meningococcemia may be transmitted through direct close contact with contaminated individuals or their respiratory discharges. Its contamination is seasonal and occurs mostly during colder months.

Endemic to Asia, the illness may lead to organ failure, severe disability or death.

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KEEP MRT RUNNING, THINK LUXURY LATER—SOLON

By Maricel V. Cruz

and important need to bring commuters to their destination safely and on time,” Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo said.

HE Transportation departCastelo, vice chairman of the House Committee ment’s endorsement of a on Metro Manila Development, said “all logistics senator’s proposal to offer a and resources should concentrate on how to the train moving.” business class coach for the keep She said a safe, efficient and moving mass Metro Rail Transit 3 that plies Epi- transit should be the focus now. “As of now [the operations of ] MRT coaches are erratic, fanio de los Santos Avenue drew cient, and totally unreliable causing a mouthful from a member of the insuffi inconvenience and suffering to consumers,” House of Representatives who said Castelo said.

Earlier, Senator Grace Poe raised the idea the agency should make sure first of having a business class in MRT 3 where that the trains run. passengers can be charged P200 to P300 per “Putting up business class coaches at this time ride.

The senator asked the Department of will only divert the focus of the Department of Transportation to consider her proposal during Transportation from addressing the pressing

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a recent Senate hearing on the agency’s budget for 2020.

In response, DOTr chief Arthur Tugade said they will look into Poe’s proposal which is similar to the design of trains to be set up in Clark, Bicol and Mindanao.

However, Castelo, wife of former Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, said considering the urgent need for the government to improve the plight of commuters, the DOTr should be reminded of its priority.

“Ayusin muna natin ang mga tren bago ang luho,” Castelo said. “The priority now is to have the trains moving, free from any defect that would make them stall midtrack like we are experiencing now,” she added.

She said people will understand that even when there’s no first class coaches for as long as the train does not break down.

TRUTH AMBASSADORS.

Members of indigenous peoples who joined the 2019 Europe Truth Caravan faced the media upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.

During the caravan, the group shared the atrocities and illegal activities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in their communities, including the killing of several IP leaders. PNA

MIAA MOVES VS. CON MEN, THIEVES AT AIRPORT

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Manila International Airport Authority has come up with additional measures to protect travelers and overseas Filipino workers from falling prey to criminals operating at the airport.

MIAA Intelligence and ID Pass Control Department manager Roque Alcantara said the authority hired and deployed undercover agents to four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to keep an eye on con men and petty criminals.

“They will know who these criminals are based on behavioral observation,” he said.

Alcantara said the management adopted the roving buddy system type of operation in going after the gang members.

The MIAA security measure came into force ahead of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day and the onset of the holiday season when the number

of air travelers, especially returning OFWs, is expected to increase at the airport.

“We are now in ber months and the Christmas season is fast approaching. So, for the OFWs and foreigners that were coming in here in the Philippines be aware against the modus of Salisi and other forms of criminality for your safety. We have to be always security-conscious,” said Alcantara.

The campaign was also made in compliance with the directive of MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal who stressed the need for consistent visibility of security personnel at the airport to prevent untoward incidents and to deter lawless elements from conducting activities detrimental to passengers.

Authorities said Salisi Gang members lurk anywhere where there are people—malls, restaurants, fastfood joints, computer shops, bars, and clubs--and are just

waiting in the wings to pounce of unsuspecting travelers.

At the airport, the gang members mix with passengers and sometimes, they “dressed well.”

The group’s plan of attacks, according to the police, is either “diverts their victims’ attention or wait until their targets are distracted before they move in for the kill.”

Last August, two gang members—Rodolfo Rosauro Anto Jr., 46, of Cabuyao City, Laguna; and Elena Aquia Elera, 43, of Muntinlupa City—were arrested following an attempt to victimize travel agent Cheryl Perez. While she was waiting for the arrival of her foreign guests, Anto and Elera approached her and started a conversation.

While one of the suspects got her attention, she noticed the other one tried to take a brown pouch from her bag. She shouted and asked for help.

The suspects tried to escape but airport police officer Gino Apinar

and Aviation Security Group officers Alvin Panor and Amor Cordova chased and arrested them at the parking lot.

The gang is also using attractive women in luring unsuspecting air travelers.

There was a case involving a 58-year-old Japanese national who missed a flight to Narita when his luggage gone missing following a “delightful” conversation with three women at the NAIA Terminal 1.

The victim spent his days and nights staying at the airport police quarter because the missing luggage also contains his travel passport, mobile phone and his money around Y50,000 Yen, and other important documents.

Investigation showed that the victim was standing waiting at the departure curb-side area for his Japan Airlines flight when three women, whom he described as “beautiful ladies,” approached and talked to him.

‘MALASAKIT’ CENTERS EYED FOR HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

HEIGHTENED SECURITY. Residents and guests at the Baguio City Hall go through a security check after City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has received threats to his life following his exposé on ‘narco-cops’ during the Senate Blue Ribbon investigation. Dave Leprozo

DEPUTY Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte is seeking fast action from the House of Representatives in passing the bill that institutionalizes “Malasakit Centers” which became the launching pad of Senator Christopher Go’s candidacy in the May senatorial elections.

Villafuerte made the call following last September’s approval of the consolidated Malasakit Center bill by the Committee on Health.

Villafuerte said these centers will be “health system enablers” designed to improve patient assistance and referral and provide additional non-medical support to poor Filipinos in need of medical treatment.

“The establishment of Malasakit Centers will complement the UHC [Universal Health Care] program,” said Villafuerte, one of the co-authors of the consolidated measure endorsed by the committee.

Even with a UHC program in place on the Duterte watch, Villafuerte said there will still be challenges in the prompt delivery of quality health service to Filipinos,

especially for marginalized families unable to afford medical care.

In his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address on July 22, Duterte called on the Congress to urgently pass a bill expanding Malasakit Centers, which he credits Go for conceptualizing.

“The Malasakit Centers hopes to fill the gaps in service delivery of health care in the country. It is therefore the intention of this bill to institutionalize the Malasakit Center and that centers be established, maintained and operated in all hospitals of the Department of Health, local government units [LGUs], Department of National Defense [DND] and State Universities and Colleges [SUCs],” said Villafuerte, deputy speaker for finance and Camarines Sur representative.

His version of the Malasakit Centers under his original proposal—House Bill 543—proposes to help poor patients shoulder their out-of-pocket payments for medical care and even non-medical expenses such as transport fare. Maricel V. Cruz

ARMY BEEFS UP RANKS, ENLISTS 5,300 THE Philippine Army will recruit more soldiers, apart from its 2019 quota of 5,300, as part of efforts to intensify the fight against rebels and terrorists.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the additional recruitment aims to augment the troops who will help the government deal with security threats and expand nation-building efforts.

“Anyone who wants to serve our people is welcome to join as long as the Army’s qualifications are met.

Qualified applicants will receive the same benefits during training and when they become part of the regular force,” Zagala said.

The move, he said, aims to capacitate the country’s forces against internal and external threats while promoting nationalism among Filipinos.

The newly opened slots are for both aspiring officers and enlisted personnel.

The minimum requirement for a candidate soldier is that he or she must be 18 years to 30 years old, a natural-born Filipino, single, without a child, and with a height of 5 ft. to 6 ft. 4 inches.

An aspiring applicant must also pass the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test, physical and medical examinations, and physical fitness test.

Those who are interested to apply may visit the Army recruitment centers in Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, and Taguig City. Applicants may also visit the nearest Army base in their localities for inquiries.

“We call on the best and the brightest to take this opportunity to be part of our nation-building efforts by serving the people and securing the land,” Zagala said. PNA

MISS EARTH TALENT TILT SET OCT. 10 IN MINDORO THE provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, city government of Calapan and Jolly Waves Waterpark & Resort will host the Miss Earth talent competition on Oct. 10, 2019.

Considered as the biggest event in Calapan in 2019, about 30 delegates from Miss Earth’s Fire Group will be performing at Jolly Waves to compete for the talent portion of the pageant.

Jolly Waves Waterpark & Resort is the biggest recreational facility in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and the MIMAROPA Region.

It features world-class amenities located in Barangay Sapul, Calapan City.

Produced by Carousel Productions Inc., the talent competition is a part of the 2019 Miss Earth pageant that culminates on Oct. 26, 2019 at Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum in Naga City.

Nguyễn Phương Khánh of Vietnam, the reigning Miss Earth 2018, will crown her successor at the end of the event.

The activity in Calapan starts with a motorcade of the candidates in Calapan City at 9 a.m. on Oct. 10.

The delegates will drop by the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Capitol and the Calapan City Hall, and then proceed to Jolly Waves Waterpark & Resort.

The talent competition starts at 4 p.m. where guests can watch the contestants up close from the wavepool area. A meet and greet of the candidates at Jolly Waves is slated around 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10.

Also performing is hip-hop prodigy Lirah who has recently launched her single “Sahod” which was written and produced by Gloc 9.

The evening pool party with Miss Earth candidates starts from 9 p.m. onwards.

Entrance tickets to the international event are available for P499 which includes open seating from 1 p.m. to 12 midnight. Private accommodations are available for rent.

For more information or advanced bookings, please contact Hilda Arago, Jolly Waves Sales Associate at telephone at 0928 5595527 or email sales@jollywaves.ph.

Prior to the talent competition, the Miss Earth delegates will have an ecotour of Misamis Oriental, one of the most scenic provinces in MIMAROPA, on Oct. 6 to 7.

Candidates from 80 countries are participating in the 19th edition of the international beauty pageant that promotes environmental awareness and various tourist destinations.

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PROTESTERS DEFY MASK BAN

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RO-DEMOCRACY protesters marched through Hong Kong in defiance of a ban on face masks as much of the city ground to a halt on Saturday with the subway suspended and swathes of shops and malls shuttered following another night of violence.

Hundreds of protesters, almost all masked, staged an unsanctioned march through the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay, a day after the city’s leader outlawed face coverings at protests invoking colonial-era emergency powers not used for half a century.

The latest act of resistance came after a night of widespread night of chaos as hardcore protesters trashed

dozens of subway stations vandalized shops with mainland China ties, built fires and blocked roads.

As the crowds were marching on Saturday, city leader Carrie Lam released a stony-faced video statement in which she condemned protesters for “a very dark night.”

“We cannot allow rioters any more to destroy our treasured Hong Kong,”

Lam said as she called on citizens to distance themselves form the more hardcore protesters.

But the march in Causeway Bay, which came despite the city-wide subway closure, showed protesters were still willing to defy the mask ban as they chanted “No rioters, only tyranny” and other popular slogans.

Hong Kong has been battered by four months of increasingly violent prodemocracy protests.

The rallies were ignited by a nowscrapped plan to allow extraditions to the mainland, which fueled fears of an erosion of liberties promised under the “one country, two systems” model China

uses for the finance hub.

After Beijing and local leaders took a hard line, the demonstrations snowballed into a wider movement calling for more democratic freedoms and police accountability.

Lam has refused any major concessions but struggled to come up with any political solution that might end the chaos, leaving police and demonstrators to fight increasingly violent battles as the city tips into recession.

Hong Kong witnessed its worst clashes to date on Tuesday as China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule, with a teenager shot and wounded by police as he attacked an officer. AFP

P800M FOR TEACHERS’ BONUS

By Maricel V. Cruz QUALIFIED public-school teachers are set to receive their P1,000 World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit, the chairman of the House committee on basic education and culture said over the weekend.

“The sum of P800 million meant to pay for the WTDIB of qualified public-school teachers is provided for and fully funded in this year’s General Appropriations Act,” Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said.

The Department of Education has already issued the guidelines for the payment of the incentive benefit, Romulo said.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto called on the DepEd and the Department of Budget and Management to hasten the creation of four new teaching positions with corresponding salary grades to close the large salary gap between Teacher III and Master Teacher I positions.

Recto said positions for Teacher IV, V, VI, and VII should be created with Salary Grades 14, 15, 16, 17, respectively, as currently there

is a P15,000 monthly pay and a four-salary grade gap between a Teacher III, who at SG13 earns P25,232 a month, and a Master Teacher I (SG 18, P40,637).

“Nearly 772,000 public teachers are faced with a career roadblock because of a curable problem in the DepEd plantilla system,” the senator said.

“Many are stranded for years, or even forever, in dead-end positions where promotion is delayed or impossible because of missing rungs in the DepEd career ladder,” he added.

The group Save the Children Philippines also hailed teachers for instilling values, shaping young minds and striving to ensure that learners reach their full potential.

Alberto Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children, said teachers significantly impact children’s growth and development.

“We salute the hard work, dedication and talents of our teachers who stand side by side with Save the Children Philippines to ensure that children continue to learn and develop,” said Muyot in a statement.

‘ABBEY ROAD’ ALBUM TOPS UK CHARTS ANEW CLASSIC Beatles album“Abbey Road”is back at number one in Britain half a century after its first release, with the band breaking their own record for the longest gap between stints at the top of the charts.

The band’s final studio album with its instantly recognizable zebra-crossing cover came out in September 1969, six days after John Lennon told his bandmates he was leaving the group.

It was the UK’s best-selling album for 17 weeks, and on Friday a special 50th-anniversary edition featuring unheard material took the top spot once again.

“It’s hard to believe that Abbey Road still holds up after all these years. But then again it’s a bloody cool album,” tweeted band member Paul McCartney.

With 49 years and 252 days since its last reign, the album has had the longest gap between UK number ones—a record previously held by the Fab Four’s “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

Two years ago, a 50th-anniversary edition of “Sgt. Pepper,” which Rolling Stone magazine has named the greatest album of all time, topped the charts again after 49 years and 125 days. AFP

HARRY SUES TABLOIDS OVER PHONE HACKING

A composite photo of the different masks worn by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. AFP

PRINCE Harry has launched legal action against two British tabloid newspaper publishers, they confirmed Friday, over alleged phone hacking— just days after he condemned the press for critical coverage of his wife.

Harry, 35, extended his campaign against the tabloids with fresh action after suing another newspaper for alleged invasion of privacy.

Reports said the new claims concerned phone hacking allegations.

“We can confirm that a claim has been issued by the Duke of Sussex,” News Group Newspapers, which publishes The Sun daily and the now-defunct News of the World, said in a statement.

“We have no further comment to make at the current time,” it added.

A source at the Daily Mirror newspaper’s publishers Reach told AFP they were aware that proceedings had been issued but they had not yet received them. AFP

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A CLIMATE CHANGE: AN UNSTOPPABLE MOVEMENT TAKES HOLD

EDITORIAL

GOING SOONER

H

EARINGS at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the irregular—to put it mildly—activities at the Bureau of Corrections have expanded their scope.

No longer is the probe just about the grant of Good Conduct Time Allowance to prisoners, whether or not they had been convicted of heinous crimes. Allegations of privileges for sale, including hospital stays, comfortable living arrangements and prostitution are no longer new to the public.

This week, however, we heard about yet another racket, perpetuated by the members of the Philippine National Police. Socalled ninja cops recycle the illegal drugs they confiscate, and then make them available for circulation

through the network of detained drug lords—all for lucrative personal gain, of course. The scheme is known as “agaw-bato.”

We also learned in the hearings that six years ago one such operation happened during a shabu raid in Mexico town in Pampanga. At that time, the police head for the province was Oscar Albayalde, who today is chief of the PNP. Some 13 cops were accused of making money from the seized 160 kilograms of shabu—worth around P648 million—and they were all under

Albayalde’s command at that time. The cops also arrested one Johnson Lee, but they allegedly set him free and presented another Chinese, for another P50 million.

Witnesses including Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino and former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group head, now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, testified that Albayalde took unusual interest in the ensuing investigation, doing more than inquire about the status of the probe. In 2014, the cops were ordered dismissed. But Aquino said Albayalde called him to ask that he not carry out the dismissal.

This leaves Albayalde in a sorry predicament just a few weeks before his retirement. If Magalong and Aquino are telling the truth,

this is a predicament only the PNP chief has brought upon himself.

It is clear to the rest of us what Albayalde should do—reign his post and cooperate in a full investigation into the allegations.

Clinging to his job while living under a cloud of doubt will not help the PNP any, nor boost its image of being an institution that protects its people and leads the fight against drugs and corruption. It’s a blot on the record of an administration that claims to be committed to fighting these twin evils.

Albayalde would not have long to cling to his job—he retires in November—if he does decide to cling. It will however show, at best, a weak, uninspiring leadership at a time when Philippine cops are desperate for somebody to truly look up to.

By António Guterres ON THE eve of the September UN Climate Action Summit, young women and men around the world mobilized by the millions and told global leaders: “You are failing us.”

They are right.

Global emissions are increasing. Temperatures are rising. The consequences for oceans, forests, weather patterns, biodiversity, food production, water, jobs and, ultimately, lives, are already dire—and set to get much worse.

The science is undeniable. But in many places, people don’t need a chart or graph to understand the climate crisis. They can simply look out the window.

Climate chaos is playing out in real time from California to the Caribbean, and from Africa to the Arctic and beyond. Those who contributed least to the problem are suffering the most.

I have seen it with my own eyes from cyclone-battered Mozambique to the hurricane-devastated Bahamas to the rising seas of the South Pacific.

I called the Climate Action Summit to serve as a springboard to set us on the right path ahead of crucial 2020 deadlines established by the Paris Agreement on climate change.

And many leaders—from many countries and sectors—stepped up.

A broad coalition—not just governments and youth, but businesses, cities, investors and civil society—came together to move in the direction our world so desperately needs to avert climate catastrophe.

More than 70 countries committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, even if major emitters have not yet done so. More than 100 cities did the same, including several of the world’s largest.

At least 70 countries announced their intention to boost their national plans by 2020, under the Paris Agreement.

Small Island States together committed to achieve carbon neutrality and to move to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

Countries from Pakistan to Guatemala, Colombia to Nigeria, New Zealand to Barbados vowed to plant more than 11 billion trees.

More than 100 leaders in the private sector committed to accelerating their move into the green economy.

A group of the world’s largest assetowners—responsible for directing more than $2 trillion—pledged to move to carbonneutral investment portfolios by 2050.

This is in addition to a recent call by asset managers representing nearly half the world’s invested capital—some $34 trillion—for global leaders to put a meaningful price on carbon and phase out fossil fuel subsidies and thermal coal power worldwide.The International Development Finance Club pledged to mobilize $1 trillion in clean energy funding by 2025 in 20 least developed countries.

One-third of the global banking sector signed up to align their businesses with the Paris agreement objectives and Sustainable Development Goals.

The Summit also showcased ways in which cities and global industries like shipping can achieve major reductions in emissions.

Initiatives to protect forests and safeguard water supplies were also highlighted.

These steps are all important—but they are not sufficient.

From the beginning, the Summit was designed to jolt the world and accelerate action on a wider scale. It also served as a global stage for hard truths and to shine a light on those who are leading and those who are not. Deniers or major emitters have nowhere to hide.

I will continue to encourage them to do much more at home and drive green economic solutions around the world.

Our planet needs action on a truly planetary scale. That cannot be achieved overnight, and it cannot happen without the full engagement of those contributing most to the crisis.

If our world is to avoid the climate cliff, far more is needed to heed the call of science and cut greenhouse emissions by 45 percent by 2030; reach carbon neutrality by 2050; and limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees by the end of the century. That’s how we can secure the future of our world.

Too many countries still seem to be addicted to coal—even though cheaper, greener options are available already. We need much more progress on carbon pricing, ensuring no new coal plants by 2020, and ending trillions of dollars in giveaways of hard-earned taxpayers’ money to a dying fossil fuel industry to boost hurricanes, spread tropical diseases, and heighten conflict.

At the same time, developed countries must fulfill their commitment to provide $100 billion a year from public and private sources by 2020 for mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.

And I will make sure that the commitments that countries, the private sector and local authorities have made are accounted for —starting in December at the UN Climate conference in Santiago, Chile. The UN is united in support of realizing these initiatives.

Climate change is the defining issue of our time.

Science tells us that on our current path, we face at least 3 degrees Celsius of global heating by the end of the century. I will not be there, but my granddaughters will.

I refuse to be an accomplice in the destruction of their one and only home.

Young people, the UN, and a growing number of leaders from business, finance, government, and civil society—in short, many of us—are mobilizing and acting.

But we need many others to take climate action if we are to succeed.

We have a long way to go. But the movement has begun.

EQUINOX VS. EQUILUX—WHEN ARE DAY AND NIGHT REALLY EQUAL?

LAST Sept. 23, the world experienced its second equinox of the year. The first one happened on March 21.

“Equinox” comes from Latin words aequi, which means equal, and nox, which means night. Put together, they can be taken to mean “equal night.” Because of this, most people think that equinox is the time of the year when daytime and nighttime are exactly equal in length (12 hours each). However, this is not the case.

The time of the year when daytime and nighttime are equal is a different day called the equilux.

There are two ways to view equinox.

One is from outer space, and the other one is from our view in the ground.

Viewed from space, equinox is the time of the year when the Earth’s axis is tilted perpendicular to the Sun. What this means is that during equinox, the axis of the Earth is neither tilted away from or towards the Sun. This is due to the tilt of the Earth’s

axis. Compared to its path around the Sun, the Earth’s axis tilts at approximately 23.5 degrees.

This means that for half of the year, the north direction of the axis is tilted toward the Sun. During the remaining half, it is tilted away from the Sun. The two equinox days are the transition days between these two halves of the Earth’s path around the Sun. The tilt of the planet’s axis is the reason why the Earth experiences seasons. Different parts of the world get different amounts of sunlight during different times of the year.

Viewed from the ground, equinox is the time of the year when the Sun rises exactly east and sets exactly west. Given this, it is natural to expect that this is also the time of the year when day and night are exactly equal. However, there are several factors why daytime is actually longer than nighttime during equinox.

One reason why day is longer than night during equinox is the shape of the Sun. As seen in the sky, the Sun is not a dot or a point. Instead, it is a disk or a circle. This means that even if the center of the Sun spends 12 hours in the sky, the rest of the Sun is visible for more than that.

Imagine the Sun as a disk in the sky.

If the center of that disk is just rising above the horizon, that means half of it is already above the horizon for some time. Meanwhile, if the center of that disk is setting below the horizon, the remaining half is still above the horizon.

Another important factor is the presence of the Earth’s atmosphere. The gas that surrounds the Earth acts as a prism that bends light coming from outer space, similar to how water bends incoming rays of light.

Because of this bending of sunlight, the Sun can appear in the sky even though it actually is below the horizon! This happens both before sunrise and after sunset.

The Earth’s atmosphere also scatters the light coming from the Sun. This happens because tiny particles in the atmosphere are able to make sunlight bounce around. This is one of the reasons why there is twilight, which is that time of the night when the Sun has already set (or is yet to rise), but there is still some sunlight in the sky.

So, if equinox is not the time of the year when day and night are exactly equal, when are day and night equal then? In other words, when does equilux happen?

The answer is a lot more compli-

cated than for equinox. Equinox happens at the same time throughout the whole Earth. Meanwhile, equilux depends on location.

When equilux happens also depends on a lot of other factors, including the presence of mountains which can make sunset come earlier and sunrise come later.

In the northern hemisphere, equilux occurs before the March equinox and after the September equinox. In Manila, equilux happened on March 12 and Oct. 2 of this year. Meanwhile in Cebu City, equilux happened on March 9 and Oct. 5.

For comparison, Tokyo experienced equilux on March 17 and Sept. 27.

In Sydney, which is in the southern hemisphere, experienced it on March 24 and Sept. 20.

Places close enough to the equator may not experience equilux at all. For example, the days in Singapore are always longer than the nights.

By the end of next week, most of the Philippines will have experienced equilux. (Davao City, for example, will have experienced it on Oct. 11.) From then on, the progressively shorter days will follow us all the way through the Christmas season many of us look forward to.

António Guterres is Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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N. KOREA, US RESUME TALKS ON NUCLEAR MISSILE LAUNCH STOCKHOLM, Sweden—North Korean and US officials on Saturday were set to resume nuclear talks in Stockholm after months of deadlock and Pyongyang’s defiant test of a sealaunched ballistic missile this week.

North Korea’s Kim Myong Gil and Stephen Biegun, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, are part of the teams at an island off Stockholm.

The first cars with tinted windows started arriving just after 9:00 am (0700 GMT).

North Korea frequently couples diplomatic overtures with military moves as a way of maintaining pressure on negotiating partners, analysts say, and many believe this weapons system gives it added leverage.

Pyongyang tested what it called a “super-large” rocket on Wednesday just hours after it said it was willing to resume working-level talks with Washington.

Similar-level talks on North Korea’s nuclear disarmament were held in Stockholm in March 2018 and then in January this year.

Kim Myong Gil said he was “optimistic” about the talks, speaking in Beijing on his way to the Swedish capital.

Washington has been eagerly awaiting a resumption of the dialogue, which has virtually stalled after a Hanoi meeting in late February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea claimed to have entered a new phase in its defence capability with Wednesday’s test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile -- the most provocative since Pyongyang began a dialogue with Washington in 2018.

The Pentagon said Thursday the missile seems to have been launched from a “sea-based platform” and not a submarine.

Trump has said he sees no problem with a string of short-range rocket tests conducted previously by North Korea, while insisting his personal ties with the North’s leader remain good. AFP

AFTER RANT, THAI JUDGE SHOOTS SELF IN COURT BANGKOK—A Thai judge shot himself in the chest in front of a packed court after acquitting several murder suspects and decrying the kingdom’s judicial system in an impassioned speech broadcast on Facebook Live.

Critics say Thailand’s courts often work in favour of the rich and powerful, while delivering swift and harsh sentences on ordinary people for minor offences.

But it is virtually unheard of for judges to criticise the system.

Kanakorn Pianchana, a judge at Yala court in the heart of the insurgency-battered Thai south, was delivering the verdict for five Muslim suspects in a gun murder case on Friday afternoon.

He acquitted the group, delivered a courtroom plea for a cleaner justice system, before pulling out a handgun and shooting himself in the chest.

“You need clear and credible evidence to punish someone. So if you’re not sure, don’t punish them,” the judge said addressing the court and broadcasting his words on his phone on Facebook live.

“I’m not saying that the five defendants didn’t commit the crimes, they might have done so...

“But the judicial process needs to be transparent and credible... punishing wrong people makes them scapegoats.”

The Facebook feed then cut, but witnesses said Kanakorn recited a legal oath in front of the former Thai king’s portrait, before shooting himself in the chest.

“He is being treated by the doctors and is out of danger,” Suriyan Hongvilai, the spokesman of the Office of the Judiciary, told AFP on Saturday.

“He shot himself because of ‘personal stress’. But the cause behind the stress is not clear and will be investigated,” he said.

No Thai judge has ever breached protocol by making similar statements on the wider justice system, he added. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

WHITE HOUSE PRESSURED OVER UKRAINE DOCUMENTS

W

ASHINGTON— Democratic lawmakers on Friday demanded that the White House turn over documents related to allegations that President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine for political favors, as the explosive impeachment investigation against the US leader intensified.

The congressional committees leading the probe cranked up the heat on the White House as evidence mounted that Trump illicitly used his office to enlist Ukraine President Volodymyr

Zelensky’s help to damage 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden, in exchange for military aid.

“The White House has refused to engage with -- or even respond to -- multiple requests for documents,” the Democratic chairmen of the House oversight, intelligence and foreign affairs committees said.

“His actions have left us with no choice but to issue this subpoena.”

In their letter to acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, the committees demanded that he turn over the requested files by October 18.

The subpoena followed a demand earlier Friday for documents from Vice President Mike Pence.

The investigators pointed to Pence’s knowledge of Trump’s calls to Zelensky and his own meeting on September 1 with the Ukraine leader, as well as

discussions he may have had with Trump and US diplomats about Ukraine and obtaining political dirt on Biden.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo failed to meet a Friday subpoena deadline to turn in Ukrainerelated documents, CNN reported, citing a House Foreign Affairs committee aide.

New insight into Trump’s Ukraine involvement might be forthcoming from a potential second whistleblower with more direct information than the US intelligence community member who broke open the scandal two weeks ago, the New York Times reported late Friday.

Intelligence community Inspector General Michael Atkinson has already interviewed the second official as part of his work corroborating the original whistleblower’s story, it said, citing two sources who said the individual was still weighing whether to file a complaint. AFP

2 AUSSIE BLOGGERS HELD IN IRAN SENT HOME

ECUADOR RIOT. A demonstrator clashes with riot police during a transport strike against the economic policies of the government of Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno regarding the agreement signed on March with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in Quito, on October 3. The Ecuadorean government confirmed possible labour and tax reforms as established in the agreement, Economy Minister Richard Martinez stated, a day after announcing the elimination of fuel subsidies. AFP

RADIOACTIVE WATER BIG PROBLEM AT FUKUSHIMA FUKUSHIMA, Japan—In the grounds of the ravaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant sits a million-tonne headache for the plant’s operators and Japan’s government: tank after tank of water contaminated with radioactive elements.

What to do with the enormous amount of water, which grows by around 150 tonnes a day, is a thorny question, with controversy surrounding a long-standing proposal to discharge it into the sea, after extensive decontamination.

The water comes from several different sources: some is used for cooling at the plant, which suffered a meltdown after it was hit by a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake in March 2011.

Groundwater that seeps into the plant daily, along with rainwater, add to the problem.

A thousand, towering tanks have now replaced many of the cherry trees that once dotted the plant’s ground.

Each can hold 1,200 tonnes, and most of them are already full.

“We will build more on the site until the end of 2020, and we think all the tanks will be full by around the summer of 2022,” said Junichi Matsumoto, an official with the unit of plant operator TEPCO in charge of dismantling the site.

TEPCO has been struggling with the problem for years, taking various measures to limit the amount of

groundwater entering the site.

There is also an extensive pumping and filtration system, that each day brings up tonnes of newly contaminated water and filters out as many of the radioactive elements as possible.

The hangar where the decontamination system runs is designated “Zone Y”—a danger zone requiring special protections.

All those entering must wear elaborate protection: a full body suit, three layers of socks, three layers of gloves, a double cap topped by a helmet, a vest with a pocket carrying a dosimeter, a full-face respirator mask and special shoes.

Most of the outfit has to burned after use.

“The machinery filters contain radionuclides, so you have to be very protected here, just like with the buildings where the reactors are,” explained TEPCO risk communicator Katsutoshi Oyama.

TEPCO has been filtering newly contaminated water for years, but much of it needs to go through the process again because early versions of the filtration process did not fully remove some dangerous radioactive elements, including strontium 90.

The current process is more effective, removing or reducing around 60 radionuclides to levels accepted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for water being discharged. AFP

SYDNEY—An Australian travelblogging couple detained in Iran on spying charges have been released and returned home, Canberra said Saturday, amid reports that an Iranian student has been been freed in Australia and flown back to Tehran.

Perth-based Jolie King and Mark Firkin had been documenting their journey from Australia to Britain on social media for the past two years, but went silent after posting updates from Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan about three months ago.

The pair, who have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, were alleged to have used a drone to take pictures of “military sites and forbidden areas”, an Iranian judiciary spokesman said last month.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said they were released after “very sensitive negotiations” and had been reunited with their family in Australia.

“We are extremely happy and relieved to be safely back in Australia with those we love,” the couple said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Canberra.

“While the past few months have been very difficult, we know it has also been tough for those back home who have been worried for us.”

Hours later, state media in Tehran reported that an Iranian student held in Australia for 13 months on accusations of circumventing US sanctions on military equipment had also been released and returned home.

Reza Dehbashi, a PhD student at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, had been detained on allegations of “attempting to purchase and transfer advanced American military radar equipment via Dubai to Iran”, Iranian state television said on its website.

It said Dehbashi had been working on a “skin cancer detection device” at the time of his arrest and had dismissed the charges as “a misunderstanding” and “unfair”. AFP

BAGHDAD CURFEW LIFTED; IRAQ ON ALERT FOR NEW PROTESTS BAGHDAD—The Iraq government lifted the daytime curfew in Baghdad on Saturday but access roads to major squares remained blocked for fear of further deadly protests, AFP correspondents reported.

The death toll from mass protests in Baghdad and cities across southern Iraq rose to 73 as the unrest entered its fifth day, parliament’s human rights commission said.

More than 3,000 people have also been wounded since the protests against chronic unemployment, poor public services and widespread corruption erupted in the capital on Tuesday, the commission said.

A total of 540 demonstrators have been arrested, of whom nearly 200 remain in custody, the panel added.

Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi ordered the curfew in the capital lift-

ed from 5 am (0200 GMT) although an internet blackout remained in force.

Shoppers trickled back onto the streets to buy vegetables and other perishable goods the price of which had doubled since the deadly protests started.

Municipal street cleaners set about clearing the detritus of the four days of running clashes between protesters and riot police, which has seen breeze blocks and burning tyres strewn across major thoroughfares.

Riot police blocked traffic between Tahrir (Liberation) Square and other gathering points as authorities waited to see whether a call from firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr for the government to quit would bring his supporters out on to the streets. AFP

SCARY. A devotee dressed as the Hindu deity Maha Kali performs during Navratri festival celebrations in Ajmer in Rajasthan state on October 3. AFP

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SOFT BREEZE.

A gust of wind lifts the cassock of Pope Francis during the weekly general audience on Oct. 2 at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. AFP

TRAGEDY. Six fishing workers from Indonesia and the Philippines were killed after a bridge collapsed in

Taiwan, smashing onto fishing boats moored underneath. Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment the 140-meter long single-arch bridge came crashing down early on Tuesday morning in Nanfangao, on Taiwan’s east coast. AFP

S O T PHOF THE O EEK W DOWN, BUT NOT OUT.

A demonstrator is detained by police during clashes in the Wanchai district in Hong Kong on Oct. 1 as the city observes the National Day holiday to mark the 70th anniversary of communist China’s founding.

Strife torn Hong Kong marked the anniversary with defiant ‘Day of Grief’ protests and fresh clashes with police as pro-democracy activists ignored a ban and took to the streets across the city. AFP

REMEMBRANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in central Moscow on Oct. 4 as part of his official visit to Russia. AFP

GREEN BEAUTY.

Miss Earth candidate Caro Van Gorp of Belgium holds a placard with an environment theme during a press presentation of Miss Earth candidates at a hotel in Manila on Oct. 2. Around 85 candidates from around the globe will vie for the Miss Earth 2019 crown on Oct. 26 in Naga, south of Manila. AFP

PINK OCTOBER. A picture taken on Oct. 1 shows the Eiffel Tower illuminated in pink to mark the start of October Rose or Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Paris. AFP

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Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

PH BOXERS CONFIDENT, BUT WON’T COMMIT TO SWEEP

T

HE Philippines stands a good chance of winning the overall championship of the 30th Southeast Asian Games boxing competitions, but Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary-General Ed Picson would rather show guarded optimism than proclaim total dominance of the hosts.

“We’re in a very good place, what with the hometown crowd behind us and our boxers peaking just in time,” said Picson.

“Lahat naman ng boxers natin capable of winning, but a lot of factors have to be considered,” added the boxing official, who quashed the notion that the team will be shooting for a sweep of the 13 gold medals at stake.

“I won’t stick my neck out and say anything close to that (sweep).

You have to consider many things, like the luck of the draw or kapag natapat ka sa mga mabibigat,” said Picson.

Heading the boxing team are World Championship and two-time SEA Games gold medalist Eumir Felix Marcial (middleweight, 75 kg), who claimed the second ranking in the world at the Championships held in Ekaterinburg, Russia in midSeptember; and John Tupas-Marvin (light heavyweight, 81 kg), who will be shooting for his second straight SEA Games gold.

Also in the line up are Carlo Paalam (light flyweight, 49 kg), Rogen Ladon (flyweight, 52 kg), Ian Clark Bautista (bantamweight, 56 kg) , Charly Suarez (lightweight, 60 kg), James Palicte (light welterweight, 64 kg) and Joel Bacho (welterweight, 69 kg).

In the distaff side will be Josie Gabuco (light flyweight, 48 kg), Irish Magno (flyweight, 48 kg), Aira Villegas (bantamweight, 54 kg), Nesthy

The MVP Sports Foundation headed by chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, center, and president Al S. Panlilio, 5th from right, present a check for P500,000 to Eumir Felix Marcial, 5th from left, for his silver medal finish in the middleweight division of the AIBA World Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia recently. Also in photo, from left, are: Art Aro (MVPSF), Elite men head coach Ronald Chavez, ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson, ABAP president Ricky Vargas, ABAP coaching consultant Don Abnett, coach Roel Velasco, MVPSF executive director Ryan Gregorio and Maita David.

Petecio (featherweight, 57 kg) and Risa Pasuit (lightweight, 60 kg).

While Picson has shown guarded optimism, he nevertheless is proud of ABAP’s SEAG roster, the members of which will embark on a final training camp in the first week of November in Australia.

After that camp, Picson expects his team to peak just in time for the boxing competitions that begin Dec. 4 at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum in Manila.

“Our boxers are always a source of gold medals in the Philippines’ SEA Games campaigns,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez said.

“We are banking on our pugilists once again to help lift our bid in the 30th edition of the Games.

The PSC has always been supportive not only of our boxers but the rest of the national athletes. The agency did its best to provide them support for these Games and the next competitions they are scheduled to take part in.” Ramirez said.

The Philippines won 2 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals as a runner-up to Thailand (2-3-1) during the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

“The Thais have always been a threat. They are our toughest competition. Fact is, marami silang tinanggal sa team nila.

Majority of their boxers are relatively newbies, those who have been fighting for two to three years. But this (fielding a young team) could go either way,” said Picson, who however, pointed to the fact that the Philippines placed no.

7 out of 78 nations in the AIBA World Boxing Championships, where the Thais failed to win a single medal.

Eumir Marcial

LASCUÑA CRUISES TO 3-SHOT APO VICTORY TONY Lascuña bucked a day-long threat from Keanu Jahns then matched the Fil-German’s fiery finish to card a 69, clinch the ICTSI Apo Golf Invitational crown by three and complete a back-to-back triumphant campaign in Taiwan last week and in Davao yesterday.

Seven strokes behind Lascuña after 54 holes, Jahns mounted a fiery charge at the front of the Apo layout with five birdies in a flight ahead and moved within two with a spectacular chip-in birdie from 15 yards on No. 16, which the ace Davaoeño shotmaker however matched to all but secure the championship in the P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI. “I played cautiously and meticulously all throughout but when I saw that he (Jahns) threatened within two, I told myself that I needed to birdie the 16th...and I did,” said Lascuña after completing the wire-to-wire victory with a 13-under 275 total worth P550,000, the check of which he received from Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. executive director Narlene Soriano along with the glass trophy.

The victory came on the heels of his nervewracking triumph in Taiwan where he had to scramble at the finish to hold off a pair of Thais and a young Taiwanese star with his latest feat heralding the return of the former three-time Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion to the PGT ladder fol-

Tony Lascuna hoists his first PGT trophy since winning at Forest Hills in 2017

lowing a two-year winless campaign.

“I was actually in doubt whether I could win again on the PGT with the young guns starting to dominate. But I knew that I still have the desire and fire to go for this kind of victories,” said Lascuña,

who last won a local tournament at Forest Hills in 2017 and will only have a couple of days rest before preparing for the inaugural ICTSI South Pacific Classic at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates, also in Davao this Wednesday (Oct. 9).

“I tried to chase him but my effort fell short. He’s so good,” said Jahns, whose 65 matched Lascuña’s opening charge and whose 278 total netted him P370,000.

Nilo Salahog closed out with a 71 to finish third at 282 while reigning Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla and Cebu leg winner Dutch Guido Van der Valk also turned in a pair of one-under par cards for joint fourth at 284.

As Lascuña looked forward to a trouble-free round, the 24-year-old Jahns sizzled early with four birdies in the first five holes, including three straight from No. 3 and capped his frontside charge with another birdie on the ninth for that 31.

In a flight behind, Lascuña just went through the motions after opening with a birdie from close range, settling for pars in the next 14 holes but buckled down to work again when Jahns, who lost The Country Club Invitational crown by just one to young Korean Tom Kim last April, rebounded from a bogey miscue on No. 11 with birdies on Nos. 13 and 16 to threaten within two.

CUSTODIO, CABATIT RULE PLARIDEL GOLF CUP

MAJOR Wilvin Custodio and Kim Cabatit and Manila Water Company.

Nel Lacson—longest drive; and Ysmael romped off with top honors at the recent Media partners are Manila Standard, Bergado—nearest to the pin.

5th Plaridel Golf Cup at the Camp Agui- Manila Bulletin and Manila Times.

The Plaridel Golf Cup is an annual sports naldo golf course where media golfers and Other special category winners are: event of the Association of Philippine Journalguests jostled for prizes and giveaways.

Maj. Custodio—most accurate drive; Maj. ists—Samahang Plaridel Foundation Inc. Major Custodio from the office of Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana emerged Low Gross Champion while Cabatit of the Manila Times was Low Net Champion.

Other winners include: Class A— champion Ruben Figueroa, runner-up Mel Bergado; Class B—champion Nel Lacson, runner-up Edward Madlambayan; Class C—champion Joel Lacsamana, runner-up Rey Eñano.

The 5th Plaridel Cup was sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, First Orient International Ventures Corp., Sogo Hotels, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Steel Asia, Ayala Land, Globe Telecommunications, Reyes Haircutters, Philippine Amusement and Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of the 2nd Dist.-Surigao del Norte (left photo) opens Gaming Corp., GMA Network, ABS-CBN, the 5th Plaridel Golf Cup at the Aguinaldo Golf Club last Oct. 4, 2019, while right Sen. Cynthia Villar, SL Agritech Corp. (Doña photo shows tournament winners, led by Major Wilvin Custodio (3rd from left) Maria rice), City of Dreams, Asia Brewery and Kim Cabatit (4th from right), with their trophies.

SANTE FITNESS LAB GIVES BOOST TO OBSTACLE COURSE RACING

By Peter Atencio IMUS, Cavite--The growth of obstacle course racing in the last two years has compelled supporters and sponsors of the sport to put up a fitness center.

And this is what Sante Fitness Lab offers to both beginners and elite athletes, who are into the sport.

“Whether you are a beginner or an elite athlete, we would like to help you better and meet your goals,” said Lekk Llanos, marketing officer of Sante Fitness Lab during its launch last Friday.

Llanos addressed a group of athletes who have taken interest in the sport and introduced them to facilities that are now available inside the Vermosa Sports Hub. Sante Fitness Lab offers holistic training programs, aside from recovery and rehabilitation facilities for athletes.

During its launch, a contest was held among enthusiasts who are with clubs like Sante Barley OCR, SGS Kalabaw, South Strong and Decathlong Dasmarinas.

Sante coach JJ Ogacion took note of the growth of the sport following a big turnout during its launch.

“Nakakagulat. I came from a running and triathlon background, the growth of the sport was fast in the last two years,” said Ogacion.

The new facility is the latest to be added inside the Vermosa Sports Hubs, which has expanded to include sports developments from other disciplines as well.

Aside from athletics two years ago, they have added swimming, triathlon and mixed martial arts classes, as well.

The hub also features a recovery and sports rehab center, which caters to sports injuries.

It also has a performance testing center, geared towards measuring and analyzing specific factors to accurately determine the right program for individuals.

PETROGAZZ TURNS BACK PACIFIC TOWN Games today (Filoil Flying V Center, San Juan) 2 p.m. – Air Force vs BaliPure 4 p.m. – Chef’s Classics vs BanKo-Perlas

PETROGAZZ lost its momentum but recovered big-time to repulse PacificTown-Army, 25-15, 20-25, 14-25, 2513, 15-7, and close in on the second semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the packed University of San Agustin gym in Iloilo yesterday.

Cai Baloaloa fired back-to-back aces midway in the decider to stop the Lady Troopers’ rally then Cherry Nunag came through with two quick hits to put the Angels beyond reach on their way to their eighth straight victory and ninth overall against two defeats.

The loss dropped the Lady Troopers to 6-6, further tightening the race for the last two berths in post-season play of the centerpiece conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

PetroGazz’s victory likewise paved the way for Creamline, unbeaten in 11 games, to secure the first semis seat even in the event the Cool Smashers dropped their last five matches, including against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans being played at presstime.

PacificTown-Army fought back strong from a first set setback by taking the next two frames in emphatic fashions but failed to finish off PetroGazz in the fourth that saw the Angels put their act together and dominate with their superb attacking game and blocking.

PetroGazz took five of the first six points in the decider and when the Lady Troopers countered with three straight hits to pull within one, the Angels went to Nunag, who scored on an easy hit on Army’s poor return then Baloaloa pounced on their rivals’ sloppy service reception to score two aces.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019

Business

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

‘TELECOMMUTING’ SEEN AS VIABLE WORK MODEL

By Othel V. Campos

T

ELECOMMUTING or the work-from-home arrangement is now seen as a viable business/work model amid the worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila.

While many multinational companies have long adapted telecommuting, the question many employers and employees ask is if Philippine companies are ready to embrace this setup.

Work-from-home was an industry practice long before its popularity prompted the creation of Republic Act No. 11165 or the Telecommuting Act in the Philippines.

“Telecommuting refers to working from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunications and/or computer technologies. Many workers welcome this development as it eliminates travel time and costs, which has significantly increased due to the worsening traffic conditions in major cities in the country,” said P&A Grant Thornton chairperson and chief executive Maria Victoria Españo.

The law, however, provides that telecommuting is subject to the discretion of the employer.

An employer in the private sector may offer a telecommuting program to its employees on a voluntary basis and upon such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree upon.

Españo believes that telecommuting is one way employers can attract and retain premier talent, reduce overhead expenses and increase productivity.

Citing cases when the travel time between the work place and home is becoming a major consideration whether to apply for employment with a company, some employees cross out job opportunities that will require more than an hour’s commute, according to Españo.

She said that by offering a work-from-home arrangement, employers may be able to recruit good potential candidates to join them while eliminating the daily commute can be a reason for them to stay for the long term.

This can also be more productive as employees do not have the distractions or hectic pace of an office environment. At the same time, it saves employers money in office expenses, such as office supplies, furniture, equipment, coffee and janitorial services.

For employees, telecommuting allows them to save on expenses such as fuel, parking fees, vehicle maintenance, public transport fare, dining out and clothing purchases.

In transitioning to telecommuting as a business model, Españo said an employer should first assess whether a telecommuting arrangement is suitable for its operations.

For instance, if the company deals with numerous customers who require face-to-face interaction, telecommuting may not work, unless it has a good number of client-facing employees which will allow rotation of assignments.

The work performed by employees and current manpower resources should also be reviewed.

Assuming the company is able to identify the work activities where telecommuting arrangements may be applicable, there are several considerations that must be taken into account and appropriate planning must be made to address them before introducing the practice, said Españo.

“The essence of telecommuting is that the work can be performed by the employee even if he is not in the office premises. Thus, the assumption is

P&A Grant Thornton chairperson and CEO Maria Victoria Españo

that he has access to the same resources that he would have if he was in the office. For example, companies invest in stable, high-speed internet to ensure seamless operations. Employees at home offices may not have the resources for that and, thus, a discussion on who will bear the cost of these resources must take place,” Españo said.

If telecommuting is allowed, the company must address the risks created by allowing its employees to bring out with them the company files. The place where the employees work may also have to be defined—are they working in a coffee shop or a restaurant in a mall where their files can be seen by other people? Are they accessing a secured internet line?

Companies must ensure that potential vulnerabilities to cybersecurity and data privacy are addressed before they are allowed access to company systems, she said.

In most cases, telecommuting works for employee activities that do not require constant supervision. Their output will be measured by work they are expected to complete like a report or similar deliverables that must be submitted by a certain date.

While they are not in the office, companies must still be able to supervise their work to ensure that their deliverables are timely submitted and the expected quality of output is adequately met.

A system of monitoring and reporting must be established, she said.

“Notably, the law raises a challenge to employers when it provided that telecommuting employees must be given overtime and night shift differential. It will be quite difficult for the employer to know if the employee worked for more than the standard work hours during the day, having no knowledge of the time he started

and ended his work,” Españo said.

“It will also be difficult to know if he stopped working during certain hours of the day and continued working in the evening. Employers must set up a system to monitor working hours, based on verifiable metrics other than time report cards or observance of actual physical presence,” she said.

Another important factor that needs to be considered is the interaction among the telecommuting employees, those who are in the office and the company itself. It is the company’s role to provide communication when working remotely, to acquire the knowledge needed or as a means to troubleshoot a problem or situation.

For employees covered by telecommuting arrangement, in general, their performance will be measured not by the number of hours that they are in the office but the timeliness and quality of their output. A performance management and rating system focusing on these factors, rather than punctuality or attendance, will support positive behavior.

“A caution though, RA 11165 requires that the telecommuting employees must have the same performance standards as those working in the office. To meet this legal requirement, a review of the performance management for all employees must be undertaken,” Españo said.

She said the passage of the Telecommuting Act is a welcome development in the Philippines, but employers and employees must consider both the pros and cons of the arrangement and appropriately plan for it.

“For a start, it may be good for them to begin with a small group of employees, measure productivity, and then roll out on a larger scale when ready,” Españo said.

HP BULLISH ON LOCAL PRINTER MARKET

By Darwin G. Amojelar HP PHILIPPINES, the local unit of USbased HP Inc., is optimistic about the Philippine market with the launching of two brand-new printers, targeting small and medium enterprises.

HP unveiled the new additions to its print portfolio—HP OfficeJet Pro, HP Laser and HP Smart Tank-- which have new print innovations that suit the work styles of small and medium businesses.

“The Philippines is one of the big markets for ink tank printer and we are launching 20 products,” Parikset Sing Tomar, vice president Home Printing Solutions HP PPS Asia Pacific and Japan, said.

“We understood the need of the Philippine market,” he said.

HP offers a comprehensive line-up of printers designed not only to keep up with today’s demand for further productivity and efficiency, but also to set the pace and make sure businesses are equipped with the right tools to help them grow.

Ultimately, through the power of connectivity and worry-less yet lowcost maintenance, these devices help enable SMB workers to find the right balance between work and other aspects of their lives.

The new print innovations from HP all work with HP Smart App, from easy setup to effortless printing from your mobile device, tablet, laptop or smartphone.

The HP Smart App also offers access to HP Smart Task, which allows you to save time by digitizing and organizing all your business documents with just one command.

For small home offices and start-ups like boutique designers, home bakers and online sellers., HP Smart Task makes easy work of printing receipts or presentations with just three simple clicks. HP Smart App can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android.

HP Neverstop Laser Printer series is HP’s first toner tank that lets users get up to 5,000 pages right out of the box before the first toner reload. It can print high volumes of up to 3.5 times more pages than in-class HP lasers without interruption.

Users can quickly and easily restore toner levels in 15 seconds through its revolutionary toner reload kit designed to quickly restore toner levels without mess.

The printer also delivers up to 85 percent savings on original HP Toner cartridge costs. The HP Neverstop Laser lineup includes single-function HP Neverstop Laser 1000a and 1000w, and multi-function HP Neverstop Laser 1200a and 1200w.

HP OfficeJet Pro Series, which includes the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020, 9010 and 8020 All-in-one printers, is designed to simplify repetitive tasks, enabling remote productivity.

Linked with the HP Smart App, the HP OfficeJet Pro enables users to stay print and scan from anywhere, anytime. It also has the best in class security with features like data encryption, Secure Boot with self-healing and Secure Cloud Printing.

HP Laser Series is built on the HP quality and reliability at an ultra-low cost. It produces high-quality laser results, offering single and multifunction features while being the top affordable choice for businesses.

HP Smart Tank series is made for easy mobile printing through the HP Smart app with its dual-band Wi-Fi which allows employees to work anytime, anywhere.

This high-capacity ink tank printer with an ADF plus fax delivers uncompromising quality and up to 8,000 color or up to 6,000 black pages.

BOYSEN JOINS QUEZON CITY’S ANTI-DENGUE CAMPAIGN

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina ‘Joy’ Belmonte

FILIPINO paint manufacturer Pacific Paint Boysen Philippines Inc. has teamed up with the Quezon City government and the Department of Education for a city-wide, school-based anti-dengue drive using its breakthrough anti-insect paint called Boysen Bug Off. The move is in response to the Department of Health’s declaration of a national dengue epidemic with the continued rise in cases and deaths from the disease.

“Boysen recognizes the need to support the nationwide campaign to curb the rise in dengue infections and believes cooperation between the government and private sector is an essential strategy in addressing this health crisis,” said Boysen vice president Johnson Ongking at the inaugural school-painting event at Payatas C Elementary School in Barangay Payatas.

Barangay Payatas has been identified as one of

those with the highest reported number of dengue cases in Quezon City.

Boysen supplied 100 gallons of anti-insect paint Boysen Bug Off applied by volunteers from the local government as well as teachers, students and other members of the local community.

The new anti-insect paint can kill Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are the primary dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes in the Philippines.

The product is approved by the DOH Food and Drug Administration and possesses the Green Label for Environment Seal from the Singapore Environmental Council.

It has also been tested in laboratories in Europe, the United States, Thailand and the Philippines and has proven compelling results in effectively combating deadly insects such as dengue-carrying mosquitoes, all while being safe for humans and animals.

“Our participation in this important activity is part of our corporate social responsibility efforts and commitment to the welfare and well-being of the communities where we operate, Quezon City being one of them,” said Ongking.

The public-private initiative spearheaded by Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte dubbed “Operation Deng-Go-Away, Mag-Amok Laban sa Lamok” aims to contribute to mosquito vector control in Quezon City through clean-up and rehabilitation of public schools and daycare centers utilizing Boysen Bug Off. “Our participation in this important activity is part of our corporate social responsibility efforts and commitment to the welfare and well-being of the communities where we operate, Quezon City being one of them,” said Ongking.

The Quezon City government is slated to paint 21 more public schools within their jurisdiction in the following months.

Business

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 business@manilastandard.net

TARIFF EXEC PUTS UP 2ND PHOTO EXHIBIT AN ONGOING 20-day photo exhibit

showcasing the craftsmanship of Tariff Commissioner Ernesto Albano is drawing rave reviews while on display at the Arts Gallery of the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

Dubbed “Let me tell ‘ya ‘bout: the birds and the bees…,” the exhibit opened on Sept. 30 and will run up to Oct. 13, 2019. It is the second of such project put together by the commissioner who is a lawyereconomist by profession with a passion for photography.

His romance with the camera began as a family photographer and by volunteering for school activities and organization gatherings and milestones. Some of his creations have landed in the pages of magazines and book covers.

Having picked up photography as an avocation, Ernie, as he is called by family and friends, never leaves home without his camera, even on his way to work or other official appointments.

He is a firm believer of the dictum that a window of opportunity for a rare photo shoot may present itself even for a fleeting moment, and he must capture that moment for posterity. “There is no substitute for taking extraordinary images to being at the right time at the right place,” he says.

COMPANIES EXPAND IN DAMOSA’S AIEC DAMOSA Land Inc.’s premier agro-industrial

hub Anflo Industrial Estate Corp. eyes more investments as large international contingents flock to Davao City.

Well-known foreign manufacturers have chosen to expand their Philippine operations in AIEC’s 63-hectare Philippine Economic Zone Authority-approved ecozone.

“After seeing the industrial parks in the country, we saw an opportunity to leverage our mother company Anflocor’s strength in agriculture and endeavor take on the role as the industry’s innovator,” said DLI head Ricardo “Cary” Floirendo Lagdameo.

Among the line-up of companies located in AIEC is the global brand Del Monte, which is considered as one of the world’s largest agricultural companies.

Packwell, a Japan-based global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of quality paper packaging containers to famous brands such as Godiva Chocolates and electronic-tobacco maker IQOS is also putting up its manufacturing plant in the ecozone.

On the local level, homegrown companies such as First Panabo Tropical Foods of Sagrex, have also decided to locate in AIEC. AIEC also forged a partnership with plastic manufacturer Manly Plastics Inc. to occupy a 1.1-hectare land.

NTT LAUNCHES IN ASIA PACIFIC NT T Ltd. said Dimension Data, NT T

Communications, NTT Security, DTSI, Emerio and Training Partners will join 28 other companies and brands from over 70 countries worldwide to rebrand as NTT, the $11-billion global technology services company.

When launched on July 1, 2019, NTT Ltd. brought together 40,000 people from brands, including Dimension Data, DTSI, Emerio, NTT Communications, NTT Security and Training Partners into one company.

The company will par tner with over 10,000 clients around the world, including leading organizations across financial services, pharmaceuticals, te l e co m m u n i c a t i o n s, e n e rg y a n d utilities, manufacturing, automotive and technology sectors. In becoming NTT, NTT Ltd. in Asia Pacific will be able to offer its clients an unparalleled range of skills and capabilities across many technologies.

It also revealed the leadership team for Asia Pacific that will bring NTT Ltd.’s operating model to life and deliver on the ambitious growth plans under Asia Pacific CEO John Lombard. With its regional headquarters in Singapore, NTT Ltd. in Asia Pacific covers key markets including Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Mainland China, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

THAIFEX RETURNING IN 2020 WITH NEW NAME

THE largest dedicated food and beverage trade show in the region, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia, is returning in 2020 with the new name—THAIFEX-Anuga Asia.

Known as Thailand Food Exhibition, it has been a significant event held annually by Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce since 1991.

In the year 2003, the format of the exhibition was developed to be more universal in close cooperation with two key partner agencies—Thailand Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse. Within almost three decades, the event has been recognized worldwide among food and beverage industries as well as related business as the biggest and most comprehensive food and beverage fair in Asia.

THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2019 was another year that it hosted the event in the whole area of the venues of both Challenger Halls 1-3 and IMPACT Exhibition Center Halls 5-12 with a total area of more than 131,000 square meters.

More than 2,700 companies from 42 countries generate more than $360 million in sales values. The top five ranked products on sales volumes were beverages, fruits and vegetables, rice, food technology and food service businesses.

“Due to the continuous growth of the event, the three organizers have considered together and agreed on the change of the name from THAIFEX-World of Food Asia to THAIFEX-Anuga ASIA from the year 2020 onwards” said Wittayakorn Maneenetr, deputy director-general of DITP. The 2020 edition will be held on May 26 to 30.

THE RISE OF ‘GEN ZERS’

By Othel V. Campos

Y

OUNG workers belonging to Generation Z look for values-driven companies that take corporate social responsibility seriously, according to a study by JobStreet.com.

Based on government data, 27.5 percent of employed persons are 25 to 34 years old, making Gen Y or millennials the largest working group in the country while Gen Zers, with ages 18 to 24, make up 14.7 percent of the workforce, a figure that is expected to grow to 35 percent by 2025.

In the “Laws of Attraction” survey conducted

by JobStreet.com, millennials ranked salary/ compensation as the number one driver of attraction in looking or landing for jobs. Gen Zers put it second only to career and development opportunities.

JobStreet.com surveyed more than 18,000 Filipinos across 25 industries. The study offers an in-depth look at the future workforce and the matters that affect their preferences and work habits.

Results show that despite Gen Y’s focus on high salary and Gen Z’s clamor for career advancement, they agree on work-life balance as the third key driver of attraction.

“For companies looking to attract and retain young talent, competitive compensation packages, inclusive career development opportunities and work-life balance are crucial. This younger generation of workers also find great purpose in values-driven companies that take corporate social responsibility seriously,” said Philip Gioca, country manager of JobStreet.com Philippines.

Gen Y and Gen Z also differ in their perception of three other vital drivers of attraction. For millennials, job security is decidedly important; not so for Gen Z talents who have a higher regard for management/leadership style.

The study also reveals that corporate social responsibility is more relevant to Gen Y and Gen Z respondents than to other generations. For both, a job is not just work and a means to earn, but a passion and expression of themselves.

About 70 percent of Gen Zers made it clear they would want to work for organizations that make a positive impact on society and the environment compared to 60 percent of their Gen Y counterparts.

Philip Gioca, country manager of JobStreet.com Philippines

More than 90 percent of Generations Y and Z believe that mandatory government benefits and health/life insurance plans should be the top two inclusions in any compensation package.

Jobstreet.com sales manager Paul Tuazon said that while double pay during public holidays is the third most essential factor for both of them, a competitive base income appears to be of greater importance to millennials at 84 percent than to 77 percent of the Gen Z professionals.

In comparison to 63 percent of Gen Y, about 67 percent of Gen Zers view guaranteed 14th month pay as a “must-have”. Meanwhile, practically the same number of both generations affirm the essentiality of high night differential and bonuses or profit sharing schemes.

The survey also finds that almost 60 percent of Generations Y and Z strongly approve of allowances in the form of meals or rice and for purposes of travel, shift work and entertainment among others. Between the two generations, 53 percent of Gen Z expect for a sign-on bonus compared to 44 percent of Gen Y. The young workforce, about 78 percent of them, consider promotion opportunities as a “must” when evaluating any company or job proposal.

Assurances of clear growth and succession plans, self-development programs and on-the-job

skills development are of high importance for 58 percent to 71 percent of Gens Y and Z. “Despite having the same career goals, a higher number of Gen Z professionals put more emphasis on those objectives than Gen Y respondents do.

However, mentoring programs are deemed very significant by more millennials at 63 percent than Gen Zers’ 55 percent,” Tuazon said.

Moreover, compared to Gen Y, Gen Z seems to be a bit more interested on overseas employment and overseas training opportunities.

When it comes to work-life balance, 83 percent of these age groups maintain that fair compensation for overtime is their most pressing consideration.

Both have the preference for companies that allow employees to cash out unused annual leaves, observe public/general holidays and toil for a five-day work week.

As opposed to millennials, 58 percent of Gen Zers are more inclined to look for daytime working hours but Gen Y would demand for flexible working hours.

Moreover, Gen Zers are more mobile as they favor business travel more than Gen Y or any of the other generations.

The survey shows that both work brackets have a strong sense of responsibility, expecting the same from their employers.

BDO NETWORK BANK SPURS MSMES INTO ENGINES OF GROWTH R E A L I T Y is still biting micro businesses in the country which are still experiencing limited access to capital.

But BDO Network Bank, the rural banking subsidiary of BDO Unibank and formerly known as One Network Bank, is steadily breaking that stigma as it fully recognizes that micro businesses, if supported accordingly, can turn into engines of economic growth.

Jesus Antonio Itchon, president of BDO Network Bank, said the rural bank serves a number of MSMEs and individuals who own sari-sari stores, tailor shops and carinderias, to name a few. But there are still many who continue to borrow from informal lenders whose effective annual interest rates are too high and repayment is done on a daily basis.

“There is really no way for these people to build up capital under this set-up. At BDO Network Bank, the working capital loan structure has a tenor of 10 months up to three years and the repayment is monthly,”he said.

That is only step one of the process. A key supplement is the financial literacy program that the bank does for its clients.

“It is imperative that they not only learn how to borrow but that we are able to build a complete banking relationship with them so that they

also understand the value of saving and investing for the future. That’s what we instill in them,” said Itchon.

AVOIDING RISKS Clients of BDO Network Bank have too many stories to share and if they remain unaware of the importance of saving a portion of their earnings and allocating another slice to investing, the risk would be inevitable.

“All our clients have bank accounts

with us, they have ATM cards and access to online banking too. This year, our objective is to familiarize them on risk management,” said Itchon.

In time, ONB’s aspiration is to take its clients’ businesses to the next level by supporting them with products and services that are relevant to their expansion.

Supporting inclusive growth BDO Network Bank’s campaign

to drive inclusive economic growth likewise covers providing salary loans to public school teachers and government employees who are situated in less urbanized areas where they are unserved or underserved due to lack of or scarceness of banks.

According to Itchon, teachers’ borrowings are mainly used to provide for the education of their kids and siblings; medical coverage of their family members; and home improvement. But one area is slowly joining the ranks and that is funding supplemental livelihood to augment household income.

PLANS AHEAD In terms of expansion, BDO Network Bank is looking to put up more branches outside Mindanao, where its operations are now significant, to attain a meaningful nationwide presence.

BDO Network Bank has recently completed its rebrand following the approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas.

Envisioned to continuously promote community banking, BDO Network Bank operates separately as a rural bank subsidiary that mainly services the countryside. Just like its parent bank, most BDO Network Bank branches are open on Saturdays.

FUJIDENZO SUPPORTS INDIGENOUS AETA YOUTH THERE are millions of indigenous people in the Philippines, and a majority of the younger generations have limited access to quality education.

In 1991, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception started literacy classes for communities of indigenous Filipinos in the mountain villages of Zambales.

One community in particular is the small town of Mangan-Vaca in Subic where they now run the Saint Francis Learning Center—a school for the Aeta youth, with a clear mission of empowering the Aeta people so they could live as equals with the rest of the community.

As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Fujidenzo, the leading provider of quality home and commercial appliances in the country, held an outreach program for the Aeta students of Saint Francis Learning Center to support this mission of the SFIC. Aside from bringing cheer to the students and

teachers by providing an afternoon of fun and entertainment, the company also donated some basic supplies as well as small appliances to be used inside their classrooms.

“Fujidenzo is known for producing durable and energy efficient appliances because our goal is to give the highest level of satisfaction to all our customers. Since quality is our number one priority, we also aim to improve the quality of life of all Filipinos through CSR programs like this,” said Joy Catiis-Cruz, marketing manager of Fujidenzo Appliances.

“Education empowers the youth and gives them the necessary tools and skills to help them reach their full potential. And we know that learning can be greatly affected by classroom conditions which is why in our own little way, we hope to have helped in providing a comfortable atmosphere conducive to learning,” said Cruz.

Tech & Gadgets

MAKE ROOM FOR AN XTREME MAKEOVER

the life style they want.

Life champions can enjoy a roster of products from XTREME, including a range of Smart TVs, various types of air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, and washing machines.

SMART TVs Available in 32”, 43”, 49”, 55” and 65” screens, XTREME’s Smart TV series features up to 4K UHD quality. Variants are also offer a Built in Soundbar

by Puresound speakers, making one’s viewing experience more enjoyable and engaging.

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS Keep your homes cooler with XTREME’s wide range of air-conditioning systems that can cater to all kinds of homes and even light commercial spaces. Inverter units are also available as a more sustainable alternative.

B

EEN saving up to fill your dream home? Why wait for months when you can afford a now?

XTREME, a Filipino brand under Suntouch Technology Corporation, promises world-class quality appliances at guaranteed best prices in the market. With 1,500 stores and over 150 accredited service centers nationwide, reward yourself with a premium lifestyle you know you have always deserved, without hurting your budget.

Manufactured with Filipinos in mind, XTREME recognizes how they continuously work hard to achieve their aspirations and are constantly in search of things that will provide the best value to their hard-earned money.

XTREME celebrates with Filipinos, who constantly strive hard to provide their families a good life and rightfully regards them as ‘life champions’. The brand understands that for these life champions, the best home ap-

pliances have always been an aspiration. These items not only enable them to enjoy life better, but they see them as a reward.

As their new home partner in life, with XTREME, Filipinos no longer have to settle with what they can afford, but not necessarily want. XTREME’s accessible products make it possible for them to go for

REFRIGERATORS Sleek kitchens are now easier to achieve with XTREME’s line of refrigerators and freezers.

Choose from Top Freezer, Single Door and Chest Freezer variants, and start making that dream kitchen come to life.

WASHING MACHINES No laundry load is too much with XTREME’s washing machine units. Choose from twin-tub, top load or front load units, and let our units do the dirty job, so you sit back and relax.

For more information on our products, visit our website at https://www.xtreme.com. ph/ and our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ XTREMEPhilippines/.

UPGRADE YOUR KITCHEN WITH MAXIMUS DISHWASHER FOR serious homemakers, it’s no secret that the kitchen is the heart of the home—and with the holiday season fast approaching, upgrading one’s kitchen with high quality appliances should definitely be on top of their wish list.

Washing dishes can be therapeutic, but there are those who rely on electric dishwashers to make the chore as effortless as possible. Using a modern dishwasher not only lessens the tedious work of manually doing the job, it also does a better job at washing, while adding a sophisticated look to the kitchen.

But while the kitchen appliance can be a welcome gift for any homemaker, possible lack of space for a full-size dishwasher is something that should be considered, especially for those living in condominium units and cramped homes.

Thankfully, there is the Maximus MAX-002B Tabletop Dishwasher, an efficient and compact home appliance that is designed to conveniently sit on most kitchen countertops.

The tabletop dishwasher features user-friendly controls with eight (8) wash cycle options: Intensive, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90min, Rapid, Self-Cleaning, and Fruit. it also has six (6) place settings so dishwashing is just a matter of loading the pots, pans, plates, glasses, and utensils and letting Maximus do its job.

Installing the dishwasher is easy and hassle-free because it has a quick-connect assembly that doesn’t require tools or plumbing.

And with its shiny black finish, the Maximus tabletop dishwasher will definitely be an exciting and trendy addition to any modern and refined kitchen.

With the gift-giving season fast approaching, it’s no doubt that the tabletop dishwasher is sure to please—so whether one’s shopping to gift a chef, a foodie, or a homemaker, the Maximus MAX002B Tabletop Dishwasher will surely turn any ordinary kitchen into an ideal place to enjoy good food with family and friends.

To know more about how the tabletop dishwasher can help

your kitchen get the upgrade it deserves this holiday season, swing by the Maximus Showroom at 165 Legazpi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati or drop by Rustan’s, MY MC Home, or select kitchen cabinet studios nationwide.

For updates, visit Maximus’ website at www.thegreatest.ph, like/follow their official Facebook and Instagram pages at www.facebook.com/greatestph and www. instagram.com/thegreatestph/, or call them at (02)356-6106.

The Maximus Tabletop Dishwasher is a welcome addition to the kitchen this Christmas as it fits most countertops.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

FINOVATION REIMAGINES FUTURE OF CREDIT ACCESS AIMING to strengthen financial literacy and inclusion in the Philippines, eCompareMo—the country’s leading website for banking and insurance services—presented Finovation 2019: Real Problems, Real Solutions.

First held in 2018, the event was expected to facilitate thought leadership to simplify and provide valuable financial services for more stakeholders.

Happening on Sept. 25, at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Finovation brought together the nation’s leading banks, insurance companies, government regulators, and policymakers to address the financial needs of Filipinos, most especially credit access, via innovative and technical solutions.

Finovation’s goals are motivated by current consumer behavior toward credit and lending. Findings from a previous study conducted by eCompareMo and Rappler show that Filipinos, despite their glaring need for money and tendency to try out riskier lending schemes, engage less in formal financial services.

Some simply dislike the idea of credit cards, find them unnecessary, or think that they may encourage overspending. Others just don’t know how to apply for one, much less use and maintain it.

Those who do attempt to apply for a credit card often realize its value too late, or become discouraged after getting their application rejected.

Majority of these respondents think that their salary grade or their credit history is insufficient for a successful application. Others just have completely no idea why they got rejected in the first place.

While the reasons and sentiments vary, they all stem from financial illiteracy and lack of inclusion. eCompareMo CEO Stephanie Chung sees this as a golden opportunity to improve access to proper financial education, reiterating that this is the first step toward reimagining credit access and strengthening financial infrastructure. “Filipinos need to understand that they need to educate themselves first about these financial concepts,” says Chung. “At the same time, industry leaders need to help the public understand what they must do to empower themselves financially, so more people can close the gap between being a rejected applicant to somebody who the banks will consider for credit services.”

Chung advises that educating more people about credit and responsible lending can help them improve not only their credit scores and bank relationships, but also their overall lives. She positions the credit card as an indispensable tool that can assist with both day-to-day needs and emergencies. To achieve these benefits, Chung and her partners have engineered eCompareMo to help more Filipinos espouse responsible credit use through advanced financial technology.

Partnering with leading banks and insurance companies to create a marketplace for their services, eCompareMo also offers the latest innovations to their clients, helping them expand their reach and impact. Users of the portal are seamlessly linked to the financial or insurance product that perfectly fits their needs and budget.

PAYPAL INAUGURATES 1ST CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS’ SITE IN PH ON the heels of announcing its office opening earlier this year, PayPal, a global leader in online payment solutions, officially inaugurated its operations site today in Alabang, Metro Manila—the company’s largest and first consolidated operations site in the country.

PayPal has now hired over 700 people for this new office, with the intention of enlisting 1,000 more employees by the end of 2020. The company will look to fill key roles in customer support, voice and non-voice processes, and risk management to cater to English-speaking customers worldwide. Initially, the company aimed for 1,000 hires through 2021, but with growing needs for key business functions and a large pool of available local talent, this target has since been increased.

The company’s decision to setup its global operations center in Alabang reinforces the country’s reputation as a hotbed for talent. “Filipinos are renowned not only for their outstanding command of the English language, but also for their customer service exper-

tise, as well as their resourcefulness, hard work, and openness to new experiences. At PayPal, we embrace passion and diversity as part of our culture, and Filipino talents make for the perfect fit when it comes to the values we strive for as a global company,”

said John Nicholls, the Country Lead and Senior Director of PayPal Global Customer Services.

With more than 286 million active PayPal account holders, and availability in over 200 markets, supporting customers around the world

Senior Director and Philippine Site Lead John Nicholls delivers the welcome remarks, focusing on the company’s goals and thanking the leadership team for gracing the event.

will be no easy task. All prospective employees in this new site can expect to receive robust product and cultural training that will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to better understand PayPal customers, as well as the intricacies of the many international markets they will serve.

AN OFFICE DESIGNED FOR MILLENNIALS In 2020, it is estimated that at least half of the global workforce will come from the millennial generation, those who are now in their 20s and 30s.1 In the Philippines, millennials make up a significant part of the country’s total population and its labor force—with 1/2 of the total population aged 15-34, making up 43.9 percent of the labor force.2 This means that millennials will play a pivotal role in building a future for organizations, both foreign and local.

As an organization, PayPal champions innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and wellness—which are themes that resonate with Filipinos, particularly millennials. This is in

full display at the company’s office in Alabang.

Apart from rest areas, a karaoke room, and a games area, the new office sports a modern cafeteria serving organic food that easily converts into a function zone complete with built-in LED screens and state-of-the-art sound system for events. To encourage teamwork and connectivity among employees, the spacious site also features open collaboration zones and WiFi on all floors.

“Our facilities are meant to embody PayPal’s work-culture philosophy which prizes innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and wellness. By nurturing these values in our office spaces, we provide our teams with the very best in coaching, mentorship and leadership, so they grow personally and professionally in their careers,” Nicholls explained.

As PayPal pursues its vision of democratizing financial services, it is looking to recruit more talent for a wide range of customer support roles.

To find out more about these opportunities, visit www.paypal.com/jobs.

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

STAY FIT, SLEEP WELL WITH HONOR BAND 5

By Paul David Gelario

M

AINTAINING a tip-top shape and well-slept life have never been made easier with Honor Band 5, which is packed with innovative features ready to go toe-to-toe with the leading brands—at an affordable cost.

The heartbeat tracker, the TruSeen™ 3.0, monitors the heart rate 24/7 and informs the user’s current physical condition with stunning precision via its AI-assisted algorithm.

In high intensity workouts, the SpO2 feature measures oxygen saturation levels in the bloodstream to examine the body’s adaptation during the workout.

Sleep deprivation has been one of the leading cause of health-related illnesses and reduces work productivity. With the help of the TruSleep feature analyzing sleep patterns, the user’s sleep quality is scored via point system and informs the user how to get a refreshing good night’s sleep.

The Smart Alarm feature also tracks the user’s sleep quality and may alarm earlier than expected when it detects the user’s sleep stage is in the light sleep stage or stage close to waking up.

“Kapag na-detect ni Smart Alarm na light sleep na lang, puwede na siya mag-alarm. Ang main features ng Honor Band 5, is ‘yung TruSleep

at Smart Alarm,” Product Testing Manager, David Laranga said.

Its 0.95” AMOLED screen display emits bright and vibrant colors, along with 40 switchable watchfaces for the user to choose from.

The Band 5 is also waterproof and can withstand depths of 50 meters or more than 160 feet - the normal depth of recreational divers.

With the release of Band 5, Honor’s GTM Director expects that the brand will reach new heights this year.

“Honor Brand will become so popular this year,” Honor GTM Director, Rashid Su said.

The Honor Band 5 is now available for the retail price of P1,699 at Shopee. The Honor Band 5 will be available in stores on Oct. 10.

YOUNGSTERS ASSIST ELDERS RIDE DIGITAL WAVE

SENIORS trooped to the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal National Shrine Parish (OLMMNSP) in Sucat, Muntinlupa City to learn more about smartphones, mobile data, and social media basics in the latest leg of the Smart Millenniors program in Metro Manila.

Assisted by the Vincentian parish youth ministry of OLMMNSP, the group of seniors transformed into wide-eyed schoolchildren as they began using social media apps on their smartphones. The small classroom setting became even more animated as they worked closely with church volunteers who were young enough to be their grandkids.

During the session, they learned how to open their respective Facebook user accounts; how to add their “classmates” as Facebook friends; how to take selfies with their volunteers and how to post these onto their FB walls; how to open a Messenger group chat and send their “hi, hello” messages, stickers, and emojis; and how to place video calls via Messenger.

Nicole Cuison, a youth volunteer, recounted her experience with gratitude, as it gave her and her fellow Vincentian parish youth ministry members the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of the seniors. “I felt the seniors’ eagerness to learn. Some of the seniors we assisted were thankful, because their own grandchildren don’t have the patience to teach them,” Nicole shared.

“I am happy and fulfilled.”

Aiming to teach technology to

Young and old alike trooped to the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal National Shrine to learn about the basics of smartphones, social media and mobile data in the latest Smart Millenniors program.

senior citizens with the help of the youth, the Smart Millenniors program has reached senior communities in Manila, Marikina, Laguna, Bantayan, Cebu City, Argao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.

Millennior Belle Ramiro, head of the OLMMNSP commission on church workers, said she knew a bit about how to use chat apps like Viber and Messenger, and became familiar with mobile gaming because of her grandnephew.

After participating in the Smart Millenniors program, Belle became

convinced of the importance of activities that develop more digitalsavvy seniors, in addition to the normal social activities that their ministry organizes for them.

“Our seniors want to be ‘in’ because they want to be attuned to what their grandchildren are doing,” said Belle. “So when they heard about the Smart Millenniors program, they became excited to attend. We believe that this is not only for our seniors’ self-satisfaction but also their sense of connectedness with their families and friends

in the digital world,” she added.

OLMMNSP has an active seniors’ ministry of over 100 members, mostly retirees, who serve in the parish as volunteers.

Aside from teaching the “young once” on how to ride the digital wave, Smart also emphasized the importance of internet safety and vigilance on social media, especially since senior citizens can be vulnerable to online scams, phishing attempts, and disinformation, among other dangers and risks online.

“Aside from teaching our Millenniors about the basics of social media and smartphones, what we also want to do through this program is to encourage our seniors to be better online citizens by being more critical of the information that they encounter and pass on,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon R. Isberto.

Nicole and the Vincentian youth group can now look forward to easier coordination with their senior counterparts now that they already know how to use their smartphones, social media and chat apps. “This will help greatly, especially when some cannot be physically present for meetings in church due to conflict in schedules,” said Nicole.

“Having patience and initiative to teach our elders is essential for younger persons like us,” Nicole added. “We should understand that it takes time for them to transition into ‘millennial stuff ’. Our senior citizens are putting themselves out there to learn.”

YOUR FAVORITE INFLUENCERS AT SHOPEE'S 1ST PAGEANT SHOPEE, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, will host an exclusive livestream of Miss Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival on October 9 at 8:30 p.m.

Viewers of Shopee Live will get to watch influencers including GMA artists—Angel Guardian, Ana de Leon, and Jhenzel Go, compete for a chance to win Shopee’s Miss 10.10 pageant.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are excited to celebrate 10.10 Brands Festival with a new and engaging way to entertain our users through Shopee Live. Consumers can also look forward to major giveaways from participating brands during the livestream pageant. We invite everyone to celebrate 10.10 Brands Festival with us on October 10.”

Viewers can tune in as candidates compete in a series of categories in-

cluding Best in Bonggang Costume, Best in Rampa, and Patabaan ng Utak. There will be exclusive brand giveaways from L’Oreal, Maybelline, Garnier, Amazfit, and Alaska. In addition, users can watch and earn up to ₱10,000 Shopee coins and free vouchers every 30 minutes will be released.

SHOPEE PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON BRANDS THIS 10.10 BRANDS FESTIVAL On October 10, Shopee’s 10.10 Brands Festival will feature unbeatable promotions across all categories.

Shoppers are able to enjoy key highlights including: Sitewide free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend: Users can avail of sitewide free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on their purchases for 24 hours.

100% Brands Cashback vouchers: There will be 100% brands cashback vouchers and special discounts from

participating brands. up to 50% off.

Up to 50% off deals: Leading brands 24-Hour Flash Deals: Users can enjoy including Alaska, Maybelline, Quaker, 24 rounds of flash deals with deals as Vivo, and Anker will be giving discounts low as ₱9.

IS IT TIME TO TURN THE ‘MOBILE MODE’ ON? THERE is no denying that the Philippines has now become a mobile nation. In fact, Filipinos spend the longest hours on the Internet and social media sites, says creative agency We Are Social and social media management platform Hootsuite.

The report revealed that Filipinos spend an average of 10 hours, 2 minutes on the internet via any device. They also spend over 4 hours on social media every day.

As these trends arise, leading solutions integrator Genie Technologies Inc. (GenieTech) says that local enterprises should turn their mobile mode on and seize new opportunities brought about by the increasing mobile penetration in the country.

“Most enterprises nowadays utilize digital technologies to gain insights into in-house activities that help not just in boosting their customers’ experience but also, in gaining more productivity. While these tools are usually provided by organizations to enable employees in accessing work-related software, they also need to embrace better ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) strategies,” said Rommel Pajarin, Sales Manager of GenieTech.

In recent years, enterprises have been using BYOD practice. With its proven advantages in boosting productivity and cost-efficiency, among others, as well as the continuous digitalization, Pajarin noted that BYOD can be one of the factors that may disrupt and define modern enterprises, especially in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) business and supply constraint sectors, such as perishables and farm produce.

Among the BYOD strategies that enterprises can leverage on is the use of mobile apps and solutions that can help address the needs of field sales, warehouse, as well as delivery processes of supply constraint sectors. One of these mobility solutions is recently added

by GenieTech in its array of global business solutions.

Known for its easy-to-use, intuitive mobility solutions, Simplr provides a mobile-friendly platform that can help enable sales force, provide complete visibility across a supply chain to the management, and run businesses better. This solution footprint covers the direct sales force, as well as distributors and stockists to drive increased sales and improved inventory management.

Simplr’s solutions are delivered through SaaS (Software as a Service) methods and run across multiple platforms, such as Windows, iOS, Android, as well as on multiple devices (PC, rugged devices, tablets & smartphones). All of its applications are developed natively for the mobile platform and are built for efficient device management from both BYOD and security viewpoints.

The deep domain expertise of Simplr’s product engineering team ensures that all its applications are designed from the ground up, allowing it to provide the right solution to tackle the needs of its users.

Simplr’s apps are proven in the market across small, medium, and enterprise customers. Over a hundred large, medium and small enterprises use Simplr solutions today across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

“GenieTech is bringing the capabilities of Simplr here in the Philippines to help enterprises in tackling their supply chain needs.

As a systems integrator and a tech company, we aim to bring global business solutions like Simplr closer and available for local organizations,” Pajarin added.

Destinations D1

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

NATURE AND NIGHTLIFE IN THIS PART OF BORACAY

THE NEXT BEST THING. Boracay Newcoast, Megaworld's 150-hectare master-planned township, is expected to be the next hottest destination in Boracay what with its three hotel properties, commercial outlets, boutique hotel district, residential property developments, and 300-meter white sand beach.

By Bernadette Lunas

B

ORACAY nightlife, as in the parties that energized the island, is alive in this township which is expected to be the next hottest destination in Aklan.

Those who miss the lively parties in Boracay, which are now prohibited, can enjoy it at Boracay Newcoast, the master-planned township development by Megaworld’s Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. “We are the only property in Boracay that can hold parties,” beamed area general manager Rolando Galano.

The parties Galano mentioned are held at the party pool of Savoy Hotel Boracay, the first of three hotel developments that opened in the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast. The venue, he said, can accommodate up to 500 party-goers.

But those who prefer a quiet, more relaxed sun-sand-sea getaway are The three-tower Belmont Hotel Boracay features a sophisticated contemporary design.

All-day restaurant Belmont Café

invited to stay in Belmont Hotel, the three-tower hotel development located within the sloping area of the estate beside Savoy.

The first of the three towers opened on Sept. 23. The next two are opening soon.

While Savoy is geared toward millennials and yuppies, “Belmont is classier and more sophisticated. We are targeting travelers who prefer a more laidback staycation,” said Galano.

Megaworld’s second Belmont brand in the country has 442 rooms classified into four categories, namely Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Queen, Premier Deluxe, and Executive Suites with sizes ranging from 27 to 52 square meters.

There are also six special rooms for persons with disability. Each

CONRAD MANILA SIZZLES

An attractive baby elephant made of flowers at the entrance to Brasserie on 3.

cluster has two. These rooms, according to Galano, are equipped with facilities such as blinking light fire alarm, lower peep hole, and handlebars, among others.

Each room is afforded with a relaxing view of nature, that of the eastern beach of Boracay, of the lush rolling landscape, or of the golf course on the southern side of the township. “[Belmont Boracay] offers an exclusive nature experience in Boracay as it allows guests to see the island’s panoramic natural scenery from one building to another,” said Raymundo Melendrez, managing director of Luxury Global Hotels and Leisure, Inc., the company operating Belmont Hotels under the Megaworld Hotels Group.

Nature is preserved as 60 percent

Premier Deluxe Room

of the estate is dedicated to green and open spaces. The township also implements green and sustainable features, such as its own sewage treatment facility, detention and siltation tanks, and material recovery facility. Boracay Newcoast uses solarpowered and LED street lamps as well as electronic jeepneys.

The remaining 40 percent of the township consists of the three hotel developments: Belmont, Savoy, and Chancellor Hotel (which will open in 2021); Oceanway Residences (residential condominium development); Newcoast Village (2.5-hectare gated residential lot), and Shophouse (commercial area) and Boutique Hotel districts.

Turn to D2

MY FAVORITE hotel, out there by the sea, has been abuzz with activities these days, from one that pleases the eyes to one that pleases the stomach.

The brilliance and superb craftsmanship of young Filipino artist Stanley Ruiz was showcased at the hotel’s Gallery C, for the tenth edition of its MERCURY RISING “Art and Wine Exhibit.”

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO Entitled “Fragments,” the pieces on display immortalized the artist’s 20-year career, putting emphasis on form develop- tel guests and local patrons. ment and deconstruction of objects.

Based on the pieces on display, I can tell Ruiz’s masterpieces have been displayed that Ruiz is proficient with the use of a wide in various local and internavariety of materials—wood, tional trade shows, art fairs, ceramics, glass, paper, ratgalleries, museums, and tan, metal, leather. universities, and are in the His work fuses organic treasured collections of primaterials such as coconut vate and public institutions, husk, palm husk, peanut including Conrad Manila. shells, rice hull, pandan, One such masterpiece is, and many others with in“Fragments,” after which dustrial processes in the the exhibit was named, reinterpretation of cona sculptural installation temporary objects. composed of six panels These beautiful items and is used at the hotel’s are on display for purchase all-day dining restaurant, at Conrad Manila’s Gallery Brasserie on 3.

C, as curated by Stephanie Each panel is made of Artist and designer Stanley Ruiz Frondoso, and co-spongeometrically cut layers of sored by Ibarra watches wood based on deconstructed and rear- and Future Trade International. This seranged patterns of indigenous textiles. It ries of “Art and Wine” exhibits was the certainly is a unique piece of art. Small won- hotel’s way of celebrating life and culture. der why it continues to draw raves from hoTurn to D2

Destinations

D2

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

PLDT LAUNCHES GABAY GURO APP IN CELEBRATION of the 12th anniversary of teacher-focused advocacy program Gabay Guro, PLDT-Smart launched Gabay Guro app at the recent Grand Gathering at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The star-studded event was attended by celebrities such as Sharon Cuneta, Gabby Concepcion, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Piolo Pascual, and more; over 20,000 teachers from across the country; and Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

CHECK-IN

10S ACROSS THE BOARD F

IVE-STAR hotel Marriott Manila celebrates its 10th anniversary this October with a lineup of exclusive deals, exciting treats, and exhilarating packages. It’s an event worthy of a “perfect 10.”

Book events to get 10 free items.

10 for free

Those booking an event today until December will get 10 items for free: free upgrade on Themed Coffee Break, one round of iced tea during lunch, LCD projector and screen, 10 additional parking, one VIP upgrade to a suite room, one lunch buffet for two, one complimentary overnight stay, discount coupons, double points on Marriott Bonvoy, and a special gift.

Gabay Guro chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla and DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones

The program’s Digital Innovations pillar, the seventh of the core pillars established in 2007 (the other six are classroom donation, scholarships, teachers’ training, livelihood programs, Connectivity and Computerization, and the Teachers’ Tribute), aims to reinforce the digital transformation for Filipino teachers, school leaders, and stakeholders by equipping them with new modes of teaching and the latest technology.

The application for teachers will provide e-learning content and interactive technology as well as ready-to-use online tools that are aligned with the DepEd and CHED curriculum. It will be available before the end of the year.

“Every year, it is our great honor to be able to give back to our teachers through a grand tribute, and we always look forward to continuing this mission and empower them through Gabay Guro’s previously six and now seven core pillars of learning,” said Gabay Guro chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

Gabay Guro is bringing the program to Northern Luzon at the Teachers’ Tribute in Ilocos Norte on Oct. 24.

Manila Street Food Sampler

Sumptuous fare at Market Café

10-peso sale

Buffet rates from 10 years ago

Five-star quality snacks for 10 pesos? Yes. Manila Life Café offers the It’s a real Throwback Thursday as diners get to enjoy buffet prices Manila Street Food Sampler that comes with kwek-kwek, chicken frit- at Marriott Café from 10 years ago. indulge in an array of international ter, and fishball. A selection of tapas at the Greatroom is also available cuisines every Thursdays of October for only P1,350 nett for lunch and for only P10 for 10 pieces.

P1,500 nett for dinner.

Club Marriott members get discount on spa.

It’s all about 10

Club Marriott members get an additional 10 percent on top of their Cocktails at Greatroom standard discounts on accommodation, dining, and spa. Visit Jesi Mendez Salon from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until December and avail of discount10 p.m. sale ed hair treatments. Twin Princess Gems is also throwing in a 50 percent Happy hour starts at 10:00 p.m. this October. Specially crafted cock- discount on its selection of fine jewelry every 10th of the month until Details at Greatroom are available at half the price. Still Tea and Whiskey cember. More treats and discounts await guests.

Lounge are also throwing in big discounts on selected brands of premium whiskeys.

Call (02) 988-9999 for more information.

NATURE...

From D1 With the soon to open shophouses and boutique hotels, including a soonto-open McDonald’s, Boracay Newcoast is expected to attract guests even those staying in the more popular White Beach area.

“I can see that it’s going to be a destination. Guests of other hotels should come to Newcoast Boracay to see how beautiful this township is,” enthused Galano.

***

New World Makati appoints new general manager

New World Makati Hotel announces the appointment of Marcel van Mierlo as the new general manager.

The Dutch GM will oversee the operations and management of the hotel.

Before joining New World Makati Hotel, Van Mierlo was general manager of New World Shanghai Hotel and Pentahotel Shanghai. He also served as general manager of Shangri-La Hotel Shenzen following his post as hotel manager of Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Check-in early in a deluxe room.

“I am thrilled to be in the Philippines and look forward to working with my colleagues as we take New World Maka10 a.m. check-in Guests booking a deluxe room, priced at P10,000++, enjoy a10:00 ti Hotel to new heights in the years to a.m. guaranteed early check-in with breakfast for two at Marriott Café. come,” enthused Van Mierlo.

CONRAD...

Drinks at Zabana Pool Bar

The expected influx of tourists does not bother the developer, citing the township’s master-planned development.

“The commercial areas are scattered, they can just walk around because everything is interconnected. [In terms of safety], the village is a gated community and there are CCTVs even at the beach,” Boracay Newcoast vice president for marketing and sales Jennifer PalmaresFong told Manila Standard.

Newcoast Boracay has its own 300-meter beachfront which features the island’s signature powdery white sand. But should guests prefer to head to White Beach, Savoy and Belmont hotels offer free shuttle service to guests.

Those who are happy to be cocooned in their rooms at Belmont can enjoy the hotel's facilities and establishments such as the all-day dining Belmont Café, which serves Asian and Mediterranean cuisines; Zabana Pool Bar; and the Trellis Garden located within the landscaped deck.

The hotel also features a swimming pool and in-pool lounge, Aqua Spa, courtyard, landscaped gardens, fitness center with shower and changing rooms, business center, function halls, meeting rooms, a full-time concierge, and 24-hour in-room dining service.

New World Makati Hotel general manager Marcel van Mierlo

From D1

The other event that had local patrons queueing up for their tables at the hotel’s Brasserie on 3 was the recent Amazing Thailand Food Festival.

I had my favorite Pad Thai, Tom Yum Koong, and Chiang Mai Khao Soi, thanks to the chefs of Conrad Bangkok who came to town to delight us, locals, with their kitchen wizardry.

YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE Q: When a snowman and a vampire get married, what would you call their child?

A: Frostbite.

A beautifully deconstructed divider

The three guest chefs—Pichapat Purichaipattarawit, Tanyalak Boonwiang, and Thawin Towiratkij—worked hand in hand with Conrad Manila’s executive chef Daniel Patterson. The team’s output was certainly something to rave about, as proven by the restaurant’s capacity crowd for lunch and dinner.

I guess it makes a lot of difference when the Conrad brand comes to the fore. Quality is always attractive…and the Conrad Manila continues to dish out sizzling events.

An elegant trio of lamps made from indigenous materials

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019

D3

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

5 THINGS

JENNYLYN MERCADO IS LOCAL

SONG HYE KYO

TO LOOK FORWARD TO AT SM CINEMA THIS OCTOBER THE ber months signify the start of the holidays and SM Cinema is kicking off the festive season with Halloween spooks.

As the season for creepy décor and trick-or-treating ushers in, SM Cinema brews up spine-tingling activities for movie lovers. From film festivals, concert movies and installations that take moviegoers into the world of villains, here are some of the frightfully awesome things that SM Cinema moviegoers can look forward to this October: 1. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Installation—Oct. 8 With the arrival Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil, SM Cinema is putting up an interactive exhibit at S’Maison on Oct. 8 to 16 and SM Southmall on Oct. 17 to 23. The installation will use Braille to allow all children to enjoy the movie experience, including the visually impaired. Maleficent 2: Mistress

Jennylyn Mercado, touted as GMA’s Ultimate Star, will be Dingdong Dantes’ leading lady in the Filipino remake of K-drama ‘Descendants Of Sun.’

By Nickie Wang

A

FTER months of speculation, GMA Network has finally revealed the actress who will play Dr. Maxine, the local counterpart of Dr. Kang, the character that Korean Drama superstar Song Hye Kyo played in the international megahit, Descendants of the Sun.

of Evil will be showing in SM Cinema theaters starting Oct. 16.

2. Sine Sindak 2—Oct. 23 to 29 Sine Sindak Horror Film Festival is back on its second run with four movie titles—Only Mom, Hex, Look Away, and Door Lock—that are sure to scare the bones out of moviegoers. To add more excitement and fun, SM Cinema will also be giving special prizes to moviegoers who will come in their best Halloween costume.

3. Joker This unique and gritty take on the iconic DC Comics villain was met with glowing reviews and wide critical acclaim following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, setting the bar high for moviegoers and fans of the character. The movie follows Arthur Fleck a.k.a. The Joker, a failed stand-up comedian and a man disregarded by society who turns to a life of instilling chaos in Gotham City. SM Cinema held the advance screening of Joker on Sept. 30 at IMAX SM Aura Premier.

4. Zombieland 2: Double Tap—Oct. 23 Finally, the star-studded Zombieland 2: Double Tap is on its way to cinemas for more zombie-killing action.

The Zombieland sequel follows the makeshift family composed Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita and Little Rock are faced with more evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains that come with their little dysfunctional family. The advance screening of Zombieland will be hosted by SM Cinema at Megamall on Oct. 21.

5. Concert Movies and Local Flicks For those who would want to kick off the holidays fright-free, SM Cinema has is exclusively offering at select branches one night-only concert films—Shakira on Oct. 9 and Metallica with San Francisco Symphony 2 on Nov. 16.

In a report on 24 Oras on Thursday night, Jennylyn Mercado was introduced as the one who will play Dr. Maxine deal Cruz a.k.a. Beauty opposite Captain Lucas Manalo or Big Boss, played by Dingdong Dantes.

Since the announcement of the Philippine version, Jennylyn has been the top choice of Kapuso fans for the coveted role. The award-winning actress couldn’t help but share her excitement to reprise the immensely popular character of Beauty.

“I am super happy to portray Dr. Maxine De La Cruz of Descendants of The Sun. When I heard they started taping already and preparing for the soap, ako din nacurious kung sino nga ang napili para sa role,” she said. “ When I learned that it was me, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for GMA’s trust and also pressured since I know how big this project is. I promise I would do everything to give justice to the role. I won’t let you all down. Pangako,” the actress added.

Dr. Maxine is a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon. While often noticed for her pretty face, she is headstrong, principled, and most of all, willing to do everything in her power, even put herself at risk, for her patients.

Apart from Dingdong, Jennylyn will be working with Rocco Nacino as Diego Ramos or ‘Wolf’ and Jasmine Curtis Smith as Moira Defensor.

Joining them is the powerhouse cast composed of the Soldiers Team: Lucho Ayala, Jon Lucas, Paul Salas, Prince Clemente, Ricardo Cepeda, and Antonio Aquitania.

And the Doctors and Nurses Team: Andre Paras, Chariz Solomon, Nicole Donesa, Jenzel Angeles, Reese Tuazon, and Renz Fernandez.

Also starring Bobby Andrews, Neil Ryan Sese, Ian Ignacio, Rich Asuncion, Marina Benipayo, Hailey Mendes, and Roi Vinzon.

Esteemed director Dominic Zapata is at the helm of this much-awaited project.

Last August, GMA’s Entertainment Group inked a partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to rightfully represent the country’s military forces for this very important flagship project of the Network.

HANNAH PANGILINAN

DROPS NEW SINGLE ‘LIMITS’

Universal Records artist Hannah Pangilinan, 19, who launched her music career in 2018, is best known for her music covers on YouTube.

SINGER-SONGWRITER Hannah Pangilinan is ready to make her own name in the music industry with the release of her debut single “Limits.”

Known to many fans as “Hannah Kathleen,” the 19-year-old budding music artist has shown her musicality through her popular YouTube channel, having since released the track “Nagbabakasakali” under Universal Records.

Her first original track “Limits” is an easy-listening tune that represents “attempts to paint a picture of what it looks like when the line between emotional support and emotional dependence isn’t drawn.”

Talking more about the track, Hannah says “it takes back the agency that was once lost by someone whose value and love was taken for granted.”

Hannah, whose musical influences include Bruno Major, Daniel Caesar, Honne, Tom Misch, Raveena, and PREP, aims to release more original music soon.

For die-hard fans of Pinoy kilig flicks, SM Cinema is hosting the red carpet premieres of Isa Pa With Feelings starring Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino on Oct. 15 and Unforgettablestarring Sarah Geronimo on Oct 21. Fans can get a glimpse of their favorite stars at the red carpet events which will both be at SM Megamall. Isa Pa with Feelings opens on Oct 16. Unforgettable will be shown beginning Oct. 23.

Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app for more updates.

D4

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets

CHOOSING

MY FURRY BESTIE

THE BEST CAT FOOD

M

THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features.

We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals.

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

OST people think any food can be given to cats, specially since they believe in the myth that cats have nine lives.

But giving just anything to cats can sometimes lead to severe damage to organs and worse, death.

Cats, like humans, need nutritious food and a balanced diet.

There are also food that are toxic to cats. Cats either die slowly or instantly if you are giving food that damage their liver and/or kidneys or is poisonous to them.

"What you feed your cat is vital to his life, health, and ability to thrive," said PetMD in “Smart Shopping or Cat Food. What Should I Feed My Cat?” “Not all cat food is created equal, so what should you look for in kitty cuisine?” PetMD said.

PetMD listed five important things to look out for: 1. Protein, Baby, Protein “Cats are true carnivores. Their bodies were created to process meat, meat, and more meat. Cats don’t even need to eat their veggies, lucky critters. Cat food containing muscle meat is the best, as it has the highest protein content,” PetMD said.

So check out the label of the cat food and look for the ingredients. It must state there that it has a lot of meat in the cat food. The meat should be in the first three ingredients listed there. The first three items listed there are the main content of the cat food.

2. Water, Water Everywhere “Cats have a low thirst drive. But this doesn't mean you can just leave your home and be confident your cat will make do with an open toilet lid.

Angel, six years old, eating his canned food.

Kiwi, one year old, loves all kinds of cat food: home cooked, wet food or dry food. But he prefers dry food with water or broth No, instead, make sure there is always plenty of fresh water available for your cat, “ PetMD said.

“Feeding your cat high-quality food with good moisture content (around 78 percent) is another way to quench the little thirst it has. Or you can go the easy route: add some water to kitty's food -- it's like making insta-gravy,” Pet MD added.

Again, the label of the cat food will state the moisture content of the cat food you are buying, whether it is dry food or canned food.

It is also good to add water to the dry food and the canned food.

Some owners boil bone broth or chicken/meat broth and add the broth to the kibble. Cats love this, specially senior cats who can no longer chew.

3. Taurine: The Reason Cats Wear Sunglasses at Night “Taurine, an amino acid, is an essential part of your cat's diet. Usually found in meat, a deficiency in taurine can lead to blindness and death in cats, so make sure the cat food you buy has high levels of taurine,” PetMD said.

“If in doubt, add supplements to the food (check with your vet for recommended supplemental dosages),” PetMD added.

It also said: “Did we mention taurine is why cats see so well in dim lighting? Who would want to take that ‘superpower’ away?”

You can add some ground chicken or beef to a cat’s food, together with the broth every now and then for more taurine, and to make feeding time more exciting, and new, for your cat.

4. Dry Vs. Wet “Some people still advocate dry food over wet food for cats, but more and more vets are jumping on the wet food float. Wet food is higher in meat proteins and low in carbohydrates. Dry food, meanwhile, is high in all those unnecessary carbs and can lead to urinary tract blockages and other serious illnesses in your cat,” PetMD said.

5. Filler Facts “We're not talking about those fun stocking fillers given out during the winter holidays, but the fillers used to bulk out cat food and save food manufacturers money. These fillers can be anything from corn to cereal by-products to feathers, weeds, and straw. Yes, straw! So make sure you get what you really paid for and buy cat food that is low on by-products and carbs,” PetMD said.

Your vet can help you find the perfect food for your cat's needs.

“There are even frozen all-meat foods sold for cats. So now you have no excuse. Apart from opposable thumbs and the opportunity to rule the world, your cat really only wants healthy food,” PetMD stressed. DC

SHELBY was rescued last year.

Her rescuer and now furmommy, Riza Montelan, was driving to Bulacan to meet her old friend Carmie when she saw Shelby.

“Along the way, I saw this beautiful dog searching for food in a pile of garbage. I stopped and asked if someone owns her,“ Riza recalls.

“Unfortunately, no one did. I felt sad at the same time happy because I had the chance to bring her home, “ Riza adds.

“We went straight to the vet to have her checked. They found her to have an infection and treated it,” Riza says.

“Today, Shelby, two (2) years old, remains healthy,” Riza proudly says.

BLOOD TESTS HELP DETERMINE A DOG’S HEALTH PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS (Last part) WE TEND to be intimidated by the many acronyms and numbers in the blood test result. Do not be.

The blood test can help us help our pet.

The acronyms represent values which will tell us pet owners what our pet’s condition is at a given time.

The dog’s blood test can help detect and even treat an illness or disease.

In the article “Understanding Dog Blood Test,” the Drake Center for Veterinary Care noted that a blood test is most useful during emergencies.

The blood test can be done in the clinic, and in 20 minutes, the vet can determine what the problem is. This helps the vet decide on the best medical intervention for your dog.

“If we are ordering dog blood work, it will most likely be in the form of a Complete Blood Count (CBC), or else a Blood Chemistry (serum) test,” the Drake Center said.

The Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Through the CBC, the following will be known: 1. your dog's hydration status 2. anemia 3. infection 4. blood clotting ability and immune system response.

A CBC is needed when the dog has the following symptoms: 1. fever 2. vomiting 3. diarrhea 4. weakness 5. pale gums 6. loss of appetite.

If a dog will undergo surgery, a CBC is needed 1. to determine if the dog is healthy, 2. and to detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities.

The Drake Center said the CBC provides the following detailed information: • Hematocrit (HCT): measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and hydration • § Hemoglobin and mean corpulscular hemoglobin concentration (Hb and MCHC): the oxygen-carrying pigments of red blood cells • White blood cell count (WBC): mea-

Summer, Shakti and Louise are now senior dogs. They go to the clinic twice a year for a complete check-up which includes a complete blood test. A blood chemistry is also done to check on their liver and kidneys. It is always wise to check the health status of one's pet so that medical intervention can start immediately if needed. It also feels good to know a pet is completely well. sures the body's immune cells. Increases or decreases in the WBC indicate certain illnesses or infections • Granulocytes and lymphocytes/ monocytes (GRANS and L/M): specific types of white blood cells • Eosinophils (EOS): specific type of white blood cells that may show allergic or parasitic conditions • Platelet count (PLT): measures cells that form blood clots • Reticulocytes (RETICS): immature red blood cells. High levels show regenerative anemia.

• Fibrinogen (FIBR): provides important information on blood clotting. High levels may indicate if a dog is already 30 to 40 days pregnant.

Blood Chemistries

On the other hand, Blood Chemistries, or blood serum tests, evaluate the following, among others: 1. If organs are functioning well, 2. the dog’s electrolyte status, and 3. hormone levels.

These tests are done to check the health of older dogs, dogs with signs of vomiting, diarrhea or toxin exposure, dogs who have been taking medications for a long time, and a dog’s general health before anesthesia.

The values or indicators in the blood chemistry are: • Albumin (ALB): A serum protein that also helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage and intestinal, liver and kidney disease.

• Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP): An increase may indicate liver damage, Cushing's disease or active bone growth in a

A complete blood count was done before Yuri, a 4-5 year-old rescued dog, was neutered. A CBC is done prior to any surgery to check the health status of the dog. young dog.

• Alanine aminotansferase (ALT): This may determine active liver damage, but will not show the cause.

• Amylase (AMYL): An increase indicates pancreatitis or kidney disease.

• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): An increase may indicate liver, heart or skeletal muscle damage.

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): To check kidney function. An increase is called azotemia and can be due to a kidney, liver and heart disease, or a urethral ob-

struction, shock, or dehydration • Calcium (Ca): Changes can indicate different diseases. Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, and low albumin, among others, alter serum calcium.

• Cholesterol (CHOL): Supplements diagnosis of hypothyroidism, liver disease, Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus • Chloride (Cl): An electrolyte typically lost when a patient is vomiting or in relation to illnesses such as Addison's disease.

An increase often indicates dehydration.

• Coristol (CORT): A hormone that is measured in tests for Cushing's disease (the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test) and Addison's disease (ACTH stimulation test).

• Creatinine (CREA): CREA reveals kidney function and helps distinguish between kidney and non-kidney causes of elevated BUN. • Gamma Glutamy transferase (GGT): An enzyme that shows liver disease or corticosteroid excess.

• Globulin (GLOB): A blood protein that often goes up with chronic inflammation and certain disease states.

• Glucose (GLU): Increase in blood sugar may indicate diabetes mellitus. A drop in can cause collapse, seizures or coma.

• Potassium (K): An electrolyte typically lost when a patient is vomiting, has diarrhea or is urinating excessively. An increase may indicate kidney failure, Addison's disease, dehydration or urethral obstruction.

“High levels can lead to cardiac arrest,” the Drake Center said.

• Lipase (LIP): An enzyme that may indicate pancreatitis.

• Sodium (Na): An electrolyte often lost with vomiting, diarrhea, kidney disease and Addison's disease. Helps indicate hydration status.

• Phosphorus (PHOS): An increase is often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and bleeding disorders.

• Total bilirubin (TBIL): An increase may indicate liver or hemolytic disease.

Helps identify bile duct problems and certain types of anemia.

• Total protein: Shows hydration status and provides more information about the liver, kidneys and infectious diseases.

• Thyroxine (T4): A thyroid hormone.

A decrease often signals hypothyroidism in dogs.

“In order to determine which dog blood tests can best benefit your canine friend, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian today, “ the Drake Center said.

CHEESE was found in a backyard where she would wait for a meal.

“Cheese is my one-year-old rescued baby. I got her from my Lola Ading's backyard. Cheese would always come for a meal, “ her rescuer and now furparent Gabby Gavin says.

Gabby adds: “When my Lola got sick last year, i decided to take care of Cheese.”

Gabby loves Cheese very much. “She's my very malambing na baby. I make sure to buy her treats before I come home from work,” Gabby shares.

“Sometimes I bring her to the office and she freely roams around. Everybody loves her!” Gabby says.

“I made sure of her vaccines because I don't want her to get sick, “ Gabby adds.

Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.